Sanna K Thomas PA GRI,E-Pro,SFR,AHWD, LH Ocala Florida Luxury Homes,Horse Farms

Enlight of the fact that there are millions of Americans who have gone through foreclosure and millions more heading into foreclosure, do you really think it will be 7-10 years before they can once again purchase a home? The idea that all of these people will be "punished" by not being homeowners is ridiculous.

Sure there were many who abused the system, which is typical in any money making adventure. They deserve the punishment, but didn't many of these buyer's believe that purchasing a home was a way to make money for their future that perhaps their jobs were not going to provide? Did the idea of security, mixed in with a small dose of wealth, not seem appealing? I think they used to call that the American Dream?

In order to improve the current situation won't the next administration not only provide jobs, but also forgiveness? I believe that we will see the implementation of a Foreclosure Amnesty Program. New programs will be developed to forgive those who have llost their homes. This will make the administration hero's to many voters at a time when hero's are hard to find.

However there will be a cost, because there are no Free Rides anymore. The cost will likely be the burden of those who struggled to maintain their homes and income during the past 5 years. Maybe the banking industry could get involved and give those who have consistently paid their mortgage's a bonus. Perhap's a free months mortgage payment with every 3-5 years good payment history? That may cut into to the bank's yearly bonus...... We wouldn't want them to give up their bonus, that's part of the American Dream right?

Everybody's doing it....well almost. I recently learned some new statistics on how Americans ages 50+ network on line. That would be 26.6 million of them, or should I say us.

82% are using Facebook

16% are using MySpace

15% on Linkedin

9% on Twitter and 9% elsewhere.

That would be 62% of the 50+ demographic using social media!

So to say that Social Media is just for young people would be inaccurate. You'd better polish up your Facebook page. There is probably a retiree looking for their next Realtor on Facebook right now!

Anyone want to guess on what that 62% wiill become in 2011?

Send me your guestimate and we'll play this forward next January.

This information can be found on the AARP website

The new year is upon us and there are opportunities ahead. Investing in real estate has become not just for the rich, but for everyone. Of course you have to buy the right real estate, at the right price, with a purpose. Here in Ocala Florida the property values are at 2001 prices, with virtually no new construction for the past 2+ years.

You can pick up homes that need work for as little as $30-$40 sq.ft. Homes that need aplliances, carpet, paint and minor rempairs in the $50 sq.ft range. The level of foreclosure inventory is strong and constant.

This is such an amazing cycle of opportunity. I try to point this out to everyone I meet. Example:

On New Years Eve I showed a home to a young man in his early 20's. He was moving back to Ocala, had a solid career and he wanted a home that had been updated or newer. His plans were to get a 15 year mortgage, pay it off and sell it in the future. I mentioned to him that it would make a great starting point for his real estate portfolio and what a terrific way to start down the road to long term wealth.

His response,"I guess I never thought of that"

Right now is a great time to touch your sphere and get them thinking. Buying a home or land in Florida has always been appealing.Have you seen the weather channel lately? Locals may have friends and family who might benefit on investing in a warm weather area like Florida, Arizona etc.

Do you know anyone who has a relative or friend North of the Florida border?

Here we go! Today will be the beginning of numerous DAY 1 events for many people. I got a jump start last night, before midnight and set my goal on using Twitter on a regular basis. Mind you I know of no one who uses twitter, so I look forward to connecting with new people in a new way.

So if you do use twitter it would tickle me to death if you would send me a tweet to get me rolling http://twitter.com/Sannathomas

By participating today in the Active Rain Blogging Challenge well on my way to checking off another to do on my list!

What's your DAY 1 event ? I hope you have already checked it off!

If you do nothing else today go out and vote. In Florida, Nevada, Arizona and California amongst others its crucial to our survival. Nothing today is more important than your future and the future of your children.