Kathy Jones

First off, congratulations to Hanson for getting on one of my fav shows, The Apprentice, and his ability to capitalize on the opportunity. This article hit my inbox on the day that my husband began his new career at a new company after being fired from his old "job". He had worked there for 15 years. He had been unhappy there for the last 5 years, but felt loyal to his company and was willing to "stick it out" until the company would figure out a way to turn things around. In the end, he was fired, not because of his inability to perform, but instead, because of his company's inability to be profitable enough. Faced with unemployment and a faltering economy, he found a good job at a leading software company with good income potential. It is, however, a lower paying position, but the potential to make more money is there. He realizes he should have left his former company when things got bad. Too many times, we get in a comfort zone, and we are paralyzed by the fear of change. We become complacent, and let life happen TO us instead of deciding ourselves where we want to be. Getting "fired" was the best thing that could have happened to my husband. He learned alot from the experience, and in the end, he is better and stronger for it. I was reading a WSJ article just yesterday that discussed there has been a rise in unemployment by choice these last few months. Article stated that many people, like my husband, have accepted lower paying jobs (especially in Technology and Financial Industry)that they were overqualified. People are no willing to accept slim pickings and instead are valuing their worth, and seeing what else is out there. The article cautioned that many of these employers may soon be faced with a large number of defectors. Read article here...http://on.wsj.com/bkCb1d In the end, you determine your destiny. If life isn't working, change it. Don't become a victim. You are responsible for creating your own happiness. It's not what happens to you in life that counts, it's how you take it, and what you make of it. All the best, Kathy Jones, Broker www.kathyjonesrealty.com Helping My Clients Live the Good Life

Yes! Yes! Yes! Great post, Scott. There should be loans available to investors that are similar to the ones offered to owner occupants. It has always amazed me how the government/banks are so lenient with the lending standards of owner occupants and so strict with investors. Unless you go the hard money route, an investor needs a 20% downpayment vs. 0% downpayment for owner occupants(ie. Navy Federal Credit Union offers this). Investors also have limits on the number of homes they can own before even more "creativity" sets in. These are just a couple of the many road blocks that investors must bear. These "excess" homes could all be purchased (even the "scary" ones), rehabbed, and put to good use if investors had more access to available funds. Is anyone listening? :) All the best, Kathy Jones, Broker Associate Certified Relocation Specialist Accredited Buyers Representative, ABR New Home Sales Specialist Real Estate Investor www.kathyjonesrealty.com Helping My Clients Build Wealth Through Real Estate

Excellent post, Theresa. When I first heard of Google getting into the Real Estate business, I thought....oh my, there goes my career. You bring up valid points when it comes to defining our value to our clients. I see myself more as a trusted professional advisor, than just a salesperson. To be successful, you must help your clients make wise real estate decisions. Any real estate agent can sell a house by writing a full price offer and praying for no issues to arise....the good agents are armed with the knowledge to handle any obstacles that come along the way, and most importantly, they help their clients choose the ideal home at the right price. Price is king! All the best, Kathy Jones, Broker Associate Certified Relocation Specialist Accredited Buyers Representative, ABR New Home Sales Specialist Real Estate Investor www.kathyjonesrealty.com Helping My Clients Build Wealth Through Real Estate