Business pundits and bloggers, seeking the next sensational headline, have begun suggesting the death of the American Dream; home ownership. Let me state emphatically, while still remaining civil; they are wrong. The days of lax credit and undisciplined borrowing have been halted by reality. We know that in a free society, tough times never destroy the dream.

REALTORS® who have practiced for any length of time have all experienced that excitement of a purchaser who just found their future home. Children gleefully chose their bedrooms, furniture placement is visualized and the perfect place in chosen to plant a tree to grow up with the “kids”. They know that home ownership is an investment in their stability and future. The benefits to the homeowner and society are many and can’t be destroyed by setbacks and fear mongering.

REALTORS® know that home ownership is an investment in the future. Enjoy the comfort today — reap the benefits tomorrow. A National Association of REALTORS® study entitled Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing found that homeowners are more likely than renters to vote, and volunteer time for charitable and political causes. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that homeowners do not move as frequently — creating more stable neighborhoods. The involvement of families in community quality-of-life issues helps to prevent crime, improve childhood education, and support neighborhood upkeep.

Owning a home is one of the best ways for individuals to build long term wealth. Over time, it provides equity accumulation and tax benefits. According to recent data from the Federal Reserve Board, a homeowner’s net worth is 46 times that of a renter’s.

Today we face economic challenges that were in part created by questionable lending practices and excessive risk-taking in mortgage-backed securities. Restructuring entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and improving regulation of the mortgage lending industry is necessary. Our country will return to economic strength. Private home ownership is an integral part of our nation’s economy and recovery. The American Dream will not die because of a noisy few.

While home buyers are playing the “wait and see” game; rationalizing that they may save money by waiting for lower prices, there are many advantages to purchasing now. Mortgage rates are near record lows; population increases, immigration and the next generation of first time home buyers continues to drive demand. Buyers typically use their own money to cover only a portion of the purchase price. Smart buyers realize that given time, home values appreciate, and equity growth is on the entire value of the property. Qualified buyers will take advantage of mortgage leverage.

For you who are able and willing to be responsible homeowners, the dream is still very much alive. Contact your REALTOR® today and build your future through homeownership. It’s the American Dream!

Published in the Spokesman Review, June 27th, 2010

Businesses have goals. Industries have standards. Societies have expectations. The meeting of the minds becomes more important than ever as our world becomes smaller. Technology, communications, and economies are changing at a rapid pace. It is apparent that a standard of conduct is necessary for all businesses to function. Guidelines for ethical actions are important for all enterprise. This is not a new awareness!

As our country developed in the late 1800’s, and land was a hot commodity, real estate men sold titles to land in great fashion. But not always was it with the highest integrity. By 1913 the professional property salesmen came together and created what is still known today as the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. It was an attempt to hold one another accountable to the highest standards of business practices. All licensees are not REALTORS®. State law allows agents to help the public buy and sell real estate, but only licensees that belong to the National Association of REALTORS® can identify themselves as a REALTOR®.

The Code of Ethics not only addresses how we are to treat customers and clients, but also the general public and our peers. As in any industry with a standard of practice, the REALTOR® Code establishes behavior that protects the public. Real estate is an expensive and long term investment for most families and REALTORS® take their obligations seriously. The articles of The Code of Ethics also address issues of fair housing compliance, loyalty, proper documentation and safe handling of trust monies.

Where a certain level of competition is healthy, REALTORS® will not sacrifice the ideals of the code for personal benefit. The focus of the association this year is “REALTORS® serving our community with heart”. Our community families are important to us, and that ideal is played out in our support of the annual 3^rd grade poster contest. Students are asked to create a poster featuring their home and an essay on “what my home means to me”. The winners are presented awards at a special luncheon and their class given an ice cream party. This year there were 658 children from 17 different schools that participated in the contest. The winners were: 1^st place, Madeline Munding, 2^nd place, Olivia McLeese (both Brentwood Elementary);  3^rd place, Sophia Dompier (Hutton Elementary) and 4^th place, Huanzi Lu (Lincoln Heights). Congratulations!!

REALTORS are reaching out to the community in a variety of ways. We strive to serve with integrity and heart!

Published in the Spokesman Review, June 6th, 2010

REALTORS are servants. All of us have experienced good service, and occasionally service that leaves us feeling neglected. Many books are written about how to give quality service. Realtors are trained to help and serve. There is something about a Realtor’s heart—they really care about their clients. Have you considered how difficult it is to move? Packing up personal belongings, leaving behind favorite neighbors, deciding where furniture should be placed in the new home. Realtors work with their clients during difficult times and continue to be cheerful, encouraging and supportive.

REALTORS are resources for information. Have you ever had a question about where to find a good roofer? Or maybe need advice regarding someone to help with home updating projects? Call your REALTOR—he/she can offer help. Maybe it’s simply direction to a favorite web site (such as www.houselogic.com) or possibly a referral to honest and quality contractors.

REALATORS are advocates. Our goal is to represent the client to assure that they buy or sell properties with all knowledge and disclosure. Sellers can expect honesty and all-out efforts to market the client’s properties. Buyers can expect good advice regarding the market and how to move forward with wise purchasing skills.

REALTORS are specialists. We live in a world of specialists. Educators, doctors, even retail stores specialize. REALTORS  specialize in property values, marketing, staging, real estate laws, and how to serve! We are sensitive to the importance you place on this major investment and commitment you are about to make.

REALTORS are professionals practicing under a Code of Ethics. The standards of the code assure the public that they will be served according to high principles of integrity and honesty. We hold one another accountable and continually strive to grow in character.

Your dream is our dream! The commitment of your REALTOR is based not just on the need to earn a living—it’s helping you and your family meet defined goals. We only earn a living if your needs are met.

Check out www.SpokaneOpen.com for locally sponsored open houses. Call your favorite REALTOR today! Comments or questions can be directed to me at president@SpokaneRealtor.com

Printed in the Spokesman Review March 21st, 2010

Spokane REALTORS® want to help consumers make the most out of owning a home, and we have a gift for you.  It’s called HouseLogic.  This is a new, comprehensive consumer Web site about all aspects of homeownership. It’s FREE and created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) for you. The web site is designed to help homeowners across our region make smart decisions regarding their property’s value.

HouseLogic is a great resource for helping homeowners plan and organize their home projects.   You will find timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s;  information about taxes, home finances and insurance. Unlike other homeownership Web sites, HouseLogic helps consumers view their home through a financial lens. It’s important to consider our homes as an investment. Families can set goals for saving money on their home…or perhaps increasing its’ value. How about the ability to track the progress made on those goals!

Registered users can save relevant information, create to-do lists and set project reminders. The Web site can also be customized for individual homeowners depending on how handy or ambitious they are regarding home projects.  How much money do you want to spend or save? Where do you live?  What are your priorities? Maybe its’ increasing the value of your home or improving the neighborhood.

HouseLogic can also empower homeowners who want to get more actively engaged in shaping community life. Are you interested in becoming an advocate in your neighborhood? What homeownership issues matter most to you?  The site provides users with the tools and know-how to effect change and address concerns, like establishing a neighborhood watch program, building a community playground, or participating in city or county planning efforts.

HouseLogic takes owning a home to the next level, empowering consumers to build their futures through homeownership.  Visit HouseLogic at www.houselogic.com.  Two other great online resources to remember are www.WAhomeowners.com and www.SpokaneOpen.com.

Last year, Spokane REALTORS® helped over 4,660 homeowners achieve their goals of owning a home.  For 99 years, Spokane REALTORS® have been serving our community with heart and bringing families home.  Contact a Spokane REALTOR® today. Remember that the Homeowner Tax Credit expires April 20!

Printed in the Spokesman Review: March 7th, 2010