Archives of real estate blog entries for December 17, 2009 (Page 4)

Blog posts


Naughty or Nice? - 08:05 AM
Our colleague JOAN WHITEBOOK has a green idea you may want to consider. In the post that follows, she point out, " Re-gifting makes the holidays GREEN and You can Save GREEN! " Read on...
Via Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services):
       A few years ago I went to visit my family in Oklahoma over the holidays. 
       It is a tradition of our family to gather for dinner on Christmas day. The get-together takes place my cousin's home.
      After dinner we gather around for gift giving.  One person is designated by uncle Lenn to be "Santa's Helper" and pass out a gift to a family member.  
   As a gift … (4 comments)

SHIFT, Possibility and (drum roll) KELLER - 10:23 AM
About the real estate market today, Gary Keller (the Keller of Keller-Williams) said at a meeting not long ago, "I am not going to say you are in a good situation...you are in a tough spot."   
Possibly, maybe, could "tough spots" really be challenges and/or blessings in disguise?
Keller wonders how folks really can get into telling what makes their " tough spot"  tougher than someone else's . And Keller is NOT one of the complainers. He has experienced the ups and downs in the real estate market before. He has weathered those storms. As a result, he can offer … (10 comments)

Highlights from the 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers - 06:40 AM
Interesting report of sales between July 2008 and June 2009.  Not surprising that 47% of the buyers were first time buyers.  Thanks to Jason, the report was simplified.
Via Jason Burkholder, Broker/Sales Manager, ABR, e-Pro, Lancaster Pa Homes for Sale (Weichert, Realtors - Engle and Hambright):
NAR has recently released the 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.  The report compiles the results of 9,138 surveys returned by buyers and sellers who sold or purchased a home between July 2008 and June 2009.  The surveys were sent to buyers and sellers based on deed transfers and other public records.  The complete report is … (2 comments)

Missosuri Loan Modifications - Are They Successful? - 08:47 PM
Missouri Loan Modifications - Are They Successful?
An Article from Citi Bank states that Citi Bank will halt foreclosures for 30 days during the holidays, starting on December 17, 2009.
In the article, I read that out of 100,000 borrowers in the Obama program that have signed up for loan modifications, only 270 have actually become permanent..........Citi Bank states it is a "Reporting Error". 
Hopefully, the reporting error will be corrected and we see a large increase of successful Missouri loan modifications.  I've had better luck keeping the homes out of foreclosure, by completing "Short Sales".  And our Missouri Foreclosures business is … (1 comments)

We Need Your Help!!! - 11:52 AM
My good friends Al and Peggy Cunningham are very close to hitting the 200,000 point mark.  So as my CHRISTMAS gift to them, I am re-blogging this point to help them reach that goal before the end of the day.
GOOD LUCK Al and Peggy and MERRY CHRISTMAS :) :) :)
Via Al and Peggy Cunningham Voted Best Real Estate People- Brampton (RE/MAX Realty Services Inc.):
Hello Active Rainers
Hello Active Rainers
Hello Active Rainers...
We Need Your Help!!!
Today is the day that we wanted to break 200,000 AR points.  We are going to need about 700 more points to get the … (9 comments)

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) 4.375% 30 Year Fixed - 12:32 PM

 
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) is at 4.375% for a 30 Year Fixed for the forth consecutive week.  This is the lowest that I can remember the CHFA Interest Rate being at, and the fact that it is at that rate for a forth consecutive week is amazing.
The rate gets even better if the Borrower is a Teacher, Military Veteran, Buyer purchasing in a Targeted Area, or a Police Officer in a participating town.  If a Borrower is in one of these special categories they will receive and additional .125% to .250% off the rate.
The CHFA … (13 comments)

Calumet City Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Party 2009 - 03:03 PM
The Luther East Eagle High School Choir of Lansing, Illinois performed Holiday songs at the Annual Calumet City Chamber's Christmas Party & Installation held December 8Th.
New President of the Chamber beginning the 2010 year is Yolanda Lott, who currently holds a position as Branch Manager of Bank Financial in Calumet City, Illinois.
Ms. Lott, who graciously accepted her appointment, acknowledged out-going president, Kay Cooper Boyda, and the efforts done by Chamber Directors and membership.
 
 
 Board members and Directors were sworn in to fulfil another year. 
Cindi Hall, newest member - Zoom Clean Car Wash, Diane Rice, Rice Property Management & Realty, Archie Graham of … (20 comments)

What to do with a time share? Looking for ideas... - 05:47 PM
Habitat for Humanity in Fremont County Colorado was given a time share a few years ago. Being part of the Board of Directors I've been given the experience of finding new owners for it. But what to do with it?
 
I've discovered that the time share companies are not a good option.
A few MLS will allow a time share listing however in this case there are so many available that the local agents are not excited or optimistic about listing them.
Habitat has offered to give it away but nobody seems to want it.
 
So, I'm asking for … (7 comments)

Cost vs. Value - Curb Appeal Is Still King! - 04:17 PM
REALTORS® in the South Atlantic Market, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida agree that the number one ranked Cost vs. Value project for 2009-2010 is replacing the front door!
This top ranked project also happens to be the least expensive improvement on a list of 33 possibilities... With an average Job Cost of $1,065 and the Value at Sale is estimated to be $1,562.
Since the peak year of 2005, exterior replacement projects have migrated to the top of the rankings and in a highly competitive market, where supply exceeds demand, it is wise to note that many prospective … (5 comments)

Thought For Today: Shoot For The Moon! - 12:56 PM
When you shoot for the moon, you have a great vision that can inspire you to action. Make today and every day, the day that you give each moment your best effort. Shoot for the moon and I will see you among the stars.
Question: Are you aiming for your dreams or just what you think you can get? Do you let your fear of not succeeding keeping you from truly giving your best to your business?
Quote: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land among the stars" - Les Brown
"You may be disappointed if you … (1 comments)

Real Estate Terminology: Glossary For You: E through I - 01:53 PM
In following with our previous entries, we are here including some useful definitions of terms commonly used in real estate that are often misunderstood by many consumers and even some professionals. We hope you find these helpful.
Earnest Money -- Money that is submitted with an offer to purchase which indicates a buyer's seriousness and good faith. In virtually all cases, earnest money will need to be submitted at the time of the offer and remains in escrow until the time of closing, at which time it becomes part of the down payment. Equity -- In real estate terminology, the difference … (0 comments)

Real Estate Terminology: Glossary For You: L & M - 01:57 PM
Another entry for real estate terminology... this one covers some useful terms beginning with the letters L & M... we will post the remaining terms in our nest post, and then move on to mortgage terms.
Lien -- A legal claim against a piece of property that can prevent it from being sold unless the lien is satisfied (paid off). Liens can be filed by unpaid contractors or other debtors in a legal process so that they will be paid when a property is sold. Listing -- A property for sale by a Real Estate Brokerage and Agent. Loan Origination Fee … (0 comments)

Real Estate Terminology: Glossary For You: P through Z - 02:59 PM
And for our last post on real estate terminology, before we commence another series about mortgage terms, we are now including the final letters of the alphabet... we hope you find these definitions useful...
 
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) -- Required on virtually all conventional loans with less than 20% down payment. Although the payments for PMI are included in your mortgage payment, it protects the lender should you default on the loan. On FHA loans, you will pay a MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) which accomplishes the same purpose. Points -- 1 point is equal to 1% of the loan value, … (0 comments)

Real Estate Terminology: Glossary For You: Mortgages A & B - 03:44 PM
We now commence our definitions set for mortgage related terminology, and will post as we can the definitions from A to Z... Today, we are just posting terms begining with the letters A and B. We hope you find these term definitions useful.
Adjustable Rate -- An interest rate that changes periodically in relation to an index. Payments may increase or decrease accordingly. Amortization -- A repayment method in which the amount you borrow is repaid gradually though regular monthly payments of principal and interest. During the first few years, most of each payment is applied toward the interest owed. During … (1 comments)

Getting Started with Search Engine Marketing- Free Webinar in January 2010 - 12:42 PM
Getting Started with Search Engine Marketing. Free Webinar in 2010.
Want to connect with customers looking to buy what you sell? Who doesn't?
                                                
                                               
Yahoo is having a free webinar in January 2010 where you can learn "Search Marketing Essentials". We are all looking for ways to increase our business. Even if you are a SEO Guru,I think this webinar would be helpful for you and its free. You matter how much knowledge you have,you can always learn more. You can also receive a $75 dollar credit for attending this webinar.
So to register click on this link Register today.
… (8 comments)

Home Maintenance from David L. Morton, "Your Myrtle Beach Realtor" - 11:38 AM
 
 
HEALTH & SAFETY: Safety Tips for Christmas Decorating

The holiday season is here...and with the holidays comes decorating! The following tips and suggestions will help ensure safety as you get in the holiday spirit.
Decorate only with lights that have a NOEL or U/L testing agency label. Check wires, plugs and sockets for signs of wear or defects. Remember: If in doubt - throw them out.
Do not overload outlets and extension cords. Never tie together more than three extension cords.
Be sure decorative lights used outside are approved for outdoor use.
When decorating outdoors, be aware of … (1 comments)

Fireplace Safety Tips from the Wake Forest NC House Chick - Keep it Safe! - 07:32 AM

Via Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR®/RE Strategist Wake Forest NC Real Estate and Area Info (CIRCA PROPERTIES - Your Wake Forest/North Raleigh Specialist):
Winter is the time of year for most of us that we like to light the fire in the fireplace, curl up with a good book, a glass of wine and forget the bitter cold just outside our walls. 
While fireplaces are a beautiful focal point, conversation piece and delight in the winter there are many preventative maintenance tips you should adhere to:
Your chimney should be swept annually by a qualified professional.  A qualified Chimney Sweep can be … (0 comments)

Catch the Google Wave - Win an Invite - 07:01 PM
I have several extra Google Wave invitations that I'm giving away.
If you'd like one, just sign up for my SEO newsletter. I'll randomly select 5 subscribers on Wednesday, December 23rd.
Google Wave will change the face of the Internet. The technology is astonishing! There's a video at the newsletter link (above) that shows some of what can be done with it. The guy who made the video is into programming, but it will be a wonderful tool for any business person.
 
… (9 comments)

If Rip Van Winkle Woke up Today, Would he Buy a Home? - 01:30 PM
Most of us are familiar with the tale of Rip Van Winkle who falls into a deep sleep after drinking a mysterious brew. Ever wonder what HE might say if he woke up today after a ninety-nine year nap about homeownership? It might go something like this:
What? I can buy a home for 30% less today than if I'd woke up 3 years sooner?
What? Inventory is much, much greater today than it was 3 years ago?
What? I can get these great savings, yet sellers are willing to negotiate with me because they WANT me to buy their home?
… (24 comments)

The hourly cost of Air Force One to Copenhagen – I get asked this question all the time - 12:23 AM
Assuming that flight operating costs are $59,988 per hour for Air Force One. These figures are based on the per-hour cost figures cited by GAO for fiscal year 2005, adjusted for inflation.   The is in addition to Air Force II which flies along with Air Force I, which doubles the cost to $120,000 per hour. Then there are the 3 aircraft to ferry the 3 helicopters, motorcade, marines, guards, snipers, sharpshooters and undercover agents. Figuring they are using VH-60A WhiteHawks they will need C-17 Globemasters at $8,135/hour. Just a rough stab at the cost to go/return from Copenhagen will cost us … (6 comments)

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