I just posted a quote from Abraham Lincoln on my Facebook and Twitter pages that says, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." I have always made it a point to be happy no matter the circumstances, and for the most part, I succeed. It's a state of mind, a decision made in advance. It has served me well over the years.
Today I received an email that has a similar story and while who knows if it's true, it's a good story so I'm sharing it. What does this have to do with real estate you ask? Well, everything in my opinion. The news media is determined to tell us how scary this housing market is, how terrible it is to buy or sell right now but in reality, we are where we should be. The last few years have been an aberation, a blip of several years that made us think that the housing market should always be that way. Housing prices aren't meant to double in two years! If you were to draw a line on appreciation over the past ten years or so, leaving out those few crazy years, you'd see the correct amount of appreciation on homes in a straight line up about 45 degrees. So, lets ignore the media craziness - look for the good, look for the positive and realize that now is a great time to buy a home. It's not as exciting when you're selling, of course, especially if you bought your home at the height of the market. Yes, people are having to foreclose, but overall it's a very very small percentage of the number of homeowners.
Choose to be happy. Choose to deal with what's going on - good or bad - but realize that this is only a small moment and will be past soon enough.
--------
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied. 'Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing.'
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Maryland Unprepared for Swine Flu?
I just received this email from the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus about the Swine Flu Epidemic. I'm not going to get into a discussion of Republican vs. Democrat here, but there do seem to be some valid points made here. You can decide for yourself.
______________
While the major media in Maryland was lauding Governor O’Malley for establishing a "swine flu command center," they failed to uncover Maryland’s true status of being unprepared for a major medical emergency.
True to form for Maryland’s media, they accepted without question the puffed-up press releases and press conference hyperbole issued from the gubernatorial media relations machine.
If they looked behind the "made-for-media" imagery, they would find that Maryland ranks near the bottom of states in emergency preparedness for a flu pandemic.
As reported in the Washington Times today (Maryland lags in its antiviral stockpile), a study for the non-partisan Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that:
* Maryland was tied for lowest in the country by completing only 5 of 10 benchmarks for medical disaster preparedness.
* Maryland officials had purchased less than half of the federally subsidized antiviral medications available to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak.
* Maryland’s supply of 476,000 doses of antiviral medication (one for every 11.8 residents) pales in comparison to neighboring Virginia (one for every 7.4 residents).
Did Governor O’Malley’s poor budget policies over the last three years lead to misplaced priorities that under-funded medical disaster preparedness?
The Administration responded by sending out David Paulson, former Maryland Democrat Party flack now positioned at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who slammed the study as being "faulty and incomplete."
For a link to the report, visit our website: www.mdsenategop.com.
______________
While the major media in Maryland was lauding Governor O’Malley for establishing a "swine flu command center," they failed to uncover Maryland’s true status of being unprepared for a major medical emergency.
True to form for Maryland’s media, they accepted without question the puffed-up press releases and press conference hyperbole issued from the gubernatorial media relations machine.
If they looked behind the "made-for-media" imagery, they would find that Maryland ranks near the bottom of states in emergency preparedness for a flu pandemic.
As reported in the Washington Times today (Maryland lags in its antiviral stockpile), a study for the non-partisan Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that:
* Maryland was tied for lowest in the country by completing only 5 of 10 benchmarks for medical disaster preparedness.
* Maryland officials had purchased less than half of the federally subsidized antiviral medications available to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak.
* Maryland’s supply of 476,000 doses of antiviral medication (one for every 11.8 residents) pales in comparison to neighboring Virginia (one for every 7.4 residents).
Did Governor O’Malley’s poor budget policies over the last three years lead to misplaced priorities that under-funded medical disaster preparedness?
The Administration responded by sending out David Paulson, former Maryland Democrat Party flack now positioned at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who slammed the study as being "faulty and incomplete."
For a link to the report, visit our website: www.mdsenategop.com.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Why Does Congress Approve Obama's Budget?
In today's Washington Post, there's an article about Congressional Democrats overwhelmingly accepting Obama's "ambitious and expensive agenda for the nation yesterday, endorsing a $3.5 trillion spending plan that sets the stage for the president to pursue his most far-reaching priorities. " See the whole article here http://tinyurl.com/dl9wk2 . A couple of Maryland Congressional members are quoted in the article (Sen. Benjamin Cardin (Dem), Rep. Chris Van Hollen, (Dem).) It also says voting was nearly straight down party lines with only a total of 22 Dems voting with the Republicans. The vote was 233-196 in the house with only 20 Democrats siding with the Republicans and 55-43 in the Senate with all but 2 Dems voting Yes.
Now, some of you may have caught on that I'm a Republican and regularly work for the GOP. The Republican response wasn't so happy. "Republicans blasted the Democratic budget as a reckless manifesto that would greatly expand the size of government and double the national debt within five years. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Rep-KY) said he feared the consequences of a budget that 'calls for a dramatic and potentially irreversible shift of our nation to the left in the areas of health care, education and private enterprise.' "
My question is, When are our legislators going to vote FOR the State and not for Republican or against Democrat, for Obama or against Bush? Do they lose votes from their constituents when they vote their hearts? I've voted Democrat when I think that the democratic contender was the better person for the job. I've also voted Republican for the same reason. I vote for who or what I think is the best choice for our State and our Country. Am I completely naive to think that our government should do the same?
And in less likely news, the Onion - source of all the best and funniest news (though highly unlikely to be true), http://tinyurl.com/cuomht "Congress Forced To Watch Training Video About Bipartisan Cooperation."
Now, some of you may have caught on that I'm a Republican and regularly work for the GOP. The Republican response wasn't so happy. "Republicans blasted the Democratic budget as a reckless manifesto that would greatly expand the size of government and double the national debt within five years. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Rep-KY) said he feared the consequences of a budget that 'calls for a dramatic and potentially irreversible shift of our nation to the left in the areas of health care, education and private enterprise.' "
My question is, When are our legislators going to vote FOR the State and not for Republican or against Democrat, for Obama or against Bush? Do they lose votes from their constituents when they vote their hearts? I've voted Democrat when I think that the democratic contender was the better person for the job. I've also voted Republican for the same reason. I vote for who or what I think is the best choice for our State and our Country. Am I completely naive to think that our government should do the same?
And in less likely news, the Onion - source of all the best and funniest news (though highly unlikely to be true), http://tinyurl.com/cuomht "Congress Forced To Watch Training Video About Bipartisan Cooperation."
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New FHA Appraisal Guidelines
This just in!
New FHA Appraisal requirements started April 1st. This information is important for sellers!
Here are the 10 things your appraiser must do or provide for all FHA appraisals done after April 1st, 2009:
1. The Market Conditions Addendum (Fannie Form 1004MC/Freddie Form 71)
2. At least 2 comparable sales within 90 days of appraisal date
3. A minimum of 2 active listings or pending sales in addition to the 3 closed comparables
4. Bracketed listings using both dwelling size and sales price when possible
5. Adjust active listings to reflect the List To Sales Price Ratio
6. Adjust pending sales to reflect contract sales price when possible
7. Include original list price and any revised list prices
8. Reconciliation of adjusted values of active or pending sales with adjusted values of closed comparable sales
9. Absorption Rate Analysis
10. Known or reported sales concessions on active and pending sales
This update includes an often stated warning that..."Direct Endorsement Lenders are reminded that if the appraiser they selected provides a poor or fraudulent appraisal that leads FHA to insure a mortgage at an inflated amount, the lender is held responsible equally with the appraiser for the integrity, accuracy and thoroughness of an appraisal submitted to FHA."
New FHA Appraisal requirements started April 1st. This information is important for sellers!
Here are the 10 things your appraiser must do or provide for all FHA appraisals done after April 1st, 2009:
1. The Market Conditions Addendum (Fannie Form 1004MC/Freddie Form 71)
2. At least 2 comparable sales within 90 days of appraisal date
3. A minimum of 2 active listings or pending sales in addition to the 3 closed comparables
4. Bracketed listings using both dwelling size and sales price when possible
5. Adjust active listings to reflect the List To Sales Price Ratio
6. Adjust pending sales to reflect contract sales price when possible
7. Include original list price and any revised list prices
8. Reconciliation of adjusted values of active or pending sales with adjusted values of closed comparable sales
9. Absorption Rate Analysis
10. Known or reported sales concessions on active and pending sales
This update includes an often stated warning that..."Direct Endorsement Lenders are reminded that if the appraiser they selected provides a poor or fraudulent appraisal that leads FHA to insure a mortgage at an inflated amount, the lender is held responsible equally with the appraiser for the integrity, accuracy and thoroughness of an appraisal submitted to FHA."
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Safety Tips for No Identity Theft!
I got this in an email, but it seems like excellent advice, so I'll pass it on. I have no idea if it really came from an attorney however and I don't know who wrote it. Take it for what it's worth. :)
ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks w ith just your initials or your first name.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards.Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
4. Put NO phone # on your checks. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks.(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all:
(I never even thought to do this.)
3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact if your wallet, etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration and FTC (fraud line):1-877-438-4338 website address: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks w ith just your initials or your first name.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards.Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
4. Put NO phone # on your checks. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks.(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all:
(I never even thought to do this.)
3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact if your wallet, etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration and FTC (fraud line):1-877-438-4338 website address: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
Mind Over Money
I was cleaning up my office and came across an old Reader's Digest from June 2008 that I hadn't read. This issue was full of articles that I really enjoyed. One is called "Mind Over Money" by Jean Chatzky and I thought I would share it. Here is a link to the full article:
http://tinyurl.com/43ymoz
At the end of the article, RD offers another section called 10 Ways To Stash Cash:
10 Ways To Stash Cash
Inspired to save? I hope so. But maybe you're wondering where the money will come from. I put my head together with Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches, to suggest ten places to start.
1. Adjust your withholding. If you get a tax refund each year, you're giving the government a free loan. Change your withholding, then save the difference in your take-home pay. Savings: The average 2006 tax refund was $2,324 -- $194 a month spread out over a year (plus interest).
2. Limit trips to the supermarket. Every time you walk through those automatic doors, you're bombarded with opportunities for an impulse buy, and you may walk out with at least one or two things not on your list. Try to make one big trip a week.Savings: If you make four trips a week and spend $10 extra each time, cut three to save $120 a month.
3. Coupons aren't just for groceries anymore. You can find coupons for movies, restaurants, and even clothing stores. Check out retailmenot.com. Savings If your family dines out twice a month at $75 a meal, you'll save $180 a year with 10-percent-off coupons. (This is one of my favorite sites - I've saved $100's here)
4. Use public transportation or carpool. You'll save on gas, maintenance, and even parking. Many companies take the cost of a monthly train or bus pass out of your paycheck pretax, saving you even more.Savings: If you commute 25 miles round-trip each day, save about $100 a month by alternating driving each week with a friend.
5. Consolidate your plugs. Between 5 percent and 15 percent of the power used by electronics is consumed when they're turned off. Plug your TV, DVD player, cable box, and home entertainment system into a power strip or surge protector, then unplug it at night and when you're not home. Savings: If your electric bill runs $120 a month, you'll save up to $216 a year.
6. Lose the long-distance service. Even if you don't make a lot of lengthy calls, you're likely paying automatic billing fees each month just for having the service. Costco and Sam's Club sell prepaid calling cards for around 3 cents a minute. Or try an Internet service like Skype.Savings: Up to $110 a year in fees.
7. Audit your bills. Call your wireless provider once a year to make sure you're on the best plan. Do the same with your cable, Internet, and (if you're not taking the advice above) long-distance providers. Bundling all three usually nets a discount.Savings: Several hundred a year.
8. Shop health food stores. They often have bulk sections, where you can buy things like cereal and beans by the pound at big savings.Savings: Oatmeal, for instance, is 89 cents a pound at my health food store, and $2.79 for an 18-ounce canister at the supermarket. If you buy it weekly, you save $100 a year.
9. Buy pet medicine, supplies, and food online. Petcarerx.com and 1800petmeds.com offer premium brands for less.Savings: Up to 50 percent.
10. Recognize what things really cost. Before you commit to that new car, use Edmunds's True Cost to Own calculator. Input the car's make, model, and year to find out what it will actually cost you each year.
There are some great ideas here - I hope they'll help you too!
http://tinyurl.com/43ymoz
At the end of the article, RD offers another section called 10 Ways To Stash Cash:
10 Ways To Stash Cash
Inspired to save? I hope so. But maybe you're wondering where the money will come from. I put my head together with Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches, to suggest ten places to start.
1. Adjust your withholding. If you get a tax refund each year, you're giving the government a free loan. Change your withholding, then save the difference in your take-home pay. Savings: The average 2006 tax refund was $2,324 -- $194 a month spread out over a year (plus interest).
2. Limit trips to the supermarket. Every time you walk through those automatic doors, you're bombarded with opportunities for an impulse buy, and you may walk out with at least one or two things not on your list. Try to make one big trip a week.Savings: If you make four trips a week and spend $10 extra each time, cut three to save $120 a month.
3. Coupons aren't just for groceries anymore. You can find coupons for movies, restaurants, and even clothing stores. Check out retailmenot.com. Savings If your family dines out twice a month at $75 a meal, you'll save $180 a year with 10-percent-off coupons. (This is one of my favorite sites - I've saved $100's here)
4. Use public transportation or carpool. You'll save on gas, maintenance, and even parking. Many companies take the cost of a monthly train or bus pass out of your paycheck pretax, saving you even more.Savings: If you commute 25 miles round-trip each day, save about $100 a month by alternating driving each week with a friend.
5. Consolidate your plugs. Between 5 percent and 15 percent of the power used by electronics is consumed when they're turned off. Plug your TV, DVD player, cable box, and home entertainment system into a power strip or surge protector, then unplug it at night and when you're not home. Savings: If your electric bill runs $120 a month, you'll save up to $216 a year.
6. Lose the long-distance service. Even if you don't make a lot of lengthy calls, you're likely paying automatic billing fees each month just for having the service. Costco and Sam's Club sell prepaid calling cards for around 3 cents a minute. Or try an Internet service like Skype.Savings: Up to $110 a year in fees.
7. Audit your bills. Call your wireless provider once a year to make sure you're on the best plan. Do the same with your cable, Internet, and (if you're not taking the advice above) long-distance providers. Bundling all three usually nets a discount.Savings: Several hundred a year.
8. Shop health food stores. They often have bulk sections, where you can buy things like cereal and beans by the pound at big savings.Savings: Oatmeal, for instance, is 89 cents a pound at my health food store, and $2.79 for an 18-ounce canister at the supermarket. If you buy it weekly, you save $100 a year.
9. Buy pet medicine, supplies, and food online. Petcarerx.com and 1800petmeds.com offer premium brands for less.Savings: Up to 50 percent.
10. Recognize what things really cost. Before you commit to that new car, use Edmunds's True Cost to Own calculator. Input the car's make, model, and year to find out what it will actually cost you each year.
There are some great ideas here - I hope they'll help you too!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Earth Hour is Tomorrow
Tomorrow night at 8:30, people and businesses all over the world will be turning off their lights for one hour to celebrate the Earth for Earth Hour 2009. Lights will be turned off throughout New York, on the Strip in Las Vegas, and lots of places in our local area such as:
Frederick, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland
Washington National Cathedral
The Smithsonian Castle
Embassies from Austria, Belize, Canada, Finland, Great Britain and Sweden
American, Howard, and George Washington Universities
Gallaudet University - WOW! This is a university for deaf students - turning off the lights for an hour here is dedication to the cause!
Many government and city buildings and landmarks throughout the Washington DC area.
The Fairmount Washington, and Sheraton and Westin Hotels in Reston Heights
and many restaurants.
Here's the link to WWF's Earth Hour - if you haven't signed up to participate yet, please do so. See how your community is participating! What can we do to help the Earth? http://www.earthhourus.org/newyork/newyork.php
Vote Earth in 2009.
Frederick, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland
Washington National Cathedral
The Smithsonian Castle
Embassies from Austria, Belize, Canada, Finland, Great Britain and Sweden
American, Howard, and George Washington Universities
Gallaudet University - WOW! This is a university for deaf students - turning off the lights for an hour here is dedication to the cause!
Many government and city buildings and landmarks throughout the Washington DC area.
The Fairmount Washington, and Sheraton and Westin Hotels in Reston Heights
and many restaurants.
Here's the link to WWF's Earth Hour - if you haven't signed up to participate yet, please do so. See how your community is participating! What can we do to help the Earth? http://www.earthhourus.org/newyork/newyork.php
Vote Earth in 2009.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Updates from Delegate Warren Miller
I just received an email update for the Regular Session of the MD General Assembly from Delegate Warren Miller. I always appreciate his candor and willingness to keep his constituents informed, so I thought I would post part of his email here.
"... I wanted to update you on the problems the State has moving forward with the Annual Budget.
"Maryland’s Governor O’Malley has submitted the largest budget in Maryland history. In spite of its already bloated proportion, rest assured there will be several amendments offered which will include huge infusions of Federal stimulus money... It is time for Maryland’s leaders to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions perpetrated on the citizens of this fine state. How shameful it is for us to see our Governor approaching the President for money to bail us out. We can stand on our own, but we must stand responsibly and with fiscal discipline.
"I am very concerned about the size and scope of spending and the state of Maryland’s current economy. I have many neighbors and friends who are currently without work. In reviewing the new budget I see a heavy reliance on welfare assistance for the poor, but I am not witnessing the supposed creation of "new" shovel ready jobs that would put many people in Howard County back to work. I see this budget as a shovel digging a financial hole that will require years of sacrifice and discipline to fill. I do not believe this Governor has the discipline or the will to lead us to recovery.
"... At some point we must stop punishing our small business owners with burdensome regulation and unfair taxation so that they can get back to creating new jobs. Prosperity is not selfish, but rather, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. I am appalled that as a State we are spending well beyond our means. I would like to share with you my determination to once again vote against the States massive $31,600,000,000 budget...
"Maryland is the 19th largest State in the country based on population and yet the non-partisan Tax Foundation ranks Maryland as the state with the 4th highest State and Local Tax burden. This is an equation that can only equal disaster. There is no logical reason why this should be. The Foundation study goes onto rank Maryland as having the 45th worst economic environment for Business taxes. If this administration were as interested in the human plight as they are carbon footprints, this truth may not exist. Unfortunately, businesses of all sizes will likely find greener pastures from which to graze and move out of Maryland to find new hope and change.
In closing, I would like to thank you for paying attention to issues in the General Assembly that are important to you and as always I love to listen to your views. I will continue to fight wasteful spending and high taxes so that Maryland can begin the process of recovery."
"... I wanted to update you on the problems the State has moving forward with the Annual Budget.
"Maryland’s Governor O’Malley has submitted the largest budget in Maryland history. In spite of its already bloated proportion, rest assured there will be several amendments offered which will include huge infusions of Federal stimulus money... It is time for Maryland’s leaders to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions perpetrated on the citizens of this fine state. How shameful it is for us to see our Governor approaching the President for money to bail us out. We can stand on our own, but we must stand responsibly and with fiscal discipline.
"I am very concerned about the size and scope of spending and the state of Maryland’s current economy. I have many neighbors and friends who are currently without work. In reviewing the new budget I see a heavy reliance on welfare assistance for the poor, but I am not witnessing the supposed creation of "new" shovel ready jobs that would put many people in Howard County back to work. I see this budget as a shovel digging a financial hole that will require years of sacrifice and discipline to fill. I do not believe this Governor has the discipline or the will to lead us to recovery.
"... At some point we must stop punishing our small business owners with burdensome regulation and unfair taxation so that they can get back to creating new jobs. Prosperity is not selfish, but rather, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. I am appalled that as a State we are spending well beyond our means. I would like to share with you my determination to once again vote against the States massive $31,600,000,000 budget...
"Maryland is the 19th largest State in the country based on population and yet the non-partisan Tax Foundation ranks Maryland as the state with the 4th highest State and Local Tax burden. This is an equation that can only equal disaster. There is no logical reason why this should be. The Foundation study goes onto rank Maryland as having the 45th worst economic environment for Business taxes. If this administration were as interested in the human plight as they are carbon footprints, this truth may not exist. Unfortunately, businesses of all sizes will likely find greener pastures from which to graze and move out of Maryland to find new hope and change.
In closing, I would like to thank you for paying attention to issues in the General Assembly that are important to you and as always I love to listen to your views. I will continue to fight wasteful spending and high taxes so that Maryland can begin the process of recovery."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Stages of Foreclosures
I was just reading some Notes postings on Facebook and one from my friend, Pat Hiban (a Realtor at Keller Williams) stood out. I started reading it and suddenly realized, "You know, he's right!" Here's what he posted:
"If you study any bear real estate market you'll see that they fold out into 3 stages. Or should I say the foreclosure rates on loans come in 3 stages in a real estate recession.
Stage 1- Resale Homes
Stage 2- Builders/Developers
Stage 3 -Commercial
Proof that stage 3 is starting in Howard County is:
Trapeze Restaurant
Urban Chic
Quizno's Sub
Filene's Basement
Rocky Run Tap and Grille
Lone Star Steak House
Tweeter
Expo
Mammoth Golf
Blockbuster Video
Jesse Wong's Hong Kong
then what happens if these spots don't get leased again soon is the owners or the centers start to default on their loans. Enter stage 3 foreclosures."
In Carroll County, we're seeing more companies going out of business too. One of the big jewelry stores, David's in Westminster, has been restructured in an attempt to stay in business. We've lost two big plant nurseries in the past year. A lot of empty buildings in town and the Westminster Mall is a ghost town.
I'm sad about Rocky Run, our son Eric used to work there and it's one of our son Matt's favorite places to eat. We hadn't been there in a while and I hadn't realized they had gone out of business. My husband Bob and another of our sons, Mark, found out that Mammoth Golf was going out of business when Mark went to buy Bob's Christmas present and it was their last day in business! Bob went to check out Expo in their last days to find us a microwave cabinet and their prices were still sky-high. No one I know shopped there. They would go to Expo to look around and get ideas then go to Home Depot and buy what they liked for less. Trapeze was one of my favorite places to eat lunch at Maple Lawn. It was right across the street from my office and the food was great. So sad that they're gone.
So, what can be done? With the changes in real estate over the past couple of years, I no longer have discretionary income to go out to dinner all the time. Not that we were personally keeping these restaurants in business, but enough people stop going out to dinner and the restaurants close! Jobs are lost and then, as Pat said, there are commercial foreclosures - Stage 3.
I don't know the answer. I am really hoping that someone does.
"If you study any bear real estate market you'll see that they fold out into 3 stages. Or should I say the foreclosure rates on loans come in 3 stages in a real estate recession.
Stage 1- Resale Homes
Stage 2- Builders/Developers
Stage 3 -Commercial
Proof that stage 3 is starting in Howard County is:
Trapeze Restaurant
Urban Chic
Quizno's Sub
Filene's Basement
Rocky Run Tap and Grille
Lone Star Steak House
Tweeter
Expo
Mammoth Golf
Blockbuster Video
Jesse Wong's Hong Kong
then what happens if these spots don't get leased again soon is the owners or the centers start to default on their loans. Enter stage 3 foreclosures."
In Carroll County, we're seeing more companies going out of business too. One of the big jewelry stores, David's in Westminster, has been restructured in an attempt to stay in business. We've lost two big plant nurseries in the past year. A lot of empty buildings in town and the Westminster Mall is a ghost town.
I'm sad about Rocky Run, our son Eric used to work there and it's one of our son Matt's favorite places to eat. We hadn't been there in a while and I hadn't realized they had gone out of business. My husband Bob and another of our sons, Mark, found out that Mammoth Golf was going out of business when Mark went to buy Bob's Christmas present and it was their last day in business! Bob went to check out Expo in their last days to find us a microwave cabinet and their prices were still sky-high. No one I know shopped there. They would go to Expo to look around and get ideas then go to Home Depot and buy what they liked for less. Trapeze was one of my favorite places to eat lunch at Maple Lawn. It was right across the street from my office and the food was great. So sad that they're gone.
So, what can be done? With the changes in real estate over the past couple of years, I no longer have discretionary income to go out to dinner all the time. Not that we were personally keeping these restaurants in business, but enough people stop going out to dinner and the restaurants close! Jobs are lost and then, as Pat said, there are commercial foreclosures - Stage 3.
I don't know the answer. I am really hoping that someone does.
Friday, March 6, 2009
GREAT RATES!
I just got an email from Jeff Harris at Wells Fargo with some great rates. Take a look at this!
Rates have dropped to the lowest levels in several months:
4.875% Conventional 30 Year Fixed with no points.
5.25% Conventional 30 Year Fixed Hi-Balance, no points.
5.00% FHA or VA 30 Year Fixed with no points.
6.25% Jumbo 30 Year Fixed with 1 point.
Clients can submit a free pre-approval application on my website www.wfhm.com/jeffrey-harris
A helpful link with information about the Economic Stimulus package is: www.financialstability.gov
I've worked with Jeff for several years in the Howard County Association of Realtors - he's a good man and will do a great job for you on your loans. He is one of several lenders that I recommend to clients. You can contact him at:
Jeff Harris
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
8830 Stanford Blvd. #302
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-1940 Tel
(410) 290-1818 Fax
jeffrey.harris@wellsfargo.com
www.wfhm.com/jeffrey-harris
Rates have dropped to the lowest levels in several months:
4.875% Conventional 30 Year Fixed with no points.
5.25% Conventional 30 Year Fixed Hi-Balance, no points.
5.00% FHA or VA 30 Year Fixed with no points.
6.25% Jumbo 30 Year Fixed with 1 point.
Clients can submit a free pre-approval application on my website www.wfhm.com/jeffrey-harris
A helpful link with information about the Economic Stimulus package is: www.financialstability.gov
I've worked with Jeff for several years in the Howard County Association of Realtors - he's a good man and will do a great job for you on your loans. He is one of several lenders that I recommend to clients. You can contact him at:
Jeff Harris
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
8830 Stanford Blvd. #302
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-1940 Tel
(410) 290-1818 Fax
jeffrey.harris@wellsfargo.com
www.wfhm.com/jeffrey-harris
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Social Media Madness
I am having so much fun blogging, tweeting on Twitter and connecting with people (especially those I haven't seen in years) through Facebook, Worth1000.com (a Photoshop and other creative outlets site where I am a not-too-active Juror) Reunion.com, Classmates, LinkedIn and the newest, Naymz. I'm generally listed as JudiStull or joodiebee on these sites if you'd like to connect.
A site that I just found and absolutely love is called The Common Craft Show http://commoncraft.com/show . There are short videos with paper cutouts that explain everything you'd need to know in plain English about subjects such as Twitter, RSS Feeds, Computer Hardware, Borrowing, Investing or Saving Money, Phishing Scams and yes, even Zombies! Be sure to check it out.
On Twitter, I not only follow friends' posts, but brief 140 character or less comments from people like Shaquille O'Neal, Lance Armstrong, Sen. John McCain, Tony Robbins, Martha Stewart, George Stephanopolis, Levar Burton, Jimmy Fallon and many more. I also am hooked up to Realtors all over the US so we can share ideas and tips - and connect for referrals. If you're not tweeting yet, check it out at http://twitter.com - look me up at JudiStull!
A site that I just found and absolutely love is called The Common Craft Show http://commoncraft.com/show . There are short videos with paper cutouts that explain everything you'd need to know in plain English about subjects such as Twitter, RSS Feeds, Computer Hardware, Borrowing, Investing or Saving Money, Phishing Scams and yes, even Zombies! Be sure to check it out.
On Twitter, I not only follow friends' posts, but brief 140 character or less comments from people like Shaquille O'Neal, Lance Armstrong, Sen. John McCain, Tony Robbins, Martha Stewart, George Stephanopolis, Levar Burton, Jimmy Fallon and many more. I also am hooked up to Realtors all over the US so we can share ideas and tips - and connect for referrals. If you're not tweeting yet, check it out at http://twitter.com - look me up at JudiStull!
Repealing the Death Penalty in Maryland?
Here's the message I received from (Democrat) Governor Martin OMalley on Facebook regarding yesterday's vote:
On Tuesday, the Maryland State Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would repeal the state’s death penalty and replace it with life without parole. Send a note to your Senator to show your support for a repeal of the death penalty.
Last year, we came together as One Maryland to achieve the second largest reduction in homicides since 1985. The death penalty was on the books—and had absolutely nothing to do with that life-saving work.
As mayor of Baltimore, Governor O’Malley witnessed horrendous crimes that called out for justice. The death penalty was on the books—and did absolutely nothing to prevent these awful crimes or help reduce violent crime by 40 percent.And the death penalty has had nothing to do with our efforts to improve public safety in our communities. It’s been done through innovative policing, expanded DNA fingerprinting, and local and state partnerships.
We’re continuing to make Maryland safer—but we don’t need an expensive and utterly ineffective death penalty to do it.
And here's the emailed newsletter post I received from (Republican) Senator Allan Kittleman:
The Maryland Senate voted to bring the death penalty repeal to the floor during their morning session today. Senator Lisa Gladden (D - Baltimore City) moved that the bill be substituted for the unfavorable report of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. That motion passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 22 nays. I voted Nay.
The next motion was to move the bill to second reader which would give the bill a favorable report by the full Senate. That motion passed by a vote of 24 yeas and 23 nays. I again voted Nay. President Miller announced that the Senate will have a second session today so that amendments may be offered and debated.
Here is the Senate website where you can check out updates http://www.mdsenategop.com/
From just reading these items I thought that the death penalty was proposed to be repealed only to be replaced by life in prison. But in reading the Republican Caucus Website coverage, it says:
First, Senator James Brochin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment to strip the repeal provisions but to require that a defendant could not be sentenced to the death penalty solely on the basis of eyewitness evidence. Under Brochin's heightened requirements, prosecutors would have to provide physical evidence in addition to any eyewitness testimony before the death penalty applied. This amendment passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 21 nays.
Second, Senator Robert Zirkin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment that provided more specific requirements for physical evidence that must be introduced before a defendant can be sentenced to a death penalty. The Zirkin provisions require that a prosecutor introduce either: (1) biological or DNA evidence; (2) a videotaped voluntary interrogation and confession of the defendant; or (3) a video-recording that conclusively links the defendant to the murder. This amendment passed by a vote of 33 yeas and 12 nays.
I believe that having more stringent guidelines for determining the death penalty is a good thing, but to continue on, not everyone thought so.
"What we are getting is a real mess!" bemoaned Senator Delores Kelly (D - Baltimore County). President Pro Tem Nathaniel McFadden added, "This is not one of the high points" of the Maryland Senate.
After about an hour of tumoil on the Senate floor, Senator EJ Pipkin (R - Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's & Caroline) move to recommit the bill back to the Judicial Proceedings Committee. The motion to recommit failed on a tie vote of 23 to 23.
Voting continues today, so I'll keep trying to figure out whether or not we have a death penalty in Maryland and/or if we have just more stringent guidelines for determining it. I know this has nothing to do with housing, but it is interesting!
On Tuesday, the Maryland State Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would repeal the state’s death penalty and replace it with life without parole. Send a note to your Senator to show your support for a repeal of the death penalty.
Last year, we came together as One Maryland to achieve the second largest reduction in homicides since 1985. The death penalty was on the books—and had absolutely nothing to do with that life-saving work.
As mayor of Baltimore, Governor O’Malley witnessed horrendous crimes that called out for justice. The death penalty was on the books—and did absolutely nothing to prevent these awful crimes or help reduce violent crime by 40 percent.And the death penalty has had nothing to do with our efforts to improve public safety in our communities. It’s been done through innovative policing, expanded DNA fingerprinting, and local and state partnerships.
We’re continuing to make Maryland safer—but we don’t need an expensive and utterly ineffective death penalty to do it.
And here's the emailed newsletter post I received from (Republican) Senator Allan Kittleman:
The Maryland Senate voted to bring the death penalty repeal to the floor during their morning session today. Senator Lisa Gladden (D - Baltimore City) moved that the bill be substituted for the unfavorable report of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. That motion passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 22 nays. I voted Nay.
The next motion was to move the bill to second reader which would give the bill a favorable report by the full Senate. That motion passed by a vote of 24 yeas and 23 nays. I again voted Nay. President Miller announced that the Senate will have a second session today so that amendments may be offered and debated.
Here is the Senate website where you can check out updates http://www.mdsenategop.com/
From just reading these items I thought that the death penalty was proposed to be repealed only to be replaced by life in prison. But in reading the Republican Caucus Website coverage, it says:
First, Senator James Brochin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment to strip the repeal provisions but to require that a defendant could not be sentenced to the death penalty solely on the basis of eyewitness evidence. Under Brochin's heightened requirements, prosecutors would have to provide physical evidence in addition to any eyewitness testimony before the death penalty applied. This amendment passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 21 nays.
Second, Senator Robert Zirkin (D - Baltimore County) offered an amendment that provided more specific requirements for physical evidence that must be introduced before a defendant can be sentenced to a death penalty. The Zirkin provisions require that a prosecutor introduce either: (1) biological or DNA evidence; (2) a videotaped voluntary interrogation and confession of the defendant; or (3) a video-recording that conclusively links the defendant to the murder. This amendment passed by a vote of 33 yeas and 12 nays.
I believe that having more stringent guidelines for determining the death penalty is a good thing, but to continue on, not everyone thought so.
"What we are getting is a real mess!" bemoaned Senator Delores Kelly (D - Baltimore County). President Pro Tem Nathaniel McFadden added, "This is not one of the high points" of the Maryland Senate.
After about an hour of tumoil on the Senate floor, Senator EJ Pipkin (R - Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's & Caroline) move to recommit the bill back to the Judicial Proceedings Committee. The motion to recommit failed on a tie vote of 23 to 23.
Voting continues today, so I'll keep trying to figure out whether or not we have a death penalty in Maryland and/or if we have just more stringent guidelines for determining it. I know this has nothing to do with housing, but it is interesting!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Real Estate CyberConvention is here again!
Have you ever gone to a convention in your pj's? It's that time of year again! Every year for the past five years or so, I've attended an online convention, with classes, online instruction that can be accessed throughout the day, great speakers and even booths of vendors with giveaways. I can listen in whenever I want and it's all FREE! If you're a Realtor or in a real estate related business (I suspect anyone else who wanted to learn could come too) register today for the RECS CyberConvention being held Feb. 22 through 28th. Click on the link above (It may be in the title, I can't seem to get this linking thing to work right!) to register. Be sure to tell them that Judi Stull sent you!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
More on Tax Credits
Yet another update about the tax credits reported on earlier. The $8000 is for First Time Home Buyers buying their principal residence. Here's a note from Jeff Harris at Wells Fargo:
"I read a preliminary summary of the new Tax Credit in the Economic Stimulus Package. The credit is $8,000 for first time homebuyers purchasing their principal residence. (not vacation homes or rental properties). The credit would be calculated when the tax returns are done, not provided at closing.
Looks like the 2008 higher loan limits are also being reinstated. That will bring Howard County up from $494,500 to $560,000!"
The $15,000 proposed tax credit is for any home buyer, not just first timers, buying a principal residence. It has gone through the Senate and Congress as of today and is waiting for the President's signature. More to come as I get it!
"I read a preliminary summary of the new Tax Credit in the Economic Stimulus Package. The credit is $8,000 for first time homebuyers purchasing their principal residence. (not vacation homes or rental properties). The credit would be calculated when the tax returns are done, not provided at closing.
Looks like the 2008 higher loan limits are also being reinstated. That will bring Howard County up from $494,500 to $560,000!"
The $15,000 proposed tax credit is for any home buyer, not just first timers, buying a principal residence. It has gone through the Senate and Congress as of today and is waiting for the President's signature. More to come as I get it!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Updates on the Stimulus Package and More Legislative Updates
Well, there may be some changes to what I blogged last time - here's what I just received from Mike Homberg, a Branch Manager at 1st Mariner Bank:
Here is what has passed and you can see (the) affect (on) our industry:
For qualified home purchases in 2009, the legislation:
Stipulates that the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid, unlike the tax credit passed last summer;
Keeps the tax credit refundable, or claimable regardless of tax liability;
Extends the sunset date from July 1, 2009 until Dec. 1, 2009 so that consumers can utilize it during the critical summer and fall buying months;
Allows tax credit home buyers to participate in the mortgage revenue bond program; and
Permits state housing finance agencies to help buyers at closing by advancing the credit amount as a loan using tax-exempt bond proceeds. (If CDA adopts this, it could be a great opportunity for 1st time buyers because they will have the money upfront to spend.)
So, I don't know yet whether we get $8000 or $15000 for home buyers, but I do know that the National Home Builders Association was saying that it had to be $15000 and was working for that number. We'll wait and see as more changes come up.
I also heard from State Delegate Warren Miller today with a run down on what's happening in Annapolis. They started voting on bills this week, but as there are 1307 bills in the House and another 915 in the State Senate with more to come, they've got their work cut out for them this session. He had some good information about some "Bad Bills" coming up, one for selling garments with fur or other animal products and one for presumption of abandonment on gift certificates. Since it doesn't have to do with housing, I won't post it here, but feel free to write to me or to Del. Miller for more information.
From his email: "The Maryland General Assembly's website address is mlis.state.md.us You are welcome to review all bills that have been filed for this session and then let me know your opinion. I also encourage you to come to Annapolis and make your views heard. You can email me at warren.miller@house.state.md.us to find out more about the Legislative process."
It is our duty and privilege to learn more about our government and how it works. At a course yesterday on 2009 Legislative Updates it was pointed out by a classmate that "some looney" from down the road might really want something done and keeps bugging their legislator until to get rid of them, the legislator may introduce a bill suggesting their (the looney's) idea. (These are technical terms, folks!) If we don't pay attention to what's going on in our government and speak up, then not only might this crazy idea get passed, but it then reflects upon all of us and affects all of us.
I've been told that one call or email from us to our legislators is worth the thoughts of 500 people. So make your voice heard! Speak up for the things that are important to you!
Here is what has passed and you can see (the) affect (on) our industry:
For qualified home purchases in 2009, the legislation:
Stipulates that the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid, unlike the tax credit passed last summer;
Keeps the tax credit refundable, or claimable regardless of tax liability;
Extends the sunset date from July 1, 2009 until Dec. 1, 2009 so that consumers can utilize it during the critical summer and fall buying months;
Allows tax credit home buyers to participate in the mortgage revenue bond program; and
Permits state housing finance agencies to help buyers at closing by advancing the credit amount as a loan using tax-exempt bond proceeds. (If CDA adopts this, it could be a great opportunity for 1st time buyers because they will have the money upfront to spend.)
So, I don't know yet whether we get $8000 or $15000 for home buyers, but I do know that the National Home Builders Association was saying that it had to be $15000 and was working for that number. We'll wait and see as more changes come up.
I also heard from State Delegate Warren Miller today with a run down on what's happening in Annapolis. They started voting on bills this week, but as there are 1307 bills in the House and another 915 in the State Senate with more to come, they've got their work cut out for them this session. He had some good information about some "Bad Bills" coming up, one for selling garments with fur or other animal products and one for presumption of abandonment on gift certificates. Since it doesn't have to do with housing, I won't post it here, but feel free to write to me or to Del. Miller for more information.
From his email: "The Maryland General Assembly's website address is mlis.state.md.us You are welcome to review all bills that have been filed for this session and then let me know your opinion. I also encourage you to come to Annapolis and make your views heard. You can email me at warren.miller@house.state.md.us to find out more about the Legislative process."
It is our duty and privilege to learn more about our government and how it works. At a course yesterday on 2009 Legislative Updates it was pointed out by a classmate that "some looney" from down the road might really want something done and keeps bugging their legislator until to get rid of them, the legislator may introduce a bill suggesting their (the looney's) idea. (These are technical terms, folks!) If we don't pay attention to what's going on in our government and speak up, then not only might this crazy idea get passed, but it then reflects upon all of us and affects all of us.
I've been told that one call or email from us to our legislators is worth the thoughts of 500 people. So make your voice heard! Speak up for the things that are important to you!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
$15000 Tax Credit for Homeowners?
Yesterday, the Senate passed an un-precedented Economic Stimulus package worth $838 Billion, more than the one suggested by the House at $819 Billion, in the hopes that Pres. Obama will sign it on President's Day next week. There's still scant Republican support for the bill and some of the items on it are questionable, in my mind and the minds of many others, (such as $1B for improving parks, which is nice but has nothing to do with stimulating the economy!) but it will provide a great opportunity for home buyers. A $15000 tax credit for people purchasing their primary residence is proposed.
According to the article linked above, "The bipartisan amendment to the stimulus package, offered by Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) and approved by unanimous voice vote, would create a $15,000 home buyer tax credit available to all purchasers of a principle residence for one year after its date of enactment. The tax credit would not have to be repaid and buyers could claim it against their 2008 and/or 2009 tax returns.
The $15,000 home buyer tax credit would replace and sunset a much narrower tax credit that was enacted last year. Available only to first-time home buyers, the current $7,500 tax credit works like an interest-free loan that must be repaid over a 15-year period. It is set to expire on July 1.
Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will spark the activity the economy needs to stop shedding jobs and begin creating them, said Robson."
While the First Time Buyer tax credit loan was a great idea, I really love the idea of offering ALL buyers a $15000 tax credit that does not need to be repaid! This will help reduce the overloaded inventory of homes available throughout the country, allow first time buyers a huge incentive to purchase a home at a great rate and help slow foreclosures and increase consumer confidence, which is certain to have a positive reaction in recovery from this tough economic time.
While this change affects me directly and that makes me happy, I still can see such a wonderful outcome for the country that I have to applaud it for it's own sake.
I met with Senator Allan Kittleman and our Howard County District 9 Delegates Warren Miller and Gail Bates on Wednesday night at the Dist. 9 Open House in Annapolis - along with a couple hundred other people I guess! However, in talking with Warren and with Gail, who are both Republicans, I can see that they are happy that legislation will be taking place that will help the recovery. They are all working hard to protect our interests in Howard County, and though I now live in Carroll County, I'm still proud of the jobs that they are doing. I spoke briefly with my current Senator, David Brinkley, who is wonderful and always willing to talk with his constituents. I spoke with Senator Larry Haines for Westminster, who is also a Realtor, so I see him regularly, but he does an excellent job also.
If you have the opportunity to meet with your elected officials, please do so. They love to hear what is going on in the community.
According to the article linked above, "The bipartisan amendment to the stimulus package, offered by Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) and approved by unanimous voice vote, would create a $15,000 home buyer tax credit available to all purchasers of a principle residence for one year after its date of enactment. The tax credit would not have to be repaid and buyers could claim it against their 2008 and/or 2009 tax returns.
The $15,000 home buyer tax credit would replace and sunset a much narrower tax credit that was enacted last year. Available only to first-time home buyers, the current $7,500 tax credit works like an interest-free loan that must be repaid over a 15-year period. It is set to expire on July 1.
Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will spark the activity the economy needs to stop shedding jobs and begin creating them, said Robson."
While the First Time Buyer tax credit loan was a great idea, I really love the idea of offering ALL buyers a $15000 tax credit that does not need to be repaid! This will help reduce the overloaded inventory of homes available throughout the country, allow first time buyers a huge incentive to purchase a home at a great rate and help slow foreclosures and increase consumer confidence, which is certain to have a positive reaction in recovery from this tough economic time.
While this change affects me directly and that makes me happy, I still can see such a wonderful outcome for the country that I have to applaud it for it's own sake.
I met with Senator Allan Kittleman and our Howard County District 9 Delegates Warren Miller and Gail Bates on Wednesday night at the Dist. 9 Open House in Annapolis - along with a couple hundred other people I guess! However, in talking with Warren and with Gail, who are both Republicans, I can see that they are happy that legislation will be taking place that will help the recovery. They are all working hard to protect our interests in Howard County, and though I now live in Carroll County, I'm still proud of the jobs that they are doing. I spoke briefly with my current Senator, David Brinkley, who is wonderful and always willing to talk with his constituents. I spoke with Senator Larry Haines for Westminster, who is also a Realtor, so I see him regularly, but he does an excellent job also.
If you have the opportunity to meet with your elected officials, please do so. They love to hear what is going on in the community.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
New Year, New Business, New Blog, New Everything!
I've cleared out the archives and decided to start over. As of the beginning of 2009, I was back to just being Judi Stull at RE/MAX Advantage Realty. I currently don't have a team or belong to someone else's team and it's really great!
I'm seeing a change in the real estate market locally. In January, I listed three properties, two of which sold within a few days of listing them. Prices have come down some, interest rates are some of the best we've ever seen and it seems that people aren't quite as nervous about making a move. It's encouraging!
According to the latest from the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), housing affordability has improved in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the First Time Homebuyers Housing Affordability Index rose to 62.2 percent from the third quarter level of 54.6 percent. "Compared to 2006 and 2007 levels of 46.6 and 49.3 percent respectively, this is a substantial improvement to Maryland consumers." You can read the entire article and see past quarterly statistics here: http://mdrealtor.org/HousingResearchStatistics/HomebuyerAffordabilityIndex/tabid/160/Default.aspx
According to MAR's Housing Statistics for December 2008 and as reported by MRIS, here are a few interesting facts about the Counties where I most often work:
Units Sold, first for 2008 then compared to 2007 and the percentage difference
Anne Arundel Co. - 301, 401, -24.9%
Baltimore City - 319, 445, -28.3%
Baltimore County - 450, 471, - 4.5%
Carroll County - 81, 107, -24.3%
Frederick County - 145, 160, - 9.4%
Howard County - 171, 196, -12.8%
All Maryland - 3227, 3550, - 9.1%
Changes in Average Price for 2008, then 2007 and the percentage changed
Anne Arundel Co. - $364,760, $395,990, - 7.9%
Baltimore City - $169,907, $177,397, - 4.2%
Baltimore County - $284,627, $306,021, - 7.0%
Carroll County - $344,906, $345,820, - 0.3%
Frederick County - $276,595, $326,373, -15.3%
Howard County - $416,933, $463,153, -10.0%
All Maryland - $315,934, $347,209, - 9.0%
Active Inventory for Dec. 2008, then compared to Dec. 2007
Anne Arundel Co. - 3810, 3876
Baltimore City - 4563, 5473
Baltimore County - 4360, 4028
Carroll County - 1160, 1115
Frederick County - 1872, 2006
Howard County - 1622, 1677
All Maryland - 43,674, 44,097
Sorry, all of my carefully composed spacing isn't staying and it's making that hard to read.
However, I'm sure you can see as well as I can that Howard County is staying pretty close to the Maryland average, and is somewhere near the middle of the few counties that I've shown here. While Frederick County has not dropped off quite as much in sales, they have had one of the larger drops in value.
Our Government Affairs group at MAR has given us a list of six items that are some of our 2009 Legislative Issues. The one that I think would be most interesting here is number 6.
Real Estate Taxes: MAR opposes new real estate taxes. Although the real estate industry generates about one-quarter of economic activity in the state, it generates about 45% of total County/City government revenues. Maryland ranks 13th among U.S. states in terms of absolute real estate tax levels.
I will continue to attend meetings in Annapolis throughout this year and speak to our legislators about our opposition to new Real Estate Taxes. I will be in Annapolis on Monday to speak with Senator Allan Kittleman, and Delegates Gail Bates, Warren Miller and Susan Krebs about this and other items. They are all "Real Estate Friendly" legislators already. While I understand that our government does need money to run, I think our home owners pay their fair share already and am working to keep our home ownership costs low. Please continue to vote and to contact our legislators about issues that are close to your heart!
Have a great month!
I'm seeing a change in the real estate market locally. In January, I listed three properties, two of which sold within a few days of listing them. Prices have come down some, interest rates are some of the best we've ever seen and it seems that people aren't quite as nervous about making a move. It's encouraging!
According to the latest from the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), housing affordability has improved in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the First Time Homebuyers Housing Affordability Index rose to 62.2 percent from the third quarter level of 54.6 percent. "Compared to 2006 and 2007 levels of 46.6 and 49.3 percent respectively, this is a substantial improvement to Maryland consumers." You can read the entire article and see past quarterly statistics here: http://mdrealtor.org/HousingResearchStatistics/HomebuyerAffordabilityIndex/tabid/160/Default.aspx
According to MAR's Housing Statistics for December 2008 and as reported by MRIS, here are a few interesting facts about the Counties where I most often work:
Units Sold, first for 2008 then compared to 2007 and the percentage difference
Anne Arundel Co. - 301, 401, -24.9%
Baltimore City - 319, 445, -28.3%
Baltimore County - 450, 471, - 4.5%
Carroll County - 81, 107, -24.3%
Frederick County - 145, 160, - 9.4%
Howard County - 171, 196, -12.8%
All Maryland - 3227, 3550, - 9.1%
Changes in Average Price for 2008, then 2007 and the percentage changed
Anne Arundel Co. - $364,760, $395,990, - 7.9%
Baltimore City - $169,907, $177,397, - 4.2%
Baltimore County - $284,627, $306,021, - 7.0%
Carroll County - $344,906, $345,820, - 0.3%
Frederick County - $276,595, $326,373, -15.3%
Howard County - $416,933, $463,153, -10.0%
All Maryland - $315,934, $347,209, - 9.0%
Active Inventory for Dec. 2008, then compared to Dec. 2007
Anne Arundel Co. - 3810, 3876
Baltimore City - 4563, 5473
Baltimore County - 4360, 4028
Carroll County - 1160, 1115
Frederick County - 1872, 2006
Howard County - 1622, 1677
All Maryland - 43,674, 44,097
Sorry, all of my carefully composed spacing isn't staying and it's making that hard to read.
However, I'm sure you can see as well as I can that Howard County is staying pretty close to the Maryland average, and is somewhere near the middle of the few counties that I've shown here. While Frederick County has not dropped off quite as much in sales, they have had one of the larger drops in value.
Our Government Affairs group at MAR has given us a list of six items that are some of our 2009 Legislative Issues. The one that I think would be most interesting here is number 6.
Real Estate Taxes: MAR opposes new real estate taxes. Although the real estate industry generates about one-quarter of economic activity in the state, it generates about 45% of total County/City government revenues. Maryland ranks 13th among U.S. states in terms of absolute real estate tax levels.
I will continue to attend meetings in Annapolis throughout this year and speak to our legislators about our opposition to new Real Estate Taxes. I will be in Annapolis on Monday to speak with Senator Allan Kittleman, and Delegates Gail Bates, Warren Miller and Susan Krebs about this and other items. They are all "Real Estate Friendly" legislators already. While I understand that our government does need money to run, I think our home owners pay their fair share already and am working to keep our home ownership costs low. Please continue to vote and to contact our legislators about issues that are close to your heart!
Have a great month!
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