It is time....to make a difference. Individually and collectively. Not moan and complain but make a difference.
How....take action. Any number of ways.
Share positives....with friends, associates...
....about our country....we are the number one economy in the world...in many metrics...like GDP, R+D spending; Population Growth; Health Care Spending; and we are secure/ stable ( economic system, political system, military).
....about our region.....we are a diverse region. Yes we have the auto business ...and it will survive...and with hard work and the right people making good decisions...and with more normal market conditions .... will again prosper.
....but there are many other industries and other successful economic stories here.....from the furniture industry, and aerospace, to health care, to higher education, to consumer goods and retail and agriculture We are a diverse economy....
Beyond the industries that drive our economy, we have been blessed with some of the most beautiful natural surroundings and resources in the world....from Lake Michigan..to the many lakes and streams, the forests and dunes as well as abundant productive farm lands.
Our education system is good, and cost of living is relatively low.
This is a great place to live......and work....we have it all (including snow).
...... be heard....take action....
Wall Street has a loud voice....and they were heard. (the banks) recieved something many of them did not even need nor want And it appears the effort has had little or no affect freeing up credit and getting the economy going.
Have a loud voice....Tell your representative to get the incentives to where they will be used, and where they will make a difference.... your street...not Wall Street. Go to http://www.fixhousingfirst.com/ and see the ideas there. A tax incentive for home buyers makes sense....lower interest rates...makes sense......and both will make a difference.....It is generally accepted that for every 1% drop in interest rate another 1/2 million homes (annually) will be sold. If that holds true our current over inventory condition will go to less than the generally accepted "balanced " level of inventory ( 5-6 months supply) in short order (in one year or less)..... Sign up on the site ...send an email to your Senators, your Representative supporting this proposal.....do something.....and be heard....you will make a difference.
Rock On!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Rock On!
On March 4, 1933, in his inauguraladdress, Franklin D. Roosevelt said the following; "First off let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat to advance".
These words have as much meaning today as they did then. It is time for us to move on from the fear that is by the nature of the news we hear, being promoted daily. Go for it...move on. If nothing else you will feel allot better. There is good in the world...and in our area.
There are some good things happening in building...yes right here in West Michigan. N0 doubt the market remains challenging...but believe it or not....there are people who want and need new homes...and we are here to serve that need. A bunch of reasons come to mind...for someone to buy a new home now....prices are great...as builders we are motivated to sell....interest rates are low...and with new construction new technology and techniques make energy savings a very significant and compelling reason to buy a new home ....
Lets not fear....fear....lets move on! It is time.
Rock on!
These words have as much meaning today as they did then. It is time for us to move on from the fear that is by the nature of the news we hear, being promoted daily. Go for it...move on. If nothing else you will feel allot better. There is good in the world...and in our area.
There are some good things happening in building...yes right here in West Michigan. N0 doubt the market remains challenging...but believe it or not....there are people who want and need new homes...and we are here to serve that need. A bunch of reasons come to mind...for someone to buy a new home now....prices are great...as builders we are motivated to sell....interest rates are low...and with new construction new technology and techniques make energy savings a very significant and compelling reason to buy a new home ....
Lets not fear....fear....lets move on! It is time.
Rock on!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
We certainly have a lot to be thankful for. Our country is blessed with great resources and great people, and most of all freedom.
Enjoy the holiday and take the time to give thanks for all that you have been blessed with.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the holiday and take the time to give thanks for all that you have been blessed with.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Good News....lets share it.....
When all about you are loosing their heads.....keep yours....
It certainly is a crazy world. Today oil prices went below $50 per barrel. The stock market (Dow Jones Industrial Average) is below 8000 ...(goodness knows that may change in the next few minutes), and the auto industry is on the brink of a survival/death match.
If you listen to the news it would seem it is time to just throw in the towel, and go live in the woods. But alas, there is hope. And it starts with each of us....not denying times are challenging...but not allowing the news or the world or whatever, to grind us down. The power of one is a start of something...the power of many working together for positive change, is the beginning of something great. Let's choose positive change...together.
As a builder we are very blessed. Contrary to what some may think (because of the constant stream of bad news) there are customers out there that need new homes. We are serving their new housing needs right now. And everyone one of these customers are making a good decision...and investment, right now. They are getting a beautiful new home, built with the highest level of care quality and technology, in gorgeous communities, at absolutely the best prices possible. I think that is something good that need be shared.
I am sure there are many other similar "positive" stories in the building business and other business's that we can all be proud of. Lets shout the news from the mountain top. Eventually our voices will be heard, and the tide will change. We can make a difference.
It certainly is a crazy world. Today oil prices went below $50 per barrel. The stock market (Dow Jones Industrial Average) is below 8000 ...(goodness knows that may change in the next few minutes), and the auto industry is on the brink of a survival/death match.
If you listen to the news it would seem it is time to just throw in the towel, and go live in the woods. But alas, there is hope. And it starts with each of us....not denying times are challenging...but not allowing the news or the world or whatever, to grind us down. The power of one is a start of something...the power of many working together for positive change, is the beginning of something great. Let's choose positive change...together.
As a builder we are very blessed. Contrary to what some may think (because of the constant stream of bad news) there are customers out there that need new homes. We are serving their new housing needs right now. And everyone one of these customers are making a good decision...and investment, right now. They are getting a beautiful new home, built with the highest level of care quality and technology, in gorgeous communities, at absolutely the best prices possible. I think that is something good that need be shared.
I am sure there are many other similar "positive" stories in the building business and other business's that we can all be proud of. Lets shout the news from the mountain top. Eventually our voices will be heard, and the tide will change. We can make a difference.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Use the Tools!
Somehow the Federal Tax incentive for first time homebuyers has been under utilized...or at least it appears to be so....and it should not be. What a great deal.....a first time homebuyer can literally get an interest free loan from the Federal Government, and pay it back over 15 years.
How it works;
The credit is available for first time homebuyers.
The maximum amount is $7500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.
Single Tax Payers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest free loan and must be repaid over a 15 year period.
For more information go to; http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
In addition to this tax advantage...which is unprecedented ....it is also a great time to buy...prices are as low as they will go...and at Eastbrook Homes...we are matching the $7500 credit with a special $7500 First Time Homebuyers incentive....contact me for details....
Use the tools and resources available...it can be a great time to buy...now.
How it works;
The credit is available for first time homebuyers.
The maximum amount is $7500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.
Single Tax Payers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest free loan and must be repaid over a 15 year period.
For more information go to; http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
In addition to this tax advantage...which is unprecedented ....it is also a great time to buy...prices are as low as they will go...and at Eastbrook Homes...we are matching the $7500 credit with a special $7500 First Time Homebuyers incentive....contact me for details....
Use the tools and resources available...it can be a great time to buy...now.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Its a crazy world or Stop the madness.
Certainly a lot going on in the financial world right now. Things that can scare the heck out of people. But lets not get too carried away by the news....and at the same time recognize there are real challenges we must overcome.
Is it possible we are getting over run by the negative simply because of the "momentum" the bad news has gained...be it the press or wall street or main street? Sure, the market has dropped in value..and yes Fannie and Freddie are under "new management"....and Lehman is gone...Merrill Lynch is part of Bank of America...and AIG was bailed out....by a big loan. None of those things can be ignored....but....things like this have happened before....be they the savings and loan crises, the oil crises of the late 70's....and many business's failed...or were bailed out...and each time this has happened...we have come out stronger than before.
This is America....our economy is resilient, and we...the people will do what it takes to make our country, our lives better. Right now our economy is growing ( fact at over 3% ). Interest rates are good. And home prices are not ever going to be more of a bargain. At some point in the near future...some will be forced to say...why didn't I buy then...I missed the best values...ever.
So stop the madness..... ... I hope you buy a new home....if nothing else...be one of those brave souls that face the challenges of today knowing that even with these challenges...the sky is not falling...and opportunity exists now...and that the future is bright...and we will prosper.
Is it possible we are getting over run by the negative simply because of the "momentum" the bad news has gained...be it the press or wall street or main street? Sure, the market has dropped in value..and yes Fannie and Freddie are under "new management"....and Lehman is gone...Merrill Lynch is part of Bank of America...and AIG was bailed out....by a big loan. None of those things can be ignored....but....things like this have happened before....be they the savings and loan crises, the oil crises of the late 70's....and many business's failed...or were bailed out...and each time this has happened...we have come out stronger than before.
This is America....our economy is resilient, and we...the people will do what it takes to make our country, our lives better. Right now our economy is growing ( fact at over 3% ). Interest rates are good. And home prices are not ever going to be more of a bargain. At some point in the near future...some will be forced to say...why didn't I buy then...I missed the best values...ever.
So stop the madness..... ... I hope you buy a new home....if nothing else...be one of those brave souls that face the challenges of today knowing that even with these challenges...the sky is not falling...and opportunity exists now...and that the future is bright...and we will prosper.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Questions for you...
What makes a difference to you?
Instead of telling you what I think...what do you think?
1) How do you get your news? TV, Newspaper, Internet?
2) Which of those to you have the most confidence in ( rely on)?
3) I am involved in building and selling communities and new homes....where do/ wher would you look when / if trying to find a new home or new community in which to live?
4) What is your general outlook and confidence in the economy? Local and National?
Thanks for considering a reply to the above. Have a great day!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Response to Emma
Thanks to Emma for your question pertaining to the Federal Tax Credit for a home purchase (recent Housing Tax Act of 2008 passed on July 28th 2008);
Basically the idea is to stimulate housing sales…
The tax credit works as follows:
Who is eligible?
Thanks for the question Emma…I hope this helps...
Basically the idea is to stimulate housing sales…
The tax credit works as follows:
Who is eligible?
- Any individual or family that has not owned a home in the last three years, or never owned a home.
- Income (adjusted gross) limits are $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a couple.
- Must be a resident of the U.S.
- The home must be your principal residence.
- The purchase need take place after April 9, 2008 and before June 30 of 2009.
- The IRS will cut up to $7500 in your tax bill in 2008 or 2009.
Example: if you owe $4000 to the IRS on you4 08 tax, the $7500 credit would wipe out everything you owe plus get you a $3500 refund! If your tax bill is less than the credit amount…you get the difference back from the treasury.
- This is like an interest free loan from the government…it is paid back over a 15 year period. For the $7500 credit…it is $500 per year.
Thanks for the question Emma…I hope this helps...
The Sky Is NOT Falling!
Home Prices have dropped in our area over the last 18 months. While this is no fun to acknowledge or deal with (if you have to sell now) it is a fact. The length of time it takes to sell a home is also longer than we have historically seen.
That said….unless you believe the sky is falling (our economy), the market will change and improve…values will begin rising again……Frankly.. it is the “best time to buy” right now. if you are buying or “moving up” ….why…values are at or near the lowest they will be…..interest rates are at historically low levels (they will go up)…..and now the government is providing a great tax incentive for first time home buyers ($7500 ……it is truly the best time to buy…..and I might add ……. There are more good reasons to “buy new, buy now”.
Why new vs. old?…..
That said….unless you believe the sky is falling (our economy), the market will change and improve…values will begin rising again……Frankly.. it is the “best time to buy” right now. if you are buying or “moving up” ….why…values are at or near the lowest they will be…..interest rates are at historically low levels (they will go up)…..and now the government is providing a great tax incentive for first time home buyers ($7500 ……it is truly the best time to buy…..and I might add ……. There are more good reasons to “buy new, buy now”.
Why new vs. old?…..
- Prices
Prices are the best they have been in years. - Sites
Sites in new communities are at great pricing. You can purchase a home site in a world class new community at a great value. - Building costs
While material costs have not come down across the board…some materials have (law of supply and demand) so costs are reasonable….and … we as builders have improved our efficiencies…to bring even greater value….. and we have sharpened our pencils…best values! - Green Built and Energy Savings
A well constructed new home is astronomically better than the majority of homes in the existing home market. Savings of hundreds of dollars a month can be found. Savings in energy, savings in materials….saving money…all are examples of good stewardship of our resources…and is very friendly to the environment…..green…..
Example: A new Eastbrook Home, built with our DR Nelson Technology and Energy Star Plus® standards, offers as much as $116 per month savings compared another new home built to base code requirements.
Compared to an existing home….say 15 years old…the savings will be much much more. (contact me to review these savings) - Maintenance
Maintenance of a new home is much less than old……materials used today are both more durable and almost maintenance free. The amount of work you are required to do (and time to do it) on your home…is less….more time to spend with your family or whatever “trips your trigger”.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Do You Believe?
We live in a great country. We have a great economy…that works….we have faced tough times in the past…and we have risen to the occasion…overcome the tough times… …always come out better than before…..what do you believe?…
The American Dream
Home ownership….it remains a big part of the American dream…and a big part of what makes our country great. We love our homes…for all the great memories created there and the security our home provides.
Don’t attack the dream...
There has been a lot of news recently about real estate and the financial institutions that provide loans and mortgages. Most of the news is pretty ugly.
So….what is the story? The bad (ugly) and the good (American dream).
The bad (ugly) in the real estate world...
Values have dropped in many areas of the country. ( 2nd time in last 40 years this has happened).
Foreclosures are high. (highest levels ever)
The news is full of ugly stories about real estate and financial institutions (Banks).
The good….the American Dream…
Emotionally there is nothing we can purchase that gives us the memories (Christmas, Birthdays, Summer fun) and pride that a home can. Nothing.
Practically speaking a home is one of the best investments that can be made. Historically, over the long term, homes appreciate more than the stock market or most any other investments And, the tax benefits (interest deduction) can be significant. Plus… you can live in it……How many investments can you make that you can also live in? The perfect investment….
The American Dream
Home ownership….it remains a big part of the American dream…and a big part of what makes our country great. We love our homes…for all the great memories created there and the security our home provides.
Don’t attack the dream...
There has been a lot of news recently about real estate and the financial institutions that provide loans and mortgages. Most of the news is pretty ugly.
So….what is the story? The bad (ugly) and the good (American dream).
The bad (ugly) in the real estate world...
Values have dropped in many areas of the country. ( 2nd time in last 40 years this has happened).
Foreclosures are high. (highest levels ever)
The news is full of ugly stories about real estate and financial institutions (Banks).
The good….the American Dream…
Emotionally there is nothing we can purchase that gives us the memories (Christmas, Birthdays, Summer fun) and pride that a home can. Nothing.
Practically speaking a home is one of the best investments that can be made. Historically, over the long term, homes appreciate more than the stock market or most any other investments And, the tax benefits (interest deduction) can be significant. Plus… you can live in it……How many investments can you make that you can also live in? The perfect investment….
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Welcome to My Blog!
Greetings….thank you for taking the time to read ,view and hopefully participate (you are welcome to ask questions…encouraged to do so in fact) with me. I am hoping to be able to provide some good facts and a forum to talk about new construction and real estate. And hopefully dispel any untruths that exist in the world today (about new construction and real estate…..not world problems….although maybe rocket science or world hunger will be my next subjects).
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