finding the economic solutions: The Double Whammy!
- 01/31/11 07:28 AM
The Economy across the nation and where you Live. We as real estate agents are constantly reviewing the economic conditions to help our clients buy and sell. We look at our own towns and cities and not all that much further to see the impact of the other areas. NPR has produced an interactive map that helps tell the story of Foreclosures, jobs with a broad stroke brush that lets you look at other areas and your area. Here is the NPR interactive link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111494514 The "Double Whammy" is losing your job and home. We can talk about issues but we … (4 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Taxes, the New Savior?
- 12/05/10 01:32 AM
Should your property tax be a tax relief item? For most of us the ability to write-off our property tax payments on our income tax filing is very important. What isn't part of the discussion is the impact of the proposal to eliminate the housing property tax write-off, some are saying it could save the economy. I tend to read and listen to as much information concerning our future as possible. One of my media imputs, without a plug, is my XM Radio. I can listen between appointments, change to various news media outlets and get a more well rounded spin on the … (4 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Black Friday, is it really Black?
- 11/27/10 08:26 AM
Black Friday is a blemish on Thanksgiving. Retailers are pushing the dates closer and closer to major holidays. We have to resist and they will learn what is appropriate. This week I saw Christmas decorations and we hadn't even had Thanksgiving dinner! The real issue was the retailers that started their sales at 3 am. They are pushing the envelope to beat the competition to the consumer dollar. What wasn't publicized was the sale limitations. How would you like to stand in line for that advertised bargain to be 11th in line knowing the store only has 10 of those sale … (6 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Unemployment hits another wall!
- 02/28/10 03:10 AM
For those without jobs the unemployment check may be the only thing between them and the streets. This pay week the extension of unemployment benefits totaling 10 Billion dollars would extend the unemployment of those drawing benefits for One Month! Tonight at midnight the benefit extension runs out. It is not likely to be signed. This means more foreclosures, more children seeing a different side of life. It isn't cutting back people have already done that! They have skipped house payments to put food on the table. They stopped going to the doctor putting their health at risk, they need tires … (2 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Survey Says........What's the price of gas this week?
- 10/25/09 05:52 AM
Over the past weeks I've been like everyone else... noticing the gas prices inching (jumping too) up a little more every week. On some good weeks, they've even surprised and went down, a little. But this week has been an incredible leap. Here is Michigan we went from 2.49 to 2.75 for regular. Where does it go from here? Where are your gas prices at today? The predictions say we will go higher because of the demand has outpace production. Hard to imagine this is not a intentional attempt to raise fuel oil and other heating products for profit. Here is something many may not … (3 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Post Office Branchs closing....yours could be next!
- 08/08/09 07:05 AM
It is no secret email has cut into the mail...or in another word...snail mail! As the Internet grows so does the use of email. Nearly any company of any size now uses email to communicate amongst it's employees and with clients. When you consider email can arrive in minutes versus days it seems pointless except for critical documents to be mailed. Even then the Electronic Communications Act has impacted important documents. Real Estate has gone nearly all email except where the rare client does not have email...then snail mail is still used. USPS the Postal Service hit a new milestone...7 billion dollar … (7 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Vacations and the Economy?
- 07/25/09 04:25 AM
Vacations and the Economy? I just traveled north of my home two and half hours this week and noticed something different. Fewer campers, fewer cars, fewer families on the roads taking advantage of summertime vacations. Many of my clients have chosen to make shorter trips in distance and time doing what they call "weekenders". Taking a Friday or Monday and combining it with the weekend so it turns into a mini-vacation. Others have decided to stay home and create a family fire pit, remodel, update a patio or backyard area. The economy has created major concerns for people that would normally … (2 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Michigan Unemployment Rate Top's the Nation.
- 07/18/09 03:28 AM
Michigan has been riding high for quite some time now but the dubious honor is for having the nation's highest level of unemployment. The current level of unemployment stands at 15.2%. This affects everyone even those that have jobs. How can this be? Pretty simple when you think of it. The unemployment costs go up with every new filing. The lower purchasing power of each person on unemployment causes other employers to lay off works because of reduced sales. This is a cycle. Being the largest automotive state...it has always been said, so goes the auto industry so goes Michigan. Many … (1 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Listening to the Economy?
- 05/30/09 04:31 AM
The general theme is cutting back, conserving and seeing what happens. The trek to the bank standing in line leads offers time to listen and reflect. As I go through my week I have had less time and more issues to deal with....sounds like everyone else's life to me. But, today was a day when I realized that my hurried schedule and 80+ phone calls per day was really nothing that I should be frustrated about. I should be singing praises of joy...my phone is ringing. I talked to a sprinkler installation company today. His phone didn't ring once in February or … (4 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Michigan's Unemployment Ranks #1 in the Nation
- 05/23/09 02:25 AM
A dubious honor having the nations highest unemployment rate. If you have been wondering why less food is on the shelves it isn't just the holiday weekend. Here is the National rankings by state provided by the Bureau Of Labor Statistics. State Unemployment (Seasonally Adjusted) top 8 states leading unempoyment. 1. Michigan highest jobless rate, 12.9 percent. 2. Oregon, 12.0 percent3. South Carolina 11.5 percent4. Rhode Island, 11.1 percent5. California, 11.0 percent6. North Carolina, 10.8 percent7. Nevada, 10.6 percent8. Ohio, 10.2 percent This shows being the top automotive state isn't good for the economy of Michigan. We have run this road of up and … (4 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Gratitude, being employed!
- 05/16/09 07:33 AM
I heard a new sound this week...it was the sound of gratitude. It's been a sound I've heard all week. I heard it at the post office when I told the postal worker to have a good weekend. He said I have to work Saturday, but I don't mind..I am so grateful to have a job these days and to be able to take care of my family. The bank teller, despite the lines of people, on Friday noon waiting to cash their checks, saying they are the reason I still have a job, the grocery store check out person also … (3 comments)
finding the economic solutions: For every Actions there is an Equal and Opposite Reaction!
- 05/16/09 03:43 AM
West Michigan is bracing for another round foreclosures. Why? Simple....but it is not defined to West Michigan or the Grand Rapids real estate market. It has to do with the massive business model changes that are forcing GM and Chrysler to close dealership after dealership. Many people do not think of the issues affecting the local economies because the national news puts a distant spin on what is happening. Neighbors, family and friends know the stark truth that joblessness and slowing and failing businesses is entering into every segment of nearly every community. The actions of closing dealerships is survival for … (2 comments)
finding the economic solutions: The market takes a toll on all kinds of businesses, Gainey Corp is but one.
- 10/11/08 12:21 PM
The Grand Rapids based trucking company has 2000 employees and has been a pillar of the community which no one can deny. They have supported all types of non-profit community organizations for the betterment of our community. It is no surprise with escalating fuel costs reduced trucking and delivery requirements they would be hard hit. Many independent truckers can not afford their insurance, repairs or truck payments. So it is no wonder that the large trucking companies are have a struggle for survival. We have many companies based in Grand Rapids and we need everyone of them to survive and … (0 comments)
finding the economic solutions: Fear of our Economic Environment, just a few calming facts
- 10/11/08 10:45 AM
I hear the word depression being tossed around pretty freely. Now if they were talking about mental depression I could see why they would be tossing the word out there so often. People are seeing their retirement accounts drop. They are seeing the cost of living escalate. Every news cast has some more doom and gloom report. This may give you a few things to think about before you think depression. I grew up with people that were both adults and children during the depression. My mother was a small child, my grand mother and my great grand parents lived it. … (5 comments)
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The Economy across the nation and where you Live.
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