Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Michigan

Martin Luther King (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968)

“an Advocate for Peace for All”.

Today we celebrate one of our great American heroes. He fought for non-violence for all the masses. And yes to be cut down in the prime of his life. Have you noticed that some of the greatest leaders in this world were lost at such a very young age. The list is endless. There have been celebrations all across the US commemorating this event. In your busy day take a moment and say a prayer honoring this great man of courage. What it would have been to be able to hear some of his thunderous speeches and the most favorite “I Have a Dream”.

Sometimes I wonder what would he doing if he was here with us. Rallying the people for CHANGE. That word recently has been synonomous with several of the candidates (Democrats as well as Republicans). It’s our new rallying cry. The American people have been stagnated for so long they are open to change. What that change is is everyone’s guess.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080121/ap_on_re_us/king_holiday

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/

http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/mlking.htm

Robert L Brown

Five Star Real Estate

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

There is relief in sight. Just hang on…

With the overall economy reeling from the short sale, foreclosure ,adjustable mess out there it was a welcome sight to see an article expressing something positive concerning this situation we’re in. As we all know the media has painted nothing but “doom and gloom”. I think that’s one of the reasons why our ranks have depleted this past year. Not saying it’s absolutely wonderful but there has to be a silver lining out there.

The deals are few and far between but we have to make sure that the houses we list are priced right and the buyers are pre approved and ready to buy. I think that buyers nowadays are being tentative about purchasing because they don’t know which direction the market is heading. We have to express to them that it’s a GREAT time to buy a home. There are so many good deals out there. I saw a property for a client that started out at 190,000.00. Within 45 days it was reduced to 124,900.00. 66,000.00 reduction on a home over 3000 sq ft. Where can you find that kind of home for that price. Everyone I meet I make sure to let them know the time is now. It’s better to try and build equity in a home vs keeping it in a bank. If you would like to know more feel free to contact me. Read attached article:

http://www.mlive.com/business/grpress/index.ssf?/base/business-5/1200580509311720.xml&coll=6

Robert L Brown

Five Star Real Estate

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Bank of America purchases Countrywide Financial…

Just announced the acquisition of CountryWide by Bank of America. Well there is a bailout if I ever saw one. I as a matter of fact have my mortgage with CountryWide and thought what would happen if it imploded like several other banks. Well that should ease the mind of shareholders and customers alike.

Not to mention the thousands of loan officers around the country would be out of employment. There are so many banks/mortgage companies on the brink of closing their doors. All of this fueled by the sub-prime mess of 2007. My indication there will be other large financial institutions acquiring some of the more recognizable banks that possibly are heading down the same path that CountryWide.

This country will recover. When it’s anyone’s guess. It’s like we need a giant jumpstart to get us rolling again. So for right now CountryWide is still in the “game”. Luckily there was someone to save her. Thank you Bank of America for recognizing a viable company. Others you need to follow suit. The thought of this country being totally foreign owned send chills thru my spine. Lets have a recovery in 2008. Related article below:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080111/ap_on_bi_ge/countrywide

Robert L Brown

Five Star Real Estate

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Obama Watch.. Pt 3..

Barack Obama did not make no1 in New Hampshire. A little disappointing but there are several primaries to go. He knows there is lots of homework to do to gear up for the next one (New Jersey) and he has to be prepared mentally as well as physically. Primaries and caucuses are very grueling even for the seasoned candidate and they have to be very determined to go the long haul. IMHO I think he has what it takes to go the extra mile. In recent polls(in New Jersey) Mrs Clinton holds a substantial lead to Mr Obama with Mr Edwards in third place.

But you can never tell about people. As I said before in earlier posts people want change. They need change. And they will go against the status quo to get it. Again this will be an interesting race and there is a long way to go until November. If nothing else this has been exciting. Don’t you think?

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--obama-nj-optional0109jan09,0,7839110.story

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g4Ht3k43OKATPEhfVqTO-vgaSaCQ

For all your real estate needs call:

Robert L.Brown

Five Star Real Estate

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Obama Watch …. Pt 2

Barack Obama has put a comfortable 10 point lead over Hillary Clinton leading up to the Jan 8 primary in New Hampshire. He has garnered the support of independents, the unions and the young vote. His popularity reminds me of former President John Kennedy. He was a president for the people. In 1963 I was approx 8 years old and I remember hearing people talking about how charismatic he is as a leader. The American people are begging for change.

We will see in the ensuing primaries where he stands. So it must be something about him that’s allowing him to have such a lead. He must be saying the things that people want and need to hear. I’m so used to politicians saying one thing and miraculously doing something totally different. I would like it if someone wants my vote just be honest with me so I can vote my conscience on the person best suited for the job.

So the primary is tomorrow and more to come. Does the Obama machine become derailed in New Hampshire or does the momentum carry forward? Your guess is as good as mine. All I know is keep your eyes and ears open. If you have a moment read the attached article.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080107/pl_nm/usa_politics_poll_dc

For all your real estate needs call:

Robert L Brown

Five Star Real Estate

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com