|
 Strickland Administration outlines budget challenges ahead...
Gov. Ted Strickland outlined a gloomy state budget scenario for legislative leaders and statewide officeholders last Wednesday, but did not announce any corrective measures that might be in order over the next 18 months of the biennium.
A briefing document the administration released said the state’s key economic consultant, Global Insight, would be increasing its prognosis for a recession to above 50%.
Under that scenario, the state could face a nearly $1.9 billion operating budget deficit in fiscal year 2009, which starts July 1, compared to estimates developed for the current biennium budget measure (HB 119).
back to top
National housing issues...
Fed rate cut is a start, NAR economist says...Last week's 75-basis-point cut in the Federal Reserve short-term interest rate to 3.5 percent is a step in the right direction for boosting the economy and sending a clear message to the market and to consumers that now is the time to buy a home, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. The strong rate cut will help lower mortgage interest rates and lessen the burden of adjustable-rate loans that are resetting, he says. It also might help stimulate business investment given today's uncertain environment. Yun also called upon the Fed to look carefully at whether additional action is needed.
Make housing part of stimulus, NAR Says...The federal economic stimulus package under discussion by President Bush and Congress should loosen constraints on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help make homeownership more widely available to households, NAR says. "Any stimulus package must address housing issues and increase the conforming loan limits for these two government-sponsored enterprises," says NAR President Dick Gaylord. NAR has been calling on Congress and the administration to increase the loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from the ceiling of $417,000 to $625,000. Doing so would reduce the supply of homes on the market by more than a month, strengthen home prices by 2-3 percentage points, and increase economic activity by $42 billion, NAR estimates. Foreclosures could also be reduced by 140,000 to 210,000 and result in an additional 348,000 home sales. )
back to top
Attention appraisers; NAR needs your input on USPAP...
The Education Appraisal Standards and Qualifications boards are evaluating Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. NAR is asking its appraisal members to voice their opinion on the issue. Deadline is Feb. 25 to comment on USPAP.
back to top
President approves two-year ban on banks in real estate...
In a victory for REALTORS, the fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations act recently signed by President Bush includes a two-year provision prohibiting banks from entering the real estate brokerage, property leasing and management business. NAR this year will be seeking from Congress a permanent ban on banks in real estate through passage of the Community Choice in Real Estate Act (H.R.111/S.413).
back to top
Permanent no-call registration raises concern...
Making Do-Not-Call registration "indefinite" could compromise the Federal Communication Commission's goal of maintaining a high level of accuracy of phone numbers on the list, NAR says in comments to a proposed rule. Currently, phone numbers are scheduled to drop off the registry after five years. This automatic drop-off serves as an efficient means to eliminate numbers that have changed hands, been disconnected, or reassigned. Real estate practitioners are subject to the Do-Not-Call law as telemarketers and have an interest in the efficient removal of non-valid numbers on the government-maintained registry. The proposed rule would amend FCC rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
back to top
Save with OfficeMax...
 OfficeMax...Receive a 50% discount on color and black & white print services. A 40% to 80% discount is also available on selected office products. For more information access your OfficeMax Retail Connect Card.
back to top
Tech Tips...
Live video streaming from your phone...Qik is a little piece of software that enables you to stream videos directly from your phone to the Web. Use it to stream engaging videos to your friends or clients in Facebook, Twitter, etc. or as your camcorder to capture entertaining and special moments. (http://www.qik.com/)
Sort a filtered list in Excel...To sort a filtered list, select Data, Sort, then choose the appropriate column from the Sort By control box. Specify the Ascending or Descending option, and click OK.
Resize your icon labels in XP:
1. Right-click a blank space on the desktop and choose Properties.
2. Click the Appearance tab.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Select Icon Spacing (Horizontal) in the Items list.
5. Increase the spacing
6. CLICK OK
7. Right-click the desktop.
8. Choose Arrange Icons By and pick an order (this will cause them to relocate based on the new spacing).
back to top
Education...
CI 102: Market Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate...This course, to be held Mar. 3-7, will analyze historical trends and existing data to assess both current and future market conditions. Economic Base Analysis, an important starting point for forecasting the future of a market area, will be introduced. Learn how supply and demand factors impact a market forecast, as well as gain insight into site feasibility, market dynamics and market pricing. (Note: CI 101 is a prerequisite for this course.) Sign-up today...
ABR Designation program...Buyer agents need specialized training and knowledge to effectively service customers in today's market. The program, scheduled for Mar. 12-14, will help you gain a competitive edge in this growing market. Sign-up today...
30 hours online...Take your real estate continuing education hours online. You can take 3, 6 or all 30 hours in any combination...Sign-up today...
back to top
|
