Roy Ramey

I don't get no respect was a famous line from Rodney Dangerfield. We all laughed at that for years and no one took it seriously. But when you think about it, it can in a way reflect on so many levels. Do you respect your clients? Other real estate agents? What about people in general?

I think the whole world needs a lot more respect. If we would just respect everyone and everything there would be a lot less conflict. Here on Active Rain, we are asked to respect each others opinions. That doesn't mean we have to agree but, our comments should be worded in such a way as to not disrespect each other. Most adhere to this practice and I applaud you for that.

If all of us truly respected everyone, everything and ourselves, all of our lives would run so much smoother.

Respect. Think about it.

Strategic Default- What would you do

I read and hear a lot of opinions on this subject. The problem I have is that most seem to think they are right in every situation. I have been very fortunate and have been able to pay every debt that I have ever had. I had a business that had a disastrous year. I had assets that could take care of the debt if needed but, I worked my way out in a couple of years. I believe in paying back my obligations.

Now fast forward to today. I have a client/relative that bought a home 2 years ago on an FHA loan. I will call him Dale. Dale worked at a manufacturing plant that supplied parts to the automotive industry. Yes, in Michigan. Two months after buying this home, Dale was laid off. Dale is still laid off and will probably not ever work there again.

Dale is fortunate enough to be a certified diesel mechanic. There are no jobs in this field in his area. In fact there are very few good paying jobs becoming available in his area. We hear from others that Dale could probably get a job in his expertise in another state. But, Dale has an obligation to repay the loan on his home that is guess what? It is under water.

What would you do?

He has a significant other that is still working and he is still getting unemployment. I'm not sure how long the unemployment extensions will continue.

Should he stay put, continue to struggle paying back his debt for years and most likely lose the home to foreclosure in the next 1-2 years? Jobs are not popping up in this area. Unemployment is near 15% here.

Should he walk, if he finds a good paying job some place else, and get on with his life?

What would you do?

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Enough with the doom and gloom.

We are constantly being bombarded by the media and even here on Active Rain about the state of the economy. Unemployment is at an all time high, 25% of all home owners are underwater and the list goes on. I am not niave and don't deny any of these facts but, there is always more than one way to look at the situation.

Fact: Here in West Michigan the unemployment rate is 15%. Doesn't that mean that 85% of us are still working?

Fact: 25% of all home owners are underwater. Doesn't that mean 75% are not?

Which side of the facts do you look at?

Last year I heard a lot of agents complaining about the housing market being in the tank. Guess what? So were their sales.

Some of us felt the market was down but, there were sales to be had. Guess what? Some of our sales increased along with the 5% increase in sales in our area.

Do you actually, unknowingly project your mindset into your business practices?

Are you your own worst enemy?

I say enough with the doom and gloom.