Winchester, VA

What? Yes! An agent on desk duty actually asked me that when I was phoning in to set up a showing. Apparently it was the same condo that she was preparing to show her client and she insisted that I was honest with her and let her know my clients name!

Really? Seriously? I assured her that it was just a coincidence, and as I hung up the phone I had to ask myself "Where was her Buyer's Agreement?"

For perspective clients and working agents we must have an agreement to outline our expectations and goals during our transaction. Remember to be successful you need to know the direction your headed. Make sure that your agreement is your map, and that you know which agent is driving you towards your destination. Its not our client's job to make sure that they use us, its our job to make sure that they know to call us for all their housing needs.

Daily I subscribe to several financial and industry related blogs. My current favorite is a video blog www.thinkbigworksmall.com, where two mortgage brokers ( and video marketing entruprenuers) sarcastically discuss and debate current events and politics affecting our business. Their topic today compared the National Association of Mortgage Brokers to the National Association of REALTORS. The major difference? Our association though costly because of the requirement to join state and local associations to join is effective. To be honest, we are basically forced to join all of the associations anyways to have access to the MLS and access to show properties. If you want to play the game, then you have to pay your dues and follow the code of ethics. Our membership carries power because of the size and leadership we have in place. The "Pin" is expensive, but especially in this market where our voice needs to be heard, I think our fees are going to good use.

The video's jest implied that the major difference was the fact that we had a designation and lapel pin. Now we all know that its just not about the pin that separates out our association . . . but they do bring up a valuable point. Shouldn't our lending industry have just as a powerful voice as we have? Wouldn't that help work out the credit crisis? Working at a local level its my job to make sure that make sure that I represent my association well to help counter the "REALTOR" stigma. Should the NAMB create ways to force serious career lenders into falling into rank?

Congress and the senate are passing legislation to correct curve the default but wouldn't it be more effective if the lenders and loan officers who have to work with the lending products had a say in the legislation? To turn this market around we need to find fresh ideas and energy to revive our industry. The practices of 20 years ago will not work for our consumers of today. We need solutions not the same thinking that put us in this position in the first place.

OK so its not my most original post, but I wanted to give a shout out to our crew's favorite places for lunch in the Frederick County Virginia area.

My Pick- Napoli's Italian Sub Shop- Yum don't bother if you are a vegetarian! I love the variety of meats and the great breads they use to construct their authentic Italian subs. Its lunch at its best, simple, fast and tasty! 540-535-0019

Wendy's Pick- Pickle's Deli at 201 E. Boscawen Street . . . right across from the court house. Their soups and sandwiches are fresh and I LOVE the homemade desserts. Let me just say right now that their coconut cake is to die for! Call for a pick up order at 540-722-0091 or fax your lunch bunch request to 540-722-0089.

Doug's Pick- Old Towne Cafe: If you want some thing tasty and are throwing your diet out the window for the afternoon, I suggest their cream of tomato soup and a grilled sandwich. They also have hot dogs and other 50's style lunch fair. 540-665-1805. They are down on the Old Town Mall by the Daily Grind.

Scott's Pick- Union Jack's. "Let your guard down!" Scott says the fish and chips are the best! Euro and American style fair with a fun pub atmosphere. You guessed it . . Down on the Old Towne Mall. www.theunionjackpub.com 540-722-2055.

Shawn's Pick- Tropical Smoothie Cafe': He had to buy the cup so he could get discounts on the smoothies he likes. They have healthy wraps and sandwiches. PLUS the smoothies can be a meal themselves with extra additives to keep you lean and mean! This franchised chain just opened up at Rutherford Crossing by the new Target and Lowes. Exit 317 off 81. www.tropicalsmoothie.com 540-667-0002.

BATTLE OF THE THAI!

April's Pick- Winchester Thai: Also down on the Old Towne Mall, If you like spicy tai food this is the place! Excellent Service and large portions make this a good value for your lunch dollar! www.thaiwinchester.com (540-678-6055)

VS.

Natalie's Pick- Sucilee's House of Thai- More proclaimed for their susi rolls, Nat prefers this this Thai stop when she is craving some spice. They are located also down town at 21 East Boscawen Street. 540-545-8424.

I hope you are hungry!! As always if you are looking for more information to chew on . . vist my site www.equitynegotiations.com for all of your real estate needs.

May 29th U.S Housing and Urban Development Secretary (HUD) Shaun Donovan announced that the $8,000 tax credit offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 can now be used towards the 3.5% down payment OR closing costs for FHA loans! The tax credit currently only could be accessed after the purchase of the home, but this new revision will allow first time home buyers to immediately put their credit to work towards the purchase of the home. This new found flexibility will open up doors for even more first time home buyers who were struggling to save the initial 3.5% down payment and additional closing costs.

Currently the FHA allows parents, employers and other government entities to contribute towards the down payment, but now with the tax credit potential home buyers will have yet another source to help bridge the initial expenses to purchase a home. I know I'm not the first, but the more REALTORS that write about it, the further this great new will travel. Please visit www.hud.gov/news/release for more information. Sing it from the roof tops! We can make this market great with good deals and better mortgage products!

This wonderful town's rich heritage is reflected in its many historic buildings and the Civil War battle sites throughout the surrounding area. A former winner of the prestigious "All-American Community" award, Winchester is home to approximately 25,000 residents known for civic pride, community spirit and dedication to their town's progressive growth.

The "Top of Virginia" is situated in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, about 65 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. Located in this beautiful pastoral setting is Frederick County and within the county lies Winchester, the oldest English city west of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as the "Apple Capital," the city is the home of the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival - a celebration of spring's arrival and the blooming of the apple trees. In fact, Frederick County is known as one of the nation's largest producers of apples and peaches and is the state's leading harvester of these crops. A modern, dynamic city with outstanding medical resources and a thriving economy supported by technical manufacturing and telecommunications.

Houses is affordable, with a variety of townhouses, condominiums and single-family detached homes available in lovely quiet neighborhoods. Whether you seek a modest home with acreage, a country club estate or a spacious horse property, you're sure to find it. Winchester provides an unparalleled quality of life, a small-town environment and a low cost of living.