There is a saying “If you are lucky enough to live by the water, then you are lucky enough.” Many residents of Rock Pond in Georgetown are among those folks who are lucky enough and they are in the process of saving their sweet little beach from being taken by the town for back taxes.
Decades ago funds were left in trust by a private party to maintain the Rock Pond Beach for the enjoyment of those who had deeded rights to the beach. What has happened to those funds is yet to be discovered, but the story behind the movement to save a special place in the sun is as American as it is heartwarming.
For years the little beach was the focal point of summer where families and friends gathered to relax and enjoy the beauty of Rock Pond. It was so adored by the community that beach chair and blanket space was at a premium and one had to get there early to stake out a spot. The beach was kept clean and a shed was built to store equipment such as rakes and floats that cordoned off the swimming area. The neighbors knew and cared about each other and the Rock Pond community was “lucky enough”.
As happens with the passing of time, children grow up and move away from sweet little beaches. Parents grow older and their needs are often better met in other locations. The dynamic of whole communities can change to the point where neighbors no longer know each other and the only gatherings that take place on sweet little beaches are those of geese and ducks.
The beautiful Rock Pond Beach was left to ruin for years and it was becoming a junk yard filled with trash. There is a sadness associated with the ruination of something beautiful and timeless. Busy with their separate lives, Rock Pond residents continued to drive past the sad little beach every day as it became more of an eyesore than the gem it always was. The task of cleaning up the beach seemed overwhelming anyway and where would one begin if one did? One did.
Kris and Nicole Owens have four children and they live across the way from the beach. Kris began riding his lawn mower over to the beach to mow the grass. He and Nicole then began to clean up the beach by raking up trash and glass particles that would hurt their children. When asked what made Kris begin such an undertaking Nicole said “Oh, he just generally does things that feel right.”
Close neighbors and friends joined them with rakes and trash bags. They made a path to the old shed and rummaged through forgotten floats and equipment. Soon they had the swimming area cordoned off and as more neighbors began to take notice, the old dock began to see kayaks and canoes. One day several weeks ago as Kris was raking, a passerby stopped to ask why he was “bothering to clean up the beach” that was being “taken by the town for back taxes to be sold off as buildable lots.” Kris did not know the man and has not seen him since, but for those who do not believe in “coincidence”, this chance encounter certainly was “meant to be”.
Kris went to Town Hall and found that in deed, the town was preparing to take back the
beach that would be turned over for development. Quickly a committee was formed and fliers went out to nearly two hundred homes that have deeded rights to the beach. Most residents were not even aware of those rights, but many were pleasantly surprised to learn of the additional value to their properties.
The town is now working with the Rock Pond Beach Association who have collected funds sufficient to stave off the taking for the time being. What has happened at Rock Pond, however, goes beyond taxes and taking, raking and cleaning. Neighbors are gathering with friends and families. Children are learning a sense of community as they see neighbors, once strangers, now waving on the way by to each other. What began with one mower and one rake is not so far removed from the barn buildings of centuries ago. People needed each other to develop as part of a whole rather than to merely exist in isolation. There is as much laughter as there is splashing now around Rock Pond and it is absolutely intoxicating.
Perhaps being part of something so uplifting during such difficult times will be a driving force behind many “Rock Pond” movements throughout the country. The Rock Pond neighbors have become “lucky enough” again.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
We are approaching that time in our country when the voting booths will be opening again for us Americans to control our own destiny. Professional commentators are all over the map with predictions and there is rarely a shortage of propaganda to support claims that further a political agenda.
Propaganda that espouses “how well” we are doing in the ant farming market can hurt ant farmers who rely upon such faulty information. Propaganda that leads consumers to believe that the housing market is improving right now or in the near future is dangerous and can cause the loss of fortunes.
Experienced Realtors have the means by which to provide Clients with information that exists outside the political arena, the TV, radio, print media or internet. Painting a rosy picture of the housing industry may work in the voting booth for a temporary period of time, but in Real Estate, the truth will set you free indefinitely. Here is the truth:
1. The Housing Market continues to decline. Eighty percent of Contracts to Purchase single family homes go to closing within Sixty days. In order to determine the value of a property, all who work in the industry look backwards to compare prices of those comparable properties that have SOLD. We consistently see that the prices continue to decline.
2. There are indicators that can be used to determine future changes. One of these indicators is a “future contract”. When Realtors and industry related professionals such as bankers and appraisers look at the declining number of contracts that have been written for the purchase of homes in the coming weeks and months, the news is instructive. The number of sales continues to decline as do the prices.
3. The leading economic indicators (LEI) show unemployment stats hovering at 10% and despite some reporting to the contrary, the Stimulus Package has not produced the jobs needed to bolster the housing market.
4. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shares fell to their lowest since 1992 and 1994 respectively as reported by Wall Street. The sharp decline is thought to be a direct result of proposed legislation that would require the mortgage giants to raise huge capital sufficient to give a break to homeowners whose loans are too burdensome. When investors get spooked, it becomes more difficult for consumers to obtain a loan to purchase a home.
HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS;
As long as a consumer has a handle on what is true, he/she can move through any market and achieve the optimum outcome possible (most amount of equity out in shortest period of time). If you want to (or have to) sell your home, do not wait. You are living in your own bank and it is shrinking. There is nothing you did to cause it and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You must price your property correctly and it will sell. Every property sells at the right price and time.
Know that if you sell one property and purchase another, you may be among the many consumers who refer to your selling and buying as a “wash”. The market decline is across the board. You do not sell “too low” and buy “to
If you are a buyer, there is hardly a better time than these times to make a purchase. The rates remain historically (or hysterically) low and the banks are doing what they should be doing. They are loaning money to folks who can pay them back.
If you are planning to retire in the near future, downsize and you have a good bank account, you may be among those in the best position to buy. The housing prices will remain low. You can sell your home that has accumulated large equity over the years. You can purchase a home that meets your changing needs for cash or a smaller mortgage thereby ridding you of the burden of higher interest rates.
We are not near the end of this declining market and we who read the signs and practice within the industry every day know it. If you do not understand the economic facts that directly affect your fortune, you will lose money. It is that simple.
This is America, thank goodness. Information is free flowing. Read as much as you can and educate yourselves as much as possible about the Housing Recovery. There has never been a time when Americans failed to rise above any/all adversity. We just need to know the truth and no one makes better decisions collectively than Americans do.
Propaganda that espouses “how well” we are doing in the ant farming market can hurt ant farmers who rely upon such faulty information. Propaganda that leads consumers to believe that the housing market is improving right now or in the near future is dangerous and can cause the loss of fortunes.
Experienced Realtors have the means by which to provide Clients with information that exists outside the political arena, the TV, radio, print media or internet. Painting a rosy picture of the housing industry may work in the voting booth for a temporary period of time, but in Real Estate, the truth will set you free indefinitely. Here is the truth:
1. The Housing Market continues to decline. Eighty percent of Contracts to Purchase single family homes go to closing within Sixty days. In order to determine the value of a property, all who work in the industry look backwards to compare prices of those comparable properties that have SOLD. We consistently see that the prices continue to decline.
2. There are indicators that can be used to determine future changes. One of these indicators is a “future contract”. When Realtors and industry related professionals such as bankers and appraisers look at the declining number of contracts that have been written for the purchase of homes in the coming weeks and months, the news is instructive. The number of sales continues to decline as do the prices.
3. The leading economic indicators (LEI) show unemployment stats hovering at 10% and despite some reporting to the contrary, the Stimulus Package has not produced the jobs needed to bolster the housing market.
4. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shares fell to their lowest since 1992 and 1994 respectively as reported by Wall Street. The sharp decline is thought to be a direct result of proposed legislation that would require the mortgage giants to raise huge capital sufficient to give a break to homeowners whose loans are too burdensome. When investors get spooked, it becomes more difficult for consumers to obtain a loan to purchase a home.
HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS;
As long as a consumer has a handle on what is true, he/she can move through any market and achieve the optimum outcome possible (most amount of equity out in shortest period of time). If you want to (or have to) sell your home, do not wait. You are living in your own bank and it is shrinking. There is nothing you did to cause it and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You must price your property correctly and it will sell. Every property sells at the right price and time.
Know that if you sell one property and purchase another, you may be among the many consumers who refer to your selling and buying as a “wash”. The market decline is across the board. You do not sell “too low” and buy “to
If you are a buyer, there is hardly a better time than these times to make a purchase. The rates remain historically (or hysterically) low and the banks are doing what they should be doing. They are loaning money to folks who can pay them back.
If you are planning to retire in the near future, downsize and you have a good bank account, you may be among those in the best position to buy. The housing prices will remain low. You can sell your home that has accumulated large equity over the years. You can purchase a home that meets your changing needs for cash or a smaller mortgage thereby ridding you of the burden of higher interest rates.
We are not near the end of this declining market and we who read the signs and practice within the industry every day know it. If you do not understand the economic facts that directly affect your fortune, you will lose money. It is that simple.
This is America, thank goodness. Information is free flowing. Read as much as you can and educate yourselves as much as possible about the Housing Recovery. There has never been a time when Americans failed to rise above any/all adversity. We just need to know the truth and no one makes better decisions collectively than Americans do.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
LAND OF THE FREE………..AND THE BUILDING COSTS
Sometimes the frustration of not finding just the right home to purchase leads folks to consider building the exact home they envision. Finding suitable land requires more homework than finding suitable houses that have already undergone the research and development of the land involved in building. Before embarking on a journey that may lead to either your dream home or your nightmare, there are preliminary steps to follow.
Once you have located a parcel that feels like home to you, go to the town (or city) hall to check with the planning and zoning departments. Ask what the long range plans may be that would affect your enjoyment of your property. Heartbreak only begins to describe the aftermath of building a lifelong dream house next to lush natural surroundings that were subsequently cut down to make way for the super highway that had been in the planning for years. There may also be a school or a park planned that would bring all the crowds and ballplayers to your dinner table daily.
If you are certain that a future municipal airport will not be sharing your air space every night, you will want to determine if the land is in a recorded subdivision or lies within unrecorded acreage. Subdivisions come with plats (maps) that will have more updated details than the subdivision plan itself. You would be able to determine if your neighbor had the right to cut down all the beautiful woodlands on his property that had attracted you in the first place. The documents may show that those woodlands may never be cut down and that directly affects the resale value of the home you build.
The plat may show utility easements (the right of use or way over your land) that will restrict or prohibit construction. These easements can not always be seen, but their existence will determine what you can or can not do with the land.
Land within subdivisions generally comes with restrictions that limit the control you will have over your property. Limiting control is not necessarily a bad thing as restrictions exist to maintain certain standards of living and are applied to all owners within that subdivision. Without restrictions, a neighbor could decide to raise attack dogs in an unfenced back yard while another neighbor could express his inner self with lime green exterior paint that irritated the dogs.
Another consideration that must be addressed when evaluating land costs is the topography of the land itself. Is it mostly ledge that must be blasted? Is it on a slope that must be filled in with additional soil? Are there already utilities at the site? Is there water or sewerage at the site or will you have to drill a well and install a septic? The costs to preparing the land for building may be so high that once your home is built on such a top heavy site, you may never get a return on the value invested. After all, it would still only be one single family home in a market that will not reward the preparatory work involved in building it.
Building your own home on the perfect location is enormously rewarding when the research has been as thorough as is reasonably possible. When looking for land for homebuilding, it is imperative that you engage the services of knowledgeable professionals. Your Realtor, Builder and Lender should be with you throughout the process to avoid finding baseballs crashing through your picture window that overlooks the new town dump with aromas that float on the breeze to your patio that sits under the Boeing 747 that roars overhead periodically drowning out the symphony from super highway traffic that appeared after you built that dream home.
Once you have located a parcel that feels like home to you, go to the town (or city) hall to check with the planning and zoning departments. Ask what the long range plans may be that would affect your enjoyment of your property. Heartbreak only begins to describe the aftermath of building a lifelong dream house next to lush natural surroundings that were subsequently cut down to make way for the super highway that had been in the planning for years. There may also be a school or a park planned that would bring all the crowds and ballplayers to your dinner table daily.
If you are certain that a future municipal airport will not be sharing your air space every night, you will want to determine if the land is in a recorded subdivision or lies within unrecorded acreage. Subdivisions come with plats (maps) that will have more updated details than the subdivision plan itself. You would be able to determine if your neighbor had the right to cut down all the beautiful woodlands on his property that had attracted you in the first place. The documents may show that those woodlands may never be cut down and that directly affects the resale value of the home you build.
The plat may show utility easements (the right of use or way over your land) that will restrict or prohibit construction. These easements can not always be seen, but their existence will determine what you can or can not do with the land.
Land within subdivisions generally comes with restrictions that limit the control you will have over your property. Limiting control is not necessarily a bad thing as restrictions exist to maintain certain standards of living and are applied to all owners within that subdivision. Without restrictions, a neighbor could decide to raise attack dogs in an unfenced back yard while another neighbor could express his inner self with lime green exterior paint that irritated the dogs.
Another consideration that must be addressed when evaluating land costs is the topography of the land itself. Is it mostly ledge that must be blasted? Is it on a slope that must be filled in with additional soil? Are there already utilities at the site? Is there water or sewerage at the site or will you have to drill a well and install a septic? The costs to preparing the land for building may be so high that once your home is built on such a top heavy site, you may never get a return on the value invested. After all, it would still only be one single family home in a market that will not reward the preparatory work involved in building it.
Building your own home on the perfect location is enormously rewarding when the research has been as thorough as is reasonably possible. When looking for land for homebuilding, it is imperative that you engage the services of knowledgeable professionals. Your Realtor, Builder and Lender should be with you throughout the process to avoid finding baseballs crashing through your picture window that overlooks the new town dump with aromas that float on the breeze to your patio that sits under the Boeing 747 that roars overhead periodically drowning out the symphony from super highway traffic that appeared after you built that dream home.
Friday, July 9, 2010
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR ALL…….
You have waited all year and it’s time to relax away from home. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, however, statistics show that July and August are the busiest months for burglars who love your being away almost as much as you do.
There are many ways to avoid becoming a victim of these menacing threats to our homes and lives. Here are some tips from the FBI, The Home Safety Council and this REALTOR that may serve to keep your homes secure while you enjoy much deserved time away:
1.Do not leave recorded messages that you are “out of town”.
2.Do not leave any key anywhere except in the hand of your REALTOR, a trusted friend or family member who will bring in your mail and any periodicals or newspapers while you are away.
3.Keep bushes, shrubs and any plantings trimmed under windows so burglars can not hide in them. (If your home is on the market, REALTORS don’t like hidden burglars at all.)
4.Let your trusted neighbors know that you will be away and that you are not expecting any visitors so that they may call the police about suspicious activity around your home. (Your REALTOR is NOT to be carted away)
5.All doors, windows, garages and sheds should have working locks.
6.Be sure the automatic garage door has been completely closed as you leave.
7.Make one last trip around the home to be sure all sliding glass doors, side doors, bulkheads etc are locked and secured.
8.Store ladders securely away in locked garage or shed so that they can not be used to access the home.
9.Use timers for selected lights or outdoor water sprinklers to make it appear that someone is home.
10.Mow the lawn one last time just before you leave. (Tall grass suggests that the homeowner may be away).
11.Put bright lights over porches and walk ways in front and back yards.
12.Do not leave any toys, tools or equipment in the yard.
Have the time of your good lives this summer and come home to your properties refreshed and happy. For those of you whose homes are on the market, just come home ready to close!
Broker/Realtor Janet Hilton is a former practicing attorney and critical care RN who with her husband retired Lynn Fire Lieutenant George Hilton owns and operates REMAX Country Crossroads at 144 Newburyport Turnpike in the Rowley Plaza. For excellence in providing Real Estate services, call the office 978-948-5333 or visit www.countrycrossroadsrealty.com.
There are many ways to avoid becoming a victim of these menacing threats to our homes and lives. Here are some tips from the FBI, The Home Safety Council and this REALTOR that may serve to keep your homes secure while you enjoy much deserved time away:
1.Do not leave recorded messages that you are “out of town”.
2.Do not leave any key anywhere except in the hand of your REALTOR, a trusted friend or family member who will bring in your mail and any periodicals or newspapers while you are away.
3.Keep bushes, shrubs and any plantings trimmed under windows so burglars can not hide in them. (If your home is on the market, REALTORS don’t like hidden burglars at all.)
4.Let your trusted neighbors know that you will be away and that you are not expecting any visitors so that they may call the police about suspicious activity around your home. (Your REALTOR is NOT to be carted away)
5.All doors, windows, garages and sheds should have working locks.
6.Be sure the automatic garage door has been completely closed as you leave.
7.Make one last trip around the home to be sure all sliding glass doors, side doors, bulkheads etc are locked and secured.
8.Store ladders securely away in locked garage or shed so that they can not be used to access the home.
9.Use timers for selected lights or outdoor water sprinklers to make it appear that someone is home.
10.Mow the lawn one last time just before you leave. (Tall grass suggests that the homeowner may be away).
11.Put bright lights over porches and walk ways in front and back yards.
12.Do not leave any toys, tools or equipment in the yard.
Have the time of your good lives this summer and come home to your properties refreshed and happy. For those of you whose homes are on the market, just come home ready to close!
Broker/Realtor Janet Hilton is a former practicing attorney and critical care RN who with her husband retired Lynn Fire Lieutenant George Hilton owns and operates REMAX Country Crossroads at 144 Newburyport Turnpike in the Rowley Plaza. For excellence in providing Real Estate services, call the office 978-948-5333 or visit www.countrycrossroadsrealty.com.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
SHELTER FROM STORM CLOUDS
Out of the housing crisis that has wreaked havoc with so many Americans during the last several years have emerged a growing number of families and individuals who are in need of rentals. The growing number of rental seekers is likely to meet head on with a growing number of homeowners who have been on the fence as to whether to sell now or wait “until the market comes back”.
Before the wave of bad loans, falling home values, unemployment, short sales, and foreclosures began washing over our families, friends and neighbors, there were few single family homes for rent. If a family entered into a landlord/tenant relationship, it was most likely with a landlord who owned the home as an investment property. He bought low and chose to rent until he would sell high in a strong market. Typically, the landlord required that the tenant applicant have a strong credit history before he would enter into an agreement for rental. The tenants were often folks who were not in a position to purchase, but could demonstrate income flow and who had good credit.
Difficult times often produce changes in attitude that precede changes in practice. These days are really tough for those who own shelters from the storm and for those who need to be sheltered. Here is who you all are and to the extent that you meet and help each other, I offer the following information:
Tom and Judy have 2 small children. They purchased their second home at the height of the market with a loan that their lender said they could refinance within about six months. It was a choker of a loan and when the market fell down around the high price they paid for their home, they were not able to refinance. The rising interest rate came due and they struggled to keep current as their home quickly became worth far less than what they owed the bank. After two more devastating years, they sought counsel with an accountant and lawyer. On advice of counsel, they filed for bankruptcy. What they did not know was that the attorney had the mortgage discharged despite the fact that it was never the couples’ intent to discharge their mortgage as part of the bankruptcy.
After another year went by, Tom and Judy continued to pay their bank every month on time. When they read about “loan modification” programs, they began to inquire of their bank if they would be eligible. It was during this dialogue with the bank that they learned that there was no mortgage to modify. It had been discharged. As such, not one of their hard met timely payments had been reported to the credit bureaus. They in fact, had no credit history building. When they called their lawyer he said “Just keep paying the monthly bill on time. The bank probably won’t evict as long as you pay them.”
That night the couple stared at the ceiling. The next morning they stared at their children.
If this family like so many hard working Americans knocks on your door knows that they make good money, they respect the property of others and they pay their bills on time. The old standard “credit report” will no longer reflect the whole story in this challenging market.
If you are a homeowner whose home no longer meets your needs, it may very well meet the needs of the Toms and Judy’s out here. We have every reason to believe that home prices will increase again but not for several years. If you are on the fence about what to do with your own home, you may have options that are well worth exploring. We have a number of worthy families who are waiting to meet you. You may need Tom and Judy just as much as they need you until the storm clouds clear.
Before the wave of bad loans, falling home values, unemployment, short sales, and foreclosures began washing over our families, friends and neighbors, there were few single family homes for rent. If a family entered into a landlord/tenant relationship, it was most likely with a landlord who owned the home as an investment property. He bought low and chose to rent until he would sell high in a strong market. Typically, the landlord required that the tenant applicant have a strong credit history before he would enter into an agreement for rental. The tenants were often folks who were not in a position to purchase, but could demonstrate income flow and who had good credit.
Difficult times often produce changes in attitude that precede changes in practice. These days are really tough for those who own shelters from the storm and for those who need to be sheltered. Here is who you all are and to the extent that you meet and help each other, I offer the following information:
Tom and Judy have 2 small children. They purchased their second home at the height of the market with a loan that their lender said they could refinance within about six months. It was a choker of a loan and when the market fell down around the high price they paid for their home, they were not able to refinance. The rising interest rate came due and they struggled to keep current as their home quickly became worth far less than what they owed the bank. After two more devastating years, they sought counsel with an accountant and lawyer. On advice of counsel, they filed for bankruptcy. What they did not know was that the attorney had the mortgage discharged despite the fact that it was never the couples’ intent to discharge their mortgage as part of the bankruptcy.
After another year went by, Tom and Judy continued to pay their bank every month on time. When they read about “loan modification” programs, they began to inquire of their bank if they would be eligible. It was during this dialogue with the bank that they learned that there was no mortgage to modify. It had been discharged. As such, not one of their hard met timely payments had been reported to the credit bureaus. They in fact, had no credit history building. When they called their lawyer he said “Just keep paying the monthly bill on time. The bank probably won’t evict as long as you pay them.”
That night the couple stared at the ceiling. The next morning they stared at their children.
If this family like so many hard working Americans knocks on your door knows that they make good money, they respect the property of others and they pay their bills on time. The old standard “credit report” will no longer reflect the whole story in this challenging market.
If you are a homeowner whose home no longer meets your needs, it may very well meet the needs of the Toms and Judy’s out here. We have every reason to believe that home prices will increase again but not for several years. If you are on the fence about what to do with your own home, you may have options that are well worth exploring. We have a number of worthy families who are waiting to meet you. You may need Tom and Judy just as much as they need you until the storm clouds clear.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
TEACH OUR CHILDREN WELL
In May, 1868 General John Logan, National Commander of the grand Army of the Republic officially proclaimed Memorial Day to honor all those who gave their lives in the service of their country.
As a very young girl, I can remember marching in the Memorial Day parade every year and trying so hard not to drop my baton while an ocean of flags waved all around me. As an adult now I reflect on the irony of my Memorial Day parade experience. I was thrilled with my sparkling gold trim on a costume that I was sure dazzled everyone as I marched by. It was a costume to die for. My WW11 Veteran Dad, however, marched along side of me no doubt immersed in his own thoughts about the COUNTRY he loved enough to die for.
The years that have passed since my marching career came to an end have given this “Majorette Idol” time to understand the extreme importance of REMEMBERING the sacrifices of our military. The importance of those sacrifices never diminishes over time.
As of this writing, two very sacred and solemn anniversaries are upon us.
May 31st, Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on how vitally important it has always been to teach our children what it took and takes to live in freedom. If we do not make sure that each generation understands and values the freedom they have to make choices, to speak against tyranny, to pursue happiness and attain their own financial goals, we run the danger of becoming the kind of country that needed to be rescued by America in the past.
On June 6, 1944, 160,000 allied troops landed along 50 miles of Normandy France coastline to fight the Nazis. By the end of the day, over 5000 allied ships and 13,000 airplanes had taken back the territory at a cost of 9000 soldiers killed or wounded. The indescribable sacrifice resulted in over 100,000 allied soldiers beginning their advance through Europe to rid the world of such an unspeakable curse.
During the recent years when Americans have been working harder for less, we have experienced the loss of housing, jobs and many have lost hope. There has never been a time in America, no matter what the economic or political challenge faced, that we have failed to focus our collective energy, intelligence and spirit to eradicate any threat to our precious way of life.
While the interest rates are lowering again and home prices are at all time lows, no matter what your individual challenges may be, there is no doubt that recovery is around every corner in America. Whether we are sitting on Easy St, or traveling the Road of Hard Knocks, we owe everything we have to those who gave everything they had. The best way to honor them is to TEACH OUR CHILDREN WELL.
As a very young girl, I can remember marching in the Memorial Day parade every year and trying so hard not to drop my baton while an ocean of flags waved all around me. As an adult now I reflect on the irony of my Memorial Day parade experience. I was thrilled with my sparkling gold trim on a costume that I was sure dazzled everyone as I marched by. It was a costume to die for. My WW11 Veteran Dad, however, marched along side of me no doubt immersed in his own thoughts about the COUNTRY he loved enough to die for.
The years that have passed since my marching career came to an end have given this “Majorette Idol” time to understand the extreme importance of REMEMBERING the sacrifices of our military. The importance of those sacrifices never diminishes over time.
As of this writing, two very sacred and solemn anniversaries are upon us.
May 31st, Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on how vitally important it has always been to teach our children what it took and takes to live in freedom. If we do not make sure that each generation understands and values the freedom they have to make choices, to speak against tyranny, to pursue happiness and attain their own financial goals, we run the danger of becoming the kind of country that needed to be rescued by America in the past.
On June 6, 1944, 160,000 allied troops landed along 50 miles of Normandy France coastline to fight the Nazis. By the end of the day, over 5000 allied ships and 13,000 airplanes had taken back the territory at a cost of 9000 soldiers killed or wounded. The indescribable sacrifice resulted in over 100,000 allied soldiers beginning their advance through Europe to rid the world of such an unspeakable curse.
During the recent years when Americans have been working harder for less, we have experienced the loss of housing, jobs and many have lost hope. There has never been a time in America, no matter what the economic or political challenge faced, that we have failed to focus our collective energy, intelligence and spirit to eradicate any threat to our precious way of life.
While the interest rates are lowering again and home prices are at all time lows, no matter what your individual challenges may be, there is no doubt that recovery is around every corner in America. Whether we are sitting on Easy St, or traveling the Road of Hard Knocks, we owe everything we have to those who gave everything they had. The best way to honor them is to TEACH OUR CHILDREN WELL.
Monday, May 17, 2010
SO WHERE DO WE PUT THE BUTLER?
Every now and then when I’ve brought a buyer to a newly constructed home I’ve heard “Why would the builder ever put the kitchen on this side of the house?” or “Look how far I have to walk with shopping bags from the garage.” It is critical that builders and all those in the home building industry listen very carefully to what the consumers want. There is ample evidence from such sources such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) that they are doing just that.
Huge consumer groups have spoken and the industry captains have heard. The growing trend in home building today is to provide solutions that are economical without sacrificing appeal and convenience.
In short, through the first two quarters of 2009 the homes that were built were smaller according to the US Census Bureau and more efficient. Home sizes on average stopped increasing in 2008 and began a downward trend in 2009. For the first time since 1992, the building of homes with at least 3 bedrooms was down. The number of homes being built with 4 or more bedrooms has been falling since 2007 and those with 2 or more stories have continued a downward trend since 2006.
In times of economic challenges, huge gas guzzling cars lose their appeal. The same can be said for behemoths that drive up heating and maintenance costs in the ever changing climates of Rowley, Georgetown, Ipswich, and our beautiful North Shore communities. The desire for spacious living area can be achieved without building a huge costly structure. According to the NAHB, one of the top 10 priorities in 2010 would be to build 9-foot ceilings on the first floor for example.
Rooms separated by walls have given way to the open floor plan that remains desirable but is being built on a smaller scale. The person doing the cooking is no longer isolated in the kitchen from family or friends enjoying the company of each other. The functions of each open area may be defined by the placement of furniture or specific flooring, but the purpose is to accommodate multiple needs in a warm, inviting and organized plan.
The top ten home features that builders will be including in 2010 are:
Walk-in closets, Laundry rooms, Insulated front doors, Great rooms, Low “e” windows, Linen Closets, Programmable thermostats, Energy Efficient appliances and lighting, Separate shower and tub in the master bathroom, and Nine foot ceilings.
Among the largest consumer groups that the builders should be listening to now are the Baby Boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964. One level living is easier no matter who is carrying the bundles or laundry and the over 55 buyers have spoken. The top ten features according to the NAHB Baby Boomer survey include in order of preference:
Washer/Dryer in the home(90%), Storage space(84%), Windows that open easily (81%), Garage door opener (73%), Easy to use thermostat (73%), Master bedroom on first floor (71%), Private Patio (67%), Porch (66%), Attached garage (65%) and bigger bathrooms (64%).
Americans have a distinguished history of meeting challenges head-on and an even more remarkable legacy of teaching the world how to do it. Our basic need for shelter from the storm is deeply personal. Whether the home building industry accurately anticipates the consumer need, or listens carefully to the consumer in order to meet the need, the housing needs in America will be met brilliantly. For now, watch for smaller homes with a larger “feel” that include window designs that enhance natural light as well as higher ceilings and clever use of space. What appear to be going the way of the buffalo are sunrooms, butler’s pantries and media rooms. So, where do we put the butler………in the master walk in closet?
Huge consumer groups have spoken and the industry captains have heard. The growing trend in home building today is to provide solutions that are economical without sacrificing appeal and convenience.
In short, through the first two quarters of 2009 the homes that were built were smaller according to the US Census Bureau and more efficient. Home sizes on average stopped increasing in 2008 and began a downward trend in 2009. For the first time since 1992, the building of homes with at least 3 bedrooms was down. The number of homes being built with 4 or more bedrooms has been falling since 2007 and those with 2 or more stories have continued a downward trend since 2006.
In times of economic challenges, huge gas guzzling cars lose their appeal. The same can be said for behemoths that drive up heating and maintenance costs in the ever changing climates of Rowley, Georgetown, Ipswich, and our beautiful North Shore communities. The desire for spacious living area can be achieved without building a huge costly structure. According to the NAHB, one of the top 10 priorities in 2010 would be to build 9-foot ceilings on the first floor for example.
Rooms separated by walls have given way to the open floor plan that remains desirable but is being built on a smaller scale. The person doing the cooking is no longer isolated in the kitchen from family or friends enjoying the company of each other. The functions of each open area may be defined by the placement of furniture or specific flooring, but the purpose is to accommodate multiple needs in a warm, inviting and organized plan.
The top ten home features that builders will be including in 2010 are:
Walk-in closets, Laundry rooms, Insulated front doors, Great rooms, Low “e” windows, Linen Closets, Programmable thermostats, Energy Efficient appliances and lighting, Separate shower and tub in the master bathroom, and Nine foot ceilings.
Among the largest consumer groups that the builders should be listening to now are the Baby Boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964. One level living is easier no matter who is carrying the bundles or laundry and the over 55 buyers have spoken. The top ten features according to the NAHB Baby Boomer survey include in order of preference:
Washer/Dryer in the home(90%), Storage space(84%), Windows that open easily (81%), Garage door opener (73%), Easy to use thermostat (73%), Master bedroom on first floor (71%), Private Patio (67%), Porch (66%), Attached garage (65%) and bigger bathrooms (64%).
Americans have a distinguished history of meeting challenges head-on and an even more remarkable legacy of teaching the world how to do it. Our basic need for shelter from the storm is deeply personal. Whether the home building industry accurately anticipates the consumer need, or listens carefully to the consumer in order to meet the need, the housing needs in America will be met brilliantly. For now, watch for smaller homes with a larger “feel” that include window designs that enhance natural light as well as higher ceilings and clever use of space. What appear to be going the way of the buffalo are sunrooms, butler’s pantries and media rooms. So, where do we put the butler………in the master walk in closet?
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