Currently there are two debates going on within the hearts of people and within the lives of Americans.  Who will be Americas next President and how will the American Economy survive.  I have always believed and will continue to do so, Real Estate is the driving blood of everything American.

Let's say it again, Real Estate is THE DRIVING BLOOD OF EVERYTHING AMERICAN.  That is why I am in this industry and will continue to be a part of this industry in varying capacities until I get promoted to a new way of life.  Real Estate is the biggest investment 99% of all Americans capable of investing will ever make.  It is part of the American Dream.  A Dream requiring bailout.

Should we bailout?  It is unfortunate that there are those who do not realize the seriousness of what is going on.  I do not agree with the vast majority of what President George Bush II has to say, but yesterday he was SPOT-ON target regarding his review of where we are in the economy, how we got here and why it is important to address the lack of liquidity. 

As a Direct Lender, we are one of the very few Lenders that do not have a liquidity crisis.  Our philosophy on lending has remain consistent and we did not speculate like so many did.  When others were enjoying the Subprime Market, yes we did the same but driven by fundamentals and common sense financing.  If you can afford to buy a house we are the first to give you the money at a low rate, but if half of your money is going into paying for a mortgage, we are quick to give you a reality check.

YES!!!  A bailout is needed... the problem with the term "bailout," we view it as a nasty word.  Why?  We get to hear our MEDIA talking heads mention how the Wall Street tycoons/CEO's received HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS yearly... now they want the American tax payers to pay for their mess.  They talk about the irresponsible investors and Lenders providing the irresponsible people with homes they could not afford...  Well there is plenty of blame to go around.  Whether you are in foreclosure or not, you too enjoyed the TRILLIONS of dollars in credit advances, stock market gains and mortgage speculation, the entire world enjoyed the windfall profits of debt continually being piled on the backs of the American people.

The Great American Dream - nothing wrong with having that dream, but if you get it the quick way... we all know how that story ends.  Right now we are in a Financial Crisis and while the bailout is a nasty term, the fact of the matter is it is only the beginning.  We will be faced with hard decisions in the coming years.  Credit is slow and will continue to be so. 

In my opinion the vaccination shot will take about 3 years to work.  During that time businesses will continue to close, Americans will continue to loose their jobs (hopefully not their homes) and money will increasing be a scarce commodity.  There will be a greater outcry for Government Intervention, even after we bailout Wall Street.  It will take time and if we do not have the commitment of all those involved (Investors, Financial Institutions, Government and the American People) expect more of the same and business (or lack thereof) as usual.

This "bailout" is superficial, it will only provide a confidence in the American Economy to rise out of this financial crunch.  It alleviates the concern of International investors so that they will continue to invest in the American economy.  Realize we are an international community and while superficial, it is what we need... confidence in the American Economy.  Even while we go through this period of redefining who we are as an industry and how we deal with global concerns, I believe that confidence is well placed.

There is no question that America will rise out of this, how long will it take is the question.  The second question is, Presidentially which party has the answers to take us through the next 4 to 8 years?  Every American has a stake in this, for that matter the ENTIRE World has an interest and will be effected.  We need trust in those making the decisions and everyone must profit and participate in the decision making process. 

Welcome to the beginning.