Happy New Year Atlantic County NJ – What Happened?

Well, Alot happened. The economic downturn is still downturning. 14 million Americans are still out of work. Foreclosures are still piling up. We lost some fabulous people- some famous and some not so famous – Heavy D, Vesta Williams, Steve Jobs, Joe Frazier, Nick Ashford and Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth. Some of the media is saying that we may be going into a double dip recession.

I was watching Deep Impact last night with Morgan Freeman and Tea Leoni. Tea Leoni plays a rookie reporter looking for her “big break” on a gushy story. Well, she thinks she’s onto something when she speaks with one of the secretary’s who was let go from a former senator and believes that the Senator played by Jim Cromwell I believe is having an affair with a woman named Elle. Well, of course, come to find out Elle is actually E.L.E. – The end of the world with a big bang from an asteroid that will cause an Extinction Level Event – the end of the world. Of course, the government has been planning for the worse case scenario so they prepare for starting over again by building an underground facility to hold 1 million people – 200,000 scientists and medical people and only 800,000 who will be chosen by the computer as long as you’re not over 50. Anyway, I remember Morgan Freeman’s character saying that “the water will recede and we will go on” which meant that many won’t make it but there will be people left to move forward and forge ahead and create a new world.

This brings us to the end of 2011. We lost some great minds of science, some great musicians and regular citizens who all brought grace, elegance, love and fabulousness to those they knew personally and professionally. If we got a chance to get a piece of what they had to offer, we’re all the better for that. As we head into 2012, it is time to renew, re-create, re-generate and move forward never forgetting those who left us before and taking what they gave us with them.

WE WILL GO ON….Foreclosures will recede, 14 million Americans will get back to work,  we’ll never forget  those we lost and if a double dip recession does hit, we will deal with as we always have and get through. We will either elect a new President or re-elect President Obama…WE WILL GO ON.

Hope is Alive….H.A.R.P. is revised. Although it is limited to Freddie Mac and Fannie backed loans it is dropping the requirement that homes being refinanced have a new appraisal done. In September 2011, new home construction in the U.S. increased 15 percent compared to August according to the Commerce Department. U.S. home sales have decreased after a surge in August but I don’t believe that the dream of homeownership is completely dead.  I believe it has changed. How buyers have to buy will probably change meaning they will need a bigger downpayment. However, this should be looked upon as good news because better preparation overall for homeownership can only be good for everyone – the home buyer, the home seller and the economy overall.

In 10 hours Eastern time it will be January 1, 2012 – A New Year with new challenges and new dreams to conquer. We can do it. I believe we can. I believe we have everything in us that we need to succeed.

If I can offer my assistance in anyway to help you get the home of your dreams, sell the home you have now and move on to other adventures, Invest or if you just have questions please allow me the opportunity to earn your trust and be of service. Please leave a comment below asking your question and we can build a great relationship.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year Everyone – Be Blissful – Be Thankful

Atlantic County NJ – Don’t Forget about Those Less Fortunate

I recently assisted at the Triple Play Realtor Convention & Trade Expo in Atlantic City. I assisted the last day, Thursday, December 8. There was a table for Atlantic City Rescue Mission where you could bring whatever foods or personal items that those at the mission could use to make their lives a little easier.  The table wasn’t that full when I left but maybe more was added after I did leave. This makes me think that we all hustle and bustle to get through our day and worry about paying our bills, etc. etc. etc. but there is someone – usually a whole family that is less fortunate and could use your help. I did put my little bag together of some personal items and foods and brought it with me to add to what was already there. I don’t believe in asking anyone to do something that I am not willing to do myself and neither should you.

I’m thinking going into 2012 wouldn’t it be nice to at least attempt to help the resuce mission every month and make it habit as much as you can. Even if you do six months that will be more than you may have done in the past. Of course, if you are already giving your time and money and have made this a part of your legacy and who you are then I’m not talking to you. I’m just catching up.

I believe it is a good idea as we come to the close of 2011 and move forward into 2012 that we all take a moment to think of others and not only ourselves. My mother used to always say to me, “I cried because I had no shoes until I saw the man who had no feet”.

Remember, there is always someone doing worse than you or better than you so be grateful for what you have or don’t have and don’t forget others as we move forward to 2012 and remember to try to make someone else’s day special. We can all start to do that with a simple smile. I believe Kirk Franklin’s got me covered on that one with “I Smile”. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8SPwT3nQZ8

If you live in one of the 21 counties of Atlantic County, check with a food pantry or shelter near you to see how you can help.

If you live in Atlantic City and want to help you know they are near the Convention Center or call 609-345-5517 or check the website www.acrescuemission.org. The website has a updated monthly list of items that the rescue mission can use to help those in need.

Everyone Have a Happy New Year and Be Safe Be Loved !

Atlantic County NJ Happy Holidays!

As we move closer to the end of 2011 and enter 2012, this is a great time to reflect on what your life looks like now and what you may want your life to look like for the next 12 months. Do you want to lose weight? Don’t we all? Well, then get to it. Do you want to make more money? Don’t we all? Well, then get to it. Do you want to have a better life than the life you have now? Don’t we all? Well, you know what I’m going to say – Well, get to it. You get the general idea.

I was in the supermarket the other day — well actually Sam’s which is much more than a regular supermarket for the first time myself to shop with a friend because that’s where they shop and since I never shopped there before, I thought I was missing out on something so I wanted to go. When we arrived, I was overwhelmed by the experience. It took me a minute to get a grip and realize that I had to go bigger for everything in there that I wanted. Then I watched everyone else strategically shopping and moving through the store with such precision and I thought to myself, WOW – if we all were to undertake the same strategic precision with planning our lives that we undertake in shopping for our groceries, we would all have a much bigger life in all aspects – mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, etc. because it would all be moved toward in a strategic manner already thought out and planned so there would be little room for error.

If you fail to plan then you plan to fail. I don’t know who the author is right off hand of these words, but going into 2012 I definitely have a plan to make my life bigger and better. I hope you do too. If you haven’t thought about before then think about it now. Well, enjoy your holiday time with family, friends and other loved ones. Wishing you the best for 2012 — Well, then get to it! :).

Be Grateful Be Joyous Be Abundant

Do Home Sellers Have to Sell Differently in this Market?

Good Question. What has changed? The way buyers have to buy has changed  because of the tightening of credit standards with higher scores and no more credit issued without income verification and no more or very limited stated income – these things have changed. But what are buyers looking for? A nice home they love with all of the rooms and garage space and number of bathrooms and closets big enough for their current and future wardrobe and bedrooms large enough to comfortably accomodate their lovely furniture. A place they can call home.  No, that has not changed.

So home sellers in this market still have to do what has been done in the markets past – make their home stand out, make the home appealing for the buyer and most importantly price the home right for the market.

Are you ready, willing and able to do that – price your home right for the market. If you need help with pricing your home right, please leave me a comment or ask a question.