Joan's Blog

Free Cleaning for Cancer Patients

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:05:37 -0600

Do you know someone undergoing chemotherapy? Frequently, the last thing on her mind would be cleaning her home. Now, there is a cleaning service that will come once a month for four months, while the patient is in treatment, and clean her home for free.

Sign up is simple, visit the website to sign up then fax a doctors note with proof of treatment. The company will then arrange for a service in her zip code.

Cleaning for a Reason serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.

You can visit the website at Cleaningforareason.org

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

Partial $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension.

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:10:10 -0500

The first time home buyer's tax credit has been a much buzzed about topic this year and while it is set to expire on November 30th, the extension talks have now stepped up.

Last week, the House passed a bill allowing for the extension of the credit for military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel who are overseas. This extension signals the hope that Congress will agree to extend the credit for everyone else into 2010.

Talks of renewing the current credit and providing the tax credit to a broader group of buyers, those who are selling their current homes and purchasing a replacement home, continue.

The question of funding without adding to the deficit remains the key. The New York Times reported the possibility of using money from the 2009 $800 Billion dollar package.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

Based on article from Kenneth R. Harney.

Real Estate Market on the Rise

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:06:20 -0500

While some market outlooks have been grim, the Real Estate market is welcoming a warm front. Sales, home prices and contracts on properties are on the rise while interest rates are on the decline, all which can contribute to a positive swing in the Real Estate market.

This was the 7th month straight that pending home sales have risen, the longest streak since 2001. Pending home sales increased 6.4% since August. This figure measures the number of homes under contract and is an important indication of where home sales are headed.

Home sales increased 8.2% in the Northeast, 7.6% in the Midwest, and 16% in the Western States.

Good news also comes from the Commerce Department, which reports that home sales are up seven tenths of a percent nationwide.

According to the Case-Shiller Price index, prices have increased the most in the past month, with an 1.6% increase. L.A and D.C. had 1.8% increases, San Francisco 3.3%, Chicago 2.7% and Minneapolis up 4.6%

In addition to prices increasing, mortgage rates have been decreasing, coming in at 4.9% for 30 Year fixed rates and 4.3% for 15 year fixed rates. If they continue on this pattern, rates will be at a 40 year low, which will not only increase home sales but also refinances.

This is good news on many different fronts of the Real Estate market and hopefully will continue to improve the market conditions.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.
Information taken from article: Real Estate Outlook: Sales Stats and Rates by Kenneth R. Harney

Free Zoning Change Advice

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:04:33 -0500

Denver is currently undergoing one of the greatest zoning transformations ever and is expected to be introduced next year. This is bound to have an impact on property owners; what the specific impact will be is unclear.

Some proposed changes include an increase in the number of zone districts, from around 30 to 96. Some areas will also impose height restrictions, eliminating third stories or roof decks. However, what the changes will be exactly is still not clear.

Sprocket Design-Build, a Denver based company, is offering a free assessment on property zoning and an explanation of how your property could be impacted. For the free property assessment opinion send an email to zoning@sprocketdb.com.

Sprocket will look up your current zoning and then determine how it is slated to change under the new zoning laws. This is particularly helpful if you're interested in doing a remodel or scrape and are concerned that your plans will no longer be allowed under the proposed zoning laws.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

Based on article from insiderealestatenews.com by John Rebchook.

Fall Fun in The Mountains!

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:02:31 -0500

Fall is officially here!
Georgetown is hosting their 3rd Annual Aspen Festival this weekend. The festival takes place Saturday October 3 from 10 am to Dusk and Sunday October 4th from 10 am to 5pm. It's a great opportunity to see the Aspen leaves change, hear live music, browse crafts and eat great food.
If you have extra time, head over to the Pumpkin Festival at Georgetown Loop! Where you can take a train ride through the Mountains and see the trees up close. There will also be a hay maze and more fun activities. The Pumpkin Festival at the Georgetown Loop will be taking place the first two weekends in October.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

Have You Heard What FHA is up to?

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:27:17 -0500

New FHA Commissioner, David Stevens, announced the agency will be changing their appraisal rules and also including a 10% reduction in the amount senior home owners can receive from the reverse mortgage program. The latter is a discussion for another day.

The new guidelines, which will be instituted January 1, adopt some of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's "home valuation code of conduct" (HVCC). They also stipulate that FHA will not accept appraisals ordered by mortgage brokers, lenders, or anyone compensated on a commission tied to the completion of the loan. FHA regulations do differ from Fannie and Freddie, in that FHA wants appraisers to be paid fairly and in full.

Surprisingly, the Commissioner states that appraisers can disclose the amount of their fees, making this information available to the buyers and sellers in the appraisal report. This goes against traditional practice, where it is typically forbidden for appraisers to reveal their compensation.

An informative move for the consumer, as on average they are charged $400, when the appraiser, who works for the management company receives only $175-$200. This will increase consumer awareness of the many appraisers who have been driven out of business by these new regulations involving management companies.

Along with the disclosure fees, Stevens is thankfully mandating what he refers to as "geographic competency". This requires appraisers have a familiarity with the local markets and access to data relevant to the home's sale.

Geographic competency is imperative and a welcome addition to the new rules. Recently I received an offer on a property and the appraisal came in below the contract price. It was revealed the appraiser was not familiar with the area, and in fact resided and worked many hours away.

Does anyone else have a similar tale to tell?

Putting a lid on it: Is Roof Replacement Neccessary?

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:53:14 -0500

Remember my client from last week who failed to get an inspection before purchasing her home in the divorce? She recently got an offer on her home.

During the inspection it was revealed that the roof was a Woodruff product, and there had been a class action law suit against Woodruff for their defective roof products.

We've been hearing conflicting reports that lenders are requesting 5 year certifications for the roof or will require the roof replacement. FHA is apparently more restrictive. My client has a roof inspector stating that the roof is in fine condition and he is willing to provide a one year warranty, to be renewed annually after inspection.

What's the best approach for successful negotiations and a smooth transaction? Your input would be appreciated!

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

What's Your Score?

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:16:57 -0500

Parking tickets, library fees, and other small fines used to have an impact on your credit score. But, thanks to new scoring system, these minor delinquencies can be overlooked when calculating your credit store.

Under the new system, FICO 08, for those with otherwise unblemished scores, fines that are under $100 will no longer count against your score. Also, a single delinquency two or more years ago, is less likely to impact your score. This means that there is a possibility more flexibility in missing a payment, as long as it does not become a habit.

FICO 08 also addresses the frequently adopted "Piggbacking" process, which allows credit-repair companies to use a person's account, and the account holder gets reimbursed for allowing them to use their account. This inaccurately represents a person's credit score and will not longer be an accepted practice under FICO 08.

The FICO 08 adjustment has been adopted within last month, so you might see a slight rise or decrease in your score. But overall, the new system was adopted in order to get a more accurate assessment of the borrowing risks for a candidate. The rationalization behind it is that one small fine is not an accurate method for detecting if a person would default a loan.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

Taken from article by Amy Hoak for MarketWatch

Taking an Interest in Interest Deduction

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:25:09 -0500

While the First Time Home Buyer tax credit has been in the news these days, another bill in Congress could be equally significant, only with negative ramifications. The Congressional Budget Office has been preparing a report that suggests Congress cut deductions for home owner mortgage interest from it's present 1.1 million dollars to $500,000. The deduction would be phased in by $100,000 annually, starting in 2013.
Over a 10 year period, this would increase the revenue by an estimated $41 Billion Dollars. In addition, there are two proposals which aim to replace the mortgage interest deductions with a flat tax credit of 15% of mortgage interest paid. The other proposal is for eliminating deductions for all state and local taxes, which is estimated to cost $862 billion by 2019.

What does this mean for property owners?

Currently, If you're paying $1000 a month for your mortgage, $900 might be interest payments and $100 is paying the actual principal. At the end of the year, you're allowed a $10,800 tax credit. ($900 per month interest x 12 months). However, if this suggestion is undertaken, these tax credits would be eliminated and property owners would no longer receive these write-offs.

Should this legislation pass, it would undoubtedly have a dramatic effect on our unstable housing market.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

Information and facts taken from Washington Post Writer's Group, Kenneth R Harney.

Dilemma: Divorce and the Marital Home

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:49:33 -0500

WThe process of divorce is hard enough as it is, but one pivotal move can save you both stress and money. Recently, I had a client who purchased the marital home from her husband at an agreed to price, she did so without the customary inspection that occurs with any real estate purchase transaction; divorce should be no exception.
It wasn’t until my client put her property on the market and the buyer did an inspection, that vital information on the property history was revealed. Not only had a class action lawsuit been issued against the manufacturer of her roof, the property had also depreciated in value. This meant that she had overpaid her husband for the property and was facing costly roofing repairs.

My client believed that since she’d been living in the home prior to the divorce, there would be no inspection issues.

Should you be considering purchasing the martial home, inspections are a quick, relatively inexpensive, yet essential way to protect yourself and your investment.

Joan Rogliano has been practicing real estate for 25 years. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist.

4,560 Mortgage Colorado Loan Originator Licenses Revoked!

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:32:49 -0500

These revocations are the result of the Colorado General Assembly House Bill 1085 that was passed in early 2009 and became effective August 5th, 2009. House Bill 1085 defines circumstances in which the Director of The Department of Regulatory Agencies, (DORA), may inactivate a mortgage loan originator license if they have failed to comply with the education and testing requirements.

As a result, the Director inactivated 4,560 licenses on August 31, 2009.

Individuals whose licenses are inactive are prohibited from practicing as a mortgage loan originator or in any other capacity which requires a license.

Individuals who continue to practice with an inactive license are subject to all forms of discipline prescribed in the Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing Act,
including permanent revocation and fines.

Direct managers of individuals with inactive licenses are also subject to disciplinary action if they allow such individuals to continue to practice.

In my opinion, this measure is a long overdue response to the blatant disregard for licensing education requirements that were put in place several years ago. At the time, Colorado was one of the only states that did not have any education requirements for its loan originators and the new rules were an effort to maintain a consistent level of professionalism in the industry.

In light of recent events in the mortgage industry these requirements seem more than reasonable. Now, almost 5 years after the changes there are still people out there choosing to ignore the law. The good news is they are not going to be able to hide the fact they are not licensed any longer.
When shopping for a home loan be sure you are working with a licensed professional.

If you would like to know how to find out if a mortgage originator is licensed or need more information about any area of the real estate industry feel free to email me: joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Denver Ranks #5 On the List of Best Places to Grow Up!

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:06:17 -0500

Low crime, strong schools, green spaces, and fun activities are key ingredients for a happy childhood.

If you could create the ideal community to raise a child in, what ingredients would you include? First off, you'd probably want a low crime rate.

A strong school system would also be key. From there, you'd need lots of other children, expansive green spaces to play in, and plenty of nearby family events. Toss in an abundance of artistic and recreational activities, and all of a sudden you've got one heck of a place to grow up.

At U.S. News, they wanted to find out if any communities like that already existed—and if so, where they were located. So they dug into their database of 2,000 different places all across the country and pinpointed the locales that met these criteria. They then examined these communities more closely to determine which places offered the best combination of safe neighborhoods, fun activities, and top-notch educators.

Denver came in at number 5 on the final list!

Whether you prefer snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, biking through America's largest city park system, or heading over to Invesco Field at Mile High for a Broncos football game, Denver is a wonderful place to be a kid. Also among the country's safest big cities, Denver has 300 days of annual sunshine, eight different professional sports franchises, and countless opportunities for fishing, white-water rafting, and horseback riding.

For more information on the Denver area and the housing market email joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Making Homes Even More Affordable – Refinance Provision

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:03:13 -0500

More homeowners suffering mortgages larger than the value of their home can now trade in their mortgage for a more affordable home loan, under a broader Making Home Affordable refinance provision.

Borrower’s current on payments with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guaranteed loans could be eligible for refinancing into new loans even if they owe as much as 125 percent of the home's current value.

Previously, the Home Affordable Refinance Program's loan-to-value limit was 105 percent.
It's the latest Obama Administration effort to help more homeowners refinance their mortgage at a lower rate and reduce their monthly payments. A refinance can help owners buck up and keep homes that are worth less than they owe.

Also, if the existing mortgage was written without mortgage insurance, the new loan won't be burdened with the extra cost.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans typically require mortgage insurance when the loan is more than 80 percent of the home's value.

Of course, if the current mortgage has mortgage insurance and the new loan is 80 percent or more of the home's value, mortgage insurance comes with the deal.

The new 125 percent limit also may not apply if a second mortgage combined with the first exceeds the limit. The new deal also doesn't allow homeowners to take cash out.

The higher loan-to-value ratios are available now to qualified borrowers who apply through their existing servicer. After Oct. 1 a homeowner can shop around and refinance through any Fannie or Freddie lender.

To check your eligibility for a refinance under the new provision, go to: http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/

How Long Should It Last?

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:10:55 -0500

Average life expectancy in years of a thermostat and a compactor, respectively the longest-lived and shortest-lived appliances in the American home, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Bank of America Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components.

Here is a list of the life expectancy (years) of some everyday appliances:

Air Conditioners (room)
10
Air Conditioners (central)
15
Boilers (electric)
13
Boilers (gas)
21
Compactors
6
Dehumidifiers
8
Dishwashers
9
Dryers (electric and gas)
13
Freezers
11
Furnaces (electric warm air)
15
Furnaces (gas warm air)
18
Furnaces (oil warm air)
20
Garbage Disposers
12
Humidifiers
8
Microwave Ovens
9
Range/Oven Hoods
14
Ranges (electric)
13
Ranges (gas)
15
Refrigerators
13
Refrigerators (compact)
9
Thermostats
35
Washing Machines
10
Water Heaters (electric)
11
Water Heaters (gas)
10
Water Heaters (tankless)
20+

Keep in mind that the life expectancy listed here is just a general guideline—depending on the model and brand of appliances you buy and how well you treat them, your gear might last longer or might need replacing even sooner.

For more information about housing in the Denver Metro Area contact joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Western Welcome Week - Littleton, CO

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:43:53 -0500

Western Welcome Week, Inc. is dedicated to carrying on the tradition of greater Littleton—yesterday, today and tomorrow—with the annual Western Welcome Week celebration.

Western Welcome Week is an annual community celebration in the greater Littleton area. The event started in the late 1920s, and has been held every year since. Western Welcome Week includes over 40 events benefiting dozens of local civic and charitable organizations.

This year the 81st annual celebration begins on Thursday, August 06, 2009 and continues for 11 days, through Sunday, August 16, 2009. Festival Day, which includes the Children's Parade, the Grand Parade, the 50th annual Arts & Crafts Fair, and concessions by local civic groups, will be Saturday, August 15, 2009.

Nurturing community spirit, bringing the community together by involving many residents and businesses, creating an opportunity for fundraising, support for service clubs and charities, and providing eleven days of fun and entertainment for Littleton area businesses and residents are the goals of Western Welcome Week.

For more information visit http://www.westernwelcomeweek.com/.

Joan Rogliano, a Littleton resident, has been assisting families with their real estate transactions for over 20 years. For more information on homes in your area email joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Realtor with specialty in divorce shows a “Garden Party” house in Greenwood Village

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:46:41 -0500

Denver Post

By: Mark Samuelson

Realtor Joan Rogliano specializes in some of the least happy real estate transactions…ones during or after a divorce. You can tour a listing today that she has open in Belleview Village…a popular area near the Highline Canal west of Belleview that has not had many homes on the market for the past two years. It’s showing three now, and this is the least expensive.

No. 12 Belleview Lane has a polished; Leave-It-to Beaver looks on a gorgeous 0.67 acre site. “I call it the garden party house,” Rogliano told me as we chatted in the kitchen, where she’ll be serving hors d’oeuvres today. “There’s room for a pool or tennis court back there.” She led me to the far corner of the tree-shrouded backyard for a look at the expanse…giving the illusion of even more size in a neighborhood that marks its lot lines with shrubs and rail fencing.

There are five bedrooms up, one which is directly off the master; a setup for an upstairs study or nursery. Main floor is a divide between formal and family spaces, plus a music room; the basement has two large family areas.

The price, $925,000, is a rarity, Rogliano says. “This is a sought-after neighborhood,”. The Highline makes a broad loop through the surrounding sections of Greenwood Village, with trail connections into its wandering lanes and cul-de-sacs.

Rogliano says she usually spends more time with her clients than typical agent might in preparing a sale, with much of the discussion centered about trying to stay put, rather than selling.” “Especially if kids are involved, this is where their life is,” she adds. There are options on that..Something’s that’s the focus of Wildflower Group, an organization she founded in 2006 to help families in transition (www.wildflowergroup.net).

“There are choices; everybody’s needs are different,” Rogliano added. Are divorcing sellers more likely to take a low-ball offer, as a way of saying goodbye to common property? “Don’t count on it,” Rogliano says. “Divorce generally has no bearing at all on price issues.”

No. 12 Belleview Lane opens 1-4, is west of University, two blocks south of Belleview on Race. For more information call Joan at 303-667-5485 or visit www.roglianorealestategroup.

HERA Goes into Effect!

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:28:28 -0500

Today's big news is the new federal regulations regarding real estate mortgage closings.

The fours key elements you need to know:

1. If the homebuyer is financing the property, these new regulatory and investor guidelines will impact and will dictate the closing date.

2. Upfront fees cannot be collected by the lender (except for credit report fee) until initial disclosures are received.

3. The homebuyer must be provided with a copy of their appraisal a minimum of 3 business days prior to closing.

4. An increase of more than .125% in the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from the initial Truth in Lending Disclosure (TIL) requires the TIL disclosure to be revised and reissued to the homebuyer. The homebuyer must receive a revised TIL disclosure at least 3 business days before closing, providing the homebuyer with the time required to determine if the homebuyer is comfortable with their loan choice.

Potential impacts to the APR:

· Unlocked Rate

· Change in loan amount

· Product change

· Rate re-lock due to market improvement

· Change in closing date

· Changes to fees, inclusive of settlement agent fees

The combination of these items will make anything less than 30 days closing very difficult and 45 days is a more likely scenario. Now more than ever the buyer, lender, real estate agent and title agent will need to communicate and cooperate to ensure a successful and timely closing.

For a more detailed handout outlining the new mortgage process and timeline email joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Heated Debate Continues Over Real Estate Regulation Bill

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:57:23 -0500

Hearings and debate continued almost non-stop last week on Capitol Hill as House leaders pushed controversial legislation to create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency with far-reaching powers affecting mortgages and real estate.

Though details of the legislation may change as it transits through the House and Senate, the proposed new agency almost certainly would play a huge role in housing finance, touching all home buyers, sellers, Realtors and lenders.

Here are just a few of the areas it's likely to oversee:

First, it would have primary federal regulatory oversight of all mortgage products offered nationwide -- that includes banks, mortgage brokers, mortgage companies, credit unions and most private lenders.

Very likely the agency would identify a limited number of mortgage types it considers standard and relatively safe for consumers, such as 30-year fixed rate mortgages with mandatory full documentation and strict underwriting, and FHA and VA loans.

All other non-standard loans, especially those with variable payments, less than full documentation or fluctuating interest charges, would be subject to extra regulatory attention.

The agency also is likely to take over a number of consumer regulatory powers that are currently with other federal agencies. They include the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which covers all aspects of home closings, good faith estimates and bans kickbacks, PLUS the Truth in Lending Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunities Act.

Proponents of the bill believe a new agency is needed to prevent a reoccurrence of the severe damage done to home owners, buyers, mortgage borrowers by the sort of lax regulatory oversight of mortgage products that led to the mortgage meltdown and housing bust.

However, banking and mortgage industry trade groups warned that this legislation could do more harm than good and stifle innovation. Those that oppose this bill are concerned about the costs of creating and running a new overseer of mortgage products and credit cards.

For information about real estate in your area and on finding the right financing fell free to contact joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Louisville, Co Named #1 Place to Live!

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:20:31 -0500

In a recent CNNMoney.com poll Louisville, CO was named the #1 small town to live in America.

This down to earth small town is nestled along the Rockies. Ice cream shops dot the historic downtown. Families grab burgers at the cozy Waterloo Café. A Friday-night street fair, with a beer garden, live music, and games for the kids, runs all summer. No wonder this down-to-earth town has appeared high on Money's Best Places list before--and on many others.

It's also weathering the economic downturn well. Robust industries in the area, such as high tech, energy, and health care, make county unemployment among the lowest in the state.

But the top reason residents give for moving here? The great outdoors. Louisville is laced with nearly 30 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is less than an hour away, and eight world-class ski resorts are within two hours. The town's schools are highly rated as well.

Add in dry, clear weather, little crime, good health care, and low taxes, and Louisville is pretty tough to beat.

The winners were chosen by measuring and weighting the factors that Americans value most. According to the CNNMoney poll, after good jobs, the key criteria are low crime, affordable homes, lots to do, and top-notch schools. Also factored in: data on health care, diversity, weather, and more.

The top-ranked towns not only rack up terrific scores but also possess that indefinable something—a mix of community spirit, can-do attitude, and simple charm—that makes them magnets for people looking for a great little place to raise their families.

For information about homes available in Colorado feel free to contact Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid with Real Estate in a Divorce

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:54:26 -0500

1. Not listing the real estate in the Summons and Petition.

This might prevent you from getting a divorce, might prevent you from selling the property until you go back to court to amend and correct the decree, might result in your spouse getting more of a share in that property, and other problems.

2. Not using the correct "legal description" for the property, or using the street address instead of the legal description.

You may have to amend the Divorce Decree before you can refinance or sell the property.

3. Having verbal or written "side" agreements about the property that are not part of the divorce decree.

These are not enforceable and if your ex-spouse changes his/her mind, you are out of luck.

4. Assuming you are not responsible for the mortgage because your ex-spouse was awarded the house.

The court cannot order the lender to take your name off of the mortgage. Being on the mortgage is between you and the lender. Having your name on the mortgage for a house awarded to your ex-spouse may prevent you from qualifying for another mortgage. If your spouse fails to make payments on the mortgage, the lender may try to collect from you.

5. Deeding the property between spouses before the divorce is final.

Some people think that if their spouse is not listed on the deed for the property, the property does not need to be part of the divorce proceedings. There are two mistakes here. First, all real estate is part of the divorce proceedings, even if the deed is in only one name. Second, a deed between spouses during the marriage is not effective. Under the law, a spouse has a "marital interest" in all real estate owned by the other spouse. You cannot deed away that marital interest while still married to each other.

6. Not paying attention to the marital and non-marital parts of the value of a house.

You could be short-changing yourself by thousands of dollars.

7. Adding or changing language in the divorce papers without consulting an attorney.

You should change the court forms to meet your needs, but you also should get an attorney to help you. Real Estate law is very technical and exacting. You are highly likely to make serious mistakes if you try to address the real estate issues without competent legal advice. It is foolish to save a few dollars now and cause yourself trouble and expense later. Some mistakes can be corrected. For example, if you make an error in the legal description of the property, it is possible to go through a procedure to "amend" the Judgment and Decree to correct the legal description. Other mistakes cannot be corrected. For example, if you agree to sell the house and divide the net proceeds 50-50% with your spouse, you cannot ask to amend the decree later on the basis that the division was unfair because you paid $50,000 of the downpayment on the house with your non-marital money. Many attorneys are willing to review divorce papers for a reasonable fee. Just remember to show the papers to the attorney before you sign them or serve them on the other party.

Joan Rogliano has been helping her clients navigate the home buying and selling process during times of transition for over 20 years. For more information feel free to contact joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Can Trees Help Sell Your Home?

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:13:37 -0500

The American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) released information about a study on the “Impact of Improved Landscape Quality and Tree Cover on the Price of Single-Family Homes” that was published in Horticulture Research Institute Journal of Environmental Horticulture.

Approximately 30 percent of the increase in sale value was accounted for by added tree cover. The results show that each $1.00 invested in upgrading an average landscape to excellent quality returns $1.35 in added property value. While most homeowners know that landscape is a big draw for buyers, they are unsure of how much and what kinds of landscaping affect the property value.

The study reports that, “General tree cover adds 2 percent to 9 percent to the value of existing homes and 7 percent for new construction on tree-covered lots.” Just a single tree can add up to 2 percent to the property value, according to the study. Hedges, walls, landscaped curbs, and dense vegetation can each add 2 percent to 4 percent to the property value. And if your home has more trees than nearby homes, the value shoots up by about 7 percent. Sophisticated designs in landscape affect property value in a very positive way.

If you’re considering adding tree coverage here are a few tips to help you choose what will work best in your landscape.

Visit a nursery and get expert help. Trees are not temporary so it’s important to know which ones will work best in your yard before you spend any money and time planting them.
Some popular trees are: varieties of apple trees (the fruit is a bonus), dogwood trees (they bloom in spring and are colorful in the fall), Japanese maple trees (they have vibrant colors), and birch trees (they have unusual bark and branch patterns), and pine trees (the needles offer a very different appearance).
Look for water-efficient trees. Trees can use even less water than the lowest water-use grass.
Trees planted on the south and west side of homes can help provide shade and cool the home.
Consult your local water department which can provide lists and tips on water-saving and fire-resistant types of vegetation.

Water Efficiency

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:04:26 -0500

Over the next five years, water efficiency and conservation will become critical factors in green design, construction and product selection, according to McGraw-Hill Construction's latest SmartMarket Report. Architecture and engineering (A/E) firms, contractors and owners report that water efficiency is rapidly becoming a higher priority than other aspects of green building, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction.

According to the United Nations Environmental Program, buildings consume 20 percent of the world’s available water, a resource that becomes scarcer each year. Efficient practices and products provide significant opportunities for the A/E industry to respond to this trend and build high-tech, low-water-demand projects that will turn the tide on the water crisis and create the conscientious buildings of tomorrow.

The report covers involvement levels and growth opportunities over the next five years, as well business benefits, motives and obstacles encountered in this advancing market.

Highlights include:

By 2013, 85% of industry reports that water efficiency will be an extremely important aspect of a green building.
Owners are especially committed to water-efficient practices, with 42 percent reporting that more than three-quarters of current projects incorporate water-efficient designs; 50% expect to incorporate water-efficient practices in at least half of their building portfolios by 2013.
Business benefits are the key growth drivers as companies focus on the bottom-line. Primary motivators include reducing energy use (87%) and reducing operating costs (84%). Respondents report that on average, applying water-efficient designs and products lead to 15% less water use, 10-11% less energy use, and an 11-12% reduction in operating costs.
Increased government regulation and the desire to lower energy costs are also expected to trigger faster adoption of water-efficient products and methods. Seventy-three percent of respondents are motivated by energy cost increases, while more than two-thirds expect to respond to regulations on wastewater runoff (69%) and water efficiency (68%).

For additional information on housing in your area contact Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Location! Location! Location!

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:11:41 -0500

Real estate agents warn against buying a good house in an undesirable area, saying location trumps all. But because the price is often so appealing, it is a way for buyers to get some of what they want without spending a fortune.

As a curator of exhibitions for the New-York Historical Society, Kathleen Hulser is passionate about the past. She craved an antique home, but with her salary, she knew she would have to compromise.

That compromise is a freight train that blasts by just a few feet from her four-bedroom 1839 summer house on the Housatonic River in Cornwall Bridge, Conn.

It appears at 7:30 a.m. almost every day. “The house shakes,” Ms. Hulser said. “It rattles the pots and pans.” She bought the house last August for $255,000, reduced from $375,000, after it had been on the market for 10 months. “Without the train next door,” Ms. Miller said, the house would have cost double. “It made it much more affordable by putting up with that,” she said.

Indeed, she finds the train appealing. “The conductor always waves,” she said. “It almost counts as a charming defect.” The train is not roaring through hourly; it runs on average once a day, at most twice.

For more information about homes in your area or the value of your home feel free to contact Joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.

Metal Roofs Offer a Better Option to Homeowners Looking to Save Energy & the Environment

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:47:04 -0500

Recently, the U.S. Secretary of Energy encouraged Americans to paint their roofs white, in an effort to reduce global warming by both conserving energy and reflecting sunlight back into space.

A white roof is a good idea, but a highly reflective metal roof is even better. New technologies allow even darker colored metal roofs to absorb less heat through the use of highly reflective pigments that reflect solar energy.

In addition to energy savings, metal roofing is cost effective, more durable and longer lasting than most other materials. A metal roof can last a lifetime -- the average life of a non-metal roof is 17 years, often requiring repairs throughout its life.

No matter the kind of roofing style, there's a metal roofing style to match. Today's metal roofing looks just like common roofing material such as asphalt shingle, clay tile, cedar shake or slate. In addition, as opposed to non-metal roofing material that begins to deteriorate as soon as it's exposed to the elements, a metal roof will never deteriorate, and can withstand most everything Mother Nature throws its way.

The time is right for homeowners to choose a better roofing system that provides both long and short-term savings. The Stimulus Package signed in February 2009 states that homeowners who make energy efficient updates to their home, including the installation of a painted or coated Energy Star labeled metal roof, may be eligible for a tax credit up to $1,500 per home.

How to Get Top Dollar for Your Home

Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:13:57 -0500

Want to get top dollar when you sell your home? Listen to what the professionals have to say.

Cosmetic touch ups can help a home sell a faster. They include:

• Updating the paint and carpeting. A fresh coat of paint (preferably white) inside and out and new floor covering give the home the look and smell of "new." With the facelift treatment, gone are the wrinkles of cracking paint, the sags of aging wallpaper and the dark age spots of stains and spills. When in doubt, nothing works better than a fresh coat of white paint.

• Heighten the curb appeal. How you home looks upon approach is its first impression. The idea is to make that first impression one that invites visitors inside for a longer look. At least work on the front yard, the backyard can wait, if necessary. Improve the landscaping, fix cracks and stains in the driveway and remove extraneous clutter.

• Clean house. Cleaning house means mop, pail and elbow grease action, but also clearing clutter. Put stuff in storage if that's what it takes to rid your home and garage of that unorganized look. Less is more when it comes to the appearance of larger looking rooms.

If you won't sell your home for some time, but know that possibility looms, do the right improvement things, including:

• Adding square footage. Appraisers say an addition provides more returned value to your home than most other improvements. While that doesn't necessarily mean the buyer will pay the cost of the work in terms of a higher price, you likely will attract more buyers.

• Build out your garage. All that clutter you cleared? The new buyer will want to put his or her junk right back in there. Buyers also want a comfy room for their cars. Add, expand or improve your garage and you'll also increase the value of your home.

• Think before you sink money into a pool. You may love the idea of having a pool, but a young family with small kids may see it as a potentially fatal accident waiting to happen. Other buyers don't want the upkeep and costs that come with a pool. A pool will limit your buyers pool to only those who want a pool.

• When you buy, think location. The best locations sell faster. Proximity to good schools, jobs, shopping and attractions and away from crime, heavy traffic, business, commercial or industrial locations helps homes sell faster and for more. Buy a home in a good location. Then you'll have a home to sell in a good location.

For more information regarding purchasing, selling or financing a home feel free to contact joan@roglianorealestategroup.com.