Thanksgiving tends to make me stop for a day and reflect back over the past year. As I do, I think about all the people I have met over the past year that are now part of my life experience. I think about the experiences I have had, both good and bad, that have now shaped me for the future. And I think about my family and I am thankful for them and their support.

I hope you have had a good year and that you are taking time to appreciate all that you have to be thankful for.

For those of you that are currently involved in a major crisis, I offer a prayer for you, for you to have the strength to overcome it and grow stronger. So often we are consumed by our own thoughts, problems and concerns and we loose perspective of all that we are blessed with.

Today on this Thankgiving, I wish you a Happy Holiday with those you choose to be with and remind you to Be Thankful and enjoy your familiy and friends.

Great News!

We just heard yesterday that Congress has voted to continue the tax rebate stimulus for the real estate market! It still awaits the President’s signature for final approval.

Here is how it will go:

The legislation extends the availability of the tax credit to purchases before May 1, 2010. Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction. The credit will remain $8,000 for first-time buyers, while repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010 will be eligible for a credit of $6,500. Repeat buyers must have lived in their homes consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years. Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.

This stimulus has been a big factor in the activity of real estate this year and we are glad that Congress is helping in the manner.