Yvette Lopez-Robinson

Economic bailout:

In an attempt to combat financial catastrophe, the Bush administration on Friday laid out a radical bailout plan with a jaw-dropping price tag of a takeover of 700 billion dollars or more in worthless mortgages and other bad debt held by tottering institutions. Several factors have contributed to our nation reaching this depression like low but I would like to discuss the actions and responsibilities of people in the mortgage and real-estate industry.

I feel that across the nation homeowners, loan officers and realtors have contributed to us reaching this catastrophic debt. Home builders and developers have built new homes in almost every possible corner of the USA.

Some efforts have been taken to closer regulate the loan industry but what else is needed? What should happen to Realtors who knowingly assist perspective home buyers to purchase a home they know they can't afford? What should happen to the loan brokerage that loaned the home buyer the money to buy the home that they could not currently afford or would not afford once the rate change?

We can't expect the government to bailout every industry that runs itself into the ground when that industry has made significant profit from those illegal and immoral transactions. These same industries will now go back and purchase some of the properties that the government now have rights to at a discounted rate and profit again.

I look forward to hearing your take on this issue.

Top 10 reasons to love El Paso, TX.....

1) COST OF LIVING
El Paso's low cost of living compares very favorably with other major cities. On average, El Pasoans pay 94% of the national average for all items.
El Paso's cost of living is low compared to other U.S. cities.

These statistics were provided by the Industrial Development Council of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

2) CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Over the past 400 years the many cultures have enriched El Paso. Native Indians, Spanish conquistadors, Central and South Americans, Europeans and Asians have all contributed in enriching El Paso's cultural life.

3) NO STATE INCOME TAX
El Pasoans aren't hit with a state, city or county income tax.

4) WEATHER
Plenty of hot enjoyable weather. That's why we're know as "The Sun City." El Paso's average summer high is 95 degrees with fairly low humidity. The average winter high temperature is 50.6 - 60 degrees. Annual rainfall is only 8.65 inches. You can enjoy 202 days per year of clear skies. Current weather

5) One of the 10 Cities Most Safe From Natural Disasters according to an article recently published in US News-Money & Business http://www.usnews.com/blogs/the-home-front/2008/9/25/the-10-cities-most-safe-from-natural-disasters.html
Here's a list of the 10 cities.

1. Mesa, AZ
2. Milwaukee, WI
3. Cleveland, OH
4. Phoenix, AZ
5. Tucson, AZ
6. El Paso, TX
7. Colorado Springs, CO
8. Philadelphia, PA
9. Minneapolis, MN
10. Detroit, MI

6) THE MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS-

7) THE FOOD - El Paso specializes in Mexican dishes which you can enjoy throughout the city.

Chicos Tacos is a locally owned business that was founded in 1953. Chicos Tacos is known for its "rolled tacos" drenched in a yummy spicy tomato like sauce. Those that leave El Paso and come back to visit make it a point to grab Chicos Tacos before they leave El Paso. Get a single order of (3 rolled tacos) or get a double order of 6 with EXTRA CHEESE!

8) The MILITARY - We have such a large military family. https://www.bliss.army.mil

9) University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) - GO MINERS!!! http://www.utep.edu

10) EASY COMMUTING - Alternative roads pave the way for a much easier & relaxing commute around the city. Sure we have some traffic but nothing compared to other big cities I've been to.

The city of El Paso is the 5^th LARGEST city in Texas and the 23^rd LARGEST CITY in the United States. The city of Juarez is the 5th LARGEST city in Mexico. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_of_Texas_cities_in_2000
(RANKING ACCORDING TO THE YEAR 2000 U.S. CENSUS AND XII CENSO 2000)

Some Realtors from our local RE/MAX offices are trying to plan a drive or fundraiser to assist some of our area organizations like the Children Crisis Center, for example. A few of us sat down with several organizations, toured their facilities and discussed their necessities. We wanted to stay away from the typical can and toy drive. After much discussion, we determined that they need the things we didn't really consider like socks, underwear, toiletries, bedding and of course monetary donations etc.

What I would like to ask is for recommendations/suggestions on how to get the word out for public involvement and make this a success. Perhaps you know of a company that we can buy bulk items from? If anyone has participated in such an event your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

9/11 is approaching and many memories of how in a split second our country was turned upside down. Many lives will forever be tarnished. We have men & women serving our great country. We need to lift them up in prayer because not only are soldiers dying due to the war but many are having coping troubles and end up taking their own lives. My husband is currently serving in Iraq and last week the families in our unit received a phone call that one of the soldiers had taken his life. He was only 22yrs old & had a short time there in Iraq. As sad as it is, it's a reality & we can rally together and pray for those individuals that feel despair.

Then as discouraging as things are for military families, some soldiers are reunited with their loved ones only to have to return back to war less than 1yr later. Please keep them in your prayers DAILY and not just on those special days of remembrance. We need to have as many men & women return safely!

It's my belief & personal opinion that Real Estate Agents should attend a Realtor "Etiquette" Class. What exactly would this entail? It would entail how to deal with the other agent involved in the real estate transaction. How many times have you encountered issues primarily due to the "other" agent?

For example, I turn in an offer to the listing agent & ask for a 24 hr response from the seller. On the morning of the 2ndday I call the listing agent & ask for status. He explains that he still hasn't presented anything to the sellers because he couldn't get them together. Now we're on day 3 & he still doesn't have an answer. I'm the one that keeps calling for an update. He then asks for more time. Day 4 he calls & gives me a verbal counteroffer. When I asked him to put that in writing, he stated that he couldn't do it quick enough because he had to get together with both sellers & this was too difficult. After speaking with my buyers they opted to just continue looking for another home & withdraw their offer. I asked my buyers to put this withdrawal of offer in writing so I'll have something to send to the listing agent. I waiting to send the agent this paperwork just out of curiosity if he would even bother following up. Well needless to say, he NEVER even called & asked me what my buyers plans were. I'm not even sure if he ever showed the offer to his sellers.

Going back to Etiquette, I think even when you don't have a response from your offer drop a courtesy call to that agent & let them know exactly what's going on. I believe constant communication between agents helps make for a smoother transaction. You're able to give an update to the party you represent. We're in this together & not to hurt one another.