Who does the Closing Attorney represent in a real estate transaction?
Well...It depends...
In a cash transaction in the state of Georgia (outright purchase of the property), the attorney generally represents the party that contacted them first to oversee the transaction. But this can be seen as a gray area as well, it's according to how the parties act in the transaction as to whose interest the attorney represents. Therefore, it is very important to establish who the attorney will represent in the transaction at the very beginning, so there is no confusion. There is a box of the GAR Purchase & Sale Agreement form (Page 2, Paragraph 7) that allows either the buyer or seller to be represented.
Borrower's almost always assume (mistakenly) that the closing attorney represents them during the real estate closing. It is totally understandable to think this, since the buyer generally is footing the bill for the title services.
Sometimes the seller thinks the attorney represents their interest in the transaction, since they offered to pay closing costs to the buyer. And it is true, generally the seller can stipulate who the closing attorney shall be simply because they are paying the cost for the attorney.
But if a lender is involved in the transaction (in the State of Georgia), the attorney represents the lender, and acts on the behalf of the lender throughout the whole transaction. It doesn't matter if it is a purchase or refinance transaction (see the GAR Purchase & Sale Agreement, Page 2, Paragraph 7)
Every so often, (rarely) you run into a closing attorney who is NOT on the lender's approved attorney list. If they are not approved (or blacklisted), you cannot close your loan with that attorney. You have to find an approved attorney. And the seller has to choose an approved closing attorney (or allow the buyer to select the attorney), or choose another buyer.
That's how you know who's interest the closing attorney represents...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What Alternatives Do You Have ? Alternative Credit and How to Make it Work for You...
More and more these days, it seems I am running into buyers and borrowers that just have, for some reason or another, decided to stop using creditor that report to the credit bureaus.
For some clients, this is a REAL BAD THING, because their credit scores were bad before, and since there has been no recent activity, the bad scores are frozen in time, as well.
These potential borrower have one thing to do and one thing only - GET THAT SCORE UP IMMEDIATELY. There are several ways to do this, but there is one way I recommend to most people in this situation: Find a prepaid credit card company (two or three actually, if you really want to get your credit in good condition quickly), and pay the fee. Charge on the card, and make sure you carry a balance of 1/3 of credit limit at all times. If there is a possibility of a debt-to-income ratio issue, simply pay off the balance 45 to 60 days prior to signing a mortgage loan application. And it should work. I have had several clients to follow this formula, and it seems to turn out in a positive way. However, the borrower must be patient. It can take up to a year of seasoning to maximize the effects of the new credit and diminish the old bad credit on the credit report.
For others, it's a good thing. Their credit scores appear to "freeze" in time, holding up that same numbers as the last time there was any activity by the borrower. These borrower have the scores to qualify for a mortgage loan immediately, but do not meet the tradeline qualification quantities or seasoning required by the lender.
That's when Alternative Credit Data comes into play. Lenders understand (yes, they ACTUALLY understand this, at least some of them do) that not everyone uses credit to live. A lot of people use alternative means - barter, money orders, checks (remember checks ?) and cash to actually pay to live. So there is a system set in place where a borrower can use alternative credit to get around normal credit requirements.
First and foremost, a borrower that will use alternative credit must know in advance they will do so, that way they can make sure their cell phone, electrical and gas bills are in their (the borrowers) name. The alternative credit account(s) must be in the borrowers name. Otherwise, alternative credit will not work.
There are different levels, or tiers, given to alternative tradelines:
Each tier has a descending level of importance, with the Tier I alternative tradelines carrying the most weight, and the the Tier III tradelines carrying the least. For instance, proof of 12 months Rental Housing payments are so strong, they often double as Verification of Rent and as 1 of the necessary 3 tradelines needed to meet the the alternative tradeline requirements.
There is one caveat to all of this is - with any source of alternative credit provided, you cannot be late. You are putting the last nail in your coffin if you provide documentation with a history of lates. Take my advice - Don't do it.
You will get the benefit of the service being provided to you, and have the ability to tap into this source when you are ready to take the plunge and buy a new home, without the hassle of maintaining the much heralded credit score rating...
For some clients, this is a REAL BAD THING, because their credit scores were bad before, and since there has been no recent activity, the bad scores are frozen in time, as well.
These potential borrower have one thing to do and one thing only - GET THAT SCORE UP IMMEDIATELY. There are several ways to do this, but there is one way I recommend to most people in this situation: Find a prepaid credit card company (two or three actually, if you really want to get your credit in good condition quickly), and pay the fee. Charge on the card, and make sure you carry a balance of 1/3 of credit limit at all times. If there is a possibility of a debt-to-income ratio issue, simply pay off the balance 45 to 60 days prior to signing a mortgage loan application. And it should work. I have had several clients to follow this formula, and it seems to turn out in a positive way. However, the borrower must be patient. It can take up to a year of seasoning to maximize the effects of the new credit and diminish the old bad credit on the credit report.
For others, it's a good thing. Their credit scores appear to "freeze" in time, holding up that same numbers as the last time there was any activity by the borrower. These borrower have the scores to qualify for a mortgage loan immediately, but do not meet the tradeline qualification quantities or seasoning required by the lender.
That's when Alternative Credit Data comes into play. Lenders understand (yes, they ACTUALLY understand this, at least some of them do) that not everyone uses credit to live. A lot of people use alternative means - barter, money orders, checks (remember checks ?) and cash to actually pay to live. So there is a system set in place where a borrower can use alternative credit to get around normal credit requirements.
First and foremost, a borrower that will use alternative credit must know in advance they will do so, that way they can make sure their cell phone, electrical and gas bills are in their (the borrowers) name. The alternative credit account(s) must be in the borrowers name. Otherwise, alternative credit will not work.
There are different levels, or tiers, given to alternative tradelines:
Each tier has a descending level of importance, with the Tier I alternative tradelines carrying the most weight, and the the Tier III tradelines carrying the least. For instance, proof of 12 months Rental Housing payments are so strong, they often double as Verification of Rent and as 1 of the necessary 3 tradelines needed to meet the the alternative tradeline requirements.
There is one caveat to all of this is - with any source of alternative credit provided, you cannot be late. You are putting the last nail in your coffin if you provide documentation with a history of lates. Take my advice - Don't do it.
You will get the benefit of the service being provided to you, and have the ability to tap into this source when you are ready to take the plunge and buy a new home, without the hassle of maintaining the much heralded credit score rating...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Rental History - Where You Live and How You Pay Matters...
Inevitably, people who rent or live at home always run into this problem - they do not have a 12 month history of rental payments. So when they decide to apply for a mortgage loan, this fact slaps them right in the face, and can lead to the borrower not being approved.
Of course, this does not apply to those who live in apartment complexes, or have a mortgage in their name that reports to the credit bureaus. The rental or mortgage history is easy for a prospective lender to track in this case, because a apartment complex is a non-interested third party, and your mortgage company will report to the bureaus if you are late with your payment.
The problem arises when a potential borrower lives at home with his or her parents. If you are seeking FHA financing you may be okay (with certain lenders and when certain loan parameters are met, rental history is not required), but as lenders continuously tighten lending requirements, I have seen rental documentation become a requirement on some FHA loans.
So I am going to say what all mortgage industry professionals know, but the general public seems to be totally unaware of - You must pay your rent with a check, or automatic withdrawal from your banking account. And you must pay at the same time, AND same amount, for 12 months consecutively, in order for a lender to consider your rental history as valid. Renters which have a landlord will be required to provide rental documentation in the form of 12 month's bank statements, because the lender will not accept a VOR (Verification of Rent) from this source. The landlord is deemed to be an INTERESTED party (they may not tell the truth about the rent being paid on time, or they could say you were late one month, and you weren't), so lenders do not accept any written documentation from the property owner. VOR's are only acceptable from a apartment complex or property management company.
I have had people to say they pay by checks some months, then by money order, then - sometimes with cash. Or they paid $600 last month, and $750 this previous 10 months, but have been able to skip a month or two because they did some personal favor for the landlord. All of this sends a red flag to the lender, and the borrower with the best credit scores and income is all of a sudden in trouble.
So, if you are a person wishes to purchase a home within the next 12 months who lives at home with your parents rent-free, has a roommate that you share a apartment with but you're not on the lease, or rent from a private landlord, do yourself a BIG favor - open a checking account and pay by check from NOW ON.
When it's time to buy your new home and get mortgage financing, you will be glad you did...
Of course, this does not apply to those who live in apartment complexes, or have a mortgage in their name that reports to the credit bureaus. The rental or mortgage history is easy for a prospective lender to track in this case, because a apartment complex is a non-interested third party, and your mortgage company will report to the bureaus if you are late with your payment.
The problem arises when a potential borrower lives at home with his or her parents. If you are seeking FHA financing you may be okay (with certain lenders and when certain loan parameters are met, rental history is not required), but as lenders continuously tighten lending requirements, I have seen rental documentation become a requirement on some FHA loans.
So I am going to say what all mortgage industry professionals know, but the general public seems to be totally unaware of - You must pay your rent with a check, or automatic withdrawal from your banking account. And you must pay at the same time, AND same amount, for 12 months consecutively, in order for a lender to consider your rental history as valid. Renters which have a landlord will be required to provide rental documentation in the form of 12 month's bank statements, because the lender will not accept a VOR (Verification of Rent) from this source. The landlord is deemed to be an INTERESTED party (they may not tell the truth about the rent being paid on time, or they could say you were late one month, and you weren't), so lenders do not accept any written documentation from the property owner. VOR's are only acceptable from a apartment complex or property management company.
I have had people to say they pay by checks some months, then by money order, then - sometimes with cash. Or they paid $600 last month, and $750 this previous 10 months, but have been able to skip a month or two because they did some personal favor for the landlord. All of this sends a red flag to the lender, and the borrower with the best credit scores and income is all of a sudden in trouble.
So, if you are a person wishes to purchase a home within the next 12 months who lives at home with your parents rent-free, has a roommate that you share a apartment with but you're not on the lease, or rent from a private landlord, do yourself a BIG favor - open a checking account and pay by check from NOW ON.
When it's time to buy your new home and get mortgage financing, you will be glad you did...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Stay The Course - Housing Market Continues to Need Government Intervention...
The Housing Market is not ready to float on it's own right now. As for the past two or three years, it still needs a life preserver in order to survive.
Without Fannie, Freddie or Ginnie, the housing market would come to a complete stop. The private market is not ready to take the reins from the GSE's. If Fannie and Freddie were released from government care, the housing market would become as slow as molasses runs during winter.
Prior to the new Congress being elected, there was political talk that suggested Fannie & Freddie should not be ran by the government, and should be returned as private companies. Now that the new members have been elected, and power has shifted in the House, it appears there are second thoughts about dissolving the relationship between the government and the GSE's. At least for the near future.
And that's a good thing...
According to the article written by The Atlantic online website
Without Fannie, Freddie or Ginnie, the housing market would come to a complete stop. The private market is not ready to take the reins from the GSE's. If Fannie and Freddie were released from government care, the housing market would become as slow as molasses runs during winter.
Prior to the new Congress being elected, there was political talk that suggested Fannie & Freddie should not be ran by the government, and should be returned as private companies. Now that the new members have been elected, and power has shifted in the House, it appears there are second thoughts about dissolving the relationship between the government and the GSE's. At least for the near future.
And that's a good thing...
According to the article written by The Atlantic online website
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Appraiser Independance - A Must Have For The American Economic Recovery...
I was thinking a bit about the phasing out of HVCC and how that is going to positively impact the real estate industry specifically and the economy as a whole. We sure do not need any more silly legislation that stops any of us from doing are jobs as efficiently as possible. Then I started thinking about what for sure was the central reason why HVCC was written and enacted as a rule in the first place - The Undue Pressure and "Force" applied to appraisers to get the value. This pressure caused a lot of strife, and helped to drive the whole real estate industry into the ditch. It has got to stop, for good...
Let Appraisers Be Independent
All of us - Mortgage Brokers, consumers, Realtor, Real Estate Agents, Builders, Loan Officers, Lenders, must let appraisers be independent and not unduly influenced. We have got to let these people do their jobs with confidence. Confidence in knowing there is not going to be retribution if that value is not correct. Assurance that they can give their opinion of value freely, and not be penalized because they do so in the market place by loan officers, brokers and lenders that seek their business.
I have had the privilege of working with two very fine appraisers in the last seven years. I would submit my Request for Appraisal to the appraiser. He would let me know his schedule, and would take a quick look at the comps, PRIOR to performing the appraisal. Since I have my real estate license as well, I could see a lot of the same comps that he did, so I knew what the comps looked like before I submitted my request.
But I could not see EVERYTHING that he could see. If things were going to be o.k., I did not hear from him at all, he would just perform the appraisal, and send it to me when it was completed. Sometimes it was higher than expected. Sometimes it was lower.
However - when there was a problem, a $20,000 problem - let's say, he would let me know immediately, prior to him submitting the completed appraisal to me. And I would alert the borrowers and agents that there could be a potential problem with the value and they had better start figuring out the solution right away.
Even though appraisal are opinions of value, they are based on facts. Actual market conditions. Actual comparable sales within a certain time frame. Real adjustments based on standard appraisal practices. The facts are the facts. Based on market conditions, comps and standard adjustments, the value is "X". Ever noticed how you can contact two appraisers that do not know each other and the tell you nearly the same estimate of value ? That's because it's based on factual, obtainable data that appraisers have access to...
NOW, I am not talking about fraudulent behavior. False comps, False adjustments and False opinions of value. Those people are criminals. And they belong in jail.
I am talking about an honest, open, fluid relationship between the client and the appraiser.
If we do not allow appraisers to do their jobs honestly, comfortably and with dignity, then some body is going to invent another HVCC type fiasco and set us back at least another two or three years, again...
Let Appraisers Be Independent
All of us - Mortgage Brokers, consumers, Realtor, Real Estate Agents, Builders, Loan Officers, Lenders, must let appraisers be independent and not unduly influenced. We have got to let these people do their jobs with confidence. Confidence in knowing there is not going to be retribution if that value is not correct. Assurance that they can give their opinion of value freely, and not be penalized because they do so in the market place by loan officers, brokers and lenders that seek their business.
I have had the privilege of working with two very fine appraisers in the last seven years. I would submit my Request for Appraisal to the appraiser. He would let me know his schedule, and would take a quick look at the comps, PRIOR to performing the appraisal. Since I have my real estate license as well, I could see a lot of the same comps that he did, so I knew what the comps looked like before I submitted my request.
But I could not see EVERYTHING that he could see. If things were going to be o.k., I did not hear from him at all, he would just perform the appraisal, and send it to me when it was completed. Sometimes it was higher than expected. Sometimes it was lower.
However - when there was a problem, a $20,000 problem - let's say, he would let me know immediately, prior to him submitting the completed appraisal to me. And I would alert the borrowers and agents that there could be a potential problem with the value and they had better start figuring out the solution right away.
Even though appraisal are opinions of value, they are based on facts. Actual market conditions. Actual comparable sales within a certain time frame. Real adjustments based on standard appraisal practices. The facts are the facts. Based on market conditions, comps and standard adjustments, the value is "X". Ever noticed how you can contact two appraisers that do not know each other and the tell you nearly the same estimate of value ? That's because it's based on factual, obtainable data that appraisers have access to...
NOW, I am not talking about fraudulent behavior. False comps, False adjustments and False opinions of value. Those people are criminals. And they belong in jail.
I am talking about an honest, open, fluid relationship between the client and the appraiser.
If we do not allow appraisers to do their jobs honestly, comfortably and with dignity, then some body is going to invent another HVCC type fiasco and set us back at least another two or three years, again...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Heard It Through the Broker Vine Vol. 1 - No More HVCC ?
I heard something the other day through what I call the "broker vine" that was very interesting.
First, let me tell you what the "broker vine" is - it's a mortgage broker "huff & puff" fest that generally happens once or twice a month.
Here's how it works - some loan officer or broker hears some "news" from some inside or unknown source and begins having these "impromptu" meetings all over the office about some good or bad legislation or law that's coming down the road real soon (whether real or imagined).
These sessions are almost always followed by a series of hoots and hollers and high fives for good news, and a lot of fist clenching, teeth gnashing and swearing at the ceiling at bad news.
Huff & Puff. Get it ?
You want to know EXACTLY what I mean. Visit tbws.com. These guys are the huffiest, puffiest mortgage guys on the internet, period. Watch one of their daily videos. You'll see what I mean...
Alright - Back to the Point.
I was told the other day that the Home Valuation Code of Conduct, or HVCC, is going to be nixed within the next 90 days. Apparently, President Obama just signed The Death of HVCC with the signing of the Dodd-Frank Act. It must be true, because news sources all over are stating that is for real. But still - Like I said, it's "huff & puff".
The HVCC bill came about from an agreement New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo made with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on requiring new rules and standards over appraisals. It seems the New York Attorney General, in a short period of time, turned himself into a "real estate appraiser guru", and decided he knew what was best. For ALL of US. I like Andrew Cuomo. But. Dude. Bad Idea. Really.
Why HVCC Does Not, and Will Not Work
This is a true story. Borrowers are going to use Lender A to finance their new home purchase. Lender A orders appraisal for the property through Appraisal Management Company A. Appraisal cost equal $400, paid by borrower. Appraisal equals the sales price of the home on the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Lender A cannot close the loan for the borrowers. Per Lender A, borrowers do not qualify.
Borrowers leave Lender A and make a loan application with Lender B, while still under contract to purchase the home. Lender B approves loan. However, because of HVCC rules, Lender B cannot transfer the appraisal from Lender A. Lender B orders new appraisal from Appraisal Management Company B. Appraisal cost an additional $500 ($400 plus $100 "rush fee". Trying to still go to closing on time). Appraisal comes back from appraiser $20,000 short. And the appraisal was just completed by AMC A about 30 days ago. There are negotiations between the AMC and the appraiser, but he will not re-consider the value.
All of a sudden, the appraiser becomes GOD. All parties of the transaction are willing to do whatever it takes to get the deal done. BUT, the appraiser is NOW GOD, and GOD SAYS NO.
The appraiser unduly influences the transaction. And he is protected by HVCC. Not by his Appraisal Management Company mind you, because they opted to negotiate with the appraiser on behalf of the buyers. It did not work.
Lender B orders another appraisal through AMC B. This is appraisal number three. And that will be another $400 please. This appraisal comes in low as well. But it's $10,000 lower than the original appraisal - not $20,000. This number is much more reasonable, and it is negotiated between the buyer and seller. Deal Done. Transaction closes.
Here's the problem - Besides the borrower spending $1,300 on appraisals. Besides the HVCC rule that basically does not allow transference of appraisals from one AMC to another (in some cases it works, but from what I have seen and heard, it's rare). In the story above, Appraisal Management Company A & B are THE SAME COMPANY.
The AMC managed to bilk $1,300 from the borrower with 3 appraisals, and were not able to transfer the original appraisal so that the borrower could use it with the new lender. It seems that there is some rule that once you generate a transaction number for one appraisal, you cannot change it to another lender. And there is no way you can transfer a Conventional appraisal into an FHA appraisal. Before HVCC, the appraiser had to do some additional work, but as long as he was a Certified FHA Appraiser, he could definitely change a Conventional appraisal into a FHA appraisal. No Big Deal.
So, going back to the "old way" of doing business is going to be a welcome change to what we are currently muddling through. It's time to get the ball rolling again. I believe the real estate industry is the bedrock of the U.S. economy. If we can get all of the inventory sold, new housing starts rising, and real estate sales to begin to tick up again, maybe we can get America back to work and on it's feet. HVCC was as sure-fire way to make sure an economic recovery was going to be a long, drawn out ordeal, for sure.
The phasing out of HVCC couldn't come any sooner. Hopefully this barrier to the real estate industry will be put to bed forever, never to return...
First, let me tell you what the "broker vine" is - it's a mortgage broker "huff & puff" fest that generally happens once or twice a month.
Here's how it works - some loan officer or broker hears some "news" from some inside or unknown source and begins having these "impromptu" meetings all over the office about some good or bad legislation or law that's coming down the road real soon (whether real or imagined).
These sessions are almost always followed by a series of hoots and hollers and high fives for good news, and a lot of fist clenching, teeth gnashing and swearing at the ceiling at bad news.
Huff & Puff. Get it ?
You want to know EXACTLY what I mean. Visit tbws.com. These guys are the huffiest, puffiest mortgage guys on the internet, period. Watch one of their daily videos. You'll see what I mean...
Alright - Back to the Point.
I was told the other day that the Home Valuation Code of Conduct, or HVCC, is going to be nixed within the next 90 days. Apparently, President Obama just signed The Death of HVCC with the signing of the Dodd-Frank Act. It must be true, because news sources all over are stating that is for real. But still - Like I said, it's "huff & puff".
The HVCC bill came about from an agreement New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo made with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on requiring new rules and standards over appraisals. It seems the New York Attorney General, in a short period of time, turned himself into a "real estate appraiser guru", and decided he knew what was best. For ALL of US. I like Andrew Cuomo. But. Dude. Bad Idea. Really.
Why HVCC Does Not, and Will Not Work
This is a true story. Borrowers are going to use Lender A to finance their new home purchase. Lender A orders appraisal for the property through Appraisal Management Company A. Appraisal cost equal $400, paid by borrower. Appraisal equals the sales price of the home on the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Lender A cannot close the loan for the borrowers. Per Lender A, borrowers do not qualify.
Borrowers leave Lender A and make a loan application with Lender B, while still under contract to purchase the home. Lender B approves loan. However, because of HVCC rules, Lender B cannot transfer the appraisal from Lender A. Lender B orders new appraisal from Appraisal Management Company B. Appraisal cost an additional $500 ($400 plus $100 "rush fee". Trying to still go to closing on time). Appraisal comes back from appraiser $20,000 short. And the appraisal was just completed by AMC A about 30 days ago. There are negotiations between the AMC and the appraiser, but he will not re-consider the value.
All of a sudden, the appraiser becomes GOD. All parties of the transaction are willing to do whatever it takes to get the deal done. BUT, the appraiser is NOW GOD, and GOD SAYS NO.
The appraiser unduly influences the transaction. And he is protected by HVCC. Not by his Appraisal Management Company mind you, because they opted to negotiate with the appraiser on behalf of the buyers. It did not work.
Lender B orders another appraisal through AMC B. This is appraisal number three. And that will be another $400 please. This appraisal comes in low as well. But it's $10,000 lower than the original appraisal - not $20,000. This number is much more reasonable, and it is negotiated between the buyer and seller. Deal Done. Transaction closes.
Here's the problem - Besides the borrower spending $1,300 on appraisals. Besides the HVCC rule that basically does not allow transference of appraisals from one AMC to another (in some cases it works, but from what I have seen and heard, it's rare). In the story above, Appraisal Management Company A & B are THE SAME COMPANY.
The AMC managed to bilk $1,300 from the borrower with 3 appraisals, and were not able to transfer the original appraisal so that the borrower could use it with the new lender. It seems that there is some rule that once you generate a transaction number for one appraisal, you cannot change it to another lender. And there is no way you can transfer a Conventional appraisal into an FHA appraisal. Before HVCC, the appraiser had to do some additional work, but as long as he was a Certified FHA Appraiser, he could definitely change a Conventional appraisal into a FHA appraisal. No Big Deal.
So, going back to the "old way" of doing business is going to be a welcome change to what we are currently muddling through. It's time to get the ball rolling again. I believe the real estate industry is the bedrock of the U.S. economy. If we can get all of the inventory sold, new housing starts rising, and real estate sales to begin to tick up again, maybe we can get America back to work and on it's feet. HVCC was as sure-fire way to make sure an economic recovery was going to be a long, drawn out ordeal, for sure.
The phasing out of HVCC couldn't come any sooner. Hopefully this barrier to the real estate industry will be put to bed forever, never to return...
Sunday, July 25, 2010
My New Real Estate Hero - Jean Gregoire Sagbo, First Black Politician in Russia
I have never heard of Jean Gregoire Sagbo, until I read the article today from Associated Press and Yahoo! World News titled "A Russian Milestone..."
He negotiates Real Estate sales in Russia. He has lived in Russia since 1982, is married and has two children. Sounds Normal, right ?
But Apparently, He in anything BUT normal. He is special. He is a member of the Town Council, and is not paid for his services. He is heavily civic minded. He cares about the people and his community, and the townspeople of Novozavidovo, Russia know it. So, in what has been the called the town's first fair and honest election, Mr. Sagbo was elected as a Councilor.
Mr. Sagbo is also African. He is the first Black person to ever be elected to a Russian political office. EVER.
He has what it takes to cross the color lines, and make people color blind. The people of Novozavidovo do not see race or color when they think of Mr. Sagbo. They just see a fellow Russian who cares about his community in a way that is necessary and welcomed. However, he does not like being compared to President Obama. He believes his situation is very different than the current U.S. President's, and who can argue with him ?
The world needs more people like Jean Gregoire Sagbo. My goodness, DO WE. Congratulations Mr. Sagbo. You are MY HERO for the day...
He negotiates Real Estate sales in Russia. He has lived in Russia since 1982, is married and has two children. Sounds Normal, right ?
But Apparently, He in anything BUT normal. He is special. He is a member of the Town Council, and is not paid for his services. He is heavily civic minded. He cares about the people and his community, and the townspeople of Novozavidovo, Russia know it. So, in what has been the called the town's first fair and honest election, Mr. Sagbo was elected as a Councilor.
Mr. Sagbo is also African. He is the first Black person to ever be elected to a Russian political office. EVER.
He has what it takes to cross the color lines, and make people color blind. The people of Novozavidovo do not see race or color when they think of Mr. Sagbo. They just see a fellow Russian who cares about his community in a way that is necessary and welcomed. However, he does not like being compared to President Obama. He believes his situation is very different than the current U.S. President's, and who can argue with him ?
The world needs more people like Jean Gregoire Sagbo. My goodness, DO WE. Congratulations Mr. Sagbo. You are MY HERO for the day...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
