by Bob Hamer
Earlier this year as I was filling up at the gas station I noticed a faded bumper sticker- vintage Bush 43-on the car next to me: "Dissent is Patriotic." When I pointed to the bumper and asked the driver if she still believed that, she suggested I do something to myself which I am certain is physically impossible. I just laughed and said, "I'll take that as a no."
At the time, our Marine son and his men were deployed to a remote Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan. As I reflected on my experience at the Shell station, I wondered if this woman had any idea the sacrifices so many had made so she could exercise her 1stAmendment rights during the previous administration or this one.
I wondered if she knew about Belleau Wood, the Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, Fallujah, or the Helmand Province? Was she aware that at Tarawa, 1,020 Marines were killed in the seventy-six hour battle? She may have seen the photo but did she know at Iwo Jima, the thirty-six day assault left more than 26,000 Americans wounded and 6,800 Marines dead? Did she have any clue as to the sacrifices others have made throughout this nation's history so she could live free?
My wife and I recently spent a week on the Marine Corps base where our son is stationed. As we walked up and down the residential street where he and his family live we realized almost half of the homes had husbands deployed to a combat zone. The other half had spouses who recently returned or were about to leave. It was humbling to see parking lots with so many cars displaying Purple Heart license plates or seeing the injured frequenting the PX. Did the woman know about these recent sacrifices?
Last week while I was working out at the gym and wearing a Marine Corps t-shirt, a young man approached. I could tell he had sustained recent injuries. This twenty-five year old medically retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant was wounded in Iraq and only recently was able to abandon the wheel chair. His knee was still so full of shrapnel he needed a total knee replacement. He will forever live with the scars on his face but his sacrifice was even more personal. His brother, a Marine, was killed five miles from where my new friend was injured. His younger brother just enlisted. I can't imagine what his family has been through. Yet he was so proud of his brother who died and the one about to carry the title "Marine." Did the woman at the gas station know my friend and his family?
In AMERICAN PATRIOT by Robert Coram, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bud Day is quoted as saying "It is not a widely known fact, but military people are weepers. They weep when they watch a parade and the flag goes by. They weep when they hear the National Anthem. They weep at tales of valor and sacrifice." When I read that, a sense of relief washed over me. If maybe the most valiant man I ever met can weep then I guess it's okay for me to admit shedding a tear. I've shot guys and never flinched but tales of valor and the sacrifices I have seen by my military heroes and their families choke me up every time. I wonder if the woman at Shell ever cries and if so, for whom or for what?
My vehicle has only one decal...a scarlet and gold U.S.M.C. on the rear window. I'll often have someone pull up next to me at a light and nod knowingly. I only spent four years on active duty as a somewhat marginal Marine yet after a twenty-six year career in the FBI, many of those years undercover, I'm prouder to say I was a Marine than to say I was an FBI agent. Although only a small portion of my life was in the Corps, I am forever part of a brotherhood of warriors.
Today, November 10th, a date known by every Marine, marks the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, a chance to remember all who served. Maybe you can say thanks in a tangible way this year by supporting the USO,Freedom Alliance, Iraq Star, Operation Gratitude, Hope for the Warriors, or any number of charities serving our servicemen and women who have earned our respect and admiration with their shed blood.
"When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the Mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles - who fought for life and never lost their nerve - carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy than a U.S. Marine." - Major General James N. Mattis. Commander, 1st Marine Division, March 30, 2003, on the eve of crossing into Iraq
Happy Birthday Marines and Semper Fi!
News Release Capital Area Association of REALTORS® The Voice for Real EstateTM in the Capital Area
SPRINGFIELD (November 9, 2009) The median single-family home sale price and unit home sales both increased in the Capital Area during the third quarter of 2009, according to the Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR) Multiple Information Service.
The median sale price of existing-home sales - including single-family and condominiums for the third quarter of 2009 was $111,000, reflecting an all-time high, according to CAAR. Total home sales equaled 1,119 units during the third quarter of 2009, reflecting an 8.2 percent increase over the third quarter of 2008.
"For four straight months nearly every market indicator that we monitor has continued toward a path of improvement. Coupled with the recent extension and expansion of the first-time homebuyer tax credit the local housing market is well positioned to post a sustained recovery," said CAAR president, Linda Nelson, GREEN, GRI, e-PRO.
New construction sales during the first nine months of 2009 demonstrated an increase in price but a decrease in units. For year-to-date through September there were 165 new construction sales as compared to 180 during the same time in 2008. The median sale price for year-to-date through September of 2009 was $218,500 as compared to $210,500 during the same time in 2008. "The increasing median price coupled with the uncharacteristically high number of existing single-family home sale permits (36 total) taken out in the City of Springfield during September suggests that the glut of new homes that once existed has largely been thinned out," said Nelson.
The number of new listings taken during the third quarter of 2009 was 1,513, reflecting a 0.9 percent decrease from the number of new listings taken during the same period in 2008. As of November 8th there were 1,591 homes for sale in the Capital Area reflecting a 5.5 month supply of inventory. Current inventory levels are down about 22 percent from this time last year and are at their lowest levels since May of 2005.
The third quarter of 2009 shows an average cumulative days on market (CDOM) of 102 reflecting an increase from the 97 CDOM during the same time last year but a decrease from the 110 CDOM during the previous quarter. The year-to-date CDOM through September of 2009 is 110 days as compared to 106 days during the same time in 2008. "CDOM has declined steadily since the beginning of the year and is very much a function of supply and demand. We anticipate that this trend will continue," said Nelson.
"The recent improvement in the housing market is no doubt due, in part, to the impact of the first-time home buyer tax credit. Obviously, the recent extension and expansion of this credit will bode well for the housing industry. Under a measure signed into law last Friday by President Obama the first-time buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 would be extended through April 30, 2010. Buyers would need to have a contract to purchase in place by April 30 and would have until July 1, 2010 to close. The credit also is expanded to provide up to a $6,500 tax credit for qualifying prospective buyers who already own their own home and who have lived in it as their principal residence for at least five of the past eight years. There are income limits as well," said Nelson.
According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 5.2 percent during the third quarter of this year, down over a full percent from the 6.3 percent rate in the third quarter of 2008.
........MEN SHOULD BITE THEIR TONGUE
A husband walks into Victoria's Secret to purchase a sheer negligee for his wife. He is shown several possibilities that range from $250 to $500 in price -- the more sheer, the higher the price. Naturally, he opts for the most sheer item, pays the $500, and takes it home. He presents it to his wife and asks her to go upstairs, put it on, and model it for him.
Upstairs the wife thinks (she's no dummy ), 'I have an idea. It's so sheer that it might as well be nothing. I won't put it on, but I'll do the modeling naked, return it tomorrow, and keep the $500 refund for myself.'
She appears naked on the balcony and strikes a pose. The husband says, 'Good Grief! You'd think for $500, they'd at least iron it!'
He never heard the shot.
Funeral on Thursday at Noon. Closed coffin.
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 The Hoogland Center for the Arts provides, a home for many different arts groups in Springfield, is in danger of not having the money to pay its mortgage in January. The Hoogland is home to Springfield Theater Center, the Springfield Ballet Company, the Prairie Art Alliance and many others. The Hoogland says it is just not receiving the same amount of donations as it did when it opened five years ago and it's in danger of not being able to pay its 27-thousand dollar mortgage. It currently owes 3.3 million on its mortgage. For more information on how to give, go to the Hoogland Center for the Arts. |
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This rock musical about a Transylvanian transvestite and a naive couple ensnared in his erotically evil web bore the cult classic movie. Some of the same interactive features scintillate this stage production. The Rocky Horror Show-themed costumes are encouraged. Though outside props are prohibited to protect the theater, prop bags will be available for $5. The show contains strong language, sexual content, adult themes and mild violence. Presented by The Hoogland Center for the Arts in association with ADHD Productions, Mac Warren directs.
The Rocky Horror Show
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 30-31
9pm (additional 5pm shows on Oct 24 and 31)
Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 S. Sixth Street
523-2787
$16-$15
Welcome to the portal of the Residential Real Estate business I enjoy. I help my clients sell there home for the highest possible price that will cause there home to sell, regardless of location.
Choose a REALTOR® whose experience in the field assures you quality service and satisfaction, backed by one of the most trusted names in the Industry.
A Pro-Active Real Estate Executive who understands the importance of showing your property to as many potential buyers as possible. Do you want a Passive Real Estate Agent OR would you prefer a Pro-Active Real Estate Executive. I simply show you the Pro-Active Real Estate Executive Technics to sell your most important investment.
In addition your listing will be linked to a plethora of search engines that will guarantee you the highest cyber traffic. This is critical to getting your property exposed to 80% of buyers who start their home search on line.
How much time will you take before you consider interviewing the right agent for the job of selling your home.
Today is the day for you to hire a pro-active agent.......for the job of selling your home.
============================================================================= The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 features an $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers who purchase a home on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009.
The temporary credit is only available for home purchases made from Jan. 1, 2009 to before Dec. 1, 2009 and is equal to 10 percent of the cost of the home, up to a maximum credit of $8,000. (For example, a home purchased for $80,000 or more would qualify for the full $8,000 credit while a $70,000 home would only qualify for 10 percent, or $7,000)
Buyers claim the credit on their federal tax return to reduce their tax liability. If the credit is more than their total tax liability that year, the buyer will get a refund check for the balance.
Only first-time homebuyers can take advantage of the tax credit. A first-time buyer is defined under the tax credit as an individual who has not owned a home in the last three years.
For married joint filers, both must meet the first-time homebuyer test to take the credit on a joint return.
Eligible properties include anything that will be used as a principal single-family residence-including condos and townhouses.
There are income guidelines on the credit. Individuals with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 (or $150,000 if filing jointly) are eligible for the full tax credit. The credit is phased down for those earning more and is not available for those with an income above $95,000 (or $170,000 if filing jointly).
The new tax credit does not have to be repaid if the buyer stays in the home at least three years. But if the home is sold before that, the entire amount of the credit is recaptured on the sale.
People who purchased homes under the 2008 $7,500 tax credit program will still be required to repay that credit to the government over a 15-year period.
My Objectives are the Following :
1. To assist in getting as many qualified buyers as possible into your home until it is sold.
2. To communicate to you the results of our activities.
3. To assist you in negotiating the highest dollar value...between you and the buyer.
The Following are the Steps I Take to Get Your Home Sold...the "Pro-Active Approach":
1. Submit your home to our local Multiple Listing Service.
2. Price your home competitively...to open the market vs. narrowing the market.
3. Promote your home at the company sales meeting.
4. Develop a list of features of your home for the Brokers to use with their potential buyers.
5. Fax/Email a features sheet to the top 50 agents in the marketplace for their potential buyers.
6. Suggest and advise as to any changes you may want to make in your property to make it more saleable.
7. Constantly update you as to any changes in the marketplace.
8. Prospect 3 hrs per day and talk to 25 people per day looking for potential buyers.
9. Contact over the next seven days...my buyer's leads, center of influence and past clients for their referrals and prospective buyers.
10. Add additional exposure through a professional sign and lock-box.
11. Pre-quality prospective buyers.
12. Keep you aware of the various methods of financing that a buyer might want to use.
13. When possible have the cooperating Broker in the area tour your home.
14. Follow-up on the salespeople who have shown your home for the feedback and response.
15. Assist you in arranging interim financing...if necessary.
16. Represent you on all offer presentations...to assist you in negotiating the best possible price and terms.
17. Handle all the follow-up upon a contract being accepted all mortgage, title and other closing procedures.
18. Give your home maximum buyer exposer by advertising on the most traveled internet web-sites.
<div id="zillow-mortgageiq-container" style="width:160px;height:400px;"> <div class="mortgage-iq-title"> <div class="top-left"></div> <div class="top-middle">Mortgage I.Q. Quiz</div> <div class="top-right"></div> </div> <div class="mortgage-iq-middle" id="mortgage_widget_1"></div> <div class="mortgage-iq-footer"> <div class="bottom-left"></div> <div class="bottom-middle"> <div class="zillow-logo"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" target="_blank"> <img class="zillow-logo" src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/widgets/zillow-mortgage-logo-small.gif" alt="Zillow Mortgage Market Place" /> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/MortgageIQQuiz.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" target="_blank" class="get-link">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> <div class="bottom-right"></div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/js/src/zillow/widgets/mortgage-iq-concat.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.YAHOO && window.YAHOO.zillowwidgets) { YAHOO.zillowwidgets.$E.onAvailable( 'mortgage_widget_1', YAHOO.zillowwidgets.renderMortgageIQWidget ); } else { document.getElementById('mortgage_widget_1').parentNode.innerHTML = '<div style="width:160px; height:400px; border:solid 1px #ADCFFF; font-family:verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size:12px; text-align:center; color: #3366BB;">We\'ll be back online as soon as possible, but for updates, please check the <a style="font-family:verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#3366BB;" href="http://www.zillowblog.com/" target="_blank">Zillow Blog</a></div>'; } </script> <div id="mortgage-iq-widget-link-container" style="position: absolute; left: -9999px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Getting-Pre-Approval-For-Mortgage.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="0">Learn more about getting pre-approved for a mortgage</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Mortgage-Fees-And-Closing-Costs.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="1">Learn more about mortgage fees and closing costs</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Qualifying-For-A-Mortgage.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="2">Learn more about qualifying for a mortgage</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Private-Mortgage-Insurance.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="3">Learn more about Private Mortgage Insurance</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Types-Of-Mortgages-And-Home-Loans.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="4a">Learn more about types of mortgages and home loans</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/5-1_ARM_Mortgage_Rates?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="4b">view current 5/1 ARM mortgage rates</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/home-equity-loan?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="5">Learn more about home equity lines and loans</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/fha-loan?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="6">Learn more about FHA loans</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/calculator/Should-I-pay-discount-points.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="7a">Calculate whether you should pay points to lower your interest rate</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/calculator/Calculators.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="7b">mortgage calculators</a> <a id="8a" href="http://www.zillowblog.com/when-the-fed-cuts-rates-do-mortgage-rates-drop/2008/10/">Learn more about federal rate of interest</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/Mortgage_Rates?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="8b">view current mortgage rates</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Mortgages-With-Bad-Credit.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="9">Learn more about getting a mortgage with bad credit</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/help/Main.htm?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="newbiea">Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Help Center</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/advice/US/mortgage/question-discussion-guide?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="newbieb">Zillow Mortgage Advice</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/advice/US/mortgage/question-discussion-guide?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="experienceda">Zillow Mortgage Advice</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/mortgage?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="experiencedb">Mortgages Unzipped</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="pro!">custom loan quotes</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="information">Zillow Mortgage Marketplace</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/15_Year_Fixed_Mortgage_Rates?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="mortgageChartLink15YearFixed">15 Year fixed</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/30_Year_Fixed_Mortgage_Rates?scid=mor-wid-mortiq" id="mortgageChartLink30YearFixed">30 Year fixed</a> </div>
National Association of Realtors - N A R
Illinois Association of Realtors - IAR
Capital Area Association of Realtors - C A A R
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Neighborhood-based search, intuitive design, and rich listing content make Point2 Homes a successful and growing source of free leads for Point2 members. Point2 Homes will also expose your listing in Facebook through Point2's Neighborhood application.
Google Base (Beta Partner) is the place where you can post your real estate listings and have them show up on Google.
LiveDeal is a free, local online classifieds market with reach into every city and zip code across the U.S. It is one of the country's top 10 most visited online classifieds sites.
HotPads.com
HotPads.com is a map-based real estate search engine, listing homes for sale, apartments, condos, and rental houses.
Yahoo! Real Estate is #1 real estate website with 5.1 million unique visitors, according to comScore Media Metrix September 2008 rankings. Yahoo! Real Estate provides users with a comprehensive set of real estate listings and home buying information, including new and for-sale home listings, apartments for rent, foreclosures, home values, local schools, detailed neighborhood overviews, and home mortgage rates. Consumers can visit Yahoo! Real Estate at realestate.yahoo.com.
Harness the power of CyberhomesTM and AOL Real Estate to display your listings and get more consumer traffic and leads, all at no cost. With access to more than 100 million property records, Cyberhomes delivers the information consumers are looking for -- home valuations, neighborhood and school information, aerial and heat maps - with many more hot features added regularly.
SecondSpace, Inc. is an online marketing company operating a network of web sites that enable people to connect with the "second home" lifestyle: LandWatch.com and ResortScape.com
FrontDoor.com is an online real estate listing and information service powered by HGTV, the No.1 source for home-related media content. The site offers listings of homes for sale from top real estate brokerages throughout the U.S. in addition to providing exclusive, original expert advice and videos featuring nationally known talent and a comprehensive library of engaging, interactive tools, guides and information.
Trulia.com, the best place for consumers to start a real estate search, has revolutionized online home search by offering a rich, intuitive user experience that points consumers directly to the property information on listing broker and agent Web sites - for free - and enables direct communication with buyers and sellers on Trulia Voices. Over 5 million visitors come to Trulia each month. www.trulia.com
One of the most popular real estate sites, Zillow attracts approximately 7 million unique visitors a month. Point2 can automatically upload your listings to Zillow, complete with multiple photos, company and contact information. Agents can register on the site, for free, and be included in the Zillow Professional Directory. Agents can also purchase ZIP code targeted ads or pay for their listings to receive top billing in the search order. Find out more at www.ZillowPros.com or call 888 957 2706.
Oodle is a leading search engine for local classifieds with over 17 million active listings. Oodle powers the classified search on the following site Lycos, Express.com, The Sun, Yell.com and Local.com. Listings will also appear on Oodle API partner sites, BackPage.com, The Examiner and CityCribs.
omefinder provides local, comprehensive property listings and rich content to home buyers and sellers nationwide. Homefinder is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by five leading media companies: Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB) and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).
vast.com
Vast is a database of classified ads that uses advanced technology to parse and tag ads for better search.
PropBot.com
Propbot is a free property listing service and is committed to publishing complete content to generate better results.
CLRSearch.com is a Real Estate Search Engine that provides a data rich environment to explore listings, community demographics, and other data relevant to one of the most important decisions of your life.
The Clickable City Directory provides real estate listings for all cities and all zip codes throughout the United States. Its reach is national, its focus: purely local.
PCSrealty.NET, the first of its kind Virtual Real Estate Company, is quickly becoming the premier Real Estate search engine focused exclusively on Military Communities. PCS RealtyTM displays listings of top US brokerages in list and map format using Microsoft® Virtual Earth® mapping software. For Realtors farming these military communities, we only offer 3 Realtors at each Base, Post, or Camp the ability to join our top marketing tier!
VideoHomes.com LLC developed The VideoHomes Network of over 500 real estate portals and local directories. Examples are ChicagoDirections.com for business listings and ChicagoVideoHomes.com for real estate listings.
HomeHippo
Reach a whole new audience - we are a multilingual website based in Europe. We translate your listings to 32 languages.
The Housing Pages
TheHousingPages.com is designed as a central resource center for consumers looking to to buy or sell a home.
HouseLocator.com
A top Real Estate Website featuring Homes for Sale, For Sale By Owner Tools, Real Estate research and Investment Resources.
NICHE properties Network
The NICHE properties Network is a family of websites featuring real estate search capabilities centered around lifestyles and experiences. The Network's first site, FAIRWAYproperties.com, highlights the best in golf course living.
EveryMove.com
'
One-Stop Shop' lifestyle real estate portal.
RealEstateAndMortgageFinder.com is online resource to help home buyers and home sellers the best Real Estate & Mortgage professionals in their area.
Kazork's website is seen by thousands of buyers and real estate professionals every day. Kazork is attempting to bring the real estate industry into the internet age by creating a transparent and efficient marketplace. Kazork offers agents and buyers the tools to search for YOUR listing!
VivaReal.us is the official, bilingual real estate portal of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, serving US Hispanic home buyers and sellers to search for listings and to connect to Real Estate practitioners in their area.
BeatYouThere is "Everything Real Estate". We are a real estate search engine that provides users with the most comprehensive search on the internet. We allow users to search for broker listings, foreclosures, REO, auctions, classifieds, property swaps, commercial property and rental listings. Our social network and user generated comments make BeatYouThere.com the most resourceful site for real estate search on the internet.
omesZ.com is an online real estate service dedicated to helping real estate agents, buyers, and sellers to gain an edge in understanding the entire real estate purchasing and selling process.
NTXHouseHunters.com is a real estate search engine focused on land and residential listings in North Texas. Visitors can save their homebuyer profile and be instantly notified of listings that match their search criteria.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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