Stephen & Donna Clyde

If you're a metathesiophobic, that is, someone who fears change - congratulations! You're human.

Most of us fear change because change usually brings the unfamiliar. When we encounter the unfamiliar, we feel like we're losing control. So, experiencing resistance to change is a common feeling. So common, in fact, that it's easy to find great quotes on the subject of change. Here are some to ponder:

When you're finished changing, you're finished. - Benjamin Franklin

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. - Charles Darwin

Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely. - Unknown

We change, whether we like it or not. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers. - Unknown

Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become. - Unknown

We must become the change we want to see. - Mahatma Gandhi

If you don't create change, change will create you. - Unknown

The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.

- John F. Kennedy

Yes, change is the only constant. I hope these quotes are helpful the next time someone - or something - shakes up your status quo!

Homebuyers cashing in $8,000 tax credits First-time homebuyers around the country have started to cash in on their tax credits from the Recovery Act. Hundreds of thousands of first-time homebuyers across the country have begun to claim their tax credits, according to new government data released on Friday. So far, nearly 315,000 people have claimed the tax credit after filing an amended 2008 tax return, according to a Treasury Department report on the status of the Recovery Act. California led all states with 42,304 claimed credits. Eligible first-time homebuyers can claim the credit of up to $8,000 -- or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less -- on either an amended 2008 return or on their 2009 return. Treasury's figures more than likely sharply underestimate the real number of people who have taken advantage of the credit because many homebuyers have not yet claimed it on their tax return. According to a recent National Association of Realtors survey, about 1.1 million first-time homebuyers have used the credit. NAR expects that number to grow to about 1.8 million by the time the credit expires on Nov. 30. The discrepancy between Treasury and NAR probably stems from the fact that a majority of eligible first-time homebuyers have opted to wait to file for the credit on their 2009 returns, which they can file in early 2010. State-by-state data. The Treasury figures show how some of the hardest-hit states during the housing downturn are now among the states with the largest numbers of claimed tax credits. California, Georgia, Florida, Arizona and Michigan are all in the top 10, when it comes to claiming the credits. Though part of that is likely skewed by population figures, other large states like New York and Virginia have been left in the dust. "We're seeing some big increases in many of the areas with the biggest price corrections," said NAR spokesman Walter Maloney. "That's no coincidence." A National Delinquency Report from the Mortgage Bankers Association showed that California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada combined accounted for 44% of all foreclosure starts during the quarter. Last quarter, the Cape Coral metro area in Florida recorded the largest decline in home prices: 52.8% to $84,000, according to a NAR report. After California, Texas and Florida were the next states with the largest number of claims, with over 29,000 each. Arizona had nearly 9,300 claims and Nevada rounded out the top 20, with 5,259. Most of the smaller states made up the bottom of the list, with Vermont's first-time buyers bringing up the rear, claiming just 351 credits. Applying for the credit is as easy as filing income taxes. First-time homebuyers just have to claim it on their return -- no other forms or papers have to be filed. National Association of Realtors estimated an extra 350,000 sales will occur this year, solely because of the credit. The National Association of Homebuilders, more conservatively predicted 165,000 extra home sales.

As you know, for the past two years there has been a shift in the real estate market. Experience shows that more and more people are caught off-guard with the current economic difficulties. I imagine you may know people who are in a dilemma like never before, and they don't know what to do. As you look at these three categories ask yourself, "Who do I know that's in one of these three situations?"

(1) People who bought their homes within the past five years, or refinanced, or took out an equity line, who now are finding that their homes are worth less than what they owe on it; (2) Homeowners facing financial difficulties: job loss, loss of a spouse, divorce, or possibly heading into foreclosure; (3) Home sellers who wish they had sold a year or two ago, but for whatever reason didn't. Now they feel trapped and don't know what to do.

These people need help, and they need it NOW! The next time you're in conversation with someone who is in any of these three categories, stop, pick up your phone, look up my number, and call me immediately. You can count on me to be empathetic, to be there for them, exploring all options, and treating them with the utmost dignity and care. More than ever before, we need each other. And together, we can make a difference!

For teens with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, the struggle hits especially hard. Inspired by a remarkable local teenager who faced a tough 13-month battle with
cancer, the Alicia Rose "Victorious" Foundation, a non-profit charity, was created in 2002. Alicia's parents were moved to create "Teen Lounges", a place for in-patient teens to escape the rigors of their treatments. Through the passion and hard work of volunteers and supporters like you, we have been able to create over 50 Teen Lounges in 32 states, and service thousands of teens and their families across the country.

As a proud member of the Board of Advisors I invite you to join me as this charity will host it's 7th Annual "Birthday Bash" on Friday, October 16, 2009, at Lucien's Manor Berlin, NJ. This high-profile Signature Event raised over $125,000 last year and features: a cocktail hour with hot and cold butlered hors d'oeuvres, five hour open-bar, a 3-course sit-down dinner, and live entertainment featuring the renown sounds of "Big City". This event features over 200 auction and raffle prizes including sports memorabilia, fine dining, vacation packages, fine jewelry, and more!

Unfortunately, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Cystic Fibrosis, organ failure, Sickle-Cell Syndrome, Crohn's Disease, and other life-threatening illnesses continue to afflict adolescents. Our mission continues to become increasingly significant as each new teenage patient is admitted. With community support from friends like you, we can continue to reach out to over 5,000 teenagers a year!

Your support can help bring the music, emails and phone calls back for these teens. Hope you join me as we "Reach for the Stars" and become "Victorious" 4 TEENS!

Sincerely,

Stephen Clyde

Your Real Estate Consultant for Life