Benefits of Martial Arts

I would like to share my thoughts on the benefits of practicing the art of TaeKwonDo....... Almost 4 years ago my wife Laura signed up our son Nick in a karate program at Zapata's Black Belt Academy in the Southport Town Center. He started out in the "Tiny Tigers" program. It became apparent to us that Nick not only loved to train, but he had the ability to become a very good marital artist. So this went on for about a year, Nick would train 3-4 days a week while Laura and I consumed to many cups of coffee from Starbucks while attending these classes. Before long we finally decided to get off our rears and start training ourselves.

Out of that simple act came a life change for my family. Training together has not only brought us closer but has changed our way of looking at life. The pride I feel when watching my son get up in front of an audience and perform these beautiful and intricate moves that make me stop and go WOW. The pride I feel when I watch my wife fire off a deadly accurate hook kick to the head (usually mine), and this coming from a woman who started off so timid and unsure of herself that Nick and I had to push and encourage her to continue her training. It has been so worth it. I have been working out my entire life and there isn't a workout or sport that I have tried that has giving me more satisfaction both mentally and physically than learning the art of TaeKwonDo.

Fast forward to today.... We are still training at Zapata's which is now called ATA Martial Arts of Southport. The school is currently operating at the bouncespot. I strongly encourage everyone who hates to workout to try our school (free 30 day trial), not only will you have a ball but you will get your body and mind into fantastic shape.

I can guarantee that you will experience:

• Improved Muscle Tone
  
• Improved Strength and Stamina


• Improved Confidence
  
• Improved Flexibility
  
• Improved Agility and Reflexes


• Improved Concentration and Self Esteem
  
• And most importantly in today's hectic lifestyles, Reduced Stress.

Here's the Skinny!

If your a buyer and your price range is around $300,000 your probably finding a whole lot of competition out there. Multiple offers are the norm for homes that are priced competitively. Contrary to what you may read, if your making offers 10%-20% under asking price your probably not getting the response from the sellers (or banks) that you had hoped for. My advice is to stay the course, do your homework, analyze the comps, and most important.....Listen to your Realtor and not the people who are closest to you. This market we are in is constantly changing and evolving and unless you do this for a living you truly have no idea how to generate a game plan for making offers. Oh, one last thing, do not, and I repeat do not listen to the media. They speak in general terms, not specifics that apply to your goals and plans.

Here's an article that goes into detail about our market in Sacramento and the frenzy of multiple offers being generated.

Let's Talk Foreclosure

Great Deal? Well, sometimes..... Purchasing a foreclosed property can be a trying experience for even the most savvy real estate investors. If this is your first purchase of real estate, buckle up and hang on. The absolute best advice I can give you is to have an Experienced Realtor guide you thru the process. Don't use a part time agent or a family member who just got into the "business". You NEED a professional!!!! Purchasing a foreclosure in not for the weak of heart. Here is a very good article on what to expect.
As always I am available to answer any questions.

Help for Homeowners

I am starting a series of articles about the current crisis in the Real Estate Market. I have been pouring over material that I think can be beneficial to homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage.
There is a bill that is being proposed that requires lenders to refinance existing "bad" loans. The lenders will have to take a drastic cut on the amount owed. Click here to read the article. I would like to hear from you out there on your experiences with your lenders. You can always contact me with any questions or comments

Do Low Interest Rates Affect the Real Estate Market?

In one word...NO...Well not really. It wasn't the low cost of money that created the hot market we experienced or the crash that is upon us now, it was the availability of money. Good credit, bad credit, no credit, no problem, we have a loan for you! It was easy all you had to do was state that you made X amount of money and bingo your loan was approved. No money for a down
payment and closing cost? Still no problem, here's a loan for 100% financing and you can add your closing costs to the loan.

Back in 1990 when I began my Real Estate careeer you had to have a down payment of 10% to 20% to purchase a home, or qualify for a FHA loan which allowed a borrower to put down 5% for a down payment. In todays market the lenders are experiencing huge losses on the mortgages they have written. With these losses they have tightened up the availablility of funds to lend. All this means that fewer people can qualify for a mortgage. I believe this will continue until the "bad loans" are purged, mainly through foreclosures.

So hold tight through 2008, there will be light at the end of the tunnel in 2009.

Jeffs Awesome Opening Day Duck Hunt 2007

I went on a guided duck hunt for the opener of the 2007 waterfowl season. There were 4 shooters and 3 guides. We bagged limits of green heads and honkers. This took place just west of Lincoln and I recommend to any and all who are interested to give me a call or send me an e-mail and I will pass along the guides info. Dave and Steve are 2 of the best callers I've ever been around and are also fun to be with and know how to put together a very enjoyable time in the marsh. Click on the play button below or click the "DUCK HUNT" link above for a better quality video....Enjoy!.....PS: If you buy or sell a house thru me, I will take you on a hunt like this!!