November 21, 2008
Zoning out to the local news last night I was snapped back into reality as the reporter stated the latest economic prediction: the recession will last into 2010 and that unemployment rates will sit around 7.5% next year. It seems like awfully dismal news. In fact aren’t we trying to boost our moral right now? I am sure you have noticed the early holiday season beginning mid-October, the declining gas prices (thank you OPEC- for fueling our addiction to your oil!) and not to mention the constant parade of financial advisors still encouraging to invest; buy low, sell high. But how am I supposed to buy low when I have no money to spend?
It’s not that long ago those experts were trying to explain this financial crisis we are in. While I have had my fill of CNN experts and Financial Analysis’ jumbled messages blaming the housing industry, the banking industry and countless others, I have found some clarity. It is a refreshingly simple video that explains the “Mortgage Banking Meltdown.” Colorful, descriptive graphics relay a complex issue with simple narration in under 3 minutes. I found that the few minutes it took to watch this video did a much better job than three plus months of news anchor chat.
Beyond explaining one of the reasons behind our financial woes this video evokes a powerful question for the housing industry:
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November 13, 2008
There is a lot of hype circulating about the new law passed a few months ago through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The law passed is a tax credit that will be available to First-time Homebuyers, up to $7,500. The idea is that it will help people afford their first home and in turn stimulate the economy, hopefully building confidence once again in the American Dream.
While initially the tax credit sounds like a great deal there are a few restrictions and limitations in the fine print. Below we will review the basic outline for qualifying for this credit.
First-Time Home Buyer: A buyer who has not owned a principal residence for the past three years. If you are married and you haven’t but your spouse has owned a residence within the past three years, you will not qualify.
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November 7, 2008
Lets take a look at how to set up an eBusiness Team. These guidelines will by no means define your eBusiness Team but they will help you move in the right direction when creating the department. Keep in mind that this is a learning process. We recommend that you re-evaluate your eBusiness on a monthly basis.
Follow these steps to get your eBusiness Team started:
- Forget about Relocation – keep eBusiness as a separate department
- Your First Critical Choice: Profit Center versus Service Center
- You must have proper staffing and adequate staffing for your eBusiness to be successful
- Know where your inquiries are coming from
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