<![CDATA[The Contract Offer: What Price to Start With]]>When a decision is made to make an offer to purchase a home, be sure to go back and take a second look. It is so much easier changing your mind about a home before a contract offer is made than after a contract offer is accepted and signed by the seller. This second appointment would be a perfect time to bring along others who may have an impact on a buying decision, such as parents, friend, contractor, etc.

Go through the home a second time and look beyond the owner’s décor, whether it was the home just previewed, the first one seen earlier in the day or the one previewed last week. Why? There are many reasons, but most importantly is seeing if the second look creates the same good feeling as the first, and then taking a closer look to see if there are aspects of the home missed during the first preview which may alter the decision to submit a contract offer.

So what is the right price to start with?

That depends on a number of things, such as the risk of losing the home to another buyer, how close to market value the seller’s asking price is and what is the maximum price willing to be paid for the home. As mentioned earlier, there is no cardinal rule that there must be some fixed amount that a seller will negotiate from their asking price.

Even though the current market is considered a buyer’s market, there are many properties on the market for sale where the listing price is at, or very near market value, and where price negotiation will not be as great as other properties on the market that are priced well above market value.

In fact, don’t be surprised to find that there are multiple offers being submitted and negotiated. This does occur, more often than most buyers imagine, and it happens when a seller prices their home to sell and sets a very attractive list price to attract buyers and sell fast.

When negotiating a real estate purchase offer, the seller wants to sell at the highest price and the buyer wants to buy at the lowest price! The reality is that a home will sell for what is worth, whether a seller is looking to get more or a buyer wants to pay less. Contract negotiation is all about getting agreement.

Often overlooked by home buyers at this point in the home buying process is the experience and value of their REALTOR in the contract negotiating process. In preparing to make a contract offer, a buyer needs to obtain as much information as possible, and much of that information will be provided by their buyer agent.

This is the point in time when buyers need to have trust in their REALTOR when asking for recommendations and guidance. The truth of the matter is that this is the point in time when the buyer must know and believe that their agent’s concerns are for them, and not for themselves!

An experienced buyer’s agent should prepare, provide and review a market analysis of the home and provide the history of the listing with their client when preparing a contract offer. In addition, a buyer should also a obtain a sellers disclosure if one is available and obtain additional background information about the home, such as the sellers desired closing time frame, if any offers were previously submitted or if a contract offer is currently being negotiated. This is information buyers should have when preparing to make a contract offer. Information like this is invaluable when deciding what price to offer and how to negotiate when submitting a contract offer.

So how does a buyer start negotiating to purchase a home?

That depends on the home. There are homes on the market for sale that are simply over priced, some slightly over priced, and then there are those listings that are priced to sell. There are home sellers who are pricing their home at three year ago price levels and will sell only if they get their price, there are sellers who must sell within a certain time frame and there are sellers who just have to sell.

In contract negotiations, one size does not fit all.

While there are many homes on the market, only one buyer gets to own the home in contract negotiations. A home buyer needs to decide how much they want a specific home and at what price!

D. Fialk

]]><![CDATA[New Flagstaff AZ Home On The Market]]>Flagstaff AZ Homes

836 MesaTrail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001


Wow! Great price on this 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1512 sq. ft. home in Kachina Village. This 2005 double wide has vaulted ceilings, a split floor plan, laminate flooring a huge kitchen with island, dining room combo and a stem wall so you can go with an FHA loan. Master suite features a large walk-in closet, his & her sings, separate shower and a large garden tub. Outside you will find a large lot with lots of trees and flowers and for privacy it backs Coconino County land.



MORE INFO @:


Flagstaff Homes & Land: http://www.villagelandshoppe.com Also see: Green Flagstaff Real Estate http://www.greenflagstaffrealestate.com, Flagstaff Real Estate Blog: http://www.flagstaffrealestateblog.com,  Flagstaff Homes: http://www.flagstaffhomes.net, Flagstaff Real Estate: http://www.flagstaffrealestatehomes.com, Rural Flagstaff Real Estate: http://www.yourflagstaffhomes.com


Flagstaff Arizona Listings

]]><![CDATA[Annual Building Permits Comparison for Lucas County Ohio]]>Annual Building Permits Comparison

Year # of Permits

2008 -    443
2007 -    711
2006 -    998
2005 -  1549
2004 -  1775
2003 -  1961
2002 -  1770
2001 -  1664
2000 - 1384

Contact Dee of you are in the market for new construction. There are most likely some spec homes out there very reasonably priced.

findahometoledo@gmail.com
419-794-5960
]]><![CDATA[Salishan]]>Golf

From start to finish you will be in awe of the spectacular scenery that surrounds you as you wind your way to the 18th hole. Our top caliber course is a test of skill, from the front nine holes surrounded by old growth timber, to the back nine holes that pay tribute to origins of golf with links style play. Redesigned by Oregon golf legend and PGA Professional Peter Jacobsen this par 71, course is open year round.

Our pro shop features state of the art equipment, the best in men and women’s sports wear, and a relaxing bar and grill. Let our on site PGA Professional Mark Swift fit you with a set of rental clubs or fine tune your game with a lesson on our year round driving range or practice green.

]]><![CDATA[2/2 With Water Views The Yacht Club on the Intracoastal For Rent $ 1,350 P/month]]>


A MUST SEE! GORGEOUS UNIT WITH INTRACOASTAL VIEWS FROM BALCONY AND  BEDROOMS. COMPLETELY UPGRADED SPLIT 2/2 FLOOR PLAN. STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, MARBLE FLOORS IN LIVING AREAS, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS...THIS UNIT HAS IT ALL. AVAILABLE AFTER 08/24/09GREAT REASONS FOR YOU TO WRITE UP YOUR OFFER NOW: 1 - PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU: THIS UNIT WAS PAID CASH. STABLE OWNER BOUGHT IT SPECIALLY TO RENT IT OUT. 2 -THIS UNIT COMES WITH A SERVICE CONTRACT THAT COVERS APPLIANCES, PLUMBING, A/C...3 - WATER AND CABLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE RENT. 4 - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! BUILDING IS LOCATED STEPS AWAY TO THE INTRACOASTAL AND CLUB HOUSE. 5 - COMPLETELY UPGRADED UNIT. WHAT ELSE COULD YOU ASK FOR? HAVE YOU CHECKED THE RESORT LIVING AMENITIES OF THE GATED YACHT CLUB? YOU WILL RECEIVE A FOB KEY WITH ACCESS TO GYM CLUB, THEATER ROOM, BUSINESS CENTER ...CALL NOW TO SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT! AVAILABLE AFTER AUGUST 24, 2009, WHEN CURRENT NEAT TENANT MOVES OUT.  CALL NOW KARINA LEAL AT 561-350-3503 OR email karina@lealusa.com
http://www.karinaleal.com/yachtclub
]]><![CDATA[Meet the Energy Efficient Mortgage (Energy Efficient Home Upgrades)]]>
If you are looking at buying a new home or refinancing your home and you need energy efficient upgrades you must consider the FHA EEM (FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage) for your loan. It will allow you to finance up to $8000 worth of energy saving upgrades into the loan amount so it is one loan, one closing costs and at today's low FHA insured home mortgage rates.

This loan also works in conjunction with the FHA Streamline 203(k) home renovation loan. Novation Mortgage is highly experienced in FHA home loans including the Energy Efficient Mortgage and the FHA 203(k) home renovation loan. We are located at 2501 E Piedmont Road in Marietta, GA. We are a Georgia residential mortgage licensee #20014.]]><![CDATA[Summer Safety]]>

Hi all I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. Here is something to help keep you and your family safe the rest of the summer.

Summer is a time for recreation, but it is also a time that brings new hazards. PECO encourages you to take your time to make sure children and family members stay safe and have fun at the same time during outdoor play, particularly around water or when summer storms occur.

Electricity is essential energy - it keeps us cool in the summer, lights our house, keeps the refrigerator cold, and runs the TV, stereo and computers. But you can create dangers with electricity. It doesn’t take much power for someone to hurt themselves - an adult can be killed with less than one-fifth of the electricity it takes to light a bulb.

Children often do not understand the dangerous situation that they can create with electricity. Take some time to get down and view the surroundings from a child’s vantage point to identify possible dangerous situations. For safety outdoors, PECO recommends children and adults follow these rules:

- Always assume that electrical equipment is energized. Stay away from electrical equipment on the ground and overhead. Never climb a utility pole or tower. Don’t play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment. Electrical power poles and utility equipment should never be used as a playground.
Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines aren’t touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch.

- Fly kites and model airplanes safely away from trees and overhead power lines. If a kite gets tangled in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb up to get it.

- Never go into an electric substation. Electric substations contain highly dangerous high-voltage power equipment. Don’t retrieve a toy or rescue a pet that goes inside.

- Look up and around you. Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long metal tools like ladders and pool skimmers.

Doug Mokoid, PECO safety manager, suggests adults teach what they know about electrical safety. In most instances, Mokoid said, if potential safety concerns are taken into consideration and handled proactively, accidents could be avoided. “Electricity and water can be a dangerous combination for people,” he said. “Caution children and family members about the danger of using electrical appliances in wet areas - even wet grass can create a dangerous condition.”

- Supervise the use of extension cords outside, check them carefully for exposed wires, and make sure they are in good shape, and not frayed or cracked. Use only extension cords that are rated and marked for outdoor use, and are large enough to handle the current needed for the device you are using.

- Check that the prongs on the extension cord plugs are clean, not broken or bent. Make sure the ground prong is intact in a three-prong plug, and avoid use of adapters.

- Summertime is water recreation time for millions. While enjoying water activities, don’t create a dangerous situation that will dampen your summer fun. According to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), deaths and serious shocks occur in and around swimming pools each year.

- Never touch an electrical appliance if you are wet; always dry off completely. And, never swim during a thunderstorm. If children wish to play with sprinklers or hoses, reinforce that they should be set up well away from any electrical outlets or appliances.

- Be careful using electrical appliances outdoors. Whether it is a bug zapper, an electric charcoal lighter, or a radio or CD player, caution must be exercised. Use battery operated, rather than electrical, appliances near swimming pools. Keep electronics and electrical appliances and tools at least 10 feet away from pools, ponds and wet surfaces.

- Be sure you use outlets that have weatherproof covers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to prevent serious shock injuries. Any electrical outlets within 20 feet of a pool or spa should be equipped with a GCFI, or ground fault circuit interrupter. Use portable GFCIs for outdoor outlets that don’t have them.

- Never install pools underneath or near power lines. Watch for and stay away from overhead power lines when cleaning pools, sailing or fishing. Pools and decks should be built at least 5 feet away from all underground electrical lines, and at least 25 feet away from overhead electrical lines.

- Summer is often a peak season for one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena-lightning. That is why the National Weather Service has adopted the saying: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the area in which it is raining, even if you don’t see clouds. This means that if you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance.

“If thunderstorms and lightning are approaching, the safest location is indoors away from doors and windows with the shades drawn. Stay away from water, electric appliances and other objects that could conduct electricity, and use only cordless or cell phones to make emergency calls,” said Mokoid. Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the U.S.

A direct strike is not necessary for lightning voltage to enter your home through phone lines, electrical wires, cables and plumbing. Turn off and unplug appliances well before a storm nears - never during. Don’t expect a surge protector to save appliances from a lightning strike, unplug it as well. More information on lightning safety can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

]]><![CDATA[New Home for Rent in Sandy Springs]]>

Home for Rent in Sandy Springs GA 30328

Lease Purchase $4,200 per month, 3% down, 12 months lease

6254 Ferry Drive, Sandy Springs GA 30328

New Custom home for Sale in Sandy Springs Deluxe kitchen in this custom new home for sale in Sandy Springs Executive dining room in this new home for sale in Sandy Springs, Reduced homes for sale in Sandy Springs
Home listings in Sandy Springs, lease purhcase hoems in Sandy Springs home listings in Sandy Springs, Search for homes ofr sale in Sandy Springs Executive Homes for sale in Sandy Springs, agent listing foreclosure homes in Sandy Springs
Homes for sale, Owner financing homes in Sandy Springs, commercial real estate in Sandy Springs REo properties in sandy Springs, Short sales, foreclsoure homes ENw homes for sale in Sandy Springs, REal eState agents, Land for sale in Sandy Springs
Luxury Home for sale in Sandy Springs.- Custom Building Group LLC a premier home builder in Sandy Springs has an executive home for sale at a drastically reduced price, builder will accept an offer at its cost, this home is priced at $732,500 which is below the builder costs, great opportunity to move your family to a great school district in Sandy Springs (Heards Ferry Elementary School). the level of trim, the craftsmanship and the quality of work is unmatchable by other builders in this area, buyers in Sandy Springs are encourage to visit some of the other homes for sale in Sandy Springs in this price range and compare to our product, at this price we are sure no body is going to come close to our product. This home offer 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, full basement wit a partially finished area, hardwood floors thru out the main floor, bedroom on main floor, huge kitchen with lots of custom cabinets and Stainless steel appliances. The 3 car garage with a side entry, 2 fireplaces and custom designed deck makes this home a unique opportunity in Sandy Springs. Below is a list of news homes for sale in Sandy Springs with the same price range, please take a look and compare prices and details to our executive home, if you find one that you want to see it, call me, I will show you that property and point out the differences, and the costs associated. This home is located in the Hearth of Sandy Springs, within walking distances of shopping centers, close proximity to the major Hospitals serving Atlanta, good public schools serve this community, the amenities in the community are: large swimming pool, and lighted tennis courts. If you are in the market to purchase a home in Sandy Springs but for financial reasons, credit issues, or due to the slow economy, you are unable to purchase now, we could lease purchase this home to you, the lease purchase terms are as follows: 3% of the sales price for down payment, a lease for 12 months, and $4,200 per month or we can calculate the monthly payment based on your loan amount and credit worthiness.   To the Executives, relocating to Sandy Springs, this home will meet and exceed your expectations, not only the detail, but, also the proximity to the fortune 500 corporation in Sandy Springs, we are located within 10 minutes from the following corporations: UPS, Newell RubberMaid, Oracle, Microsoft, Beazer Homes, and Mirant. Don't pass this opportunity to own a custom built home in Sandy Springs at a builder's cost, call me for an appointment. Telmo Bermeo 770-309-6417

About America's Network Realty Group, Inc

.

America's Network Realty Group Inc. was established in 1992 in Dunwoody GA. Today we are still in the same location and have retained many of our original Real Estate Agents. About 10 years ago we saw the benefits of the Internet, and established a website to market all of our listings. Our website address is www.kstrealty.com

Due to our continued efforts of updating and monitoring of our website, we have ranked in the first page of all the major search engines. The website has proven to be the main source of our leads and sales. Our lead management software is unique to our business model allowing us to manage and follow up all our website leads. We are constantly overwhelmed with calls, appointments and inquires from our website. we manage one of the largest databases with buyers, renters, builders, and sellers in Atlanta over 10,000 and growing daily.

Renting Your Home!

Nee to rent your house in the Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Marietta, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Kennesaw, and anywhere in the Atlanta Metro Area, let the experts in renting help you. Re run credit check, criminal background, rental and employment history on all Tenants that we rent houses. Our Number is 770-551-5858



]]><![CDATA[Welcome Ocean City Maryland Talk Blog]]>My blog has been made over, and I launched it on July 1st in honor of my blog's 1 year anniversary. You know everybody needs to get freshened up now and then! Please welcome "Ocean City Maryland Talk"!

As always, my blog will be chock full of great information having anything and everything about Ocean City, Maryland…… Fun happenings at the beach, special events, concerts, news, great restaurant scoops, sporting events and much more.

Welcome “Ocean City Maryland Talk”.  I’m excited…come and check out my “new look”. I hope you’ll find all the resources that you will need for fun times and news at the Beach!

Let the Sun Shine…oh baby… let the Sun Shine In!!!

]]><![CDATA[Asheville Real Estate-Early Numbers for June 2009]]>The early numbers indicate homes sold in June were down 12% from the previous year after 4 of the last 5 months had seen sales down over 30%. When compared to May numbers were up 40%. The number of homes sold in June compared to May over the last several years: +11%(2005), +13%(2006),+8%(2007), -7%(2008). Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Preliminary June 2009 vs June 2008
Number Homes Sold -12.40% 431
Total Dollar Volume -20.19% 100,915,797
Average Listing Price -7.97% 249,099
Average Sale Price -8.89% 234,143
Average Days on Market +22.00% 142

Per the WNCRMLS as of 7-3-04

 

Searches on YOUR TERMS!


Please review our new Asheville Real Estate website. Search for foreclosures, short sales, green built, single level living, mountain view or any term that interest you. Just go to the advanced search page and type your search term into the remarks field.

Other than pricing, staging a home properly is the most critical step in the home selling proccess. We offer a FREE Home Staging service (by a nationally accredited Home Stager) for our furnished listings. For more information about Home Staging go to Staged Homes of Asheville.

]]><![CDATA[How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell]]>
I am here to hammer it home.

Here are THREE BASIC tips that will dramatically increase your chances of selling your home. They might even increase your bottom line, without spending a dime!

Tip 1. Get Lost. Vamoosky. Begone.  This means you Mr. Homeowner or Mr. Tenant.  The buyers want to make fun of your house. They want to look in your closets.  They want to discuss the home's potential while they are there.  This is not bad. It means he has an opiinion, and might be trying to make a case for his offer.  If you are there 9 times out of 10 they will say "You have a lovely home..." and leave. This is because generally people are too nice to say things like "What in the name of Steve made you stick on a toadstool-themed ceiling border??" and "What's with the Pee-Wee Herman furniture?"  It doesn't mean they don't like you or your house.  Well, ok, it might mean that, but isn't it better not to wonder why you are getting no offers when clearly everyone thinks your home is lovely? Your Realtor's job is to get HONEST feedback.  He/She will deliver this to you in the method they have best chosen to create the desired result.  For instance, "The other agent said they didn't like the busy road/thought it needed too much work/thought your decorator was the Marquis De Sade.  I cannot stress this enough - GET LOST!

P.S. - This also includes Grandma/Grandpa (urine and dementia are NOT sexy), any unemployed relatives or those that are "temporarily living in your basement) (most people feel that "loserdom" is contagious) (This can also be a handy excuse to get them to go look for a job) and Spot (Not everyone is a dog person. Even if they are, there are levels...I have relatives who actually carry baby wipes and clean the dog's bum after his business because the idea that the Lord did not include a handy flap over the offending body part is considered an evolutionary faux-pas). Oh - and do NOT, I repeat - DO NOT - have the angelically cute youngsters give the tour either.  I once had a five-year-old tell a buyer "My daddy said you wouldn't see the hole he burned in the rug until we move."

Tip 2. You have too much stuff and half of it is crap. Maybe more than half. Don't use your own judgment, 'cause the same judgment led you to accumulate this crap in the first place.  Rely on your Realtor.  Rest assured that when he or she tells you that "The counters are a bit cluttered" they mean "If you don't get rid of the old appliance museum you will be living here until YOU become an exhibit." Also - you might think that the refrigerator art and Wall-O-Family-Photos are nice, homey touches, but mostly they remind people of painful experiences in their own lives (i.e. Wedding Photo: "I looked happy in mine too, until the b%^#tard bought a Harley and left me for his secretary..." - You get the idea. Bottom line: There should be no sign that anyone has performed any human function in the home.

Tip 3. If you are not getting offers and and there does not appear to be a good reason it is because you are in denial.  THERE IS A GOOD REASON.  Nope, not the economy. We've always had an economy of some sort. There is only one reason that a reasonably well-marketed home does not sell.  Note that I said "reasonably well-marketed".  Your Realtor does not have to take out a prime-time television ad, a page in the NY Times, hire a celebrity spokesperson and drop leaflets from a crop duster. The Internet (Lots), some print, calling in market area, open houses, word-of-mouth and some mailings will do nicely if you are PRICED correctly. Here is some homework if you do not believe your Realtor when they tell you to either put on a new roof (or paint, or update) or reduce the price: Take several pictures of the roof (or paint or update).  Go to the Realtor's office. Do two things. 1) Sit there all day and whenever a Realtor or Buyer walks through the door whip out the pictures and  ask "Would you pay $494,900 for a house with this roof (this paint, this kitchen, these baths?)?" Jot down the answers.  If they say "No", ask "How much would you pay?"  If they answer this question immediately whip out a binder and a pen (old trick, but effective).  2) Have your Realtor pull up a list of recent comp sales and those that have gone pending.  Drive over and look at the roofs (paint, updates). Look at your photos. Look at the comp roof (paint, updates). Look back at your photo. Repeat until convinced. Sigh. Look one last time. Sigh again.  Call roofer (painter, contractor). (Easier still - call your Realtor and tell her/him to Lower the Price to match what you have to offer).

Now I know that some of you are saying "Sure Janine, you'd like that wouldn't you? You wouldn't have to do a darn thing then, just sit back and rake in your nice, big, fat unearned commission."  If this were possible I'd be doing it after all this time.  However, realize that it is 8:55 p.m., I'm still at the office and have no immediate plans to leave and you are probably home with your 2nd or 3rd Margarita, Tonic or Cup-O-Tea.  I've rifled through the office fridge and found a wrinkled apple, a packet of duck sauce and an old jar of Skippy's Extra Crunchy, date-of-birth unknown, and made a dinner out of it so that I could answer buyer and seller questions after a day that began at 5:00 a.m.  And if that doesn't convince you that being a Realtor is not as easy as you think, I invite you to stop by my office tomorrow and hear my seller's respond to this blog entry.  It won't be pretty. But it will be pretty fun. Please bring food though.

Well, that's enough for today. I've ranted myself out for now.  There's more, but it will have to wait. I have clients that need a remedial talking-to. Bye for now! - Janine]]><![CDATA[July 2009 Real Estate Update and Tips]]>Here is a link to my "July Real Estate Update":

http://realtytimes.com/128/hs_realtybob

This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.

This month's issue includes topics such as:

"The Contract Offer: What Price to Start With";
"Campaign To Extend and Expand Housing Tax Credit";
"Going Green May Help Sell Your Home";
"Housing Starts Are Up Again";
"Selling Your Home May Be Influenced by What Buyers Can't See";

Plus a roundup of June real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.

I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too!
Please let me know if I may be of help to you, your family or your friends, with any real estate questions or services.

Sincerely,
Bob Brandt 
Re/Max Suburban
2311 W. Schaumburg Rd.
Schaumburg,IL. 60194
Office Phone 847-985-7050
Direct Line 847-230-7303
Out of area toll free 800-637-9345
Fax     847-985-8029
bob@realtybob.com 
www.realtybob.com
]]><![CDATA[APARTMENT SHARING]]><![CDATA[House Hunting]]>
Wish me luck!

Peter]]><![CDATA[HOUSE FOR SALE IN CLIFTON, VA - Only $527,500]]>A 1986 colonial-style home notable for its large MB w/cathedral ceiling, palladium window,&fabulous stained-glass windows. This home is located on a corner lot (8,866s/f) on a cul-de-sac where children can play safely. Upgraded to efficiency gas heating, water heater, and air conditioning which offer many years of ease, savings and comfort. Enjoy breakfast every morning in the sun-lit kitchen with a nook and built-in desk. Drive home and enter a finished garage w/newly painted floors. Have cook-outs&fun on the freshly painted 16X14 deck with built-in benches and a Jacuzzi hot tub. You will love the beauty and cleanliness of this home! This could be the best buy in the area. For slide show go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp0OwGEyL2o 

SELLER IS OFFERING $20,000 FOR REDECORATION, IF PRICE OF HOME IS ACCEPTED AS IT IS POSTED ($527,500) TO BUYERS WITHOUT A REALTOR. BUYERS REPRESENTED BY REALTORS CAN ONLY COUNT ON 2% DISCOUNT AND REALTORS 2%. For views, please, call: 703) 585-1203 or e-mail:  bkprovig@msn.com

]]><![CDATA[Why I Believe Florida is Such a Great Place to Live, Work, Play]]>

I enjoy reading regional business magazines, such as Florida Trend because, for me, they re-ignite the excitement I hold for Florida’s economic and cultural future—especially  where I live, work and play in South Florida. 

 

A two-page advertisement in June’s  Florida Trend  promotes the “Roadmap to Florida’s Future.”  Of course, I couldn’t resist and visited their website and was rewarded with invitations to upcoming planning forums to be a voice in the economic development priorities for specific Florida regions such as my own southeast sector, and was offered the full 48 page 2007-20012 Strategic Plan for Florida’s Economic Development.  There is much, much more to view on the site, but today I want to outline the Strategic Plan for you.  If you live in South Florida, or are planning to move here, this information is incentive enough to call Florida, home.

 

The plan begins with five Priority Recommendations for Florida:

 

1.    Build World Class Talent – beginning with a concentrated curriculum in K-12 grade schools, establishing industry driven, regionally focused workforce education and investing in university research.

2.     Ensure Business Climate Competitiveness - by addressing insurance issues, affordable workforce housing, and strengthen the competitive business climate with tax credits and incentives for innovation and productivity.

3.    Promote Sustainable Development to Ensure Florida’s Superior Quality of Life -  by promoting smart growth and land management, improve Florida’s multimodal infrastructure to assess mass transit needs including seaports, airports, trucks and railroads, assess long-term growth needs to consider private means of support in place of government, and provide innovative transportation solutions for “speed to market” services for businesses.

4.    Invest in Florida’s Innovation Economy – with world-class research institutes and facilities, innovative economy legislation from the governor and legislature, promote entrepreneurship and capitalize on emerging technology opportunities,  and addressing the need for seed and venture capital in Florida.

5.    Establish Florida as a Pre-eminent Global Hub – by addressing Homeland Security restrictions on Florida port and trade cities, promote International branding from increased, positive perceptions received from international business executives, by capitalizing on free trade agreements, expanding non-traditional export markets, increasing foreign-direct investment in Florida and global marketing.

 

This just skims the details.  For more detailed information, please visit www.eflorida.com/Roadmap, and see how clear Florida is on its future.  Welcome to my back yard!

 ]]><![CDATA[Katy Texas Subdivision and Master Planned Community Series: West Memorial]]>We receive many requests from first time buyers and out of State transferees for neighborhoods that have prices they can handle, schools within walking distance, close to work (main highways), and near shopping and medical facilities. This would be a tall order in any area but we may have just the right neighborhood they are looking for right here in Katy...and it is called West Memorial!

West Memorial is a small (by Katy standards) subdivision conveniently located just south of I-10, west of Mason Rd, and north of Kingsland Blvd. It is bordered to the west by Governor's Place (a higher end subdivision of larger homes). The homes in West Memorial are older (by Katy standards), all built in the 1970's and 1980's. The majority of the homes are one story and usually range in size from 1500sqft up to about 2500sqft. The price range for homes in West Memorial run from just under $100,000 to about $150,000.

Many residents in West Memorial chose the neighborhood because of the Elementary and Jr High School campus that is situated in the center of the subdivision. These schools are within walking distance of virtually the entire community. The pool, park, and meeting clubhouse are quite nice...and for the use of West Memorial residents (an extra charge for the pool applies each year).

The proximity to amenities is what sets West Memorial apart from many competing neighborhoods. It is just minutes away from the new Memorial Hermann Hospital, the Katy Mills Mall, the Houston Energy Corridor, and the Mason Rd shops and stores.

For Questions about West Memorial or any of our fine Katy Subdivisions please call or e-mail Team DiMuria at 281-492-5916 or jeffreydimuria@garygreene.com

Team DiMuria can be reached on the web at: www.KatyHomeFinder.com

Map of West Memorial

]]><![CDATA[Why Buying Foreclosures is like eBay These Days.]]>


Anyone trying to buy a home in San Jose, roughly around the $200-230K price range, knows this and knows it well.

The word “foreclosure” on a listing almost guarantees double-digit multiple offers.  And not low-value double digit numbers like 10 or 11. Pfft! Child's play!  In the last week, while pursuing homes for some of my buyer clients, I have seen the following:

  • 31 offers
  • 70 offers
  • 21 offers (and the winning offer was lower than my client’s offer, but was all cash)
  • 60 offers (12 being all cash)

Of course I have yet to see anything "beat" the one that had 89 offers.  Kudos again to the Bocage Team from Keller Williams for using Twitter as a good method of communicating to buyers' agents the updates on their listings.

It’s like having the word “Foreclosure” on a home for sale is now a competitive advantage.  Got a foreclosed listing in San Jose? Doesn’t matter what kind of shape the house is in, you’ll probably get more than a few offers. 

Simple fact is, the prices for some areas have now become attainable for first-time home buyers (which is a GOOD thing for our economy, both on the local level as well as the big picture) as well as real estate investors with a long term perspective. “Flippers”, those people who made it look oh-so-easy on HGTV, are a rarity today – thank goodness!

But you gotta set your expectations properly at this price point in the market.  It’s not like the condition of any of these homes is anything near mediocre.  As they say in consumer goods, “your results may vary”, but for me my verbal reaction when walking into any foreclosure always ranges from “oh…this is in ‘ok’ condition” to “holy crap how could someone leave a home in this condition”.  Five words that unfortunately I don’t think you’ll hear me say any time soon in a foreclosure “wow, this is really nice”.  Buyer beware!



]]><![CDATA[Countrywide Loan Modification Application Important Tips To Help Prepare your Forms]]>Frantic homeowners trying to get a lower mortgage payment may be able to get relief with a loan workout.  The first step is to complete a Countrywide loan modification application so the bank can determine if you might be eligible for assistance.  But don't rush into completing your forms until you know the basic requirements for approval-here are some important tips that will help you prepare your application and possibly increase your chances of approval.
Countrywide loan modification application Tip #1:  Spend a few hours learning the basics of what the lender is looking to see from you in order to approve your loan workout.  It just makes sense-how can you hope to qualify for something unless you know what the requirements are?  There are certain approval guidelines that you must fit into-how do you prove to the lender that you meet those guidelines?  On your application forms!  So, be sure to learn about the bank's approval guidelines in Chapter 2 of the best selling handbook for homeowners, The Complete Loan Modification Guide.
Application Tip #2:  Get organized-clear off the kitchen table and gather all of the required documents.  You will need all of this information so you can complete the Countrywide loan modification application accurately.  Items like your paychecks, bank statements, credit card statements, etc. will help you fill the forms out correctly.  You can use a hand document checklist provided in Chapter 10 of The Complete Loan Modification Guide so you know you have everything you need.
Tip #3:  Figure your debt ratio and determine your target payment.  What is a target payment?  This is what your goal is-a payment you can afford and one that meets Countrywide's guidelines.  This is not difficult-you can use the easy to follow directions provided in Chapter 3 of The Complete Loan Modification Guide and the mortgage tables in Chapter 10 of this indispensable handbook. 



You can get the help you need to apply and qualify for a Countrywide loan modification by ordering the best selling handbook for homeowners, The Complete Loan Modification Guide. This is a low cost, easy to read, home edition loan mod kit that will provide you with everything you need to prepare a professional and acceptable loan modification application. You are provided with all of the necessary forms and given detailed directions on how to complete them properly.

The Complete Loan Modification Guide will take you step by step through calculating your debt ratio, completing the financial statements, writing your hardship letter and then putting it all together to submit to your lender. Learn how to qualify for the Obama Federal loan modification plan. Need help completing your loan modification forms?  Find out about our Customer Assist program-you work one-on-one with your very own expert to make sure your application is completed correctly. Get started today on the path to secure home ownership, order The Complete Loan Modification Guide, your loan mod in a box. For more information about mortgage loan modification, please visit us at: http://www.myloanmodificationcenter.com

]]><![CDATA[Open House Attendance]]>In the past year, I have held open houses at various times during a weekend.  One on a Saturday morning, four on Sunday afternoons and two on a Saturday afternoon.  Of all these open houses, I have had a sum total of 5 people show up.  I post the open house notice on our local MLS which broadcasts to several locations on the internet.  I also placed ads in our local newpaper and mailed post cards to the neighbors but nothing seems to be working. I offered refreshments as well!

My dilemma ... how do you get people to walk through your doors during an open house?  What makes you, the consumer, want to attend an open house?]]>