Green Shoots

The news is filled everyday with many things....still a lot of which is commenting on how tough things are ( yes...things are tough...but hey...when has it ever been....really easy?). Thankfully we are now seeing and hearing more good news...or at least news with some positives (popularly termed "green shoots"). Housing Affordability is one (see my last blog), interest rates ( although rising a bit) to name a couple of green shoots.

I think we are going to see more and more "green shoots". Not just because I or we want to see them..but because there are some real positives (not a lot...but some) to report. From there...something that really can have a dramatic affect...and make a difference in perception and reality will kick in...our individual and collective attitude....emotion changes....the entire national psyche will start to change...from negative to more positive. If and when that happens...things may change even more quickly.

Here is a real positive (that does not get enough press)....that has a limited time frame....the government stimulus for first time home buyers. The guidelines have now changed so this can now be monetized...to help even more than the initial stimulus allowed (meaning rather than waiting, the amount (up to $8000) can be used for some up front costs with FHA loan). This is a great opportunity for first time buyers, and time is running out...if you are going to build.....closing must be by 11/30/09. Don't wait.

Rock on!