Well, I have to admit my business model is ever changing and I'd say 80% of my listings are Short Sales.  Some start out as a traditional listings but when it's all said and done it turns out to be a short sale. So I'm trying to make myself stand out from the Competition.  I'm considering the CDPE designation although I've already taken the SFR designation by NAR and most of my lessons have been self-taught and I'm pretty impressed with my 90% success rate of completed Short Sales.  Should I invest an additional $600 in a 2-day course ? What do you think? Can it wait? Have any of my existing or past customers asked me was i a Certified Distressed Property Expert.....Umm no.. Not to toot my own horn but I'm already a Certified Housing Counselor and Loss mitigation advisor and i've taken Neighborworks Trainings in loss mitigation and as I previously mentioned experience says it all. You learn from each one you do.. I created a flyer  boasting about my Superb Results and am implementing a 5,000 per month flyer campaign.. Ist that enough ???  Will keep you posted on my results....

So I ask you my dear real Estate colleagues to be a CDPE or not to be?  That is the question..

Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist present

HomeOwners/ HomeBuyers

Relief Initiative

WHEN:May 30, 2009

TIME:9:00 am-1:00 pm

WHERE:Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

5732-36 Race Street

Philadelphia, PA 19139

Free Giveaways, Prizes, Light Refreshments

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• ANYONE who is at risk of losing their home to foreclosure
• ANYONE is interested in learning the steps needed for homeownership
• ANYONE interested in learning about ReverseMortgages

www.PreventPhillyForeclosures.com

Philadelphia Homeowners Offered Education and Relief

State Representative Jewell Williams Joins with Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist to Announce City-wide Homeowner Foreclosure Initiative

 PHILADELPHIA, PA, - In light of the distress in the housing market, the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist (PMBR) and NID-Housing Counseling Agency (NID-HCA) of Philadelphia are planning a one-day prevention workshop to educate Philadelphia residents currently at risk of losing their homes. Joining the effort is State Representative Jewell Williams, who has pledged his support.

 PMBR is the local chapter of The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the nation's oldest minority trade association, whose goal is to ensure that all citizens have the right to equal housing opportunities under the law.

 Foreclosure Prevention Awareness Day, is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 1:30PM at the Lonnie Young Recreation Center 1100 E. Chelten Avenue- Philadelphia, PA

 Expected in attendance are Candis Pressley-Blackwood of Trinity Real Estate and president of PMBR, along with vice president Derrick Jackson. Pressley-Blackwood also spearheads the local NID-HCA as a Certified Housing Counselor and will represent their interests during the one-hour press announcement. Also in attendance will be State Representative Jewell Williams of the 197^th Legislative District.

 "We remain hopeful that the housing market will stabilize itself in the coming months," Pressley-Blackwood, who was named 2008's 30 Under 30 REALTORS® by the National Association of Realtors ® shared. "In the meantime, we will do our part to educate and support residents, and everyone who will listen."

For more information, call 267-385-7624

Ever considered a career in Real Estate? Enroll in our Pre-Licensing classes starting January 26, 2009 in convenient Mount Airy- Philadelphia, PA at the Real Estate Learning Annex. Visit www.RealEstateLearningAnnex.com or call 215-525-0138. We have convenient payment options available. Seating is limited so don't delay. Classes are held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. All Instructors are seasoned Real Estate Brokers. If you're on the fence about entering the Real Estate business consider this: There is always a need for housing and Real Estate is the backbone of our economy.

Also, the Pennsylvania Real Estate market has been very stable. For instance, in Philadelphia the average sales price of a home was $185,000 in 2007 and in 2008 the average sales price was $180,000. I love being in the Real Estate business and the various opportunities it has afforded me. Right now, as an expert in my field I have increased my education efforts not only for myself as the consummate Real Estate professional but I have also re-focused my efforts on educating consumers so they can make informed decision on buying a home. I have found this quite necessary with the many challenges in obtaining financing. I encourage you to attend our classes so you can become licensed. We will soon offer online pre-licensing courses as well as Continuing Education courses. EDUCATION IS THE KEY. Email me or call me if you have any questions

 Food for thought: Up is the movement towards possibilities.

 Candis Pressley-Blackwood Director, Real Estate Learning Annex 3212 W Cheltenham Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19150 215-525-0138 www.RealEstateLearningAnnex.com

You should contact the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist for membership information or visit www.PhillyMetroRealtist.org

Support NAR's Four-Point Housing Stimulus Plan

Support NAR's Four-Point Housing Stimulus Plan Congress may soon consider a new economic stimulus bill. Housing has always lifted our economy out of past economic downturns so it is imperative that Congress focus on housing in the next stimulus package.  We need ALL members to support NAR's efforts to have the NAR Four-Point Housing Stimulus Plan included in any future stimulus bill. Contact Congress today and ask them to include  NAR's Four-Points in the next stimulus package.    Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Your Congressperson Your Senators Below is the sample letter: Subject: Reviving the real estate market must be the focus of any future stimulus bill Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here], As a constituent and a Realtor, I ask that Congress focus any future stimulus package on reinvigorating housing markets. The current crisis is the result of problems in the nation's housing markets. Efforts to boost the economy must calm jittery real estate markets. Earlier, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) proposed a 4-Point Housing Stimulus Plan that should be part of any new stimulus package. NAR's plan would: *Make the $7500 first-time homebuyer tax credit available to all buyers and eliminate repayment requirements. The credit's limited availability and rep! ayment r equirement severely limit the credit's use and effectiveness. *Make the 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits permanent. New rules for 2009 will reduce them. Now is not the time to limit mortgage affordability. *Get the Treasury relief program back on track and target more funds to mortgage relief. Create a federal mortgage interest buy-down program to make below-market rates available and stabilize home prices. *Permanently bar banks from engaging in real estate brokerage and management. The banks have proven they have enough to do to simply manage the loan process. Banks should not manage home sales and purchases. Housing has always lifted our economy out of past economic downturns. It's imperative now to foster a housing recovery, so that the economy can recover. Thank you for your hard work. Sincerely, Candis Pressley-Blackwood Take Action! Instructions: Click here to take action on this issue or choose the "Reply to Sender" option on your email program. Tell-A-Friend: Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.  Tell-a-Friend! What's At Stake: NAR is urging Congress to include the following four provisions in any future legislation: Make the $7500 tax credit available to all purchasers! and eli minate the repayment requirement.  Make the 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits permanent.  Get the Emergency Treasury bank relief program back on track. Permanently bar banks and banking conglomerates from engaging in real estate brokerage.     Campaign Expiration Date: November 30, 2008

FHA New Loan Limits for 2009

FHA New Loan Limits for 2009:

1 unit: $379,500
2 units: $485,800
3 units: $587,250
4 units: $729,800

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 has revised FHA guidelines

NEW DOWNPAYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
As of January 1, 2009               
The single down payment requirement for all purchases is 3.5%
Closing costs and prepaid are in additions to the 3.5% down.
6% seller contribution is still allowed.

NEW MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUM
As of October 1, 2008
The up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium for all purchases is 1.75%
Monthly mortgage insurance for LTVs > 95 is .55%
Monthly mortgage insurance for 95 LTV or less is .50%

To stay informed
Contact Sandy Sims
484-802-3114
sandy.sims@ncmc.com

Fabulous rehab! Spacious, bright open, airy open floor plan- downstairs complete with maple Hardwood floors on first level. New windows on first level new kitchen complete with maple cabinets,ceramic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs complete with spacious bedrooms, wall to wall carpet, and great closet space. Newly remodeled and enlarged bathroom complete with double sinks, ceramic tile throughout. Make this fantastic home yours today. Owner is licensed in Real Estate in Pennsylvania
$159,900    Click here to view Virtual Tour