Dave Liniger, co-founder of RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL is one Cool Real Estate Kat (in my book) !
Last Wednesday some office mates and I drove to Houston to hear Dave Liniger speak. He came to Texas to be upclose and reach out to all RE/MAX Agents to inform us of what is coming for 2010!
It was great to hear him speak. He's such a down to earth kind of guy and just says things like they are. I like that about him. He had done his research informing a room full of RE/MAX of Texas Agent what is to come for 2010, pricing, the economic outlook and where and who are the Buyers of 2010. It was such a treat.
Here is the official press release from RE/MAX:
Houston, TX - January 08, 2010 - Over 1000 Realtors from across Texas turned out in Houston and Dallas this week to hear RE/MAX International Co-Founder Dave Liniger speak on the economy and the future of America's housing market. Giving a nearly two and a half hour presentation, the real estate maverick expounded on the events that lead to the current housing crisis and subsequent recession. Liniger also spoke on what RE/MAX, the world's largest and most well-known real estate franchise has been doing in Washington D.C. to stem the tide of foreclosures.
"Dave is an extremely engaging figure whose motivations go beyond business," says Richard Filip, CEO of RE/MAX of Texas, the company which sponsored the presentation. "In a time of historically high foreclosure rates, our main concern as RE/MAX agents is not the commission. It is making sure people can stay in their homes, and preserve both their credit and their dignity."
In his presentation, Liniger advocated for greater knowledge of the short sale process, by which most homeowners avoid foreclosure and the resulting damage to their credit. "We envisioned a program in which lenders, investors and second-lien holders are given greater incentive to accept Short Sales, streamline the process and reduce delays that lead to frustrating dead ends," says Liniger. "Loan modification remains the top avenue for underwater borrowers, but when the numbers just don't work, a Short Sale is the next-best option for everyone involved. People need to know that."
Congress has apparently been listening to Liniger, who informed his audience that his recommendations for public policy toward Short Sales impressed both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Treasury Secretary Shaun Donavan. The congressionally-approved streamlined short sale plan goes into effect this April and will standardize the complicated process. Some of its measures include protection of homeowners by removing first liens and Realtors by forbidding commission reductions at closing.
Though seasoned with good news for the real estate industry, Liniger's presentation cautioned attendees about an impending second wave of foreclosures more massive than the sub prime variety America is now familiar with. "We are only a third of the way through the foreclosure crisis," Liniger says. "The fundamental changes the market has seen all point toward one irrefutable fact. Experienced, committed, full-time agents are better positioned today than ever before to dominate the market, especially in Texas."
In this photo is (L-R) Jeanna Martinez, me, Dave Liniger, Kristin Moran
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