MELISSA's Blog

This Too Shall Pass

MELISSA VASCONCELOS, ESQ. (VASCONCELOS & ASSOCIATES, PC) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:34:11 -0500

A colleague of mine forwarded this message to me today as I sat at my desk pondering the dismal number of phone calls I recieved today - it was exactly what I needed...so I hope that it may provide the same level of comfort to all of you readers out there ...

Today as we know it-As the nation stands amidst one of the largest financial crisis's since the stock market crash/great depression, I like many Americans stand a bit numb and shell shocked. I ask myself, "Am I just in a bad dream or is this really happening?" We are living through a time when our children/grandchildren will look back and say "WOW, that must have really been rough living through those years." We will be referenced in history and Econ. books about the blunders of the US financial markets & how never to repeat it". Let's face it, we grew up seeing our country as the invincible Super Power US. We live in an EGO-filled world. The rug was pulled out from under us the first time with 9/11 and the myriad of recent events is yet another reminder that our nation does not have a bullet proof vest.

The entitlement view-I think as Americans, we all suffer from a bit of entitlement to some degree. The general feeling is, "I have worked hard, I have earned it, and I deserve it" So when something gets taken away from us leaving our lives just a bit more uncomfortable then we were yesterday, there is a quick opportunity for resentment and anger to build. This then erodes our thinking and our view on life and how we respond to those around us. It is easy to wallow in a world of self-pity and get lost and stuck in it. This thinking self perpetuates causing emotional paralysis and negativity can leak into all facets of our life.

Bad things happen to good people. Life has its ups and downs. There is much that can be taken from us in life that we have no control of. There is no explanation of WHY this happens. Right this minute, thousands of people are suffering a loss. Some are losing their job, others are losing their home, some are losing their family (the number 1 reason for divorce is financial stress). Worst of all, some will take their own life (suicide will inevitably be up this year)

Choosing how to react- Although many things can be taken from us in life, no one can take away our right to decide how to react to a situation. This choice remains exclusively ours. I encourage you to reflect on this a bit in your own life. Are you going to let bitterness erode your heart as we move through these next few tough years or are you going to choose to persevere and focus on what you do have vs. what you do not? You can get up every morning and count your blessings (the love of family, friends, health, the gift of food and shelter) or you can get up grumbling about what you do not have.

Realties of our Industry- For most of us, we lived through the "glory days" of our industry, we rode the wave of prosperity. Every industry is cyclical and we are now finally experiencing the downturn of our own. I encourage you to ask yourself, "do I like the core of this business?" If the answer is yes, then you need to put your best foot forward and say "this too shall pass. " We will experience what feels like normal times again in a few years and as I keep saying, there will be no competition at that juncture. If you were in this business for the money and have no passion for what we do on a daily basis, I encourage you to get out and start looking for something that will ignite excitement in your life.

Embracing Change- 98% of people do not like change. It is uncomfortable, it pushes us outside of our comfort zone. Interestingly I have found that all of my personal growth does not come when I am in the confines of my own happy ideal world. It is when I get pushed outside these walls that the opportunity for growth flourishes. Change builds character. Consider viewing these current times as a unique opportunity that will make you a better & stronger person even though it doesn't feel so fabulous as you are actively walking through these life trials.

Home Buying & Wealth Management Seminar - Full Info & Location - 2/28/08

MELISSA VASCONCELOS, ESQ. (VASCONCELOS & ASSOCIATES, PC) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:02:22 -0600

We are pleased to offer a Real Estate Homebuying and Wealth Management Seminar on Thursday, February 28, 2008 hosted by the following local professionals:

Kate Duffy-Polcha, Branch Manager/Sr. Loan Officer, First Horizon National Bank: Kate is the Branch Manager for the Westhampton Beach office of the nationwide lender, First Horizon Home Loans. With more than 15 years of industry experience, Kate possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to educate consumers regarding all phases of the home buying process. She will share information on the current state of the mortgage markets, as well as valuable information on the process of obtaining a mortgage and detailed review of a sample Good Faith Estimate.

Michele Silverman, MP Silverman & Associates, Inc.: Michele is the principal owner and partner in the Center Moriches based Tax and Accounting firm of MP Silverman and Associates Inc. Michele is a former IRS Agent licensed by the US Treasury and authorized by the Internal Revenue Service to represent individuals, corporations and partnerships before the Federal and State taxing authorities. Her expertise in tax matters issues and representation is well recognized within the Internal Revenue Service and NYS Department of Taxation and Finance as well as by her peers within the tax practice community. As a licensed Enrolled Agent of the US Treasury, Ms. Silverman is qualified in the practice of tax related matters.

Melissa R. C. Vasconcelos, Esq., Vasconcelos and Associates PC: Melissa is the Senior Partner and Founder of the Farmingdale based law firm Vasconcelos and Associates, which is a General Practice firm, with a concentration in residential and commercial real estate. The firm's primary scope of legal services is focused on the representation of purchasers and sellers, as well as financial lending institutions. As a long standing member of the NY State Bar with many years of industry experience, Ms. Vasconcelos will provide valuable advice and information regarding Real Estate Law, Contracts and other related issues.

Ronald Guzas, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner, Atlantic Shores Realty: Ron is the Broker and Owner of Atlantic Shores Realty Corp. in East Moriches. He is a member of the Long Island Board of Realtors, the New York State Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. His experience in real estate spans over 35 years. Ron will provide information regarding the services provided by realtors, and tools and information for homebuyers and homeowners alike, as well as a unique perspective on the current local real estate market.

George P. Kreuscher, Account Executive, Gilford Securities, Inc.: George is an Investment and Insurance Professional with the Westhampton Beach office of Gilford Securities Inc. The focus of his practice is on helping investors (beginners to experienced) accumulate, grow and protect their wealth and financial standard of living. This is done through client education coupled with skilled use of various investment and insurance tools.

TIME & LOCATION:
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Ladakins on Mill Pond
714 Montauk Highway, Moriches, NY 11955
(631) 878 - 1919

Wealth Building and Home Buyers Seminar II

MELISSA VASCONCELOS, ESQ. (VASCONCELOS & ASSOCIATES, PC) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:36:09 -0600

Hello all! As promised, the Seminar has been re-scheduled...the new Seminar date is THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2008 from 7 PM to 9 PM. It will take place in West Hampton...during the next few days I will confirm the location & let everyone know.

This will be a fabulous opportunity to network, meet new real estate contacts & referral sources and also maybe learn something new and exciting about the real estate industry.

I, along with a number of other real estate associated professionals will be hosting the seminar... Its not just your typical "first time home buyers" seminar...guest speakers include First Horizon Home Loans Branch Manager, Kate Polcha - who will be discussing all types of loan products, including the newly re-popularized SONYMA loans....also, George P. Kreuscher, an Account Executive at Gilford Securities Inc., who will discuss life insurance, retirement plans and funds, IRA's, and Portfolio Diversification. Senior Realtor Ron Guzas of Atlantic Shore Realty will also lecture on the market conditions today and what home purchasers and sellers should know prior to contacting a Realtor and Michele Silverman, principal owner & partner of Silverman & Associates, a leading accounting firm, will discuss tax consequences of selling and purchasing a home as well as some alternative choices such as a 1031 Exchange....and of course, I will be speaking on the legal issues surrounding the spectrum of real estate transactions available to first time home buyers, investors, contractors, and sellers, alike.

There will be snacks & refreshments... I sincerely hope that you can make it....I look forward to meeting all who attend!

Until then, Have an Absolutely Wonderful Day...

Wealth Building and Home Buyers Seminar

MELISSA VASCONCELOS, ESQ. (VASCONCELOS & ASSOCIATES, PC) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:26:54 -0500

Hello all! I just wanted to take the opportunity to greet everyone and invite you all to a really fabulous opportunity to network, meet new real estate contacts & referral sources and also maybe learn something new and exciting about the real estate industry.

I, along with a number of other real estate associated professionals are holding a seminar on THURSDAY NOVEMBER !, 2007 from 7 pm to 9 pm. Its not just your typical "first time home buyers" seminar...guest speakers include First Horizon Home Loans Branch Manager, Kate Polcha - who will be discussing all types of loan products, including the newly re-popularized SONYMA loans....also, George P. Kreuscher, an Account Executive at Gilford Securities Inc., who will discuss life insurance, retirement plans and funds, IRA's, and Portfolio Diversification. Senior Realtor Ron Guzas of Atlantic Shore Realty will also lecture on the market conditions today and what home purchasers and sellers should know prior to contacting a Realtor and Michele Silverman, principal owner & partner of Silverman & Associates, a leading accounting firm, will discuss tax consequences of selling and purchasing a home as well as some alternative choices such as a 1031 Exchange....and of course, I will be speaking on the legal issues surrounding the spectrum of real estate transactions available to first time home buyers, investors, contractors, and sellers, alike.

The seminar will be held at Ladakins in Center Moriches from 7 to 9 pm...there will be goodies to nibble on as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sincerely hope that you can make it....I look forward to meeting whomever is interested in person Thursday evening.

Until then, Have an Absolutely Wonderful Day...