David Lewis's Blog

Here They Come

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:47:31 -0700

We now see the big flood of investors in the real estate market. Where did they come from? They we in the gutters waiting for their time to strike. There is an unbelievable demand for housing in the SF Bay Area. Every listing gets multiple offer's. Buyers are competing with each other just to get a short sale accepted by the seller(Pre-bank approval). This is weird. Now 8 months ago there were tumble weeds in neighborhood. Now they are selling. Short sale listings have become the thing to have, so I always keep around 5 listings a month. Well with all of the foreclosures to come it looks like we will be busy. At least we don't have to search for buyers. They find us now... I always say you know it is a short sale and could take months and the buyers say that's fine I'll wait... Can't beat that!

What We Do

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:25:47 -0700

Our jobs are for the most part to help people. In good times and bad like a marriage. We don't stop talking to a client because their house is worth less than when they bought it. We don't tell a buyer that after putting offers on a couple of homes that we will not help them anymore. We have to go the extra mile. When we don't know how to do something we should refer them to someone who does. Everything I know I didn't know at one time. training and to gain knowledge is a nonstop adventure. I love the freedom of being in the real estate business and I plan on doing this forever. Nothing is more rewarding than to help someone buying or selling a home.

Anyone using a Hands Free service that is free?

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:25:24 -0700

Via Lisa Ludlow Archer (Team Ludlow-Keller Williams, Charlotte, NC Ballantyne Area ):

Just curious what everyone else is doing and how it is going? What are the positives and negatives of the service that you are using or have already tried?

I heard about FDI Hands Free. It is a phone number that you can add on the speed dial in your phone and then call the number and verbally send text messages and emails. It also allows you to have your email played to you over the phone. Starting on April 1st, text messages will also be read to you.

According to the info that I found this service costs 10 a month. There is no long term commitment or contract to sign so if you don't like it, you can cancel anytime.

Are there better products out there that you like better?

Are you looking to buy or sell in the Charlotte, NC area? Make sure to visit us at www.myCarolinahome.net

Lisa Archer

Government Spending versus Household Spending

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:24:39 -0700

Via Ron Brown FHA & VA Home Loan Specialist (First Mortgage Company of Washington):

As a result of the Financial Crisis/Credit Meltdown/Real Estate Bubble etc., the Federal Government has spent approximately 10% of our countries total GDP annually for nearly 2 years now in an effort to "ease the crisis." So what have we gotten for our investment?

Currently we are told unemployment is not as bad as it could be, and is possibly easing after last month's statistics. Despite this reassurance, we have admitted unemployment of nearly 10% which does not count an individual who has been out of work more than the 26 week initial unemployment period nor does it count the roughly 150,000 persons who wish to enter the workforce each month as they come of age (they have never had a job to lose, therefore they cannot be unemployed). The reality is we actually have one in five (20%) of our workforce either unemployed, or underemployed.

So what is government's answer? In the State of Washington, the legislature is now in "Special Session" figuring out ways to increase taxes for the citizens in order to close an almost $3 Billion shortfall. To be fair they have "cut" spending by nearly that amount already (but the reality of these "cuts" is that they are "cutting" the previous budget's proposed increases rather than actually cut what is currently being spent). The problem is that our leaders are out of touch, and while running around trying to find more ways to take hard earned dollars from us in the form of taxes, they have not come up with any kind of plan to increase jobs other than continue spending on programs that are already in place.

The problem with all of this is simple. There is little, if any, difference between what our government is doing, and an individual who goes out after losing their job, and makes no change to their lifestyle, but just charges everything on their credit card. After all, they will eventually get a job again, and they will just pay the money back then right?

I don't know about you, but this does not seem responsible for an individual, so why is it acceptable by our government?

Beware of the Ides of March

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:06:29 -0700

Via Brian Madigan LL.B. (Royal LePage Innovators Realty, Broker):

Beware of the Ides of March!

By Brian Madigan LL.B.

That was good advice given by a soothsayer to Julius Caesar although he did not heed the warning.

The words were made popular by William Shakespeare in his play "Julius Caesar".

In real estate, it is significant because it is the begining of the Spring market and generally as goes the Spring market, so does the rest of the year.

So, be alert to its meaning and heed its advice!

Brian Madigan LL.B., Real Estate Broker is an author and commentator on real estate matters, Royal LePage Innovators Realty
905-796-8888
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com

One of those days!

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:05:55 -0700

Via REATA REALTY:

Well, I started to write a blog at 6:00 am this morning and got sidetracked but that's ok I'll get it in before my first appointment this morning at 10:00. It didn't happen.

My Wife was leaving for Tokyo and I spent breakfast with her instead of going to the gym and after going over the commercial lease I was to get signed today from my client. It was time to shower and get on the road to Arlington to get the lease signed.

I'm on time but set in the waiting room for 20 minutes before I'm able to meet with my client and go over the lease and get all of the signatures. They don't have the checks, it's coming FedEx and not here yet. So, I drive back to Fort Worth hoping to get to the blog and other things on my to do list done. Just as I'm coming off the freeway to the office, phone rings, checks are in. So, I turn around and drive 30 minutes back to Arlington to pickup the checks. I get there and my client is gone, the secreatry tells me there aren't any checks for me but if I would wait a few minutes my client would be back and get them for me. I waited another 30 minutes before he returns to tell me the checks, which are coming from Washington DC., weren't in the package that was sent but they would be there tomorrow.

Someone in Washington messed up and didn't put the right checks in, amaigne that!

So, I eat a heart attack in a sack and head to Weatherford, which is 30 miles the other way for my afternoon appointment and return just in time for my 4:00 conference call.

Here's what I accomplished today. I learned if you go to fatwallet.com you can get free coupons for domain purchases on Godaddy.com. I drove about 150 miles and got a lease signed I'd been working on for a month and half and now it's 6:30 pm and I'm writing my blog I started 12 hours ago. I also learned how to add a hyperlink with an anchor text into my blog. Thanks Brad.

Tomorrow's another day.

Happy Trails, DK

Do YOU have to pay real estate taxes? Could you be exempt?

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:04:37 -0700

Via Vicky Chrisner (Keller Williams):

Do You HAVE to Pay Real Estate Taxes? Hmmm....

Did you know that you, or someone you love, may be exempt from paying Real Estate Taxes in Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William or many other nearby counties?

The exemption is reserved for those with limited incomes and who meat certain age or disability requirements.

Okay, so that means I have to keep paying my real estate taxes. But, when my mom had a stroke a few years ago, and went on permanent disability, learning about this made a HUGE difference in her monthly available cash.

There is a catch - you can only apply once a year, and they are strict about this. Hurry, because the deadline expires April 1st. There are some upcoming workshops being held around the county - check out the link below for dates and locations, and the forms you'll need to apply for the exemption.

Click here for more information: LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX RELIEF

What Makes a Short Sale Specialist?

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:04:12 -0700

Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip LLC) Westchester County NY:

When I closed my first short sale in 1998 I had no idea that 10 years later I'd be doing them with any regularity. At that time, short sales were uncommon; they remained uncommon through 2006. Even in 2007, other agents needed to be educated about what a short sale was, how long it took to close, and what process the negotiation would entail.

Having closed dozens of short sales in the period since 2007 in Westchester and the surrounding counties, I now see a larger number of agents who are familiar with short sales. I also see a higher number of agents who bills themselves as "short sale specialists." In some cases, they have earned a designation. I applaud any agent who furthers their knowledge. However, designations can be misleading and may not help the client.

There is only one problem with an agent who calls them self a specialist these days, and that is this: they may not really be specialists. Designations mean nothing if you cannot successfully negotiate and close a workout. In Westchester, there are enormous numbers involved, and if a home seller cannot close on their short sale because their agent, well, stunk, they could be stuck with a lingering debt, or, worse, a deficiency judgment for tens of thousands of dollars. What's worse, if these sellers really knew how many short sales their "specialist" agent actually closed (often, between zero and one) they would be mortified.

The code of ethics strictly prohibits misleading clients as to the agent's scope of expertise. A special designation might circumvent an outright violation. But it doesn't protect a Westchester homeowner from huge problems if their agent can't get the job done. In many cases, the homeowner never asked the agent how many short sales they have actually closed. This is madness. I would never have eye surgery with a rookie doctor. Our obstetricians had decades of experience. The same goes for the guy that installed our pool table, water heater, and appliances. The reasons are obvious.

Yet people still do not ask their prospective agents how many short sales they have closed. You simply cannot be a specialist with no experience; I'm sorry. I don't care if you have a PhD or a photo shaking the Pope's hand. What they taught you in class simply isn't all it takes to handle the loss mitigation department of a lender. Sellers need to understand that if they hire an inexperienced agent to do their short sale, they do so at their own peril. I'd never want a surgeon cutting their teeth on my gall bladder, a lawyer apprenticing at the expense of my freedom, or an agent getting their feet wet at the expense of my finances.

Simply ask : "How many short sales have you successfully closed?" prior to listing your home. That will guide you far better than a patch on their arm. And if you are an agent who wants to get into short sales, work for someone who does them with regularity. I have often said that any agent can make money in short sales. However, 99% of them should be via a referral to a true specialist.

J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. 2010 Vice President, Westchester-Putnam Multiple Listing Service.

Read my short sale blog here.

J. Philip Serves Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton, the River Towns, Westchester County, and the bedroom counties of New York City.

Free MLS Search! Register for a Free Listingbook account and search the MLS like an agent.

I'm hiring agents.

Agents: Subscribe to the 40 Somethings Group. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900.

All content/images, unless noted, are the property of J. Philip Faranda & may not be used without permission

YouTube

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:54:38 -0700

Via Kathy Dove (David Dove Photography):

We are now posting real estate virtual tours that we shoot on YouTube. We were asked by one of our Realtors if we could do this and found that it was relatively easy to convert our virtual tour photos to YouTube videos. They're accessible on YouTube through a number of search options including the house address, city name., and the David Dove Photography Channel. This gives realtors an additional way to reach prospective home buyers.

March Madness & Real Estate - You Can't Win If You Don't Play

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:53:17 -0700

Via Rebecca Chandler (The Real Estate Book):

SWOOSH!

As the NCAA Basketball Tournament or "March Madness" gets started this year, it occurs to me that real estate, like basketball is competitive. Top agents compete for business every day, but the stakes are even higher this time of year, right before the busy spring selling season. The real estate industry has its own version of "March Madness."

Agents compete for listings. They compete for buyers. They compete for market dominance and top of mind awareness among consumers. It's a competitive business. So, how's your game?

Consider these "winning strategies."

Reach for new prospects. According to the National Association of REALTORS, (NAR) 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, nearlyhalf (47%) of buyers were first time home buyers. Among buyers who were able to estimate a length of tenure in their new home, the median was 10 years. This spring, if you are relying on past clients for new business, you may be sitting on the bench.

Stand out from the crowd. Online exposure is abundant, free or nearly free, and a basic consumer expectation. And standing out as a top ranked player in your market is nearly impossible if you rely solely on listing aggregate websites for business. Consider this video from "The Ladders" career site. \"When Everybody Plays, Nobody Wins\". Particularly in uncertain economic times, consumers rely on the expertise of the top players. Do they know you are a top player? How do they know? Are you sure?

Keep your sellers happy. As sellers have to adjust their expectations on price and days on market, the challenge for agents is to show that they are doing everything possible to sell the home for as much as possible and as quickly as possible. When you have to ask for a price reduction, the seller is much more likely to agree if they know you've done everything you can to get more for their property. In other words, it's the market, not you. This is where marketing comes in.

According to a 2010 proprietary survey conducted by NCI, the number one reason sellers choose an agent is because of the way they plan to market their home to as many potential buyers as possible. It's also the number three reason they fire an agent or let the listing expire - lack of a marketing plan.

Have a game plan. Start with your desired income. Determine how many properties you will have to sell to reach that desired income based on the average sales price of homes in your area and your average commission. Then, determine how many leads or inquiries you work per actual closed transaction (your closing ratio). The question then becomes, how many leads do I need to result in the number of closed transactions I need to reach my income goal? REALLY track where your leads come from and adjust your marketing and advertising for the maximum effectiveness. For downloadable worksheets on this, go to www.realestatebookmediakit.com/income .

Start NOW. The 2009 NAR study indicates that the typical homebuyer searched for 12 weeks. They searched for 2 weeks before contacting an agent. It's mid-March. They are searching NOW. Are they finding YOU? Are you even in the game?

You can't win. If you don't play.

Join our discussion on Facebook - www.realestatebookfacebook.com

How to avoid foreclosure Part one

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:52:16 -0700

Via Sybil Campbell REALTOR® ABR, SRES Williamsburg Va homes for sale (Long and Foster, REALTORS®):

How to avoid foreclosure Part One

Are you a Virginia homeowner who wants to know how to avoid foreclosureand think that you don't have an alternative? There are some alternatives to

Consider this:

If you lose your house to foreclosure, the foreclosure stays on your record for seven years.

You can lose your job as a result of the foreclosure.

Your credit will be adversely affect for 5 - 10 years.

You may be able to avoid foreclosure if you have not received a Notice of Default (NOD).

The government program HAFA allocated $75 billion to prevent 4 million homes from facing foreclosure. To date between 113k and 120K homeowners have been helped by this program.

To learn more about HAFA click here

So if you are a Virginia homeowner and think that you are facing foreclosure, don't give up.

Call Sybil Campbell at 757-897-5889 or contact me by email.

Sybil Campbell, REALTOR®, ABR, SRES

Long and Foster REALTORS®

(757) 897-5889

WHATEVER THE DIRECTION SYBIL CAN HELP YOU LOCATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

www.buywilliamsburghomes.com

sybilcampbell@cox.net

licensed in the commonwealth of Virginia

Moving with Pets

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:58:26 -0700

Via Sharon Sapp (Century 21 Call First):

Most people think of their pets as family. You take extra care to make moving as stress-free as possible for your kids, right? Then you need to do the same for your pets. Experts agree that pets thrive on routine. Routine and moving don't seem to go together, but there are ways to make the transition a bit easier on you and your pet.

The first step is to visit your current veterinarian. If you are moving out of the area, be sure to request your pet's medical files, this way your new vet will know of any conditions your pet has been treated for and when they'll be due for their next vaccinations. Be sure that if your pet is on any medications, that you'll have enough of the needed prescriptions to last until you visit your new vet.

Check out where the pet stores and vets are in your new area. The last thing you need is to run out of food or have an emergency as you are moving in and don't know where to go. Ask your Realtor if you are unfamiliar with the area. If you have to stay the night in a hotel, make sure you check ahead for a pet friendly environment, or you may want to board your pet until you are moved in.

Update your pet's ID tags with your new address or phone number. If you have a cell phone, use that number. That way, you can always be contacted if your pet is found.

Does your pet ever not have his/her collar and ID tag on? Then maybe it would be a good idea to have your pet micro chipped. Imagine how devastated you and your family would be if your pet wandered away from the new house and got lost! The microchip is a small device implanted just under a pet's skin. This can be read by the SPCA and vets and you can be contacted to pick up your lost pet. The Humane Society says, "Microchips provide an extra level of protection in case your pet loses his collar and tags." The cost is relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider that one chip can last up to 25 years.

When you are packing up boxes, your pet knows something is up - no matter how dumb you think they are. They begin to get stressed out and when stressed, they act in ways that are not normal for them. If you don't have a pet area that is out of the way, then create one before packing. Make sure to keep movers and extra boxes out of this area and put their food, toys, litter box (if appropriate) and bed here. Make it a "safe" zone for them by playing with them here, also. This will keep their routine going.

Once you move, set up another "safe" zone for them with the same items in this area that you had in your old house. Try to keep your routine the same - feed at the same time, walk them at the same time, play with them at the same time. Keep everything as much like the old house as possible.

Follow these steps and it will be no time at all that your pet is as settled in as your are - probably even sooner than you!

Sharon Sapp, e-Pro Realtor® and CGRN® Specialist

For Old Fashioned Service with Today's Results!

Century 21 Call First

www.YourRealtor4Pa.com

Mailto:Sharon.Sapp@Century21.com

Office: 610-898-6255 Cell: 484-955-1075; Fax: 610-921-5729

I will treat the referrals you give me just like they were family!

How To Create HyperLinks to Anchor Text

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:57:44 -0700

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

How To Create HyperLinks to Anchor Text

Many of our Members and Bloggers have heard, read, or been told that it's not good to include links in your Blog posts to other sites. Nonsense! In this post, I'll share my difference of opinion, then show you how to do it. Creating Hyperlinks to Anchor text can be very powerful and beneficial to your Blog for multiple reasons. Useful and informative links bring more value to your readers and targeted audience, they increase your SEO, and they drive traffic back to your blog from those who you are linking to.

According to many experts, creating anchor text boosts your search engine rankings and can make all the difference in the world to your Blog. "It tells search engines what the page is about. Used wisely, it boosts your rankings in search engines.

What is Anchor Text? Anchor text is the hyperlinked word(s) or phrases on your blog or website page - the words that you can click on to be taken to another site, Blog, or web page.

What is a Hyperlink? A Hyperlink is the underlined word which is commonly referred to as embedded text or an embedded link. It's usually a blue underlined word that turns purple once it's been clicked on. When you hover your mouse over a Hyperlink on a page, the arrow of the mouse will turn into a hand, and the URL or web address of that Anchor Text Hyper Link will appear in the lower left hand corner of your browser.

Hover your mouse over this Anchor Text Hyperlink but don't click on it, you'll see the Web address displayed at the Bottom of your Browser. If you click on the Anchor Text Hyperlink, you'll end up right back here at this post. Why? Because that's how I've setup the hyperlink for that Anchor Text phrase.

How do you create hyperlinks and what is considered good Anchor Text? Here's a couple tips: Words like CLICK HERE, and READ MORE are not the suggested anchor text to use on your Blog posts. They carry less value, and even moreso, they're less likely to get clicked on. Also creating URL Anchor text IE: http://activerain.com/blogs/activebrad is less valued than using keyword(s) Anchor Text like "ActiveBrad's ActiveRain Blog" If you want to see what other members have written about this Anchor Text topic, check out ActiveRain Anchor Text Blogs.

Now it's your turn!

Creating a hyperlink to Anchor Text is really easy.

1. Type the keywords or phrase (Anchor Text) you want to use as the hyperlink within your Blog post.

2. Highlight the word(s) or phrase with your mouse so that it's
(only highlight and select the keywords or anchor text you want to use for your link)

3. Click on the "chain link icon" located in the toolbar at the top of your Blog Entry
(if there is no chain link, then you are most likely on the HTML tab)

4. Once the "Insert/Edit Link" box pops up, type in the URL or web address that you want to link to:
Example: http://activerain.com and be sure to add your "Keyword" or "Phrase" as the Title

The default on ActiveRain is to open a new window when your hyperlink is clicked on. You can change that option by clicking on the black arrow located at the end of the "Target" box. I suggest having it always open in a new window so that your Blog post stays open, and your readers can come back to your post. If you want the linked site to replace your Blog post page, then select "Open In Same Window."

5. Now click on the "Insert" button and your Anchor Text will be Hyperlinked to whatever URL or Web address you've entered. If you hover your mouse over the new link, this is where you'll see the "Title" you created pop up over the hyperlink.

This should help get you started creating Hyperlinks to Anchor Text and key phrases, and understand why it's important that you do this on your Blog posts. Don't get carried away with these though, if not used wisely, too many hyperlinks to anchor text can do more harm than good. The recommended amount of Hyperlink Anchor Text ranges depending who you talk to, I suggest no more than 3 or 4 per Blog post. So what type of links are you thinking about now? Maybe Local Schools? MLS or IDX sites? Chambers, Restaurants, Local Businesses etc.?

Just for fun, here's an Anchor Text that's sure to get clicked: DON'T CLICK HERE! :-O

Download The ActiveRain "HELP" Toolbar for your Browser

ActiveRain University Calendar Real Estate RainCamp The ActiveRain Manual

Set Those Clocks Forward this Weekend - Spring is in the Air

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:33:32 -0800

Via Sandy Shores, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL, Brevard County Real Estate & Investing (M & M Real Estate Inc. www.SandyShoresMelbourne.com):

The weather is getting warmer because Spring is right around the corner. It's my favorite time of year. The bees are buzzing and the birds are chirping.

This weekend we get to Spring Forward by turning our clocks ahead one hour. We get an extra hour outside to do the things we enjoy. It gives us more time to see properties in the evenings. Or, it gives me an extra hour of daylight to take the dog to the park to get my regular exercise.

The weather is warm, but not too hot, and the humidity is relatively low. So, it's not sticky outside. There's usually a warm breeze in the air.

Since we had an unusually cold winter here, it's time to get out into our yards and cut back some of those plants. Some didn't make it through the freeze. Others can be trimmed back to the green on them. For those that are brown, try to peel a portion of the bark back to determine if the plant is still green underneath. If it is, clip it back a bit.

It's time to fertilize the lawn and to plant those new flowers.

So head outside, and get that much needed daily requirement of Vitamin D from the sun. 20 minutes a day is all it takes to boost your energy and your mood.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations.

We have a team of professionals that can help facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

QUJDUTV7HPC4

Your License is Expiring

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:43:44 -0800

Via Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC:

Liz Loadholt

Broker, SC Certified Trainer, Relocation Director
Co-founder of AgentOwned Realty ]

Liz@AgentOwned.com

http://mamaliz.onlineaor.com

843-725-5007

The AgentOwned Realty serves your real estate needs for:

Charleston, Johns Island, James Island, Mt. Pleasant,
Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, North Charleston,
Summerville,Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Santee, Manning, Sumter, Florence, & Myrtle Beach, all in South Carolina

How to Get SC Real Estate License
How to Make More of Your Commissions

Interested in Money for Retirement?(Estate Plan)

Where are the AgentOwned Office Locations?

Interested in Training?
If interested, Who Should I talk to?

Interested in complete Freedom & Independence?
Email Mama Liz

Economy problems - Solutions can come by looking to the Past

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:13:53 -0800

Via Kevin Simpson (ForeclosureListings.com):

To peer into the future the only guide is to take the help of history and look back and try to learn from the lessons learnt by other great powers in yester years. This is especially more relevant at a time when the great American Titan seems to be tottering under “the too vast orb of its fate” (Matthew Arnold).

This phrase was borrowed by Joseph Chamberlain (British politician) to describe the condition of Britain in 1902. Britain had suffered reverses in its war with South Africa and its world supremacy was being threatened by USA and Germany. But at that time Great Britain was at the peak of its greatness.

It is a paradox that the larger the mega powers swell the more are they worried about their exposure. Curtains were drawn on the British Empire when in 1997 it relinquished Hong Kong. Great Britain slipped into history and USA became the heirs to the Roman throne.

It is dangerous to compare the future of USA with the fate of Rome and Britain. Gibbon had warned about the dangers of comparing epochs that were far removed from each other. But the temptation cannot be resisted. Both Rome and America overstretched themselves. Rome struggled to guard its frontiers stretching up to the Tigris, the Danube and Rhine while the informal empire of USA is controlled with diplomacy, commerce and military might right across the globe.

But here the similarities end. Rome depended on agriculture while USA has a mega industrial base producing nearly a fourth of the world’s manufactured stuff. It also dominates the field of new inventions in the service economy.

Rome battled with inner wars but America is stable constitutionally. Rome was surrounded by barbarians but the superior military might of America would not even dream of challenging its strength. There may be stray terrorist attacks but nothing to the scale Rome was subjected to by the Vandals, Goths and Huns.

Great Britain too was weak with its temporary power resting on 1,250 civil servants in India and thousands of police personnel in the African colonies. World War I destroyed and entire generation of empire builders while World War II left it bankrupt. USA bailed it out. Today its ghost lives on as the Commonwealth.

If Britain was an oak in a plant pot America was rooted on a rich entire continent. But if both were and are trees it can be said that all living things will ultimately die. Death comes first with symptoms and can foreclosures and unemployment together with recession be taken to be the death throes?

How To Use Your AR "Settings" Page

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:53:59 -0800

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

Here is some information on "How To" use your Active Rain "My Settings" page. I have tried to make this as simple as possible, for you to get the most out of your Active Rain experience. To access your settings page, go to your "MY HOME" link at the top of the page next to the "Logout" option. Make sure you are logged into Active Rain before you try and modify your settings. Next, click on the "My Settings" link on the left hand side of the page just under the "My Ads" link. The rest is detailed below for your use. You might want to print these instructions so you won't have to go back and forth from this post and your "My Settings" page.

This is your Blog's Title. Be sure to give this some thought, it is the theme of your entire Blog. This is what will appear when anyone clicks on the "Blogs" link at the Top of Active Rains main homepage. You'll see this title under your Blog Subscriptions. You can use any Title you want for your Blog, I suggest make it interesting, and not just your name like "Brad's Blog" or "My Blog". Your Title will attract readers and your name in it will help search engines find YOU easier. You can always change it if you come up with a better idea later.

Your Blog Description. This is an important area of your "My Settings Page" and it has multiple uses and values. First, this is where you can add HTML code to your Blog. For example, I want to have the search engines come see my Blog every 7 days to check for new and fresh content.

A. Here's the code I added for that.
<meta NAME="robots" CONTENT="ALL"/><meta NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="7 days"/><p>

B. I also use Google Analytics for tracking, so I added their HTML code as well.
<script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">_uacct = "UA-XXXXX2026093-1";urchinTracker();</script>
QUICK IMPORTANT TIP: Be sure to register your Blog or Site at Google Analytics to get your own code, the one above is a sample! This code once added, will not make anything appear on your profile or sidebar, it is a hidden code. All the reports and information gathered from your Blog have to be obtained from your Google/Analytics account at their website.

C. Add Meta Tags, or keywords for your Blog. I use the following for my Blog:
<meta name="keywords" content="Title, Escrow, Technology, Solano, Contra Costa, Title Insurance, Agent Assist, Target Marketing, Marketing, Blogging "/> Yours will obviously vary.

D. Lastly, this is the section where you add the HTML code for widgets, gadgets, graphics, on vacation messages etc, that you want to appear on your sidebar under your photo. There is an instructional page on "How To Add Widgets" to your sidebar in Active Rain. If you want your graphics and widgets to be centered, be sure to use <center> code at the beginning, and use </center> at the end of the code.

Here is your Blogs Description. (Text Only - NO HTML Allowed Here) This is where you should describe your Blog, it's content, and it's value to your readers, but remember this is your HUGE SEO opportunity. You are limited to 100 words, so be direct and focused with your description and keywords. FACT: This is the most overlooked area by new and existing AR members. Want maximum SEO (Search Engine Optimization? You need to read this!!! Trust Me!

Allow Non-Member comments. Be sure you have this box checked, otherwise readers who are not members of Active Rain will be unable to comment on your post. Unless all your posts on your Blog are (members only) I would make sure it's checked!

Sharing your comments. Your comments are already shared in the posts where you've made them. If you want other members and readers to access "All" your comments in one easy access location, you can check this box and allow them access. It's really a matter of preference.

General Settings. There is currently only "One" option under general settings. Let others know you are on-line or not! If you notice at the top of the page right now, you'll see "Members: 53,842 - 1,270 On-line Now" in the upper right hand corner. Out of 53,000 members, I have never seen more than 1600 members on-line at a time. If you click on the 1,270 On-line Now" about every 5 seconds, you'll notice that the numbers change, funny thing is, the numbers never add up. This is very interesting. Regardless, ONLY check this box if you want to be seen by others that you're on-line. Not sure why this is an option, who'd want to hide? :-)

Your Email Settings. This is a very important part of Active Rain and your settings page. You have to decide how you want your email notifications to work and be managed here. Do you want to get emailed every time someone adds you as an associate? What about the comments you'll receive on your Blog Posts? What about the groups you've joined, the founder or administrator can do mass emails to the group, do you want to be notified? There is even Manual Score Adjustments and Link Status notifications. This is really up to each members discretion. You can see, I like to be notified about anything that's going on with my Blog or posts! :-)

Your Referrals. Use the Active Rain Referral Exchange to find the best Real Estate Professional match for your clients. You can also use the associates that you have added to your personal network here. This is NOT for just advertising your listings. This area of Active Rain is for "REFERRALS ONLY!" Please review and follow the instructions when you click on this link.

My Comments. This is where you can go back and track every comment you have ever made on Active Rain. Maybe you commented on another members post, and then had a change of heart and wanted to modify or change it, but you can't remember where that particular post is. Use the "My Comments" link to go directly to any post you have made a comment on. Most members don't even know this is here.

Your Points Summary. This is a link to your total breakdown of points earned here on Active Rain. Every point you'll ever receive will be found here. It's a great tool to see your total points on Featured Posts, comments, regular points, inviting new members points and more. ONLY YOU can see the breakdown of individual points, keep in mind other members can see your over-all points breakdown. TIP: This page can tell a lot about you or other members. Take a look at it, or someone else's, you'll see what I mean! Are you about points or content? Do you comment as much as you receive? Where is your focus here on Active Rain? This link will tell!

Your Blog Statistics. How many comments do you receive? How many views do you get on your post? How many clicks are your posts getting? It's all here at this link. Another great feature of the Statistics link is that you can see every post you've ever submitted on one page! I like using this page to see what's hot and what's not! Using the statistics page will help you determine many things about your Blog and each of the post's you've written.

Your Active Rain Bookmarks. This is the link that will take you to ALL the posts you have book-marked here in Active Rain. We all get the comments from other members that say "I've Book-marked Your Post!" This is so you can refer back to them at a later time when posts get get moved down and buried into a members Blog. The sad thing is, just like "Toy Story" I'm not sure how many of us actually go back and utilize or read the posts we've book-marked. I have hundreds, and am guilty of neglecting them as I am sure you will too. :-)

Inviting Others. Use this link to send an invitation to someone who is NOT currently a member but that you'd like to invite. When you use this link to invite other Real Estate Professionals, you will be credited for their membership and get points for everything they do on Active Rain. You will get a percentage of their points on any activity they have while Blogging here. You also will get points just for them signing up from your invitation. You can also sent an Active Rain Invitation on your own, just be sure to use the proper link or graphic so you can get credit for inviting them.

Links To Active Rain. This link will give you options and graphics to place on other websites and Blogs. This allows you to promote your membership here and the network. You can use the HTML codes here to on outside websites and Blogs. You will receive "Bonus" points when you add these links to other Internet pages. Here is an example of some I have added to my Outside Blog at TechKnowBabble. I suggest doing this not for points, but to help promote our Real Estate Network Community to others!

Your Associates/Associations. Here are all the other members that have added "YOU" as an associate. When you add someone as an associate, don't forget to put a comment in the box at the bottom of the page. When someone adds you as an associate, this is privilege and an honor. Don't just add them without commenting, others want to read why you've added them, this adds credibility and helps them determine if they want to add them too. This in my opinion is one of the best tools on Active Rain. I use it as my Referral Network Resource and would truly refer business to those who I've added and who have added me.

The Final and MOST IMPORTANT TIP HERE: Don't forget to click on the link when you're done making your changes. Trust Me, we have all learned the hard way!! LOL!

Feel free to modify your settings now with the hopefully, a better understanding of what each of these areas and links provides. If you have any questions on how to do ANYTHING here on Active Rain, there are hundreds of instructional posts available, or you can ask right here, I will try to answer or find the answer to your questions or comments. I hope you'll find the same value and relationships that I have. There's nothing quite like being a member here at Active Rain.

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Real Estate Rehab Show Draws Fire from Bank of America

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:52:09 -0800

Via Laraine Shape (Florida Real Estate Broker):

Seattle, Washington - A real estate rehab show about brokers affected with “Short Sale Syndrome,” came under fire this week from Bank of America for what it calls “mudslinging and black journalism at its worst.”

The bank has issued a written warning threatening legal action against RealHab if producers don’t stop using the show as a “platform to improperly portray its loss mitigation personnel as “Twinkie-eating hemorrhoids,” "dipsticks" and "dork wads."

RealHab's treatment counselor is Dr. Bob Stewart, in-house psychologist for the multi-billion dollar ActiveRain TV network and host of the syndicated radio show, RealStar.

The show’s mascot is a Pug that sports blue sun glasses, drinks Patron Tequila out of a vintage toilet and claims to be related to Warren Buffet.

The “cease and desist” letter came on the heels of last week’s “short sale charade” episode where residents were invited to act out what they would say to mitigation staff if they were suddenly hired to clean house at Bank of America’s troubled short sale department.

RealHab features the usual rant and babble of burned out real estate agents, but none of it compares to the rapid fire explosion of expletives that flew out of resident Greg Nino’s mouth when asked by Dr. Bob what he would do if he was suddenly “in charge.”

Amid background shouts of “Could someone bring me a barf bag, please?” and "Tell 'em to re-fax THIS G-man," Nino dipped a shot glass into the Pug's Tequila bowl, tossed it back and said, “You’re BLEEPing with me, right?"

"You serious?"

"Can they hear me right now?"

"Dude, lemme tell you. I would kick some serious bank ass!"

“I’d give those BLEEPers a shovel, tell them to clean out their desks and get the BLEEP out of my BLEEPing face!"

"Then I’d tell them to get their fat, lard-asses out of the building, right along with their empty Twinkie wrappers and Jenny Craig snack boxes."

"I’d cap everything off by telling them they could have their jobs back when my dog's ass learns how to chew bubblegum!”

Dr. Bob thanked Mr. Nino for being brave enough to unleash his true feelings and encouraged the other residents to do the same.

"Let it out, people."

"Your animosity toward the short sale process is killing you."

"Purge yourself of this bitter poison." "Tell them what you're feeling as their new boss."

The episode closed with a sobbing Pug hugging his co-resident, Steve Lloynd while babbling, “Hic. Thosshhh lossshh miggigators can jussshhh kissshhh my asssshhhhh! Know what I mean, Shhhhteve?” "I love you, man."

Bank of America’s CEO, Brian Moneyhand Moynihan, was quoted as saying "RealHab's warfare tactics are insidious and unwarranted. I look forward to receiving my next bonus check and if the ridicule doesn't stop, we intend to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

This Month in Real Estate March 2010 Newsletter for U.S. Real Estate Market

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:47:19 -0800

Via Keller Williams Realty:

Keller Williams Realty’s Real Estate Market Update

This Month in Real Estate March 2010 Newsletter for U.S. Real Estate Market

03 This Month In Real Estate March Us 2010
View more presentations from Keller Williams Careers.

Commentary:
As the market continues to show shoots of recovery, experts believe that the roots will continue to grow. In his annual letter to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett said, “Within a year or so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us.” After a steep run-up in prices during the first half of the decade, home values have readjusted back to normalized levels. Fixed mortgage rates are sitting near record lows and the number of homes available for sale is providing home buyers with more options. Also encouraging are indications that the high end of the housing market could begin moving again as luxury financing becomes more readily available. Despite high unemployment and looming foreclosures, experts maintain their expectations that the economy will grow in 2010, while the government carries on its search for solutions to help both troubled homeowners and the unemployed.
The Housing Market:
Existing Home Sales Existing home sales slowed in January. According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, this is mainly due to the lack of urgency with the extension and expansion of the first-time buyer tax credit in November. January sales of 5.05 million remain 12 percent above the 4.53 million-unit level last year. Median Home Price Existing-home price was $164,700 in January, 3.4 percent below December and unchanged from January 2009. Distressed homes, which accounted for 38 percent of sales last month, continue to skew prices downward as they typically are discounted in comparison with traditional homes. Inventory The supply of homes continued to shrink, falling 0.5 percent to 3.27 million, representing a 7.8-month supply at the current sales pace. Compared to a year ago, there are now 10 percent fewer homes on the market. This is the lowest level of competing homes on the market since March 2006.
Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates edged above the 5 percent threshold during the week of February 25, but remained near historically low levels. As the Federal Reserve mortgage-backed securities purchase program is scheduled to run out at the end of March, the Fed has held the door open to extending it if the economy weakens.
Affordability Affordability remains at record levels, supported by the lowest mortgage rates in decades, low home prices, as well as the first-time buyer tax credit. So far this year, the home price-to-income ratio has fallen well below the historical average of 25 percent. The ratio now stands at 14.1 percent. Sources: National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac
Government Action:
Jumbo Mortgages Begin to Thaw The cost of jumbo loans, often used to purchase luxury homes, shot up during the financial crisis because lenders steered clear of anything that could be considered somewhat risky. Plus jumbo loans are too large for the government to support through the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac.
The good news: The jumbo loan markets are beginning to unfreeze and return to normal. The difference between interest rates on conventional loans and jumbo loans has decreased from higher levels seen last year.

In some cases, the down payment requirements are easing as well, but they often still depend on the level of borrowing – the more the mortgage, the higher the down payment percentage. In New York, mortgage professionals report the following common down payments:

Borrowers will still need a good credit score, typically at least 700, evidence of high income, and a sizable bank account. Sources: Los Angeles Times, Inman News
Topics For Buyers & Sellers:
2009 Tax Tips Tax time is coming up. Don’t forget about the following benefits in 2009 for homeowners. What’s deductable in itemized deductions for homeowners? 1. Mortgage Interest 2. Points - paid at closing if you purchased or possibly if you refinanced this year 3. Mortgage Insurance Premiums 4. Property Tax 5. Energy Efficiency Credits - see IRS Form 5695 for qualifying projects 6. Home Buyer Tax Credit - see IRS Form 5405 to claim your credit if you qualify

Frequently Asked Questions About KW:

What is The Keller Williams Realty Difference?

What Are The Dozen Secrets Every Real Estate Agent Should Know?

How Do The KW Agent Commission and Profit Sharing Models Work?

How Do I Find An Approved Real Estate Licensing School Near Me?

How Do I Submit My Real Estate Career Interest To Any Keller Williams Realty Office?

10 Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home #5

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:46:30 -0800

Via Eragorn Northe (Der Hous Inspector):

5. Install efficient shower heads and toilets.

The following systems can be installed to conserve water usage in homes:

low-flow shower heads. They are available in different flow rates, and some have a pause button which shuts off the water while the bather lathers up;

low-flow toilets. Toilets consume 30% to 40% of the total water used in homes, making them the biggest water users. Replacing an older 3.5-gallon toilet with a modern, low-flow 1.6-gallon toilet can reduce usage an average of two gallons-per-flush (GPF), saving 12,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow toilets usually have "1.6 GPF" marked on the bowl behind the seat or inside the tank;

vacuum-assist toilets. These types of toilets have a vacuum chamber which uses a siphon action to suck air from the trap beneath the bowl, allowing it to quickly fill with water to clear waste. Vacuum toilets are relatively quiet; and

dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets have been used in Europe and Australia for years, and are now gaining in popularity in the U.S. Dual-flush toilets let you choose between a 1-gallon (or less) flush for liquid waste, and a 1.6-gallon flush for solid waste. Dual-flush 1.6-GPF toilets reduce water consumption by an additional 30%.

Mortgage market and interest rate commentary for Monday March 8, 2010

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:44:35 -0800

Via Pulaski Bank Home Lending:

Below is my daily video update on the mortgage market and interest rates. My name is Bruce Brown, CMPS (Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist) with Pulaski Bank Home Lending in Kansas City. I am the radio host of Dollars and Homes on KCMO Talk Radio 710.

I also have a written blog (courtesy of Bring the Blog) that addresses timely topical issues related to mortgage financing and interest rates that can be read here.

Click the video link to view my daily video market update. If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to address on my video blog or radio show let me know and I'll be happy to do so!

Monday Spoils A Fine Weekend...!!!

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:41:37 -0800

Via Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.):

After a great Saturday spent with my 3 youngest boys roaming and exploring the hills of Pennsylvania, I come into work Monday morning welcomed by a virus scare on our computer network...!!!

Last week, there was a virus spreading like wildfire, that had something to do with Facebook...Needless to say, I stayed away from everything 'FACEBOOK' as if it were 'THE PLAGUE'...

We thought we had the virus contained and confined to one computer...until Monday morning, that is...

I must warn all those reading this...I never send Email through 'FACEBOOK'...if I wish to contact any of you, I will do it directly by phone or by Email...Please stay on the alert as to this condition...

It detests me to know that there are 'experts' out there wasting time trying to infect people's PCs...that practice is abhorrent, repugnant, nasty, cowardly, and unlawful...AND...

If those doing this claim to be Christian, they are highly mistaken, as this behaviour constitutes a serious sin against The Lord and mankind...accept a brotherly warning...!!!

Getting back to the topic at hand, the other thing that bugs me is that these scoundrels and cowards use terms that bring to mind the great American pasttime of FISHING...and corrupt something good and wholesome, turning it into something ugly and sinister...TERMS LIKE...

PHISHING, WORM, SURFING, NET...traditional terms used in fishing parlance, have been adopted into their vocabulary...I hope they all get caught and convicted...HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER...!!!

Playing alot of Tug-o-War these days?

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:38:37 -0800

Via BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Tomlinson):

The tax credit crunch is on.

Buyers are writing offers.

Sellers are trying to hold what little ground they have.

Tug o War is on the rise and Realtors better have their best negotiating game face on.

The thing I am personally noticing is that even if the gap is not far, both parties are holding ground.

That middle place for putting a deal together is often quite narrow. So what can we do?

My best opinion is to stand back and advise that your party see the bigger picture. Step out of what feels like a game long enough to ask the right questions of yourself.

In the LONG RUN...Do you want to lose this deal over a xxx thousand dollars? In the long run, it can make very little difference to both parties.

This market and the current tax deadlines have created a bit of a relay game. READY, SET, GO!...

Maybe we need to lose the team pride just a bit and rather than become too stubborn, sellers may have to wave that white flag sooner, and buyers may have to consider how much they want a specific property- over how much they beat down the seller.

The line is fine. YES I think buyers should be getting a good deal- even a GREAT deal in this market. And SELLERS need to de-personalize their property sale and realize that for a year and a half we have all been programmed for the bottom and they are not being targeted in a personal way.

But it is tough out there for everybody. Buyers that are loan worthy should be darn proud, and feel that they have gotten what they came for.

Sellers should seriously ponder it when they receive a decent offer, as there are still a whole lot of homes that are not moving toward escrow.

We need to realize, as agents that we are NOT "playing a game". We may be coaching from the sidelines, but now more than ever we need to remain calm, cool headed and help both our buyers and sellers attain their goal of a sucsessful transaction.

BethAnn Long ~ Spokane Realtor

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Inc.

...there's no place like your home!

www.BethAnnHomes.com

1st Quarter 2010 Reality Check

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:36:27 -0800

Via Mark Boyd (Marqeteer):

The first quarter of 2010 is coming rapidly to a close. Hard to believe we're in March already, isn't it?

Take some time to put your year into perspective by asking yourself these 5 basic questions I refer to as "Reality Check":

1. How long have I been in real estate?

2. How many people do I have in my database?

3. How many transactions have you closed in the past 90 days?

4. How many transactions do you reasonably expect in the next 90 days?

5. Are you happy with these numbers?

This is root basic stuff, to be sure, but it's important to keep an eye on the basics to keep yourself on track to meet your personal goals and needs.

If you've been in real estate for 6 months or more, you should have at least 1,000 people in your overall database...and that's just a start. The individual has more power to manage a larger database than ever before, and the key to building for your future is to use the many resources we have in this computer age to allow you to do this. Many experienced agents are struggling like never before...and if I were a gambling man I would bet that most of them have not taken this to heart.

You as the independent business person are creating your own marketing microcosm, and we are seeing more and more people in all different sales arenas embracing these new capabilities and successfully managing their pipelines.

Questions 3 & 4 are vital because they encompass a half-year of your income. Many agents I talk to can't answer number 4 with any certainty unless the number is zero. Admittedly, there is a lot of uncertainty with deals until the final signature is on paper, but if you're managing your database properly you can answer that question and continuously plan ahead. I'm admittedly a bit of a geek and I wave the flag of email drip campaigns...when they're used properly. I am in no way encouraging blind spamming (which is a joke and just ticks people off anyway), but I am encouraging proper and respectful use of email drips simply because I see them work everyday in cultivating good relationships:)

Question 5...you already know the answer.

Take some time every month or at least every 90 days to asess your performance with these questions and I believe you will find they help you stay focused on what you need to do daily, weekly and monthly to reach your business goals.

For more information, strategies and alleged witicisms, visit me at www.marqeteer.com.

Increasing your home's appeal

David Lewis (American Lighthouse Estates Inc.) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:35:44 -0800

Via Tim and Gina Guilliams (Keller Williams):

Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal.

Exterior

* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
* Tighten and clean all door handles.
* Clean windows inside and out.
* Powerwash home's exterior.
* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
* Paint the front door.
* Buy a new welcome mat.
* Place potted flowers near the front door.

Interior

* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
* Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
* Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Shampoo carpets.
* Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
* Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
* Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
* Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
* Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
* Fix or replace discolored grout.
* Replace broken tiles.
* Replace worn countertops.

Special details for showings

* Turn on all the lights.
* Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
* Keep pets secured outdoors.
* Buy new towels for bathrooms.
* Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
* Replace old lamps or lampshades.
* Play quiet background music.
* Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
* Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
* Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
* Vacate the property while it is being shown

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