Notes From Readers: Worried About Leadership

In “Two Visions Come Into Focus” (Sept./Oct. 2012, p. 10), both [presidential] candidates gave platitudes with which it is hard to find fault. Yet, I am very concerned with what these candidates will or won’t do for the good of our future. For the most part, except for health care, they seemed as if they were from the same party. Leaders from both the Republican and the Democratic parties created the financial mess we are in because they were swayed, wooed, duped, or funded by the financial industry. What will they do next?

Traveling internationally makes me realize how weak our dollar is today and how poor our standard of living has gotten for so many people. Who else wants a candidate who is not in the big corporations’ back pockets, is fiscally conservative and socially responsible, has a long-range outlook, and is a strong diplomat for international relations? Does any party provide a leader who fits these criteria? —Roberta Moore, QM Realty, San Jose, Calif.

Where Was Old Glory?

Moe Veissi’s column on the presence of REALTORS® in Washington, D.C. (President, “May 17: A Day to Remember,” July/August 2012, p. 5) was well received. I agree that the Washington Monument, the Mall, and the memorials are all inspiring. I looked with interest at the two-page photo and saw many excited faces. However, what I did not see was a single American flag. I saw a Canadian flag, but no American flag. How can that be? —Hank Hohenstein, Home & Ranch Sotheby’s International Realty, Templeton, Calif.

Editor’s Note: We chose the photo that best captured the size and enthusiasm of the crowd. Although the Home Ownership Matters signs offered a slight facsimile of the U.S. flag—and there were any number of state flags in view­—we grant you it’s not the same as seeing the Stars and Stripes.

In Need of Relief

In response to “BofA to Eliminate Some Second Lien Mortgages” (Daily News, Oct. 2, 2012), I always find it interesting that the relief only comes to those already in trouble paying their mortgage. For those who continue to pay, even though it may be a struggle, there is no relief, so what is the incentive to continue doing the right thing? My son is one of the many who continue to struggle yet continue paying. —Paula J. Miller, ABR, CRS, Coldwell Banker ­Premier Homes, Shepardstown, W. Va.

NAR at the Conventions

Representatives from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® attended the Republican and Democratic national conventions, appearing at various forums on housing issues. Despite the parties’ differences, NAR 2012 First Vice President Steve Brown praised the convention experience and the electoral process: “Even though it’s fraught with controversy and debate, it’s a remarkable process and a tremendous opportunity to see our democracy at work.” —Posted Sept. 7 by Erica Christoffer, senior editor

Chaz Rodgers responded: I served as a Texas delegate during the DNC. I had no clue NAR was there. However, the convention was breathtaking.

Rebecca Hanks responded: I believe the most important issue regarding my profession in real estate is whether or not the mortgage interest deduction is on the table for elimination.

Join this discussion at Speaking of Real Estate.

4 Big Design Turnoffs

Dated design features can make home buyers cringe. Do your listings have any?  Old popcorn ceilings and shiny brass fixtures are among buyers’ biggest pet peeves, according to a recent article at AOL Real Estate. —Posted Sept. 17 by Melissa Dittmann Tracey, contributing editor

Irene Curry responded: Dated wallpaper is a big turnoff for many buyers. They look at it and think it will be too expensive to have it professionally removed or too much work to remove themselves.

Amy Weldon responded: Too many mirrors anywhere and everywhere. Peach and mauve scream “old lady.”

Join this discussion at Styled, Staged, and Sold.

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Note: Letters and blog posts are edited for space and clarity. Publication of a letter doesn’t constitute an endorsement of the writer's views by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® or REALTOR® Magazine. Submission of a letter constitutes permission to publish it in any form or medium.