Autism Awareness

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1 in 54 boys. The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

·         Lack of or delay in spoken language

·         Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)

·         Little or no eye contact

·         Lack of interest in peer relationships

·         Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

·         Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S. Over 1.5 million individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis rate for autism is rising 10-17% each year. Males are 4 times more likely than females to be diagnosed with autism. The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe.

The characterstic behaviors of ASD may or may not be apparent in infancy (18 to 24 months), but usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months to 6 years). Autism affects individuals in every country and region of the world and knows no racial, ethnic, nor economic boundaries.

Early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with autism.

Midnight Special

A classic folk blues tune. The origination of the song is compelling to me. In fact the explanations are mysterious and they supposedly come from legend. "Midnight Special" is said to have originated in a U.S.prison in the deep south when it was common to see chain gangs (prisoners shackled together in chains) from nearby penitentiaries out working on roads, railways and in fields.

"Midnight Special" has been recorded by hundreds of artists and for some like CCR it was a big hit. For me the absolute best and most haunting rendition was recorded by the late great blues vocalist Odetta. Her rendition was simple and soulful, capturing the heart and soul of the legend. Some claim that the lyrics "shine a light on me" refer to a passenger train that woke the inmates late at night. Other stories have it as the train that transported prisoners in and out. Still some have said they believe it's a reference to a train that carried visitors and prostitutes to the prisons as well.

The solo acoustic rendition I've posted here is also simple and I think captures some of that legend as well.  It's arranged in the key of E as a simple 8 bar blues progression with turnarounds. The chords and notes seem to "play" off each other in a whimsical, interesting and entertaining way. Anyone who listens hopefully will leave a comment.

You can visit Youtube channel for more music from this artist. If that link doesn't work go to Youtube and search rebuygeorge.

Cash Is King in the Housing Market

Current homeowners looking to downsize, upsize or relocate are increasingly using more cash to purchase  their next home.

Despite near record low mortgage rates, homebuyers are finding it advantageous, in the current housing  market to shop with cash. Low returns on money deposited in banks as well as mortgage approval hassles also are pushing homebuyers to consider all cash or mostly cash transactions.


Using cash is a definite way to get discounts when buying distressed properties such as foreclosures or short sales and it's unlikely that the proportion of distressed property will be declining anytime soon.
An enormous number of foreclosures remain in the pipeline and the artificial suppression of that inventory by mortgage servicers has kept the proportion of distressed property lower than it otherwise would be.
Hassles with slow underwriting, accentuated by tardy appraisals, cause some homebuyers to give up on mortgages.

It takes about 60 days to close a ‘non-troubled’ FHA loan. About 30 days longer than it had prior to the housing bubble bursting. Other government insured Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans are taking about 45-60 days. Appraisals are also holding things up.

These are the average prices reportedly paid for various types of properties in Florida over the past 12 months :

                              Foreclosure
                    Damaged        Move In Ready               Short Sale                  Non Distressed

Florida         $92,765         $166,155                         $148,716                      $248,575

National       $105,247        $187,415                         $198,054                     $257,338



Looking at these statistics makes you wonder why more buyers and sellers aren't taking advantage of the current opportunities to buy and sell short sales. Many properties that are foreclosed could have been sold earlier as a short sale. In many instances faulty processing of the short sale file by either the borrowers agents or the lenders servicer still make them difficult to embrace. Lack of acceptance by 2nd mortgage holders also contributes to the inability to close a short sale. Typically if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are the 1st mortgage holder they will allow a small percentage of the 2nd mortgage balance to that lender. If the 2nd demands more the deal will likely die, opening the door again to foreclosure. Closing a short sale is not impossible. Sometimes the stars align. It requires diligence, communication and patience. Three virtues that actually work.

If you have any questions please call me directly at 561-306-6736 or email me.  I'll be glad to help in any way that I can.