Peter Hawley

Now what......

Up early today, throwing together another Slow Cooker meal that will simmer during the day, while I am at my office in Falmouth MA, where I List and Sell Real Estate. (www.peterhawley.com). I would be thankful for 30 degree weather, and maybe the snow expected soon will head somewhere else. I am always optimistic.

I admit that January has been a mixed bag with many more inquiries by those who are considering selling than those actually buying, but everyone in my office has been showing property and had some busy weekends.

Shortly I will begin to hold seminars for those who might be mired in debt, and are being held back from buying a home due to some unwise past decisions. The long-term goal is to demonstrate that most are able to pay off their debts without any extra income, and then they can begin working toward the goal of home ownership. Once a spending plan is established we can target a date certain, when one might be in the position to own. While Mortgage Interest paid, continues to be a tax-deductible gift from the government, while there is a $7,500 tax incentive for First Time Home Buyers, and Interest Rates hover around 5%, clearing out debt is paramount for the future and that includes those not wanting to buy real estate.

Foreclosures continue to increase inventory, and for those in stable financial situations, there are many opportunities. Foreclosures may be more specifically addressed in future Congressional Economic Recovery legislation, and it is widely known that housing which makes up somewhere around 24% of the GDP, is central in keeping our economic engine running.

One cannot paint the housing market with a broad brush, and here on Cape Cod, although we have had a reduction in average prices and volume sold, we continue to be a stable marketplace, mostly due to our location on the Edge of America, the ease to commute to large cities like Boston and New York, but still maintain a small town life style.

It is my job as a Realtor® to provide service, clearly presenting options to my Sellers and Buyers, so they can meet their goals. If I can assist you in reaching your goals, contact me at phawley@jackconway.com.

WHY NOT BE OPTIMISTIC......

The wind blows and the snow swirls across the beaches as I drive toward my office in Falmouth. MA where I List and Sell Real Estate. (www.peterhawley.com) I was listening to the morning news and quickly switched on some music, I just could not take it any more. The constant assault upon my ears of negative stories about every conceivable subject, made me think that I must be missing something that I just have not experienced.

93% of the population, have not lost their jobs.

Millions of people pay their mortgage, car payment and other bills on time every month.

There is money to lend, interest rates are reaching their lowest point in years, most sellers are making a profit when they Sell, and are making good financial decisions when they Buy.

Millions of people live within their budget, save money, and continue to invest in their future.

Small business's are thriving, when they offer value and excellent service to their customers.

The sun continues to rise each morning and set each evening, the tide ebbs and flows, and the ferry from Woods Hole makes it's run to Martha's Vineyard right on schedule.

Sure there are challenges, there are those who have not made wise financial decisions, there are those who are feeling economic pressure, there are those who must come to grips with their situation, but this has always been the way of the world.

One can choose to look at the glass as half empty or see that in fact the glass is half full, and I choose to begin each day with an optimistic view point and am prepared to assist those who wish to see the opportunity available each day and seize it. I agree with my partner Barbara L. Bauer (bbauer@jackconway.com), that Optimists have twice as many goods days as Pessimists.

If I can be of service to you, please contact me at phawley@jackconway.com

ANOTHER NEW YEAR.....

The Holidays are past us, and as I trek to my office in Falmouth, MA where I List and Sell Real Estate, ( www.peterhawley.com ) I realize that although I will be working with my new calendar, meeting new customers and clients there continues to be many challenges in the business of Real Estate.

Like many business people, I am always optimistic that with a good plan and hard work, combined with an eye on the budget and adapting to the reality of the day that success is always attainable.

During the next 5 months, I will be holding seminars for First Time Home Buyers, so that information regarding the Buying process is readily available. Updates regarding new Mortgage Programs and Tax Incentives and the importance of having good Credit Scores and protecting credit will be reviewed so my future customers will be able to develop their own plan, set their own goals that will allow them to move forward and be proud Home Owners.

Opportunity abounds every day in the world of Real Estate, and when a Buyer has their financial house in order, they will be able to take advantage of these opportunities. This does not happen by just hoping things will work out. Owning anything is about "the Money", it is about understanding risk, it is about commitment, and it is about the ability to PAY BACK any money borrowed. Millions of people are able to accomplish this now, and many millions will be able to reach their goal of Home Ownership in the future.

It is my job to assist those who might be at Point "A" and want to get to Point "B". Success for my customer directly reflects my success as a REALTOR®, and in this New Year, together we will have a good plan and work hard. Please contact me at phawley@jackconway.com for my seminar schedule.

Wrapping it Up....

This morning before I began to travel to my office in Falmouth, MA where I List and Sell Real Estate (www.peterhawley.com), I dragged out the snow removal equipment, which consists of only my trusty shovel, I made sure the bird feeder was full as our first major snow storm of the season is creeping East and will soon arrive here at the Edge of America. By this evening it will be a winter wonderland and those who enjoy winter sports will be most joyful!

We come to end of a very good year, with a good increase in sales, with many of our clients settled into their new homes. Our Toys for Tots collections have been record setting once again, and we thank all those who have made donations. Our Jack Conway float for the 43^rd Falmouth Christmas Parade was well received by the thousands who lined the streets, and was chosen as the First Place Winner.

We are optimistic for the New Year, as Interest Rates continue to be low and expected to go lower. The incentives for First Time Home Buyers which includes a $7,500 Tax Credit, for those who have not owned a property in 3 years, combined with lower selling prices of many quality properties, will create many Buying opportunities. There will be those who will be selling at a lower price than they expected, but they will in turn be buying at a lower price on the other side of the transaction.

The Business of Real Estate goes through many cycles, and these times are challenging, but for those who are serious Sellers and Buyers, working closely with their Realtor®, being responsible with their credit and their savings, and having realistic expectations will still find that home ownership continues to be an excellent investment.

My partner Barbara L Bauer (bbauer@jackconway.com) joins me in "Wishing You Enough".

Unbelievable....

This was not the first word that came to mind when I started my day scraping ice from my windshield as I prepared my trek to Falmouth, MA, where I List and Sell Real Estate, (www.peterhawley.com). It is however one of my favorite words that seem to best describe the Real Estate market which I am sure you will agree is "unbelievable".

Interest rates have fallen to 5.5%, 30 Year, Fixed rate, Zero Points, that is unbelievable.

Here at Jack Conway, Falmouth, our business so far for 2008 is up 110% that is unbelievable.

What is going on in the stock market, congressional hearings, and the wide range of opinions and solutions being put forth is unbelievable.

The few things I have learned in my 28 years of real estate dealing are this: Markets do go up and down, interest rates fluctuate, people always need shelter, people's lives change, our society is in constant motion, in America we have this great tradition of adapting, meeting challenges and figuring things out and making progress.

In the real estate business, providing consistent excellent service to every client every time, being the honest broker, dealing in facts, and working diligently to meet the goals of our clients, here at Jack Conway, is something you can believe in. I am available at phawley@jackconway.com , I look forward to helping you find that Cape Cod Dream Home.