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    <title>Jan Keller's Blog</title>
    <link>http://activerain.com/blogs/islamoradajan</link>
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    <language>en-us</language>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275204/understanding-appraisals-what-they-really-mean</guid>
      <title>Understanding Appraisals-What They Really Mean</title>
      <description>Appraisal is a term both buyers and sellers hear constantly. But what does "appraisal" really mean?
As the real estate market struggles nationwide, many sellers are put in an unpleasant predicament. There's a buyer's offer on the table. But the financing unexpectedly falls through. The seller learns their asking price exceeds the appraised value.
The contract is dead. According to the National Association of Realtors, 21 percent of sales are delayed and 33 percent fall through. All because of the appraisal.
&lt;h2&gt; What Appraisals Really Mean&lt;/h2&gt;
It is true lenders just won't write a mortgage for more than the value of the property. Lenders simply don't want to expose themselves anymore than necessary. Instead, lenders write a loan for whichever price is less: the sale price or the appraised value. It makes good business sense to do so. But, in the midst of a market downturn, this causes a lot of deals to fall through.
&lt;h2&gt;Local Government Forces&lt;/h2&gt;
An appraisal is based on the seller's local tax office property valuations. An appraisal is calculated based on the market value of a home, its square footage and amenities. Amenities like a fireplace, hardwood flooring, and a pool. That property owner will pay higher taxes under a higher appraised home without these amenities.
Statements received from the tax office each year with home appraisals should be given a once over. If the homeowner feels the appraisal is in error, they can opt to contest it. Because of current real estate market conditions, sellers will undoubtedly feel their home is worth far more than the local tax collector's office calculates it to be.
&lt;h2&gt;Local Market Factors&lt;/h2&gt;
A seller's local market conditions directly affect their home's appraised value. If 4 of the 10 homes on the sellerr's block are in foreclosure or short sales, they're in for a real shock when it comes to setting the asking price of their home. These foreclosures and short sales homes could sell at a discount between 15 to 20 percent of the seller's property.
The National Association of Realtors has data to back this up. Foreclosures and short sales not only sell for a substantial amount below market value, they in turn discount the prices of homes situated in the same area. That means blocks with a lot of vacant inventory will suffer the greatest valuation reductions.
&lt;h2&gt;The Net Results&lt;/h2&gt;
Homeowners might get a break on lower property taxes, but they'll also have to settle for less. Appraisals are tied to the government and market forces and there's no escaping them.</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:15:19 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275204/understanding-appraisals-what-they-really-mean</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275199/home-for-sale-100-palermo-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Home for sale  100 Palermo Dr Plantation Key, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn0.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20110509184044240886000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Priced to sell home in Venetian Shores offering 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on upper level, plus 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on lower level guest quarters. Large corner lot, great dockage with immediate access to ocean and bay via snake creek.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:12:29 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275199/home-for-sale-100-palermo-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275198/home-for-sale-101-valencia-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Home for sale  101 Valencia Dr Plantation Key, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn0.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20110602012622404760000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Waterfront Pool Home with Guest quarters in Lower Level! Completely updated, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on upper level and 1 bedroom 1 bath lower level apartment. Beautiful granite/stainless kitchen, travertine marble floors and baths, poolside entertaining, garage, dockage w/davits, immediate access to ocean &amp;amp; Bay!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:09:42 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275198/home-for-sale-101-valencia-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275196/home-for-sale-149-stromboli-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Home for sale 149 Stromboli Dr Plantation Key, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20111014164549452253000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Exquisite design and details throughout, this gorgeous waterfront home located in prestigious Venetian Shores, with plenty of room for your yacht! Very impressive must see home with views of snake creek! In 2010 extravagantly remodeled to perfection featuring, rich mahogany wood stairways and porcelain tile floors, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, gourmet state of the art granite kitchen.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:07:28 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3275196/home-for-sale-149-stromboli-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188306/waterfront-estate-for-sale-149-stromboli-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Waterfront Estate for sale  149 Stromboli Dr Plantation Key, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20111014164549452253000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Exquisite design and details throughout, this gorgeous waterfront home located in prestigious Venetian Shores, with plenty of room for your yacht! Very impressive must see home with views of snake creek! In 2010 extravagantly remodeled to perfection featuring, rich mahogany wood stairways and porcelain tile floors, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, gourmet state of the art granite kitchen.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:16:25 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188306/waterfront-estate-for-sale-149-stromboli-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188299/home-for-sale-75804-overseas-hwy-lower-matecumbe-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Home for sale 75804 Overseas Hwy Lower Matecumbe, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn0.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20120404194506595049000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Custom Built Pool Home With Gorgeous Sunset Views, Pool &amp;amp; Spa, Dockage, Beach, Tennis, Plus Private Guest Suite! Located in premiere, gated, Islamorada Bonefish Bay,when nothing but the best will do! Gourmet Kitchen, upper and lower level Master Suites, 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths superior quality with breathtaking views! Uniquely positioned to serve your lifestyle! Offered Turn Key furnished at $2.1 Million&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:13:57 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188299/home-for-sale-75804-overseas-hwy-lower-matecumbe-fl-33036</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188293/the-real-benefits-of-a-short-sale-</guid>
      <title>The Real Benefits of a Short Sale </title>
      <description>&lt;p class="bolden" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;"&gt;Homeowners unable to keep up their mortgage payments will face bank foreclosure--generally once the arrears reaches three months. The prospect of being foreclosed is not only emotional but has real-world implications. A foreclosure substantially impacts a homeowner's credit file for years. But there are ways of avoiding foreclosure. Among them are refinancing, loan modification and outright surrendering the home. However, there is another alternative to foreclosure and that is entering into a short sale agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;WHAT IS A SHORT SALE?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;A short sale is simply an agreement between the borrower and mortgage lender which states the bank will not initiate a foreclosure and is willing to sell the house for less than the mortgage balance. For example, if a home is worth $100,000 but the homeowner owes $150,000, the bank will allow the home to be sold for $100,000 and forgive the difference of $50,000.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SHORT SALE?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;There are four principle benefits of entering a short sale agreement. Besides not being foreclosed, it allows the homeowner to remain in the house until it sells. This means the borrower lives mortgage free during the short sale period which can take three to six months or even an entire year. Below are more benefits of a short sale:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Short Sales Costs a Homeowner Nothing&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Not only do the homeowners not pay a mortgage, they are not responsible to pay any of the costs associated with selling a home. This includes such expenses as attorney's fees, closing costs, real estate agent commission and property taxes. Title insurance is also paid by the lender.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Credit Damage is Limited&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Unlike a foreclosure, a short sale limits the amount of damage done to a homeowner's credit file. Foreclosures impact credit history for several years. Short sales, however, only have a temporary impact on a borrower's credit history. In just a few years, a borrower's credit score will improve, in part because their debt to income ratio will be substantially lower. Moreover, a short sale allows time to build up savings in order to place a down payment on a new home.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Short Sales are Discrete&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Foreclosures happen out in the public, for everyone to see. Neighbors will know if a home is being foreclosed. However, a short sale looks like a normal property for sale.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Transition&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Since the homeowner doesn't have to pay a mortgage, once the home is sold, they can often find a place to rent for less than their mortgage.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:10:53 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188293/the-real-benefits-of-a-short-sale-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188289/the-value-of-waterfront-property-waterfront-property-always-has-more-value-than-inland-or-dry-property-</guid>
      <title>The Value of Waterfront Property Waterfront property always has more value than inland or "dry" property.</title>
      <description>&lt;p class="bolden" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;"&gt;The reason of course is people simply like to live near or on the water. Beach front properties, canal border properties and lakefront properties all retain their value, nearly regardless of the overall real estate market. In real estate, the biggest factor in property values is&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;location, location, location&lt;/em&gt;. And being on the water is always the most prime of any location. Inland real estate does not command the same values as waterfront and is more susceptible to market forces.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;VACATION PROPERTIES&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;One of the biggest advantages in owning waterfront property is its value as a vacation home. This makes for an attractive getaway when you need it most. Because you own it, you don't have to search high and low to book a room. Nor do you have to be subjected to unexpected surprises such as loud guests, skimpy towel supply and pillows too hard to too soft. With a waterfront vacation home, you'll be guaranteed a spectacular, tremendous view. With inland properties, you see only your neighbor's home. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;RENTAL INCOME&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Another reason waterfront properties appreciate and hold their value is because they are attractive rental properties. If you can't be in a waterfront home as you would like, there's nothing wrong with having someone else pay the mortgage. It also makes for a nice tax break if the home rents for two week or less during the year. Not only that, you still get to deduct the property taxes, according to a news report by CNN Money.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;LOCATION, SIZE AND VIEW MATTER&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;As stated above, inland properties typically don't have a waterfront view. But just because a home is near the ocean, near a lake or pond, doesn't mean it will have the same value as the home which literally borders the water. The view is an important factor in the value of waterfront real estate as well as the size and popularity of the body of water. Size also makes a difference. The larger a waterfront property, the bigger its worth.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;SUPPLY AND DEMAND&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There's only so much coastline in the world. The Florida Keys, Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coast might be thousands of miles long, but they are not infinite. Inland properties are far more numerous than waterfront properties. This is very key to the high real estate values found consistently in waterfront properties.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.islamoradajan.com/images/keller.jpg" height="124" alt="jan keller" width="105"&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Jan Keller&lt;br&gt;Islamorada Office&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;305-289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell-305-664-7069&lt;br&gt;Fax-&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;305-664-4111&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Email Address:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:jankeller1@msn.com" target="_blank"&gt;jankeller1@msn.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.islamoradajan.com/" target="_blank"&gt;islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:jankeller1@msn.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.kellerporterteam.com/" target="_blank"&gt;kellerporterteam.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:08:43 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188289/the-value-of-waterfront-property-waterfront-property-always-has-more-value-than-inland-or-dry-property-</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3077007/home-for-sale-117-bayview-isle-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Home for sale 117 Bayview Isle Dr Plantation Key, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20120316193239680873000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Beautiful waterfront home located in prestigious Venetian Shores, featuring new kitchen,corian counter-tops,open floor plan with spiral staircase leading to loft or office, two bedrooms and one bath on upper level and one bedroom one bath guest quarters in lower level,with interior staircase. 70'of concrete pavered dock,w/davits immediate access to Bay and Ocean.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table class="profiletable" cellspacing="1" border="0" cellpadding="2" style="line-height: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"&gt;
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&lt;td style="line-height: 10pt !important;"&gt;&lt;img src="http://photos.flexmls.com/flk/20070329151357280287000000.jpg" border="0" alt=""&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style="line-height: 10pt !important;"&gt;
&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/table&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:16:50 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3077007/home-for-sale-117-bayview-isle-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3077000/home-for-sale-161-dubonnet-rd-key-largo-fl-33070</guid>
      <title>Home for sale  161 Dubonnet Rd Key Largo, FL 33070</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn0.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20120309220444882646000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Awesome ocean front home with endless oceanviews! Protected dockage, with great access to ocean &amp;amp; Bay! New kitchen with stainless appliances, 4 bedrooms on main floor with soaring ceilings, master is overlooking the ocean, nice loft sitting area, or office, plenty of parking and storage, room for a pool, all of this and priced to sell!&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style="line-height: 10pt !important;"&gt;
&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/table&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:13:32 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3077000/home-for-sale-161-dubonnet-rd-key-largo-fl-33070</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3076990/home-for-sale-193-ocean-dr-islamorada-fl-33070</guid>
      <title>Home for sale  193 Ocean Dr Islamorada, FL 33070</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20111117200539999657000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 12px; font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;OUTSTANDING WATERFRONT LOCATION! This concrete home offers 2 bedrooms &amp;amp; 1 bathroom upstairs with a pre-firm bedroom/bathroom enclosure downstairs featuring ocean views, screened porch, 70 feet of dockage with pavers and is located close to Tavernier Creek with immediate ocean &amp;amp; bay access.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="label_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 600; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;Directions:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;Mile Marker 90 ocean side off the Old Hwy. just north of the High School.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.islamoradajan.com/images/keller.jpg" height="124" alt="jan keller" width="105"&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Jan Keller&lt;br&gt;Islamorada Office&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;305-289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell-305-664-7069&lt;br&gt;Fax-&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;305-664-4111&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Email Address:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:jankeller1@msn.com" target="_blank"&gt;jankeller1@msn.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.islamoradajan.com/" target="_blank"&gt;islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:jankeller1@msn.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.kellerporterteam.com/" target="_blank"&gt;kellerporterteam.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/h3&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:11:23 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3076990/home-for-sale-193-ocean-dr-islamorada-fl-33070</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3076981/benefits-of-a-short-sale-</guid>
      <title>Benefits of a Short Sale </title>
      <description>&lt;p class="bolden" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;Homeowners unable to keep up their mortgage payments will face bank foreclosure--generally once the arrears reaches three months. The prospect of being foreclosed is not only emotional but has real-world implications. A foreclosure substantially impacts a homeowner's credit file for years. But there are ways of avoiding foreclosure. Among them are refinancing, loan modification and outright surrendering the home. However, there is another alternative to foreclosure and that is entering into a short sale agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;WHAT IS A SHORT SALE?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;A short sale is simply an agreement between the borrower and mortgage lender which states the bank will not initiate a foreclosure and is willing to sell the house for less than the mortgage balance. For example, if a home is worth $100,000 but the homeowner owes $150,000, the bank will allow the home to be sold for $100,000 and forgive the difference of $50,000.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 24px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SHORT SALE?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;There are four principle benefits of entering a short sale agreement. Besides not being foreclosed, it allows the homeowner to remain in the house until it sells. This means the borrower lives mortgage free during the short sale period which can take three to six months or even an entire year. Below are more benefits of a short sale:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Short Sales Costs a Homeowner Nothing&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Not only do the homeowners not pay a mortgage, they are not responsible to pay any of the costs associated with selling a home. This includes such expenses as attorney's fees, closing costs, real estate agent commission and property taxes. Title insurance is also paid by the lender.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Credit Damage is Limited&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Unlike a foreclosure, a short sale limits the amount of damage done to a homeowner's credit file. Foreclosures impact credit history for several years. Short sales, however, only have a temporary impact on a borrower's credit history. In just a few years, a borrower's credit score will improve, in part because their debt to income ratio will be substantially lower. Moreover, a short sale allows time to build up savings in order to place a down payment on a new home.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Short Sales are Discrete&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Foreclosures happen out in the public, for everyone to see. Neighbors will know if a home is being foreclosed. However, a short sale looks like a normal property for sale.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-family: Candara, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"&gt;Transition&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"&gt;Since the homeowner doesn't have to pay a mortgage, once the home is sold, they can often find a place to rent for less than their mortgage. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:07:56 -0700</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3076981/benefits-of-a-short-sale-</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887294/home-for-sale-149-anglers-way-unit-149-windley-key-fl-33036</guid>
      <title>Home for sale 149 Anglers Way Unit 149 Windley Key, FL 33036</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn0.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20110808151649388367000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;Islamorada's finest single family gated community featuring 2 bedroom and 2.5 bath homes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, This unit includes a dedicated boat slip which will accommodate a 31'' boat,gorgeous oceanfront community pool, and 2 sandy beaches. Top of the line granite/stainless kitchen, beautiful wood floors, impact doors, balconies, parking for 2 cars, direct access to ocean/bay.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:48:45 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887294/home-for-sale-149-anglers-way-unit-149-windley-key-fl-33036</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887266/home-for-sale-193-ocean-dr-plantation-key-fl-33070</guid>
      <title>Home for sale  193 Ocean Dr Plantation Key, FL 33070</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20111117200539999657000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;OUTSTANDING WATERFRONT LOCATION! This concrete home offers 2 bedrooms &amp;amp; 1 bathroom upstairs with a pre-firm bedroom/bathroom enclosure downstairs featuring ocean views, screened porch, 70 feet of dockage with pavers and is located&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;close to Tavernier Creek with immediate ocean &amp;amp; bay access.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style="line-height: 10pt !important;"&gt;
&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:45:14 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887266/home-for-sale-193-ocean-dr-plantation-key-fl-33070</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887206/home-for-sale-228-tide-ave-plantation-key-fl-33036-</guid>
      <title>Home for sale  228 Tide Ave Plantation Key, FL 33036	</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;object height="315" width="560"&gt;&lt;param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u7r2MTXelV8?version=3&amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;rel=0"&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;A VIEW FROM EVERY ROOM! This outstanding concrete home is located directly on Tavernier Creek offering 2 Master Suites, downstairs guest quarters, beautiful open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, entertaining kitchen, waterfront porch, dockage &amp;amp; boat lift with direct bay &amp;amp; ocean access. Priced to sell and ready to move in!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:39:49 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887206/home-for-sale-228-tide-ave-plantation-key-fl-33036-</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887192/florida-keys-island-paradise</guid>
      <title>Florida Keys Island Paradise</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20120118202239984659000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"&gt;OWN YOUR OWN ISLAND PARADISE! Choose from eight homesites to build your dream home. Each homesite is a rare 4 acre parcel offering double waterfront, perfect for yacht owners and fishing and snorkeling enthusiasts. Each homesite is situated with a private deep water lagoon for large yachts on one side and open water or deep canal on the other.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan Keller&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;Florida Keys Island Paradise&lt;/td&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:37:02 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2887192/florida-keys-island-paradise</link>
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    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2797121/homes-for-sale-149-stromboli-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036-</guid>
      <title>Homes for sale 149 Stromboli Dr Plantation Key, FL 33036 </title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;img src="http://cdn1.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20111014164549452253000000.jpg" id="mainPhoto" height="160" alt="" style="border: 1px solid #000000;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text"&gt;Exquisite design and details throughout, this gorgeous waterfront home located in prestigious Venetian Shores, with plenty of room for your yacht! Very impressive must see home with views of snake creek! In 2010 extravagantly remodeled to perfection featuring, rich mahogany wood stairways and porcelain tile floors, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, gourmet state of the art granite kitchen.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="label_text"&gt;Directions: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="data_text"&gt;MM 86 Bayside Venetian Shores, left on Stromboli house is third from the creek on left. For more details please see the property website at www.flkeysvenetianshore.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;img src="http://photos.flexmls.com/flk/20070329151357280287000000.jpg" border="0" alt=""&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;Jan &amp;amp; Charlotte (Keller/Porter Team)&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"&gt;Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt; &lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com" title="View this web page" target="_blank"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:34:45 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2797121/homes-for-sale-149-stromboli-dr-plantation-key-fl-33036-</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724226/fl-keys-waterfront-home-for-sale</guid>
      <title>Fl Keys Waterfront home for sale</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"&gt;POLYNESIAN STYLE WATERFRONT POOL HOME W/400FT. OF DOCKAGE! This completely renovated home is very private surrounded by water on 3 sides on almost 1/2 acre of land offering 2 bdrms plus office/3rd bdrm, 2 bthrms plus 2 powder rms, beautiful marble flooring throughout, granite kitchen,heated pool &amp;amp; spa, 4 boat lifts, outdoor kitchen, immediate ocean access &amp;amp; easy bay access. This is one of a kind!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"&gt;
&lt;iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-yP8FQDhJIU" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:51:56 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724226/fl-keys-waterfront-home-for-sale</link>
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    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724216/homefor-sale-key-largo</guid>
      <title>Homefor sale Key Largo</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;REDUCED PRICED TO SELL! CONCRETE WATERFRONT HOME WITH CUT IN BOAT SLIP! This home offers 3 bedrooms &amp;amp; 2 bathrooms upstairs and a permitted bathroom downstairs with a non-conforming enclosure. Great entertaining back yard tiki hut, fenced yard, &amp;amp; storage located in Key Largo with excellent boating access to the ocean!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M20x4-Hj34M" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Jan Keller Islamorada Office 305-289-6623 Cell-305-664-7069 Fax- 305-664-4111 Email Address: jankeller1@msn.com&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:47:56 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724216/homefor-sale-key-largo</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724209/first-time-home-buying-tips</guid>
      <title>First Time Home Buying Tips</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Buying your first home is a real mixed bag of emotions. You might feel excited, interested, confused, and overwhelmed all at the same time. The reason that home buying is such an emotional time is because it is such an important decision in your life. In fact, selecting your house is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. In this article, we will discuss some of the best first time home buyer tips. Read on to learn more. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;1. Hire a Realtor.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;2. Know what you can afford.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;3. Get pre-approved.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;4. See lots of houses.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;5. Get an inspection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Buying your first home is an emotional experience. Your goal should be to accentuate the positive emotions, and limit the negative ones. In this article, we have provided some valuable tips that can help. Use them wisely, and enjoy buying your first home.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:44:04 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724209/first-time-home-buying-tips</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724201/road-trips-seven-essential-items-to-carry-in-your-car</guid>
      <title>Road Trips-Seven Essential Items To Carry In Your Car</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;It is important to be prepared when you are traveling. Try to think ahead in case of emergencies for your security. If you are traveling by car, prepare a box filled with emergency supplies and equipment that might help you should you break down or become involved in an accident. &amp;nbsp;The following seven items are just a few important items that you should keep in your car when traveling.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;1. A flash light with batteries in case you are stranded in the dark.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;2. A flashing light will be helpful so other driver's can see you in the dark.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;3. Battery jumper cables will help you restart your car.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;4. A gas can will help transfer the gas should you run out.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;5. A tow strap will connect you to another vehicle to have your car towed away.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;6. Water and snacks are important to have in case you need to wait a long time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;7. A first-aid kit is vital if you have injuries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Although it seems like a lot of stuff to be carry in the car, you will be thankful to have it should you need it. You can never be too prepared when traveling and keeping yourself and others safe.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:41:59 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724201/road-trips-seven-essential-items-to-carry-in-your-car</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640661/sandy-cove-ave-lower-matecumbe-fl-33036-mls-556176-vacant-land-active-4-000-000</guid>
      <title>Sandy Cove Ave Lower Matecumbe, FL 33036-MLS 556176 Vacant Land Active $4,000,000</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img name="picholder" src="http://cdn2.photos.flexmls.com/flk/20111027203535931856000000.jpg" border="1" id="picholder" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 12px; font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;BE THE FIRST! Select a 4 acre parcel on a 50+ acre Bayfront Estate located on the Parmelee Estate in beauitful Islamorada. Build your dream home on one of the most desirable Bayfront properties in the Florida Keys. Call for details.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="label_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 600; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;Directions:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="label_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 600; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;Legal:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;TRACT 4 AND PT TRACT 5 MATECUMBE SANDY BEACH PT SANDY COVE AVE LOWER MATCMBE KEY OR119-389/91 OR119-395/97 OR192-267/69&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 12px; font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 12px; font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span class="data_text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 8pt;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div style="font-style: italic;"&gt;Provided as a courtesy of&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt;"&gt;JAN KELLER&lt;/div&gt;
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada&lt;br&gt;85996 Overseas Hwy&lt;br&gt;Islamorada, FL 33036&lt;br&gt;Office - (305) 289-6623&lt;br&gt;Cell - (305) 664-7069&lt;br&gt;Toll Free - (800) 207-4160&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:JANKELLER1@MSN.COM" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;JANKELLER1@MSN.COM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://islamoradajan.com/" title="View this web page" target="_blank" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none;"&gt;http://islamoradajan.com&lt;/a&gt;
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      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:25:46 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640661/sandy-cove-ave-lower-matecumbe-fl-33036-mls-556176-vacant-land-active-4-000-000</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640651/economic-and-health-advantages-of-living-in-a-warmer-climate</guid>
      <title>Economic and Health Advantages of Living In a Warmer Climate</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Many of those living in the Northeast, Northwest and Midwest look to retiring or owning a second home in the Southeast or even Southwest. With chilly winter conditions, it is no wonder residents of cold climates long for warmer weather.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It is also little wonder universities and research organizations have conducted extensive studies into economic and health factors in cold versus warm climates. What has been gained from such empirical research only confirms what we already seem to intuitively know: warmer climates are easier on our wallet and better for our health.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But why are warmer climates more economically friendly and healthier than cold-weather climates?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="bolden" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;"&gt;Economic Advantages of Living In a Warmer Climate:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are several advantages to living in a warmer climate, opposed to living in a cold-weather climate. Chief among them is the cost of home maintenance. To keep a home inhabitable during the winter months, home owner&amp;rsquo;s have to turn up the heat. It isn&amp;rsquo;t cheap to heat a home during a long winter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Other maintenance costs include insulating against the cold. As winter after winter affects a home, more upkeep is needed. The cost of heating rises significantly when doors, windows, the basement and roof need to be re insulated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The cost of to maintain personal possessions extends to vehicles. Cars in cold climates are adversely affected by winter weather. Drivers in cold weather climates are all too familiar with the cost of owning a car in such an area.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Warmer climates also mean fewer entertainment expenses. There is no cost to stroll on a beach or take a dip in the water.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="bolden" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;"&gt;Health Advantages of Living In a Warmer Climate:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In addition to economic benefits, living in a warmer climate has significant health advantages--especially for senior citizens.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Warmer climates mean the opportunity to do more for longer periods of time. Unlike cold weather climates, the days are long year-round. Moreover, the spring and summer month &amp;ldquo;feel&amp;rdquo; extended over a greater period on the calendar. In warm climates, it isn&amp;rsquo;t unusual to enjoy mid-70s highs during the fall and temperatures reaching the mid-80s in the spring.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Because people can be outdoors more means more opportunity to exercise and explore. That gives children a lot more room to explore and get out of the house. Senior citizens likewise can enjoy the revitalizing&lt;br&gt;outdoors just as much.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When you get down to it, people live more productive, fuller lives in warmer climates. And their wallets and health thank them profusely.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:22:38 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640651/economic-and-health-advantages-of-living-in-a-warmer-climate</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640645/preparing-for-your-real-estate-closing</guid>
      <title>Preparing For Your Real Estate Closing</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;You have secured the financing, gotten an offer accepted on the home of your choice, and done a home inspection. &amp;nbsp;You are almost done. &amp;nbsp;Just the walk through of the property and the real estate closing is left to do. &amp;nbsp;Some of the tips below will help you with the last, final action related to your purchase.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;1. &amp;nbsp;Review your closing financial sheet for correctness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;2. &amp;nbsp;Take a calculator to closing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;3. &amp;nbsp;Be sure your prepaid items have been deducted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;4. &amp;nbsp;What day of the month should you close on?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;5. &amp;nbsp;Verify that the payoff on your old mortgage is correct.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;6. &amp;nbsp;Verify you have utility transfer information and homeowners association points of contact, if applicable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The closing should be a brief meeting between all parties to do the final transfer of the ownership of the property. &amp;nbsp;Just take your time and ensure that you know what you are signing, and that you walk away with copies of everything. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:20:26 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640645/preparing-for-your-real-estate-closing</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640643/thinking-of-improving-your-home-find-great-tips-here-</guid>
      <title>Thinking Of Improving Your Home? Find Great Tips Here!</title>
      <description>Your feelings about the place where you wake up every morning can set the tone for every day. It's been proven that people spend the majority of time in their work office or in their personal house. The effect your living environment has on your mental outlook is even more profound when you work from home. It will be much simpler to deal with life and everyday stress if your home is a place you can seek solace. Learn more about transforming your home here.
&lt;div style="float: left; width: 150px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px;"&gt;&lt;div style="background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000;"&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;b&gt;TIP!&lt;/b&gt; Before making renovations on your home, you should determine the amount of time you plan on living in your house. Your budget improvements will vary according to this estimate.&lt;/small&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
If you make your home comfy, you will like it better. If you don't fix the simple things, they can add up and severely limit the enjoyment you get from your house. Feeling comfortable comes first. Comfort is often defined by the little things in your home. Make sure that you have comfortable furniture and storage space that fits your physical needs.
Do your best to make the space you have larger. You will have a hard time trying to change things around if you have a lack of space. One way to solve this is by expanding your space. Even only adding a few feet can make all the difference by making the house feel less cluttered.
&lt;div style="float: right; width: 150px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px;"&gt;&lt;div style="background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000;"&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;b&gt;TIP!&lt;/b&gt; Begin the installation of your new kitchen cabinets by drawing a horizontal benchmark line around the perimeter of your entire kitchen. This level line will provide a reference point for you to measure from when installing your wall and base cabinets.&lt;/small&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
Install more areas in which to have fun. All kinds of entertainment items add value to your home.
Lighting is very important in your home. Correct lighting is important in order to be able to see properly, especially when reading. It can also update a space, totally changing the way it looks. You can add new light fixtures by yourself and this can greatly improve the look of your home.
&lt;div style="float: left; width: 150px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px;"&gt;&lt;div style="background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000;"&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;b&gt;TIP!&lt;/b&gt; Do your homework before starting to demolish. It might seem easy, even fun, to rush into a demolition and start cutting holes or ripping down walls.&lt;/small&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
Do some landscaping. A well manicured lawn will fill your neighbors with envy and motivation to keep their lawns looking just as good. A fresh cut lawn gives off an amazing and refreshing scent that energizes everyone. Don't forget the importance of plants in improving oxygen levels too. An added bonus is that they are beautiful.
Focus on the outside of your home. Replacing the roof shingles, purchasing new windows or changing the siding color are great ways to bring new life to your house. You will feel proud and excited each time that you turn into your driveway when you are on the way home.
Since you spend so much time in your home, you need to have a home you enjoy being in, which makes you an overall happier person. Besides significantly increasing the overall value of your home, improvements can be an investment in your well-being.</description>
      <dc:creator>Jan Keller (Coldwell Banker)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:18:22 -0800</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/2640643/thinking-of-improving-your-home-find-great-tips-here-</link>
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