Make a Difference

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!

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!