Just read an article from Bloomberg website, that I feel is worth passing along. Rather than putting it into my words, I will let the "experts" speak for themselves:
July 17 (Bloomberg) -- Housing starts in the U.S. unexpectedly rose in June as construction of single-family dwellings jumped by the most since 2004, signaling the market is stabilizing.
The 3.6 percent increase brought starts to an annual rate of 582,000, the highest level since November and followed a 562,000 pace in May that was higher than previously estimated, the Commerce Department said today in a Washington. Building permits, a sign of future construction, rose the most in a year.
Lower borrowing costs and plunging prices are making houses more affordable, helping to stem the decline in sales and alleviating the worst housing slowdown since the Great Depression. Stabilization would rid the economy of the drag from declines in residential construction that have shaved almost a percentage point off growth over the last three years.
“Builders are beginning to see some opportunities to get back to work,” said Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina. While a strong rebound in “not likely for some time,” Vitner said, ‘it seems clear that housing starts bottomed in the first quarter.”
Economists forecast starts would fall to a 530,000 pace, from a previously reported 532,000 in May, according to the median of 73 forecasts in a Bloomberg News survey. Last month’s reading exceeded the highest estimate, with projections ranging from 479,000 to 564,000.
Market Reaction
Treasury securities dropped after the report and stock- index futures trimmed earlier losses. The yield on the benchmark 10-year note was 3.61 percent at 9:03 a.m. in New York, up from 3.57 percent late yesterday. Futures on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index were little changed at 935.50.
Building permits climbed 8.7 percent to a 563,000 annual rate, the highest level of the year.
Construction of single-family homes jumped 14 percent, the biggest gain since December 2004, to a 470,000 rate. The fourth consecutive increase brought single-family starts to the highest level since October. Work on multifamily homes, such as townhouses and apartment buildings, dropped 26 percent after surging 66 percent in May.
The report “quite potentially is signaling the early stages of a rebound,” said Richard DeKaser, chief economist at Woodley Park Research in Washington, whose starts forecast was the highest among economists surveyed. “I think a stabilization would be more assured.”
Mounting Evidence
The increase in starts adds to signs that the housing slump may be nearing a bottom. Combined sales of existing and new homes climbed to a 5.1 million annual rate in May, the highest level so far this year.
U.S. homebuilders are becoming less-gloomy about the industry. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index of builder confidence gained to 17 in July, the highest level in 10 months, the group said yesterday. Measures of current single-family sales and buyer traffic increased.
Home starts were down 46 percent from a year earlier, today’s report showed, and are down from a peak annual rate of 2.27 million in January 2006, which capped the biggest housing boom in six decades.
Some Federal Reserve officials last month saw a danger of a renewed decline in the housing market, partly as mortgage rates increased. They also pointed to the continuing “high rate” of foreclosures as a risk that inventories could rise and prices fall further.
Housing ‘Vulnerable’
“Most participants viewed the sector as still vulnerable to further weakness,” the central bank said in minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee’s June 23-24 meeting released July 15 in Washington. “Some expressed concern that the increases in mortgage rates seen over the inter-meeting period had the potential to further depress the demand for housing and thus impede an economic recovery.”
Borrowing costs have retreated once again since the Fed’s meeting. The rate on a 30-year fixed loan fell to 5.14 percent in the week ended yesterday, the lowest level in almost two months, according to figures from Freddie Mac. The rate reached a record low of 4.78 percent in late April.
Mounting loan defaults are a concern. Foreclosures rose 33.2 percent in June from a year earlier, RealtyTrac Inc. said yesterday. Also, a record 1.5 million properties received a default or auction notice or were seized by banks in the first half of the year.
Little Improvement
New-home sales likely will be little changed in coming months because of low consumer confidence and the difficulty would-be buyers have getting loans, Pulte Homes Inc. Chief Executive Officer Richard Dugas said at an investor conference June 23.
“Buyers are unwilling and unable to take on new mortgages,” Dugas said at a conference in Boston. “Despite the record fall in prices and the tremendous deal that consumers get relative to the 30-year mortgage rates where they are today, we’re still having difficulty convincing people to get into the market.”
Some builders are more optimistic.
“Although key economic indicators remain mixed, we are beginning to see signs that some negative housing market trends may be moderating,” KB Home Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Mezger said in a statement June 26. While net orders for the second-quarter trailed the same period a year earlier, they were 59 percent higher than the first three months of 2009.
For more information, contact the team at Badger Realty, LLC, PO Box 750, North Conway, NH 03680; 603-356-5757. www.BadgerRealty.com.
July 17, 2009
July 2, 2009
FOURTH of JULY Area Festivities
The 4th of July holiday weekend is apon us! What do you have planned while in the Mt. Washington Valley and Western Maine? Here are few lists of activities that are planned for the weekend. With such a variety, we are sure your holiday weekend will be full of fun. North Conway, NH:
- 2:00 PM Parade Conway - All other activities are located in North Conway
- 4:15 PM Independence Day Celebration
- 4:45 PM Tina Titzer Act One Dance Company
- 5:45 PM Kennett High School Drumline
- 6:30 PM MWV Theater - High School Musical
- 7:30 PM Discount Gigolos Concert
- 9:30 PM Spectacular Fireworks (time subject to change)
Jackson, NH:
- Fireworks Display
Location: Jackson VillageDate
Friday, July 3, 2009
Time: 9:00pm - The Fireworks will be going off from the greens of the Wentworth Golf Course making easy viewing throughout Jackson Village but we do recommend that you come early to get a good spot. There will be ice cream, popcorn, glow necklaces, balloons and other fun stuff available. For more information please contact the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce at (603)383-9356.
Ossipee, NH (Old Home Week):
- Ossipee Independence Day Fair and Community Fair. Part of Ossipee Old Home Week celebrations, the Ossipee Independence Day Fair and Community Fair are held July 4th in Center Ossipee.
- Parade - 10 a.m. & community fair at Ossipee Concerned Citizens after the parade (ending at 2 p.m)
- Giant yard sale, as well as pony rides, music, children's games, horseshoe pitching, hamburgers and hot dogs from the new food shack, entry awards, and the citizen of the year award.
- Fireworks - Ossipee Fourth of July Celebration at Constitution Park, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Foor, music and firewords. Constitutiion Park is located at Route 25 and Long Sands Road, in Center Ossipee. Wide variety of foods available from many non-profit organizations that benefit the Town of Ossipee. (Rain date is Sunday, July 5). Free parking at the park. Music provided by The Poundz of Soundz.
- Fireworks will be held at 9:30 p.m.
Tamworth, NH
- 2009 Family Day July 4, 2009
- 7:30 – 8:00 Registration At KA Brett School for the Ordination Rock 5K Family Day Race
- 8:30 Ordination Rock 5K Race begins at Ordination Rock
- 10:15 Parade Registration at Barron’s Village Store
- 11:00 Parade Starts at Tamworth Town House
- NOON Swift River Jazz Band at KA Brett School
- 1:00 Parade Awards – Tent at KA Brett School
- 1:30 Family Games – Pie Eating – Egg Toss
- 7:00 Contra Dance – Dudley Laufman at the KA Brett SchoolCafeteria
- 7:00 The Shifters – Rock Music – KA Brett School at the Tent
- 9:30 Fantastic Fireworks Display – KA Brett School
- FOOD - GAMES - MUSIC
Fryeburg, ME:
- Fryeburg is having a kids parade with bikes and walkers at 10am from Fryeburg Academy to Bradley Park, followed by family fun in the park until noonish including facepainting, pie contests, games, prizes, refreshments and more. Show up at 9:30 at the main building of the Academy if you want to join in the parade.
Bethel, ME:
- Saturday, July 4, 2009
Fireworks will be held over the Bethel Inn Resort Golf Course at dusk (approximately 9:15pm)
Bridgton, ME:
- Fireworks - Bridgton Saturday, July 04 2009, 21:10 - 21:45 Location: Stevens Brook Elementary School Portland Road (behind Rite Aid) Contact: 647-3472 or 647-8786
June 23, 2009
3 Things to Know About Mortgage Refinancing
I continually read articles on the real estate industry and like to pass along any that would be helpful to consumers, whether they be buyer or sellers! This one caught my eye as it pertains to refinancing your home and whether it is a good idea to do so. I can say that I am in the process of refinancing right now. By doing so, I have saved $327 a month! Yes a MONTH! My interest rate dropped over 1%. If you are considering a refinance, you should read the following:
Mortgage refinancing is all the rage when interest rates drop. Rates don't have to drop very far, either, before scores of home owners decide that refinancing their mortgages makes sense. But it doesn't always make financial sense to refinance. To read more:http://homebuying.about.com/od/financingadvice/qt/060109_Mortgage-Refinancing.htm?nl=1
For more information, Badger Realty, PO Box 750, North Conway, NH 03860; 603-356-5757.
Mortgage refinancing is all the rage when interest rates drop. Rates don't have to drop very far, either, before scores of home owners decide that refinancing their mortgages makes sense. But it doesn't always make financial sense to refinance. To read more:http://homebuying.about.com/od/financingadvice/qt/060109_Mortgage-Refinancing.htm?nl=1
For more information, Badger Realty, PO Box 750, North Conway, NH 03860; 603-356-5757.
June 19, 2009
MaineHousing's 'Gift of Green' offers incentives to buy home
PORTLAND -- Governor John E. Baldacci announced today some good news for first-time homebuyers -- and for Maine's housing market.
MaineHousing is starting a new "Gift of Green" homeownership initiative that provides eligible First Home program borrowers with up to $5,500 in financial incentives to purchase a home. "When MaineHousing's financial assistance is combined with existing federal incentives to buy a home and make it more energy efficient, the total financial incentives can be as much as $15,000," Baldacci said. "This combination of state and federal assistance should encourage many more Maine families to take that step to become homeowners. The Gift of Green invests in Maine people and in Maine's housing market."MaineHousing launched the Gift of Green, part of its First Home program, with support from the Maine Association of Realtors, the Maine Association of Community Banks and the Maine Credit Union League. MaineHousing's First Home program offers low fixed-rate mortgages to eligible first-time homebuyers. Gift of Green loans will be made on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last. MaineHousing expects to make about 500 mortgages using Gift of Green incentives.The Gift of Green offers:- A grant of up to $5,000, not to exceed 4 percent of the loan amount, to help with the cash required for the down payment and other closing expenses. - A coupon of up to $500 for a pre-weatherization and post weatherization home energy audit. MaineHousing designed the program to help homebuyers take advantage of the federal tax credits for first-time homebuyers and for home energy improvements. "Our Gift of Green provides the initial cash needed to make buying a home possible," said Dale McCormick, Director of MaineHousing. "Homebuyers benefit from the federal tax credit for first time homebuyers -- which is worth up to $8,000 - only if they have the resources to buy a home." "And if they make eligible home energy efficiency improvements before the end of 2010, they may leverage an additional energy efficiency federal tax credit of up to $1,500. Weatherization is the gift that keeps on giving through lower heating bills year after year," McCormick said. Borrowers using MaineHousing's "Purchase Plus Improvement" option may include the cost of eligible home energy improvements in the First Home mortgage. "It is an amazing opportunity for buyers," said Cindy Butts of the Maine Association of Realtors. "Since Gift of Green funding is limited, I'd encourage people interested in becoming homeowners to act now and contact their local Realtor."To qualify for the Gift of Green, the homebuyer needs to pay at least 1 percent of the loan amount from personal resources. The new Gift of Green is offered through 35 lenders who participate in MaineHousing's First Home program. To be eligible, borrowers must be first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home in the past three years). Most homebuyers are income eligible and most homes are within the price limits of the program requirements. Income and home price limits are listed at www.mainehousing.org, along with participating lenders."This initiative helps make homeownership more affordable for first-time homebuyers. Maine credit unions are pleased to be a partner with MaineHousing to make this happen. In these challenging economic times, these opportunities are even more critical. Maine's credit unions have a long history of helping people, so helping make the dream of owning a home a reality for more Maine people is consistent with that commitment," stated John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.MaineHousing's First Home mortgages come with payment protection for unemployment. If an eligible borrower becomes unemployed, MaineHousing will cover up to four mortgage payments, including taxes and homeowners insurance. "Buying a home is the most important investment many people ever make," said Chris Pinkham, President of the Maine Association of Community Banks. "We are here to make homeownership a success for Maine people, and to finance home energy efficiency improvements that can make their home more affordable over time." Gift of Green participants must take an approved homebuyer education class prior to loan closing. The classes educate homebuyers about the home buying process and different types of mortgage products. Informed buyers have a better chance for successful homeownership. McCormick noted that MaineHousing is not using state or federal tax money to provide the Gift of Green incentive. MaineHousing sells mortgage revenue bonds to private investors to fund its First Home mortgages, and funds generated within the bond resolution can only be used to help make mortgages affordable to first time homebuyers.
For more information on the Gift of Green and for a list of Maine lenders offering MaineHousing's First Home mortgages visit www.mainehousing.org/giftofgreen/
MaineHousing is starting a new "Gift of Green" homeownership initiative that provides eligible First Home program borrowers with up to $5,500 in financial incentives to purchase a home. "When MaineHousing's financial assistance is combined with existing federal incentives to buy a home and make it more energy efficient, the total financial incentives can be as much as $15,000," Baldacci said. "This combination of state and federal assistance should encourage many more Maine families to take that step to become homeowners. The Gift of Green invests in Maine people and in Maine's housing market."MaineHousing launched the Gift of Green, part of its First Home program, with support from the Maine Association of Realtors, the Maine Association of Community Banks and the Maine Credit Union League. MaineHousing's First Home program offers low fixed-rate mortgages to eligible first-time homebuyers. Gift of Green loans will be made on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last. MaineHousing expects to make about 500 mortgages using Gift of Green incentives.The Gift of Green offers:- A grant of up to $5,000, not to exceed 4 percent of the loan amount, to help with the cash required for the down payment and other closing expenses. - A coupon of up to $500 for a pre-weatherization and post weatherization home energy audit. MaineHousing designed the program to help homebuyers take advantage of the federal tax credits for first-time homebuyers and for home energy improvements. "Our Gift of Green provides the initial cash needed to make buying a home possible," said Dale McCormick, Director of MaineHousing. "Homebuyers benefit from the federal tax credit for first time homebuyers -- which is worth up to $8,000 - only if they have the resources to buy a home." "And if they make eligible home energy efficiency improvements before the end of 2010, they may leverage an additional energy efficiency federal tax credit of up to $1,500. Weatherization is the gift that keeps on giving through lower heating bills year after year," McCormick said. Borrowers using MaineHousing's "Purchase Plus Improvement" option may include the cost of eligible home energy improvements in the First Home mortgage. "It is an amazing opportunity for buyers," said Cindy Butts of the Maine Association of Realtors. "Since Gift of Green funding is limited, I'd encourage people interested in becoming homeowners to act now and contact their local Realtor."To qualify for the Gift of Green, the homebuyer needs to pay at least 1 percent of the loan amount from personal resources. The new Gift of Green is offered through 35 lenders who participate in MaineHousing's First Home program. To be eligible, borrowers must be first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home in the past three years). Most homebuyers are income eligible and most homes are within the price limits of the program requirements. Income and home price limits are listed at www.mainehousing.org, along with participating lenders."This initiative helps make homeownership more affordable for first-time homebuyers. Maine credit unions are pleased to be a partner with MaineHousing to make this happen. In these challenging economic times, these opportunities are even more critical. Maine's credit unions have a long history of helping people, so helping make the dream of owning a home a reality for more Maine people is consistent with that commitment," stated John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.MaineHousing's First Home mortgages come with payment protection for unemployment. If an eligible borrower becomes unemployed, MaineHousing will cover up to four mortgage payments, including taxes and homeowners insurance. "Buying a home is the most important investment many people ever make," said Chris Pinkham, President of the Maine Association of Community Banks. "We are here to make homeownership a success for Maine people, and to finance home energy efficiency improvements that can make their home more affordable over time." Gift of Green participants must take an approved homebuyer education class prior to loan closing. The classes educate homebuyers about the home buying process and different types of mortgage products. Informed buyers have a better chance for successful homeownership. McCormick noted that MaineHousing is not using state or federal tax money to provide the Gift of Green incentive. MaineHousing sells mortgage revenue bonds to private investors to fund its First Home mortgages, and funds generated within the bond resolution can only be used to help make mortgages affordable to first time homebuyers.
For more information on the Gift of Green and for a list of Maine lenders offering MaineHousing's First Home mortgages visit www.mainehousing.org/giftofgreen/
June 10, 2009
Dick Badger Receives Lifetime Award from the White Mountain Board of REALTORS
Everyone knows Dick Badger. He is the owner of Badger Realty. Here are some things you probably don’t know about Dick Badger.
Dick Badger came to the Mt. Washington Valley in the winter of 1946, working at the New England Inn for that ski season. The next Ski season he worked in Stow, VT (that was the year there was no snow) and then moved out in Aspen for six years.
Dick joined the Marines in 1951 and served in the military until 1954.
He attended both Bowdoin College and Jackson College in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Dick married his lovely wife, Mary, in 1962. At the time, he was traveling salesperson of Skis and Ski Equipment, including Limmer Ski Boots that were made in Austria. His wife did not like life on the road, so Dick decided to settle down and rented a house in the Mt. Washington Valley.
He has been in the real estate business for over 50 years.
He was a salesperson for US Steele Homes out of Camden ME and Worcester MA from 1956-1958.
He took a job working as a Manager for Charles Pinkham of Pinkham Real Estate from 1962-1965.
Dick got his real estate license in 1962 and was one of the founding Members of the White Mountain Board of REALTORS. Dick, along with Ted Russell, designed many of the A-Frames, Chalets, and vacation homes built around the Mt. Washington Valley in the 1960’s and 70’s. They designed 50 houses in one year alone!
Dick opened Badger Realty in 1965 with secretary, Helen Barnes and one other sales person, Ted Russell. His good friend, John Keeney, joined the office in 1966. Badger Realty’s North Conway office has been in the same location for 44 years, and in 1996 opened the Jackson Office.
Dick has taken an active role in the White Mountain Board of REALTORS. He was the President of the White Mountain Board of REALTORS in 1968 and was REALTOR of the year in 1969. He saw the fruition of our own “MLS System”. You remember the good old days, when the books consisted of one black and white photo property, four properties to a page, all that up-to-date information delivered to your office every two weeks! And as we moved into the era of technology, Dick was excited for the changes to come. He embraced it and took every opportunity to learn everything he could to stay on top of the leading edge tools available to him. IF he could only get his damn printer to work!
Dick has been an active member of NNEREN, CIBOR, and REPAC. He has been a past Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of the North Conway Rotary Club, Arts Jubilee, and the Jackson School Board. He spear-headed a committee to explore barrying the power lines along Route 16 and many other committees that I have not mentioned here today.
Dick is an avid sailor and loves the ocean. I was reminded of Dick last year at the REALTOR convention when a motivational speaker uttered these words: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor!” Dick has worked thru many different economic booms and downturns. His back-to-the-basics approach has kept him afloat thru it all.
Anyone who has done a real estate transaction with Dick Badger knows that he is a tough negotiator, but under that tough exterior, beats a heart of gold. That’s why we love him!
Wendy Holmes
Dick Badger came to the Mt. Washington Valley in the winter of 1946, working at the New England Inn for that ski season. The next Ski season he worked in Stow, VT (that was the year there was no snow) and then moved out in Aspen for six years.
Dick joined the Marines in 1951 and served in the military until 1954.
He attended both Bowdoin College and Jackson College in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Dick married his lovely wife, Mary, in 1962. At the time, he was traveling salesperson of Skis and Ski Equipment, including Limmer Ski Boots that were made in Austria. His wife did not like life on the road, so Dick decided to settle down and rented a house in the Mt. Washington Valley.
He has been in the real estate business for over 50 years.
He was a salesperson for US Steele Homes out of Camden ME and Worcester MA from 1956-1958.
He took a job working as a Manager for Charles Pinkham of Pinkham Real Estate from 1962-1965.
Dick got his real estate license in 1962 and was one of the founding Members of the White Mountain Board of REALTORS. Dick, along with Ted Russell, designed many of the A-Frames, Chalets, and vacation homes built around the Mt. Washington Valley in the 1960’s and 70’s. They designed 50 houses in one year alone!
Dick opened Badger Realty in 1965 with secretary, Helen Barnes and one other sales person, Ted Russell. His good friend, John Keeney, joined the office in 1966. Badger Realty’s North Conway office has been in the same location for 44 years, and in 1996 opened the Jackson Office.
Dick has taken an active role in the White Mountain Board of REALTORS. He was the President of the White Mountain Board of REALTORS in 1968 and was REALTOR of the year in 1969. He saw the fruition of our own “MLS System”. You remember the good old days, when the books consisted of one black and white photo property, four properties to a page, all that up-to-date information delivered to your office every two weeks! And as we moved into the era of technology, Dick was excited for the changes to come. He embraced it and took every opportunity to learn everything he could to stay on top of the leading edge tools available to him. IF he could only get his damn printer to work!
Dick has been an active member of NNEREN, CIBOR, and REPAC. He has been a past Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of the North Conway Rotary Club, Arts Jubilee, and the Jackson School Board. He spear-headed a committee to explore barrying the power lines along Route 16 and many other committees that I have not mentioned here today.
Dick is an avid sailor and loves the ocean. I was reminded of Dick last year at the REALTOR convention when a motivational speaker uttered these words: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor!” Dick has worked thru many different economic booms and downturns. His back-to-the-basics approach has kept him afloat thru it all.
Anyone who has done a real estate transaction with Dick Badger knows that he is a tough negotiator, but under that tough exterior, beats a heart of gold. That’s why we love him!
Wendy Holmes
May 22, 2009
New $8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers!
Great news for first time home buyers in 2009! Qualified first time home buyers are eligible for an $8,000 tax credit when buying a primary residence. If you haven't owned a home in the three years prior to closing, congratulations! You are also eligible.
We know this may not apply to you, however, you may have a family member or friend who it may apply to and you can spread the good news!Remember, a tax credit is much more valuable than a tax deduction. A tax credit reduces dollar for dollar the amount of tax you owe. A deduction merely reduces the amount of your income that is taxable. Here are two examples of how the tax credit works. You paid $4,000 in taxes. Qualify for the full credit and you get that $4,000 back, plus another $4,000. If you paid no taxes, you get the full $8,000 back in cash – and you don't have to pay it back! Eligible buyers may qualify for a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price or $8,000, whichever is less. To qualify for the full credit, the buyer's modified adjusted gross income must be less than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. A partial credit is available for incomes under $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married). In order to qualify, the $8,000 tax credit is available for qualifying home purchases made through Dec. 1, 2009. This is not a typo. If your closing occurs December 2nd or later, you lose. Want one more reason to act now? Qualified home buyers can apply the credit to either their 2008 or 2009 tax return. To get the credit for 2008, see your tax professional about filing an amended return.
We know this may not apply to you, however, you may have a family member or friend who it may apply to and you can spread the good news!Remember, a tax credit is much more valuable than a tax deduction. A tax credit reduces dollar for dollar the amount of tax you owe. A deduction merely reduces the amount of your income that is taxable. Here are two examples of how the tax credit works. You paid $4,000 in taxes. Qualify for the full credit and you get that $4,000 back, plus another $4,000. If you paid no taxes, you get the full $8,000 back in cash – and you don't have to pay it back! Eligible buyers may qualify for a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price or $8,000, whichever is less. To qualify for the full credit, the buyer's modified adjusted gross income must be less than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. A partial credit is available for incomes under $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married). In order to qualify, the $8,000 tax credit is available for qualifying home purchases made through Dec. 1, 2009. This is not a typo. If your closing occurs December 2nd or later, you lose. Want one more reason to act now? Qualified home buyers can apply the credit to either their 2008 or 2009 tax return. To get the credit for 2008, see your tax professional about filing an amended return.
May 19, 2009
Family Friendly Business
Badger Realty was recently nominated, and won the “Family Friendly Business” award from Valley Outreach. This award is for a business that exemplifies the values and practices of respect for employees who are parents of school age children. In addition, family-friendly businesses creates an understanding, respectful work-place culture so that all employees feel valued and able to contribute.
The nominating employee, Wendy Holmes, was asked to read her letter at the awards ceremony on Wednesday April 29, 2009.
The Letter Read:
Dear Valley Outreach:
I am writing this letter to nominate Badger Realty LLC for your Valley Outreach “Family Friendly Business Award”.
I joined the Badger Realty Team in Sept of 1996. At that time, I was a single parent of two small children. There have been many instances where I would get a call from school to come pick up a sick child, attend teacher meetings during the day, or doctor’s appointments. Badger Realty has always been understanding and allowed me to leave work whenever necessary. However, the culture here goes well beyond simple understanding.
You see, my daughter has a non-verbal learning disability and I have spent countless hours taking her to appointments, vocational rehabilitation, etc. All the while, Badger Realty has supported me in whatever decisions I have made in the best interest of my child. They have even given her part-time work on occasion (this was her first real job and a great self-esteem builder).
Last year my daughter needed to take classes in Berlin, NH on Thursdays for 14 weeks. In order for this to happen, I would need to take those days off to drive her. When I approached my boss with this news, there was no hesitation I was told it was not a problem. I was able to adjust my schedule during the time I needed and returned to my old schedule once the class was complete. After two additional classes, my daughter received her certificate in Early Childhood Education. Without the support and caring of Badger Realty, this would never have been possible.
Dick Badger and Brenda Leavitt care as much about their employees and their employees families as they do their own families. They deserve this award!
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Holmes
Dick Badger and Brenda Leavitt were both on hand to accept the award. Badger Realty would like to thank Valley Outreach for their support and recognition of community-based businesses in the Mt. Washington Valley.
The nominating employee, Wendy Holmes, was asked to read her letter at the awards ceremony on Wednesday April 29, 2009.
The Letter Read:
Dear Valley Outreach:
I am writing this letter to nominate Badger Realty LLC for your Valley Outreach “Family Friendly Business Award”.
I joined the Badger Realty Team in Sept of 1996. At that time, I was a single parent of two small children. There have been many instances where I would get a call from school to come pick up a sick child, attend teacher meetings during the day, or doctor’s appointments. Badger Realty has always been understanding and allowed me to leave work whenever necessary. However, the culture here goes well beyond simple understanding.
You see, my daughter has a non-verbal learning disability and I have spent countless hours taking her to appointments, vocational rehabilitation, etc. All the while, Badger Realty has supported me in whatever decisions I have made in the best interest of my child. They have even given her part-time work on occasion (this was her first real job and a great self-esteem builder).
Last year my daughter needed to take classes in Berlin, NH on Thursdays for 14 weeks. In order for this to happen, I would need to take those days off to drive her. When I approached my boss with this news, there was no hesitation I was told it was not a problem. I was able to adjust my schedule during the time I needed and returned to my old schedule once the class was complete. After two additional classes, my daughter received her certificate in Early Childhood Education. Without the support and caring of Badger Realty, this would never have been possible.
Dick Badger and Brenda Leavitt care as much about their employees and their employees families as they do their own families. They deserve this award!
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Holmes
Dick Badger and Brenda Leavitt were both on hand to accept the award. Badger Realty would like to thank Valley Outreach for their support and recognition of community-based businesses in the Mt. Washington Valley.
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