It seems that the Stimulus plan that the NAR was pushing for has changed dramatically. The bill started out with a "up to" $15,000 tax credit for all buyers for the next year. Now it seems that the new version has been scaled back to only include first time home buyers and is only good up to $8,000. It also is only good for anyone who buys through November. First time home buyers will have to pay back if they sell within 3 years.
It seems to me our goverment is finding a "BILLION" ways to spend money on other things rather than the things that matter most. Jobs and Real Estate. I shouldn't be shocked, I told myself this morning that I will not take part in this recession. I'm going to constantly evaluate if what I'm doing at the present is going to lead to the next sale. However, everywhere I turn, everywhere I go... Economy,Economy, Economy. I'm sick of it, we need people in Washington who care.
On a another note. The Northern KY Association of Realtors took a bus trip to Frankfurt, KY to meet with the house of Representatives and our Senators to talk about some important issues regarding Occupational taxes in our area. Last year several Real Estate agents were thrown in jail because of irresponsible and crooked city workers in the City of Covington, KY and others. This story goes way deeper than I'll mention on here. BTW, I wasn't one of them, however I did have one HELL of a time trying to Pay my occupational taxes, the City kept refusing to take my payment until I provided what business I did in neighboring Counties. I heard that sharing information was illegal, but who am I to argue with local government? So anyway, upon meeting with our Senators, one senator was noted as saying that the Stimulus plan will most likely have little or NO impact on our Economy. Can I ask, Why the hell are we doing it then? Is it just so our government can say, "well we tried". I absolutely sick of crooked and selfish politics. It was evident in Frankfurt yesterday that it was all about who was lining their pockets. Prime example was our senators and house of reps spending hours (no exaggeration) just introducing people. Holy smokes! I would pass on the introduction, just so I can see real work being done. How are we going to fix this?
MOST IMPORTANTLY! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO CONTACT THEIR REPRESANTATIVES AND TELL THEM THIS NEW BILL IS BAD FOR OUR ECONOMY. THE LANGUAGE NEEDS TO INCLUDE ALL HOMEBUYERS IN ORDER FOR IT TO HAVE ANY EFFECT. THE CREDIT SHOULD ALSO BE INCREASED. PLEASE, CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES!!