Sure, foreclosures seemed to have relaxed a bit but there’s probably a very good reason for that – stalling tactics by homeowners. When the economy crumbed, people started losing their jobs, and the payments stopped on homes around the nation and the population had to think fast. Many decided the best way to temporarily weather the mortgage storm was to stall as long as possible. So, although they were unaccustomed to doing so, many Americans “lawyered up” and put their faith in legal stalling tactics. Up to now it’s worked like a charm. It’s helped people remain in their homes while they desperately search for employment to support their families. It’s also helped the government economic figures. But don’t let the fewer number of foreclosures around the nation fool you. They are not gone; they’ve just been postponed for a few months.

Unemployment continues to rise or remain at constant levels in many states and that just isn’t helping those in need of finding ways to start paying for their homes again. In Nevada, for instance, unemployment hit 14 percent. Those figures have put Nevada 4.3 percentage points above the national unemployment rate of 9.7 percent, and 0.4 point above Michigan’s 13.6 percent rate. By the way, Nevada also leads the country in foreclosures, bankruptcy filings and credit card delinquency. This is just one state’s economic situation; you can find basically the same kind of miserable numbers in Michigan, California and Florida.

There are tons of people out there grabbing up foreclosure deals like mad but the sales are rather slow for a number of reasons. Few people have the money, the credit rating or the desire to be purchasing their next dream home. Banks aren’t lending either and that’s a problem. There is an excess of worry and concern about where families will be in 6 months or a year. Empty homes are fostering vandalism and neighborhoods that were thriving a couple years ago are now quickly falling into ruin and even the homes that are occupied are losing value almost daily.

The government recently reported that new home sales in the United States plunged 33 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 300,000 units. And it was also released that more than half of all homeowners with modified mortgages fell at least two months behind in their payments just a year after the adjustment was made.

In recent months, the possibility of foreclosures continued to fester and that might be a good indication why the media hasn’t reported on it as effectively as they once did. Maybe they’re bored with this persistent problem. Glancing over the headlines on a major news reporting source this morning shows stories about a Sarah Palin public appearance, the problems with the new iPhone, a union that is apparently angry at the governor of Arizona, and the one year anniversary of the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Not one story about the current problems with the banking industry and the housing sector.

So, it’s on to the daily accounts of the Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill (at least for now), but be advised that the housing predicament still exists and is about to grab the American economy by the throat (again). And I’m just referring to the residential side of the Real Estate market; I haven’t even addressed the commercial side yet.

So, where did the mortgage problem go? It didn’t go anywhere, my friend. As a matter of fact just look next door or across the street and I’m sure you’ll find it. Wonder if your representative in Washington sees the same thing in their neighborhood? Maybe it’s time to write them and find out.

I know, most of us just think we’re much too busy these days and if we had more time in the day we could handle all of our tasks more easily and on time.  But you know, we all have the same amount of time; and some are very good at managing our daily 24 hours while others are just pitiful.

It’s a common error of many new managers to believe they can accomplish the job more efficiently on their own.  I learned a long time ago that it is much more important to train others in the organization in a specific task and then delegate.  It will do wonders for your peace of mind and for the successful completion of the task. Plus, training and delegation is important to develop a solid team spirit within the organization. 

So, where do you start? I guess the first step is accepting the fact that you could do much better when handling your time.  Don’t waste a moment during the day.  Start by;

-         Getting back to basics and write up your daily, weekly and monthly “to do” lists.  Knowing what you have to do and prioritizing the tasks is half the battle.

-         Set a deadline for each task

-         Determine which projects will you delegate and which you will do yourself

-         Make a list of the individuals who can help you complete each task…who is the right person for the job?

-         Schedule the work to be done, assign it to the person(s) involved and then move on to the next project. 

Remember, corporate management is always looking for the professional employees who can handle the job in the eight hours allotted each day.  If your deadlines are constantly being pushed forward to a later date, then how effective are you perceived to be by the corporate elite…also known as your boss.  It’s understandable that in these volatile times, as we approach 10 percent unemployment, people would want to “look” busy for obvious reasons.  But better than being busy is being productive…being creative….being efficient.  The proper management of your time (and the time of your subordinates) will help you and your company locate a path to success. 

In today’s challenging business environment, we are all being asked to accomplish more with less – fewer dollars, and, at times, fewer people.  That’s why the proper management of your time has never been more important. And remember, just because YOU think you are too busy doesn’t necessarily mean you actually are too busy.

You have a choice of how you accomplish your daily schedule but before you even start, prioritize, delegate, schedule and make it happen.  There will be some things that just didn’t seem to be important yesterday that will move to the top of the list today.  And others will disappear completely or get pushed to the back of the priority list.  Today’s daily calendar must be fluid and changeable.  We all must be prepared to turn 180 degrees at a moment’s notice, if the situation calls for it; just keep your eyes and your mind opened to the changing situation and adjust, when necessary.

Take control of your time, starting today.  Your personal level of “busy-ness” will affect your professional life and the professional lives of those around you who you are tasked to support. Remember, what you do (or don’t do) affects others. Begin taking on a creative approach to getting your job done.  Your proper approach to time management has never been more important.