10/18/08

What Goes Up, Must Come Down; Refinance Boom Might Not Follow Bailout; and Recycling With a Payoff

Dear Friends,

Perhaps you noticed that I now have two designations after my name. In an earlier E-News I told you about the e-PRO technology designation that I received in June. Now I am excited to tell you about my newly earned CERTIFIED NEGOTIATION EXPERT (CNE) designation. The designation recognizes advanced negotiation training and skill development in handling the complexities normally associated with real estate transactions. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to get this advanced training and look forward to using my expertise to help my Buyers and Sellers achieve their desired goals.

Warmest Regards,
Pook

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

What Goes Up Must Come Down -- It's no secret that real estate is undergoing a painful correction. Though housing cycles aren't all alike, experts say in the long run there is a basic pattern.

Refinance Boom Might Not Follow Bailout

Refi Boom Might Not Follow Bailout -- A dramatic drop in mortgage rates has motivated some homeowners to wonder if they should refinance. A better question might be: Are they able to refinance?

Thanks to local lender Rob Kanyur for sharing the following info about recycling!

Recycling With a Payoff It's safe to say that recycling plays a significant role in most of our lives, and is very rewarding when we consider the ecological impact we collectively produce by our efforts to recycle, reduce, and reuse. But, what if I told you that "going green" could be financially rewarding as well? The following are some easy ways to make a little "green" for yourself, just for doing the little things you already do to lessen your ecological footprint. Like Money in the Bank In some states, RecycleBank.com is changing the way we take out the trash. This company takes the recyclables you already wheel out to the curb each week, and pays you for it by the pound – depositing points into a "bank account" redeemable for products and services in your area. The Recycle Bank takes paper, plastic, glass, phone books, cardboard, and cans. Music to Your Ears iPods and other mp3 players have turned CD collections into dust collectors. Instead of piling them up in your closet, check out FeedYourPlayer.com. This innovative company allows you to trade in your CDs and DVDs for items like flat-screen TVs and digital cameras at a major discount. Think how happy your children will be when you trade in your old CDs and DVDs for a new PlayStation®. Dial "S" for Savings Do you have a drawer full of old, out-of-date cell phones you don't use anymore? Well, GreenPhone.com wants to buy them from you! That's right, as long as your old phone still works, you could get anywhere from $1 to $70 for it. GreenPhone, in turn, sells the cell phones to people all around the world who can actually use them. Plus, you can also earn commissions for any referrals you provide. And, for every phone that GreenPhone buys, they plant trees through partnerships with American Forests and Sustainable Harvest. Electronic Deposit Similar to Greenphone, MyBoneYard.com takes your working flat panel TVs, laptops, and computers, erases all of your personal information, and then donates them to women's shelters, senior citizens, schools – or sells them to companies worldwide that can use them. What an e-volved concept! Who said recycling doesn't pay off? Take advantage of these great companies and help the environment at the same time. If you know of any other green companies or websites that I should add to this list, please give me a call! I'd love to hear how you're making recycling pay off for you and your family.