CENTURY21 BIRCHWOOD REALTY CAPECORALFLHOMES

Eliminating real estate tax deduction would hurt middle-class

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:24:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" 239-357-1844 http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/

Eliminating real estate tax deduction would hurt middle-class

WASHINGTON – Jan. 31, 2011 – According to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a proposal to eliminate tax deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes would raise taxes disproportionately for middle-class households and make the income-tax system less progressive.
The study found that primarily middle-class taxpayers, with incomes between $50,000 and $200,000, benefit from the real-estate-related deductions; and larger households and families, such as those with children, earn the greatest benefits.
“Proposals to reduce or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction are short-sighted and would harm the economy and job creation at a time when housing is poised for recovery,” says NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen. “The deduction is the mainstay of our housing policies and tampering with it would break faith with the millions of families who rely upon it to meet their household expenses – and with millions more who one day would like to be able to afford to own a home of their own.”
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=253639&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

UF survey: Florida’s real estate outlook perks up in several areas

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" 239-357-1844 http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/

UF survey: Florida’s real estate outlook perks up in several areas

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 2, 2011 – Optimism has increased slowly but steadily in Florida real estate markets through the fourth quarter of 2010, a new University of Florida survey finds.
The fourth quarter Survey of Emerging Market Conditions found improvement in several key categories, including the outlook for sales in new single-family homes and condominiums, office occupancy, retail occupancy, land investment and capital availability.
Much of the optimism derives from politics with the defeat last fall of Amendment 4, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have required a referendum for all changes to local government comprehensive land-use plans, said Timothy Becker, director of UF’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. The conclusion of mid-term elections also eased respondents’ uncertainty as it provided a clearer picture of the future.
“The state welcomed a new governor who has promised to make Florida a more business-friendly state,” Becker said. “If he can succeed on his goals, respondents believe it will have a positive impact on the real estate market. Any help in attracting new business to move or form in the state will no doubt have a positive impact on job growth.”
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=253862&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Industrial market: Clear signs of recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" 239-357-1844 http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/

Industrial market: Clear signs of recovery

SEATTLE – Feb. 11, 2011 – Coinciding with a noticeably improved United States office market, the national industrial property sector absorbed 28.6 million square feet of space during the fourth quarter of 2010, propelling what had been a net loss for the year into a solid gain, according to quarterly research on the U.S. industrial market from Colliers International Q4 2010 North America Industrial Highlights. According to Colliers, the growth likely heralds the beginning of the next up cycle for the industrial sector as demand for warehouse space – fueled by an increase in import and export activity and an improving consumer appetite for goods – is expected to rise.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=254691&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

WASHINGTON – Feb. 15, 2011 – President Obama’s budget proposes a lower mortgage interest deduction (MID) for high-income families,

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" 239-357-1844 http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/

Battle over the mortgage interest deduction

WASHINGTON – Feb. 15, 2011 – President Obama’s budget proposes a lower mortgage interest deduction (MID) for high-income families, but the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) plans to fight any change, and a number of lawmakers who view it as a way to raise taxes also plan to oppose the increase.
According to testimony presented by the National Low Income Housing Coalition to a bipartisan deficit reduction commission, only about one-third of taxpayers itemize deductions. The commission later recommended that the deduction be changed to a 12 percent tax credit, with only interest on a debt up to $500,000 eligible.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=254748&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Floridians still confident about economy for second month

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:22:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" 239-357-1844 http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/

Floridians still confident about economy for second month

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 23, 2011 – Consumer confidence among Floridians remained at 77 out of 100 in February, suggesting a sustainable and improved view of the economy, according to a new University of Florida (UF) survey.
The index rose seven points last month, an unexpected increase according to Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center in the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, considering the economic climate in Florida. However, he considers it noteworthy that the index didn’t change dramatically this month.
“We had expected a correction to last month’s seven-point increase in consumer confidence,” says McCarty. “A second month at this high level makes it much less likely that the increase for January was an aberration and more likely that consumers view the economy and their personal economic situation as having improved.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=255136&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Housing less affordable for many Americans

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:22:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" 239-357-1844 http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/

Housing less affordable for many Americans

WASHINGTON – Feb. 28, 2011 – Although home values have fallen over the past few years, housing affordability has significantly decreased for working owners and renters, according to an annual report released by the Center for Housing Policy, the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference.
The report, titled “Housing Landscape 2011,” provides an in-depth look at housing affordability trends for working households between 2008 and 2009 focusing on the effects of employment, income and housing costs.
According to the report, nearly one in four working households had a severe housing cost burden in 2009, spending more than half of its income on housing costs. Nationwide, some 10.5 million working households experienced a severe housing cost burden in 2009 – an increase of nearly 600,000 households from the prior year. This increase occurred despite a drop of 1.1 million in the overall number of working households.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=255410&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Realtors oppose high downpayment requirement

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:19:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.listingbook.com/ 239-357-1844

Realtors oppose high downpayment requirement
WASHINGTON – March 30, 2011 – High downpayment requirements being proposed by federal regulatory agencies will unnecessarily burden homebuyers and significantly impede the economic and housing recovery, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Rule changes are mandated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Six agencies – the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Federal Housing Finance Agency, Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission – are developing risk retention regulations that requires lenders to retain 5 percent of a mortgage’s credit risk unless the mortgage is a qualified residential mortgage (QRM) –(FHA and VA mortgages would also be exempted.) Currently, the definition of a QRM is being debated.
“As the leading advocate for homeownership, NAR supports a reasonable and affordable (downpayment) coupled with quality credit standards, strong documentation and sound underwriting,” said NAR President Ron Phipps. “A narrow definition of QRM, with an unnecessarily high downpayment requirement, will increase the cost and reduce the availability of mortgage credit, significantly delaying a housing recovery.”

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=257422&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Pending home sales continue uptrend

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:33:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844
Pending home sales continue uptrend

WASHINGTON – Jan. 27, 2011 – Pending home sales improved further in December, marking the fifth gain in the past six months, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator, increased 2 percent to 93.7 based on contracts signed in December from a downwardly revised 91.9 in November. The index is 4.2 percent below the 97.8 mark in December 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=253537&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

“Modest gains in the labor market and the improving economy are creating a more favorable backdrop for buyers, allowing them to take advantage of excellent housing affordability conditions,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “Mortgage rates should rise only modestly in the months ahead, so we’ll continue to see a favorable environment for buyers with good credit.

A home buyer or builder can obtain financing (a loan) either to purchase or secure against the property from a financial institution, such as a bank, either directly or indirectly through intermediaries. Features of mortgage loans such as the size of the loan, maturity of the loan, interest rate, method of paying off the loan, and other characteristics can vary considerably.
In many jurisdictions, though not all (Bali, Indonesia being one exception, it is normal for home purchases to be funded by a mortgage loan. Few individuals have enough savings or liquid funds to enable them to purchase property outright. In countries where the demand for home ownership is highest, strong domestic markets have developed.
The origin of the word mortgage is from the Latin word mori (via old french mort) for death and -gage is from the sense of that word meaning a pledge to forfeit something of value if a debt is not repaid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_loan

FlORIDA. economist: ‘We’re in recovery’

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Fla. economist: ‘We’re in recovery’

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – Jan. 21, 2011 – Economist Hank Fishkind told about 400 Manatee County leaders that Florida’s recovery is in its early stages even if it doesn’t seem like it to some people.
Calling it the “worst recession, probably, since the Great Depression, and at least the worst since 1975,” Fishkind said, “This is the recovery – right now,” Fishkind said. “The momentum is growing.”
Fishkind spoke at an “Economic Forecast Breakfast” sponsored by Whitney Bank and the Manatee Economic Development Council. As evidence of the ongoing recovery, Fishkind pointed to recent improvements, including:
• Job growth in the tourism and convention industries

• Job growth in education

• Strong retails sales at the close of 2010

• Consumer belief that it’s safe to spend money

• $500 billion boost from a 2 percent cut in payroll taxes
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=253240&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Floridians grow suddenly optimistic about economy

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:26:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins"
http://www.rickswift.com/
239-357-1844

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2011 – Consumer confidence among Floridians soared an unexpected seven points to 77 in January from the revised December index score of 70, according to a new University of Florida survey.
The increase is the largest since the index rose seven points from March to April 2010, and the score of 77 is the highest since the April 2010 mark of 78.
“The size of this increase in confidence among Floridians was not expected,” said Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center in the Bureau of Economic and Business Research. “Confidence among Floridians had been mired in the low 70s for the past few months, consistent with other economic indicators that characterize the Florida economy.”
Each of the five components that make up the index registered gains, with the largest increase coming in the perceptions of U.S. economic conditions over the next year category, which climbed 12 points to 78. Confidence in that category had been mired in the 60s for eight months.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=253428&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

2011 prediction: Slow real estate recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:16:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

2011 prediction: Slow real estate recovery

WASHINGTON – Jan. 3, 2011 – Pending home sales rose again in November, according to the National Association of Realtors®, which says a gradual improvement has been the trend for past five months, indicating a gradual recovery into 2011.
The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator, rose 3.5 percent to 92.2 based on contracts signed in November from a downwardly revised 89.1 in October. The index is 5.0 percent below a reading of 97.0 in November 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said historically high housing affordability is boosting sales activity. “In addition to exceptional affordability conditions, steady improvements in the economy are helping bring buyers into the market,” he said. “But further gains are needed to reach normal levels of sales activity.”

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=251948&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Consumers don’t comparison shop mortgages

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:51:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Consumers don’t comparison shop mortgages

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dec. 17, 2010 – Consumers today are expert comparison shoppers, always on the hunt for the best deal, but when it comes to their mortgage, borrowers often lock in their first home loan offer.
According to a new LendingTree survey of 1,317 homeowners conducted online by Harris Interactive in September, 96 percent of American consumers compare prices when shopping for anything, but nearly 40 percent obtain just one home loan quote. By comparison, when shopping for a home computer, consumers research an average of 3.1 models before making a purchase. As a result, only 28 percent of borrowers are very confident they received the best possible deal on their current mortgage.
read more
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=251690&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Americans still want to own a home

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:52:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Americans still want to own a home

WASHINGTON – Dec. 10, 2010 – A new study released by Fannie Mae finds that most Americans – both those who currently own their homes and those who rent – strongly aspire to own a home and to maintain homeownership, despite ongoing turmoil in the housing market. However, demographic trends, such as fewer married couples and less families with children resulting in shrinking households – combined with financial caution among consumers –contribute to an increased willingness to rent.
The Fannie Mae 2010 Own-Rent Analysis is based on extensive primary research with homeowners and renters, including focus groups and a quantitative survey. It incorporates U.S. Census Bureau data, micro- and macro-economic parameters, and explores the factors influencing consumers’ decisions to buy or rent a home. The latest release highlights two of four major themes of the analysis in reports titled, Persistence of the Homeownership Aspiration and Housing Choices Throughout the Lifecycle and the Impact of Changing Demographics.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=251407&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Why do Americans want a smaller home in the suburbs

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 13:43:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844 CALL ME FOR THE HOUSE YOU WANT

More Americans want a smaller home in the suburbs

NEW YORK – Dec. 6, 2010 – McMansions are rapidly becoming the housing equivalent of harvest gold appliances as more Americans opt for smaller residential footprints, according to a consumer lifestyle survey.
In the Relocation.com lifestyle survey, homeowners and buyers were asked to weigh in on what they considered the ideal home size. Forty-eight percent of the respondents indicated that their ideal home size would range from 1,000 to 1,999 square feet, while 29 percent prefer homes that are 2,000 to 2,999 square feet. By comparison, five years ago, according to NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) the average home’s square footage was 2,400 square feet, nearly 400 square feet bigger than what many homebuyers desire today.

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=251085&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Homeowners insurance: four tips to keeping costs down

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:39:00 +0000

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

ST. LOUIS – Dec. 2, 2010 – In today’s economic climate, people want to save money wherever they can. Here are four ways to reduce homeowners insurance rates compiled by HomeownersInsurance.net.

1. Shop around. Some insurance companies have raised house insurance costs to recoup losses from the financial crisis. Others are competing for new customers by offering lower rates. By shopping around, people can find better deals on homeowners insurance.
2. Re-evaluate coverage amounts. Many policies have inflation protection provisions, which automatically increase coverage amounts. This was a good item in the years leading up to the crash, but today they should be looked at more closely.
3. Check personal credit reports. Homeowners insurance companies check credit history before figuring rates, similar to how lenders do. This is done to help them assess the risk of payment and likely individual responsibility.
4. Avoid small claims that can become expensive. Homeowners should have the highest deductible they can comfortably afford and repair minor items out of pocket rather than filing a claim. Filing a claim for every broken window or leaky pipe can increase premiums by 10-15 percent.

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=250920&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Consumer Confidence increases again

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:44:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Consumer Confidence increases again

NEW YORK – Nov. 30, 2010 – The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved in October, increased even more in November. The Index now stands at 54.1, up from 49.9 in October. The Present Situation Index that measures current attitudes about the economy rose to 24.0 from 23.5. The Expectations Index that measures attitudes about the future increased to 74.2 from 67.5 last month.

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=250810&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

New fed initiatives to help foreclosures

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:14:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

New fed initiatives to help foreclosures

WASHINGTON – Nov. 22, 2010 – The Department of Justice’s Access to Justice Initiative and Vice President Joe Biden announced a series of steps on Friday that the government will take to help middle class and low-income families secure their legal rights in a foreclosure. Those steps includes strengthening of foreclosure mediation programs, helping veterans secure the legal help they need, and making it easier for workers to find a qualified attorney when they believe their rights have been violated.
The announcement is the culmination of work between the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Access to Justice Initiative and federal agencies like the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and others.

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=250564&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Fannie Mae: Hopeful signs emerge in consumer spending and employment

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:50:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Fannie Mae: Hopeful signs emerge in consumer spending and employment

WASHINGTON – Nov. 19, 2010 – Improving financial conditions and recent encouraging signs from the labor market should set the stage for an above-par growth trend by mid 2011, according to the November 2010 Economic Outlook released by Fannie Mae’s Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group.
Despite challenges, including uncertainty on the domestic fiscal policy and international fronts, the report foresees gradual improvement in economic activity moving into 2011. In 2010, the economy showed a slight pickup in growth in the third quarter and consumer spending posted the best showing since the end of 2006.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=250499&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

NEED HELP ? WHAT IS A SHORT SALE ? OWE TOO MUCH ON YOUR HOME? WHERE DO YOU TURN? WILL THE BANK SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN I SELL?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:52:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844
NEED HELP? OWE TOO MUCH ON YOUR HOME? WHERE DO YOU TURN? WILL THE BANK SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN I SELL? ,
Turn to your local realtor for help. They will guide you where to turn for the help you need. Do you need to sell your house? but you owe more than it is worth at the present time? Trust me your not alone. So many calls that i receive are just that. First you have to decide that selling is your best option, then decide on the right realtor, then price, stage, your house for sale. The realtor says the house is worth 150,000. you owe 200,000 will the bank let you short sale the house for the 150,000 to the next person? Ask your realtor for advise and help, but they should not give any legal advise to you. that is for a real estate attorney only. Many attorneys and title companies can be very helpful in a short sale transaction, from start to finishing the paperwork closing. BE PREPARED AND HAVE A PLAN

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property's loan. It often occurs when a borrower cannot pay the mortgage loan on their property, but the lender decides that selling the property at a moderate loss is better than pressing the borrower. Both parties consent to the short sale process, because it allows them to avoid foreclosure, which involves hefty fees for the bank and poorer credit report outcomes for the borrowers. This agreement, however, does not necessarily release the borrower from the obligation to pay the remaining balance of the loan, known as the deficiency.
SEE MORE INFO

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_sale_%28real_estate%29

The United States’ investment sales market has the potential for increased fluidity in the year ahead, based on findings from Colliers International’s Q3 2010 Global Investor Sentiment Survey.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:39:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Global investors poised for activity

SEATTLE – Nov. 9, 2010 – The United States’ investment sales market has the potential for increased fluidity in the year ahead, based on findings from Colliers International’s Q3 2010 Global Investor Sentiment Survey.
More than six out of 10 U.S. real estate investors responding to the survey indicated that they are considering selling property over the next year, up considerably from the 23 percent reported in the Q1 response. Meanwhile, 85 percent of U.S. investors expressed a desire to buy assets domestically during that time, with a focus on primary markets nationwide. The combined forces may position a significantly increased number of U.S. assets to trade over the next 12 months.
In particular, U.S. investors noted markets in California, Texas, New York/New Jersey and Florida, as well as Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Seattle as key targets.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=250014&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Owners still see value in real estate

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

NAR: Owners still see value in real estate

NEW ORLEANS – Nov. 8, 2010 – Homebuyers today have affirmed a long-term view of homeownership, the typical seller is experiencing positive returns and the vast majority of homeowners see their property as a good investment, according to the latest consumer survey of homebuyers and sellers. The study was released during the 2010 Realtors® Conference & Expo.
The 2010 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers is the latest in a series of large national NAR surveys evaluating demographics, preferences, marketing and experiences of recent homebuyers and sellers.
Although typical sellers had been in their previous home for eight years, up from seven years in the 2009 study, first-time buyers plan to stay for 10 years and repeat buyers plan to hold their property for 15 years.
NAR 2010 President Vicki Cox Golder says the pattern of buyers taking a long-term view has solidified over the past few years. “This underscores two simple facts – homeownership encourages stability; and the longer you own, the better your investment.”
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=249964&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+floridarealtors+%28Florida+Realtors%29

Federal Reserve to buy bonds at a rate of 75 billion a month, let's hope China doesn't hold back on buying our bonds?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:22:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

For immediate release

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in September confirms that the pace of recovery in output and employment continues to be slow. Household spending is increasing gradually, but remains constrained by high unemployment, modest income growth, lower housing wealth, and tight credit. Business spending on equipment and software is rising, though less rapidly than earlier in the year, while investment in nonresidential structures continues to be weak. Employers remain reluctant to add to payrolls. Housing starts continue to be depressed. Longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable, but measures of underlying inflation have trended lower in recent quarters.
http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/monetary/20101103a.htm

Hopefully China won't hold back on buying our bonds .This would cause interest rates to rise and put a long term affect on bringing our country back to a healthy nation again. This gives money back to the banks so they can borrow from each other and hopefully loosen up the credit for the big investors such as the banks and big business borrowers. Will this trickle down to the small business owners that create jobs, haven't we done this before and the banks tightened credit and you only got loans if you were clean and green and not on the edge of a loss.So a big business restructures their debt at a lower rate, but tightens up the job creations, and runs with less employees doing more till their debt load is more manageable. It's hard for the person who lost a job wants to get back into home ownership, because of short sale or foreclosure. They are not clean and green anymore, or less than desirable credit and would not qualify for a loan at the lower rate. So if the gov. insures the loan then the banks are more likely to make the loan, depending on the ability to repay the debt. This seems like we have done this before. What if China holds off buying more of our notes, and interest rates rise and gas , groceries, and other commodities rise, Does this makes sense? I certainly don't know for sure? but let's hope the Fed,banks and others have it right this time. JUST MY OPINION

The National Oil Spill Commission and its Chief Counsel Fred B public hearing on preliminary findings regarding BP’s Macondo well blowout.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:15:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

Monday, November 8, 2010
The National Oil Spill Commission and its Chief Counsel Fred Bartlit will hold a two-day public hearing on preliminary findings regarding BP’s Macondo well blowout.
Updated Agenda: November 8-9 Hearing
The National Oil Spill Commission and its Chief Counsel Fred Bartlit will hold a two-day public hearing on preliminary findings regarding BP’s Macondo well blowout. The primary focus of the hearing will be on the causes of the rig explosion. An updated version of the agenda follows:
Monday, November 8, 2010 and Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Live video stream at http://www.oilspillcommission.gov/

(Doors open for media/camera setup at 6:30 a.m. both days)
Day 1
8:00 a.m. On-Site Registration
9:00 a.m. Call to Order
Christopher A. Smith, U.S. Department of Energy, Designated Federal Officer
Opening Remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Senator Bob Graham and William K. Reilly
9:15 a.m. Presentation by Chief Counsel Fred Bartlit
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Presentation by Chief Counsel Fred Bartlit
12:30 p.m. Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. Panel 1: Panel Discussion with BP, Transocean and Halliburton
Mark Bly, Executive Vice President of Safety & Operational Risk, BP
Bill Ambrose, Director of Special Projects, Transocean
John Gisclair, Insite Support Service Coordinator, Halliburton / Sperry Sun Drilling Service
Richard F. Vargo, Jr., Gulf of Mexico Region Manager—Cementing, Halliburton
3:00 p.m. Break
3:40 p.m. Panel 1 (cont.): Panel Discussion with BP, Transocean and Halliburton
5:45 p.m. Closing Remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Senator Bob Graham and William K. Reilly
6:00 p.m. Meeting Adjourns
Day 2
8:00 a.m. On-Site Registration
9:00 a.m. Call to Order
Christopher A. Smith, U.S. Department of Energy, Designated Federal Officer
Opening Remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Senator Bob Graham and William K. Reilly
9:15 a.m. Panel 2: Experts on Oil Well Drilling and Operations
Dr. E.C. Thomas, Consulting Petrophysicist and Owner, Bayou Petrophysics
Charlie Williams, Chief Scientist, Well Engineering and Production Technology, Shell Energy Resources Inc.
Steve Lewis, Advanced Drilling Technology Implementation Engineer, Seldovia Marine Services
Dr. John Rogers Smith, Associate Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana State University
Darryl Bourgoyne, Director, Louisiana State University Petroleum Engineering Research and Technology Transfer Laboratory
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Panel 2 (cont.): Experts on Oil Well Drilling and Operations
12:30 p.m. Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. Panel 3: Regulation of Offshore Drilling
Dr. Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement
2:00 p.m. Panel 4: Plans for Regulation
Michael Bromwich, Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement
2:45 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. Panel 5: Industry Safety Culture
Marvin Odum, President, Shell Oil Company, and Upstream Americas Director, Royal Dutch Shell
Rex Tillerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ExxonMobil
4:00 p.m. Questions and Wrap-Up with Chief Counsel Fred Bartlit & Senior Science and Engineering Advisor Richard Sears
4:40 p.m. Closing Remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Senator Bob Graham and William K. Reilly
4:45 p.m. Break
5:00 p.m. Public Comment
5:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourns

http://www.oilspillcommission.gov/meeting-5/meeting-details

Posted by Rick Swift at 4:02 AM 0 comments

congrats to Rick Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:03:00 +0000

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" www.rickswift.com 239-357-1844

Rick Scott great start to change let's start the job creations good luck

It's over start your engines and let's get started!! today we start a new direction for our country

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Swift) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:25:00 +0000

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins"
http://www.rickswift.com/ 239-357-1844

It's over start your engines and let's get started!!!
Today we start a new direction for our country. Hopefully everyone got a wake up call to put the old style of
politics to rest and start thinking how to bring the country together for a common good. We need to work together. An old friend used to say the wheels on the bus go round and round, either your on the bus or your not. Then he used to say the birds of a feather flock together. Let's start by creating jobs, and get people creating business ideas, and to get the flow of money moving again. This would be a start to becoming a healthy nation again. We stood up and were counted in this election, the people do make the difference. This is to all let's give it a real try