Some Intresting News

Some "Green Things" about the President's Economic stimulus Package: Lower interest rates if home owners to retrofit their homes, 5 Billion for weatherization of residential homes, 3 Billion for retro-fitting buildings in the private sector, 11 Billion for a "Smart Electrical Grid," 6.3 Billion for state-level grants for energy efficiency.

According to www.greenandsave.com the return on a residential programmable thermostat is 156.5%. That represents a return on investment in a little over six months. Installing an energy-efficient residential hot water heater can provide a 32% return; money back in an average of three years.

One of the bright spots in the job market is weatherizing homes.

New job description: According to Stefan Swanepoel in the book, "Trends Report 2009," the job description of today's real estate professional is being characterized as an interpreter of information and a process facilitator.

If you are a member of REBAC, you received a couple of great articles on "NEGOTIATING." When does negotiation begin in the transaction? You might be surprised at the answer. Alex Hagerty, ABR,ABRM,CRB,e-PRO,SRES points out the most overlooked negotiating opportunity is the Buyer Agent making the offer presentation to the seller. (MLS Policy Statement 7.73, Rights of Cooperating Brokers in Presentation of Offers)

If you are not yet an Accredited Buyer Agent you will have a chance to take the two day required course on March 19^th and 20^th in Lowell at the AIRE Campus on Hwy 264. Register now at www.AIRE.us . This also counts for your CE 2010 in Arkansas.

New market report for January at www.ChadKumpe.com .