Dave's Blog

Fixing a Blackberry Roller Ball/Tract Ball. Many Agents have them, but what if they stop working!

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:15:13 -0500

Fixing a Blackberry Roller/Tract Ball

If you have a Blackberry 8830, or similar Blackberry cell phone that has the roller ball, or tract ball as some people call it, and your ball isn't working, I may have some suggestions which may help.

I found what started to be some general ideas about fixing this problem by Googling, "fix blackberry roller ball", or "fix Blackberry rollerball".

The posting I click on said to take the roller ball out of the phone by inserting a stiff and sharp needle under the silver exterior shroud that surrounds the roller ball. It suggested putting an embroidery needle under the shroud between the letters T and Y as seen on the phone keyboard.

Since I didn't have an embroidery needle handy, and to be honest, didn't know the difference between an embroidery needle and a standard needle, I use the next best thing, a pen. This may have been a mistake as I have since removed the shroud on multiple occasions with a pen and it has caused damage to some the shrouds teeth. I suggest you think twice about using a pen. The shroud has three sets of teeth that if mishandled when putting back on can become bent and cause the silver shroud to be reseated in a lopsided manner. As you pry up the shroud, note the orientation and location of the teeth. This is going to be important when you put the shroud back on.

Once you have removed the shroud tip the phone over and the roller ball and roller ball housing should drop out of the hole in the phone. If is doesn't drop out, GENTLY pry it out.

Now the fun begins! Before doing anything else, look very carefully at the configuration of the roller ball housing. You may want to take a picture of the housing unit as you take it apart.

The roller ball housing is made up of several parts. The housing consists of the roller ball, the roller ball top holder, the base unit, a silver clip that hold the top holder and base unit together and the magnetic pins. I don't know what the designer call these parts, but since I am the one taking the time to write this post, I will call them whatever I want.

Before you take the roller ball housing apart run the tip of a small needle around the top of the roller ball. There is a good chance you may be able to dislodge some of the lint or debris that is preventing the ball from moving in all directions. If the roller ball is encountering resistance in a specific direction, then this the likely spot where there the obstruction is located. In hindsight, I probably could of saved a lot of time doing this before I disassembled the roller ball housing.

If you decide to proceed and take the housing apart it is critical to put it back together the same way. Pay special attention to the bottom base unit and how it fits with the roller ball top holder. Putting these two together is the time consuming and frustrating part. It is going to take the patience of MacGyver and the dexterity of a Cirque de Soleil performer, but know that if this guy can do it, ANYONE can.

Once all the pieces are out, soak the ball in rubbing alcohol. This tip was taken from another posting I saw on the web. Take a cotton swap and clean the dirt from the inside of the roller ball top holder. I was surprised to see how much lint build-up there was on the inside of the roller ball housing. Note the picture of the needle. To the right of the needle is the lint I pulled out of the housing. Once you have removed all of the debris, start by dropping the roller ball into the upper roller ball housing. Try to keep the silver clip in its original position, as this clip, once separated from the roller ball housing needs to go back on a certain way. Trial and error finally exposed the one right way for me. Note that the silver clip and the bottom base connect and are secured by the very small wings on the silver clip that needs to be folded over in order to keep the two together.

Steps for assembly:

1. Drop the ball into the upper roller ball housing

2. Insert the magnetic pins, remembering how they were oriented when you took the housing apart.

3. Replace the base. It will only fit one way.

4. Secure the upper and lower housing using the silver clip.

5. Carefully fold the small wings of the silver clip over so the two sections stay attached.

6. Replace the reassembled housing back into the phone

7. Carefully replace the silver shroud.

Done!

One quick tip I also realized is that the roller ball housing can be taken out of the phone and rotated to provide a temporary fix which will allow continued use of the phone and its programs. The trick is to align the roller ball direction that is not working to the left directional spot. By doing this you can still go up and down and to the right. By using the back button you can return to the home page and start again if necessary.

As a Real Estate Agent, developer, and custom home builder in Southern NH, I regrettably live on my phone. I hope this helps and would love to hear any feedback. If anyone is looking for a real estate agent in Southern NH to refer business to, or knows someone who is buying or selling real estate in NH, please keep my name in mind.

Good Luck!

David Hall

Dave@Premiernhhomes.com

WWW.PremierNHHomes.com

Amherst NH Real Estate $379,421

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:22:06 -0500

Amherst NH Real Estate

Beautifully updated Amherst NH home located within walking distance to Historic Amherst Village, schools, and ball fields. One acre lot within a neighborhood setting includes new hardscape and mature plantings with deck overlooking private backyard, as well as a 3 season room and separate screened porch for ample outdoor enjoyment. Freshly painted interior boasts authentic trim detailing, new baths, 2 fireplaces and hardwood floors. This home offers a formal dining room and great flow for entertaining with family room centrally located off of eat-in kitchen. Master suite with private bath, dual sinks, walk-in closet, and easy access to additional storage. Completely remodeled upstairs bath features marble tile. First floor laundry and 4^th bedroom. Exterior updates include newer roof and high efficiency windows. For the latest in Southern NH real estate news and market trends, visit Premier NH Homes.

Bank owned pricing! No Bank owned Headaches! Mont Vernon NH Real Estate

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Sat, 10 May 2008 06:32:59 -0500

399,000 New Price Reduction
This home is not Bank owned! Priced as if it were, but without the Bank Owned Headaches! No long waiting periods to hear responses, just serious, got to sell this home pricing! All reasonable offers will be considered! New Construction! Wonderful neighborhood! Granite counters, Hardwood floors, formal rooms with detailed moldings and trim, mahogany deck, walk-up attic, walk-out lower level, privacy, abuts open space. Opportunities like this don't come very often.

Located in Mont Vernon this home is situated in a 12 lot subdivision nestled in the foothills of Southern NH.

This neighborhood is located within walking distance to Historic Mont Vernon Village. Mont Vernon is just North of Milford NH. It shares the same high school with Amherst NH. Real estate in this part of Southern NH is sought after due to it close proximity to the Massachusetts border.

Mont Vernon Real estate has often been considered a good value as it tends to be more affordable than it's neighboring Amherst NH real estate.

This home offers close to 2700 square feet of living space. There are granite counter tops in the eat-in kitchen as well as a utility prep sink located in the island. Hardwood flooring is present throughout the lower level.

The bright and airy family room features a vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace with granite surround along with hardwood and a Brazilian cherry inlay.

The formal dining room is showcased with crown, shadow boxes and chair rail moldings.

The downstairs laundry has a built in folding table along with a storage cupboard for cleaning supplies.

The stair case offers hardwood treads with a mahogany handrail and custom milled decorative spindles.

The walk up attic has been designed for future expansion. The builders have already rough plumbed all necessary line for a future furnace and connections to an a/c unit. There is power and telephone and cable runs as well. In the basement there is a full walkout slider. The builders have also roughed plumbed for additional living space in the lower level. The drain lines for a bathroom have been installed under the floor. This home features A/C, and force hot air with integrated humidification.

The lot is situated on 1.9 acres of land which slopes off to the rear. This lot is adjacent to protected open space and is stones throw from a beautiful conservation trail. This walking trail leads to the center of Mont Vernon Village and also to a 100 acre town owned piece of conservation land.

David Hall, the listing agent is a resident of Mont Vernon NH. If you would like to receive up to date MLS listings for any town in NH click on the Southern NH Real Estate for Sale. For New Hampshire and nation real estate news click this link.

Contact David Hall
Brin Realty Group
Amherst NH
Office: 603 672 2727
Cellular: 603 345 5802 (Preferred call back #

The difference between CURRENT USE and a DISCRETIONARY EASEMENT

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:13:17 -0600

Many of you I am sure are aware of current use, but many may not know what about discretionary easments. Like current use, they are designed to give tax relief to land owners while preserving the land from development. One very important difference between the two is that a discretionary easement has a time frame associated with it. Normally, not less then ten years and potenially a lot longer, land that is in a discretionary easement cannot be developed until the easment expires. This can greatly affect one's ability to use the land as they would like. Unlike current use which stays in effect until the land use is changed, Discretionary Easements cannot be withdrawn prematurely without demonstrating a severe personal hardship. And guess what? The loss of money due to an inability to build or develop is not considered a hardship. I learned this first hand. I am thankful that the piece of land I purchase had a discretioary easement which expired two years after I purchased the property. Now here's the good news. Unlike current use, when land comes out of a discretionary easment, it all comes out in its entirety and then starts to get assesed at fair market value. With current use, large parcels that are developed only come out of current use lot by lot. Instead of removing the whole piece from current use, the value of each individual lot is asses when determining the current use tax. Suppose you have a fifty acre piece of land assesed at 300k. If the whole thing were able to come out the current use penalty would be 10% of the assesed value which equals $30,000. Now take that same land and develop it into 10, five acre lots which has a value of $150,000/lot, and then see what the current use tax looks like. If based upon each indivudual lot. $150,000 x 10% = $15,000/lot. Then multiply $15,000 x 10 lots and you get a wopping $150,000.00 current use bill. So if you got land and don't want to use it for at least ten years consider a discretionary easment. Just rember once it goes in, it ain't coming out until it expires.

Luxury Home Builder in Southern NH

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:08:05 -0600

The Hall and Hall Group - Mont-Vernon, NH 03057 - Video

If you have buyers looking for a custom home builder Please keep in Mind the Hall and Hall Group. We have a great working relationship the Real Estate Community. David E. Hall is affiliated with The Brin Realty Group. Amherst NH, 603.672.2727. Cell 603.345.5802

Mont Vernon NH, New Construction for $399,000. Amherst NH School System

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:51:09 -0600

Hello, My name is David Hall. Thank you for taking the time to view my listing located at 19 Carriage Circle in the town of Mont Vernon NH. This home is situated in a 12 lot subdivision nestled in the foothills of Southern NH. This neighborhood is located within walking distance to Historic Mont Vernon Village. This picture shows how the morning commute starts for many of Mont Vernon’s Residents. This home offers close to 2700 square feet of living space. There are granite counter tops in the eat-in kitchen as well as a utility prep sink located in the island. Hardwood flooring is present throughout the lower level. The bright and airy family room features a vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace with granite surround along with hardwood and a Brazilian cherry inlay. The formal dining room is showcased with crown, shadow boxes and chair rail moldings. The downstairs laundry has a built in folding table along with a storage cupboard for cleaning supplies. The stair case offers hardwood treads with a mahogany handrail and custom milled decorative spindles. The walk up attic has been designed for future expansion. The builders have already rough plumbed all necessary line for a future furnace and connections to an a/c unit. There is power and telephone and cable runs as well. In the basement there is a full walkout slider. The builders have also roughed plumbed for additional living space in the lower level. The drain lines for a bathroom have been installed under the floor. This home features A/C, and force hot air with integrated humification. The lot is situated on 1.9 acres of land which slopes off to the rear. This lot is adjacent to protected open space and is stones throw from a beautiful conservation trail. On the plan you see here the trail is marked with the dotted line. This trial leads to the center of Mont Vernon Village.

No Showing! What do I do!

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:44:09 -0500

Does anyone have any suggestions:

The price is within the 93% list to sell range for the market.,

I am spending a ton of money on videos, print adds etc.,

I am calling local agents who have similar homes,

I am doing a bunch of other things to get the listing out to the public,

and Still no showings. This market Sucks!

Amherst New Hamphire (NH) Real Estate, under $400k

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:39:25 -0500

This 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2320 sq foot dream home in Amherst, New Hampshire awaits your arrival.

Privately situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a beautiful neighborhood, this home is set on a wooded lot.

The large backyard, over a half acre, abuts the woods for privacy. The irrigation system insures lush greenery all season long and includes drip lines in well established gardens.

A classic farmer's porch provides a comfortable and quiet place to sip your coffee in the morning.

The kitchen, with a convenient breakfast bar and walk in pantry, features mosaic tile flooring and cherry cabinets.

The convenient access to the rear deck makes moving the party outdoors during the summer months an easy task. Built in seating and a spacious deck guarantees plenty of seating for friends and family.

The dramatic dining area, with it's soaring cathedral ceiling is flooded with sunlight. Italian tile and ash wood floors can be found throughout the entire first floor.

A Hearthstone wood stove in the living and dining area creates a warm ambiance during the cool winter months.

The built in bookcases would be the perfect accent for a home office or study.

This gracious home extends its hospitality to the second floor, where the three spacious bedrooms and an office are located.

The master bedroom suite features a custom cherry and granite vanity, with stone and pebble tilework, variable speed whirlpool with heater, oversize walk in closet and off season storage unit.

This home backs up to the Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary, a living museum, featuring a 3 acre pond surround by upland oak-pine woods.

With easy access to Routes 101-A, 101, and 122., this home is also located within 5 minutes of three public golf courses, and only steps away from Souhegan High School and Amherst Middle School.

[About Amherst, New Hampshire]
[Listing Details - More about this Amherst NH home]

MLS ID# 2662565

Mont Vernon New Hampshire real estate for sale, (Amherst NH Area and school System)

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:35:57 -0500

This 6 year old, two story cape in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire is situated at the end of a leafy cul-de-sac in the Souhegan School District. It features mature landscaping. An irrigation system keeps your property lush and green for beauty throughout the season.

As you enter this home, you are greeted by a soaring entryway, drenched with sunlight. The newly finished oak flooring reflect the pride in workmanship found throughout this home, such as the built ins, surrounds, and mouldings.

The formal dining room is adjacent to the kitchen and the huge great room.

If you enjoy entertaining, you'll love this room. Perfect for big or small gatherings - and more than enough room to whip up a delectable meal in your gourmet kitchen. Solid maple cabinetry accent the luxurious granite countertops.

The masonry fireplace features an efficient Vermont Castings wood stove insert with a stainless steel liner. The solid maple built ins will show off your collections. Also included is a stereo receiver and surround sound speakers.

During the nicer weather, you can easily move your guests outside to your screened in porch for bug free conversation and dining.

Upstairs, the master bedroom, with it's soaring cathedral ceiling, features a beautiful master bathroom with jacuzzi tub.

This home features 3 large bedrooms in addition to the master.

The large bonus room features a work station and television - and would be perfect for an additional bedroom, office or home theatre.

Additional features of this home include a tool shed, window treatments, security system, 3 bay garage with direct basement access, an Oversized dual tank septic system sized for garbage disposal and Forced hot water with forced air conditioning.

MLS# 2657236

Agents Beware! Does Your Seller's Mortgage have a prepaid penalty clause?

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:11:56 -0500

I was recently at a closing, and before the closing started I was chatting with the attorneys and the mortgage lenders. The discussion revolved around the current state of the market and the fact that short sale were on the rise. The mortgage lender made a good point, one which I haven't given much thought. She pointed out that a lot of sellers who bought ARM's within the last several years, don't realize that a lot of them have provision regarding early payoffs. Some of the prepayment penalties can amount to $5,000 or more. It is a tough position to be in when you get the closing information and the seller realizes that they are either going to get a lot less money, or worse yet, need to show up at the closing with money!

Impact Fees affecting land Owners and Consumers

Dave Hall (Brin Realty Group ) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 06:25:32 -0600

New Hamshire land owners beware. There's a wave of NH towns who have been adopting Impact fees as away to offset the cost of growth.

In the town of Mont Vernon if you want to build a 4300 square foot home is is going to cost you $10,000.00 in impact fees. Newly created lots in this town are subject to an imact fee that is base upon the square footage of the house.

My question to you is this. Why does a four bedroom, 4,300 Sq.ft home need to pay nearly $10,000.00 in impact fees, while a four bedroom, 2,000 Sq.ft home pays nearly $4,600.00 in impact fees? At a tax rate of 21.66, the larger home could net the town almost $18,000.00/year in taxes while the smaller home nets the town between $5,800-$6,500/year. Where is the additional impact that the larger house generates coming from? If anything, it is a lesser of an impact on the town due to the fact it generates larger tax dollars for the town.

Is this how towns should be off setting their tax impact? Is this system flawed? First of all, why is the impact fee based on square footage? One of the primary concerns towns have, which is a legitimate one, is the impact that growth and new construction has on the school system. More development means more homes. More homes means more bedrooms . More bedrooms means more children, and thus the impact on the school system. Where is the greater impact coming from when larger more expensive homes are built? A four bedroom, 2000 sq.ft home is just as capable of having its bedrooms filled with young children.