THERMAL — Week V of the HITS Desert Circuit was a blockbuster. The show grounds were abuzz for a sold-out week where record number of entries filled popular classes starting as early in the week as Tuesday with the Level 2, 3, and 6 jumpers and the Low Hunters, each drawing huge numbers as everyone seems to be loving life in desert. It was also the final week of World Cup Qualifiers which means riders enjoyed their last week of competition in the hugely popular indoor arena, where the crowds were large and loud with the infectious energy of a European-style competition.

In a memorable “homecoming”, Kirsten Coe (Johnson, South Carolina) made her first trip to Thermal one for the books when she rode Ilan Ferder’s Tristan to the blue ribbon in Thursday night’s $31,000 HITS Welcome Classic, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Coe is on a quest to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, and with two top-three finishes during the week she’s well on her way to claiming her spot in the class.

 

Stacey Boyer
Valley Center, CA

I think the most noticeable change we have seen in the real estate market the past two quarters is the acceptance of a “new reality” for many buyers and sellers. The shock of the mortgage meltdown is wearing off and we have all had to make adjustments accordingly. That being said we have all had to move on and move forward with our lives. In Valley Center we have the luxury of having our horses at home and more and more people are recognizing the cost effectiveness of this. Now you can buy a very nice house on 2+ acres with enough room for a barn, small arena and access to trails for between $350,000-$450,000 dollars. Buyers are taking notice of the savings here. That in combination with still very low interest rates has made for incredible affordability. My advise to buyers is to make your move before interest rates go up. Price is one thing, but buyers often overlook the savings just one or two percent can make on your monthly payments — not to mention the life of your loan. Conversely my advise to sellers is don’t sell if you don’t absolutely have to. At this point in time, things have settled enough to allow for the huge price corrections. If you are not too upside-down by now, then chances are that giving it a year or two will probably work in your favor. Hang in there!