Richard's Blog

SORTING THROUGH TODAY'S ECONOMIC NEWS

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:39:47 -0600

Last night, news media were reporting that they anticipated the jobless rate to rise slightly to 9.9%. At around the same time, it was announced that President Obama would today sign into law a bill that would: (1) extend unemployment benefit eligibility by up to an additional 20 weeks (meaning to a maximum of 99 weeks, if eligible- the maximum is for those 26 states where unemployment exceeds 8.5%); (2)extend and enhance the New Homebuyers Credit from November 30th until June 30th (This bill requires going into contract by April 30th and closing by June 30th). This bill will now NOT only provide first time buyers a tax credit of up to $8,000, but would extend to homeowners who've lived in their present home at least five of the last eight years (at a credit of up to $6,500); and (3) a modification of the law for businesses that have had losses to offset gains for more years back than the present law permits, thus hopefully freeing up cash flow for corporations.
Early this morning, the official joblessness rate was announced as a higher than anticipated 10.2%, the highest unemployment rate in 26 years. What is even more disconcerting is that this figure does not account for those no longer seeking employment, or working part-time, or in much lower positions. In addition, the average US worker's work-week is now averaging approximately 33 hours per week, one of the lowest averages in many years. One would therefore expect that the stock market would have a "correction" from yesterday's increase, and stock market indexes did indeed open sharply lower this morning.
What this means is that our political leaders need to seriously and immediately address the most urgent economic condition facing this nation today - - - unemployment and under- employment! While I believe the bill being signed today is both necessary and helpful, we now need to apply pressure on elected officials to use some "common sense solutions" to address both employment and other economic issues. Unfortunately, it is uncommon for political leaders to use "common sense." (Is a political leader using common sense an oxymoron?)
When I consult to a business, organization, or individual, I explore alternatives and explain all possible ramifications of actions or inactions. Isn't it about time our politicians did the same thing?

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Some Interesting News

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:46:06 -0600

Today, FNMA appeared to be prepared to alter its established policy regarding foreclosures on properties they control. It appears that they have made the decision to rent out these distressed properties instead of foreclosing and selling them. If this policy is maintained, it would go a long way toward stabilizing housing because it would somewhat reduce the "supply side" of homes by removing these distressed properties from the marketplace. The net effect of that should eventually be shoring up home prices, as well as reducing the amount of average days on market for houses listed for sale. It would also reduce "bottom-feeding" tendencies, and create a more realistically priced housing market.
In addition, the Fed's decision this week to maintain low interest rates for the foreseeable future, should help keep mortgage interest rates close to the low levels they currently are at. In addition, news about the Fed and certain large public companies working together to share the risk on distressed properties/ loans, should eventually loosen the mortgage lending market to some degree.
The recent election results have also indicated that people have become "fed up" with the high taxes they are paying. If this then translates into finally addressing the high real estate taxes paid in certain areas of the country, this will also help the housing market.
There also seems to finally be some awareness that we must control our energy costs, and if that rhetoric translates into some action, it would be another positive for the housing market and real estate industry.
Finally, if our politicians now get the message that the joblessness issue has to be addressed, and Americans begin to see some job creation and consumer confidence, then there will be a rebound in the housing market.
The consensus is that the housing market has or nearly has bottomed out. Therefore, 2010 should be a much better year.

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STAY VIGILANT RE HOME BUYING CREDIT EXTENSION!

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:49:14 -0600

Ever since Senator Reid's office announced that the Senate would be extending and enhancing the 1st Time Homebuyers Credit, there has been much less "buzz" around stating the urgency of doing that. My fear is that we are being lulled into apathy and the "it's going to happen" mode, while politicians play typical political games. The present credit is scheduled to expire November 30th, and we are already entering into the traditional slow season for real estate (just what we need on top of the present real estate reality). The market and the economy needs further jump starting, and this credit is one of the few government stimuli out there that goes directly to the American consumer. Remember that a healthy real estate market not only helps realtors, buyers and sellers, buit also helps mortgage brokers and banks, building trades including laborers and suppliers, builders, rtc. This credit is an example of the "trickle up" theory at it's best!
Realtors, bankers, homeowners, homebuyers, consumers, building trades, etc. must contact their representatives and senators, and let then know, that we want and need action NOW! Every day without this extention in place hurts the marketplace.
This extension should be a "no-brainer." Unfortunately, many politicians are just that - - politicians who are constantly running, instead of statesman who are governing. Tell your politicians that we want and need statesman NOW, and we will demonstrate that at the polls. This is NOT a Republican, Democrat, Conservative or Liberal issue - - this is an issue of helping to repair and mend our economy. Tell them all to do it NOW!

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FINALLY SOME GOOD ECONOMIC NEWS- But stay active!

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:02:27 -0500

The 3rd Quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures came out, and the GDP grew by a better than anticipated 3.5%, the best GDP news and first growth in a year. Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid's office has announced preliminary agreement on BOTH extension of, and enhancement to, the 1st Time Homebuyers Credit. The agreement in the Senate calls for extension of the credit which was scheduled to expire at the end of November to April 30th contract dates, as long as the closing is by end of June. The enhancement to the credit calls for a lesser credit (but still a very significant $6,500 credit) to be given to people who wish to sell one house and purchase another, as long as they lived in their first house at least five years. While critics say that people would have bought houses anyway, even if there was no credit, common sense shows that since there was a spike in 1st time house sales during that period, saying "it would have happened anyway," may be no more than political posturing. Of course, for this to take effect, the full Senate and House have to agree, and the President needs to sign into law. If you believe, as I do, that it is better to help people than the big corporations and banks (many of which got into trouble because of either their own greed or mismanagement), then I urge you to let your government officials know that you want this credit extension and enhancement.
Studies indicate that an essential part of economic recovery is a health housing market. These steps will help create that during this crucial time period. Most economists believe that the worst of the recession will be over by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2010, and so this "shoulder" period that the credit will help solidify is truly urgent.
We must also urge our elected officials to address the joblessness rate, putting people back to work in retrained positions, to help the US regain its position among the elite economies of the world. We have been let to believe that this is a worldwide crisis, which by and large it is. However, nations like Norway have very low unemployment rates (estimates are between 1.8%- 2%) because they have positioned themselves toward energy independence. China is another example of a country which has benefited from the economic weakness of other nations during this time (for example, a Chinese company is in soloe discussions with Ford to purchase Volvo, and another Chinese company has discussed purchasing Hummer).
We need to build upon these promising bits of economic news, and urge that our government officials understand that our number one priority has to be restoring the economy, reducing joblessness, and a health housing market. If the US does not have that as a base, then there will be little chance of other programs succeeding. We, as a nation, cannot continue to have huge and growing deficits, without a sound plan for recovery.
We also need to let politicians know that we are tired of empty rhetoric, but need detailed thinking that considers both the long-term and short-term ramifications of our actions.

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EXTEND THE HOME BUYER'S CREDIT

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:22:03 -0500

As always, politicans are endlessly debating and posturing regarding the extention of the First Time Home Buyer's Credit, presently scheduled to expire on November 30th. It is interesting that there is still no extention, considering that most experts credit this Credit with reinvigorating a badly sagging real estate market. Nationally, it is estimated that home prices have now come back- to 2003 prices. The third quarter of 2009 actually showed an increase in sales, in most parts of the country.

However, there is still much uncertainty in today's economy. Polls show consumer confidence has not yet been restored, and that the major concerns are the recession and job security (high joblessness rate). Historically, a healthy housing market is essential to a properly functioning economy. While the stock market has come back more than 25% from its recent low, it is still far below the level of a couple of years ago. The extention of the housing credit is an effective way to keep the housing market stable.

At this time, we not only need an extention of the 1st Time Housing Credit, but an expansion of the program, so that more individuals are covered. Items that should be expanded include: Income requirements (allowable income should be increased); Broader, looser definition of 1st time Buyer should be utilized; Partial Credit should be considered for anyone purchasing more expensive house; etc.

I urge everyone to contact their elected officials as soon as possible, and urge them to both extend and expand the Home Buyers Credit.

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HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:13:43 -0500

According to data released today, housing sales have now risen in the US for three months in a row. Home prices in most areas have also stopped their decline, and in most areas are nudging upward. Many factors are probably responsible for this including: the 1st time buyers credit; low mortgage interest rates; polls showing slight improvement in consumer confidence regarding the economy; economic projections for the worst of the recession to be ending in either the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2010; a slight increase in availability of mortgage money; an improvement in stock market performance; etc.

However, not all areas of the country have seen the same trend. Real estate marketing and sales remains an entity peculiar to local areas. This means that one community may see its real estate market rebound before another, just as the drop in the market started in certain areas before others.

We are entering into a period where there may never be a better time to purchase a house. Of course, only those who are somewhat financially secure, with good credit, will be able to take advantage of this. And the high joblessness rate combined with little optimism on that front in the short-term, have created the major stumbling block to the housing market recovery.

The most important way to help the housing market is to lower the joblessness rate. Those truly interested in a timely economic recovery should urge our political leaders to make their #1 priorit

HOUSING SALES

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:15:11 -0500

The most important way to help the housing market is to lower the joblessness rate. Those truly interested in a timely economic recovery should urge our political leaders to make their #1 priority!

MORTGAGE RATES DOWN!

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:51:41 -0500

Benchmark mortgage rates were just announced as being reduced to approximately 4.84%. This is the LOWEST rate since May, and over one percent lower than it was a year ago. This has created a double digit percentage increase in mortgage applications, as well. If a potential buyer has good credit, and if the house comps out, it means that today's buyer can get a LOT MORE HOUSE for a MUCH LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENT.

The Fed has given indications that they do not intend imminently to raise rates, but most economists believe that by the second quarter of 2010, there is a probably that interest rates will begin to move up. All of this is complicated by the decrease in the value of the dollar related to foreign currencies, the uncertain energy situation, the rise in the price of gold (which means that many believe inflation is next), the uncertain job market (becaause even though many believe recession has bottomed or near-bottomed, the jobless rate is still startling, and is lagging behind dramatically).

Therefore, if you have savings, can afford 20% down, have good credit, and decent job security, this may be the best home buying market in quite a long time - - - past, present or future.

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OCTOBER 1 REAL ESTATE UPDATE

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:05:23 -0500

The real estate market appears to have either bottomed out, or neared the bottom in terms of pricing, length of time sales take, and units sold. While we still appear to be far from it becoming another Seller's Market, the days of the buyer having such a big advantage seem to probably be near the end. Some of the reasons include:

1) Mortgage Interest Rates are still at or near historic lows. Eventually the Fed will once again ease up on interest rates, permitting them to gradually increase. They will probably state that they are doing it to stem inflation, and that the time is now right. That is probably political economic talk, but remember the next Federal election is over a year away!

2) Housing prices have dropped dramatically in many markets, causing additional buyer interest.

3) Eventually, the recession will ease somewhat, and the job market will improve. First, there will be more part-time positions available, followed by more full-time employment. That will mean that there will be more potential buyers.

4) Many are predicting that by the middle of 2010, the economy will begin to show recovery. That should cause consumer confidence.

5) The stock market went up over 15% in the 3rd Quarter. Most do NOT believe that this quarter will show the same increase, but if consumers begin to feel more confident, historically the real estate market benefits.

6) Many believe that the Federal Government will extend the First Time Buyers Credit. If that occurs, the housing market will benefit also.

While none of us have "crystal balls," many of us believe that 2010 will be a far better year for real estate than 2009 was.

MORE PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO LOOK

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:32:45 -0500

Are we near the end of this chapter of the "extreme buyers market?" Over the last few months, the number of people looking at houses listed on the market has gradually, but consistently increased. Many are only shoppers, trying to find out how much the market price of homes have decreased. But many others are beginning to seriously consider purchasing a house.

They realize that mortgage interest rates are still quite low, and probably will NOT remain that way for long. They realize that the First Time Buyers credit is scheduled to end at the end of November, and that to qualify they have to close by that date. They realize that prices have come down, in some markets considerably, and that some sellers, especially those who have had their homes up for sale folr quite some time, are more "flexible" than they once were. They realize that because of the economy, many homeowners have to sell their homes because they can no longer afford the expense.

Yet others still are wary of the economy, afraid of their lack of perceived job security, and therefore are waiting to do anything. Others are waiting because they don't think the market has yet bottomed! While nobody has a crystal ball, the people in the first group are somewhat understandable, but the people in the latter are probably sacrificing a great buying opportunity.

House prices have always been cyclical, but over the long run have been one of the few "investments" that have outpaced inflation. If someone can afford a home right now, there may never be a much better buying opportunity than there is at the present time.

I urge evryone to examine the market, speak to an ethical real estate professional, and "take the plunge," if their situation dictates!

BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN VALUE AS A REALTOR

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:30:43 -0500

How often I hear realtors try to explain away the commission by running away from the subject! There is NO reason to hide from the fact that realtors charge commissions. How do clients and customers think we get paid? A real estate professional must be able to both confidently and competently explain his value- professional service; expert pricing; qualified buyers; state of the art marketing; convenience; and keeping his client informed. It is important today for a real estate professional to utilize the latest technology, NOT for show BUT to improve service and performance. Leads MUST be followed up immediately! Today's real estate necessitates the use of a "smart phone," to answer e-mails, etc. quickly and competently. Most MLS systems have programs written specifically for use on smart phones - - - saavy buyers and sellers should demand real estate for today's market!

IF THE RECESSION IS OVER, WILL THE HOUSING MARKET FOLLOW?

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:40:10 -0500

For the last two years, all we have heard was how bad things are! Obviously, if buyers hear that all the time, they will react accordingly. So if we now believe what we are hearing, that the economy is improving, and that recession should soon be over, then how will that be communicated to buyers, to create that buying urge once again?

When will fear be over, and a balanced market once again be restored? I have NEVER seen anyone that can absolutely"time" the bottom of a market, but all indications is that we are certainly getting close to that point. Since the first time buyers credit is set to retire at the end of November, and mortgage interest rates are still very low, we may be at a historic buying opportunity.

HAVE WE HIT BOTTOM YET?

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:10:16 -0500

Fed Chairman Bernake recently says he believed that the recession is nearly over. Mortgage interest rates have seemed to level, and most believe that rates are as low as they are going to go. More buyers are looking at houses again, but they are VERY slow to act. There is still NO sense of urgency. Housing prices have dropped dramatically from their highs a few years ago, and so have rents. There is an abudance of apartments available - - - more than in years!

Are we at the absolute bottom? Probably not, since unemployment is still very high. However, historically employment rehiring tends to lag behind economic recovery! Most economists believe that much of this economic downturn has been "psychological" in the sense that it was a reaction to a reaction, more than a reaction to any type of specific event.

From a real estate point of view, we are probably very near bottom, and we should certainly begin to act accordingly. This buyers market will probably gradually turn to a balanced market within the next year, so serious and qualified buyers should heed this and begin their search in earnest. Remember it is never possible to catch the absolute bottom of any market!

DATA ONLY TELLS PART OF THE STORY

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:06:13 -0500

Real estate data can be very misleading! When you hear that house prices are up or down, what is that compared to? Is it compared to last month, six months ago, a year ago, two years ago, when the market was at it's peak! The same is true with housing starts figures, home sales, etc.

The best way to analyze the situation is, if you had the money, would you buy something, sell something, hold on, or panic? That is the same strategy that any financial planner would tell you to follow regarding any investment. And for most people, their home is their single biggest investments.

House prices rose for so long that at some point there was going to be a pricing correction. There are so many factors that affect the housing market - - - some are real, some psychological or emotional - - - but all have tremendous impacts on the housing market. Just as the stock market has come back significantly from it's low, but is still far from the high, the housing market will slowly rebound also. Just as with stocks, a home buyer should not try to guess when the actual bottom will be reached. Most analysts believe we are very near that point, if we haven't already reached it. Therefore, it is probably a good time to take advantage of this potentially historic buying opportunity.

HAVE WE REACHED THAT BUYING OPPORTUNITY?

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:57:07 -0500

Mortgage rates are still close to their historic lows! People with decent credit and 20% down can finally qualify again! First time buyers have until November 30th to close on a house, to still get the $8,000 tax credit! Prices have come down significantly, and their are plenty of choices!

So we should all agree that we have finally reached a classic BUYERS MARKET! Most experts believe house prices are at or near their lows! Then, why aren't more people taking advantage of this? My best guess is that it is FEAR, and not feeling comfortable with the overall U.S. economy.

All things being considered, however, we are closest to a GREAT buying opportunity in this generation.

Are we there yet?

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:08:35 -0500

Have we reached the bottom of the real estate price level? No one knows for sure, but most experts have predi cted that the tumble is mostly over, and with mortgage rates low (and much more likely to rise than fall in the near future), there may not be a better time to buy! Most buyers should concentrate on their monthly payment (which includes principal, interest, escrow, taxes), and an increase in mortgage rate increases this monthly payment far more than a slight price increase!

Qualified buyers are now in the driver's seat, and should seriously consider taking advantage of that fact, and acting soon! Find a house that you like, with the features that you want, and negotiate in earnest. You are probably making one of the most important decisions of your lifetime.

Today's Agent Responsibilities

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:50:52 -0500

The combination of lowered house prices, historic lower interest rates, and overall economic conditions, makes this real estate market ideal for the quality buyer with good credit, and money for a downpayment. The new homeowners incentive, where new homebuyers receive an $8,000 tax credit, makes this a buying opportunity that may not exist for years to come.

If someone plans to live in their new house for more than 7 years, go out and find an affordable home that meets your need, negotiate your best price, and find your dream house NOW!

But, buyers MUST demand that their real estate professional clearly disclose, first by giving them a NYS Disclosure form on the "first substantive meeting," indicating whether the buyer/ agent relationship will be as a Seller's Agent, Broker's Agent, or Buyer's Agent. It MUST be made clear the difference between being a customer or a client, and what each statuses mean and represent. It is the responsibility of the agent to act in the capacity agreed to - - - either representing the buyer or the seller - - - or as a duel agent if disclosed to both buyer and seller. All too often this line is blurred, which is unfair to both the buyer and the seller.

My advice to any buyer is if a real estate professional does NOT present them with the NYS disclosure form right away, BE VERY CAREFUL! These forms were created to protect both buyer and seller, and while they can be confusing at first glance, are very important safety valves. In these times, a real estate professionals primary duty is to "tell what the customer/ client NEEDS to know, NOT just what he wants to hear."

Real Estate- Crisis or Opportunity?

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:55:11 -0600

If someone purchased a house in the last couple of years, put a lot of money into it, and want to sell today at a much higher price, this market will probably disappoint. But only if you are also not buying something else to live in. Because the losses on the sale will be made up for by the lower price paid for the new house, and with historic low mortgage rates, there could very possibly be a good opportunity.

Today's housing market has created opportunities to people with reasonable credit, who have the downpayment, and want affordable monthly payments, because the low mortgage rate translates to many hundreds of dollars in savings. In many ways, there has never been a better time to buy.

Do your homework, analyze costs, find a great house, and "go for it!" Enough of the gloom and doom attitude - - - long term, especially if you plan to live in your new home for several years, there has never been a better buying opportunity!

BUYING WITH CREDIT?-- It's never been a better time!

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:09:56 -0500

If you are in the market for a house, and you have good credit, the time has NEVER been better! Mortgage rates are still near their low, but indications are that they will probably begin edging upward in the forseeable future! Prices have dropped in almost all marketplaces, and most would describe conditions today as a "BUYER's MARKET!" Most sellers are more flexible than they have been recently!

My recommendation - - - serious buyers should hire a "buyer's agent," who will represent them and work for them! A good "buyer's agent" should be able to negotiate in the buyer's behalf, and get the best possible situation for them! Buyer's should also consider having an energy audit of some sort, so that they know their true costs. Any appliances that are replaced should be replaced with Energy Star appliances, etc.

Go to my website at: www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com, and look at the links to Energy Audits, Green Blogs, Ecobroker, and other housing related green sites. Also look at my link to Real Estate Cyberspace Society, to see all the ways that the internet can be helpful to both buyers and sellers.

Which way are mortgage rates going?

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:47:45 -0500

Who knows? Thus far in 2008, one third fewer houses have been sold in this area than in the same period in 2007. Prices are down in this area of Long Island, although not nearly as much as in other regions of the country. Mortgage rates have held relatively steady, although it is far more difficult to qualify for a mortgage, and the "comps" are considerably lower than last year. That means that a homebuyer needs better credit, needs to put a larger downpayment, and that lending institutions are much stricter about the amount they will value a house at, to determine how much they will lend.

Many are predicting that interest rates have dropped as much as the Federal Reserve will let it go, because while there are many economic challenges at the present time, the fear of inflation will probably prevent the Fed from letting interest rates drop further. It is important to remember that for many years mortgage rates rested at about 8 1/2%. Therefore, from a historical standpoint, we have been in an historically low mortgage rate period for many years. Nobody knows for certain how long that will remain, but many believe today's low mortgage rates are unlikely to remain low forever.

This situation offers great opportunities to anyone considering "buying up," because, although the house being sold will likely be below last year's levels, the house being bought will also, and if one is trading up, that combination, plus low mortgage rates, offers a fabulous buying opportunity.

For anyone serious about selling, it is essential to "price their house right from the start." Historically, the best offers are received in the first month after a house is listed on the market.

I call my marketing system RICH IDEAS because I combine a 22-POINT service guarantee, the ultimate in technological and cyberspace service, personal guidance and service, and realistic "right to sell" pricing.

REAL ESTATE FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:53:23 -0500

Today's real estate market deserves agents that provide their customers and clients with all services available today, including complete utilization of technology, internet saavy, Energy Star expertise, green aspects, etc. Customers and clients should be easily able to reach their agent. With today's technology, there is no excuse for slow response time. Customers and clients should EXPECT their agent to not only carry a PDA like a Blackberry, BUT for their agent to use it properly and promptly. Agents should provide customer-friendly websites, and interactive links to relevant information, such as green building, homeowner cybertips, buyer and seller tips, relevant blog links, etc.

Agents should constantly be taking courses, not solely for license requirements, but also to better represent their customers, clients, and the real estate industry. I feel so strongly about this that I have taken continuing ed courses in buyer representation (LBA), cyberspace expertise (RECS), and environmental aspects (ECOBROKER Certified), so that I can properly represent my customers and clients.

I have tried to make my website informative, user-friendly, and interactive, to provide the ultimate website experience. From the homepage of my site, www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com, visitors are able to link to ecobroker and green building info, cybertips, buyer and seller tips, energy saving tips, and links to numerous real estate and real estate resources websites. The website is updated constantly, and links to major search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, RedZee, ASK, and many others. I attempt to make finding my information as easy as possible.

I also feel a realtor must make a committment to his town. I am heavily involved in the local environmental community, and believe that realtors must work to make their community's have the best quality of life's possible.

GREEN HOMES NEED INCENTIVES

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:07:21 -0500

It is obvious that there is a need to green our residential and commercial properties. Carbon and CO2 emissions, oil and gas prices, and global warming ALL REQUIRE ACTION! Unfortunately, some greening ideas, that if implemented would save both monies and vital natural resources, are somewhat costly to install. True, it will pay for itself over time--- but there are upfront costs. LIPA still offers rebates of about 45% on solar system installations-- but the incentive used to be larger, and there were tax`credits that helped to subsidize the prices. We need a widespread use of alternative energy for both environmental as well as financial reasons!

GREEN HOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:05:15 -0500

Now MORE than ever, buyers are looking for GREEN features. With forecasts of record energy prices for Winter 08-09, things such as solar, passive solar, window features, Energy Star, efficiencies, insulation, and GREEN products are becoming more and more in buyers consciousness!

It is time that GREEN features become prominent in MLS listings, ads, marketing, etc. It's good for the buyer, good for the seller, go for the realtor, and the environmentally and morally right thing to do. Visit my website at: www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com, and follow the ECOBROKER link for some hints!

GREENING HOMES

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:44:12 -0500

We must ALL urge our local MLS' to include green features in listing info. This includes items such as: Energy Star appliances, alternative energy inclusions, solar panels, insulation, "earth-friendly" renewable, sustainable materials, etc. As an ECOBROKER CERTIFIED, these items are of utmost importance to homeowners, buyers, sellers, & to our environment. Visit my website at www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com to access some relevant links.

GREEN HOMES

Richard Brody (Port Washington Properties) — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:27:59 -0500

Many areas of the US have MLS' that permit entry of green features to a listing. Considering how important ecological, environment, and energy saving is today, it would be nice if realtors and others involved in the housing market got local MLS' to have an emphasis on the important of greening homes. On my website, www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com, I include links to Green Blogs, ECOBROKER, and information about Green Features, such as Energy Star appliances, etc. I wish we could place more emphasis on this important issue!