Richard Smith, the C.E.O. of Realogy Corp. (the parent company of my parent company), released a statement this morning that I really wanted to share. Here is what he had to say...

I am writing to let you know of a positive development for the real estate industry that was announced earlier today by the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. corporations. Specifically, the Business Roundtable’s Housing Working Group – of which I am the chair – issued a set of recommendations for the White House and Congress that are aimed at jumpstarting the housing market in order to stimulate a broader economic recovery.

The Business Roundtable’s recommendations are as follows:

· Keep mortgage interest rates at historically low levels (below 5 percent) for at least one year;

· Expand the current First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit incentive from the lesser of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home or $8,000 to a higher limit of either 10 percent or $15,000 for all homebuyers, remove the income restrictions and include all primary residence purchases for one full year;

· Conduct a thorough review of current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs in light of rising loan-modification re-default rates;

· Make permanent the current temporary conforming loan limits; and

· Continue to review and strengthen government efforts already underway to review and refine mortgage lending practices.

We believe targeted, demand-side solutions – such as the ones Business Roundtable is recommending today – will provide a critical next step for a housing recovery that will help create jobs and boost the economy as a whole.

Please understand that the legislative process is often a long and winding road that is hard to predict, but at some point in the future, we expect to call on you to make your voices heard in support of any new legislation in Congress that would advance these recommendations. We will communicate with you as these legislative opportunities occur – but for now, just know that we appreciate your support.

There are times I feel somewhat overtaken by an event where I am surrounded by people who are not only smart and accomplished, but people I can sit in a room with and say, my god these people really "get it".

You know the types; the kind of people who - through their unique set of experiences, and skill are redefining an industry from where it has been into a future that we are just now discovering together.

Well, after experiencing my first RE BarCamp this last week in Philadelphia, I can say without doubt that the future is bright, and the people leading us there are not only qualified, but inspiring.

Now for those of you have not experienced a Bar Camp let me give you the official meaning from those who created it: RE Bar Camp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from attendees.

Now that is the official version. What it is really is a mind blowing, high octane 24 hour sprint of people just like you! It is not about being a techie, or a kid, or being sold services or toys that cost money. NO - RE BarCamp is a free event that represents the philosophy of the change we all want to be a part of and having the realization in knowing you are not alone.

So, if you consider yourself an innovator, or a person who not only believes in but strives to be a Realtor of consequence for the next generation of our industry, then I dare you - go to the next event. Who knows, maybe like me, you'll discover you're not as smart or unique as you thought you were. And in that comes the epiphany.

The Following is the sencond half of the speach given at last weeks NAR panel on social media a dn how it is changing the Real Estate industry. As one of four panelists, my portion was focused on blogging and how it has fundementally turned around my office. As always, if you have any questions just contact me. THANKS and ENJOY!

President Obama at the White House Correspondent's Dinner

Once a year the Press holds a dinner in DC that has one rule: Bring your funny!  Here are two clips: one of the President, and the other of Wanda Sykes.  Regardless of political affiliation, it is pretty fuuny.  Enjoy.

Amazing You Tube Video


It's not often I am impressed by a simple video on You Tube, but seriously, this is amazing - and even a little scary. It's four minutes long but worth watching. That is, if you're brave enough.