Monday, July 20, 2009

John F. Kennedy Quotes

I got an email that started with a quote from JFK that I wish the current politicos would read: "An economy hampered by restrictive tax rates will never produce enough revenue to balance our budget, just as it will never produce enough jobs or enough profits."

While trying to confirm that this was indeed JFK, I also found another one that amazed me (based on our current National situation): "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."

And another one: "The tax on capital gains directly affects investment decisions, the mobility and flow of risk capital... the ease or difficulty experienced by new ventures in obtaining capital, and thereby the strength and potential for growth in the economy."

Wow. So what the hell is our Congress up to? There is too much partisan BS going on in Washington and WAY too much spending and both parties are to blame. I can't believe the costs of our programs--it's funny how much costs to do business are rising DUE to the government. Everyone blames the current mess we're in on lack of restrictions; that is true to a degree (esp. as it relates to non-collateralized securities) but if the government would stay out of our lives, we would be in much better shape! My 2 cents and soapbox for today... Cheers, Bo

Friday, July 17, 2009

Who is Bo Wagner?

I guess the subtitle is "Who am I?" or "What do I do for a living?"

If you are an agent or loan officer, I'm sure this has happened to you before--you're talking to a long-time friend and they drop a bomb that they just closed on a home or refinance. You want to shake them and say "Hey dummy, that's what I do for a living!" Well, I'm not shaking you, and I'm certainly not questioning your intelligence, but I do want to remind you that I am a real estate attorney and 99% of what I do relates to closing transactions on real estate.
Why choose a closing attorney? I know we can sometimes be seen as a commodity, but think about some of your past closings. Were they consistent? Were they all smooth? How did the attorney handle 'interesting' situations? Were you able to reach the attorney or their staff? Did they return calls? What about issues after closing?
Yes, there are a lot of closing attorneys out there and I know that any attorney can have a bad day, have a bumpy closing or not be on their game. However, I can promise you that I return calls (why do you think I have my cell # on my card?) and emails--usually within an hour at the latest. Likewise, our team is awesome! Why not give us a shot on your next closing? You will see that there is a difference! We will go the extra mile to make sure that your clients and friends are happy after the closing. And one other thing to think about--if you made the referral, we all share the kudos when the client walks out the door with a smile on their face.
We truly appreciate your business and hope to see you again soon. If you haven't used us before (the horror!) please keep us in mind! Likewise, don't forget that we can come to you! (ask about our mobile closing services!)

Atlanta's contradictions

Two articles, two differing viewpoints. On one hand, we're one of the happiest cities in the USA. On the other, we have the most rude drivers. Go figure, eh? I guess it's kind of like our weather. Don't like it right now? Stick around a bit; it'll change. By the way, we are still #6 in the country for foreclosures...

Final silly comment of this post:

Q: What do you call Atlanta after 3 days of rain?

A: Monday

Cheers, Bo