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More and more Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about their financial futures, particularly when it comes to their eventual retirement plans. For one thing, there is grave uncertainty about the future of the Social Security system. Then there are financial planners who have their clients’ IRAs and Pension Plans tied up in mutual funds, bonds, or other strictly monetary investments. All of these offer very few guarantees. There certainly will be educated predictions, of course, but the population in general is growing skeptical about speculation and intangible figures in their investment portfolios. Then there’s Real Estate. Even though it is not often reviewed as part of one’s overall financial plan, it certainly should be. Those who have already owned their homes for a significant amount of time have seen them appreciate to an extent that stockbrokers and mutual fund managers could only dream about. For those who are considering buying a home, yes it is a wise strategy for wealth building. However, be very careful about how you handle the transaction. Work closely with a team of expert advisors regarding elements such as the amount of money you should use as a down payment, the interest deduction you’ll receive as a tax break, and the critical strategy of how to properly finance the home. Another major ally in the Real Estate market, and part of the team of experts whose actions are critical, is the Federal Government. At the end of August, the Federal Reserve approved a half-percentage point cut in its discount rate on loans to banks, a dramatic move designed to stabilize financial markets troubled by a widening credit crisis. This step will be of major assistance to entities such as banks as well as mortgage lenders. The Feds may be prepared to make even more necessary moves to strengthen economic growth. Those cuts would be of even greater direct benefit to the consumer, and a major factor in interest rates. We’ll find out more on September 18 when they next meet. Many economists feel we’ll be looking at further cuts before the end of the year to avoid the risks of economic slowdown. Those cuts are anticipated to be an unquestionable boon to the housing market. Real Estate will continue to appreciate in the long run. Yes, there may be a rise and fall in the near future, but the market is in the process of stabilizing, prices will begin to rise, and then most likely will continue to do so. That’s good news for sellers in the future, but something to seriously think about for potential buyers in the here and now. Instead of hesitating, waiting to see where things are going, your better move might be to complete a purchase before the end of the year to take advantage of low interest rates, relatively low selling prices, and tax advantages for 2007. Consult your Real Estate agent for the specifics and a personal analysis. Meanwhile, you can be living in your investment! And the BEST investment you will ever make. Ask your Real Estate professional to thoroughly help you strategize your home purchase, and always keep in mind that a house or property is a large part of your overall financial plan.  This newsletter is not a solicitation for already-listed properties. Prudential California Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity. |
| From the desk of... The M & M TEAM | |
| Hello Family and Friends, It’s September, which is not a very eventful month for special dates or holidays after Labor Day, with one significant exception — Patriot’s Day on 9/11, proclaimed as such in 2002. It’s critically important that Americans never forget how everyone in this country banded together as equals with a common cause as New York and the rest of the nation went into chaos and shock that terrible morning six years ago. As time goes by, it’s easy to get complacent. Even with the unrest abroad, things are comfortable here at home, especially in this lovely area of Ventura County and its adjacent communities. Please join with me to take some time on September eleventh to truly remember those who were victimized, and those who were the ultimate heroes. Warmly, Ryan and Linda | |
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 "Business is doing well, and it's important for you to know that we have the time for you, your family members or your friends that you would like to refer our services to." |
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