What FSBO's Should Know about Realtors - 03/23/11 08:36 AM
I recently heard about a FSBO ad in Craigslist that offered 1% to any Realtor who brought a buyer - it was called a finder's fee.  A mutual friend called to let me know about it in case I was interested.   In years gone by, these FSBOs had successfully sold two other houses on their own.  "They know all about contracts and have a title company lined up, so they are ready to do the transaction all by themselves", said my friend.  The house has been open every weekend for the last several weeks and has had at least four couples … (7 comments)

Tips for Buying a Short Sale - 03/21/11 09:18 PM
Short sales aren't for every buyer.  If you have a great deal of patience and don't have a short timeline for moving, a short sale may be a good way to find a great deal on a home.
Here are a few tips if you decide to consider a short sale:
Understand the Short Sale Process Research Market Value (your Realtor can help with this) Make an Offer somewhat below Market Value, but Not Ridiculously Low Don't Expect Concessions or Repairs Ensure that the Listing Realtor has Expertise with Short Sales Expect Approval to Take 3-6 Mos., but be Ready if it Comes Sooner … (2 comments)

Overview of the Short Sale Process - 03/18/11 08:04 AM
This chart gives an overview of the short sale process based on my experience in the last four years working with short sales.  The chart focuses on essential short sale tasks, not every step in the home selling process.

The first two stages are primarily tasks for the listing agent to complete with the seller's assistance. The next two stages are largely tasks for the lenders and can take anywhere from a couple of weeks (usually for local banks) up to 3 months (for large, national banks). Many lenders have made attempts to streamline their process and reduce the time … (5 comments)

7 Simple Ways to Help Japan Earthquake Victims - 03/14/11 08:03 AM
From Mashable.com, here are 7 Simple ways to help Japan's earthquake victims
 
… (0 comments)

Organize Your Desktop with Fences by Stardock - 03/13/11 05:06 PM
My primary laptop died on Friday.  The repair rep had bad news, so I purchased a new one for just a few dollars more than it would cost to fix the old one.  It has taken me two half-days to get the new one set up to do everything the old one did.  Luckily, I had backed up files recently and had minimal loss of data. Windows 7 makes many things very easy, but there were enough glitches that caused lengthy delays.
One new feature that was pre-loaded is Fences by Stardock for organizing the desktop.  It works  like folders for … (8 comments)

Retirees with Reverse Mortgages Facing Foreclosure - 03/09/11 09:42 AM
An article in the NY Times today says that AARP is suing HUD regarding their unfair rule changes in reverse mortgages (RM). Surviving spouses are now facing foreclosure if their name wasn't on the note.  
Even after careful research and going through the RM process, home owners may still not understand how it works.  I am not an expert and have only a basic understanding of RM, but still get calls from a friend when issues/questions arise about a reverse mortgage she got before I met her. I always refer her to a real estate attorney who has been extremely helpful in … (4 comments)

Clearwater, FL HS has Innovative Kindle Program - 03/07/11 08:13 AM
Our Tallahassee paper yesterday described a program in a Clearwater High School that, according to Amazon (supplier of Kindles), is a world-first.  Instead of heavy textbooks, students were issued a Kindle for $177 each and use it to read and study.
It's also connected to the school's internet so teachers can communicate grades instantaneously to students.  Students are pleased with the Kindles and say that it's easy to study anywhere. The program has been in effect since the fall 2010 semester and seems to be working well. Not all textbooks are digitized yet, but publishers are working on it.  Fl educators have … (2 comments)

Get Help for a House that’s Languishing on the Market - 03/01/11 07:38 AM
There's a house in Tallahassee that's been for sale for three years - and it's not a short sale. The seller has reduced the price six times, chasing the market down with reductions that came too late and weren't enough. It's actually a nice house on a large lot in a great neighborhood.  It's roomy and well maintained with gleaming hardwood floors, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and neutral wall colors. 
Besides being overpriced, the biggest problem seems to be lack of curb appeal. Its style is no longer popular and the landscaping is nondescript. At a recent open house, several … (27 comments)