Evelyn's Blog

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists New Short Sale at 23403 Crest Court, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:48:11 -0600

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston has listed a new Short Sale at 23403 Crest Court, Elkhart. This beautifuly landscaped corner lot features 3 bedrooms and 1 bath and a great ground level deck with shading to enjoy your evenings in. The

fenced back yard is also landscaped and shaded with a mature oak tree.

What is a Short Sale? It means the property will be sold for less than the current mortgage. It also means that the Mortgage Lender has to agree to the amount someone is willing to pay, since they will be settling for less than full balance. Potentially this is a great bargain for you. Are you a First Time Home Buyer? If so you are elegible for the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit of up to $8,000, or 10% of the amount you pay for the home. There are some limitations, so give your local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty a call at 574-304-7148. She can answer all your questions about this home or any other home listed in the area.

Elkhart REALTOR Evely Johnston: For Those Who Have Decided Not To Decide-Higher Home Prices Ahead!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:31:57 -0600

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston has this to say: For those who have decided not to decide about buying a home, Higher home prices are ahead...

For several months now, I have been receiving multiple offers on properties that I have listed. According to an article I read online,The Pending Home Sales Index says all indications show that house prices are indeed on the upswing.

What does this mean to you? It means the urgency to buy is increasing. For several months, perhaps a year folks have been in no real hurry to make a decision on buying a home, even when they both loved it. People are afraid that after buying, the price will drop even further, and they missed an opportunity to get an even better deal! For those of you who have decided not to decide-higher home prices are ahead!

With the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit extended and enhanced, now is the time to buy! To begin your search, call your local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Fights The Big Guys Who Hold Up Short Sale Processing

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:46:24 -0600

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty fights the big guys who hold up short sale processing by filing complaints on her Clients behalf with the Indiana Attorny General's Office. A little known rule in Indiana is the House Bill that demands that the Mortgage Lender MUST acknowledge receipt of an offer on a pre-foreclosure property within 10 business days, and make a decision as to acceptance or rejection of the offer within 30 business days. There are only a few Mortgage Lenders who are complying.

So, if you are behind in your Mortgage and would like to sell your home before it goes into foreclosure, speak with a Certified Short Sale Specialist. This complex process is not for the weak or timid REALTOR!

For more information, call Evelyn direct at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Leadership by Ducks Theory

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:44:58 -0500

During our second day at the Indiana REALTOR Leadership Academy, after the Rainbow Leadership Style Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston and 17 others from around the State learned the Duck Theory of Leadership. This was explained in detail by fellow Indiana Realtor Leadership Academy Student Barry Skalski in his blog. Learn the"Ducks" principles here.

If you are interested in Leadership and giving back to our Elkhart County REALTOR's, the 2010-2011 session will begin in October 2010. This is a wonderful thing to participate in and the benefit to you is tremendous... Contact Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148 for more information on how you can serve!

Elkhart Indiana REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Attends Leadership Academy

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:04:31 -0500

Beautiful Camp Ransburg in Bloomington, Indiana, was the location of the first meeting of the Indiana REALTOR's(r) Leadership Academy that Elkhart Indiana REALTOR Evelyn Johnstonattended. The turning of the leaves, the smell of burning leaves and the definite chill in the air all worked together to bring 17 REALTOR's(r) from across the State together to learn about Leadership!

Some of us had met or talked with one another in our own markets while conducting normal Real Estate Business, but for most of us this was where we met for the first time. Within hours, we were on our way to becoming friends.

The C.O.P.E. Course Leaders at Camp Ransburg started us off with a clever way of learning each others names and after a few more "thought provoking" games to teach us to think outside the box and solve simple puzzles, we moved outdoors. Ahhhhh, fresh air! I choose to walk to the site of the course and slipped once, but didn't go down, and then had to hang onto a tree to swing my legs over a stream! It was a close call! I was under the impression we would be doing athletic type exercises but much to my surprise the activities were more a "team building" exercise. Several of them! In each instance we had to work together to solve various problems. We are building a team of future Leaders. Hopefully in the Real Estate World!

If you have Real Estate Questions, call your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148!

Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells a house?

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:45:11 -0500

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston ran across this "Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells A House" article and though Seller's in Elkhart would also like to know! Enjoy!

Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Carra Riley Inc.- Real Estate Consultant, Author, Speaker ):

Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells a house?

There are four varibles that sell a house.

1. Price

2. Terms

3. Condition

4. Location

All four of the variables go together to create the "perfect sale." Each aspect must be taken into consideration if you want a property to sell.

1. Price fixes everything! Don't let anyone tell you different. When the buyer perceives there is a value because of the price, they will buy the home.

The other three varibles always can effect the price.

There are circumstances where a buyer has lost the ability to qualify for a traditional loan because of a foreclosure or bankruptcy and the buyer needs owner financing. With Owner carry Terms that particular buyer may be willing to pay more because they have ownership with possibly a small down payment.

Conversely, if the Condition is bad the price will have to be reduced to reflect a value in the home where a buyer will have to come in and do repairs or cosmetic updates.

Location is the toughest variable in the sale to compensate for. Most people have heard about in Real Estate the terms Location, Location, Location. If the location is bad.. ONLY price will sell the property possibly combined with terms so exciting that a buyer will not be able to pass up the deal.

2. Terms. If the Terms are attractive, sometimes a seller can get more money for the home. For example: a home with a value of $325,000 listed with owner carry terms of $25,000 down and no bank qualifing might be able to sell at $350,000 because of the terms.

Under any owner carry situation, it is important the seller speak with their accountant and attorney before accepting any contract and agreement to finance. The seller should be completely aware of the liability and consequences in owner financing. This is just an example how price can increase with the right terms.

3. Condition is a key factor in selling a home. When the property is in top condition, looking like a show home the seller may get top market value for the property. In times where homes are selling at a slow pace, in order to procur a sale, the home should be the BEST property at the Lowest price to get to the closing table.

Taking a seller on a preview tour of the homes in the area similar to their property can save months of discouragement with a home not selling. When a seller can see the competition and accepts the fact their home needs to be the Best house at the lowest price to sell, the home will sell and the seller will see what they are up against in comparison.

Carpet or paint allowance does NOT work in selling a home. If the home needs carpet, put it in. If the home needs painting, get it painted. Many times this can cost a seller $5,000 to $8,000 to do those upgrades. Investing, yes, investing is the correct term, for getting the house sold. The money invested will come back in the form or a quick sale at full market value.

A picture is worth a thousand words so think about how the property looks and even take some pictures to see what a buyer is looking at. Sellers should look at the pictures like they were a buyer and ask, "would I buy this house in this condition for this price?" Are the kitchen counters cluttered? Are the closets a mess? What does the front door look like and the yard when people drive up to the house?

A seller has 8 seconds for a buyer looking at a home to decide if they really like the house and if it will go on the A list. The buyer starts the decision making process when driving up to the home while looking at the surrounding properties and the entrance to the home.

There are many agents are trained in "staging" a home and there are "staging services" which help a seller to understand what needs to be done to create a "marketable product." Listen to these people if you want to get the house sold.

The seller needs to separate from the house and see it as an investment or product that needs to be sold. The seller needs to take all the emotions out of the happy memories in the home if they are serious about selling.

4. Location is the only variable which cannot be changed. A bad location, is a bad location so only price and terms are going to help this situation.

It does not matter that the same model home across the street sold for thousands more, because it was ACROSS THE STREET and did not back to the highway. A seller needs to get a reality check on location and think about when they purchased. If the seller got a good deal when they bought because it had a bad location then they have to give the new buyer the same good deal to sell.

Sellers should take all the emotion out of the business of selling a home and treat the transaction as an investment decision.

If the goal is to get the home sold then listen to the professionals and let them do their job.

As Donald Trump would say, "It's only business."

Cosmic Cow Pie

Carra Riley

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Talks About Selling to Different Generations, Part 4, Generation Y

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:13:11 -0500

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston talks about selling to different generations, part 3, Generation X. Age plays a critical role in customer buying decisions. In fact, the generation into which we are born has as much impact on buying and purchasing decisions as income and education. Our shared experiences determine what motivates us toward or away from a sale, according to the report I received from Scott York of Metropolitan Title Company here in Elkhart. He may be reached at 574-293-9111. Part 1 was about Seniors/Mature generation, you can read about that here.

Let's see what we have on Generation Y:

Watched parents and grandparents deal with change-growing up in a world that is constantly in motion, revising and restructuring
Amazing optimism-goal oriented
Color blind when they relate to people different from themselves
Have always had technology and assume you should too
Raised on the mantra "You are Special"-shaped them as consumers
Extra solid snse of their individual identity
Many receiving financial help from family members
These buyers are starting from scratch and need a lot of attention
More likely to live near the city rather than the suburbs
Best informed customers but most unresponsive to traditional advertising

Bottom Line:

We are in the people business, take time to know and understand our differences.

Thanks you Scott for this information on how to deal well with Generation X! If you have questions about Title Insurance, call Scott at Metropolitan Title, 574-293-9111. If you have Real Estate questions, call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Talks About Selling to Different Generations, Part 3, Generation X

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:06:55 -0500

Let's see what we have on Generation X:

AKA "Baby Busters"
Unpredictable and disloyal to brands and skeptical of big business
First one that was largely a product of divorce (latchkey kids)
Very high expectations about receiving easy and personalized service when they want it, not just when you are open
Self reliant and resourceful when looking for a home
Done a lot of research online-know what they want
Not much landholding
Highly diverse group-large number of Hispanic and Immigrants

Messaging:

Down play the emotional side of the buying process, not likely to get swept away
Take a factual approach-they are skeptical-be well prepared
Prefer communicating through online
Summarize what they will need before closing
Don't sugar coat bad news, use corporate jargon or busswords
Get to the point quickly-give concise information

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 8

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:53:49 -0500

70 something waqys to lose your home started a while back and you can catch up here. eWe are talking about the reasons why you would want to use a reputable Title Company when you purchase your residence or any other real estate. Let's review numbers 71 to 77.

71. Pre-existing viiolation of subdivision mapping laws.

72. Pre-existing violation of zoning ordinances

73. Pre-existing violation of conditions, covenants and restrictions affecting the land.

74. Post-policy forgery against the insured interest.

75. Forced removal of residential improvements due to lack of an appropriate building permit (subject to deductible).

76. Post-policy construction of improvement.

77. Damage to residential structures.

This concludes the series of 70 something ways to lose your home. If you have questions about the Title Insurance on your Property give Scott York a call at Metropolitan Title Company, 574-293-9111. If you have Real Estate questions, call our local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574,304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Talks About Selling to Different Generations, Part 2, Baby Boomers

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:13:03 -0500

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston talks about selling to different generations, part 2, Baby Boomers. Age plays a critical role in customer buying decisions. In fact, the generation into which we are born has as much impact on buying and purchasing decisions as income and education. Our shared experiences determine what motivates us toward or away from a sale, according to the report I received from Scott York of Metropolitan Title Company here in Elkhart. He may be reached at 574-293-9111. Part 1 was about Seniors/Mature generation, you can read about that here.

Baby Boomers make up 30% of our population and they were born between 1946 and 1964. Here is what you need to know:

Most populous and influential
Enjoyed opportunities in education and employment
Feel good generation-ME generation-take things for granted
One in four boomers owns more than one property-largest share of second homes
In some ways are the most difficult clients to reach effectively, some still don't use computers-forced into learning technology
Understand reasoning if they are upsizing, downsizing or investment
Tend to move slower than the younger generations
Want the best and want it all!

So when communicating with Baby Boomers, your message should include:

Communicate you can help them build their wealth
Promote leading edge
Warm and dynamic environment
Take time for conversation-get well acquainted
Gen involved-get agreements

Are you a Baby Boomer looking to Buy or Sell your property? Baby Boomer Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty can be reached at 574-304-7148. She acts and thinks just like you!

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Talks About Selling to Different Generations

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:01:11 -0500

Age plays a critical role in customer buying decisions. In fact, the generation into which we are born has as much impact on buying and purchasing decisions as income and education. Our shared experiences determine what motivates us toward or away from a sale, according to the report I received from Scott York of Metropolitan Title Company here in Elkhart. He may be reached at 574-293-9111.

Let's take a look at Seniors/Mature catagory. This covers 26% of our population, and they were born between 1909 and 1945. They:

Grew up in a time when things were rationed
Saved for a rainy day, prudent, moral
Buy pruducts and services that satisfy their basic needs
Tend to move slower and may not be tied to a specific market

Your Messaging:

Speak to family, home patriotism and traditional values
Let them know their age and experience are considered an asset.
May be uncomfortable with technology but don't stereotype
Might be uncomforable dealing with the younger generations unless approached with maturity, respect and knowledge of the business
Honor is important

If you are looking to Buy or Sell Real Estate in Elkhart, call your Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 7

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 10:37:43 -0500

70 something waqys to lose your home started a while back and you can catch up here. We are talking about the reasons why you would want to use a reputable Title Company when you purchase your residence or any other real estate. Let's review numbers 61 thru 70...

61. Forged notarization or witness acknowledgment.

62. Deed not propertly recorded (wrong county, missing pages or other contents, or without required payment).

63. Deed from grantor who is claimed to have acquired title through fraud upon creditors of a prior owner,

64. Deed to a purchaser from one who has previously sold or leased the same and to a third party under an unrecorded contract.

65. Claimed prescriptive rights, not of record and not disclosed by survey.

66. Physical location of easement (underground pipe or sewer line) which does not conform with easement of record.

67. Deed to land with improvements encroaching upon land of another.

68. Incorrect survey (misstating location, dimensions, area, easements or improvements upon land).

69. "Mechanices lien" claims (securing payment of contractors and material suppliers for improvements) which may attach without recorded notice.

70. Federal estate or state inheritance tax liens (may attach without recorded notice).

If any of these bring up questions about your property's title, please call Scott York with Metropolitan Title Company at 574-293-9111, If you have questions about Real Estate, call your local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Says: If You Are Behind In Your Mortgage Payment, There Is Hope!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:16:23 -0500

The first thing you should do if you are behind in your mortgage payment, is, call your Mortgage Lender and ask for their help, says Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty. Your Mortgage Lender does not want your home back, they are in the business to loan money, and accept deposits.

Give your Mortgage Lender the opportunity to modify your loan, if possible, and stay in the home. Do not move out! Once you leave the home the Mortgage Lender can accelerate the foreclosure process and take possession of the home, when there may have been a chance for you to keep it.

If you have concerns about your situation, call a government approved counselor like La Casa Goshen, they are a non profit agency who is paid with grant money based on the number of homeowners they help in the community. For Real Estate questions, call your Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston at 574-304-7148.

Mortgage Delinquencies - The Coming Storm

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:56:28 -0500

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston reports foreclosures are still rising according to the blog post below. If you are in trouble with your Mortgage Payments, call a Certified Short Sale Specialist who can answer your questions, like Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, at 574-304-7148.

Via Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Lancaster PA):

This is one of those posts where I wish I didn't have to write it, but felt it was so important to my readers that I would be remiss not to at least talk about it.

Everyone out there probably knows somebody who is behind on their mortgage payments, looking for alternatives and likely also just finding out that their home's value has dipped below what their loan amount is. I know some within my own personal circles. It's a tough situation for me to advise them as a professional because it's such a personal challenge to their pride and self-worth, not to mention their plans and dreams for the family. The question we're asking is "when is this going to stop and where are we heading?"

I'm going to put up a few graphs that show the trends nationally with regards to mortgage delinquincies:

This chart is by quarter - Single-family mortgages set a new record delinquency rate in the second quarter of 2009, according to a quarterly survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Those of us in the real estate business see the foreclosure process (just visit the local Sheriff Sale docket to see the current numbers) but the looming delinqency-to-foreclosure issue is far, far larger.

The Wall Street Journal on 8/3/09 reported the following quote: “While subprime mortgages sparked the first round of housing problems two years ago, now "troubles are lurking further up the food chain," says Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. White-collar job losses have accelerated while more adjustable-rate loans to prime borrowers are resetting to higher payments. ‘You put all that together, it leads me to believe that the next leg down on home prices is going to come from the top,’ he says.”

The first objection someone may have would be to say "yes, but historically those who are delinqent usually get their act together and come current on the mortgage after a while". That WAS true, but not anymore! We call that the "Cure Rate", that is the rate of delinquencies that go back to current. The Wall Street Journal reported on 8/24/09 about a Fitch analysis that found that the Cure Rate from 2000-2006 was 45% (which means about half of people fix their delinquency). However, as of July 2009 the rate had dropped to just 6.6%! That means that over 90% of delinquent customers are going to foreclosure. Take a look again at the above chart...

The next thing someone will say is "well, that's the 'sand states' and not my area". Here's the chart for all 50 states showing the same breakdown of delinquencies and foreclosures. Guess what - most states have a significant problem, especially compared to historical figures.

Now the next thing someone may say is "aren't those loans going to get 'fixed' by a loan modification?" I know several people right now who are applying for a Lancaster County loan modification but are waiting and waiting. I hope it works out for them...

In reality, loan modifications are hardly making a dent. To me, that's a burning question. Why arent banks being more aggressive in giving customers the option to extend their loan and/or reset to a lower rate? Why are they being SO difficult? The people I know don't want to be foreclosed. They CAN make payments. They just need the terms redrawn to allow them to catch & keep up. Loan modifications are not helping us get this crisis under control.

What are the causes of all these delinquencies? Here's a chart that is enlightening:

We hear a lot about adjustable rate mortgages being the culprit, but the reality is that it's the loss of jobs and the tanking real estate market that's the perfect storm. See my previous post on unemployment in the nation, the state and Lancaster County.

Keep in mind, this post is not intended to give us "good news". You may be experiencing good things in your market and that's great. My intent is to get us thinking about the challenges that aren't going away and how we're going to address them as homeowners, agents and professionals. I'd love to hear your ideas!

I Need Your Help. Your Reward? Great Blogs With Great Info. REBlogworld/Blogworld Expo In Las Vegas!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:13:17 -0500

This sounds like a worthwhile project and we could all benefit from Matt's experience with some great information!

Via Matt Stigliano (RE/MAX Access):

photo courtesy of nodomain1

I love blogging.

You may have noticed before, but it's a fact, I love to blog about real estate. It's good for my business, but I actually find it enjoyable too. In that vein, I would like to make it to this year's Blogworld and New Media Expo (including REBlogworld). Of course, these things cost money and there are expenses...blah blah blah. However, Alltop is sponsoring a contest to allow 3 lucky winners to attend this year's event.

I entered, but I need your help. First of all, I misread a rule, which has seriously put me behind the curve. I thought I was doing okay, but realized that the rule was rather specific and I needed to get moving - so I turn to you, the ActiveRain community for help.

The grand prize for the contest is entrance to the conference as well as hotel accommodations. With those two paid for, I can deal with the flights and food for the three days. I need to win this. Imagine how many blogs I'll churn out when I get back with all the new info I've acquired. Think of me as your Blogworld corespondent. I will report back to you - all you have to do is get me to the top! I don't know what it will take to get me there (I don't even know who's in the lead), but with the power of the ActiveRain and Twitter community, I'm willing to bet (Las Vegas - get it?) that I can win this!

Imagine how this will benefit the ActiveRain community as well! Having the power of 160K+ members pushing to help me accomplish this goal will certainly make people think that ActiveRain is the place to be.

Here's what I need:

First, reblog this post if you can. By spreading the word, there will be more opportunity for more people to act upon it. Put it in every category you can think of and make sure everyone of ActiveRain's members see it! I could care less about the points gained from the reblogs, so ActiveRain can pull the points - this is about getting me to Blogworld and REBlogworld.

Second, you need to retweet the information necessary in order for me to be counted. Visit MyAlltop page and at the bottom you will see a "retweet" button:

Click the retweet button. Click it whenever you have a few free seconds. Tell your friends to click it. Please don't sit there and click it 100 times in a row. I don't want to get the boot for "stuffing the ballot box." The contest ends at 8:00 am Pacific Time on October 1, 2009, so I need your clicks up until then. Let's get as many as we can and show everyone the power of ActiveRain, get me to Vegas, and let me bring back and share all that I have learned!

Please use the retweet button and have everyone you know retweet it too! This would be huge for me and I appreciate all the help I can get!
All content ©2008-2009 by Matt Stigliano, Realtor® unless otherwise noted.

Matt Stigliano, Realtor®

RE/MAX Access

(210) 646-HOME

www.RErockstar.com

"Your all access pass to San Antonio real estate."

Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 5

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:07:51 -0500

To continue with our list of 70 something ways to lose your home, I will list items 41 to 60. To go back and beging at the first posting of 70 something ways to lose your home part 1, click here.

41. Undisclosed but recorded option, or right of first refusal, to purchase property.oven

42. Undisclosed but recorded covenants or restrictions, with (or without) rights of reverter.

43. Undisclosed but recorded easements (for utilities, access, drainage, airspace, views) benefiting neighboring land.

44. Undiscloes but recorded boundry, party wall or setback agreements

45. Errors in tax records (mailing tax bill to wrong party resulting in tax sale, or crediting payment to wrong property).

46. Erroneous release of tax or assessment liens, which are later reinstated to the tax rolls.

47. Erroneous reports furnished by tax officiaqls (not binding local government).

48. Special assessments which become liens upon passage of a law or ordinance, but before recorded notice or commencement. of improvements for which assessment is made.

49. Adverse claim of vendor's lien.

50. Adverse claim of equitable lien.

If you have any questions about the title to your property, call Scott York at Metropolitan Title at 574-293-9111. If you have questions related to real estate, call your local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Meets Garden Homes at Elkhart Fall Home Show

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:31:50 -0500

The Elkhart Fall Home Show held at the RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame in Elkhart was small but cozy when compared to the Spring Show. However, it left time to talk to the different building related companies that displayed their products and services.

Garden Homes out of South Bend, Indianaadded to their standard, a higher commitment to living green. Today's home buyers want to lower their energy bills and live in healthier homes. Garden Homes is now certified by the NAHB (National Home Builders Association) National Green Building Program, which has a flexible green rating system to fit their budgets. For green home building that's workable, authentic and affordable, go to www.nahbgreen.org.

Also according to their literature, it's hard to go for 24 hours these days without hearing something about green - green lifestyles, green products, and green buildings. So what does it mean to build a green house? To homeowners, green means a water-conserving, more durable, healthier, and more energy-efficient home. to planet Earth, green buildings mean much more. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings are responsible for:

39% of total energy use
12% of total water consumption
68% of total electricity consumption
38% of carbon dioxide emissions

By adopting green building strategies to reduce these numbers, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. For more information about making your next home "green" call Tim Schrock at Garden Homes, Inc at 574-532-8344. For more information about Real Estate, Call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 4

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:15:08 -0500

Items 31 to 40 coming up! To learn the first 30 items of 70 something ways to lose your home, part one, click here. Here we go:

31. In affective release of prior satisfaction of mortgage due to bankruptcy or creditor prior to recording of release (avoiding powers in bankruptcy)

32. In affective release of prior mortgage or lien, as fraudulently obtained by predecessor in title.

33. Disputed release of prior mortgage or lien, as given as mistake or misunderstanding

34. In affective subordination agreement, causing junior lien to be reinstated to priority

35. Deed recorded but not properly indexed so as to be locatable in the land records

36. Undisclosed but recorded State or Federal Tax Lien

37. Undisclosed but recorded judgment or Spousal/Child Support Lien

38. Undisclosed but recorded prior mortgage

39. Undisclosed but recorded notice of pending law suit affecting land

40. Undisclosed but recorded environmental lien

The list continues to bring to the front how easily someone can lose their property without the proper and expert care of a Title Insurance Company such as Metropolitan Title. Call Scott York at 574-293-9111 with any questions you may have. For Real Estate questions, call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Says Ahhh to Ayr Custom Cabinetry of Nappanee Indiana

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:52:20 -0500

Looking at a brochure and seeing the real thing are two different subjects. Photo's can be touched up, but seeing and touching the cabnetry is a delight to the eyes! Ayr Custom Cabinetry is truly breath taking mastery in cabnet finishing.

Ayr's commitment to crafting quality cabinets began in the 1960's according to their brochure, when David Miller started spending evenings making cabinets in his garage. Then, in 1965, he expanded his work by renting a small building and turning his after-work hobby into a full fledged business. it was a risky move, relying on the skill of his hands to support his wife and child.

In the last 35 years, this small dream, known as the Ayr Cabinet Company, has expanded to become one of America's leading custom cabinet manufacturers. Though the company's growth has been substantial, it hasn't lost its small-town way of doing business. Even a casual observer can recognize the friendly attitude and helpful service that makes working with this company a pleasure.

The Ayr Cabinet Company is based in Nappanee, Indiana, where a showroom and factory sit on the 60 acres that once was the Miller family farm. The tradition of craftsmanship is carried on by Ayr's talented staff of woodworkers and designers, who create custome cabinetry to suit each individual customer with the skill and attention to detail that have been the hallmarks of this company.

For more information on Ayr Custom Cabinetry call Mark Grove at 574-773-7973, extension 225. For questions on Real Estate, call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Comes Up 7 Times On Page 1 of Google Search

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:21:40 -0500

"Page 1 is good!" Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, "I am excited to be on page 1, let alone 7 times! I have worked really hard to get here and have to work even harder to stay on page 1!"

Blogging is part of Evelyn's daily routine and it is paying off. Writing about subjects from her listings to local business to spotlight, Evelyn can be seen and heard all over Elkhart County.

If you are wanting to Buy a Home or Sell A Home, call your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 3

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:10:13 -0500

Are you ready for items 21 to 30 of the 70 something ways to lose your home? If this is your first article on this, please go back to part 1 of 70 something ways to lose your home. Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston continues:

21. Deed affecting property purported to be separate property of grantor, which is in fact community or jointly-owned property.

22. Undisclosed divorce of one who conveys as sole heir of a deceased former spouse.

23. Deed affecting property of deceased person, not joining all heirs.

24. Deed following administration of estate of missing person, who later re-appears.

25. Conveyance by heir or survivor of a joint estate, who murdered the decedent.

26. Conveyances and proceedings affecting rights of service-member protected by the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act

27. Conveyance void as in violation of public policy (payment of gambling debt, payment for contract to commit crime, or conveyance made in restraint of trade).

28. Deed to land including "wetlands" subject to public trust (vesting title in government to protect public interest in navigation, commerce, fishing and recreation).

29. Deed from government entity, vulnerable to challenge as unauthorized or unlawful.

30. Ineffective release of prior satisfied mortgage due to acquisition of note by bona fide purchaser (without notice of satisfaction).

If any of these items are a concern to you, please call Scott York at Metropolitan Title Company here in Elkhart at 574-293-9111. For Real Estate questions, call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Meets Granitech Desgn Center At Elkhart Fall Home Show

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:54:37 -0500

Lisa Graber represented Granitech Design Center at the Elkhart Fall Home Show and was surrounded by stunning cabnetry and granite table tops and counters. Located on Old US 20 near the new Wal Mart, Granitech started in 1998 and has assembled a professional staff with over 60 years of experience in working with natural stone. The experience encompasses the highest quality of design, fabrication and installation for residential and commercial application. Their expertise extends to work with kitchen counter tops, fireplace surrounds and hearths, bath vanity tops, tub and shower surrounds and a large variety of flooring materials. Granitech is committed to your total satisfaction; from design, to quotation, to final installation.

According to Granitech's brochure, The hard facts are:

Rock: A natural combination of minerals.
Granite is a rock commonly consisting of minerals such as feldspar, mica and the quartz group. Natural and varying amounts of these minerals determine the color and lightness or darkness of granite.
Minerals from the Feldspar group provide the different background colors.
Minerals from the mica group provide the different foreground colors. Other mineral groups provide smaller amounts of color
The amount of silica in granite determines appearance. Silica-rich rock tends to be lighter in color
These minerals provide granite with excellent wearing properties. Thus it makes granite a more durable material than most man-made materials.
On a relative hardness scale (Moh) of 1 to 10, a knife rates a 5.5, glass at 6, granite at 6 to 7/ and a diamond at 10.
It requires industrial diamond compounds to cut and polish granite.
These aspects make granite a very scratch resistant, and durable material.
Depth is a uniques quality of natural stone; something no man-made material duplicates.

For more information about granite or Grantitech Design Center, give Lisa Graber a call at 574-361-2372. For questions about Real Estate, call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 2

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:33:12 -0500

Here I will talk about reasons 11 to 20 in part 2 of 70 something ways to lose your home. If you missed the first 10 ways to lose your home you can read part 1 here. We are talking about the importance of obtaining Title Insurance from a reputable and financially secure company, like Metropolitan Title Company here in Elkhart. According to Scott York, here are the next reasons you could lose your home:

11. Deed challenged as being given under fraud, undue influence or duress.

12. Deed following non-judicial foreclosure, where required procedure was not followed.

13. Deed affecting land in judicial proceedings (bankruptcy, receivership, probate, conservatorship, dissolution of marriage), unauthorized by court

14. Deed following judicial proceeding, subject to appeal or further court order.

15. Deed following judicial proceedings, where all necessary parties were not joined.

16. Lack of jurisdiction over persons or property in judicial proceedings.

17. Deed signed by mistake (grantor did not know what was signed)

18. Deed executed under falsified power of attorney.

19. Deed executed under expired power or attorney (death, disability or insanity of principal).

20. Deed apparently valid, but actually delivered after death of grantor or grantee, or without consent of grantor.

Do you have questions about the Title Insurance on your home? Call Metropolitan Title and speak with Scott York to obtain answers to any questions regarding Title. For Real Estate questions, call your local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Visits Fall Home Show - NuVale Products Sells A Green Building Product

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:20:11 -0500

Elkhart Fall Home Show is much cozier than the Spring Show, yet a well rounded group of building experts were displaying their products, floor plans and various items.

One of the most unique displays to me was the Grey Water Recycling water solution. According to their brochure, they quoted the US Department of the Interior who claim "In some areas of the United States, existing water supplies are or will be inadequate to meet the demands for water for people, cities, farms and the environment even under normal water supply conditions."

BBC News said "The world's supply of fresh water is running out. Already, one person in five has no access to safe drinking water."

And Nature Publishing Group reports "Over the next two decades, the average water supply per person will drop by a third, possible condemning millions of people to an unavoidable premature death."

This problem is preventable if we do something NOW.

NuVale Products, located here in Elkhart are representing the Canadian based Brac System.

How the Brac System works:

If you take into account that nearly a third of your water goes down the toilet, wouldn't it be a good idea to do something about it?

The Brac System is the solution. It is a patented, innovative device that filters out foreign particles and impurities from your used shower/bath and laundry water, and resuses it to flush your toilets. The grey water passes through a filter within the Brac tank, and then is stored ready for reuse in your toilet tank. An automated and programmable chlorination system, using easily obtained chlorine tables, keeps the greywater free from any bacteria and odors. It's like using normal water, but without having to pay again, and while doing something effective for the environment.

Once installed in your home, the Brac system operates seamlessly, so the only difference you will notice is on your water bill.

For more information about this system, call NuVale Products at 574-970-0313. For information about Elkhart Real Estate, Call local Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.

Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston Lists 70 Something Ways To Lose Your Home Part 1

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:58:14 -0500

Not a very pleasant thought, to lose your home, let alone 70 something ways to lose your home, and there is probably many many more reasons besides those I list in which you can lose your home says Elkhart REALTOR Evelyn Johnston. Metropolitan Title Company provided the list, something to get your mind thinking about what assurances you have when you purchase Title Insurance...

Some of these items will also stop a Short Sale from being approved as well. Let's take a look and see what not to do...

Forged deeds, mortgages, satisfactions or releases - well, yes, forgery is never a good thing!
Deed by person who is insane or mentally incompetent. - Every State has rules about who can and cannot sell a home. If the person selling is not mentally competent, they cannot sell.
Deed by minor (may be disavowed) - a minor can sign a bill of sale and agree to sell a property but by reason of their age alone, they can withdraw their approval, legally.
Deed from corporation, unauthorized under corporate bylaws or given under falsified corporate resolution. If a fast talker sells you a piece of property that does not have the authority to sell, it can be revolked. This is why a competent Title Company should always be used.
Deed from partnership, unauthorized under partnership agreement
Deed from purported trustee, unauthorized under trust agreement
Deed to or from a "corporation" before incorporation, or after loss of corporate charter
Deed from a legal non-entity (styles, for example, as a church, charity or club)
Deed by person in a foreign country, vulnerable to challenge as incompetent, unauthorized or defective under foreign laws.
Claims resulting from use of "alias" or fictitious name style by a predecessor in title.

Part 2 of 70 something ways to lose your home coming soon!

Without title insurance from a reputable and financially secure company, your title could be worthless. With the proper insurance, your rights will be defended in court. For more information about your Title Insurance call Metropolitan Title at 574-293-9111. For information about Elkhart Real Estate, call your local Elkhart Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.