Is it Broker or is it.....English, again

A few days ago I posted a listing description so poorly written that it inspired one of my readers to comment on the lack of professionalism in many REALTORS. The comment is available for your review down yonder in the previous post. I must hasten to note, that the comment writer does not know who the offending broker is, and as such cannot know that the said "perp" broker is NOT, (as in N O T) a REALTOR.

You see, folks, not all salesfolk out there are REALTORS. Realtors are members of the National Association. They are members of their local boards, they attend Ethics Training on a regular basis, and adhere to a code of conduct and standards. They take training beyond the bare minimum required for a license...

...and, they have common sense.

REALTOR is a copyrighted term. It has entered the language, sadly, as a name for all Real Estate Sales folk, but sadly, like Kleenex, and Xerox, it is really meant to define a specific entity.

Look for the Realtor logo on your agent's card. That logo is earned and worthy of your attention. Your agent may not be able to sell your house, but at least they will get the spelling right.

Broken (or is it Broker) English Redux

This is an actual listing description! Only the town name has been changed "to protect the innocent". Spacing, punctuation, and spelling have NOT been changed.

Very nice location in the heart of Stupidbrokerville,walking distance to elementary school middle school,high school,parks,banks,shopping,etc.This property must be sold as is condition,and also subject to short sale approval from lender.This house needs a handy man to make it nicer.another price cut come on and see it ,it won't last call for an apoitment ,6 hours time between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.monday to Saturday Sunday 10:am to 7:00 pm

Valentine's Day Massacre

Agents love today because the activites of this evening will, around the world issue out a newly resized families nine months from now and that will mean new housing needs.

Lawyers, too love this holiday. It seems, and I will allow the reader to find the stats that are easily found, that Velentine's Day, being not just the holiday of love also the holiday of hate.

More fights break out on the behest of this day between otherwise sane and sensual couples. Quite of few of those fights end up in the hands of the happy lawyers, who, like fight promoters, nip and tuck at the edges and pull their pay from the batterings of others.

Come to think of it, agents may well cheer for those combatants, too. 2 homes to broker!

JuMMMMBOOHHH

It looks like President Bush will sign the stimulus package Wed. It’s unofficial, but it looks like the new Jumbo loan limits for the area (based on 125% of the median home price per county—we think…)
The unofficial numbers:
Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk counties will go to $518,375
Barnstable will go to 512,500
Nantucket & Dukes Counties will go to 477,355
All others to stay the same—i.e. $417,000

Under Agreement in 11 Days

Two-Family
Under Agreement in Under 11 Days!!
What May I Do For You?
Al. Gutterman
Century 21 Commonwealth
617.470.8085
Al.Gutterman@CommonMoves.com

The STIMULUS PACKAGE of President Bush

You've probably read that President Bush and Congressional leaders have agreed on a $150 billion stimulus package to prop up the economy and help prevent a recession. News reports have focused on tax rebates for individuals. But you may not realize that the package includes generous incentives for buying business equipment as well.

Want more cash in your pocket? The bill reduces the 10% federal tax bracket to zero for 2008 -- then delivers the savings now in the form of rebates ranging up to $600 for unmarried individuals, $1,200 for married couples, and $300 per child up to a maximum of $600. This break phases out for single taxpayers with incomes above $75,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $150,000.

The bill also gives you a 50% bonus depreciation deduction for new equipment you buy for your business in 2008. It raises the Section 179 first-year expensing limit from $125,000 to $250,000. And it doubles the phase-out for Section 179 deductions from $400,000 to $800,000. This is great news if you're planning to buy vehicles or equipment for your business, or even to renovate business premises.

And Now a Word from Jim Brown of FIRST INVESTORS, Belmont (MA)

Although the news and media keep reporting on the Fed lowering the discount
rate, the bond market took a hit yesterday along with the Fed raising concerns about inflation.

Which caused rates to increase a little more. The rates are still excellent and below 6%.

The forecast is that rates should slide back down over the quarter.

Just wanted to remind everyone aboutthe Community homebuyer programs that have
come back in play that provide for lower downpayment and easier loan qualifications. We have a program

For:
1 Unit 100% LTV
2 Unit 97% LTV
3 Unit 95% LTV
4 Unit 90% LTV
The max combined income is $108,000.00. This is a great program for first time homebuyers.

CONFORMING
30 YEAR FIXED
5.875% 0 Points
5.375% 2 Points
15 YEAR FIXED
5.25% 0 Points
4.75% 2 Point
JUMBO
30 YEAR FIXED
6.125% 0 Points
7/1 YEAR ARM
5.375% 0 Points
5.125% 1 Point
Give us a call with questions, scenerios, or pre-approvals.
Jim
Jim Brown
President
First Investors Mortgage Inc.
MB0063
24 Trapelo Road
Belmont, Ma. 02478
Work # 617-484-8383
Fax# 617-489-4976
Email: jimbrown@firstinvestorsmortgage.net

The Power of Positive Thinking

Cash flow, that is. The pictured home has it. Great for the beginning investor and priced at $439,900, 66 Cottage Street, Watertown, MA, is an efficient 2 Family, has been done over from top to bottom, and features beautiful modern living on a low traffic street close to Harvard Sq., MIT, Brandeis and other universities. Right on the joist where Cambridge, Belmont and Watertown collide, this home is as convenient to everything as it is easy to maintain. Jump in. Become a Real Estate investor. Let the power of positive (cash flow) thinking work for you.

Come the the SUPER BUY SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE -- yes, that is February 3, 2008 from 12-2. This home really deserves to be in your playbook. See you there, 66 Cottage Street, Watertown