Archive for January, 2010

Support UNICEF’s work to help Haiti’s children

haiti-unicefOur thoughts and prayers are with the many thousands affected by the disaster in Haiti.

We’ve heard moving stories and seen powerful images over the past week. We’ve seen miracles happen and are grateful for the heroes who have jumped in to help. Rescue workers are still finding survivors, from a three-week-old baby to an elderly woman.

Many victims are children who have been orphaned, lost or separated from their families. Our friends at UNICEF are working to help the most vulnerable of them.

Executive director Anne Veneman said, “Expert estimates suggest that 46 percent of Haiti’s nearly 10 million people are under 18 years of age. The special needs of children for food, shelter and protection, must be factored in at the very outset of relief efforts and UNICEF will do everything in its power to make sure these needs are met.”

If you would like to join us in supporting UNICEF’s work, please donate to Haiti.

New Year’s Real Estate Resolutions to Live By in 2010

house-searchWith 2010 well underway, how are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? (My efforts for daily gym workouts have been less than successful, but I digress.)

If you’re looking for real estate-themed resolutions, may we suggest adding a few more things to your list of to-do’s?

1. Take advantage of a buyer’s market. Home values are still falling in many markets and many areas are still ripe with great deals. Browse homes for sale.

2. Let Uncle Sam help you buy a new home. See if you qualify for the homebuyer tax credit.

3. Aspire to live better, but within your means. One can always dream. Check out our Luxury Living Guide and try our “Can I Afford It?” calculator.

4. Get your finances in shape. If you can’t afford to buy a home now, commit to a homeownership strategy. Take steps to boost your credit score and save for a down payment.

5. Find adventure in the Southwest. Find out what life is like in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and enter to win HGTV’s Dream Home.

Happy New Year!