Once a year in Pasadena California we have a parade. Depending upon your outlook it is a celebration of the year just ended, or an opportunity to ring in the New Year. In keeping with that tradition, we celebrate this weeks Parade of Carnival Champions:

The Grand Prize – This week’s winner is Jim Cronin. Jim presents 6 Secret Resources for Finding Real Estate Blog Topics That Attract Buyers. Posted at Real Estate Tomato.
I am frequent visitor to the Tomato and I enjoy reading Jim’s thought provoking posts. His research and knowledge is evident in his writing style along with his many excellent tips.

The Presidents Trophy – is awarded to the Silicon Valley Blogger. Coming in as a very strong runner up, they present This Unusual Investment Property Is Now A Green Home posted at The Digerati Life. .

They bring up the question of added value in a “green home”. Does going green produce added value or is it just green washing? What improvements actually enable a seller to proclaim their home as green? And finally, how much more money is someone willing to pay? Does this old firehouse qualify or is it just a flameout? I wonder if they left the pole? Green homes are of particular importance to us as we follow the progress of the Pasadena Eco House.

The Peoples Choice awards go to three entries this week. Diane Tuman presents Barack Obama’s Chicago House posted at Zillow® Blog. A very timely article as the presidential race begins to enter the final weeks.
Real Estate has been headline news lately. I suppose it is only natural that the homes of our candidates would enter into the political fray.

Karen Goodman presents Housing Market Opportunity for Buyers that Act Now posted at St. Louis Real Estate Insights. Karen provides a “proof source” why consumers need to get off the fence if they plan to enter the housing market. Not the ubiquitous “Now is A Good Time to Buy” article, Karen documents historical evidence along with mounting evidence that mortgage’s may cost more the longer you wait.

Rounding out this award, Matt DiChiara presents Phoenix Apartments Search Trends | MyNewPlace Blog posted at MyNewPlace Blog. Some very good analytical research by Matt, as people look to wait out the housing crisis.

This weeks Honorable Mentions are awarded as follows: Dan Melson presents Wells and Community Water Systems posted at Searchlight Crusade. Well, well, well all I can say is head on over to Dan’s post and take a look.

Dave Blockhus presents Risk Management And Six Steps Every Home Seller (And His/Her Agent) Should Take To Protect Themselves From Future Lawsuits posted at Silicon Valley Real Estate Guide. Dave’s information is sound advice. “When in doubt, disclose it out”.

Ro Troia presents Size Matters Even in Houses posted at Blog the Rockies. Ro’s understanding of “attention grabbing headlines” is beyond compare. Maybe it’s that wonderful clean crisp thin air up in the Rockies. Excuse me while I go and grab a Coors.

We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who submitted an entry and to Drew Meyers for allowing us to host this weeks Carnival of real Estate.