Recovery News & Foreclosure Prevention Information

A couple of quick items I wanted to share with you that you're welcome to share with anyone in your life who may appreciate some positive recovery news, or who may be in need of some Foreclosure Prevention Information.

Recovery Update:

1) For the first time in five years, sales of previously occupied homes rose for the third consecutive month in June, while foreclosure sales and the glut of homes on the market both declined. Sales also have risen for three straight months in 40 out of 55 major metropolitan areas, and prices rose during that period in about half of those areas. To read the full article, Click Here.

2) Forbes has listed Seattle as one of the 10 cities in the U.S. most likely to rebound swiftly from the nation's current Recession, in large part due to our high-tech capabilities. Cities with robust tech sectors such as ours are poised for stronger recoveries than manufacturing or finance centers. Since real estate is all about location, location, location, a healthy economy historically leads to a healthy real estate market. Stay tuned.

3) The Dow Jones soared above 9,000 yesterday for the first time since early January, and the Nasdaq has recorded 12 consecutive days of gains, (a feat last accomplished in 1992).

None of this means we're out of the woods, it just shows that we're taking baby steps back towards middle ground. We have a long way to go until recovery is substained, still its nice to see progress after so many months of record losses.

This further shows that if you're confident in your job, have equity in your current home, or have money saved up for down payment, (or someone in your life willing to gift you money towards a down payment), now is a fantastic time to take advantage of this Once in a Decade Real Estate Sale. Remember, first-time buyers are eligible for an $8,000 credit after closing if they close on a purchase by November 30th.

I am committed to helping people obtain the American Dream of substainable home ownership...not just home ownership. To that end, you can expect accurate market updates, and professional, honest real estate consultation at all times.

To learn more about how you can take advantage of today's real estate market to better your personal situation, contact me anytime at (206) 799-2318.

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop:

The City of Seattle Housing and the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development are holding a workshop today from 11-7 at Cleveland High School. To obtain more info, Click Here.

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

The world just lost the greatest entertainer of our generation, and quite possibly of all-time, Michael Joseph Jackson. In his prime, there was none better that Mike, and there will never be another artist like him.

Michael's music and live performances dominated my formative years, and many of his songs act as a diary for special people, places, and moments in my life. His talent has been overshadowed in recent years by allegations, surgeries, court battles, and eccentric behavior. As uncomfortable as it was to watch his decline, I choose to instead remember how exciting it was to watch his climb. (And no one ever climbed higher).

In an imperfect world divided by race, religion, class, landscape, and culture, this man made people forget their differences, even if just for a song, a video, or a concert. He broke down barriers and united the world through his music for nearly 40 years, and I'm grateful I had a chance to witness his brilliant career along with my family and friends.

You may not be a fan of Mike's. You may crucify him for the ugly allegations, mock him for his surgeries, or pity those of us who choose to remember the good times, and that's fine. It's my humble opinion that the world isn't as black and white as many make it out to be, and judging others without knowing all of the facts simply isn't in my DNA. The future may shed more light on Michael's life, (for better or for worse), but today I prefer to focus on all of the joy he brought the world through his many talents, and leave the judging and sensationalism to others.

Michael, thank you for the memories. You enhanced my life and millions of others, and you'll never be forgotten. RIP (To view an impromptu tribute to M.J. from across the world, Click Here)