This coming week’s birthdays; Kevin’s diet disaster; the biggest stories in real estate this week … AND a fitting cocktail!

The Bumpy Night
6 parts vodka
1 part dry vermouth

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cocktail onion. Enjoy!

“Are bidding wars really happening the way real estate agents say they are? And, also, what’s the deal with that sock?” | RealAstute.com

10 things to throw away now | RealAstute.com

Real estate is a wonderfully quirky business | RealAstute.com

The factors that influence home buyers’ neighborhood choice | RealAstute.com

In 2011, 41% of home sellers offered incentives to prospective buyers | RealAstute.com

In 2011, these five states had the highest price appreciation

The median credit score over the last decade

Today’s architecture porn: Majestic Thai Villa Overlooking the Ocean

http://www.archdaily.com/217437/house-la-punta-central-de-arquitectura/

The typical home sold in 2011 | RealAstute.com

In 2011, the typical move-up buyer purchased a 2,100 square foot home for $219, 500 | RealAstute.com

Average number of showings for listed properties, 2011 vs. 2010

First-time home buyers help to drive the entire real estate market | RealAstute.com

While not explicitly listed on this chart, Washington, DC, ranks number 8 overall in the original Economist report