Archive for October, 2008

Raleigh/Durham Road Study – How To Register

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

The motor fuel tax has funded America’s roads for over 70 years. It has served its purpose well and has many positive features, the most important being that it is easy to pay (many people may not even be aware that their total at the gas pump includes this tax).  As you may have heard, the University of Iowa is beginning a study of our driving…yes, OUR DRIVING, here is the Raleigh/Durham area.

What is the study about?
The University of Iowa Public Policy Center is conducting a national study to evaluate public response to the new mileage-based road user charge system.  This system could one day replace the gas tax.  We are looking for participants to help us develop and test the best possible system for vehicle drivers.

To participate in the study, you must:

  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Own a personal automobile
  • Provide proof of vehicle registration
  • Provide proof of current insurance
  • Live in one of the selected field test sites, including the Research Triangle, Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill
  • Plan to reside in the area for at least the next 10 months
  • Record the number of gallons of gas you buy each time you refuel
  • If you meet these requirements and are interested in being part of the Road User Study, you can complete an on-line survey to get started. Once you have completed the survey, a member of the study team will contact you if you are selected to participate in the Road User Study.  For more info, go to www.roaduserstudy.org/survey.aspx

    Here’s the good part…participants will be paid $300 after completing the training session and having the on-board computer installed in their vehicle. The monthly compensation will be $40 per month for 8 months. Participants will be paid a final compensation of $275 after completing the exit interview and having the on-board computer removed from their vehicle. The total compensation for completing all study requirements is $895.

    Now if we could only get them to pay for our gas!

    Feds Cut Interest Rate

    Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

    This morning, the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds Rate by 50 basis points and coordinated an emergency global interest rate cut with the European Central Bank, Canada, UK, Switzerland and Sweden.

     

    Typically, when the Fed cuts rates by itself, the US Dollar weakens–which leads to higher inflation and negative movement for Mortgage Bonds (higher mortgage interest rates). But a coordinated effort should keep the Dollar steady, which means Bonds may be able to benefit from the coordinated cut.

     

    The good news is rates are still steady (so far) today and real estate (as we have maintained all along) is proving to be the safest place to invest.  If you’ve been on the fencepost with regards to buying or selling a home, let’s talk.  This may not be a good time…but then again, this could be the best time.  It all comes down to your individual situation and you can count on us to give you honest answers and sound advice.  Feel free to call the Freeman/Davis Team at 919-649-6638.  We’re online at www.FreemanDavisHomeTeam.com.

     

    By the way, with regards to the rate cut this morning, it has the support of Presidential candidate John McCain who released the following statement.

    “I applaud the move by the Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve and other national monetary authorities to reduce interest rates to address the financial crisis spreading across the globe. It is imperative at this moment that government is responsive to the needs of Americans, restore confidence in our financial system, provide assistance to struggling homeowners, and implement pro-growth policies that will create jobs and provide a foundation for a more prosperous future. That is why last night, I called for an American Homeownership Resurgence Plan — a plan to use taxpayer money not just to bail out Wall Street, but instead to keep families in their homes and to stabilize financial markets from the bottom up. I am committed to protecting the American worker in this crisis. I am dedicated to reforming the corruption in Washington and on Wall Street that is the root of the financial system meltdown. I will get the economy back on track.” — Sen. John McCain