Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan Homes for Sale

No joke! In fact when "googled", more than 25 articles were referenced on Page 1

two such caught my attention; they seemed to 'cut to the chase'
Though they are credited here in this post; neither one is lauded, nor discredited by me.

that is for you to do on your own; just 2 items in a plethora of such.

the "Economist" article by David Leonhardt of 17 Nov. 2009 addresses the :

"...meeting of President Obama's board of outside economist advisers two weeks ago, the venture
capitalist, John Doerr..."

which puts the meeting around 3 Nov. 2009 or there about. A meeting that was 'news to me' in fact the whole reality of a "board of outside economic advisers" is fascinating. Just "who" is running our Government?
Mr Leonhardt quotes Mr Doerr as: "...[cash for clunkers...caused change very rapidly]. Well, the equivalent of that for home retrofits would be. "Cash for Caulkers".....we would...engage private enterprise, the likes of a Lowe's or a Home Depot....and use that private capital to incentivize consumers to then work with our out-of-work trades--remodelers, production builders--to do this kind of work."

The board of economic advisers stated that the official name of the program would be "Homestar". Yes, you guessed it, just like the government program "Energystar" that promotes energy-efficient appliances.

the second article is from: TheStreet.com 'Mad Money Recap: Cash for Caulkers" by Scott Rutt.

the article deals with Jim Cramer's "Mad Money" TV show where he [Jim] referenced a stimulus plan proposed by former President Bill Clinton for home weatherization incentives, aptly named " Cash for Caulkers". Cramer apparently stated on this show "...the plan, if passed, could be a huge windfall, if you know which companies will be the beneficiaries."

What, you may be asking right now, is Jim talking about? Well, this show is an investment show with advice on what makes a good portfolio, etc.
He made the point, discover just what companies will be utilized by those 'Caulking" and buy that stock.
Knowledge plus funds make good bedfellows [ my opinion, not Jim's ]

Another google listing on 'Cash for Caulkers' mentioned the impact of walking into a Sears, Lowe's, or Home Depot, seeing the "Homestar" logo with a Homestar representative standing next to it ready to help Joe Homeowner or Helen Handy person. Boggles the mind with LOL options.

The " Official cost" would be $23 B. over two years: involving 10 significant weatherizing projects where the homeowner could choose a project and be REWARDED ACCORDINGLY.
This is all spelled out in David Leonhardt's article.

There is a built-in proviso, where SOME portion of weatherizing projects would be AUDITED to ensure they had done what they were supposed to. [CAPS are mine; WORDING is theirs]
Well, doesn't that just make this all hunky Dory; it will be audited / Monitored?. So Breathe easy--this will be $23 B. well spent.
For this we needed an actual board of advisers--just give the tax money to those already in the related businesses to bolster their ability to perform the needed remodels--what the hey,

Now, I want to know:
....if we, the Homeowner, have already stocked up on various tubes of caulk
....if we, the Homeowner, have many gizmos to apply said caulk stocked up beside the tubes
....if we, the Homeowner, know that it may help to re-caulk some windows [especially 2nd story ones]
....if we, the Homeowner, hire a qualified tradesman to repair said broken or missing caulk, and
....if he or she, the 'caulker' has his / her own stock of tubes of caulk, and
....if he or she, the 'caulker' has his / her own supply of gizmos to apply their own caulk,
....can we, the Homeowner, claim a loss [ of funds] against the stock of tubes, & gizmos

therefore receiving another credit for participating.?


Think we're getting_______? ?
Yes, we probably are.!

Any takers: bet on which Bill this will appear.

Hey, if this doesn't do IT for you, stay tuned--coming soon--early December--The JOBS SUMMIT.

As Sal is meeting with a client...not a client...maybe a client....in loan Mod. process>>>
I have the fun position of listing some silly, interesting, & cautious items for you.

A. we have, here in our place in Macomb County, MI, some D.C.G. over head:
DCG = directionally challenged Geese.
we live North of Detroit, in the Mitten of Michigan:
...our Home is situated SW [ front of house], making North to our right if we are facing the main Street.
...platoon, after platoon of Geese--flying "South" for the winter--people our skies heading N.--IF we are
facing our main Street [not the side street]
...periodically, similar platoons fly out of the N. [IF we are facing the..yadda] what do you want to bet
these are the SAME platoons who flew N. [if you are...] days ago.

B. we have, here in our place in Macomb County, MI. some 'living' Flat Dog Toys:
...you have seen those toys--furry, long, stuffing-less animals with heads, legs, & tails that you
actually purchase that way [ here, we just waited until the dogs tore the stuffing out & sewed up]
...these living flat dog toys are our friendly squirrels who 'hang' from our many Bird Feeders.
since squirrels cannot read, they do not know they are eating from BIRD feeders. Just a moment
ago I went out to replace a Woodpecker Block into it's designated feeder [ yes, the squirrels love
the Woodpecker Blocks, as do all the birds except for the Doves] and one small Black critter had
the nerve to chatter / yell at me for making him / her move away. As soon as it was placed into
the feeder, said critter came back, ate, & had zero problem with the fact that I was still out side.
No, we have not had Woodpeckers around here, ever. The trees left are thin, no telephone poles
in our neighborhoods, & all the larger ASH trees have been removed in the last 2 years due to the
boring beetle infestation. Nothing left to 'peck' I guess.

C. we here in our place in Macomb County, MI are interested in, and concerned about another Saturday
[Senate]-Health Care Vote- scheduled for later tomorrow. Perhaps, our congressional leaders should
consider a part-time Congress who only needs to meet in sessions on Saturdays or after 12:00 A.M.
thus cutting the perks , dollars in salary, & forcing them to lose their $500.00 per year policies.
What do you think...possible....sure, & we here in Michigan have this ..."great Bridge in the Northern
Part of the Mitten" that has been on the market for ages.
C.pt a..news throughout the day has indicated that this Vote is Not a 'for Real' Vote, no, it is a TEST Vote?
...do they get to study for it
...will it be an 'open book' test
...will it be graded "on the curve"
...and here I thought that we should be concerned with another Saturday Vote.
...what was I thinking?

D. we here in our place in Macomb County, MI, have been made aware of some shift in reporting at
major newspapers; small at times, but large in implication [?] as questions about the direction of the
nation & it's leaders are being raised AND reported upon. For this to happen in this area which is
admittedly liberal, is fascinating to say the least. Refreshing too, to read the questioning of
policies--seldom reported in the negative--in this Blue State.

E. we here in our place in Macomb County, MI, have another Wal-Mart in our area; it seems that the
store that many "love to hate" had their grand opening at the new store East of Partridge Creek
Mall. Partridge Creek spokes person stated that they welcome another shopping venue for the
residents of Macomb County AND they believe that each [ of them] offer ease of shopping to various
categories of customers.. Well, maybe, but what does that say for those of us who shop at BOTH
venues? we have many savvy shoppers here in our place in Macomb County, MI.




Let's hear it for Michigan Residents and all savvy shoppers everywhere. LOL

In Michigan there is no shortage in governmental stimulus fund awards--to SOME
agencies / areas.

however...as seen in the first Section 1512 reports due on October 10, 2009
we discover that stimulus funds saved of created 19,500 jobs through the end of
September.

Just WHERE was the money spent:

...74% of jobs were at schools or related to education
...17% of jobs were related to work force development [summer / fall jobs for under age 24.
...06% of jobs tied to road, sewer & other construction jobs

As of Sept. 30, Michigan had spent approximately $620 M. of the $3.7 B allocated in Fed. Stimulus Funds.

Al well and good, as far as it has gone. BUT, the big question is still; WHERE are the jobs for laid-off
workers.A recent article in the Detroit Free Press 11 Nov. 2009, a startling analysis was printed on pg. 1A:
...found that the majority of the 1,834 stimulus awards made to MI. recipients created 1 or fewer JOBS
what is fewer than 1; right 0. pretty sad for our state workers needing jobs.
...only Prime recipients report [sec. 1512] growth> created or retained reported, but NOT explained

a. $3.6 B. award > $920 M received > 22,316.66 Jobs created / retained.
b. $190 M.award > $8.6 M received > 197.2 Jobs created / retained
c. $1.4 B award > $318 M received > 0 Jobs created / retained.

Can anyone fault those looking for & needing jobs questioning our State Legislature?
Some of the "job estimates" actually were job "projections" rather than jobs created / retained.

The fact that most of the funds [stimulus awards] went to Education or related fields does not help
our workers and family Bread-winners unless they are in those fields; Nor does that help all the small
Business owners who are struggling to stay in business as well as trying to retain their workers.

Education is Important--as an ex-teacher, I would hardly state anything different, BUT--as important as those positions are, Research can also be funded through the Endowment and Alumni Funds; Teachers are quite capable of handling larger class sizes than some are willing to admit ; however, the MEA & MFT do
NOT agree; Learning is vital to all of us no matter the age; the Younger the learner, the Greater NEED for the Best Teacher. But, again, how well can these students learn when their families are torn apart by the unemployment woes; or the imminent loss of a Business, or the, sometimes, resultant Divorce within their individual family life.

Housing is greatly affected by all of this:
...unemployment
...under-employment
...loss of Personal Business
...separation of Spouses
...divorce of spouses

Sellers cannot Sell their Homes easily; or worse, they find themselves in the position of SS or Foreclosure
Buyers, even in this Buyer's Market, either do not have the needed financial solvency to fulfill their Mortgage Responsibility, or have NOT planned for all the expenses of Home Ownership.

We as REALTORS see many if not all of the situations; MI, among 6 Other States, sees MOST of the Bad, Ugly & Sad effect of this Economy.
Though a 'Jobs Summit" is planned for December in D.C.; what we need right now [ to quote the mantra of D.C.] is the stimulus funds to be utilized for those who supply Jobs for our Michigan workers. NOW.
What we don't need is another Discussion Group--Just look around Folks, save the car fare, air fare, or wear & tear of such a trip; Just LOOK at the "Sad 7 States" and all the others, and listen to the 'simple folk' who say: MI. remove the Small Business Tax [ for 2 years at least]; rescind or lessen the "tax promises / credits" offered / promised to other Country or State Companies to move to MI. ; use the stimulus funds already received for bolstering our Businesses already here.

Now, I would be remiss if I did not report that Michigan State University has reported that they will direct about $8 M in funds toward assisting more than 8,000 MSU students who lost state support.
...for this school year 2009-2010, MSU will grant $1,000 to more than 2,000 freshmen & sophomore students with the greatest need; the remaining 6,000 + qualifying underclassmen will receive one-time grants of $500.00. Funds will also be used toward a reduction of spring semester tuition of $5.00 per credit hour on a one-time basis for all resident undergraduate students.

Let's hear it for MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY.!

Another Good for our State:
...the promoted "Community Conversations" gatherings sponsored by Ann Arbor-based Center for Michigan.
...these will be utilized to gather opinions / suggestions from residents to move Michigan forward.
...the Michigan Chamber of Commerce , The Michigan Chamber Foundation has a web site "Great Ideas for Michigan" go to Michigan.gov to redirect. Read, watch & when ready Give a suggestion. Who knows maybe one of your ideas will be implemented to 'move MI. forward'

Things are Looking Up here at Home In Michigan; Many wishes that this is just the beginning of many more good things to come.



Friday 20 Nov. The Detroit News / front page article by Karen Bouffard [ Promise Scholarship cuts}
...she lists the following:
Saginaw Valley, Ferris join MSU in paying for Freshmen / Sophomore students = Fall Term; MSU as above
U Of M, U-M Dearborn, Central MI = cover cost for Fall term /highest needs / Pell grant students
Lake Superior U. = pay 1/2 cost for all Promise students
Western MI U, Grand Valley State U. & Oakland U = not covering the loss of Promise grant
Wayne St. U, Eastern U, & U-M Flint - considering options
Northern MI U = interest -free loans
Michigan Tech U = no response

Some help for some students in some other Universities !

STILL, where are the jobs for our displaced workers?

The Tracks --of Life--previously established;

The train is ready to leave the station:

The title is a total borrowing, copying, enjoying, & using of a line from a show recently on Cable TV

It truly hit home!
It pointed it's clever finger toward me!
It is a LOL description of the speaking, thinking, & writing style of many;
...creative persons or those who are trained in the arts- often think in concentric circles;
...more & more today, many trained in the technology field--in particular those who design
audio / video software programs--can be added to the group.

Does that make those of us, so described, to have:
...less information to share;
...less knowledge learned
...less impact on others
...less worth

NO, I think not--we may move in ways that:
...amuse, baffle, confuse or direct
...entertain, frustrate, galvanize or haunt
...motivate. overwhelm, pummel, resuscitate
those who listen to spoken words, read our publications or view our visual products

We are balanced by all the others of you, who dwell in the magical world of engineering,Logic, Math, Science & the analysis of their effect on our lives.

Can both types work well together:
I think that is so; Simply watch the groupings in life, society & work fields:

where differing personalities join in legal parings;
where the Board rooms look to the Executors, Monetary managers.& Planners to DESIGN the company;
where the Creators of audio, tactile, & visual arts to PRESENT the company:
where the COMPANY is anything that offers a service, produces a product, strengthens those with whom they come into contact.

Let's HEAR it for the Yin & yang of life
Let's make certain that neither the 'arts' person, nor the 'logical' person diminished the other.

Let us grow through living with, knowing of, working alongside with 'the Other"

When all is said and done, if you still find this a WAY TOO LONG train ride:
--remember Sal, the engineer, the logician, the money manager, & the planner.
...He lives with ME. LOL

LOL, LOL, Laugh Out Loud
Have a Laugh on Me.
The Caboose has come into view. Bye.

With THANKS to: Bob Merrill [ author] & Patti Page [performer], this fun Song of 1952 will be the
basis for one section of this blog:



" How much is that Household on the corner:
..the One where I'd soon get my Mail;


..How Much is that Household on the Corner,


..I do HOPE that Home is for SALE."






" I read in the paper there are problems.

...with bids hung up in the process.

...I read in the paper there are problems,

...my hope's on my REALTOR's success"


Buying [ and Selling ] a Home is not a 'song & dance', but with:
....good study of the facts of the entire process
....good understanding of personal finance structure
....good choices made in costs, location, needs, & REALTOR
....good things CAN be your reward.

In Michigan, many Cities, Townships, & Villages have instituted regulations on Vacant Homes:
....these municipalities have such ordinances
Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Birmingham, Burton, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Clinton Twp. Dearborn,
Farmington, Flint Twp., Grand Rapids, Harrison Twp., Hazel Park, Kalamazoo, Keego Harbor,
Mt. Clemens, Muskegon, Plymouth Twp., Redford Twp., Southfield, Trenton, Warren, West. Bloomfield,
Wyoming & Ypsilanti.
...other municipalities are considering following suit.
...while such ordinances may slow down some processes, they can protect the Buyer of such homes.
...most areas charge a fee to the owner to register the home [ as Vacant] & added fee for damage
inspection.
...the concept is to limit the damage a vacant home can do to the rear by homes / neighborhoods
...the reason is to hold the owner and / or banks responsible for the cost of upkeep, rather than tax
payers.
...Many neighbors / neighborhood groups, understanding the 'ripple effect' of abandoned & unsecured
homes to their own property values, are taking it upon themselves to watch & keep up the
appearance of an "occupied Household."
Admirable and worthy as this is, to enter such a home without permission may cause legal problems Grass mowing, weed pulling, snow removal & removing mailings [ papers, magazines, flyers ] from the premises works to the advantage of all.

In Sunday's "Macomb Daily" Page 2 D /
....a Source for rates in MI is listed:
'Residential Mortgage Consultants' Based in Brighton, MI.
updates available every Friday after 2:00 p.m. www.mcreport.com

Another Source is : www.zillow.com which will give daily reports for geographic areas as well as individual
States.

Further, Freddie Mac can be seen at: www.freddidmac,com these reports are 'area' reports where the Nation is divided into 5 sections: Northeast, Southeast, North Central [ includes MI] Southwest, & West.
Go to the web site to see where your state of interest is listed.

So, to those of you who are actively seeking to Buy [ or Sell];
No, you do NOT need to change the lyrics of fun songs,
NOR do you need to sing & dance;
Let your REALTOR do all the 'hard stuff'.
Well, I am certain that some of us could put on a good show--Sal & I ???, you really don't want to
...
GO there. LOL
Enjoy your Home Buying or Selling Process--it can be so rewarding.