Interest rates, tax credits, and the stimulus bill

Wow, there's an interesting title. I just about put myself to sleep even typing it! Unexciting as these concepts may sound, though, they're at the crux of our economic situation. Mortgage interest rates have been hovering between 5% and 6% for the last several months. I don't know how long that can last. As the federal government gears up to spend even more money we don't have, I expect the credit markets (for whom we are ostensibly spending) to contract even more. The less money flowing in the stock market translates into more money being dumped into Treasury bonds which in turn drives up mortgage rates. Meanwhile, Congress is also considering changing the $7500 first-time buyer tax credit to a $15,000 tax credit for ANY homebuyer.
What does this all mean if you're thinking of buying? IMO, for what it's worth, a low-interest fixed rate mortgage is probably the safest housing option available, other than a paid-off home. Renters are always at the mercy of their landlords, particularly if the economy continues to crumble. With a mortgage (particularly one without a pre-payment penalty) you will eventually own your home outright. That will never happen if you rent. The ultimate security in an uncertain world is stability for your family; if you own a home, at least you have that. And unless our Constitution utterly collapses, you have the rule of law to enforce your property rights.

Opening up

Ok folks, here it is. My answer to the big question from friends, family, acquaintances, and random people I meet; "What do you DO all day?" As you know, I sell real estate. More specifically, I sell new construction for two different builders, Blueridge Homes and Millcreek Homes. I love both builders- they are outstanding in quality, price, customer service, and included features. I've been selling real estate for several years now and, for the first five years of my career, never imagined I'd sell new construction. That's largely because I never came across a builder who I felt good about selling FOR. When I was introduced to my current company, I was so impressed and excited that I threw my previous business plan out the window and I haven't looked back since.
My purpose here is to share with you some of the always-entertaining moments in my work life. (I'll still have my personal/family blog as well, but I'd like to keep things separate.) I've thought for a long time that someday I'd like to write a memoir about my real estate career (because some of it is just so unbelievable)-maybe this blog will give me a head start. :) In any case, please leave comments, suggestions, and gentle criticisms and I will respond. Or if there's a real estate related topic you're interested in, let me know and I'll discuss that, too. I'm always happy to share my opinions!
So anyway, today's title is "Opening up". Friday mornings at the model home are usually pretty delightful. Here at the Gables, our cleaning ladies come on Fridays at about 9:30 and are finishing up when I get in at 11. These ladies are GREAT! I love how the model smells all day after they've been through. I think they use Fabuloso (is that a brand?) but all the other cleaning products are the same as what I use at home. However, my house never smells this good. Maybe the difference is my children. . .
Fridays are my "update day". I like to contact all my current buyers at least once a week, just to check in. I used to just call everyone, but I have learned how to text (thanks to my teenagers) which for many of my buyers seems to work out better. And hooray for the Internet! I love that I can contact buyers via email or Facebook, too. Updating also includes (drum roll please). . . ADS. Saturdays are our busiest days at the model so the best day to run new online ads seems to be Fridays. I'm ALWAYS thinking of new ad lines. Really. Always. Like sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an inspiration. I'm pretty excited today because I came up with a different idea that I can't wait to try out. Watch KSL.com and craigslist.com if you want to see what it is. . .:)