I was fortunate to attend the Annual Star Power Conference for real estate professionals...In my opinion, the most elite professionals in the business. The founder of Re/Max, Dave Liniger spoke about this;  Alex Perriello, president and CEO of the Realogy, spoke about this; Dave Ramsey, creator of The Dave Ramsey Show, spoke about this....How do we communicate in the world when we have four generations working together, socializing together, standing the the grocery line together.

The following thoughts are shared from the folks above and also experienced individuals in the Charlotte Real Estate Market. We can use these ideas to better our communication each and every day.

Generation Yare the people born after 1978...these are the most "techy" folks on the planet. They need immediate feedback...text is the key.

Generation X are my fellow humans born between 1965 and 1977. We like email the best. We are driven and like the personal meetings for real issues.

Baby Boomers are the folks born between 1946 and 1964. As quoted from Charlotte Magazine. 'they often have a love/hate relationship with technology....prefer face to face'.

Veteransare born befor 1946. They like the way they grew up...talking face to face.

I think it is important to know the most effective way to communicate with what ever age group we may be dealing with. (but never doubt the traditionalists because they have given us a great foundation)

Sometimes when we want to take the kids to dinner and we can't decide by 'vote' of course....we make our decision on who has the best coupon available.

You can go to www.valuepak.com, simply google the resturant like, T1 Tapas at Birkdale Village, or enjoy a weekend $5 off at Zapatas. Enjoy www.couponclipper.com.  Why pay more when you don't have to.

New roof on spacious 3 bdrm floorplan. Formal dining & living/office. Sunroom presently used as children's retreat. New kitchen stainless Kenmore Appliances; maple cabinets; new kitchen/bkft floor..ceramic tile. New carpet throughout. Neutral colors. Large master w/huge walk in closet. Master bath w/separate shower; garden tub.

Take a look at 19206 Ruffner Drive, Cornelius, NC! This home is listed for $275,900 and truly amazing. A local agent showed this home last week and was totally amazed at what she found...the condition is 'magazine ready'. It is located conveniently to shopping and the lake.

The following article is just one we are seeing about the future of mortgage rates.  In addition to increasing rates, you can expect qualification requirements to continue to be more stringent. So if you are considering a possible home purchase, now may be a better time to move forward with your plan.

Interest Rates Predicted to Reach 6%
Interest rates are likely to rise to 6 percent by the end of 2010, predicted Amy Crews Cutts, deputy chief economist at Freddie Mac.

The end of the Federal Reserve program that buys mortgage-backed securities will drive rates higher because private buyers will demand more return than the Fed.

"Extraordinary resources have been put into keeping the rates down and supporting the mortgage markets and it's hard to imagine that the rates can go much lower than they are," Crews Cutts said. "Anything we get at or below 5 percent is a gift at this point."

Source: Washington Post, Dina ElBoghdady (12/26/2009)

It is so important for real estate agents to have expertise in short sales, foreclosures, REOs. It is going to be our business for the next several years. Although some folks may think it doesn't affect them...it most certainly affects everyone....absolutely everyone in America.

Liniger has been instrumental in the new guidelines released this week from the Department of Treasury on short sales.

Our team is eager to communicate the knowledge we have gained to our buyers and sellers to make real estate experiences what they should be.....a very fond memory.

As a native of North Mecklenburg, I am glad that we are preserving history. My family has been here for over 200 years and my older brothers, Terry and Tim were honored to experience first hand Mr. Hough's devotion to this area.

It is my passion to lift up the ones before us that have made our lives easier. Please tell everyone to support HOUGH HIGH SCHOOL!

Check out  Festival in the Park-Charlotte's Freedom Park

45th FESTIVAL IN THE PARK-SEPTEMBER 24-27

Thursday September 24th- 6pm-9pm

Friday September 25th KIDS DAY 10am -1pm

Friday September 25th  1pm-9:30pm

Saturday September 26th 10am-9:30 pm

Sunday September 27th 11am-6pm

www.festivalinthepark.org

We know from past recessions, the recovery starts way before the unemployment falls.  Yet, I am more optimistic today than 3 or 6 months ago.  There are many positive signs, that the economy is starting to see some recovery....housing is showing increased activity. 

Sales in the Charlotte area has slowly increased month over month since January.  Inventory of existing homes for sale is decreasing as buyers are becoming more eager to purchase their first home or that move up home they were not able to afford earlier, but in today's market is a reality. Builder have started building new specs, something unheard of three months ago.  Their quick action to stop new starts of spec homes, has kept "new home" inventory in the 7 months range compared to 6 months in a strong market.  While mortgage approval criteria has been more restictive, for buyers with good credit scores, the low rates is making it an opportune time to buy. Meanwhile, without media fanfare, we are getting people relcoating to the area on a weekly basis and those people need homes and guess what....they are buying.

So, my answer is--Yes---while it's going to be a steady but slow return, things are feeling much better. I share with you a headline from today's Business Week, -Now is the Time to Buy. 

Now's the Time to Buy in Real Estate
Investors are returning as the real estate market recovers.

BusinessWeek’s real estate guru Marc Roth points out these opportunities, which he says make sense if investors are willing to look over the property carefully and ask tough questions.

Options they should consider include:

• Buying a single-family house. This could be a first home or a dream home or a home to rent out.
• Buying a multi-family investment property.
• Snapping up a vacation property. There are deep discounts to be found in high-end resort areas.
• Investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust. REITs were hit hard in the downturn, but many are on their way back.

Source: BusinessWeek, Marc Roth (08/26/2009)