Where are all the WHO's ? HUD is helping New York families.

If it's not WHAT we know but WHO we know. 

 Then where are all the WHO’s in our time of need?

 Unlike the Grinch who lives in a cave with no mortgage payments. In the real word we have mortgage payments, property taxes and the cost of maintaining our home.

We have also named our disasters, most recent hurricane Sandy! A devastating event that has caused damage for homeowners who are struggling to maintain a since of sanity in a time where it's not that easy to make the mortgage payment. What is the next step? How do we build up enough courage to re start yet again? I can tell you the process is not easy. 

In a world where it’s not WHAT you know but WHO you know I am hoping the WHO’s of the world will step up to the table and offer support.

Now that the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has shown us her worst  communities across New York have come together to show support for our fellow neighbor. As Americans w have shown in our darkest hour we are ONE!  As Americans we are standing together and giving each other a glimmer of hope and humanity for each other. 

I work with homeowners everyday, with non- profit organizations I understand the struggle Americans endure on a daily basis just to maintain a roof over their head. A need to have a stable home, somewhere to go each and every day to escape the cynicism of the daily grid we call making a living.

 I recently attended the AREAA (Asian Real Estate Association of America) convention in Las Vegas. HUD Sectary of State Shawn Donovan was speaking. I was impressed with his heartfelt speech about helping and the implied

 offerings of assistance to struggling homeowners. His outpouring of emotion moved me.

As I was sitting in the audience of real estate professionals, some with tears streaming down and some nodding and clapping in joy for his words of encouragement I couldn’t help but wonder, would he really make a difference?  His ambition to make a difference telling the story of meager beginnings was encouraging. When I left the convention that day I didnt think I would be hearing from the Shawn Donovan.  I was surprised to read the release on October 30^th, 2012. HUD one of the WHO’S of the world has stepped up to the table. HUD is offering assistance to the Americans in New York struggling through the destruction of Hurricane Sandy.

According to the HUD’s website www.hud.gov the state of New York has the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief.  This will allow millions of dollars to expedite the repair and replacement of damage housing.

A 90- day moratorium of foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosure of FHA insured home mortgages. In section 108 HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.  HUD 203k loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. 

I am happy to hear that HUD has offered a solution on what they can do to help the communities and regain a since of normality. The WHO’s have stepped up to the table and offered a helping hand.  Thank you to Secretary Shaun Donovan!

While the everyday struggles have not completely gone away it has become easier when HUD sits at the table. America unites in times like these! We are strong and proud to be Americans who help one another. It sure feels good when someone out there has our back. Living on an island alone is sad and offers no hope. Thank you to the men and women and children of America who have come together! Perhaps other companies such as food distributors or water companies will take the lead and help with bottle water and food for the homeless. 

United we stand-  Divided we fall... take care! 

Changing Careers at 45 years old

In my opinion networking is a professional way to make friends. Could I make new friends, network and change careers at my age?



For 18 years I owned a model home cleaning company, it served me well. I was able to stay at home with the kids and fulfill my inner creative side. Some would call it OCD!
At the age of 45, I changed careers as the economy was changing and it was time for me to move on. I had been inspired by articles featuring people making “mid-life” career changes and thought, I can do that. What surprised me more is I am actually in “mid-life”; the changing careers part was exciting.

Networking is something we have done our entire lives. From developing friendships on the first day of school to standing in line at the grocery store. You know the drill, standing in line at the store, we see what others are buying and before we can process the information, we actually say something. That, my friend is communicating and a type of networking. As we get older our level of communication develops into professionalism where we want to work with like-minded people.

My new career with my husband is in his contracting company. I am the new networking girl, I would prefer to be the new Bond girl but I already told you I was 45, so that’s out.

Before you start thinking, she’s working with her husband: this can’t go well, let me say that Wally and I are actually complete opposites. He is the Clint Eastwood of our family. He is the strong reliable type, the personality that does not falter, the rock of the family. And well, I am just NOT! The anything is possible person, the one that thinks she can start up a business with no money and no experience because she found an interest. That’s me, baby! I am a fly by the seat of my pants type. (Pretty Woman reference)

I must confess though, I was a little nervous starting my new position. How was I going to get to know our clients? I first reached out to our current clients, looking for an opportunity to understand their culture and how we could help each other in business.
 If I was going to contribute to the company, acquiring further information about the Real Estate market would be essential. Friendship development and strong business relationships happened at events held for Realtors.
This approach worked, but I needed more information about national markets. I wanted to stay ahead of the competition and meet the market where it was rather than chasing to keep up.

Joining national Real Estate organizations such as AREAA and NAHREP would be my next networking move. By joining national organizations, it provided me access to information I would have not received staying in my comfort zone. Information learned at events would allow the company to be in the forefront of the changing market. I would network with a variety of individuals, which opened the door for additional business opportunities. This was working for me, I could network my style and the Knipp name was getting out there. I might be good at my new “mid-life” career.

   Getting the Knipp name out there would further require a new approach to my networking skills. I was attending events almost every day; I was getting tired. I had fun but I wanted to learn more about the current market. That’s when I found out about national conferences. I could travel and learn, wow! I love my new job.

National conferences are designed to help businesses understand where the market is going and how to plan for the upcoming changes. I was able to update clients with current changes as well as adjust with the market.
Of course this was not enough to sustain business relationships, follow up with the connections made was part of my routine. Writing a little note to my clients made them feel important. I am old school and yes!, snail mail is still important!
Social media makes it easy to stay in touch too; short messages on Facebook or Twitter keep the networking relationship fluid. I’m cool like that.

        I have much to learn still, finding unique or out-of-the-box ways to connect with your target market is fun and can keep you ahead of the competition.  For example, Contractors are not known to show up at Real Estate events. I felt if I was going to connect with my clients, why not do it where they are comfortable? I have shown up at RE/MAX national conferences. By the way, they are fun, informative and very motivating.

With only a year into my new position I have more to learn about marketing and networking. I hope Knipp Contracting is a company you have heard about and have worked with.

I will be attending the AREAA National Convention in Las Vegas, September 23-25th at the Bellagio. Ask me questions and meet my husband Wally! I am looking forward to learning more about investing in homes and how to grow my business. I'm also excited to see HGTV’s the Property brothers, I think they should add a third person, ME!



Don’t forget, most home buyers look for their next home online before they call a Realtor. Are you on YouTube yet?



(Out of the box approach,  when posting an update on Facebook video it instead).



That’s how I changed careers at the age of 45; it was fun, hard work and made me go outside my comfort zone. I wish you the best of luck and remember to have fun and be yourself. Don’t forget to find me at the AREAA national conference September 23-25 in Las Vegas. For registration and more info, visit www.areaa.org/convention.



Should you have any questions you can tweet me @knippcontract or Facebook fan page 


Good luck and happy networking.

Wendy Knipp

How to grow my real estate business?

Why would a contractor join an Asian Real Estate group? Because I am Asian? No! I am not! The truth is Knipp Contracting belongs to the Asian Real Estate Association of America (www.AREAA.org) because of their dedication to sustainable homeownership and community stabilization. This group is dedicated to the education of the real estate community so more people can be helped. AREAA has worked hard to ensure homes are saved and lives are not disrupted because of the economy.

From a business stand point, the connections I have made through this organization has helped our business grow well beyond our expectations. The main banks support AREAA and friendships are formed, making it a perfect opportunity to get cutting edge information.

Staying ahead of the competition is what we all want and AREAA has helped me with do just that. With the connections and education I have received we are forging forward beyond the competition.

Don't just take my word for it. The 2012 AREAA National Convention will be in Las Vegas September 23-25th at the world-famous Bellagio resort. Come see for yourself!

Check out www.areaa.org/convention and find out what cutting edge educational sessions you can attend this year. Beyond the REO world you will learn about working with investors and how to sell the "not so perfect" home

2012 AREAA National Convention

September 23-25, 2012 | Bellagio Resort | Las Vegas

The 2012 AREAA National Convention is the largest national event that focuses on professional development for real state practitioners who have a passion for creating home ownership opportunities for Asian American consumers.

By attending this event, you will renew your commitment to being a leader in your market, reinvent your business and marketing strategies, and reconnect with like-minded professionals who will inspire you to succeed.

HGTV's Property Brothers to Headline Keynote Luncheon

Looking forward to having a conversation with these two!  What kinds of information can I get to help me in Contracting. 

Resister today for this cutting edge Convention. Renew! Reinvent! and Reconnect

 Watch your business grow!

Enter the code KC1 and be entered into a drawing for a free registration, a $349.00 value