Kent Anderson

I got a great Christmas gift that I plan to use as a tool to help me sell my listings and promote my business. My kids gave me a "Digital Photo Frame" that runs a continuous slideshow of photos. I'm sure they thought I would be using this to display family photos but I think it is the perfect platform to run a continuous display of the photos highlighting the properties I need to move. As customers and fellow agents wander past my desk, the slideshow is running for their enjoyment and edification...plus, they are really cool.

They come in 7" or 8" desktop models, can hold around 400 photos, have sound capabilities, in/out zoom and full function remote control.

All my best for 2009 - have fun and prosper!

We will see a new round of foreclosures by Spring of 2009 as option ARMS get recast and monthly mortgage payments skyrocket. With the continued devaluation of real estate, millions of additional homeowners will find themselves upside down. In many cases, their only option will be to walk away from their "so-called" investment.

THERE MAY BE HOPE, HOWEVER. There is a group in Minneapolis who have taken it upon themselves to help at least a few of the families facing this desperate situation:

The Hope Now hotline (888 995-HOPE).

This is a mortgage-counseling phone line backed by lenders and the federal government that currently gets about 4,000 calls a day. Hotline counselors help borrowers negotiate with banks and offer advice on refinancing options. It is yet to be shown that this will have a significant impact, but, at least these homeowners now have an advocate that is there to listen.

Hopefully this can be of assistance to some of your customers as they struggle through these difficult times. If anyone knows of other groups who are coming forward to help these families, please let me know. Thanks!

The Government has bailed out corrupt corporations. They have pardoned felons. They have created business plans for corporate America that will cripple the taxpayer for decades. ...and left in the dust is the man on "main street" trying to raise a family and coach in the local youth program. There is a way to stimulate America, build pride in community and put confidence back into our economic outlook.

Banks now have money to lend and mortgage rates are at a historical low, but 50% of potential buyers can't qualify because of their low credit scores...even though their income would support a mortgage. The irony is...many of their credit scores have been artificially destroyed by the unscrupulous lending practices that have been occurring for several years. We have a large number of families in America who have had to go through the foreclosure and/or bankruptcy process and we are now discovering that it wasn't always the fault of the homeowner...hence, the financial crisis in America today.

Instead of further bankrupting America with fantastic corporate bailouts, why don't we "pardon" Americans' credit scores and allow families to apply for mortgages based upon their merits as members of their communites? Banks can use their standard business practices to qualify a potential borrower but not use a "credit score" as part of the equation. This would stimulate home buying, create value in home ownership, spur more home building and stimulate the building trades, give a giant boost to the economy and re-ignite the idea that Americans should have the ability to raise their families in a home they OWN! The beauty of this...it comes at no cost to the taxpayer. Where is the flaw in this? No one gets a free ride, but no one is being shackled by the ridiculous (in most cases) and arbitrary credit scores.

Let's cut the American people a break and quit racing toward a depression.

Please take the time to respond to this and point out whatever flaws this line of thought has. Is there a better way to streamline this idea and make it work? LET'S FIX THE ECONOMY!

In 1975, as a young man I recognized the incredible opportunity real estate investments offered. I spent every penny I had to cover the down payment on a 3.5 acre parcel in Pitkin County...home of Aspen. On the parcel, East & West Sopris Creeks converged...year round creeks in "water-starved" Colorado. The acreage sat at the base of Sopris Mountain...one of the most majestic peaks in the state. My wife & I were thrilled with our unbelievable good fortune. Total price for this parcel was $18,000.00 - my down payment was $4,500.00. Life was good...

In 1976, we found our lives changing and we were in a position where we had to sell our dream property. We found a buyer who was willing to pay us $18,000.00 for the parcel...we needed the money and we took it. In 1985, "our parcel" sold for $995,000.00. So much for smart real estate investing...I guess it worked for our buyer pretty well.

Today, in 2008, we see property nationwide selling at 2003 prices or lower. We have historically low interest rates and there is plenty of money to lend to qualified buyers. I will not let this opportunity slip by. It would be a shame to look back at these times in 2018 and lament about "what could have been". It is shocking that the real estate environment is still resisiting this golden opportunity. Let's get the word out and have fun as smart realtors and investors!