George Mango's blog

Some thoughts

While I have not ever taken a political position in my blog, I believe that the time is now to speak out. The fate of the United States is at a critical juncture. The deficit reduction committee has brought forth the fiscal health of the country. Politicians, be they Republican or tea party republicans, Democrats, or independents have spent an inordinate amount of money and time attacking and positioning themselves without any good results except for the enhancement of the pockets of the news media.

This past election was without substance and a lesson in negative campaigning. The lack of support and the degrading comments of politicians and self serving industries that our president has received over the past two years have weakened our political system and have negatively affected our country’s image internationally. The politicians and big business do not speak for America they incite harsh and negative emotions, to enhance their position of power.

 If you want to educate yourself as to President Obama’s position read his books. They clearly outline his direction and decision making process. They also lay a foundation for addressing the problems we face.

Let me share some of my thoughts about what should be done to begin improving our economic direction. I believe that we should address the big issue items. As a senior citizen, I am not in favor of increasing the age of retirement but I do believe that social security needs correction. For starters those over 65+ who are earning income of $50,000 or more should take a reduction in benefits of $1.00 for ever two earned over $50,000. This would prevent those who have reach an age of 65+ and who are not in need of the benefit from viewing social security as an entitlement rather than the safety net it was intended to be.

Medicaid has also grown at a sprawling rate. States and local government has converted many of its formerly financially supported services to Medicaid to subsidize and replace their contribution. Some of these services are falling under Medicaid waivered services. Local government should stop the practice of postponing decisions to reduce deficit by seeking and obtaining federal dollars to support local entities that are nice but not necessary.

The military budget should also be greatly reduced by eliminating governmental contract awards to politicians who advocate for the protection of military contracts in their state that produce wasteful and non effective weapons & airplanes that are stockpiled and never used. Government should spend time evaluating purchases and purchasing procedures that create wasteful purchases.

If we all agree to some sacrifice we will have a stronger economy. On a local level, begin the process of waste removal and sprawling bureaucracies. Consolidate, share, and expose duplication and useless government. Do we need the many layers of government that currently exist.

Focus the economy in the direction our President has supported - new technology, green technology and enhanced education. Education is key to our survival of our country and its place in the international environment. Business would serve itself well if the converted their manufacturing to produce environmentally safe and economically efficient products that are useful and practical. Instead of looking for the next “hoola hoop”.

It is also time to overhaul our tax system. IRS, and the State tax entities need to be greatly tailored down. We should take another look at how we finance government and provide services. A flat tax or something similar would save a considerable amount of money, and eliminate the current inequities among tax payers. Real tax reform is needed and not the stop gap measures like Value added taxes and filling loop holes.

Developers in the Real Estate market should create a new market for smaller Green homes in areas that do not enhance sprawl. Make them economically beneficial and build more sensibly. This would create jobs and stimulate the economy. There is an overreaction to the banking problem and lending procedures are now making it extremely difficult to bring in new buyers. Banks are being held more responsible as they should be; however, credit worthy applicants should not be made to suffer. Appraisers should also not be working in an environment where they fear reprisals, and lending institutions should reevaluate their appraisal and funding decisions to allow for the building and improving of communities rather than their current decision making that tears down neighborhoods, and create neighborhood declines.

There I said my piece!

The day after elections

It's November 3rd and the dust is settleing on what was a very hard fought campaign.  The election gives me confidence and I am encouraged that the message from the voters that demands a better working relationship among politicians will be heard.  With the possibility of a working Government, the road to improving the economic climate may be in our near future.  My confidence is rising.

If you are in the market for a purchase of a property be it for an investment or a home purchase,  the time is no better than now.  Interest rates are currently great.  Sellers are motivated.  How long that will last is questionable.  Rising rates and Inflation will soon be upon us and rates will increase. The fall of 2010 may be seen as the bottom of the housing market.  Contact me for professional and attentive service in meeting your housing needs.

A quote from Will Rogers: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." Don't be caught sitting.  Contact George Mango 315 952-2256 or Gmango@MangoSellsHomes.com today.

Real Estate in the Onondaga County is my special interest. I do enjoy growing Grapes and making fine wines and have a small vinyard at my home in Camillus.

Onondaga County Environmental Committee Meeting

 

CLEAN WATER CONSERVATION

I recently attended a Committee meeting and public hearing of the Environmental Protection Committee of the Onondaga County Legislature to provide input into a local law that establishes a program to promote Capacity Management, Maintenance, and operation of Public Sewers and related purposes and to repeal local law No 13 of 1989.  The issue dealt with the connection of clean water drains, and sump pumps and other conduits for clean water into the sewer system.  The problem is a serious one when wet weather conditions increase.  Creating sanitary sewer overflows in the environment which is prohibited by New York State conservation Law, and can result in fines and penalties to the County.

As I listened to the testimony and concerns for the new law I thought of how we take for granted our fresh water usage.  While the focus of the meeting addressed the need to inspect hook ups to the sewage system of drains and other conduits and require sellers of homes to remediate the problem, I wondered how much fresh water was being dumped into our sewer system by our daily use.  As an example we run our fresh water until it heats up into our sink that drains into our sewer. We brush our teeth or shave with the running water draining into the sink.  If you have a dehumidifier we empty the bucket in the sink again adding to the sewage overflow problem. If some thought is given many other wasteful practices could be identified and appropriate solutions could be suggested. 

What can we do to become more conserving of this precious natural resource that has limited supply? How can we through conservation and proper removal of clean water from our sewer system make better use of the water?  Some thoughts include collecting clean water in rain barrels and use it to water our plants and gardens. Turn off the automatic fill valve in our toilet bowls and use the collected dehumidified water to fill the flush tank. 

Clean Water in many parts of the world is a scarce resource. We in the United States waste it. We add to the problem of creating sanitary sewer overflows by illegal hook ups for the drainage of clean water and daily waste.  The solution is not to spend inordinate amounts of money to increase our sewer capacity thus adding to our own tax burden by requiring Governments to build infrastructure and sewer systems to handle the overflows. The solution rests with education and a more conscious awareness of what we could do to conserve the use of clean water.

Syracuse 4th best city to live in

Forbes Magazine has ranked Syracuse, NY as the 4^th best city to live in.  For those of us who live here it is not surprising.  Syracuse offers an atmosphere of friendliness. It is a city of culture, history, eclectic historical buildings, activities, & sports. The Greater Syracuse area offers reasonable home prices within a wonderful selection of settings. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the countryside, farmlands, vineyards, lakes and rivers.  Suburban towns offer quaint stores, and unique living experiences. Spring is my favorite time of year bringing new life to the gardens. In summer the weather varies from Balmy to warm offering summer swimming and barbecues, fall has it beautiful autumn colors and a time to harvest the grapes. Winter provides a deep blanket of snow and heralds in the skiers and winter sports. Each season can be exciting and different.

 

I hope more people learn about the benefits of living in Central NY. It will bring to our community a diversity of ideas and new friends.  It will enhance our city, towns and villages by providing a population base that can support the needs and desires of our citizenry.

Home Buyers Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

 

Syracuse 2010

The year 2010 is upon us and the projects for the new decade are being formulated.  Activity is taking place in the 400 block of Warren Street and the Corner of Onondaga Ave.  Open Atelier, an Architectural firm has bought the M&T Bank building and has renovated the second floor for their offices.  The first floor is being cleared for retail space and a tenant is being sought. The adjacent building has been renovated as office/retail space and plans are being made to renovate the remainder of that block across from the Galleries into Living units, and Retail.  As plans progress with the Hotel Syracuse and the move of CENTRO bus depot to Adams Street, this section of the downtown area begins to look promising.

Housing for the start of 2010 has some hope of improving with the passage of the Homebuyers Tax Credit to be extended and expanded.  Thanks to Uncle Sam first-time homebuyers can receive up to $8,000 and current homeowners up to $6,500.

First time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7^th, 2009 and April 30, 2010 qualify for the credit. As a first-time homebuyer the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.  Current Homeowners must purchase a home between November 7^th 2009 and April 30, 2010 to receive the $6,500 credit.  The home being sold or vacated must have been used as a principal residence for five consecutive years with in the last eight.  The tax credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and Co-ops.

All homebuyers under the extended homebuyer tax credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.  Single buyers with income up to $125,000& married Couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify. Purchaser will have up to July 1, 2010 to close.

Email me at gmango@MangoSellsHomes.com for further assistance.

 

Business As Usual!

As citizens with residency in New York State, we should be aware of the smokes and screens our elected officials are throwing up as we approach the passing of this year’s budget.  There are so many new taxes that it is impossible to fight them off.  Increasing new ways to tax people is a short term solution to the real problem of over expenditures, waste and governmental sprawling.  Everyone knows this, however there is little being done to actually address the issue.  Gov. Paterson talks about protecting the consumer while he undermines the process by increasing taxes.  Example at point is the rush of Gov Paterson to protect consumers from the NY Power Authority’s plan to boost electricity rate by 10 million dollars. At the same time behind closed doors, Gov. Paterson is trying to impose a surcharge on utility bills that would end up costing consumers of electricity, natural gas, and telephone service at least an additional $531 million dollars in the coming year.  That would add an additional 2% to every utility bill across the state.

It appears that our Governor is standing up to the government employee’s unions by not caving into their unwillingness to curtail the additional salary increments and pension plan increments by reducing the payroll by 8,500 jobs.  While this is a good thing; the truth of the matter is that it is not enough and the job reduction is comprised of vacant positions, & attrition. How many real bodies are being laid off??  Reduction in the governmental work force is imperative, however we are creating governmental jobs with ever study we do. Our budget this year has increased expenses by some 8 % and is increasing taxes by more.  There is no reduction in expenditures, just a shifting at the expense of the tax payers and its business as usual.

Our Upstate elected officials, specifically Senator Bill Stachowski (Buffalo), Antoine Thompson (Buffalo), David Valesky (Syracuse), Darrel Aubertine (Watertown), and Neil Breslin (Albany) are representatives   in the Senate Majority have the opportunity to vote as a block to tell the other 27 downstate members of their party that they are not going to pass a budget that has negative implications for Upstate New York residents.  We as upstate citizens should tell the five representatives and hold them accountable to specifically reject the proposed $650 million assessment on energy and telecommunications, Reject the additional health insurance taxes and assessments, and reject any increase in personal income taxes, particularly on small business owners.

Stop finding ways to  tax us and introduce real budget cuts in government should be our message to all our so called public officials who are supposedly protecting our interests or suffer the consequences.

First Time Home Buyer Incentive

This year the Government is providing first time home buyers with a wonderful stimulus incentive.   Any home buyer who has not owned a home in the past three years is considered a first time home buyer. You can purchase any single family residence-new or resale; condos, co-ops, townhouses are included.

 

Let me review the incentive package being offered. The amount is an amount up to $8,000 for the 2009 tax year.  It is based on a factor of 10% on the purchase price up to $8,000.  A home purchased for $80,000 or more would qualify for the full $8,000 incentive.  A home purchased for less than 80,000 would qualify to 10 % of the purchase which would be for some amount less than $8,000.

 

If you sell the home within three years of purchase the full amount of the incentive must be paid back.  If you live in the home beyond three years there is no pay back. One question that has been raised by many of my clients refers to when can I get the money? Do I have to wait to file my taxes?  The answer is no.  The money can be applied for early on and available for the actual purchase.  If the deal falls through the money must be returned.  Your mortgage representative can provide the necessary forms to both apply and if the deal falls through notify the government about the return of funds.

 

  The time frame for applying is for a home purchased between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2009. All applications must be received prior to December 1, 2009, the date of termination of the program.

 

Income eligibility:  Single tax payers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 and married couples with adjusted gross incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

 

This is a great time for a first time home buyer to buy a home.  Interest rates are in the 5% bracket, Banks are lending.  FHA will provide loans for candidates with higher limit loans and a less stringent credit standard than conventional loans.

 

To learn more contact me at gmango@MangoSellsHomes.com and I’ll sent you information about the first time homebuyer tax credit and 1stPriority mortgage’s 10 Reasons to love FHA.

Around Town

Here we are at the cusp of spring and Syracuse is bustling.  The Downtown area has just finished their Chile Cook off and “Winterfest” celebration, Stimulus monies are on the way and the city is preparing for a mayoral election. The Onondaga Lake clean up is proving successful.  Recent viewings of eagles on Onondaga Lake is a good sign. Most of all the commitment of the City and County to become Green in its buildings and Technology is “huge”. The Route 80 issues are still being discussed and High speed Railway may be in the near future, linking Buffalo to Albany.

 

If the Stimulus is successful in creating new jobs and forestalling the foreclosure market we are positioned well for the future. The Greater Syracuse area is filled with natural beauty, history, recreation, good schools and wonderful housing opportunities.

 

For people relocating to a cooler climate tempered by warm and pleasant summers, winery tours, boat and Erie Canal tours, fine museums, ski slopes, hiking and snowshoeing, Cultural endeavors to include the Syracuse Symphony, the Syracuse Stage and Land Mark theater, Syracuse Sports, and many other activities, THIS IS THE PLACE  to relocate and settle into your new home.

 

I relocated to the Greater Syracuse Area in 1989 and initially my family was skeptical.  Now my three Children live within 1 mile of my home, and have given me 9 grandchildren. We all have found Syracuse a place of diversity, and a place of welcome. The weather has become an asset, and not a deterrent, and we are family.

 

Syracuse the “Salt City” is filled with historical buildings, Architectural history and pure poetry.  Come join me on my website for a tour. http://www.mangosellshomes.com

 

 

Some thoughts to stimulate!

 

Leave it up to our legislative branch of government to screw up a stimulus package that may have had the good intent of revitalizing the economy. They voted down an incentive to home buyers that would have provided up to a $15,000 credit to home buyers that could have sparked an impetus to the housing market.  Instead they voted to give money for pet projects to leading representatives of the legislature. Once again politics and the media are working against the people’s vote to bring about change in the way government is doing business. There isn’t a legislator with the intestinal fortitude to stand up to Unions representing governmental employees and sponsor a law that places a hold on contract increases and pension increases for a period of time until the government can be modernized. Billions could be saved.

Government has no concept of budgeting. They only know how to develop a spending plan with no other way of accounting for revenue except through tax increases and printing devalued dollars. Even a spending plan is botched.  Where are you Mr. and Mrs. Citizen when meetings are held to discuss government modernization in your communities?  A plan to stimulate the economy should be coupled with downsizing government and holding politicians accountable for their lack of ability to work towards a common goal for stimulus and downsizing.