Too all our friends, clients, family, neighbors and followers it is our time to thank all of you for being who you are. You have all helped shape who we are, and for that we are thankful.
From our team to yours we wish you a Happy Thanks Giving:
good health
good wishes
good success
good food
good thoughts and Peace.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Beautiful Day in Ct.
What a beautiful day in Connecticut today, just like the days in San Diego! I was lucky enough today to play golf with some old friends at my old club, Oronoque Country Club. It was McNeil and me against Freddie and Brian, what a match but in the end they beat us! I was pleased with the way I played, shot a 83 with two straight birdies on 8 and 9!
Getting ready for a BIG meeting tomorrow-meeting Attorney General Blumenthal in Hartford to discuss the HVCC issue in Ct. Stay tuned and I'll let you know what happens.
This past Friday I got to MC the installation of officers at the Eastern Ct, Association of REALTORS-very cool.
Getting ready for a BIG meeting tomorrow-meeting Attorney General Blumenthal in Hartford to discuss the HVCC issue in Ct. Stay tuned and I'll let you know what happens.
This past Friday I got to MC the installation of officers at the Eastern Ct, Association of REALTORS-very cool.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
We're Back!
San Di ago was just awesome! What a place for a convention: great weather, really great networking with old friends and now some new friends, and realllllly great food!
The NAR Convention was as usual inspiring and thought provoking, but the best quote I heard in a speech all week came from the President of our new credit union! He said, "Many people say real estate will lead us out of this recession - but I say it will be the REALTORS that lead us out of this recession"! Here-here Tom Glatt, you are now the man!
There was so much discussed that I can't put it all in a blog, so if you would like me to come and speak at your office or Board just contact me so we can pick a date.
A special "THANKS" to all of you that stayed in touch while we were away...
The NAR Convention was as usual inspiring and thought provoking, but the best quote I heard in a speech all week came from the President of our new credit union! He said, "Many people say real estate will lead us out of this recession - but I say it will be the REALTORS that lead us out of this recession"! Here-here Tom Glatt, you are now the man!
There was so much discussed that I can't put it all in a blog, so if you would like me to come and speak at your office or Board just contact me so we can pick a date.
A special "THANKS" to all of you that stayed in touch while we were away...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
BIG day at the Convention
We started the day with a walk around the harbor and the Midway aircraft carrier-AWESOME! Then we spent some time at the Expo where there was just so much to look at and learn about. We did order our new signs, they should be really great..
We then attended the General Session where each of the State's REALTORS of the Year were introduced, Nicole Dagata is such a wonderful representative for our state. Then we got to meet the "Good Neighbor Award" winners. How much people do for those less fortunate. The REALTOR family is so wonderful, how proud I am to be a small part of it.
President Charles McMillan wrapped up his year, and what a year he had, and what a wonderful representative he was for our organization. So many successes: we finally won a big victory, banks will be prohibited from ever entering the real estate business! With NAR's help the original $8000 tax credit was approved, and then as recently as a week ago we were able to not only get it extended through April 2010 but increased to others that have owned a home for 5 consecutive years. And the REALTORS Credit Union was started.
Finally our key note speaker Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State. She made me proud to be an American, her intelligence and eloquence of recalling stories of her years in the White House. Gosh, what a great President she would make! There were 8000 REALTORS in this large hall that gave several standing ovations.
Wish I had time to tell you more but it's off to another function and then get ready for our 8:00am National Board of Directors meeting.
Thanks to all that have sent comments back.
We then attended the General Session where each of the State's REALTORS of the Year were introduced, Nicole Dagata is such a wonderful representative for our state. Then we got to meet the "Good Neighbor Award" winners. How much people do for those less fortunate. The REALTOR family is so wonderful, how proud I am to be a small part of it.
President Charles McMillan wrapped up his year, and what a year he had, and what a wonderful representative he was for our organization. So many successes: we finally won a big victory, banks will be prohibited from ever entering the real estate business! With NAR's help the original $8000 tax credit was approved, and then as recently as a week ago we were able to not only get it extended through April 2010 but increased to others that have owned a home for 5 consecutive years. And the REALTORS Credit Union was started.
Finally our key note speaker Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State. She made me proud to be an American, her intelligence and eloquence of recalling stories of her years in the White House. Gosh, what a great President she would make! There were 8000 REALTORS in this large hall that gave several standing ovations.
Wish I had time to tell you more but it's off to another function and then get ready for our 8:00am National Board of Directors meeting.
Thanks to all that have sent comments back.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
HVCC Discussion at the Convention
What a day at the convention, HVCC (Home Value Code of Conduct) is a HOT topic nationally and one that is impacting the value of properties and what banks will lend on. This all started in May 2009 as property values were in a spiral and banks were tightening qualifications to be granted a mortgage.
AMC's (Appraisal Management Companies) those companies that hire and assign the appraiser to do the job started sending appraisers into areas they are not geographically familiar with. This has created a nightmare for sellers driving prices down even further, for buyers because banks are unwilling to give the mortgage, for the REALTORS and originators. We in Fairfield County have seen many appraisers coming in from New Jersey thus creating even larger problems!
NAR has been working with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA to workout a solution to this problem, one thought is to limit the distance an appraiser can travel to do a quality appraisal. This is a major problem !
After sitting in a meeting for 2 hrs with government representatives it's obvious the government reps just don't get it! They listened, gave poor responses to questions, said they would look into some of the problems that were raised-but it was still pretty obvious they are NOT in touch with reality....
Please keep watching here because in the future I will be giving you some ideas you all can do to help. Declining property values effect all of us. Abraham Lincoln said: "The Strenght of a nation lies in the homes of it's people"!
On another note, our new business cards arrived, wow! These cards are classy and beautiful and what a wonderful way to launch a new and dynamic real estate team.
AMC's (Appraisal Management Companies) those companies that hire and assign the appraiser to do the job started sending appraisers into areas they are not geographically familiar with. This has created a nightmare for sellers driving prices down even further, for buyers because banks are unwilling to give the mortgage, for the REALTORS and originators. We in Fairfield County have seen many appraisers coming in from New Jersey thus creating even larger problems!
NAR has been working with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA to workout a solution to this problem, one thought is to limit the distance an appraiser can travel to do a quality appraisal. This is a major problem !
After sitting in a meeting for 2 hrs with government representatives it's obvious the government reps just don't get it! They listened, gave poor responses to questions, said they would look into some of the problems that were raised-but it was still pretty obvious they are NOT in touch with reality....
Please keep watching here because in the future I will be giving you some ideas you all can do to help. Declining property values effect all of us. Abraham Lincoln said: "The Strenght of a nation lies in the homes of it's people"!
On another note, our new business cards arrived, wow! These cards are classy and beautiful and what a wonderful way to launch a new and dynamic real estate team.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
At the Convention
What a day at the Convention! Committee Chair/Vice Chair luncheon and orientation, then off to Co-Chair the Mid State Forum with Chair Jaren Davis from Utah. What a great group we had who shared stories of issues, problems and successes from their various states. It's kinda funny, as much as you think your state is the only one with tax problems, budget deficits, politicians that can't make the right decision, appraisal issues, foreclosures, short sales and on and on - the reality is, many of the problems we face are the same.
I met some wonderful people today that shared so much, and the general feeling is with all the work of our association and many in Washington, the worst of this housing market is behind us!
When our session was over we got to hear from National President Charles MacMillion and CEO Dale Stinton, with all NAR has planned for the future. A new web site will be launched this week to help aid homeowners and consumers: www.houselogic.com
We are now off to the installation of next years leaders.
I met some wonderful people today that shared so much, and the general feeling is with all the work of our association and many in Washington, the worst of this housing market is behind us!
When our session was over we got to hear from National President Charles MacMillion and CEO Dale Stinton, with all NAR has planned for the future. A new web site will be launched this week to help aid homeowners and consumers: www.houselogic.com
We are now off to the installation of next years leaders.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
On our way!
37,000 feet in the air and on our way to San Diego for the National Association of REALTORS Convention. Wow what a thrill! Joe, Rich and Phyllis I hope the entire team can come next year. We have high expectations and are looking forward to a really great year ahead.
Watch for daily posts from the convention floor.
Watch for daily posts from the convention floor.
Monday, November 9, 2009
NAR Convention
This Thursday the NAR Convention and Conference starts in San Diego, 25,000 REALTORS from around the country will arrive for industry education and to see the latest in technology. Let's not forget, we will also be thanking or Legislators from around the country for extending and expanding the "home buyers credit".
I will be posting new blogs daily from the convention floor - stay tuned!
I will be posting new blogs daily from the convention floor - stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Conference call with Senator Chris Dodd
Today I was able to participate on a conference call with Senator Chris Dodd regarding the home buyers tax credit. As Chairman of the Banking Committee Senator Dodd has worked extremely hard to help first time home buyers. Senator Dodd gave us the good news, the $8000 first time home buyers tax credit will be extended until April 30, 2010. In addition, there will be a $6500 tax credit for those interested buyers that have lived in their homes for five consecutive years and are interested in moving up.
Also, the income limit to qualify for these programs has been increased to $125,000 for a single and $225,000 for a married couple. The Senator expects the President to sign this tomorrow so the program will remain continuous and seamless. This is great news for the economy and the housing market.
We welcome everyone to contact the Senators office and just tell his staff THANK YOU.
Also, the income limit to qualify for these programs has been increased to $125,000 for a single and $225,000 for a married couple. The Senator expects the President to sign this tomorrow so the program will remain continuous and seamless. This is great news for the economy and the housing market.
We welcome everyone to contact the Senators office and just tell his staff THANK YOU.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Tax Credit Extended!
Friday.
Senate leaders announced they have agreed to an extension of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit through April 30. The popular credit, which has strong support from the National Association of REALTORS & Mortgage Bankers Association, is set to expire Nov. 30.
The CR, which keeps the federal government running through Dec. 18, passed the House on a 247-178. The Senate vote was 72-28.
Meanwhile, members of the Senate said they substantially reached an agreement on extending the first-time home buyer tax credit, adding it to a bill that would extend expiring unemployment benefits.
The amendment would extend the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and offer a new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period within the past eight years. Under the amendment, home buyers would be required to be under contract by April 30 and close before July 1.
Ken DelVecchio, President of Ken DelVecchio and Associates and immediate Past President of The Connecticut Association of REALTORS said, "This is exactly the news we were all hoping for". "The housing industry has started a slow and fragil recovery, if this program was not extended I believe we would have seen the brakes put on regarding home buyers for many months to come"!
"AND YES, I really do think this is the best time to be a BUYER!"
Senate leaders announced they have agreed to an extension of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit through April 30. The popular credit, which has strong support from the National Association of REALTORS & Mortgage Bankers Association, is set to expire Nov. 30.
The CR, which keeps the federal government running through Dec. 18, passed the House on a 247-178. The Senate vote was 72-28.
Meanwhile, members of the Senate said they substantially reached an agreement on extending the first-time home buyer tax credit, adding it to a bill that would extend expiring unemployment benefits.
The amendment would extend the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and offer a new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period within the past eight years. Under the amendment, home buyers would be required to be under contract by April 30 and close before July 1.
Ken DelVecchio, President of Ken DelVecchio and Associates and immediate Past President of The Connecticut Association of REALTORS said, "This is exactly the news we were all hoping for". "The housing industry has started a slow and fragil recovery, if this program was not extended I believe we would have seen the brakes put on regarding home buyers for many months to come"!
"AND YES, I really do think this is the best time to be a BUYER!"
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