C Lloyd McKenzie, MBA, e-PRO, CDPE

Today the world witnessed tragedy on one of our nation's finest military installation. Fort Hood, located in Killeen, Texas was the site of carnage. A lone gunman killed 13 and wounded 31. If not for the brave and quick reaction of the base security personnel, the death toll would have been worse.

I am especially saddened by this event because of 13 falllen heroes. How many more will have to die? My heart aches at the loss of our brave warriors. They give so much of themselves. They even make the ultimate sacrifice.

Please keep the injured, the families, and the entire Fort Hood community in your thoughts and prayers. They need our support. Let's pledge to always remember the sacrifice they make each and every day.

Fort Hood stands on the frontlines of all war efforts. There, young men are trained to become brave warriors. Warriors who put their lives on the line to protect the very freedom that we take for granted each day.

This subject might not appeal to many real estate practitioners because none of us like regulations. However, with the barrage of misleading information out there, I wonder if our lawmakers are paying attention. After all, it was only in the recent past that we almost experience financial collapse. Were there co-conspirators from the real estate industry? Will we be on the radar screen in the foreseeable future?

As a consequence of the aforementioned crisis, the current administration is taking measures to reform the way business is done in the financial industry. Yes, they are re-writing the rules of the game. Considering the fact that we are intricately related to the financial industry, why would they not look at us? One only has to take a look at the latest foreclosure statistics to see that there are some serious problems that need to be addressed.

Besides that however, there are some very reputable Realtors who are addressing problems that exist in the real estate industry. Below, I have cited two very prolific bloggers, Lenn Harley of Rockville, Maryland and Ruthmarie Hicks from White Plains, New York. I have provided an excerpt from their blogs.

Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Rockville, MD in her blog entitled, "LOOKING AT REAL ESTATE TEAMS AND TEAM SPECIALISTS," addressed the following questions: DO REAL ESTATE "TEAMS" EXHIBIT EXPERTISE. The concept of "teams" in real estate practices is popular and often compared to medical "groups". I see little to no resemblance and, in fact, assigning a title of specialty such as "Buyers Agent" to a member of a team is often misleading to the consumer."

Ruthmarie Hicks, Associate Broker, White Plains, NY in her blog entitled "This Brokerage Has 750 Listings.....So they must be the best! (Part 1)"

Here are some of the issues she brought up, "Does size really matter? Does the number of listings or the size of the brokerage have anything to do with the ability of the agent to market and sell a home successfully? Is it the brokerage or the agent that is the determining factor? What Does the Brokerage Bring to the Table?"

What is your opinion?

I wonder how many Active Rain participants are following the current healthcare debate! Frankly I have been very discouraged of late, but this afternoon I heard Senator Tom Harkins, D-Iowa, made a statement about the biggest beneficiaries from this reform will be Small Business Owners and entrepreneurs. He definitely got my attention.

From the perspective of one REALTOR, this would definitely be a positive step. Being able to purchase insurance coverage at a reasonable rate would be is a great.

What are others thinking?

Do you support the current Healthcare reform bill?

You may contact me at : 505-350-5882

Or visit me website at www.LloydMcKenzie.com

Have you heard the latest on the $8000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit Program? Great news! Both chambers of Congress are considering bills to extend the deadline from November 30, 2009 to April 30, 2010. So for those who have been sitting on the fence for so long, here is another opportunity.

In addition, there will be a a new credit of $6500 to homeowners who have owned their current home for 5 years or more. This is great news! Congress is actually encouraging investment. I urge all homeowners to take advantage of this program.

Imagine the doors that this can open up for you. Consider the following:

1. Rental income is considered "INCOME!

2. You can own a home while your tenant pay your mortgage

3. Most people who start their business mortgage their home, to get start-up capital

4. This can open up the possibility of the 1031 Exchange for those who otherwise would not be able to.

Wherever you are, it's time to contact a Realtor. To contact me, call 505-350-5882 or visit my website at:

www.LloydMcKenzie.com o

Sunday’s Rio Rancho Journal reported in the article “Home Sales Continue To Rebound,” good news for the real estate market in both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. The September 2009 numbers for both cities were better than those for 2008…Click the below link for the article: Home Sales Continue To Rebound on Page 1 of October 17, 2009 issue of Rio Rancho Journal Section

I am not sure that this article appropriately explains the current trend though. I think that comparing percentage change between our two cities is a bad idea. Should Albuquerque reflect a higher percentage change next month, would that mean that it’s now doing better than Rio Rancho? Not at all! Here is something we know, there were 477 sales in Albuquerque, while 108 sales were made in Rio Rancho. So in actuality, more people purchased homes in Albuquerque.

What might better explain the current trend? The $8000 tax credit! When consumers are able to enter the market because of the tax credit, it is very likely that some would choose to purchase in Rio Rancho since the prices there are lower, all other factors remaining constant. In this case, the consumer would be able to afford more home for his/her same income.

C. Lloyd McKenzie, MBA, e-Pro, CDPE

www.LloydMcKenzie.com