Value-added builder discovers welcome niche in down cycle, an article from the Colorado Springs Business Journal, reports that a remodeling company fronts $25,000 to $35,000 to fix up a less-than-perfect home and the property’s selling price increases, all with no out-of-pocket expense for the home owner.  When the house sells, the contractor recovers the initial investment and 50% of the proceeds in excess of the “as-is” price.  Chris Hotz, co-founder of Value-builders said, “So far we haven’t had one deal where we and the homeowner didn’t make money.”  According to Hotz, Value-builders has 8 franchises in Denver and has just entered the Phoenix market.  The next phase of the company’s expansion likely will be the Seattle area and the Pikes Peak region.  He said, “In Colorado Springs you have plenty of properties worth less than two years ago. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but usually with a good remodel, we can get the homeowner more.” 
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=19710

Setting And Achieving Prospecting Goals, an article from RealtyTimes.com, reports that when setting prospecting goals, focus on the number of contacts you should make each day and week, the number of leads you should develop, and the number of personal appointments you should set.  A contact is considered a personal conversation with a decision maker who can make a purchase or sale or who might refer you to someone who could.  Start your contacts goal at 5 per day and when you are able to achieve that goal for a few weeks straight, raise your goal to 7 to 10 per day.  Leads are defined as contacts that have expressed through speaking with you that they are motivated to make a change in their living arrangements.  You should aim to achieve at least one lead per day and five leads per week.  An appointment is a personal meeting with prospects, during which you discuss their needs and wants, share your work ethic, and gain their commitment to work with you in an exclusive relationship to sell their home or find them a home to purchase.  One appointment per week is a reasonable start.  With follow through and diligence, you will meet your goals.

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080324_prospectgoal.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Why it's not too late to refinance
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/10/real_estate/risk_refinancin.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2008032403

Investors eye housing, personal spending data
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23747361/

What if I can't pay my mortgage?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23744806/

Home equity loans drying up for some
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23453269/