Pierre Lemieux, Member of Parliament for Glengarry – Prescott – Russell, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Jean-Marc Lalonde, Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry – Prescott – Russell on behalf of Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Conrad Lamadeleine, Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, Jeanne Charlebois, Mayor of the Town of Hawkesbury, made the announcement.

“Our government is providing a hand up to those Canadians who need it the most,” said MP Pierre Lemieux. “We’re committed to making communities stronger through projects like this one here in Hawkesbury. These investments in local infrastructure will help create new jobs stimulate the local economy.”

“The province is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP Jean-Marc Lalonde. “These 24 new affordable rental units are going to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals living here, and make an excellent addition to the Town of Hawkesbury.”

The 24-unit project located at 300 Nelson Street received $2.88 million in funding through the two-year extension of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program and is sponsored by the Brisson/Labelle Partnership. The building will be occupied by individuals living on low incomes, including persons with disabilities and special needs.

“It is living proof that with partnerships between various levels of governments and the private sector, we can achieve important projects like this one and this participation will allow our community to enjoy more affordable housing,” said Warden Conrad Lamadeleine.

“We welcome this new housing development in our town and we congratulate Mr. Marc-André Labelle, Mr. Dominic Labelle and Mr. Jean-Luc Brisson for the opportunity they are offering our residents seeking affordable housing” said Mayor Jeanne Charlebois.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Ontario is moving quickly to get new housing built. The province has already approved more than $224 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Posted by Moishe Alexender.

The announcement was made in Montréal, at Maison Jean-Brillant, by Senator Claude Carignan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), in the company of Richard McConomy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Maison Bieler inc.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Senator Claude Carignan. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan,  announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by Provinces and Territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects that they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing that it directly administers. Repairs that are eligible for funding include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are listed in the attached backgrounder.

“The financial contribution of $259,893 provided under the federal renovation and retrofit initiative administered by CMHC will benefit the residents of Maison Jean-Brillant,” said Richard McConomy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Maison Bieler inc. “In fact, these funds will serve to renovate the elevator systems to ensure the safety of the residents. We are very pleased to have received this funding, which will help improve the quality of life and safety of our residents.”

Posted by Moishe Alexander, the CEO of Canadian Fundiing Corp.

“Canada’s housing market is healthy, stable and supported by our country’s solid economic fundamentals,” said Minister Flaherty. “However, a key lesson of the global financial crisis is that early policy action can help prevent negative trends from developing.”

The Government will therefore adjust the rules for government-backed insured mortgages as follows:

• Require that all borrowers meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term. This initiative will help Canadians prepare for higher interest rates in the future.
• Lower the maximum amount Canadians can withdraw in refinancing their mortgages to 90 per cent from 95 per cent of the value of their homes. This will help ensure home ownership is a more effective way to save.
• Require a minimum down payment of 20 per cent for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner-occupied properties purchased for speculation.

Employment to increase slightly in 2010 In 2009, the Sherbrooke area was spared by the slowdown in economic activity that affected all industrialized countries. During the first six months of the year, the average number of jobs2 in the area declined by 2 per cent, with losses registered in both part-time and full-time employment. However, the situation improved somewhat from July to September, as the number of jobs rose by 1.5 per cent. While this rise was entirely attributable to the gains recorded in part-time employment, full-time job losses are moderating more and more, suggesting that increases could occur shortly. Thanks to this renewed economic activity, the Sherbrooke CMA will end the year with 83,000 jobs, or the same level as in 2008.

The Government of Canada announced today that the Rural Municipality of Hanover, has been approved for an infrastructure loan as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Reeve Stan Toews, elected head of the Rural Municipality of Hanover.

The Rural Municipality of Hanover has been approved for a $3,000,000 low-cost loan from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for the community of Mitchell. The new facility has been designed to allow the community’s population to grow to 4,000 persons.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Minister Toews. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs and create jobs. It’s good news not only for Hanover, but also for Manitoba.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“The Rural Municipality of Hanover is pleased to secure low interest long-term funding from the Federal Government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to assist the community of Mitchell in the construction of their new lagoon”, Reeve Stan Toews said. “This facility will allow the community to see substantial growth over the next two decades and provides an interest rate that will result in the community saving approximately $500,000 over the next 15 years in interest costs.”

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

More balanced market conditions have emerged, effectively ending the stronghold that buyers had on the market over the past six to eight months. Canada’s largest markets, Toronto and Vancouver, led the charge-with June sales among the highest in history for both local real estate boards. Close to 11,000 properties changed hands in Toronto, up 27% over one year ago, setting a new record for sales in the month of June. The figure was just slightly off the all-time peak of 11,146 units. Residential sales in Greater Vancouver increased 75.6% over one year ago, to 4,259 units, just short of the record breaking 4,333 sales, which occurred in June 2005. Overall, major markets began to recover in March, posting escalating sales in April, May and June. The impetus is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2009, with most centres now forecasting year-end sales on par or ahead of 2008 levels.

“While sales are the leading indicator, there are other clear signals that recovery is indeed underway,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “Renewed consumer confidence, albeit cautious, has been key, supported by improved economic news. In addition, we’ve seen sale price-to-list price ratios climb across the country, rising as high as 105% in some communities. Vendor incentives have also come off the table, both for resale and new housing stock.”

The recent surge in resale activity can be attributed to three key factors-pent-up demand, low interest rates, and greater affordability. The combination-in conjunction with declining inventory levels-has created heated market conditions in hot pocket neighbourhoods, prompting a resurgence in multiple offers in June. Average prices are holding steady or climbing, days on market are down, and inventory levels continue to tighten, especially at entry-level price points.

“The strength of the market, amid the most significant global recession in recent history once again underscores its relevance to the nation’s economic engine,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Canadians believe in homeownership — a fact best illustrated by the purchasers who ventured forward in recent months and snapped up some of the best real estate deals this market has seen in years. Those who chose to sit it out on the sidelines are now facing a market in transition, characterized by the threat of rising interest rates, low inventory levels, and upward pressure on housing values.”

Although the current pace may be unsustainable, all markers point to greater stability in the market, leading to healthier activity in the long run, with inventory levels a key variable influencing pent-up demand.

real-estate-0907a

real-estate-0907a

Market by market overview:

Greater Vancouver Area

Growing consumer confidence levels have prompted a serious upswing in home buying activity in the Greater Vancouver Area, with sales in June (4,259) the second highest on record for the local real estate board. From White Rock to Vancouver, radiating out to the Fraser Valley, bidding wars are breaking out on well-priced product. In Kitsilano, an estimated 50% of housing is selling in multiple offers. Low interest rates and increased affordability – average price is still significantly lower than one year ago – have served to stimulate market activity. Inventory levels have been on the decline in recent months, placing greater upward pressure on values. First-time buyers are driving freehold hous ing sales at the $600,000 price point, while those looking at more affordable alternatives are considering condominiums starting at substantially less. Balanced market conditions prevail overall. Pent-up demand has also been building, with local purchasers and international investors both active in the market. The upcoming Olympics, and the completion of the much anticipated Canada Line this Fall are expected to further bolster the cautious optimism characteristic of the Greater Vancouver market at present. Home buying activity, as a result, is forecast to continue at a healthy pace for the remainder of the year, with year-end sales slightly ahead of 2008 levels.

Calgary

Balanced conditions have returned to Calgary’s resale housing market. Strengthening momentum – residential sales at over 3,000 units were up in double-digit territory in June -has already begun to place upward pressure on prices in the entry level. With increasing competition among first-time buyers, the supply of starter homes is tightening. Buyers who moved in spite of doom and gloom forecasts in the Fall, Winter, and early Spring realized considerable savings, while those who hesitated are discovering it has cost them. Multiple offers are re-emerging in a few choice neighbourhoods on well-priced product, although there are still a few good deals to be had in the mid-range. Prices on the whole, however, are stabilizing. Signs of a transitionally stronger market include rising sales-to-new listings ratios, shorter days on market, and fewer incentives from vendors/builders. Activity is expected to remain better than average this summer, as those who paused over the past six months dive back in before interest rates rise. Momentum will continue to build into the fall, with overall 2009 sales edging slightly ahead of 2008 levels by year-end.

Edmonton

The residential resale market is springing back to life in Edmonton, with sales setting a new record for the month (June) and the third best month for unit sales in MLS history. While activity has been steadily improving in the second quarter, the heated momentum has yet to put any serious pressure on average price, which, although rebounding, remains down year-over-year. The market has shifted, moving from buyer’s territory to more balanced conditions, prompted by the recent flurry in home buying and the slow return to more traditional inventory levels. Stability will characterize Edmonton’s housing sector going forward, with low interest rates, rising consumer confidence levels and affordability the impetus behind healthy demand. The frenzied climate of previous upswings will be conspicuously absent. While multiple offers have re-emerged – particularly in the $300,000 to $450,000 price point – they will continue to be the exception rather than the rule, driving sales price close to, but not typically over, asking price. Demand is expected to remain strong in the months ahead, bolstered by looming interest rate hikes and glimmers of positive news on the economic horizon, as consumers regain a cautious optimism.

Regina

Positive economic performance continues to bolster home buying activity in Regina. Despite a 10% decline in year-to-date sales (1,778 vs. 1,977 units) from levels reported January to June 2008, the gap is narrowing as purchasers move to take advantage of low interest rates and greater affordability. Sales in May and June were up in double-digit territory over one year ago and momentum is building. First-time buyers remain the most active segment of the market, sparking sales under $275,000. Inventory levels have been responsible for the steady upward pressure on housing values in the lower-end of the market. Limited supply of starter product in Regina has most properties in good condition, in desirable communities, moving quickly – some in multiple offers. The top-end of the market has also seen some bounce back, with sales between $400,000 and $450,000 up about 25% over one year ago.

Condominium sales, however, have softened year-over-year, with an oversupply of product currently listed for sale. Although conditions currently favour the buyer, the market is transitioning. More balanced conditions are expected to emerge in the months ahead. Given a continuation of current economic fundamentals, the number of homes sold in Regina by year-end is expected to match 2008 levels.

Greater Toronto Area

Pent-up demand for residential housing continues to fuel home buying activity across the Greater Toronto Area. The number of homes sold in June – at 10,955 — came close to the historic record of 11,146 units set in May 2007, while pressure on average price is sending housing values higher than one year ago. Although balanced market conditions prevail, there are those communities that have clearly transitioned into sellers markets. Inventory is key, with the number of properties currently listed for sale down approximately 30% from 2008 levels. Over the past six weeks, momentum has been building, with demand strongest for homes priced between $300,000 and $600,000. Multiple offers are once again commonplace, especially in the city’s coveted hot pocket neighbourhoods. Affordability – in terms of low interest rates and housing values – has been the impetus for first-time buyers. Luxury home sales have also experienced solid demand in recent months, with 291 homes changing hands over the $1 million price point in June – a new record. The threat of higher interest rates and home prices are expected to stimulate a flurry of home-buying activity in the months ahead. By year-end, sales are forecast to exceed 2008 levels.

Ottawa

Solid economic fundamentals in the nation’s capital continue to prop up housing activity. Year-to-date sales for January to June are slightly ahead of 2008 levels, with the number of properties sold in June (1,895) up 12.5% over one year ago – the third consecutive record setting month. Pent-up demand has been a major factor, with purchasers who put their home buying decisions on hold during the late fall and early winter now entering the market en masse. As a result, the balanced market that prevailed in recent months is now shifting in favour of the seller. Multiple offers are occurring on desirable properties in virtually every price range. Inventory levels, which peaked in April, are now falling. With less product on the market, certain segments are experiencing serious shortages-in fact, single family homes priced between $275,000 to $375,000 are few and far between. In the past four to six weeks, the upper-end has also started to rebound as all segments of the market work in tandem. While the threat of an upcoming election will have some impact on the market, healthy sales activity is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year, with sales ahead of 2008 levels.

Halifax-Dartmouth

Improved purchasing power, combined with the threat of rising interest rates, effectively spurred fence-sitters back into the resale housing market in June, halting the trend of double-digit declines in sales. The number of homes sold was up five% to 805 units in June 2009, compared to one year ago.

Despite the increased momentum, buyers remain firmly in the driver’s seat, benefiting from increased inventory and negotiating muscle, as motivated vendors adjust pricing to position their homes more competitively. Although sales remain down year-over-year, the gap is narrowing. Affordability and the stability of Halifax-Dartmouth’s relocation market continue to prop up activity, and first-time buyers remain the driving force. Opportunity exists for purchasers in the mid-to-upper price ranges, where demand and conditions have generally been softer. Consumer confid ence is strengthening once again. With the upswing expected to extend into the fall, more balanced market conditions are forecast to emerge, and Halifax-Dartmouth may once again find itself a market in transition.

St. John’s

Strong consumer confidence, buoyed by a vibrant local economy and a healthy employment picture, has kept St. John’s real estate engine moving at a steady clip. With billions of dollars in capital works projects planned or underway, in-migration remains positive and demand for resale housing continues to be solid. Improving inventory levels have shifted the market slightly into buyers territory, giving purchasers the necessary traction to make their moves. The threat of interest rate hikes has further stimulated home buying activity, pushing fence-sitters off the sidelines and into action. Residential sales in June 2009 (354 units) are slightly ahead of June 2008 (351 units) figures. The year-to-date average price recorded a 24% increase to $211,221, compared to $170,500 for the same time period last year, bolstered by greater momentum in the mid-range. Corporate transfers have been a significant stimulus. Entry-level homes, priced between $100,000 and $200,000, are being snapped up at an unprecedented pace given the sharp upswing in pricing. Listing inventory levels are higher and the upper-end continues to move well, supported by the relocation market. Inventory will be a key factor influencing St. John’s housing sector in the months ahead. The pace is expected to continue, with sales rounding out the year at or ahead of 2007 levels, but below record numbers reported in 2008.

http://www.chineseinvancouver.ca/2009/07/buyers-market-is-gone-study/

brought to you by Moishe Alexander, CFC canadian funding corp CEO

“I wince every time I think of Peter Lynch’s putdown that if you spent five minutes with an economist you’d be wasting three.”

So speaks Dr. Michael Graham, who has put his economic skills to work as the head of his own investment counselling service.

Mr. Lynch, of course, was for many years a noted fund manager whose books on common-sense investing became best sellers.

No economist worth his salt would make any ironclad predictions for the future at this point, in Dr. Graham’s opinion. There have been signs of optimism, to be sure, he says in The MoneyLetter, but there are simply too many uncertainties to contend with.

You can now follow Daily Buy-Sell Adviser on Twitter. Click here to get our latest updates throughout the day.
His own solution involves four “p”s — protection, preparation, potential recovery and participation.

Even in this “uncharted territory” there are certain distinct advantages in being able to invest in Canada today, this expert tells us.

With that in mind, he has chosen a “Group of Seven,” a collection of Canadian stocks that promise to paint a brighter picture for the future.

What’s right with Canada

There are many causes for concern in the economy. Any signs of recovery thus far have been induced by official spending rather than by organic growth. How well will the economy do without massive government stimulus?

And what can prevent inflation with all that money pumped into the system?

But the obstacles to recovery are well known. Dr. Graham would rather focus on what’s right with Canada than what’s wrong with the world.

He quotes World Bank president Robert Zoellick, who estimated that “lots of countries would like to trade places with Canada even though it did not escape the effects of the global economic downturn.”

And Goldman Sachs singled out Canada as “the first of the advanced economies to emerge from the recession.”

Economic power shifts

Mr. David Rosenberg, who has returned to Toronto after a spell on Wall Street during which he became a well-respected commentator, “sees us not having the fiscal deficit problems of the U.S. and being well positioned as the economic power shifts to Asia and China.”

But we’re not immune from the crisis. We cannot ignore the “still-serious recession” and the spectre of inflation.

One way to prepare for this is with fixed income securities. Dr. Graham likes A-rated bonds with five-year maturities and re-settable preferred shares issued mostly by the banks.

But that’s not quite enough to get ready for the future.

The Group of Seven

Dr. Graham has four good reasons for choosing his seven stocks.

“These include protection against returning inflation, the growing ascendancy of the BRIC [Brazil, Russia, India, China] countries, the resumption of a bull market in commodities as China leads the way out of global recession and the U.S. dollar continues its long-term decline, and Canada’s favourable post-recession, pre-inflation positioning.”

Remember, these are stocks for the future. They are not all doing brilliantly now, and may not do so in the weeks ahead. Be patient.

The first is not doing especially well just now. Brookfield Asset Management (TSX-BAM.A) — once known as Brascan — has lots of commercial real estate and is adding to its portfolio of hydro generation and infrastructure assets. It has ample cash reserves and “an enviable record in buying distressed properties at times like now,” says Dr. Graham. At $19.33 it is cheap, well below its 52-week high.

No company is better positioned than EnCana Corp. (TSX-ECA) from this expert’s point of view. Natural gas prices are nothing to write home about, but astute hedging has kept EnCana’s revenues up. And natural gas has a great long-term future. At around $53, the stock is undervalued.

Sherritt International Corp. (TSX-S) is a commodity producer in nickel, cobalt, oil and coal and has important properties in Cuba and Madagascar. As the U.S. inches closer to Cuba, Sherritt could benefit enormously. Its share price of $4.90 may seem sluggish, but it’s up from its spring lows.

Safest of the group

Canada’s biggest mining firm, Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX-TCK.B), has had a rocky road. Since Dr. Graham’s article appeared, Teck has wriggled out from under some of its debt by selling China Investment Corp. a 17 per cent stake in the company. As copper prices rise in the future, so will Teck, promises this author. It’s trading at around $19.

The safest of this group of stocks is undoubtedly TransCanada Corp. (TSX-TRP) with its pipeline revenues and new projects on the go. Chief among these is the Alaska natural gas pipeline in partnership with Exxon Mobil. Still, at $31, it’s undervalued.

The shares of Viterra Inc. (TSX-VT) haven’t done too badly of late, although at $9.20 they’re still down from their highs. The former Saskatchewan Wheat Pool is Canada’s biggest grain handler and agri-business and the pending acquisition of Australia’s ABB Grain will open up new Asian markets for the company.

Molybdenum was a hot metal during the commodity boom (it’s very valuable in the steel industry) and will be again, says Dr. Graham. And Roca Mines (TSX-ROK) has lots of it in its high-grade Max mine, which has cut back on production, but can ramp up when demand does. It is currently crawling along at $0.34, the cheapest buy in the Group of Seven.

It is time, Dr. Graham tells his readers in The MoneyLetter, to weight risks against potential rewards, “and to be substantially — if prudently — invested.”

In short, protection and preparation beat predictions any time.

http://www.dailybuyselladviser.com/news/blank/commodity-stocks696-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

reviewed by Moishe Alexander, CFC canadian funding corp CEO

The basic thing is that the person who has decided to go in for the mortgage has to be clever enough to understand the entire process. He/she should be able to pay the installments on time so that the process continues in a systematic way without any disturbances. There are several types of mortgages and one can take the advice of the professionals and then sign the deal. If one follows some tips before entering into any dealing, then it would be a sensible decision. Here are some tips one can follow: 1] A person should plan his/her budget before hand; calculate the amount he/she has to borrow. 2] He/she should try to go in for the Today’s Mortgage Rates. 3] He/she should decide the Mortgage rates which he/she should be able to repay it without disturbing the present expenditures. 4] One should also find out if there is any redemption penalty. 5] Last but not the least, one should also know what would happen if he/she misses to pay one or two installments.

My father had taken the assistance from the Mortgage refinancing Toronto when he wanted to renovate his house. The brokers and the management at the Mortgage Refinancing Toronto are very straight forward and they clear all the doubts of the clients in a proficient way which occurs before or during the time of the financial dealing. The Beneficial Mortgage Financing procedure is one of the best ways to take the loan from the mortgage company for renovating the house. My father was satisfied with the Mortgage refinancing process because of the easy installments. He was an intelligent businessman and he already had a vast knowledge about the various mortgages processes and their advantages .

http://real-estate-investors-guide.com/mortgage-refinancing/mortgage-refinancing-ontario-grant-with-the-existing-mortgage-rates-for-people-who-want-to-benefit/

Moishe Alexander, canadian funding corp CEO, reviewed

In 2008 over $133 B US was spent over the internet in the U.S. alone and this figure is estimated to increase to over $203 B by 2013. In Canada, by the end of 2007, $13.8 B Canadian of on-line consumer transactions had taken place with this number forecasted to grow to $22.8B by 2012. (eMarketer Feb. 2009) Considering such numbers it is safe to say that any business that has the ability to sell On-line and does not is making a strategic mistake. The good news with these growth numbers is that it is certainly not too late to take advantage of on-line shopping and buying and selling over the Internet.

Its difficult at best for anyone who reads a paper or watches or listens to the news to not be feeling down about the current economic reality. As with everything else in life however we can choose to be negative or we can search for the opportunity. And there is plenty of opportunity when we look at the internet. We know that by typing www we have almost instant worldwide fame or infamy. Its easy to get a message or advertisement out to virtually anyone who has an interest in it. When we overlay Shopping Cart technology it becomes even more powerful. Many of us would like to do more for our families and for ourselves but the economic circumstances for many is this is just not possible given what we are bringing home. Internet and e-commerce mean the possibility of multiple income streams are becoming a new option for many. If you have an idea or product and the interest to make them a reality you can also leverage a second or even third income. And the availability of many excellent Affiliate Programs means you don’t even have to have an idea or product right now. You can use someone else’s product or service and represent it while you learn the e-commerce game and work on your own idea.

The internet has spawned a number of other social advertising formats such as Face Book, U-Tube, Twitter and more. This has caused a shift away from traditional and more expensive advertising media such as papers and yellow books. So, in addition to their reach advantages these new social media are providing cost containment for today’s financially stretched businesses. And this is accelerating the migration away from paper based solutions. Their reach is also a plus. Although everyone agrees that the economy is more challenging it is not bad everywhere. As in any down market there are always people and places that continue to thrive. The internet’s reach means that you have access to these markets and all the emerging and improving markets as conditions change and previously depressed areas being their economic recovery. Your presence on the internet combined with your shopping cart solution means that you are they when they are ready.

In marketing and in any economy there is always one thing that holds up. There will be people ready to buy now and others that are just shopping, collecting information for that time in the future when they will purchase. To take advantage of the now buyer your website and e-commerce solution will determine if you are able to capitalize. This holds true for everyone. But how do you deal with the future shoppers or prospects? A good shopping cart will have a stay in touch capability so you can keep prospects interested until they are ready to act. However, the astute internet marketer will look to incorporate other technologies that work with your shopping cart and e-commerce programs. Using multi-media they deliver on-going campaigns updating your prospects on your products and services. They are proactive so the customer always knows when the next deal or special is coming. For an example of a company with an excellent marketing campaign technology check out www.AutomatedMarketingSolutions.com. Rounding out your platform should be the social networks including Face Book, U-tube, Twitter and more. These networks allow you to test the market for what you intend to sell, they allow you keep in touch with how your product is being received and to be proactive in correcting any emerging negativity. The bottom line is do not limit yourself in how you reach out to your current and future prospects and customers.

Given the impressions we all may have about larger companies we can still learn much. For example a report released in February 2009 discussed the top 10 priorities CMO or Chief Marketing Officers in America were considering as their top 10 priorities for this year. Number 2 on this list was the need to develop marketing programs that integrate both the internet and their traditional media. Doing this provides advertising cost cutting and reduces other overheads. These same advantages accrue to the small to medium business as well as the entrepreneurs working out of their home. The simplicity with which an on-line enterprise to advertise, buy and sell over the internet can be set up brings it within reach of more and more of us looking for that second income. What will differentiate us and our success will be how effective we are in using these tools to attract, convert and retain.

About the Author:
Invest in yourself by implementing your E Commerce Shopping Cart today! A E Commerce Professional EBusiness solution can be simply and quickly implemented

http://www.real-estate-news-articles.com/how-e-commerce-sustains-hope-in-a-bad-economy/

viewed by Moishe Alexander, CFC CEO