Posts Tagged ‘Real Estate News’
Links that Save American Jobs and Support American Made Products
Paul Choi, a long time supporter of the American worker and American dream, complied a list of Links for People who are interested in fighting the Chinese import tsumani.
If you would like to Vote for Made in the USA products, please CLICK HERE. If you want to express your outrage about the outsourcing of American jobs, CLICK HERE. If you want to reach our politicians and news reporters and tell them what you t hink about the Companies who are shipping jobs overseas, CLICK HERE!!
Thank you for helping InfoTube Fight for American Jobs and Products!!! Your Money is Your Vote…Spend it Wisely!
InfoTube, The Hillman Group and China
I am very happy to report that the public outcry about outsourcing American products, specifically Infotube and Infobox, to China has been encouraging, enlightening, motivating and best of all…it may be working to save jobs and keep American made products on the shelves.
As a result of your emails, calls, petitions, Facebook posts, etc. some strange things have happened. We have been contacted by a US Senator, offering his assistance. We have been interviewed on radio news and talk shows and our story has shown up in print across the country. And, we still have our fingers crossed that we might receive a call from Diane Sawyer and ABC news about our story and products.
If you haven’t told Diane and ABC what your favorite American products are, click this LINK and do so, today! Please don’t forget to mention InfoTube and InfoBox!
Perhaps, the most surprising outcome, so far, has been our two discussions with senior management at The Hillman Group. Surprising, because it is happening at all. Surprising, again, because we are each sharing information and I feel that everyone is sincere about wanting to reach a resolution.
Rest assured that we won’t give up the fight until we hear that Crow Erickson will continue to sell Infotubes and InfoBoxes to our major d-i-y retail customers, like we have done for nearly two decades.
Sadly, during our meeting yesterday, Hillman management confirmed that they have shipped some of the Chinese copycat product…identifible by its Yellow lid…to Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. The retailers, in turn, hung it up in the sign department where the InfoTube and InfoBox used to proudly hang.
Please ask for InfoTube and InfoBox by name at the store!! Simply, refuse to purchase the Chinese Yellow Lid product. You know what is at stake and your money is counted as your vote.
A concerned consumer may have said it best in their reply to an email they received from the Hillman Group.
“See, we American voters may truly be powerless, but we American consumers are not. We are fed up watching big corporations, like yours, screw American businesses, and so if you think this lame email has calmed me, you are wrong. I am just getting started.” Cynn Chadwick
If you have a problem finding our products in the stores, you can purchase through our secure our website or through one of our valued, loyal internet vendors….many of whom took action on our behalf…even though by doing so, they face more sales competition.
Thank you again for your support, your comments and your encouragement. If this little company can find a way to beat the competition over in communist China…then, so can other companies!
Buy American and Support your Homeland!!! We aren’t anti-chinese…we are just Pro-American!
Tommi Crow
President, Crow Erickson Inc. 1854A Hendersonville Rd #221 – Asheville, NC 28803. 1-800-858-6000
ABC News Contest for Favorite American Made Products
For those of you who are following our struggle and have ask how you can help next…
I think that continuing to send requests to ABC news (the direct link is below) would really be helpful for moving our negotiations forward and for highlighting this David and Goliath story.
My recent experiences have proven that the tide of consumer awareness is shifting in our country. The grass roots support for American business, workers and products is gaining momentum quickly and we all need to stay involved to turn our economy and future around.
I would encourage everyone to submit your favorite American made products to ABC News.
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/mailform?id=13599846
I hope to see a lot of love for InfoTube and InfoBox, of course, but I know that a lot of American businesses are fighting against the outsourcing tsunami, as well. Each one of them would appreciate your support and there is no limit on the number of products you can submit.
Thank you again for all your help!!!! Without you, we wouldn’t be here today. Please mention us to ABC News…I would love to tell our story to Diane Sawyer
Tommi Crow
President, Crow Erickson, Inc
US Workers May Keep Jobs Due to Public Outcry
After months of silence , Crow Erickson, Inc. received a telephone call today from senior management at The Hillman Group, distributor of InfoTube and InfoBox for Lowes and Home Depot stores.
We feel the sole reason for this communication is due to the pouring of support and the hundreds of emails and inquiries sent on our behalf.
Although, a decision has not been made about the outsourcing of our products to China, we do feel that we have some positive news to share with you for the first time.
On behalf of everyone at Crow Erickson, Caplugs and our associates, we want to extend our deepest Thanks for all your continued effort and support. We hope that a resolution can be reached, now that the lines of communication have been opened.
We will be sure to keep you posted on the outcome of our ongoing negotiations. Made in America matters to us all.
Tommi Crow
President, Crow Erickson, Inc.
Radio News Interview and Call from Senator Richard Burr’s Office
I was interviewed on Clear Channel News this morning about our Fight to Save our Company and American jobs from the chinese, copycat imports of InfoBox that are being brought into the US by The Hillman Group, distributors for Lowes, Home Depot and Menards.
After the radio interview, we received a call from Senator Richard Burr’s (R) office to inquire about our story. The Senator’s office is looking into the matter to determine how they can help. Thank you, Senator Burr!
Tommi Crow radio interview on Jameson show
I would like to say a BIG thank you to Jerri Jameson at WWNC News Radio 570 for having us on her show this morning.
Thanks for following our story and for your support! Please continue to sign our petition and send emails to Lowes, Home Depot and Menardsn telling them that InfoTube and InfoBox SHOULD NOT be replaced with chinese imports.
National Home Improvement Stores Outsource American Jobs to China
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Home Improvement Stores Outsource American Jobs to China Home Depot, Lowe’s vendor ignores U.S. patents, outsources popular INFOBOX®
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (May 10, 2011)—Recently, Hillman Group, vendor to national DIY home-improvement retail giants Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards, replaced the store’s popular American-made INFOTUBE® and INFOBOX® products with Chinese factory replicas.
INFOTUBE® literature boxes were invented 23 years ago in a garage in Dallas, TX, to provide Realtors®, builders and homeowners with an affordable way to sell their homes. Today, millions of these patented real-estate literature boxes are being used in neighborhoods across America.
In March, Hillman informed Crow Erickson it was replacing INFOTUBE® and INFOBOX® products effective immediately, leaving thousands of boxes stranded on the docks and effectively closing the doors of the Asheville, NC-based manufacturer and inventor. Caplugs® factory jobs in Erie, PA and Buffalo, NY will also be affected, two areas already hard hit in this economy.
Crow Erickson’s patent attorney has inspected the Chinese product, currently available on Home Depot’s website, and it does appear to be copy of the INFOBOX® design, something Hillman insiders have conceded. The Chinese knockoff provides no cost savings to the consumer.
This is not the first time Hillman has ignored U.S. patents and put American jobs in jeopardy, including the hundreds of disabled and handicapped American workers that Crow Erickson has employed at competitive wages in partnership with vocational rehabilitation centers.
In the 1990s, Hillman tried to outsource INFOTUBE® products, a patent violation against which Crow Erickson took legal action. The settlement required Hillman to renew its contract for INFOTUBE® and agree not to compete in its product niche.
Apparently Hillman is banking on the rising cost of lawsuits to deter the small, woman-owned business from pursuing legal remedy this time around.
Crow Erickson has made numerous direct appeals to the Hillman Group and senior management at Lowe’s and Home Depot, citing its 20+ year successful partnership, patent concerns, and a desire to work with all parties for a mutually beneficial and cost-competitive resolution.
To date, Crow Erickson has not been able to engage Hillman, Lowe’s or Home Depot in any meaningful discussion and has been left with no recourse other than pursue costly legal action or close its doors and watch another American-made product fall victim to Chinese factories.
Crow Erickson is currently launching a public media campaign to save American jobs. More information can be found on www.infotube.net and the company’s blog. INFOTUBE® is also sponsoring an online petition to save American jobs from export to China which can be viewed and signed on The Petition Site at Help-Save-American-Jobs.
Contact:
Tommi Crow
President, Crow Erickson, Inc.
800-858-6000 (o) 828-230-2260 (cel)
Public Response to Help InfoTube Save American Jobs is Amazing
Yesterday, I shared the story of our fight to save our small, US company from obliteration with my small circle of friends, family and collegues. Our news must have hit a nerve in a number of people because the number of Facebook posts, emails and phone calls I have received in support of our situation has been nothing short of phenominal!
I have 3 Things to Report to You, so far!
First, WE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS!!! We have received a number of calls from concerned customers that we are no longer manufacturing product. I am happy to report that we are still working and don’t intend to stop anytime soon. Everyone can order product directly from our website, via fax, phone or email.
Secondly, and sadly, we have received no response from Lowes, Home Depot or The Hillman Group.
Thirdly, our fight to save the little, and in the scheme of things, perhaps insignificant, InfoBox and InfoTube has inspired and motivated so many of you. Your support has really picked up morale here and words can’t express you how much we need it and how thankful we are.
Truefully, I’m not sure whether the idea of a chinese knockoff, swinging on “For Sale” signs in front of American homes, many of which are foreclosed, touched a raw nerve…or, whether the idea of a forced layoff of hard working Americans, many disabled and handicapped, was infuriating…or, whether the picture of one of the last American made products, being washed away in a chinese tsunami was just too much to take…but, the anger and frustration that you are expressing about our retailers and their lack of support for available American products is powerful, loud and clear! WE DON’T UNDERSTAND AND WE HATE IT!
i pray that they are listening. I have proudly worked with the largest retailers in the land for nearly 20 years. My growth, as a company, I owe to them. I still believe in them. I believe that they care what their customers think and they want to deliver what we want to buy. Your voice matters, so please keep sending those heartfelt emails and Facebook posts. Eventually, our voice will reach someone in charge who cares.
Thank you for your support and for sharing our story with your friends and collegues. I will issue updates and share any information or responses I receive, so you can follow our progress. We hope every second of the day that we will have something good to report!
7 Tips to Sell Your Home this Weekend
In today’s’ super-competitive housing market, it is essential that homebuyers picture themselves living inside the home you are trying to sell.
7 Home Selling Tips from the Lips of Top Selling Agents
- For starters, take down the Wallpaper – Trust me when I say, “Buyers just do not like wallpaper.” If you doubt how personal wallpaper is…just walk into any wallpaper store and stare at the thousands of available patterns. Chances of your tastes matching are at least a thousand to one. Don’t risk it! Pull that paper down!
- The Clutter HAS to Go! Living in a house is alot different than Selling a house. It is easy to get blind to your own clutter. Ask a friend, neighbor or neutral party to be honest with you. Then, pack away every single thing you don’t use. And, clear the kitchen counters completely.
- Smelly Homes Will NOT Sell. Agents have an old saying, “If I can smell it, I can’t sell it.” Pet smells, musty odor’s, etc will kill a sale everytime.
- White is not a Color. But, paint is your friend. Every room should have a fresh coat of paint in a warm, neutral color.
- A Spot of Color. Everyone loves flowers. Place pots with colorful annual flowers by the front door or plant seasonal color in the beds to make your home inviting and memorable.
- Househunting Begins on the Internet. If your property is not exposed on the internet, your chances of a buyer finding you are very small. Tip the odds in your favor by advertising your home on the MLS and all the major search engines for real estate. InfoTube also offers FREE property listings on its website. Also, make sure your listing includes at least 10 good photo’s of the interior and exterior of your home. If possible, also include a video tour of the house and neighborhood.
- Forget About Comp’s and Sold Properties. Study your competition, which means homes currently For Sale. If your home is priced too high when compared to your competition, it is going to sit for a long, long time.
Homeowners should please keep in mind that Buyers have a lot of choices. The homeowner who can make their house stand out among the vast inventory of “For Sale” signs will the one who wins the selling game.
Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com,, your do-it-yourself home selling source. We can bring buyer’s to your door. Check out our website to see how we’ve helped thousands of home sellers.
No First Time Buyers Hurt Housing Market
The lack of first-time buyers is hurting the housing market and their absense is hampering the recovery.
In normal markets, first time buyers make up 40%-45% of all home purchasers. Since January of 2011, purchases made by first time buyers averages only 32%
Why is this important for existing home sales?
First time buyers are crucial to the market because they buy starter homes so those owners can step up to a more expensive property. Despite low mortgage rates and deeply discounted prices, they are remaining on the sidelines…at least for now.
What may be keeping first time buyers out of the housing market?
Some experts point to a hangover from the Expired Tax Credit of 2009 and 201o, which may have lured buyers into a home sooner than later. Some point to tighter lending standards and increased down payment requirements. The best loan terms now kick in with a down payment of 20% or more, which may be very difficult for a first time homeowner.
The Silver Lining — The National Association of Realtors reported that a record 33% of all existing home sales in Febuary were to Cash Buyers. In some parts of the country, cash buyers accounted for more than half of all the existing homes sold.
Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com. We have helped thousands of home sellers and builders market their homes and save money. We can help you, too! Visit our website for facts and details.
Home Sellers should check out InfoTube.NET a FREE homes for sale and rent website. Visit the site to place a free ad on your property, view listings or to purchase a Made in America InfoTube or InfoBoxe to help you market your home on the street.
We can also arrange for your property to be shown on your local MLS and/or Realtor.com and all major real estate websites. CLICK HERE for details.
Foreign Buyer’s Snapping Up US Property.
Attention Why6Percent Realtor.com customers: Due to growing foreign demand for American real estate…Realtor.com plans to offer a language translation service to reach non-english speaking homebuyers.
Foreign buyers are turning to the U.S. to buy “trophy properties,” according to a recent Wall Street Journal blog which added that demand is so strong, leading real estate website Realtor.com plans to add features, including a translation service, to help the influx of international buyers find real estate.
“They’re feeling that investing in U.S. real estate right now may be a more stable option than investing in their home countries,” Julie Reynolds, a Realtor.com spokesperson said.
Reynolds cited a National Association of Realtors survey that showed that 55% of foreign buyers paid cash in 2009, compared with about 8% of overall respondents.
In her WSJ blog, S. Mitra Kalita concluded that, “Given the shaky state of some markets and a still-tight lending environment, real-estate agents say the rush to market to foreign buyers only makes good business sense.”
And the National Association of Realtors findings back her up: It reported that between April 2009 and March 31, 2010, $66 billion of residential property — 7 percent of the total U.S. residential market — was sold to foreign nationals, recent immigrants and temporary visa holders.
“We have definitely seen an increase in international clients this year,” said Miami realtor, Ines Hegedus-Garcia. “What’s exciting is the fact that they are not interested in just single residential properties, but multiple properties as well as commercial and industrial. They are savvy cash buyers who do their homework and pull the trigger fast once the numbers make sense.”
On Realtor.com, traffic from countries in Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia has increased by more than 50% over the past two years with the foreigners targeting properties in Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, New York, and Nevada.
At a local level, Realtors have also noticed the surge of interest from abroad: Last year 28% of them reported working with at least one international client in the previous year (2009 – 2010), up from 23% in 2008.
Here’s how the foreign interest in U.S. property breaks down: Canadians have make up the bulk of international buyers during the past 3 years; Mexicans the fastest growing; and buyers from the UK, stung by their own housing market collapse, have posted the steepest decline.
About 50 percent of international homebuyers said they wanted to move here and make the homes their primary residences; 25 percent bought vacation homes for their own use; 14% were bought residential rentals for investment; and another 14% said they wanted their purchases to double as their own vacation home and a rental.
Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com. Our customers receive all the benefits of advertising on the MLS and Realtor.com for a fraction of the money. Visit our website for details and FAQ’s. If you have a home to sell, it is time to Spring into action!!!