The market is not hot. But buyers are waiting for the cold market. Let me say that the cold market is not here or coming. Now is the time to buy. Sellers are opposite from the buyers. They want more and the buyers want less. The gap is large and so the market is flat. The best thing I can offer is that there are peolpe who watch things happen and some wait for things to happen. I will only work with people who make things happen. If your buying get to it. I will show you how to make things happen. And is your a seller. We can make things happen. I have been here before. Let our 30 years of experience work for you. http://www.paulandgloriaconti.com

The trade deficit for November declined by 1% to $58.2 billion, the lowest level since July 2005, the Commerce Department said January 10. Despite the improvement, the total 2006 trade deficit is on pace to reach $765.4 billion (December's trade numbers must still be tallied), compared to $716.7 billion in 2005.

Led by robust holiday shopping, retail sales increased 0.9% in December, the strongest showing since a 1.4% increase in July. For 2006, retail sales rose by 6%, a solid showing, but down from a 6.9% increase in 2005.

Despite improving retail sales, U.S. wholesale inventories leapt by 1.3% in November, triple the 0.4% rate of increase predicted by analysts. A broad-based accumulation of stockpiles ranging from cars to farm products to petroleum helped fuel the increase.

Following a dip in interest rates for the first time in five weeks, U.S. mortgage applications soared 16.6% in the first week of the new year (through January 5), the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported January 10. The MBA's survey covers approximately 50% of all U.S. residential loans.

The number of newly laid-off workers filing unemployment claims fell by 26,000 to 299,000 for the week ending January 5, the Labor Department said January 10. It marked the first time jobless claims had fallen below 300,000 since the week of July 22.

This week look for updates on the Producer Price Index on January 17 and the Consumer Price Index on January 18.

Here’s what’s new in the world of real estate: The real estate market activity during this month seems to be about the same. We were at a meeting with the economic advisor with the California Association of Realtors last week. According to her the market will be the same next year. Still lower interest rates and the prices are leveling off. The prices will not come down as everyone thinks. It will be business as usual. The market in Santa Clara County is off by 19% not bad compared with the Sacramento being off a whopping 48%. Potential buyers shouldn’t wait. With a strong buyers market, combined with nearly all-time low mortgage rates, now’s the time to get a great deal on your dream home. And there’s never been a better time to “cash-out” on your home if you’re thinking of moving. The market is not hot or cold its just taking a little longer to sell! If your or anyone your know has plans to sell give us a call and we can tell you the best way to get the most money for your home.
How To Make Yourself And
Your Family “Lightning Safe”

It can happen in any season. And its effects are potentially deadly. In 1998 alone, 44 reported lightning fatalities and more than 6,000 lightning injuries occurred in the United States.

Most people only associate lightning with summer thunderstorms, but lightning can occur any time of the year, including winter. More than 40 percent of deaths caused by lightning are in open areas; 18 percent occur under trees and 14 percent on boats.

The Insurance Information Institute says more than 21 percent of all homeowners’ insurance losses result from lightning and resulting fire. Here are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your property from the devastating effects of lightning.

If you are outside:

1. Seek cover in a car, protected building, or find the lowest elevation spot in your surrounding area. Lightning usually strikes the highest point of the local area. If there is no shelter, stay away from tall objects. You’re safer crouching down in an open field than you are under a tree.

2. If you are in the water, get out immediately! If you are boating, get to shore. If that’s impossible, go inside the cabin or lie on the bottom of the boat, and don’t touch metal objects.

3. If you’re golfing or fishing, drop any metal clubs and rods. Do not stand in a small, isolated shed or other structure in an open area. Move away from a motorcycle, scooter, golf cart, or bicycle. Stay clear of wire fences, clotheslines, metal rails, or pipes.

4. If you feel your hair standing on end or your skin tingling, lightning may be about to hit you. Drop to your knees and make yourself into the smallest target possible.

5. Don’t assume you are safe if a thunderstorm appears to be far away. Lightning can bolt out of the edge of a storm and strike victims even if it isn’t raining yet. In fact, lightning has been known to strike from as far as 20 miles away!

If you are inside:

1. Do not use the telephone during a storm. Also, shut off electrical appliances such as TVs and stereos. Electric current cannot only surge through electrical outlets, but through cable TV and stereo wires.

2. Shut down your computer, but don’t stop there. Most lightning strike damage to computers doesn’t come through the electrical wires, but through the phone lines. And most surge equipment is helpless against it. If your computer has a modem, unplug the phone connection from your computer.

3. Stay away from open doors and windows. Also, stay away from stoves, metal pipes, and sinks. And since water conducts electricity, never take a bath or shower during a storm.


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Bumper Stickers Seen On Cars…
• So Many Men, So Few Who Can Afford Me
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• If You Want Breakfast In Bed, Sleep In The Kitchen
• If We Are What We Eat, I’m Fast, Cheap and Easy
• I Used To Have A Handle On Life, But It Broke

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HOME SELLER TIP #26 : Sellers often resist spending money on a property they're selling. This is particularly so in the current market, where they may have less chance of receiving multiple offers and a generous price. However, properly preparing your home for sale can give you an advantage in today's challenging market.

Buyers are pickier than they were a year ago when home prices were rising quickly. Currently, appreciation is flat, at best. Many buyers are concerned that prices are falling. So, their enthusiasm for paying huge prices regardless of the condition of the property has waned. Buyers are looking for value.

Getting a house fixed up for sale takes time and money. A good real estate agent can be an invaluable ally in this endeavor. In fact, you should consult with your agent before embarking on any projects to ensure that you make value-enhancing improvements.

THE CLOSING: Resist the temptation to show your home before it's ready. You could lose a prospective buyer who can't visualize how your house will look after the improvements are done.
Looking for a break today. Not at McDonalds! But
contact Paul and Ginger and get your home staging FREE. This will help the seller with spending anyhttp://www.free-homestaging.com money to make their home look great.