Loss of a Peer

Today we lost a peer, a broker from our town, mls and board. It is always a wake-up call when someone you work with or know dies unexpectedly. This loss was one of those, Clara Stanley was the Broker Owner for Stanley Real Estate. We as Realtors don't always get along but when we lose one of our own we tend to close ranks and for a brief time come together as a united force. It is a shame we aren't always working together and I am just as guilty as anyone. I hope in the future I will bear in mind what words I say, what thoughts I think and especially what my actions say to others because I know it could be the last thing that person hears.
Clara will be missed, she was a very unique person who did things her own way.

Respectfully
Georgia A. Weaver BS Ed, GRI CRS
Broker/Associate
President of the United Counties Board of Realtors

Realtors and Consumers The Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee Needs Your Support

Sen. Christopher Dodd is expected today to introduce a bill that would require mortgage lenders to issue only loans that are beneficial to borrowers and that borrowers are able to repay. What a novel idea - What, you thought the banking industry had your best interests at heart????

This bill seeks better loans for consumers. The proposal by the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee would not only force mortgage lenders to act in the best interest of borrowers, it also would expose Wall Street firms to lawsuits (IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!!) as well as bar subprime mortgage lending practices such as prepayment penalties and yield spread premiums, (this should not be how a mortgage broker gets paid) can anyone say Major Conflict of Interest???
Dodd's proposal is in some ways similar to one from Rep. Barney Frank, which passed in the House by a wide margin in November.

Mortgage companies and banks are expected to come out in force against Dodd's bill. Really? well you as an American consumer can help get this measure in place ----CALL YOUR BANK, MORTGAGE COMPANY, SENATOR AND YELL - Get this legislation passed and implemented. "I'm Mad As Hell and I'm Not Going to Take it ANYMORE!"



Click on the title to link to Reuters article on the bill

Local Real Estate Market Report - your opinion needed!

As you know I do a local real estate market report, I have recently had several requests for additional information on this report. Mainly, the names of the Sellers and the Buyers. This info is public record after the property closes and can be found at the court house. I can include this additional info easily. What do you think, would it be helpful to you? I currently use an Excel Spreadsheet format - I do love spreadsheets, please suggest any changes you would like to see.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/267832/October-Storm-Lake-and

October Storm Lake MLS Real Estate Market Report

Want to know what the Storm Lake, Alta and surrounding area real estate market is doing? Click on the link below or on the article title above, I think you will be surprised.
This report shows all properties reported sold on the Storm Lake MLS, the major brokerage's "piece of the pie" and the year to date numbers. Check back often to see the local market numbers and how we are doing as opposed to the national market.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/267832/October-Storm-Lake-and