Monthly Archive for November, 2009

A Time of Thanks


In a year of the “Great Recession,” slumps in the housing industry, and rising unemployment, daily life has been challenging to say the least in 2009. As we all prepare to share another Thanksgiving with our families and loved ones, I still believe that, as Americans, we have numerous “silver linings” despite the current economic conditions and conflicts our country is engaged in abroad.

  • Regardless of your stance on our government and its policies, The United States of America is the GREATEST country in the world.
  • First and foremost, we are FREE. Free to prosper, worship, speak, protest…whatever you choose.
  • Capitalism—for all its faults—is still the best economic system in the world and provides all Americans with an opportunity to prosper.
  • And while I acknowledge that many American families are struggling this year, our struggles still do not compare with the extreme poverty, famine and strife that many Third World countries endure daily.

Most of all, I am thankful for that 19-year-old American Soldier, who is in harm’s way and willing to die for the cause of freedom. Their sacrifice allows you and I to celebrate with those we hold dear. Regardless of your politics, opinions or thoughts on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our troops deserve the respect and appreciation of all Americans.

So before you watch the game tomorrow, or join hands in prayer at the table around your feast of turkey and trimmings, please consider those brave patriots of our military who are standing watch, so we can enjoy a holiday.

On behalf of myself and everyone at NDG would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom Nelson

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CRITICAL HOUSING INDUSTRY NEWS


In service to our clients and partners in the real estate industry, NDG Communications often shares important news and research on our blog. Today the United States Senate announced that the homebuyer tax credit will be extended and expanded, and we present this exciting news here to keep you abreast of the facts as they develop.

Senate Acts to Extend Aid to Homebuyers; Passed $6,500 Tax Break; Headed for Quick Vote in House

Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers—or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years—would still get up to $8,000.

To qualify, buyers have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30. The credit would be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011, for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.

The bill is HR. 3548. “This is probably the last extension,” said Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, a former real estate executive who championed the credits. The new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners “is going to help us boost what is the problem in the U.S. housing market today and that is what is called the move-up market,” said Senator Isakson.

The credit is available for homes purchased at under $800,000. [The bill] doubles the income ceiling for qualification to $125,000 for individuals. The credit would be phased out for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

The measure also strengthens the ability of the IRS to stop people who are not eligible for the program from filing fraudulent claims.

“Buyers right now have an incentive to hold off, not knowing whether the credit will be extended,” said Lucien Salvant, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors.

About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.

ALL MATERIAL HERE EXCERPTED AND ADAPTED FROM ARTICLES by STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer, 8:53 a.m. EST, November 5, 2009, and by JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer, 1:20 a.m. EST, November 5, 2009.

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