What is Patriotism?

July 1 is Canada Day, often referred to as “Canada’s Birthday,” and Canada’s main patriotic holiday. July 4 is Independence Day in the U.S., and the United States’ main patriotic holiday. The celebrations in both countries have their similarities and differences, with “patriotism” as the uniting link. But what is “patriotism”? Dictionary.com defines “patriotism” as “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country.”

Here are some other definitions:

Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a
lifetime. – Adlai Stevenson

A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. – George William Curtis

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. – Robert J. McCracken

Patriotism is easy to understand; it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country. – Calvin Coolidge

Do not regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and
Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo? – Unknown

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place
will be proud of him. – Abraham Lincoln

A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.
– Bill Vaughan

What’s your definition of patriotism?

Have you thought about the last time you showed your patriotism? Since the big rebirth of America following 9/11 it is not uncommon to see it as we state the pledge of allegiance and/or recite the national anthem. These are easy but I charge you with getting creative this July by showing it through your civic activities, being a responsible citizen and supporting our troops and their families.

Whatever your patriotism day involves, please be sure to be safe. Do not drink and drive, and if you are planning your own personal fireworks celebration, make sure to exercise caution for your sake and the sake of your loved ones.

Sincerely,
Tomika Bryant
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. How are you celebrating this patriotic holiday? Please email me at
Tomika@TomikaBryant.com or call me at 610-975-3560.

What's Stopping You?

The reality of the role that the media plays on today's real estate market is apparent as I meet with buyers and sellers each day. Many people are influenced by the negative reports of the television and newspapers, despite the fact that it is a large global depiction. This economic picture painted does not have to be a reflection of your city or town. People ought to have a clear vision of their own market, and to keep you informed, I have seen a frenzy of buyer showings and offers in our general area.


Spring usually marks a busy time and this year is no different. The last few months I have taken notice during showings that many clients are asking to view houses that have just barely gone under contract or are expecting multiple offers. It is not unlikely to be at a home at the same time as another showing as home shoppers are everywhere lately.


There are a lot of buyers in the marketplace. They may just be looking for a low, good deal but isn't that always the case? Buyers aren't just out there today to look, they are there to BUY and Buy Confidently....


It is a pleassure to be able to offer that peace of mind to all my clients. Buying confidently means more than making an informed decsion. It means that you can be confident that you received the best of the best.


The "Buy Confident" Plan means:

• Be Confident and know exactly where you stand. What is your current home really worth? How fast is your neighborhood selling? Home might your time horizon, job situation and risk tolerance affect your decision.


• Borrow Confident with the best rate guaranteed. Rates are at a historic low but could they be headed lower? We guarantee you will get the lowest rate possible or pay you $500 at closing.


• Buy Confident and put your mind at ease. Personalize and totally objective advice is just the start. The job loss protection plan makes sleeping a breeze.

Inventory is decreasing and home values are rising as buyers are utilizing various programs available to help them make purchases. If you have been considering moving or purchasing an investment home, the time to do it is now. I am available to help you determine the best way to immediately start the process.


What kind of real estate activity have you seen in your neighborhood? Do you know someone who is ready to make a move? Are you ready to make a move? Where do you stand?


I can provide you with some market research if you want to know what is out there. By phone/email, I can inform you what has recently succeeded and at what price in your area. I can also provide you a ball park figure of what your home is worth. If you want a more accurate representation, I would be more than happy to visit your home and provide a no obligation-free initial consultaion.


The same applies to any family member, friend or colleague who may need some assistance. My favorite loan orginator is on speed dial ready to get started.

Where's My Bail Out?

With all the daily talks of bail outs, have you wondered why you had not received one. Rather than waiting for one to fall into your lap, why not create your own? You can do it; there are enough resources out there that you can put together your own bailout plan.


Sometimes the solution can be as simple as pinpointing one or two areas where you're having trouble. There are remedies if you know where to look and aren't afraid to ask for help. Here are a few common problem areas where you can concentrate your efforts:


Food and groceries
Ross Fraser, media relations manager for Feeding America says when it comes to keeping food on the table, "a lot of people need help." So don't feel embarrassed asking for help, he says. Instead, "Get back on your feet, and then you can pay it back in kind," says Fraser. Here's how to find a local food pantry: visit http://www.FeedingAmerica.org or call the group toll-free at (800) 771-2303. Ask for the closest food bank (these are the large food collection groups located in your region or metro area). Call that food bank and ask for your local food pantries, which are the small local sites that actually distribute food to individuals.

Angel food ministries offers reduced units of food with changing menus. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

Market day is a fundraising program sponsored by several organizations that allows you to purchased reduced rate high quality meals and support the fundraising efforts of the organizations. http://www.marketday.com/index.aspx



Mortgages
People having trouble making home payments should first call their lender, many of whom have pledged to help homeowners in financial trouble. Depending on your needs, you might ask to renegotiate your terms or simply add a couple of payments to the end of your loan.

Contact the company currently servicing your loan. The department you want will typically have a name like "loss mitigation," "foreclosure avoidance," or "home preservation" and be a part of the company's mortgage division, says Allen Fishbein, director of housing and credit policy for the Consumer Federation of America.

Alternatively, you might have access to a nonprofit housing counselor who will negotiate for you. Many are funded by or work with local governments. Call your local city, county or state government for a referral or contact NeighborWorks America, says Ira Rheingold, executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. You can also find a certified housing counselor through the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling at HousingHelpNow.org. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, can also be of assistance. Try finding a HUD-certified housing counselor on hud.gov or by calling 800-569-4287.

This assistance should be provided by a legitimate nonprofit, not a business masquerading as one. No one should charge you for these services. When working out a solution, make sure it will work long-term, says Rheingold. If your payment has escalated beyond your means, a discount for a month or two won't solve your problem.

If you're a veteran or have a VA loan, you can get some help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs which can negotiate with your loan servicers to set up a workable arrangement. For vets with non-VA loans, the department can't negotiate directly but will coach homeowners by telling them who to contact and what to say to get what they need, says Steve Westerfeld, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Call: (877) 827-3702. All services are free of charge.

Health insurance
For kids only: Investigate the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP. Administered by the states, it's a federal program that provides low-cost insurance for children. Find out more by contacting your state insurance department.

No insurance: Consider a high-deductible, "catastrophic" policy with a health savings account, or HSA. How it works: You purchase a plan with very high deductible but low premiums. It is paired with a savings account that allows you to bank pre-tax dollars to use for your deductible or other qualified health expenses. If you don't use the money, it stays in your account for whenever you need it.

Caveat: Not all high-deductible plans are equal, and not all low-premium plans offer the same coverage. Read the fine print and have an agent answer all of your questions before you buy.

Denied coverage: First, find out why you've been denied. If there was erroneous information on your medical records (or even correct information that only tells part of the story), getting the records amended could solve the problem. Discuss the problem with your doctor or the insurance administrator at your doctor's office to identify any possible misinformation in your file. Georgetown University's Center on Medical rights and Privacy maintains a Web site that will help you correct your records.

You can also try a different carrier that may have more lenient underwriting regarding your condition. If you were denied because of serious health problems, consider buying coverage through a spouse's group health plan. While you pay all or part of the premium, it's usually cheaper and you can't be denied coverage. Alternatively, investigate your state's high-risk pool. Set up for people who can't get conventional insurance (and in some areas subsidized by the insurance industry), this will allow you to get coverage without excluding your health problems or paying exorbitant premiums.

Caveat: It's not super cheap and, in some states, pools are closed or having waiting lists. Visit your state insurance department or call for details.

Don't have insurance due to job loss: If a spouse's plan is not an option, take another look at your former employer's group plan. Thanks to the stimulus plan, this option just became 65 percent less expensive, and you may have a chance at enrolling.

How this works: the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, allows you to stay on your company insurance, generally for up to nine months, as long as you pay 35 percent of the premiums.

Prior to the economic stimulus package, employees had to sign up to remain on the group health plan within roughly 60 days of leaving the company and shoulder the full cost of the premiums. Therefore, if you took advantage of COBRA, you should see your premium drop 65 percent starting in March. If you were dismissed after Sept. 1, 2008, and didn't take COBRA coverage, you have another chance. Moreover, your premiums will reflect the new 65 percent discount. Government agencies are still ironing out just how long workers who initially passed on COBRA will have to apply, so to be safe, get your paperwork in place within 60 days of the stimulus bill's Feb. 17 signing date.

Caveat: COBRA usually only applies to companies with 20 or more employees, plus the company still has to be operating and offering group insurance. Also, after nine months, you can continue COBRA for an additional nine months, but must pay the full premium. Contact your employer or the insurance company to get the forms. Your employer should provide them. If you get the runaround, call your state labor department.

Car payments
Getting behind on payments doesn't have to mean losing the car.
First, decide if it's a need or a want. If you don't need that second car, it may be able to help free up money for other bills. If getting rid of the car isn't an option, there are other solutions out there.

With a lease: Tally up the cost of getting out of the lease. Then call the leasing agency to learn if it's willing to renegotiate, says Jack Gillis, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America and author of "The Car Book." Realistically, it may or may not work, depending on the value of the car and how anxious the agency is to keep you in it, he says.

With a loan: Here you're in a better position when it comes to renegotiating your loan, especially if you owe more than the car is worth, says Gillis. If the loan company takes back the car, they take a loss. So it's to the company's advantage to keep you in the car. However, if your credit is still decent -- even if it's slightly tarnished -- it might be smarter to refinance the loan at a better rate. Try a few credit unions first, says Remar Sutton, president of the Consumer Task Force for Automotive Issues, and the founder of FoolProofMe.org. Since most of the credit unions bypassed the subprime lending meltdown, "that means credit unions aggressively are looking for people to lend money to," he says. The average person will save about $2,000 by refinancing a car loan, according to numbers from FoolProofMe.org.

If you just need help with one payment, you might be able to get an extension, says Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. You cover just the interest, instead of the whole payment, and the loan company tacks the difference onto the end of your loan. However, most companies limit this practice to once or twice annually, she says.

Job loss
If you were fired or laid off, you're likely eligible for unemployment benefits. Get the details through your state employment office. Many unemployment offices also have job leads, and information on training programs.

To polish your job seeking skills, visit the library or hit the Internet.

Small bills
Sometimes being able to pay the little bills can make a big difference. If you need help with a power or water bill, there are usually a couple of resources you can tap.

Utilities: First, call the utility company. Sometimes you can arrange to pay the bill a month or so late. The company might also have a program for people who need help with bills. In addition, representatives may be able to direct you to community resources.

Utilities and other bills: In about 80 percent of the U.S., dialing 211 will connect you to a local agency that can put you in touch with resources in your community, says Linda Daily, director of 2-1-1 for United Way of America. The 211 service "will act as triage" to help locate other resources in the community that can help, says Daily. If your area doesn't have 211 services or your phone carrier blocks it, go online to 211.org for local-dial numbers and information on options, she says. Or visit the United Way at LiveUnited.org.

-Dana Dratch, www.bankrate.com

Can being fooled be fun?

In honor of April Fool’s Day, here are three stories that show how we all get fooled now and then, from www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/index:

On April 1, 1957, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) carried a story about the spaghetti crop in Switzerland. The program announcer reported on how the crop was larger than usual, due to a mild winter and the absence of the spaghetti weevil. Film footage of the spaghetti harvest was shown, with families picking strands of spaghetti off of trees and placing them into baskets. At the end, the workers were seen gathering around a table to enjoy their fresh-picked homegrown spaghetti. The BBC got hundreds of phone calls from people wanting to know more about spaghetti trees and how they might grow one. Operators advised them to “place a sprig of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”

On April 1, 1996, readers of newspapers including the New York Times saw a full-page ad announcing that Taco Bell had purchased the Liberty Bell, which would henceforth be known as the Taco Liberty Bell. “While some may find this controversial,” the advertisement said, “we hope our move will prompt other corporations to take similar action to do their part to reduce the country’s debt.” The National Historic Park was flooded with angry phone calls, but even White House spokesperson Mike McCurry played along, saying that the government also planned to sell the Lincoln Memorial to a different corporation, which would rename it the Ford Lincoln-Mercury Memorial.

On April 1, 1998, Burger King placed a full-page ad in USA Today announcing a new product: Left-Handed Whoppers. These burgers, specially designed for left-handed people, were supposed to be the same as regular Whoppers, but with “all condiments rotated 180 degrees, thereby redistributing the weight of the sandwich so that the bulk of the condiments will skew to the left, thereby reducing the amount of lettuce and other toppings from spilling out the right side of the burger.” Thousands of customers requested the new product, while others asked if a “right-handed” version was available.

When done in the right spirit, being fooled can be fun!

Make no mistake this is not an April Fool's Joke. The government bought millions in mortgage backed securities which have resulted in the lowest interest rates in at least ten years-some say rates have not been this low since World War II. This is a huge step in the right direction to stimulate our economy yet again. Don't believe me?...

Ask the family, that was able to purchase a home with no money down and in fact received a refund at closing due to the "free money" they received from the government and various programs.


Sincerely,
Tomika Bryant
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. Do you have a fun April Fool’s Day story? Please email me at Tomika@TomikaBryant.com or call me at 610-975-3560.

Where Did the Time Go?

I can't believe that it is already February. I guess it is true that "Time Waits for No Man or Woman". January was a great month nonetheless...

On Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I was honored to participate in many of the activities for the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America- President Barack Obama. (I still smile as I say this.) History was truly made and even more important was the promise of change. Based on what I witnessed in our Nation's Capital, the world is ready for change. Change is defined as the cause to be different; a transformation.

This life changing event truly taught me to embrace change and be grateful for what it brings. I decided not to make resolutions for 2009 and would instead set goals- S.M.A.R.T. goals.

S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Attainable
R: Realistic
T: Timely

My first goal is to not only show that I am grateful but speak it to the air. It never amazes me that I always find something to be grateful for. Sometimes it is the little things, like a free coupon for an oil change or maybe I am grateful for the blessings others have received- like the coming home of The Sands Momo Twins- McKenzie and Lily.

As I start each new day being grateful, I am always reminded of the book "1,000 Marbles A Little Something" by Jim Davis. The excerpt below truly speaks to how we should be grateful for the small and big fortunes of life. I hope you enjoy it as I much as I always do.

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it’s the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are the most enjoyable for me.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older-sounding man with a golden voice. You know the kind – like he should be in the broadcasting business himself. He was talking about “a thousand marbles” to someone named Tom. I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say. “Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well, but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work 60 or 70 hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital.”

He continued, “Let me tell you something, Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.” And that’s when he began to explain his theory of a “thousand marbles.”

“You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about 75 years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about 75 years.

“So, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I’m getting to the important part.

“It took me until I was 55 years old to think about all this in any detail,” he went on, “and by that time I had lived through over 2800 Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be 75, I had only about a thousand of them left to enjoy.

“So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to roundup a thousand marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in my workshop next to the radio. Every Saturday since then, I’ve taken one marble out and thrown it away.

“I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.

“Now, let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I’ve been blessed with a little extra time to be with my loved ones.

“It was nice to talk with you, Tom. I hope you get to spend more time with your loved ones, and I hope to meet you again someday. Have a good morning!”

You could have heard a pin drop when he finished. Even the show’s moderator didn’t have anything to say for a few moments. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to do some work that morning, then go to the gym. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss.

“C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.”

“What brought this on?” she asked with a smile.

“Oh, nothing special,” I said. “It’s just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out? I need to buy some marbles.”

I wish you many marbles and the happiest of 2009!

PS: What is your favorite use for your Saturday marble? Please e-mail me at Tomika@TomikaBryant.com – I’d enjoy hearing from you.

Excited about 2009

Something major is happening. After five great years as a real estate agent, I've made some major changes in my business....Changes will benefit you.

My Apologies

Before I share with you my great news, I realize that I need to apologize for not explaining just what a real estate consultant does. It has been my pleasure to help people reach their dream of owning their first home, moving to a larger home, and/or learning the business of real estate investing. Knowing that I am helping someone by being a real estate consultant is very gratifying and one of the reasons that I became licensed. Real estate consultants are very different from traditional real estate agents and that benefits everyone. Traditional agents spend the majority of their time looking for their next client, which leaves little time to see to their current clients needs.

As a real estate consultant, I am 100% focused on the needs of my clients, keeping their best interest foremost in my mind. My commitment is to make the home buying and/or selling experience the best that it can possibly be by providing a level of service that far exceeds their expectations. So please forgive me for not sharing this sooner.

The Exciting Change

In my five year career, I have seen too many people end up with less than desirable results when selling or buying a home. I never want this to happen to anyone I am connected to. My goal is to continue to build lifelong relationships, one person at a time. I want you to consider me your "Real Estate Consultant for Life" and over the next few months I will share with you wonderful stories about how I help you and/or anyone you refer to me.

Think about it- you have professionals in every area of your life that provide you with good services on a long -term basis, people like your doctor, financial advisor, accountant or trusted mechanic. Why do so many people look at buying and/or selling a house as a short-term relationship? When you consider that for most, buying a home is a BIG event, why do they settle for a real estate agent that they don't know or trust?

I promise that I will be there for you, your family, your friends and your associates by offering you more than any other real estate professional will give you. THIS IS MY PLEDGE...

I look forward to renewing my relationship with you.