Fran 's Blog

New Maximum Level for Indoor Radon???

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:55:27 -0500

Has anyone heard this news yet?

'The World Health Organization announced that they have established a new limit for indoor radon gas. The new maximum radon level is 2.7. This is a 32% reduction from the previously accepted "action level" of 4.0.'

If you are still unsure of what RADON is, 'Radon is a radioactive gas that emanates from rocks and soils and tends to concentrate in enclosed spaces like underground mines or houses.' The fact that homes have become more insulated (a tighter envelope) is causing the gas to remain in the home and as a result, has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer.

I checked to see if I could find more information on this and I was able to find the new World Health Organization Handbook and this WordPress post, which actually states that WHO recommends that the acceptable levels of indoor radon be reduced to 1/10th of what is currently considered acceptable. If this can not be achieved, then the minimum recommendation is below 300 becquerals per cubic meter.

I repeat... it is only a recommendation at this point.

So, what are your thoughts about this???

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

What Kind of Winter Will You Have?

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:11:15 -0500

I live in New England and I have been hearing that it is going to be a long winter this year. I am curious as to who determines this, because as I look around my yard, I see squirrels burying acorns in my leach field and hornets that have made their nests in trees. These are not signs of a harsh winter, at least not the signs I've come to look for.

While my research has been brief, I haven't learned who made the statement referenced above, but I did learn this: According to our virtual U.S. Weather Bible, The Farmer's Almanac, 'Old Man Winter doesn't want to give up his frigid hold just yet, but his hold will mostly be in the middle of the country'. The frigid forecast we have been hearing about is targeting the midwest, not the NorthEast. This map on the Farmer's Almanac website shows their winter predictions:

As good as Farmer's Almanac is however at giving us our yearly winter predictions, I find that weather forecasting is still not an accurate science. I have included a story that I think illustrates this point with humor. Read and Enjoy!

It was October and the Indians on a remote reservation asked their new Chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a Chief in a modern society he had never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the sky he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared. But being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is the coming winter going to be cold?" "It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold," the meteorologist at the weather service responded.

So the Chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again. "Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?" "Yes," the man at National Weather Service again replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter."

The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of firewood they could find. Two weeks later the Chief called the National Weather Service again. "Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?" "Absolutely," the man replied. "It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters ever."

"How can you be so sure?" the Chief asked. The weatherman replied, "The Indians are collecting firewood like crazy."

Author Unknown

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

It's Grass Drag Time Again in New Hampshire

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:02:22 -0500

Last October, I wrote about my first experience going to the Grass Drags in Fremont New Hampshire where one can see snowmobiles and ATVs compete on land and on water! Well, it's that time of year again, only this time they are touting this as THE largest event of its kind in the country.

October 9, 10 and 11, 2009, the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association will be holding their annual Grass Drags and Water Crossing event @ Peterson's Brookvale Farm in Fremont, New Hampshire. Admission is $15 per day or $30 per person for a three day ticket. Watch ATV stunts in the air...

And snowmobiles on the water...

It doesn't get any more exciting than this. Event hours are: Friday 10-9; Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 10-6.

For more information and directions, click here. Hope to see you there!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

New Hampshire Green Buildings Open House Tour October 3, 2009

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:32:19 -0500

New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association is holding its annual Green Building Open House Tour. This Saturday, October 3, 2009, is your chance to tour over 75 "Green" homes and businesses in New Hampshire. You can check out anything from straw bale construction in walls, insulated concrete forms, passive solar and active solar installations, geothermal installation and cellulose roofing.

To see a full listing of New Hampshire properties available to tour, click here. To find out more about New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association, click here.

Feel free to comment here about any of the homes you visited.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

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What Does A REALTOR® Do When A Loved One Ends Up In The Hospital With A Heart Attack?

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:37:47 -0500

Well, I'll tell you what I did when my husband had a heart attack on August 23^rd, 2009, and ended up at Mass General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. I put together a visual tour of a place that helped me get through the first two weeks of this ordeal. It is my hope that this blog post and visual tour may help someone else get through a similar crisis, with a little more ease and a lot less stress.

The day my husband passed out on the living room floor and was sent to the hospital was the scariest day of my life. He didn't complain about a pain in the chest or numbness of the arm. Instead, he said that he was feeling flu-like symptoms, a headache and sore throat. Apparently, these are the symptoms of a heart attack, as well, but most of us don't know this. Fortunately for him, as soon as he started feeling unwell (two days prior), he started taking aspirin. I truly believe that this helped save my husband. That, and the fact that all of the EMS team and hospital staff he was sent to, acted quickly and correctly. I can never thank them enough!

When I was told that he would definitely die without the surgery and that he very well could die with the surgery, I imagined the worst. I began replaying all of the moments in our 35 years together. Disappointingly, I was having difficulty pulling those great memories to the forefront of my thoughts. Instead, I found myself thinking of how lonely I would be without him. I had to keep reminding myself that I am an independent woman and that I would survive, no matter what happened. "Remember, you're never given more than you can handle," I kept telling myself.

I did find that I could be strong. I can't begin to tell you how much support I received from friends and family, but suffice it to say, I drew most of my strength from them. (By the way, to those of you who feel the need to help someone in this situation, text messaging is just as supportive as a phone call and believe me, there are a lot of phone calls that need to be made.)

What helped me the most however was continuously talking to other family members at the hospital and assisting them in finding discounted housing; giving them tips on where to eat; giving them hope and basically, comforting them as best I could.

One of the tips I fixated on was the discounted housing. There is a Holiday Inn one block away from the Mass General Hospital. It costs $200 a night to stay there! That might be fine for one night, but who can afford this when your loved one has to stay for an indeterminate amount of time.

There are two options for discounted stays with Mass General Hospital.

I first learned about the discounted housing options from "Kitty". Kitty is employed in the Social Services Department of the hospital. I found her to be a sympathetic and calming influence in a sea of chaos.

Option One: Mass General Hospital leases one whole floor in La Quinta, (it's like a Day's Inn), located off of Exit 29, in Somerville, and costs $79 a night.

Option Two: MGH also leases the second floor of the Beacon House on Myrtle Street on Beacon Hill in Boston. The cost for a 2 bed suite, which is what I had, is $69 a night. If you can't afford this, there is one other option in the Beacon House: The Annex. It has 4 single bedrooms which share 1 bathroom. It is a ‘pay as you can' setup.

I loved the room I had in the Beacon House and its proximity to the Mass General Hospital. (It is only 10 minutes to walk to the hospital.) I began taking photos of the Beacon House and the surrounding area when it occurred to me that I had a skill that could get the word out about the Beacon House much sooner than the 48 hours it took for me to find out. I put my Visual Tour software and my fondness for photography to work.

What follows is the result of my passion. It has also been my catharsis, so to speak. Enjoy :-)

P.S. At this writing, my husband is still at Mass General. He is improving day by day and we hope to have him in a rehab facility within the week. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Contact person for the Beacon House is Sharon Scott. You can e-mail her at slscott@partners.org

Here's to a better year for all of us!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

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Great Websites For Your Clients - Useful Information, Moving Assistance, Etc.!

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:44:45 -0500

My fellow ActiveRain Blogger, Chris Hyzy, provided some great websites for Renters, Buyers and Sellers to check out when contemplating a move. I have decided to help pass on this helpful information by simplifying the links because I believe this information is important to pass on. Thank you Chris for putting this out there.

Movers http://www.moving.com

Statistics http://www.neighborhoodplace.com

Insurance http://www.InsWeb.com

Health Facilities http://www.healthgrades.com

Schools http://www.schoolmatch.com

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

Via Chris Hyzy (Beam Real Estate LLC):

Here is a list of some great websites that I have found to be particularly helpful with my clients. These sites have reduced some of the moving and relocation stressors that many of us experience.

www.moving.com

* Find Licensed and Insured Movers

* Rent a Moving Truck

* Find Local Storage Facilities and Compare Rates

* Print Valuable Moving Coupons

* FREE Change of Address Service

* Helpful Moving Tips and Reminders

www.neighborhoodplace.com

* Review Statics for Your State and County

* Stats Include Information on Schools, Population, Cost of Living, Average Home Prices and More

www.InsWeb.com

* Compare Insurance Quotes and Find the Best Rates and Policies to Meet Your Needs

www.healthgrades.com

* Review Ratings for Local Doctors, Hospitals and Nursing Homes

* Note: There is a fee associated with some search inquiries

www.schoolmatch.com

* Review School Ratings and Statistics

I hope this information is as useful and beneficial to you as it has been for me! This is a great marketing tool and resource for your clients as well as you.

Thank you,

Chris Hyzy, PM

Beam Real Estate, LLC.

Realtor - Director of Property Management Relations

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

chyzy@beamrealestate.com

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The Lorax joins the Energystar Website to Inform Kids About Energy Savings

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:17:11 -0500

I wrote a previous post about energy education websites for kids., entitled, Great Kids Websites for Energy Education. I am a former Teacher with an Early Childhood Degree and I am always on the lookout for educational sites that are fun for kids. I feel that for us adults, changing the way we use energy is a slow process, but for kids, lessons learned at a young age come easier and they help form lifelong habits.

My favorite author is Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, as most of you know him. My favorite story is The Lorax. (More info on Theodor Geisel at the Seuss Website of Springfield Museum in Massachusetts.)

The story of The Lorax is all about saving the trees. This website on the EnergyStar website however, is one that takes it a step further. There are hidden pictures of appliances, coloring pages of the characters of The Lorax, and word searches for ways to protect the environment.

I give this site a thumbs up and recommend it for ages 5 through 10. And Parents, do check what's out there for your children with them. We let our children play all kinds of games which bring out aggression and competition, as well as creativity. I'm not going to preach here. I'm just asking you to balance their experiences with knowledge that will help their futures, at least environmentally.

Feel free to add any sites you feel are worthy of noting. We all learn when we share.

By the way, www.EnergyStar.gov is a great site for adults, too!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

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What is a Building Energy Quotient or bEQ Labeling?

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:41:10 -0500

How do you rate a home for it's ability to produce as much energy as it uses? Well, the possible answer is a Building Energy Quotient Rating System.

You may have heard of zero energy homes or net zero homes. These are homes with zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. Sounds great doesn't it? But how would you rate such a house?

In keeping with their mission statement, ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, has just published a final draft on an Advanced Building Energy Labeling (ABEL) program which will guide new construction and existing construction towards net zero energy building (NZEB).

ASHRAE's mission statement is as follows:

'To advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world.'

ASHRAE has been working on a labeling program and the details are in the report which came out in June 2009 (This report can be read @ http://buildingeq.com/files/ABELFinal.pdf.) The labeling program gives a score of A+ to F: A+ being a building that has zero net energy consumption and F being one that is unsatisfactory.

It won't be ready until it has been tried first and until Canada adopts the ENERGY STAR rating process, but it will attempt to be a system that can be applied globally.

What are the benefits of having a Building Energy Quotient Label?

Well, according to the report and final draft:

Why an ASHRAE Label and Certificate?

A building energy labeling program provides the general public, building owners and tenants, potential owners and tenants, and building operations and maintenance staff with information on the potential and actual (measured) energy use of buildings. This information is useful for a variety of reasons:

• Building owners and operators can see how their building compares to peer group buildings, as measured against the highest performing buildings, to establish a measure of their potential for energy performance improvement.

• Building owners can use their energy rating differentiate their building from others to secure potential buyers or tenants.

• Potential buyers or tenants can gain insight into the value and potential long-term cost of a building.

• Operations and maintenance staff can use the results to inform their decisions on maintenance activities and influence building owners and managers to pursue energy efficiency upgrades and demonstrate the return on investment for these projects.

Probably the greatest benefit from implementation of a building energy labeling program is the use of market-based forces to influence energy efficiency investment opportunities. Building owners will make investments in energy efficiency improvements when such investments will have the greatest impact on their bottom-line. Also, owners will invest in the technologies and practices that make the most sense for their building. When potential building tenants and owners have information on the properties in which they are interested (particularly in a consistent format) they can understand the full cost of their investment and place a value on the energy efficiency of the building. The label will help building owners differentiate their product in a technically sound manner.

Beyond the benefit received by individual building owners and managers, the increased availability of building data-specifically the relationship between the design and operation of buildings-will be a valuable research tool for the building community.

As the world looks to reduce its energy use, information is the critical first step in making the necessary choices and changes. With labeling mandatory in Europe and disclosure of a building's energy performance becoming required by several states, now is the time to introduce a label that can provide both technical ratings of building energy performance and energy use disclosure for mandatory programs.

As an EcoBroker^®, this is exciting news to me. Okay, it's another way to market a 'green' home too. I'll be looking for an update on the bEQ label to post. Until then, check it out for yourself here.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Pastries by Paris… Hill, New Hampshire…A Small Town Bake Shop That Delivers Exceptional Service

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:24:46 -0500

Paris Landry and her Mom, ‘Mike' own a bake shop and catering business in small town, Hill, New Hampshire. Like most small businesses in this town of 1100, we get most of our business from referrals. This blog post is the best referral I can give for Pastries by Paris: a catering business that truly "caters" to your every need. I know this for a fact as Paris catered my daughter's wedding two weeks ago (July 25, 2009) and it was no small feat, let me tell you.

We had an outdoor wedding in our yard with over 250 guests attending. Being a REALTOR, I had a sketchy budget to work with, which required last minute changes not only to the menu, but to the serving equipment, as well. The menu included a Pig Roast, accompanied by assorted rolls, seafood and vegetable kabobs, fruit salad, pasta salad, potato salad and regular salad bar for our vegetarian guests. Our daughter is a fussy cake eater so Paris made a separate angel food wedding cake for the wedding party as well as two sheet cakes for the guests. We didn't have the amount of tables that we thought we would, so she brought additional equipment to be able to serve the guests, at no additional charge, I might add. With the temperatures that day reaching 80 degrees, she and her helpers sweat through the afternoon with smiles on their faces. All of our guests remarked about how great the food was, and are still talking about it to this day.

I asked Paris if she would let me interview her for this post. Here are some of the highlights of that interview:

Q: Hi Paris. I'd like to talk about the fact that Pastries by Paris offers a catering service as well as offering baked goods. Did you know right from the start that you would be providing a catering service when you opened your bake shop?

A: ‘Yes, I knew that I would end up operating a kitchen ever since the day that my parents kicked me out of their kitchen.' (She gives a hearty laugh as she says this. It's a deep jovial laugh that's sincere and infectious.) ‘I love feeding people.'

Q: What is the smallest function that you have catered or are willing to cater?

A: ‘Shoot. I've done private parties of eight. I end up being their private chef. Anytime I'm cooking for people I enjoy it. I end up feeling like part of the family.'

Q: How about the largest function you have catered or are willing to cater?

A: ‘The largest one I have done was 275. It was wild. The groom was in a Van Halen cover band so they played for the rest of the evening after the ceremony.' ( Can you tell Paris loves music? The first time I walked into her shop she was listening to Grateful Dead. She said that music helps her relax while she's working.)

Q: Why did you choose Hill for the location of your business?

A: ‘I grew up around here and my family is local. Besides I feel extremely loyal to the community. I've closed my storefront recently but I still stock the Hill Village Store with my baked goods. I have faithful customers and they've all been very good to me. Besides, catering can be done almost anywhere. I just needed a place to house my business.'

Q: You and I have talked about dealing with food allergies when catering an affair. What are the typical food allergies you can provide alternatives for and what is your favorite recipe for someone with a gluten allergy?

A: ‘People these days are now experiencing compound allergies. I can do a vegan product, a gluten-free product... I just did something like a brownie for a girl who has sciliac disease, just so she didn't have to have the feeling of ‘missing out'. My favorite gluten-free recipe is a flourless dark chocolate torte.'

Q: Would you care to share that recipe with the readers of this post?

A: ‘You can find this recipe online, but I have an open door policy on my recipes. I don't believe in keeping secrets. If someone wants my recipe, I would be happy to tell them. Except for Nana's recipe for chocolate mayonnaise cake. As a matter of fact, I usually don't tell them that there is mayonnaise in it. I tell them there are eggs and buttermilk in it. After all, that's what mayonnaise is... eggs, milk and vinegar.'

Q: Lastly, are there certain pointers that you would like to pass on about how to have a successful business transaction with a caterer?

A: ‘The type of caterer you want is one that has grace under pressure. Not a single function has passed where I didn't have to do something unexpected. One wedding, for instance, I'm cooking with one hand and on the other hand I'm making a boutonnière. As far as what the client can do to help is remember I'm your caterer... not the DJ, not the bartender, not the photographer and so on. Full service catering is more involved and costs more. It's like being a stage manager. (Paris was a stage hand in her high school drama club. Thus, the reference to stage hand.) Make sure you specify if you want the caterer to actually organize the entire function if you don't know how to do it.'

I truly enjoyed the time I had with Paris during this interview. As I started out saying in the beginning of this piece, our best business comes from referrals. I would like to refer Pastries by Paris as my local caterer of choice. She makes beautiful cakes, too!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

How to Have a Successful Business Transaction

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:54:06 -0500

If you are like me, you want your business to be based upon referrals and you want your service providers to do good work. I read an article today that summarized my philosophy on how you can achieve both and I would like to share it with you.

The title of the article is "Confessions of a House Painter". It is an interview with Joe Nicoletti, President of Chameleon Paintworks, a custom and decorative paint company in Santa Monica, California. The interviewer? John Montorio. And the article was in the well-known magazine, House Beautiful, September 2009. (Unfortunately, at this printing, the article does not appear to be online yet.)

The article begins with the question, ‘What makes you crazy about estimating a job?' and then, Mr. Nicoletti's answer, ‘The assumption that my time doesn't matter and that I'm ready willing and able to offer advice at great length and at no charge'. How many of us have had that feeling?

What caught my attention, however, and what motivated me to write this post today, was Mr. Nicoletti's response to the questions: How Do You Manage a Client's Expectations? And What Can I Do to Make Life Easier For You? Great questions from the interviewer, Mr. Montorio!

In response to the question about client's expectations, Mr. Nicoletti mentions the word ‘Communicate'. I would like to add to that by stating ‘clear communication' is key. As the customer, visualize and organize your ideas on paper. If you plan to do some work yourself, organize your list of tasks into two columns. (Before you do this, however, ask yourself how much your time is worth and how skillful are you? If you have to do a job twice because you aren't very skillful, you aren't going to be saving any money by doing it yourself, now are you?) Be ready to listen to what the service provider is suggesting. As the service provider, show the client that you are listening. Be flexible as the job progresses. Make sure you have adequate time set aside to do the job right.

Let's review what good listening looks like: Eyes on the speaker. Stop moving around, and stop playing with whatever is in your hands. And for Pete's sake, shut off your cell phone.

Once the job is done, here's what keeps them (and you) coming back. ‘What Can I Do to Make Life Easier For You?' We all want to be shown respect, am I right? Well, here, in Mr. Nicoletti's words, is how we do that...

‘Be open to my suggestions. Make me feel like a partner, not an employee. Sure, I want to make money, but I also want to do good work, feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, and yeah, even have some fun along the way. Tell me every once in awhile, "Hey, that's really looking good." And when the job is done to your liking, say "Thanks." Makes a world of difference.'

Well said Mr. Nicoletti! And great interview, Mr. Montorio.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

When Nature Gives You Rain... Create a Tropical Paradise

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:31:30 -0500

It's been raining FOREVER! So what did these fine folks do? They turned their balcony into a tropical paradise.

I liked the idea so much that I hit the local dollar store for my own Luau supplies.

How much were the supplies? $2.00 The resulting repite from the rain?

PRICELESS!

Remember that props are important to maintain a good attitude. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Short Sales, Which one is right

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:15:27 -0500

My fellow REALTOR®, Stella Barbour wrote this pertinent post a year ago. I asked her to allow it to be re-blogged because I believe this one not only adresses the choices today's homeowners have to make, but it also draws attention to what good REALTORS® do.... They listen to their customers'/clients' needs... They provide guidance based on that information... and sometimes they sell a house, and sometimes they don't. The point is, we are in a position to help others. Most of us realize that and truly do try to help. Kudos to those who do. And Kudos to you, Stella!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

Via Stella Barbour - Real Estate Agent - Serving Northern Virginia (Jobin Realty - Real Estate Agent):

With so many people losing their homes these days, I wanted to share some information about using to the bankruptcy system to help someone stay in their home instead of doing a short sale or a Foreclosure.

Every situation is different.

Since I work as a bankruptcy consultant/paralegal at a law firm, and I also am a Realtor I am finding that my knowledge in Foreclosure and Bankruptcy has come in play with my real estate business when I normally can keep the two separate. But with all the foreclosures these days and mortgage issues, I am finding myself making decisions for homeowners that require my legal knowledge and my real estate knowledge .

For Example: Homeowner comes to me for possible short sale. Three payments are missed. The family prefers to stay in their home, children already in school, etc. Mortgage changed, job loss, etc. has now made the homeowner unable to afford the home he has. There is negative equity ($90,000) so refinance was out of the question. Homeowner gains employment again and is now able to make the payment but now home is in foreclosure and the cure amount is four months worth of payments, interest, and attorney fees. I then make the decision to prepare a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Petition, (through the law firm I work at) file it with the court, then called the Attorney handling the Mortgage Co.’s interest and told him that foreclosure cannot go forward because I filed Bankruptcy for our client and ‘automatic stay” goes in place which means that all actions from creditors must stop. Creditors cannot contact our client, now called the “debtor” while he is in Bankruptcy without permission from the Debtor’s Attorney. In the meantime, I prepare the plan which gets approved by the Bankruptcy trustee to include missed mortgage payments called the “cure” amount. Now the debtor/homeowner continues to stay in their home and catches up on their mortgage through the Bankruptcy Court, continues to make their regular payments and their kids don’t have any interruption in their life at this time.

There is a little more that goes on through this process, but I wanted to give everyone an idea of an option that may work instead of a short-sale or a foreclosure which was probably going to be the end result in this situation if this homeowner decided not to seek legal advice.

Before this family came to me, they spoke to their real estate agent who wanted to list their home on the market for a short sale, since that is the way he could have helped them, but he made the suggestion for them to seek advice from an Attorney just see if other options were available to them. He may have lost the listing but gained more from this family then money. I am sure when they are ready to move, they will use that same agent, because he worked with them in helping with their situation.

In the end, the Family was happy and relieved that their hardship was over for now and they could live their lives without worrying about their home going to the auction block.

If there is interest in this blog from everyone, I will post more on this subject and give more examples of scenarios and suggestions on handling them. I have prepared hundreds of bankruptcy petitions of all Chapters and if anyone has questions about them, I will try my best to give you answers that may help in situations you may have with your clients.

Please note, I am not giving legal advice. I am not an Attorney. I am just sharing my experiences.

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Natural Ant Killer... The Ant Lion

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:32:44 -0500

I was telling my husband that I was tired of having ants in the house. He told me... "We need more Ant Lions." "Ant Lions?", I asked. "What are those?"

He took me outside and showed me a group of sand craters next to the foundation of our house. He said, "Watch this." He grabbed an ant and threw it into the crater. The ant struggled to crawl out of the crater. Within seconds, the sand at the bottom of the crater began to stir. A head and pinchers popped up and grabbed the ant. Although the ant struggled to get away, it was drawn down below the surface of the sand.

I was amazed. But what does an Ant Lion look like, I wondered. Does it look like an Ant? A Lion? What?

I discovered two things: An Ant Lion is an insect from the family Myrmeleontidae, that is known by several different names here in North America; Sand Dragon or Doodlebug. It has similar stages of growth to the Dragonfly: The Larva, the Pupa and the Adult. The completion of its life cycle can take up to three years.

Well, I thought. My husband does have the right idea. We do need more Ant Lions, but judging by the amount of ant holes we have in the yard, we'll need to truck them in. And then what? Could we possibly have too many Ant Lions? And if so, who takes out the Ant Lions? Hmmmm.

Perhaps I should just let Nature take its course.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

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Asbestos: Some Helpful Links

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:55:44 -0500

As a REALTOR®, I have been in a lot of homes that were built between the 1940's and 1980's that contain Asbestos, and I hadn't given much thought to the fact that my clients and I might be facing some possible hazards just by our brief visits to these homes. But today, I received an e-mail from Paul James, the Awareness Coordinator for Asbestos.com, asking if I would be interested in sharing information about Asbestosis and Mesolthelioma Cancer and Green Insulation Alternatives in my blog. It made me curious and I did some research. My research provided me with a better understanding of Asbestos; it's natural occurrence in the environment and it's hazards. It also provided me with some precautions that I'd like to share with you. (Bear in mind, there is a subtle Legal influence on the website I've mentioned below, but I did not find it intrusive.)

Now, please, do not panic and feel that you have to wear hazmat clothing wherever you go. Your task is to do your due diligence, like I did, and find out what asbestos is and what the possible risks might be. Then you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Here is a great Asbestos Resource to begin your own research. Credit for this article goes to the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for submitting the information in the article

What is Asbestos? 'Asbestos' is the term given to naturally occurring mineral fibers used for commercial purposes, such as the insulation of homes. The mineral fibers' innate resistence to fire and heat, as well as its reluctance to conduct electricity, are what make it popular for insulation. It's string-like fibers are easy to twist into thread and to weave into fabric for fire retardant clothing, too. It's this string-like quality, however, that has made it dangerous.

What Makes Asbestos Dangerous? The string-like fibers become unbound and float in the atmosphere. They are then inhaled. 'The shape of these fibers reacts negatively with human tissue and biological processes. When inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can become lodged in the tissues of the linings of organs, most commonly the lungs and digestive system. Over time, the lodged fibers cause inflammation and cellular damage, which can eventually lead to a variety of terminal diseases', such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, the severest form of asbestos caused cancer. (from the website, asbestos.com)

So what precautions should you take when you know you are around asbestos? First, there is no way to know for sure if you've been around asbestos. If the home or building has been abated for asbestos, there may be some record somewhere, but not always where you can see it. Here are some tips from the asbestos.com website:

'Use paved trails rather than open soil to hike, bike, walk, or jog; wheeled vehicles such as mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and ATVs are especially likely to throw dust into the air.

Perform outdoor activities in areas where the ground is covered with mulch, wood chips, sand, pea gravel, grass, asphalt, or rubber.

Label soil that does not contain asbestos. Never dig without wetting the soil thoroughly to keep the asbestos in the soil instead of the air.

Do not use a leaf blower. It is better to use water to clear sidewalks and patios, or at least to wet the surface dust down before clearing it with a broom (that should be left outside).

Prevent the family or pets from tracking dry soil into the house - use doormats or remove shoes. Do not allow the pets to bring in dry dust from outside.

Keep windows and doors closed when it is windy or when any of the neighbors are digging for construction, gardening, or other purposes.

Drive slowly over unpaved roads with the car windows closed, and share your concern with local authorities. Get the car washed often and pave your own driveway and walkways.

Always use wet rags and mops to clean up dust from furniture, floors, and outdoor equipment. Wash the rags before they dry, and never shake a dust mop or rag to clean it.

Use washable area rugs on easily mopped floors; wash both often.

Vacuum the carpet often and use a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, and wet down the contents of the dust cup before emptying.'

Finally, if you know you have asbestos in your home, have a professional perform an abatement.

Greener Insulation: Here are a few of TreeHugger's (Colin Dunn) Picks for Green insulation Options: (Sorry, I can't add my own just yet.)

1) Recycled paper insulation is made from 100% waste recycled newsprint and has been successfully installed in more than 1 million homes in the UK alone!
2) HempFlax insulation uses mostly hemp fiber, with a little added polyester fibre for reinforcing. Soda acts as the fire retardant, and, as the hemp is naturally resistant to moths and beetles, extra chemical application is avoided.
3) Concrete Blond's customized insulation panels create a false wall, behind which an insulating material can be placed; it's a great product for older homes with solid walls which would be difficult to insulate otherwise.
4) Recycled denim insulation is 100% recyclable, VOC-free, and formaldehyde-free.
5) Lloyd just added three new entrants in one entry to the archives, with recycled materials, LEED credits and positive air-quality features abounding.

Again, this post is not meant to alarm anyone, only to inform. Feel free to add a comment about your favorite Green Insulation while you are here

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

GE's Project Plant A Bulb: Give A Flower To The Earth by April 30, 2009

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:47:05 -0500

In my Martha Stewart Living magazine, I just found this advertisement from General Electric that I just had to share with you. The Plant A Bulb promotion ends tomorrow, April 30, 2009, so please read on.

In the advertisement, the words 'The World is Your Garden. Celebrate the Earth by saving big on GE Energy Smart^® lighting... and plant a flower in the process.' ... and it ends with 'With each click, a flower blooms. GEProjectPlantABulb.com'

For every unique visitor to the site, GE will plant a bulb, up to 100,000, until April 30. All I had to do was click on this link and it stated that I had given a flower to the Earth. On this site, I could learn more about energy efficient lighting and get discount coupons as well.

So if you've got a second or two to give to the Earth between today and tomorrow, please click the above link. And Thanks from your fellow Earthling :-)

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

New England MythBuster #2: Why Are Covered Bridges Covered (To Keep Snow Off?) and Why Are Some Covered Bridges So High?

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:08:59 -0500

This myth buster tale is brought to you from a little gem of a book I've owned since the Eighties. It's called Inside New England by Judson Hale, Editor of Yankee Magazine.

(photo courtesy of Dale Travis)

Joseph Allen of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, was a New Bedford News Reporter and then he wrote for the Vineyard Gazette. He also answered Yankee readers' questions for thirty-five years in his "Sayings of the Oracle" column. This is what Judson Hale of Yankee Magazine had to say about Joseph Allen and the Covered Bridge question:

‘Because he had grown old enough to speak or write exactly what was on his mind, and because I had pledged to him that while I might not use all his answers I would never edit a published answer, there were many things Joe wrote in his final years that I could not use. I was afraid of massive subscription cancellations.'

‘Here is his last reply to the covered bridge question, written about a month before he suffered the stroke that eventually proved fatal at age eighty-nine. It's heretofore unpublished (I just didn't have the guts) and it's quoted verbatim-forgive me, Joe:

Jesus for Guard Almighty, we thought all hands knew by this time. Bridges were covered, damn fool, for the same reason women used to wear petticoats-to protect their underpinnings. Ever hear that wood rots when it gets wet? Your asinine suggestion that they were covered to keep the snow off the road is dead wrong. In fact, I recollect throwing snow inside the bridges after a snowstorm so our sleighs wouldn't grind on the wood. As to the height of covered bridges, any simpleton would know it took some height to get a full haywagon through!'

Ah, you've got to love a good Yankee storytelling! Thanks for listening J

Check out this site for info on Covered Bridges in the Northeast.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Q? WHAT IS A LOAN MODIFICATION?

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:29:01 -0500

My fellow ActiveRainer, Eric Reid posted this very informative blog about Loan Modification. Thank you Eric. As a person who wondered if I qualified for this "Loan Modification", I did some searching. and I'd like to add two links that I think will supplement what eric has given us.

The two types of loans eligible for loan modification are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. To find out if yours is one of them, call or click on the following links:

Fannie Mae

1-800-7FANNIE (8am to 8pm EST) http://loanlookup.fanniemae.com/loanlookup

Freddie Mac

1-800-FREDDIE (8am to 8pm EST) https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate

If your loans don't qualify, here's another important link to check out for some free advice from a not-for-profit organization. The Homeowners' Hope Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Hope you find this information helpful.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

Via Eric Reid Lawrenceville,GA (Renaissance Realty Group):

A Loan Modification is a permanent change in one or more of the terms of a mortgagor's loan, allows the loan to be reinstated, and results in a payment the mortgagor can afford.

Trial loan modifications consistent with these Guidelines may be offered to homeowners beginning on this date, March 4, 2009, and may be considered for acceptance into the Home Affordable Modification Program upon completion of the trial period and other conditions. These Guidelines, however, do not constitute a contract offer binding on the Department of the Treasury.

Qualification Terms:

The home must be an owner occupied, single family 1-4 unit property (including condominium, cooperative, and manufactured home affixed to a foundation and treated as real property under state law).

The home must be a primary residence (verified with tax return, credit report, and other documentation such as a utility bill).

The home may not be investor-owned.

The home may not be vacant or condemned.

Borrowers in bankruptcy are not automatically eliminated from consideration for a modification.

Borrowers in active litigation regarding the mortgage loan can qualify for a modification without waiving their legal rights.

First lien loans must have an unpaid principal balance (prior to capitalization of arrearages) equal to or less than:
1 Unit: $729,750
2 Units: $934,200
3 Units: $1,129,250
4 Units: $1,403,400

If you don't qualify for a Loan Modificationn Contract RENAISSANCE REALTY to discuss a Short Sale option

603-455-2224

You've Been Served: Foreclosure Notices Served Via Facebook? Say It Ain't So

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:29:13 -0500

This morning I was drinking my coffee while reading the latest AARP Bulletin (yes, I'm one of those gracefully aging individuals) when I came across an article stating that those who are behind on their mortgage payments can now be served foreclosure notices on Facebook.

What? I thought I signed a privacy notice when I financed my home through my Lender. How can this be legal? After reading through others' blog posts on the subject, I was able to locate this article from December 16, 2008, on ABCNews, by Rod McGuirk. It talks about the fact that it is not being done in the United States yet, and makes several statements about the privacy issue of being served liens on a social networking site.

Aussie Court OKs Using Facebook for Serving Lien

Pictured is the house at Wyselaskie Crt Kambah, Canberra, Australia, where a legal summons was attempted to be served to the occupant via the Facebook web site, Canberra Tue December 16, 2008.(Mark Graham/AP Photo)

'Some people are concerned that such court-approved contact with their social networks such as Facebook and MySpace could amount to a violation of privacy. "I don't think people sign up to Facebook thinking it's going to be another avenue by which a government agency or indeed a debt collector can contact them," said Colin Jacobs, vice chairman of the technology advocacy group Electronic Frontiers Australia. "If we expect that we'll only be contacted on an official basis through the phone or post or through a visitor, and now it's coming through a more personal social networking conduit, then I don't think many people will be happy with that," he added.'

Well I am certainly not happy about it. I am one who believes that creditors don't even have the right to contact my place of employment, much less post my credit status on the internet.

This deserves a lot of public comment and I for one am stating loud and clear, No Posting Lien Notices on Social Networking Websites!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Like To Eat Out For Less? Try Restaurant.Com

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:36:14 -0500

Let's face it. We all like to eat out once in awhile. It not only feeds the body, but it feeds the soul, as well. So, how do you do this and not bust your food budget?

I've discovered Restaurant.com

In December of 2008, I was looking for a gift certificate to send to my brother down in Tennessee. I received an e-mail from my favorite travel discount website, Travelzoo, telling me about this great deal involving 80% off restaurant gift certificates.

I purchased $400.00 worth of gift certificates for $50.00. I had some skeptical comments from family members about whether or not these were a scam, but Travelzoo had stated that these had been tested before advertising them, and I believed them. I have since used two myself, and several of the recipients tried them too, and we are all 100% satisfied.

So, if you'd like your palate to be pampered at a pleasing price, I highly recommend you check out restaurant.com. Bon appetit!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

SNOW GOLF TOURNAMENT... March 21, 2009, Attitash, New Hampshire

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:54:41 -0500

Snow Golf, you ask? Yes, golfing in the snow. According to Wikipedia, ‘Rudyard Kipling, living in Vermont in the 1890's, invented the game of snow golf.' It's a game that requires regulation snowgolf balls (able to be found in the snow... Kipling painted his red), costumes, ONE club (can be altered to enhance play) and a Team Bartender.

photo by Leo Resig

One might find die-hard Golfers playing on ice covered ponds (with tennis balls), but here in Attitash, New Hampshire (http://www.attitash.com/events.html), golf is played off a snow-capped mountain. Check out this YouTube video taken last year and uploaded from attitashman (watch from minute 2:15 on).

With 9 holes on mountain, a golf club, skis, themed golf teams, and day-golf balls, this event is as fun to watch as to participate in. Pre Registration is located in Attitash Guest Services and Day of Event from 8 to 9:30am in the South Wing, tee times start at 10am on Spillway, $25 per team. In addition, during the day there will be live music entertainment at the Attitash Base Lodge on the snow stage, featuring the bands Duty Free, Silent Mind, and Audio Kickstand." From www.Whofish.org

For directions to Attitash, click here.

If you want to learn more about official Snow Golfing, check out the Tundra Ice Golfing/Snow Golfing Association? Click on this logo:

And Happy Spring to all of you who will be glad to see the snow go :-)

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Whofish.org and New England Event Information

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:44:06 -0600

If you are a homeowner, vacationer, or resident in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut, this site is one you don't want to miss. Whofish.org is a strange name, I know, but catchy, isn't it?

I receive an e-mail every week, letting me know what the top picks are for local events in my state. For example, this weekend, I have a choice of seeing dog sled racing up near King Pines Ski Area; dipping in the cold lake of Winnipesaukee for a good cause, and Maple Syrup tours in Laconia.

And by the way, a good Travel e-newsletter to sign up for to find out the best travel deals to New England is Travelzoo. They have a deal advertised for the Mill Falls Inn and Spa at Church Landing:

$99 -- New Hampshire Resort w/Spa Credit & Breakfast^*

Meredith, New Hampshire Travel dates: March 6 - April 30

By Keri La Ra
Travelzoo Staff

On the scenic shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire, The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls has released a $99 per night special just in time for spring. Stay at the Inn at Mill Falls any day of the week (including weekends) March 6 - April 30 and receive the following:

A $25 credit for spa services at the Cascade Spa (1 per stay)
2-for-1 entrees for lunch, Sunday brunch or dinner at the following restaurants: Lakehouse Grille, Camp, Lago, Mames, Giuseppe's or the Waterfall Cafe
Complimentary continental breakfast daily
Discount coupon book to the Mill Falls Marketplace and 20% OFF purchases at the Company Stores at Church Landing and Mill Falls
Guests who stay March 29 - April 13 will receive a complimentary upgrade to the lakeview inn, Chase House. For all other dates, upgrade to a Lake View Room for $50 more per night. Or stay in a Lake View Room with whirlpool bath and fireplace for $80 more per night.

Blackout Dates: March 19-21; April 18

To book: Click here to book online and enter the offer code TZOO in the promotion code box. Or call The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls directly at 866-613-8265 and mention Travelzoo. Note: For bookings 3 nights or more, online booking may not be available. Please call the hotel directly.

I surprised my husband one anniversary by booking this room in Church Landing (one of three hotels in this offering) which had a pine post beam bed that you needed to climb upon a stool to get into. The bathroom had a whirlpool tub and pine covered walls that made you feel that you were in a cabin. The pool is a heated indoor/outdoor pool. The views are gorgeous and the service, superb. Even though I live close by, it was a wonderful escape for us.

Well, I've given you a lot of information to absorb. If you do choose to take advantage of any of these suggestions, you won't be sorry. New England in Spring....aaaah!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Art Contest for New Hampshire State Park Signs

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:57:49 -0600

Are you a lover of New Hampshire's State Parks? Do you have some artistic ability?

Click here for Contest Requirements

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is hoping that the submissions will consider personal experience with State Parks, the natural history and scenic landscape in the artistic renderings.

Winners will be selected for each park and the winners' artwork will be displayed worldwide with full recognition given to the Artists. The winners will also receive a State Park fleece vest or jacket. The Grand Prize winner will also receive a State Park Season Pass. Contest deadline is April 22, 2009

State Parks Needing Artwork

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown

Crawford Notch State Park, Harts Location

Ellacoya State Park, Gilford

Greenfield State Park, Greenfield

Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton

Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia

Lake Francis State Park, Pittsburg

Lake Umbagog State Park, Errol

Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey

Mt. Washington State Park, Gorham

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham

White Lake State Park, West Ossipee

So, who's up for the challenge?

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Questions and Answers for Borrowers about the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:21:11 -0600

What I love about this new administration is that President Obama's policies and proposals are right there for anyone who is looking for them. As a REALTOR^®, I was looking for answers as to how the Homewoner Affordability and Stability plan could help, not only my clients, but myself as well. Well here they are, direct from President Barack Obama's Blog:

Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking

What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?
Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan.   Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property.   For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

How do I know if I am eligible?
Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

Will refinancing lower my payments?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a 'Good Faith Estimate' that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?
No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

When can I apply?
Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:

information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
your most recent income tax return
information about any second mortgage on the house
payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

'Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking

What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?
No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.

I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I'd like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?
Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

I have two mortgages.   Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?
Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.

I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?
The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender's discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.

I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?
Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan.   The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

How much will a modification cost me?
There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.

Is my lender required to modify my loan?
No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks.   If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes
information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources your most recent income tax return information about any second mortgage on the house payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?
Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility. We support this effort.'

I hope you found this as helpful as I have.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

Ode to My Dead Cat: The Tale Of Chippy the Chipmunk

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:12:06 -0600

This is my cat, Princess. Alas, Princess is no more. I found some fur clumps in my backyard, last fall, that were orange, black and cream. Yup, you guessed right. She's been eaten. (I live in a rural setting.) So this is a tribute to Princess. May she rest in peace with Chippy, the Chipmunk.

This story begins with Princess overseeing the daily gardening chores, as she rests upon a stack of slate. Quite suddenly, she jumps to the ground and runs over to the Barberry bush beside me. There was a chipmunk.

Predator

Prey

As time went on, I watched Princess chase this chipmunk around the garden and under the bushes. By this time, I had given the little bugger a name... Chippy.

Several times, I caught Chippy fooling Princess, unintentionally...

And at that time, I thought... 'Oh this is so cute... Hide and Seek between Princess and Chippy.

Then, things turned a little more frantic. Chippy was smart though, and avoided getting caught.

Eventually, I became distracted with my flowers and stopped photographing the two. My Irises, Orchids and Azaleas had me and my camera lens, mesmerized.

Alas, it was time to leave the beauty of my garden and go into the house. I called to Princess and she followed me in. I saw no sign of Chippy, so I asked her, "Where is your friend?" No response.

I gave her some water in her bowl and headed to the back deck to water the outdoor plants.

There was Chippy!

So, wherever you are, Princess, I hope you and Chippy are playing Hide and Seek once more. I thank you both for this wonderful memory.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224

New England Myth Buster: Widow's Walks, As We Know Them, Were Not Built For Seafarer's Wives

Frances Sanderson (Bean Group / Franklin) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:24:11 -0600

How many of you have looked up at a home which had one of these....

and said to yourself: "That must be a Widow's Walk"?

Well, you would be mistaken. According to Judson Hale, Editor-in-Chief of Yankee Magazine, in his book, titled, Inside New England, a Widow's Walk was actually a closed-in Cupola with windows.

The interesting piece of this myth-busting information is that what we've always called a Widow's Walk, (as pictured in the photo above) was actually a platform built 'to stow buckets of sand and water to put out frequent chimney fires.'

So now you know the truth!

Submitted by Frances Sanderson, Franklin, New Hampshire REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

603-455-2224