We are that great time of year…between Thanksgiving and Christmas! A time to slow down, be thankful for what we have, get our priorities in order, spend time with family and friends and get ready for a brand new year. Lots of old claymation TV shows on TV (because nothing say holidays like a animated snowman-scooting through the forest-singing Christmas songs), football, food, family and time-off…and some crazy folks getting into fist fights while shopping for this years latest craze (YouTube should be full of good stuff the next few weeks).

Even with our economy a little weak- even when we have folks ‘occupying’ everywhere – we have a lot to be thankful for. Home ownership is still part of the American Dream and our country still affords us more opportunity to achieve it than any other country in the world.

For our real estate friends and developers keep in mind what you do is important…let’s look at a few statistics that may surprise us or who knows…may help motivate us for 2012!

• Homeowners pay 80% to 90% of federal income tax…contributing to federal programs that benefit all Americans! (realtor.org)

• Housing accounts for more than 15% of our Gross Domestic Product-making it a key economic driver. (realtor.org)

• Every home purchase pumps $60,000 dollars into the economy with furniture, improvements, and related items. (realtor.org)

So to all of our real estate partners and friends…thank you for all you do. Your willingness to work late hours – sit at open houses every weekend – and to show homes to people even when they change what they want – helps grow our economy. As we get ready for a new year; home ownership is going to be very important factor to help us get back on track.

We know that giving is always better than receiving this time of year…but what if you could do both? Give and receive at the same time. That is what a refinance can do. You can give yourself money every month…the joy of giving the fun of receiving! You should look into it and then give your local professional mortgage professional a call.

But if you really want to enjoy the Christmas season…find someone who needs your help and extend yourself. Maybe a neighbor, someone at your church or a charity. We are happy to be a drop-off spot for Toys-for-Tots this year. If you want to be part of the efforts bring your toy to PHE at 6650 East Brainerd Road. Toys-For-Tots delivers messages of hope to needy children every year and are active in over 500 communities and in all 50 states. We hope you will join us this year in reaching out to those around us who may not be as fortunate as we are and make this Christmas season just a little bit better.

If we can ever help feel free to give us a call 423-591-9801…www.chattmortgage.com…find us on facebook at Peoples Home Equity Chattanooga or listen to us every Monday night at 7pm on WGOW Talk Radio 102.3fm “The Buyers Market”.