Time is Slipping Away!
THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW!!!!
Okay, folks! If you have been on the fence about whether or not to buy a home, it is time to get off that fence and time to buy your home! The $8K tax credit goes away December 1st of this year! That means, you need to close on your home NO LATER than November 30, 2009. If you have not owned a home in the previous 3 years, and have the credit to qualify, especially in light of the prices in the real estate market today....why not buy and get that $8K "give-away!?"
If you need help, contact a real estate professional today!
Just don't miss out on what's being handed out.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Foreclosure Prevention Plan Guidelines Revealed
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Foreclosure Prevention Plan Guidelines Revealed
by Chris Mygatt, and his Coldwell Banker Real Estate Market Watch
Earlier this week, the Obama administration released the guidelines which enable lenders to begin modifications of eligible mortgages under the administration’s Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Here is a summary of the guidelines, direct from the Department of Treasury: http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/guidelines_summary.pdf.
This “foreclosure prevention plan” (dubbed by the media as such) is estimated to help some seven to nine million homeowners make their mortgages more affordable and help to prevent the continuation of the devastation that foreclosures have caused in this country.
According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, “The Home Affordable Refinance program will be available to 4 to 5 million homeowners who have a solid payment history on an existing mortgage owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Normally, these borrowers would be unable to refinance because their homes have lost value, pushing their current loan-to-value ratios above 80%. Under the Home Affordable Refinance program, many of them will now be eligible to refinance their loan to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates or to refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage into a more stable mortgage, such as a 30-year fixed rate loan.
“GSE lenders and servicers already have much of the borrower’s information on file, so documentation requirements are not likely to be burdensome. In addition, in some cases an appraisal will not be necessary. This flexibility will make the refinance quicker and less costly for both borrowers and lenders. The Home Affordable Refinance program ends in June 2010.
”The Home Affordable Modification program will help up to 3 to 4 million at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosure by reducing monthly mortgage payments. Working with the banking and credit union regulators, the FHA, the VA, the USDA and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Treasury Department today announced program guidelines that are expected to become standard industry practice in pursuing affordable and sustainable mortgage modifications. This program will work in tandem with an expanded and improved Hope for Homeowners program.
With the information now available, servicers can begin immediately to modify eligible mortgages under the Modification program so that at-risk borrowers can better afford their payments.”
Industry online magazine, RISMedia, weighed in on the plan this week and offered this insight that I thought would be helpful: http://rismedia.com/2009-03-04/how-to-help-homeowners-understand-obamas-foreclosure-plan/
I know that many clients have a lot of questions right now and we are working to gather some communication tools to help. One good option in the meantime is a consumer-friendly Q&A recently put together by the Treasury Department, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) located at http://www.financialstability.gov/makinghomeaffordable/.
Foreclosure Prevention Plan Guidelines Revealed
by Chris Mygatt, and his Coldwell Banker Real Estate Market Watch
Earlier this week, the Obama administration released the guidelines which enable lenders to begin modifications of eligible mortgages under the administration’s Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Here is a summary of the guidelines, direct from the Department of Treasury: http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/guidelines_summary.pdf.
This “foreclosure prevention plan” (dubbed by the media as such) is estimated to help some seven to nine million homeowners make their mortgages more affordable and help to prevent the continuation of the devastation that foreclosures have caused in this country.
According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, “The Home Affordable Refinance program will be available to 4 to 5 million homeowners who have a solid payment history on an existing mortgage owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Normally, these borrowers would be unable to refinance because their homes have lost value, pushing their current loan-to-value ratios above 80%. Under the Home Affordable Refinance program, many of them will now be eligible to refinance their loan to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates or to refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage into a more stable mortgage, such as a 30-year fixed rate loan.
“GSE lenders and servicers already have much of the borrower’s information on file, so documentation requirements are not likely to be burdensome. In addition, in some cases an appraisal will not be necessary. This flexibility will make the refinance quicker and less costly for both borrowers and lenders. The Home Affordable Refinance program ends in June 2010.
”The Home Affordable Modification program will help up to 3 to 4 million at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosure by reducing monthly mortgage payments. Working with the banking and credit union regulators, the FHA, the VA, the USDA and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Treasury Department today announced program guidelines that are expected to become standard industry practice in pursuing affordable and sustainable mortgage modifications. This program will work in tandem with an expanded and improved Hope for Homeowners program.
With the information now available, servicers can begin immediately to modify eligible mortgages under the Modification program so that at-risk borrowers can better afford their payments.”
Industry online magazine, RISMedia, weighed in on the plan this week and offered this insight that I thought would be helpful: http://rismedia.com/2009-03-04/how-to-help-homeowners-understand-obamas-foreclosure-plan/
I know that many clients have a lot of questions right now and we are working to gather some communication tools to help. One good option in the meantime is a consumer-friendly Q&A recently put together by the Treasury Department, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) located at http://www.financialstability.gov/makinghomeaffordable/.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
TIME TO MOVE and Get off the FENCE!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
It May Be Time to Get Off the Fence!
Reprinted here from "weekly market watch" by Chris Mygatt
Now that we’ve passed the months of talk regarding the Economic Stimulus Package and the Foreclosure Prevention Plan, we can finally move on. I for one am relieved.
It’s time to get back into a position where we feel secure, where we feel confident and where we can once again make strong decisions regarding our future…and that includes decisions we make about real estate.
Right now what I am finding is that many buyers are on the proverbial fence. They’ve been waiting to see what was going to happen to interest rates. They were waiting to see what the results of the Economic Stimulus Package would be. And so they sit.
Now I realize that every individual situation is different so please don’t take this as a broad based brush that I am painting with, but what I can say is that buyers may truly be in one of the best positions than they have been in some 50 years to purchase a home. Consider the benefits to today’s homebuyer:
New $8,000 first time home buyer credit (and in most cases, the buyer does not have to repay the tax credit).
Reinstatement of FHA, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan limits. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750.
Historically low interest rates. In my February Reality Check message I shared with you how changes in mortgage rates can affect a consumer’s purchasing power. The fact is, right now interest rates are low—certainly by historical standards—and those low rates translate to increased purchasing power for buyers.
Though we’ve seen decreasing inventory in many of our markets over the last several weeks, we still do have quite a bit of inventory in many markets. This translates to more choices for buyers. We are also anticipating that Spring will bring on a lot of good, new inventory for us and that should bring in a surge of new buyers—for today’s buyer’s, that’s competition for you.
The lesson I’d like to leave you with this week is that waiting for the real estate market to hit rock bottom may be a mistake. The only way to know that the market has “hit rock bottom” is when it is on its way up and by then, the window of opportunity is gone.
The current housing market offers a unique window of opportunity for confident buyers. The exciting news is that for the first time in quite a while, the stars are in alignment for consumers: mortgage rates remain low (certainly by historical standards), loan limits have been raised, there is an $8,000 first time home buyer credit and there is a large selection of homes to choose from. Now truly may be the time to buy and you may not want to make the mistake of waiting; because my guess is that if we were able to jump ahead 10 years from now, we’ll be looking at this market as a thing of the past—a time when we all probably should have been buying a lot more real estate.
It May Be Time to Get Off the Fence!
Reprinted here from "weekly market watch" by Chris Mygatt
Now that we’ve passed the months of talk regarding the Economic Stimulus Package and the Foreclosure Prevention Plan, we can finally move on. I for one am relieved.
It’s time to get back into a position where we feel secure, where we feel confident and where we can once again make strong decisions regarding our future…and that includes decisions we make about real estate.
Right now what I am finding is that many buyers are on the proverbial fence. They’ve been waiting to see what was going to happen to interest rates. They were waiting to see what the results of the Economic Stimulus Package would be. And so they sit.
Now I realize that every individual situation is different so please don’t take this as a broad based brush that I am painting with, but what I can say is that buyers may truly be in one of the best positions than they have been in some 50 years to purchase a home. Consider the benefits to today’s homebuyer:
New $8,000 first time home buyer credit (and in most cases, the buyer does not have to repay the tax credit).
Reinstatement of FHA, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan limits. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750.
Historically low interest rates. In my February Reality Check message I shared with you how changes in mortgage rates can affect a consumer’s purchasing power. The fact is, right now interest rates are low—certainly by historical standards—and those low rates translate to increased purchasing power for buyers.
Though we’ve seen decreasing inventory in many of our markets over the last several weeks, we still do have quite a bit of inventory in many markets. This translates to more choices for buyers. We are also anticipating that Spring will bring on a lot of good, new inventory for us and that should bring in a surge of new buyers—for today’s buyer’s, that’s competition for you.
The lesson I’d like to leave you with this week is that waiting for the real estate market to hit rock bottom may be a mistake. The only way to know that the market has “hit rock bottom” is when it is on its way up and by then, the window of opportunity is gone.
The current housing market offers a unique window of opportunity for confident buyers. The exciting news is that for the first time in quite a while, the stars are in alignment for consumers: mortgage rates remain low (certainly by historical standards), loan limits have been raised, there is an $8,000 first time home buyer credit and there is a large selection of homes to choose from. Now truly may be the time to buy and you may not want to make the mistake of waiting; because my guess is that if we were able to jump ahead 10 years from now, we’ll be looking at this market as a thing of the past—a time when we all probably should have been buying a lot more real estate.
Friday, February 20, 2009
"First Time" Home Buyers Take Note-Really "Did Not Own a Home in 3 Years DEAL!"
MortgageMinute
February 17th, 2009
Compliments of
Matthew Hibler
Coldwell Banker Home Loans, Reprinted here with permission
PHONE:
(303) 409-6176
The Stimulus Plan was signed into law by President Obama today. It contains a new tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Essentially, first-time homebuyers within certain income limits who purchase a home in 2009 before December 1, 2009 will receive a tax credit of up to $8,000. The program is similar to the $7,500 tax credit which applied to home purchases made in 2008 after April 9. A comparison of the two credit programs is outlined below.
While the Stimulus Plan was still being debated, the Senate version originally included a $15,000 tax credit for all homebuyers. To lower the cost of the Stimulus Plan, the final version of the Plan contained this smaller tax credit, and this tax credit is applicable only to first-time homebuyers.
To qualify as a first-time home buyer as defined in the programs, the purchaser (and the purchasers spouse) may not have owned a home in the three years prior to the purchase date of the home. Single family homes qualify for the program. The home must be the primary residence.
Both tax credits are subject to the same adjusted gross income limitations (full credit for AGI less than $75,000 single/$150,000 joint, phased out for AGI up to $95,000 single/ $170,000 joint).
The amount for either credit is the lesser of 10% of the home purchase price or $7,500 or $8,000, as applicable.
While a purchaser still owns the home, the $7,500 credit must be repaid in equal payments over a period of 15 years, starting with the 2010 tax filing. The $8,000 credit will not need to be repaid. Again, the $7,500 credit needs to be repaid, while the $8,000 credit does not!
Upon sale of the home, any portion of the $7,500 credit not yet repaid is due in full. No portion of the $8,000 credit is due upon sale of the home, if the home is owned for more than three years. If the home is sold within the first three years, the full amount of the credit is due upon sale.
The $7,500 credit was not available to any purchaser utilizing state/local revenue bond money to help finance the home purchase. There is no such restriction on the $8,000 credit.
Under both the $7,500 and the $8,000 programs, the credit will be claimed on the purchaser's income taxes. Any amount in excess of taxes owed will be refunded to the purchaser.
Modified to be displayed here:
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT
As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Modifications are marked by "B", as created in 2008 marked by "A"
February 2009
FEATURE
"A"- CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008
APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008
"B"REVISED CREDIT –
EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009
Amount of Credit
"A"-Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500
"B"-Maximum credit amount increased to $8000
Eligible Property
"A"-Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.
"B"-No change
All principal residences eligible.
Refundable
"A-Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.
"B"- No change, Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.
Income Limit
"A"-Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).
"B"-No change, Same income limits continue to apply.
First-time Homebuyer Only
"A"-Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
"B"No change, Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.
Revenue Bond Financing
"A"-No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.
"B"-Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.
Repayment
"A"-Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.
"B"-No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009
Recapture
"A"-If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.
"B"-If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.
Termination
"A"-July 1, 2009 (But note program changes for 2009)
"B"-December 1, 2009
Effective Date
"A"-Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.
"B"-All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009
February 17th, 2009
Compliments of
Matthew Hibler
Coldwell Banker Home Loans, Reprinted here with permission
PHONE:
(303) 409-6176
The Stimulus Plan was signed into law by President Obama today. It contains a new tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Essentially, first-time homebuyers within certain income limits who purchase a home in 2009 before December 1, 2009 will receive a tax credit of up to $8,000. The program is similar to the $7,500 tax credit which applied to home purchases made in 2008 after April 9. A comparison of the two credit programs is outlined below.
While the Stimulus Plan was still being debated, the Senate version originally included a $15,000 tax credit for all homebuyers. To lower the cost of the Stimulus Plan, the final version of the Plan contained this smaller tax credit, and this tax credit is applicable only to first-time homebuyers.
To qualify as a first-time home buyer as defined in the programs, the purchaser (and the purchasers spouse) may not have owned a home in the three years prior to the purchase date of the home. Single family homes qualify for the program. The home must be the primary residence.
Both tax credits are subject to the same adjusted gross income limitations (full credit for AGI less than $75,000 single/$150,000 joint, phased out for AGI up to $95,000 single/ $170,000 joint).
The amount for either credit is the lesser of 10% of the home purchase price or $7,500 or $8,000, as applicable.
While a purchaser still owns the home, the $7,500 credit must be repaid in equal payments over a period of 15 years, starting with the 2010 tax filing. The $8,000 credit will not need to be repaid. Again, the $7,500 credit needs to be repaid, while the $8,000 credit does not!
Upon sale of the home, any portion of the $7,500 credit not yet repaid is due in full. No portion of the $8,000 credit is due upon sale of the home, if the home is owned for more than three years. If the home is sold within the first three years, the full amount of the credit is due upon sale.
The $7,500 credit was not available to any purchaser utilizing state/local revenue bond money to help finance the home purchase. There is no such restriction on the $8,000 credit.
Under both the $7,500 and the $8,000 programs, the credit will be claimed on the purchaser's income taxes. Any amount in excess of taxes owed will be refunded to the purchaser.
Modified to be displayed here:
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT
As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Modifications are marked by "B", as created in 2008 marked by "A"
February 2009
FEATURE
"A"- CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008
APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008
"B"REVISED CREDIT –
EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009
Amount of Credit
"A"-Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500
"B"-Maximum credit amount increased to $8000
Eligible Property
"A"-Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.
"B"-No change
All principal residences eligible.
Refundable
"A-Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.
"B"- No change, Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.
Income Limit
"A"-Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).
"B"-No change, Same income limits continue to apply.
First-time Homebuyer Only
"A"-Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
"B"No change, Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.
Revenue Bond Financing
"A"-No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.
"B"-Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.
Repayment
"A"-Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.
"B"-No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009
Recapture
"A"-If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.
"B"-If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.
Termination
"A"-July 1, 2009 (But note program changes for 2009)
"B"-December 1, 2009
Effective Date
"A"-Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.
"B"-All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Market Watch-What impact might this economic stimulus plan have on you?
The Economic Stimulus Plan-and How it Might Affect YOU!
These thoughts were taken from Chris Mygatt's Market Watch
It Passed! Now What?
A compromise on the Economic Stimulus Package has been reached. The new price tag: $787 billion. That’s below both the $820 billion House-passed version and the $838 billion Senate-passed version.
Just like with anything in life, the final package is all about compromise. Real estate advocates from NAR and Realogy President Richard Smith lobbied well on our behalf but in the end only a portion of the requests we had of lawmakers were made part of the final Economic Stimulus Package.
I am encouraged that lawmakers have now reached an agreement and we can finally move forward with some direct action.
The goal of the highly controversial Economic Stimulus Package is to create or save some 3.5 million jobs while helping to rebuild our nation’s economy which has been in a recession since December 2007. Although, at the writing of this piece, the details of the legislation had not been finalized we do anticipate a number of important housing provisions, including (as reported by NAR):
• “Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $8000 tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Individuals who purchase in 2009 using financing assistance from state and local mortgage bonds will be permitted to use the credit, as well. Click here for a chart with details on the first-time home buyer tax credit: http://www.realtor.org/wps/wcm/connect/b32db1004d05f6338052c5fd73e5610f/government_affairs_tax_credit_chart_021308.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=b32db1004d05f6338052c5fd73e5610f
• FHA, Fannie and Freddie Loan Limits – Revised loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae. Specifics have not been released but reports indicate that the 2008 limits have been reinstated for 2009 except in those communities where the 2009 limits are higher. Additional increases in individual communities may also be available at the discretion of the HUD Secretary.
• Foreclosure Mitigation & Neighborhood Stabilization – Funding for states and local communities to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes are authorized.”
In addition to these new elements, NAR continues to work with the Department of Treasury to implement a mortgage buy-down program. The details on that will surface over the next several weeks.
To view all of the housing provisions, click here: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/uae_hr1_additional_provisions
So what’s next? President Obama is pushing to get quick approval of the emergency package so he can sign it into law before the end of this three-day holiday weekend.
Once it is signed into action, Washington is eager to get the funds into the local state governments and ultimately the local economies so they begin to directly affect Main Street. Consider reading this article from CNN with more details on the package itself: http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/13/news/economy/stimulus_individuals/index.htm?postversion=2009021308
There’s no question, it will take several weeks—if not months—before we begin to see some patterns or trends and for this package to have a full impact on our economy. But I am gratified that the government recognized the importance of passing the Economic Stimulus Package. The health of the nation’s housing market is critical to the financial well being of every household in the country and that, of course, is front and center right here at home. I believe the legislation will help to stabilize the housing market, at a time when our country needs it most.
These thoughts were taken from Chris Mygatt's Market Watch
It Passed! Now What?
A compromise on the Economic Stimulus Package has been reached. The new price tag: $787 billion. That’s below both the $820 billion House-passed version and the $838 billion Senate-passed version.
Just like with anything in life, the final package is all about compromise. Real estate advocates from NAR and Realogy President Richard Smith lobbied well on our behalf but in the end only a portion of the requests we had of lawmakers were made part of the final Economic Stimulus Package.
I am encouraged that lawmakers have now reached an agreement and we can finally move forward with some direct action.
The goal of the highly controversial Economic Stimulus Package is to create or save some 3.5 million jobs while helping to rebuild our nation’s economy which has been in a recession since December 2007. Although, at the writing of this piece, the details of the legislation had not been finalized we do anticipate a number of important housing provisions, including (as reported by NAR):
• “Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $8000 tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Individuals who purchase in 2009 using financing assistance from state and local mortgage bonds will be permitted to use the credit, as well. Click here for a chart with details on the first-time home buyer tax credit: http://www.realtor.org/wps/wcm/connect/b32db1004d05f6338052c5fd73e5610f/government_affairs_tax_credit_chart_021308.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=b32db1004d05f6338052c5fd73e5610f
• FHA, Fannie and Freddie Loan Limits – Revised loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae. Specifics have not been released but reports indicate that the 2008 limits have been reinstated for 2009 except in those communities where the 2009 limits are higher. Additional increases in individual communities may also be available at the discretion of the HUD Secretary.
• Foreclosure Mitigation & Neighborhood Stabilization – Funding for states and local communities to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes are authorized.”
In addition to these new elements, NAR continues to work with the Department of Treasury to implement a mortgage buy-down program. The details on that will surface over the next several weeks.
To view all of the housing provisions, click here: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/uae_hr1_additional_provisions
So what’s next? President Obama is pushing to get quick approval of the emergency package so he can sign it into law before the end of this three-day holiday weekend.
Once it is signed into action, Washington is eager to get the funds into the local state governments and ultimately the local economies so they begin to directly affect Main Street. Consider reading this article from CNN with more details on the package itself: http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/13/news/economy/stimulus_individuals/index.htm?postversion=2009021308
There’s no question, it will take several weeks—if not months—before we begin to see some patterns or trends and for this package to have a full impact on our economy. But I am gratified that the government recognized the importance of passing the Economic Stimulus Package. The health of the nation’s housing market is critical to the financial well being of every household in the country and that, of course, is front and center right here at home. I believe the legislation will help to stabilize the housing market, at a time when our country needs it most.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
New Radio Show from the National Association of Realtors!
Real Estate Today: NAR Is Bringing Real Estate to Radio
Real Estate Today, a new national radio show produced by NAR, will premiere on February 14, 2009.
The show will air online at www.RETRadio.com – visit the site any time after the premiere to listen to current or past programs.
Real Estate Today will cover the benefits and challenges of homeownership, from expert advice on buying and selling, to remodeling and landscaping, to the state of the current market and home financing issues.
The show will be an interactive experience that offers listeners an opportunity to exchange information and learn from some of the nation’s most recognized experts on a variety of real estate related topics such as landscaping, gardening, carpentry and general contracting, as well as mortgage experts and respected members of the media.
Hosted by award-winning radio broadcaster Gil Gross, the show will offer a fast-paced format that includes provocative experts, listener call-ins, field reports and a customized segment on local market conditions.
Where to tune in to Real Estate Today:
In the Washington, D.C., area, Real Estate Today will air on the show’s flagship station, 630 WMAL AM, every Sunday from 1-3 p.m., EST.
Satellite radio subscribers can hear Real Estate Today on:
America’s Talk, XM Channel 158, Saturdays 5-7 p.m. EST
Talk Radio, XM Channel 165, Saturdays 1-3 p.m. EST
Stars, Sirius-XM Channel 102, Saturdays 6-8 a.m. and Sundays 9-11 a.m. EST
For more information:
Visit the Real Estate Today Web site at www.RETRadio.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF: 48KB)
Real Estate Today, a new national radio show produced by NAR, will premiere on February 14, 2009.
The show will air online at www.RETRadio.com – visit the site any time after the premiere to listen to current or past programs.
Real Estate Today will cover the benefits and challenges of homeownership, from expert advice on buying and selling, to remodeling and landscaping, to the state of the current market and home financing issues.
The show will be an interactive experience that offers listeners an opportunity to exchange information and learn from some of the nation’s most recognized experts on a variety of real estate related topics such as landscaping, gardening, carpentry and general contracting, as well as mortgage experts and respected members of the media.
Hosted by award-winning radio broadcaster Gil Gross, the show will offer a fast-paced format that includes provocative experts, listener call-ins, field reports and a customized segment on local market conditions.
Where to tune in to Real Estate Today:
In the Washington, D.C., area, Real Estate Today will air on the show’s flagship station, 630 WMAL AM, every Sunday from 1-3 p.m., EST.
Satellite radio subscribers can hear Real Estate Today on:
America’s Talk, XM Channel 158, Saturdays 5-7 p.m. EST
Talk Radio, XM Channel 165, Saturdays 1-3 p.m. EST
Stars, Sirius-XM Channel 102, Saturdays 6-8 a.m. and Sundays 9-11 a.m. EST
For more information:
Visit the Real Estate Today Web site at www.RETRadio.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF: 48KB)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
DENVER in TOP Markets for Small Businesses!
From BIZ JOURNALS
by G. Scott Thomas
Best markets for small business
9. Denver
Denver joins Boise and Salt Lake City in the top 10, proving that the Rocky Mountain region is congenial for entrepreneurs. Only six U.S. markets have more than 30 small businesses per 1,000 residents, Denver among them.
Small-business stats
(ranks in parentheses)
Small-business vitality score: 27.03 points
Number of small businesses: 72,867 (17)
1-year change in small businesses: 1.47% (52)
Small businesses per 1,000 residents: 30.21 (6)
Other stats
(ranks in parentheses)
Population: 2,464,866 (21)
5-year change in population: 8.11% (32)
Private-sector employment: 1,092,700 (19)
5-year change in employment: 9.19% (29)
Note: All statistics are the latest official figures available -- small businesses from 2006, population from 2007, employment from the third quarter of 2008. Ranks are among the nation’s 100 largest metros. See the methodology for details.
See : http://www.bizjournals.com/edit_special/75.html for full story!
Why not buy your home here today.....before everyone else is going to want to!?
by G. Scott Thomas
Best markets for small business
9. Denver
Denver joins Boise and Salt Lake City in the top 10, proving that the Rocky Mountain region is congenial for entrepreneurs. Only six U.S. markets have more than 30 small businesses per 1,000 residents, Denver among them.
Small-business stats
(ranks in parentheses)
Small-business vitality score: 27.03 points
Number of small businesses: 72,867 (17)
1-year change in small businesses: 1.47% (52)
Small businesses per 1,000 residents: 30.21 (6)
Other stats
(ranks in parentheses)
Population: 2,464,866 (21)
5-year change in population: 8.11% (32)
Private-sector employment: 1,092,700 (19)
5-year change in employment: 9.19% (29)
Note: All statistics are the latest official figures available -- small businesses from 2006, population from 2007, employment from the third quarter of 2008. Ranks are among the nation’s 100 largest metros. See the methodology for details.
See : http://www.bizjournals.com/edit_special/75.html for full story!
Why not buy your home here today.....before everyone else is going to want to!?
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