The expiration of the 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credits on April 30 are unlikely to put off Americans looking to purchase homes who believe now is a good time to buy and are confident that home prices will rise according to a survey released today by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE: PRU company. The survey of 1,000 Americans between the ages of 25-64 with at least $35,000 household income was conducted during April 15-20, 2010.
More than 90 percent of consumers believe that the home buyer tax credits have helped both first-time home buyers and the U.S. housing market overall. Among consumers actually shopping for homes, 65 percent believe that the end of the tax credits will have little or no effect on their interest in purchasing a home.
While consumers remain unsure about the direction of the housing market, the survey reveals that they are optimistic about real estate values with 46 percent of consumers expecting real estate prices in their area to increase over the next year. Just 12 percent expect prices will decline. Over the next five years, 79 percent expect real estate prices to increase, with 20 percent expecting that prices will increase substantially.
“The survey underscores the key role the federal home buyer tax credits played in stimulating residential real estate market activity and the U.S. economy,” said James Mallozzi, chairman and chief executive officer of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. “It also shows that most consumers believe the market has hit bottom and are more optimistic about the future.”
Survey respondents identified concerns about rising mortgage interest rates and unemployment as the most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a home, along with more stringent lending criteria and fewer mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Federal Reserve. The expiration of the tax credits placed lowest on their list of concerns. Among those who have recently purchased a home, 61 percent cited low mortgage interest rates as “very important” to their decisions – an amount greater than either the tax credit or even cheaper prices. The 66 percent expecting interest rates to rise underscores potential headwinds for the market.
“The tax credits clearly helped stimulate the market when consumer confidence was low and housing inventory was high,” said Earl Lee, president, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. “While the tax credit expiration is a concern for many, the bigger issues now are the availability and cost of financing as well as if they will have a job.”
Despite the significant downturn in the real estate market, the survey underscores that the dream of home ownership and the perception that owning a home is a good investment remain intact. Among current renters, 75 percent still believe owning their home is a better long-term choice for their needs than renting. The majority of consumers also believe that homeownership is a better investment than individual stocks or bonds (75%), mutual funds (72%), or savings accounts (74%).
“The real estate market is precariously balanced. Consumers are clearly motivated to take advantage of the opportunities the current low interest rates and prices afford,” Lee notes. “While the market is picking up in terms of sales and confidence, and the majority still believe that owning a home is a good investment, the outlook for the market remains highly dependent upon the direction of the economy overall.”
The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey was conducted online. The margin of error is+/- 3 percent. A more detailed breakdown (http://news.prudential.com/images/20026/PruRealEstateDetail.pdf) of the data is available, as well as supporting charts and visuals (http://news.prudential.com/images/20026/PruRealEstateDetail.pdf), at www.news.prudential.com.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
How to Deal With Your Pet's Medical Emergencies
92 percent of animals will experience an emergency during their lifetime. Perhaps just as important is information from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which reports that 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.
Rob Nager, owner of Decadent Dog in Needham, MA and certified PetTech™ CPR and first aid instructor, believes that the most important thing for pet owners to be aware of is that pet CPR and first aid classes exist.
“In my experience, most pet owners just aren’t aware that they can spend four hours learning crucial techniques that may someday help them save the life of their beloved pet,” Nager said. “In any emergency, feeling helpless is excruciating and, because of pet CPR and first aid classes, unnecessary.”
According to Nager, Pet Sitters International’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year™, abrasions and choking are the two most frequent pet injuries he encounters.
''Dogs are usually eager to make the most of their outside time by running and playing with reckless abandon,'' he said. ''Unfortunately the world is filled with rocks, sticks, trees, broken glass, pieces of metal and other sharp objects that can quickly puncture or cut the pads of their feet. Additionally, dogs and cats are both prone to choking hazards by eating too quickly and from swallowing toys, balls, string, tinsel, bones and biscuits.''
Simple first-aid procedures can make the difference between life and death. Nager recommends that all pet owners and pet-care givers know how to perform rescue breathing and/or CPR, as well as be able to respond effectively to bleeding, poisoning and injuries such as heatstroke and frostbite.
The best piece of advice Nager gives pet owners is to stay calm when dealing with a pet emergency.
“By taking a deep breath when you first discover an injured pet, you are more able to assess the situation and react with safety as you put your knowledge and experience into action,” he said.
Nager says that becoming a certified CPR and first aid instructor has been enormously beneficial to his business.
''I’ve earned the respect of my clients, staff and other pet professionals like veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet-store owners in the Boston area,'' he said. “By being PetTech™ certified, I have earned a level of credibility as a knowledgeable professional within my community. There is no doubt in my mind that this knowledge helped our company achieve solid growth last year in a down economy.”
The decision to become certified in CPR and pet first aid was an easy one for Nager.
“As a pet sitter, the health and well-being of my clients’ pets are in my hands,” he said. “My first priority and pledge to every one of my clients is that I will do everything I can to keep their pets safe.”
To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator (http://www.petsit.com/locate/). And to find a pet first aid class in your community, please visit PetTech (http://www.pettech.net/)
Rob Nager, owner of Decadent Dog in Needham, MA and certified PetTech™ CPR and first aid instructor, believes that the most important thing for pet owners to be aware of is that pet CPR and first aid classes exist.
“In my experience, most pet owners just aren’t aware that they can spend four hours learning crucial techniques that may someday help them save the life of their beloved pet,” Nager said. “In any emergency, feeling helpless is excruciating and, because of pet CPR and first aid classes, unnecessary.”
According to Nager, Pet Sitters International’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year™, abrasions and choking are the two most frequent pet injuries he encounters.
''Dogs are usually eager to make the most of their outside time by running and playing with reckless abandon,'' he said. ''Unfortunately the world is filled with rocks, sticks, trees, broken glass, pieces of metal and other sharp objects that can quickly puncture or cut the pads of their feet. Additionally, dogs and cats are both prone to choking hazards by eating too quickly and from swallowing toys, balls, string, tinsel, bones and biscuits.''
Simple first-aid procedures can make the difference between life and death. Nager recommends that all pet owners and pet-care givers know how to perform rescue breathing and/or CPR, as well as be able to respond effectively to bleeding, poisoning and injuries such as heatstroke and frostbite.
The best piece of advice Nager gives pet owners is to stay calm when dealing with a pet emergency.
“By taking a deep breath when you first discover an injured pet, you are more able to assess the situation and react with safety as you put your knowledge and experience into action,” he said.
Nager says that becoming a certified CPR and first aid instructor has been enormously beneficial to his business.
''I’ve earned the respect of my clients, staff and other pet professionals like veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet-store owners in the Boston area,'' he said. “By being PetTech™ certified, I have earned a level of credibility as a knowledgeable professional within my community. There is no doubt in my mind that this knowledge helped our company achieve solid growth last year in a down economy.”
The decision to become certified in CPR and pet first aid was an easy one for Nager.
“As a pet sitter, the health and well-being of my clients’ pets are in my hands,” he said. “My first priority and pledge to every one of my clients is that I will do everything I can to keep their pets safe.”
To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator (http://www.petsit.com/locate/). And to find a pet first aid class in your community, please visit PetTech (http://www.pettech.net/)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
New Green Button Helps Single Lesbians Find Female Friends
When a self-described "not stereotypical looking" lesbian wrote to sex columnist Dan Savage asking for advice, little did she know she was helping start a mini-industry.
She complained of the need for a way "single and looking" lesbians could identify themselves to one another, and Mr. Savage recommended wearing a small, tasteful green button on her lapel, purse strap or belt loop. The color green, he said, would stand for "go" as in "Go ahead and hit on me, ladies, I''m a lesbian."
Now, an enterprising internet-based company has made the green lesbian button a reality. Women who want to identify themselves as single and looking to other like-minded woman may go to http://GreenLesbianButton.com and purchase one. The price is described as "a three dollar bill."
The buttons measure one inch in width and are available in only one color, a tasteful shade of green.
A percentage of the profits from the sale each Green Lesbian Button is donated to a battered women''s support organization in Vancouver, Canada.
For more information visit: http://GreenLesbianButton.com
She complained of the need for a way "single and looking" lesbians could identify themselves to one another, and Mr. Savage recommended wearing a small, tasteful green button on her lapel, purse strap or belt loop. The color green, he said, would stand for "go" as in "Go ahead and hit on me, ladies, I''m a lesbian."
Now, an enterprising internet-based company has made the green lesbian button a reality. Women who want to identify themselves as single and looking to other like-minded woman may go to http://GreenLesbianButton.com and purchase one. The price is described as "a three dollar bill."
The buttons measure one inch in width and are available in only one color, a tasteful shade of green.
A percentage of the profits from the sale each Green Lesbian Button is donated to a battered women''s support organization in Vancouver, Canada.
For more information visit: http://GreenLesbianButton.com
Friday, April 16, 2010
How to Green Your Pet
From the 8 billion pounds of kitty litter heading to landfills each year to the effects of a pet's carnivorous diet, pet parents should be aware of the substantial carbon footprint (www.PETCO.com) left by pets. To address this important matter, PETCO has developed an exclusive partnership with Greenwala.com, the leading online resource empowering people to go "green". With the help of both Greenwala.com and Tracie Hotchner, author and host of NPR's Gracie-Award winning show, "Cat Chat" on Sirius Radio, PETCO has compiled a list of simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of pets.
"When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment," said Hotchner. "I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility."
10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:
1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop -- Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and an eco-friendly (www.PETCO.com) cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.
2) Think Adoption First -- The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.
3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet -- Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.
4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food -- Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness -- all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.
5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products -- Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.
6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) -- We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.
7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead -- When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that's to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.
8) Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle -- Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don't have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.
9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing -- Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it's just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.
10) Be Committed to Your Pet -- The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.
"When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment," said Hotchner. "I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility."
10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:
1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop -- Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and an eco-friendly (www.PETCO.com) cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.
2) Think Adoption First -- The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.
3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet -- Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.
4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food -- Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness -- all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.
5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products -- Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.
6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) -- We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.
7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead -- When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that's to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.
8) Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle -- Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don't have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.
9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing -- Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it's just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.
10) Be Committed to Your Pet -- The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.
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