The National Association of Realtor’s proposal to stimulate the economy.

In an article written by Charles McMillan, NAR president, the four point plan submitted to Congress in October, has begun to be implemented by congress and offers a ray of hope for economic stimulus.

Granted it will not happen overnight, but, the Fed’s decision to purchase debt from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and mortgage-backed securities are both positive steps in the right direction. There is more NAR is asking congress to due as outlined in the following Four Point Plan:

(1) Make the temporary $7,500 tax credit for home buyer’s who haven’t owned in the past three years available to all purchasers and eliminate the repayment requirement.

(2) Make the 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits permanent.

(3) Target more of the bank rescue funds on mortgage relief and foreclosure mitigation, and create a federal mortgage interest buy down program to make below-market interest rates available

(4) Permanently bar banks and banking conglomerates from engaging in real estate brokerage and management.

This New Year and new administration faces challenges this nation has never encountered before. Times are difficult for the masses not just a few. We are returning to a more basic lifestyle and rediscovering what is truly important. It isn’t a new car, new house, new clothes…in the end they are just things. A heartfelt conversation with a stranger, reconnecting with your kids, returning a smile to the checker or dropping in money for the foodbank. These may be difficult times but we are a generation to take on incredible challenges, turn them around and learn from all of it.

Trusting others to do the right thing for the right reasons has been abused beyond belief and now the masses are paying the price. Greed has flourished at the expense of so many. Witnessing the collapse of ethics by so many holding positions of power. So now what?

We are all being called upon to help were we can to assist others in need on whatever scale you can. An hour of volunteer time to fill food baskets, purchasing gifts for seniors, a note of concern and encouragement where needed, it doesn’t take much to let others know they are not alone.

History will look back on this time and evidence how we as a nation not only survived but thrived.