Political Action Committees
REALTORS® believe in political action. Our 1.3 million member organization has a strong legislative agenda. We lobby to prevent transfer tax and promote home ownership and protect our industry through RPAC (REALTORS Political Action Committee). We have a legislative meeting in Washington every year and visit our congressmen. Is this bad? Do we wield unfair influence over the government? Is this an example of corruption?
As a REALTOR, I benefit from these activities. Homeowners definitely benefit from these activities. So this isn’t bad… What about the tobacco lobby, trying to protect a killing industry? What about the pharmaceutical lobby, keeping drug prices high and protecting their ability to market dangerous drugs? Does the gun lobby, protect citizens rights or cause a proliferation of materials to be used in violence and crime? Maybe our political action committee is good and some of the others are bad. Who would make that decision.
Where do we draw the line between exercising free speech and buying legislative votes? What is democracy anyway? Majority rules; but minority has rights as well. These are probably issues and questions that will never be answered to everyone’s (or anyone’s) satisfaction. They are issues and questions that are really critical as we enter a new political era. If the Democrats simply replace the Republicans as the power brokers, they might as well have lost the election.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com He is also a contributor on Argentina to: http://realestatebloginternational.com/
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Notes
Notes
In an earlier article about the 1st time home buyers tax credit, one important provision of this plan was omitted. This is what is called a “refundable tax credit”. If the tax liability of the 1st time home buyer is less that the amount of the credit, the tax payer will receive a check for the amount of the difference. For example, if a qualified person buys a house costing $80,000 or more and only has a $6000 tax liability, that person will receive a $2000 tax rebate check.
The city of Buenos Aires is featured in the June issue of Smithsonian Magazine. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/Hola-Buenos-Aires.html This is an absolutely excellent article about the new immigrants who are making Buenos Aires home because of the excellent standard of living and because of the great exchange rate between the dollar/euro and the peso. Buenos Aires has always been a European City plunked down in the heart of South America. Now, it is becoming even more international.
This is one of the best times ever to take a CIPS class. http://www.realtor.org/cipshome.nsf/pages/education Not only have the prices of the classes been reduced by most of the providers, under the “Right tools, right now program http://feeds2.feedburner.com/RightToolsRightNowHeadlinesFromRealtororg , the network dues will only be half of the regular price for next year. Also the airlines are offering a lot of special deals on airfare. Take the classes as far away from home as you can manage. You will build a network this way.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com He is also a contributor on Argentina to: http://realestatebloginternational.com/
In an earlier article about the 1st time home buyers tax credit, one important provision of this plan was omitted. This is what is called a “refundable tax credit”. If the tax liability of the 1st time home buyer is less that the amount of the credit, the tax payer will receive a check for the amount of the difference. For example, if a qualified person buys a house costing $80,000 or more and only has a $6000 tax liability, that person will receive a $2000 tax rebate check.
The city of Buenos Aires is featured in the June issue of Smithsonian Magazine. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/Hola-Buenos-Aires.html This is an absolutely excellent article about the new immigrants who are making Buenos Aires home because of the excellent standard of living and because of the great exchange rate between the dollar/euro and the peso. Buenos Aires has always been a European City plunked down in the heart of South America. Now, it is becoming even more international.
This is one of the best times ever to take a CIPS class. http://www.realtor.org/cipshome.nsf/pages/education Not only have the prices of the classes been reduced by most of the providers, under the “Right tools, right now program http://feeds2.feedburner.com/RightToolsRightNowHeadlinesFromRealtororg , the network dues will only be half of the regular price for next year. Also the airlines are offering a lot of special deals on airfare. Take the classes as far away from home as you can manage. You will build a network this way.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com He is also a contributor on Argentina to: http://realestatebloginternational.com/
Obama Reaches out to Muslims
Obama Reaches Out to Muslims
Today in Cairo, President Obama is speaking to the Muslim world. He is trying to make up for the horrible things that have happened between Islam and the west for hundreds of years. Everything he says will be for naught if the attitude of the American people does not change. Most of the bad attitude here stems from ignorance.
The fundamentalist version of Islam that is practiced mostly in the Arab lands is not true Islam any more than the fundamentalist Christians represent the Christian faith or the Hasidic Jews represent Judaism. All faiths have the same principles at their center. Unscrupulous individuals exploit ignorance to fan fanaticism and gain power. When we allow our own ignorance to generalize and attribute the errors of a few to an entire group we cooperate with these unscrupulous individuals.
Most of the worlds Muslims are Sufis. This is a spiritual branch of Islam that believes in a joyful loving communion with God. Try reading Rumi and Kahlil Gibran. These people were not inciting terrorism and hate.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Today in Cairo, President Obama is speaking to the Muslim world. He is trying to make up for the horrible things that have happened between Islam and the west for hundreds of years. Everything he says will be for naught if the attitude of the American people does not change. Most of the bad attitude here stems from ignorance.
The fundamentalist version of Islam that is practiced mostly in the Arab lands is not true Islam any more than the fundamentalist Christians represent the Christian faith or the Hasidic Jews represent Judaism. All faiths have the same principles at their center. Unscrupulous individuals exploit ignorance to fan fanaticism and gain power. When we allow our own ignorance to generalize and attribute the errors of a few to an entire group we cooperate with these unscrupulous individuals.
Most of the worlds Muslims are Sufis. This is a spiritual branch of Islam that believes in a joyful loving communion with God. Try reading Rumi and Kahlil Gibran. These people were not inciting terrorism and hate.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
Do you know how to use the 1st time home buyers tax credit for yourself or your clients? Originally (2008) the tax credit had a snake in it. It had to be repaid over time. That has been fixed. It does not have to be repaid now if the people do not sell the home for 3 years. The credit amount was $7500 Not everyone is eligible; but for those who are the tax credit can be quite helpful.
A single person who makes less than $75,000 or a married couple who makes up to $150,000 and who have not owned a home during the last 3 years will qualify. The deduction is 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8000. This will not work as down payment assistance because the money comes when the 2009 tax refund is received. The credit is only good for homes purchased during 2009. It is possible that it will be extended.
Not many buyers are using the credit. That is probably because of the old restriction of having to pay the money back. The need to have a down payment could also be a problem. For people who plan ahead this could be a nice bonus. For REALTORS it could be a minor stimulus. For more information go to: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/glance.php
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Do you know how to use the 1st time home buyers tax credit for yourself or your clients? Originally (2008) the tax credit had a snake in it. It had to be repaid over time. That has been fixed. It does not have to be repaid now if the people do not sell the home for 3 years. The credit amount was $7500 Not everyone is eligible; but for those who are the tax credit can be quite helpful.
A single person who makes less than $75,000 or a married couple who makes up to $150,000 and who have not owned a home during the last 3 years will qualify. The deduction is 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8000. This will not work as down payment assistance because the money comes when the 2009 tax refund is received. The credit is only good for homes purchased during 2009. It is possible that it will be extended.
Not many buyers are using the credit. That is probably because of the old restriction of having to pay the money back. The need to have a down payment could also be a problem. For people who plan ahead this could be a nice bonus. For REALTORS it could be a minor stimulus. For more information go to: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/glance.php
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Day
Memorial Day
This is a hard holiday to understand. I think it means it celebrates all the people who have died in wars. We celebrate the ones who survived on Veteran’s Day. We celebrate the one’s who authorized the wars on President’s day. We celebrate our “war of independence” on “Independence day”. Columbus Day celebrates the invasion of America by Europeans. Easter and Christmas are now respectively Spring and Winter holidays because we can’t have religious holidays. Martin Luther King Day and Thanksgiving are the only holidays where we celebrate peace. If we have 6 holidays for war and only 2 for peace, what does this say about our priorities?
Maybe we should formalize (ie: have a day off) some of our “Hallmark holidays”. How about Valentines, St. Patties and Halloween? There is controversy about what day to celebrate Sadie Hawkin’s Day; but that could balance things. Adding Arbor Day would tip the scales in favor of peace. Would this change hearts and minds? Who knows?
All of the extra holidays would give people extra opportunities to enjoy their second homes and resorts. I say make real estate not war.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
This is a hard holiday to understand. I think it means it celebrates all the people who have died in wars. We celebrate the ones who survived on Veteran’s Day. We celebrate the one’s who authorized the wars on President’s day. We celebrate our “war of independence” on “Independence day”. Columbus Day celebrates the invasion of America by Europeans. Easter and Christmas are now respectively Spring and Winter holidays because we can’t have religious holidays. Martin Luther King Day and Thanksgiving are the only holidays where we celebrate peace. If we have 6 holidays for war and only 2 for peace, what does this say about our priorities?
Maybe we should formalize (ie: have a day off) some of our “Hallmark holidays”. How about Valentines, St. Patties and Halloween? There is controversy about what day to celebrate Sadie Hawkin’s Day; but that could balance things. Adding Arbor Day would tip the scales in favor of peace. Would this change hearts and minds? Who knows?
All of the extra holidays would give people extra opportunities to enjoy their second homes and resorts. I say make real estate not war.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Downshift
Downshift
Is the economy seeking a new low or its true level? A tenant came in late with his rent yesterday. He has been laid off from his white collar job. He is “reinventing” himself. He is cutting grass. A Mexican tenant came late with his rent for the 1st time ever. He cuts grass for a living. I know a few people who are doing better than before. Most of the people I see are doing worse.
It is inconceivable that closing auto dealerships that cost the manufacturer nothing will help the automobile industry. It will probably help the remaining dealers. Too many cars are made and sold anyway. Think of the squandering of raw materials and labor involved in making a car that winds up at the crusher’s lot in 6 or 7 years. Think of the environmental impact of the wasteful consumption demanded for the survival of our current economic system.
Suppose everyone who wanted a job had one; but only worked 4 or 5 hours 4 days per week. I would guess they could produce more of everything than the world really needs. The real problem is our economy is like a drug addiction problem. Everyone needs more and more just to maintain the current level. Is our current situation an opportunity to correct this situation? Will we just try to fix things and go back to what we were doing until there are no resources left?
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Is the economy seeking a new low or its true level? A tenant came in late with his rent yesterday. He has been laid off from his white collar job. He is “reinventing” himself. He is cutting grass. A Mexican tenant came late with his rent for the 1st time ever. He cuts grass for a living. I know a few people who are doing better than before. Most of the people I see are doing worse.
It is inconceivable that closing auto dealerships that cost the manufacturer nothing will help the automobile industry. It will probably help the remaining dealers. Too many cars are made and sold anyway. Think of the squandering of raw materials and labor involved in making a car that winds up at the crusher’s lot in 6 or 7 years. Think of the environmental impact of the wasteful consumption demanded for the survival of our current economic system.
Suppose everyone who wanted a job had one; but only worked 4 or 5 hours 4 days per week. I would guess they could produce more of everything than the world really needs. The real problem is our economy is like a drug addiction problem. Everyone needs more and more just to maintain the current level. Is our current situation an opportunity to correct this situation? Will we just try to fix things and go back to what we were doing until there are no resources left?
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
(Un)Calculated Risk
(Un)Calculated Risk
Yesterday’s blog mentioned risk and suggested putting line items in for several types of risk. In speaking to Mitch Creekmore, The Latin American supervisor for Stewart Title, yesterday the thought of “catastrophe risk” came to mind. Mexico of course is bearing the brunt of the swine flu disaster so far. Many companies have eliminated all international travel. How many other markets will suffer from the swine flu?
Will this flue pandemic be a short lived and limited economic problem; or will it linger and poison an already slow recovery? How far from the tree will the fruits of this situation fall? Mexico is already suffering from low oil prices and reduced remittances. The 3rd leg of the 3 legged stool, tourism, seems to be cut off as well. What kind of factor would one put in investment projections to anticipate an event like this?
As the world becomes smaller and more integrated the possibilities for this type of event are increasing. Not just developing countries are affected. SARS hit several highly developed Asian Countries. Think what mad-cow disease did to the beef industry in Britain and the USA. Should we start another line-item in the risk portion of our cash flow models?
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Yesterday’s blog mentioned risk and suggested putting line items in for several types of risk. In speaking to Mitch Creekmore, The Latin American supervisor for Stewart Title, yesterday the thought of “catastrophe risk” came to mind. Mexico of course is bearing the brunt of the swine flu disaster so far. Many companies have eliminated all international travel. How many other markets will suffer from the swine flu?
Will this flue pandemic be a short lived and limited economic problem; or will it linger and poison an already slow recovery? How far from the tree will the fruits of this situation fall? Mexico is already suffering from low oil prices and reduced remittances. The 3rd leg of the 3 legged stool, tourism, seems to be cut off as well. What kind of factor would one put in investment projections to anticipate an event like this?
As the world becomes smaller and more integrated the possibilities for this type of event are increasing. Not just developing countries are affected. SARS hit several highly developed Asian Countries. Think what mad-cow disease did to the beef industry in Britain and the USA. Should we start another line-item in the risk portion of our cash flow models?
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
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