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 March 4, 2011, 9:11 am
NEW YORK TIMES
All Signs Pointing Up on Jobs – Recovery Snowballing
America’s job engine picked up some steam last month. The nation’s employers added 192,000 jobs in February, after having added just 63,000 the previous month, the Labor Department reported today. The February number, which was about what economist had forecasted, represented the fastest job growth since last spring, when temporary hiring for the decennial Census lifted national employment.
“Economic recoveries can be like a snowball rolling down a hill, in that it takes time to get some momentum,” said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics. “People hesitate until they feel that the recovery’s durable enough, and then they have a tendency to jump in. Maybe we’re finally getting to that jumping-in moment.”
The unemployment rate ticked down to 8.9 percent, falling below 9 percent for the first time in nearly two years. This month’s numbers are much more consistent. We are told that the economy added 192,000 jobs in February. With previous figures also revised up, the total number of jobs in February is 250,000 more than what we had been told was the figure for January.
The last time the unemployment rate fell 0.9 percentage points in three months was in 1983. That was when the economy finally started to rise rapidly after the early 1980’s double-dip recessions.
An important point to remember is that almost every economic statistic has been looking up, with the notable exception of the jobs figure. Now it seems to be falling in line.
(Excerpts from article)

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2011/02/january_above?cid=WR02232011:9380&ed_rid=363872

• 

  How to Assess the Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper House

  When you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix. Read

I understand the difficulties the media has with regards to reporting every angle of every report.  However, I am so tired of the headlines stating only what the media thinks will sell.  If doom and gloom will get us a reader over the competition, let’s run it.  In today’s era, everything is about marketing.  No more truth, no more straight answer, no more facts.  Let’s find the angle to reel you in.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/27/news/economy/Bernanke_speech/index.htm

Tell me what you think?

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION

Now that school is back in session for most of our children, it’s time to remember the school zones and cell phones.  I am a Realtor so I am on my cell phone probably more than most and I am guilty of the occasional text while driving which is a big NO NO as my daughter reminds me.  I sure don’t want a horrible accident to be the reason I stop so no more texting while the car is in motion for me. 

SCHOOL ZONES

No cell phones in school zones is one of the best laws passed in recent years to help eliminate that catastrophic incident.  I do however, find it ironic.  It is against the law to talk on your cell phone while driving 20 miles per hour yet it is lawful to talk while driving 70 miles per hour.  Hummmm?  Of course I know the reason is our children which I am in 100% agreement.  But , it makes you wonder how dangerous it can be at other times.  Believe me, I want the freedom to use my cell phone but let’s all be careful and watch out for our children.  Please don’t forget me if you are in the market to buy or sell a home.  Interest rates are great so give me a call about current homes prices.

Who would have thought about bringing these 2 together, but it makes perfect sense.  Marriage, buying a home and children, not necessarily in that order but none the less.  I wanted to send a special thanks to my good friend and client Andrea Porter at Circle Park Bridal  http://www.circleparkbridal.com for working with me at the Dallas Bridal Show a few weeks ago.  I had the privilege of meeting over 150 soon to be brides and helped answer their questions about purchasing a home in the Dallas area.  I had many looking for their perfect home in Frisco, Plano, Coppell, Dallas, Grapevine, McKinney, Allen and so many more places.  Even if they were not buying a home in North Texas, I was still able to assist them with questions and direct them to a more local Realtor.  As as Realtor, my job is to sell homes and assist buyers with their purchase.  But I must say, even though most of these soon to be newlyweds may not be in the immediate time frame to buy, it was such a reward to walk them through the process, explain the pitfalls and guide them on how to start preparing to purchase a home. 

NEVER TOO EARLY

 It is never too early to start preparing for your family and in fact, many times first time buyers and even repeat buyers find a small problem when they go to qualify for a loan and then it might take months to resolve.  So, start early, find a good Realtor (ME) and find out all you need to know.  Thanks again to Circle Park Bridal (don’t forget to shop for your wedding gown there) for this great experience and hopefully I will see you at the next Dallas Bridal Show in January.

I have been in the real estate/relocation business for years and it still amazes me how we react to the general media.  You could have nothing invested in the stock market, which most of us do not, and still we panic when there is a decline.  I often wonder how our economy would fair if we had no negative news for just one week.  It is a proven fact that a negative environment has an impact on our daily routine.  It would be difficult to start your day or end your day without the news and what is occurring around you.  However, let’s tap the breaks on the sky is falling. 

ALL IS GOOD 

The real estate business is still solid in North Texas, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney and many other areas as well.  We have been fortunate the homes values have not suffered as much as other areas.  So, let’s keep it positive!  Interest rates are at historic lows and that in itself should keep us focusing on the positive. 

Have a great day!