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Coldwell Banker gives back to community

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By Bill Chastain, Special Sections correspondent

Published: December 30, 2007

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate officials say a home is more than the largest financial investment you will make in your lifetime. It's also where you build a life, raise a family, participate in a community and create traditions that last a lifetime.

"So much has been made over the past few years regarding the value of homes measured in financial terms only," says Cathleen Smith, senior vice president for Coldwell Banker. "Of course, home buyers and sellers should care about the value of their real estate investment, but it is equally important, if not more so, to look at a home's intangible value. For the vast majority of homeowners, a home represents a place where memories are created, milestones reached and friendships forged."

While Smith says home-buying decisions should be based on many factors, she cites several reports that show home ownership can help build wealth. According to a National Association of Realtors report on existing home sales, on average the value of a home nearly doubles every 10 years and a Federal Reserve survey of consumer finances reports that on average a homeowner today has 36 times the wealth of the average renter.

"Homeownership is key to climbing up the economic ladder," Smith says. "When you own a home, you're essentially paying yourself and building up equity. Not to mention the tax deductions only owners can claim, such as property taxes and mortgage interest."

In an effort to share the American dream of homeownership, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Cares, the charitable arm of Coldwell Banker Residential, is a co-sponsor of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program. Women Build is part of a nationwide program that encourages the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes. They hope to dedicate the home in time for the holidays.

The home is for Pamela Yauch and her two children.

"I am truly thankful for all that Coldwell Banker is doing for me and my family and so happy about being able to provide a great future for my kids," Yauch says.

The sponsorship check recently was presented at the Women Build Kick-Off Pep Rally at the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel. This is the second Habitat for Humanity home that Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Cares has sponsored in Pinellas County in the past two years and the 15th home the company has sponsored in Florida since 2005.

"Habitat for Humanity is an outstanding organization and the Women Build enables women to participate and feel comfortable learning skills they might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn," Smith says. "I am so proud of [Coldwell Banker's more than] 1,000 sales professionals throughout the Tampa Bay region for their support of our Cares foundation and this rewarding initiative."

Coldwell Banker has offices in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. For information, visit www.floridamoves.com or call 1-800-624-5292.

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