Did you see this article from AARP? 25% of retirees have no savingsOne in four Americans age 50 or older said they had exhausted allof their savings during the recession, while 67% at least reducedtheir retirement savings account balances during the previousthree years, according to a report by the AARP Public PolicyInstitute released Tuesday.  More than half, 53%, said they werenot confident that they will have enough money to livecomfortably in retirement.  More than 80% said the economy hadimpacted their retirement plans. During the recession, nearly onethird said their home declined substantially in value and onequarter experienced a job loss.  As a result of their strugglesin recent years, 44% of those above age 50 said that they wouldlikely work part-time in retirement, while 33% ... 06/21/2011

Saturday, March 19, 2011 Read Matthew 5:20-26 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Lord Jesus, as we come to the altar give us the grace to deal with the disorders in our relationships.  Remove the bad blood from our communities and world.  Then we shall worship you in spirit and in truth. Charles Gardner, Realtor/Investor Region Realty-Greater Houston Homes-Humble, TX 03/19/2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day-Thursday, March 17, 2011 Read Matthew 7:7-12 Jesus said to his disciples: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Come, Holy Spirit, teach us your ways.  Give us the wisdom to ask and to seek and to knock in all the proper places.  Prevent us from wasting our time and energy on things that do not matter.  Instruct us in your ways, the ways of love, peace, and joy. Charles Gardner, Realtor/Investor Region Realty-Greater Houston Homes-Humble, TX 03/16/2011

Transactional Funding and Agents Transactional funding is a fabulous tool when properly used but many novice investors are surprised to find their real estate agent resistant to the very concept. Upon closer questioning, it's not because of a bad experience much less any type of legal restrictions but rather confusion or even outright ignorance of the very existence of such a mechanism. The reality is that most agents and brokers never encounter transactional funding and are even less informed than most novice investors. Unless you have the good fortune to find an agent that has worked with someone who has used transactional funding in the past, it is often necessary to educate and inform agents about the benefits to be derived. Below are some of the most common questions or concerns co... 03/07/2011

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 Read Sirach 36:1-4 Come to our aid, O God of the universe, look upon us, show us the light of your mercies, and put all the nations in dread of you!  Thus they will know, as we know, that there is no God but you, O Lord. Jesus, help me to empty myself and admit my need for your unconditional love.  My greatest desire is to be a fellow servant with you in the household of faith Charles Gardner, Realtor/Investor Region Realty-Greater Houston Homes-Humble, TX 03/01/2011

Friday, February 25 Read Sirach 6:5-7 A kind mouth multiples friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.  Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. Lord, I want to experience the depth of your intention for my life!  Help me not to stop short of giving my all to you and receiving everything you have to offer. Charles Gardner, Realtor/Investor Region Realty-Greater Houston Homes-Humble, TX 02/25/2011

Who buys Starter Homes? Only a few short years ago starter homes were scorned by all but the most impoverished home buyer. Why purchase a property in need of improvements when it was possible to buy a sparkling new McMansion with no money down instead? Today all that has changed as investors and first-time buyers, retirees and former homeowners in search of more financial security all compete for affordable dwellings without the high carrying cost. In fact, starter homes are among the most highly sought after types of real estate on the market today. A recent nationwide survey indicates some major changes in the mindset of buyers including a near complete reversal regarding who is purchasing so called "starter homes." Trend #1 - Investors not first-time buyers seeking the deals. Among f... 02/24/2011