Real Estate Information

     I love technology.  I have pushed myself over the past 10-15 years to continue to learn.  I remember exactly when I made the decision that it was going to be important to not be left behind.  It was June, 1995 and I was about to list the home of a good client.  I walked into the room of their 4 year old and he was “playing” on the computer.  I remember saying to myself, “Wow, look at him! Someday he will be my client so I better stay abreast of this technology stuff!”  That little boy is now almost 20 years old and thinking of buying his first home.  I have been communicating with him on Facebook!
    In the last couple of years, we have seen a “surge” of new technology. There are lots of new gadgets, as well as new ways to communicate using the platform of technology.
    Although all of this is exciting, I sit here and wonder. With our world filled with technological gadgets and various attention-getters, I wonder how many of our senses are sharp and working clearly these days.  With our IPhones and text messaging, I think we are “dumbing down” our physical senses that assist us in interacting with the world.  I saw a small example of this yesterday while riding my bike in my neighborhood. I saw a young mother pushing her baby in a stroller while talking on her cell phone.  Some might call this multi-tasking, but I call it “partial attention” for the baby, the scenery outdoors, and her caller. They were all denied her full attention.
    It is possible that we are becoming people who hear but do not listen, people who look but do not see, and people who scan ideas but do not think? Our segments in the world may not be getting our complete focus.  Have we become so used to the swiftness of the computer that we do not slow down enough to ease ourselves into the rhythms of the infinite?  I believe that we only cheat ourselves when we are not fully present.  There are not only our physical senses that need a sharp focus, but also our inner seeing, hearing, and knowing.
    We can all agree that our world is moving faster and faster.  I struggle each day to stay FOCUSED and in the NOW.  A practice of taking a slow, comfortable breath and then exhaling slowly comfortably helps me to maintain a clear focus as I fully take in the beauties of nature and intuitive insights that this world has to offer.  I rejoice in this simplicity and I am grateful for the ease in which my life unfolds.

               Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you.

According to Broderick Perkins, a new survey reveals that savvy consumers cashing in on the new and improved homebuyer tax credit are helping fuel economic recovery.

 The vast majority of current homeowners say they would spend the expanded version of the homebuyer tax credit on repaying existing debts, home improvements, savings and investments and household expenses, according to a National Association of REALTORS survey of 1,000 homeowners.

 Consumer spending, of course, is the real fuel for the nation’s economic engine.  And much consumer spending is fueled by the housing market—provided the housing market is energized.

 The new law extends the existing credit for first-time homeowners, worth up to $8,000, through April 30, 2010

 A new credit of up to $6,500 is available to qualified existing homeowners who buy a new primary residence by April 30, 2010, if they owned their existing home for five consecutive years over the last eight years.  Second homes don’t qualify.

 The maximum allowed home purchase price is $800,000.

In my over 30 years as a successful local Realtor, I have not seen such favorable times to purchase a home.  Interest rates are at an all time low with fixed rates less than 5%.  Home prices in many areas are back to 2003-2004 prices.  Many more people can qualify and opportunities are plentiful.

 The survey also found, after learning about the tax credit expansion, 20% of those surveyed said they were more likely to consider purchasing a home than they were six months ago.