Cool Tool For The iPad! - 04/30/12 09:32 PM
Al and Peggythis is an absolutely great gadget that I think everyone would love to have. What a great find. Thank you very much for showing us the way.  A very cool tool indeed
Via Al & Peggy Cunningham Brokers Brampton Ontario 905-450-5500 Houses For Sale (We have a home for you! Call Us! RE/MAX Realty Services Inc.):
Cool Tool For The iPad!  Check out one of the latest gizmo for your iPad, it's fantastic! This Note Book Case for the iPad 2 transforms your iPad into a laptop!

It comes loaded with a battery, a full size bluetooth enabled keyboard, USB … (0 comments)

Choices of Flooring For Your Home - 04/30/12 09:28 PM
A good looking floor is probably the best seller of homes after the view that the home has, and the kitchen. I have to say though, that your third option, although is a must to mention, is actually one of the flooring types that about 86%  of buyers avoid.
Via Heather Barber:
There are many different choices of flooring to choose from and often times the climate and weather will determine which type of flooring fits your needs. There are also many benefits to each type of flooring.
There are THREE types of flooring I’ve seen that are most common.
1)    Hardwood. This … (1 comments)

What I learned in Real Estate this Week! - 04/30/12 09:23 PM
Kristinthat is a great list of things that you learned this week, whether on Active Rain, or being active in Real Estate. I felt I should re-blog it so other can see the list, just in case they missed it the first time around 
Via Kristin Moran, San Antonio,TX~Real Estate 210-313-7397 (Owner - RE/MAX Access - KristinMoran@Remax.net):
Honestly, I should title these "What I learned in Real Estate LAST WEEK" because when I sit down to write them it's a big brain purge of stuff I learned the week before.  You say tomato, I say tomato.......
Anyway, here I goooooooooo:
When dealing with … (1 comments)

Lake Charles Contraband Days is the Largest Louisiana Festival - 04/30/12 09:20 PM
I would actually love to attend Lake Charles Contraband days in the largest Louisiana Festival where the Contraband Pirate Royalty Reigns and can be seen near the Buccaneers Compound
Via Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles Realtor Lake Charles LA Real Estate (Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s):
CONTRABAND DAYS BEGINS
MAY 1-13, 2012
Ahoy mates, It's that time of year again for Contraband Days when the City of Lake Charles is overtaken by Pirates!
Of Course the Contraband Pirate Royalty Reigns and can be seen near the Buccaneers Compound.

Unique to Lake Charles, this year will be the 55th year … (0 comments)

Knock, Knock. Who’s There? Sellers Beware! - 04/30/12 09:12 PM
I have made it a practice to tell my sellers, not to open the door, or show the property to anybody unless I have called them to let them know that somebody will be coming to see the house. Security above all things
Via Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs):
I received a call this evening from one of my sellers. A potential buyer had showed up at her home, rang the doorbell, and asked to see the home. While this raised red flags for her, she let him into her home … (3 comments)

Closing Costs, Title Costs - 04/30/12 08:30 PM
It’s the big day. The day you go to the title or escrow company, sign your name on the dotted line, hand over a check and prepare to take ownership of your new home.
It’s also the day that you and the seller will pay “closing” or settlement costs, an accumulation of separate charges paid to different entities for the professional services associated with the buying and selling of real property.
It’s too often a day filled with uncertainty and stress.
To help you better understand this confusing subject, the Land Title Association has answered some of the questions most commonly … (0 comments)

How Should You Take Ownership of the Property You are Buying? - 04/30/12 08:26 PM
How Should I Take Ownership of the Property I am Buying? Real property can be incredibly valuable and the question of how parties can take ownership of their property is important. The form of ownership taken -- the vesting of title -- will determine who may sign various documents involving the property and future rights of the parties to the transaction. These rights involve such matters as: real property taxes, income taxes, inheritance and gift taxes, transferability of title and exposure to creditor’s claims. Also, how title is vested can have significant probate implications in the event of death.
The Land … (0 comments)

What exactly is a Short Sale? - 04/30/12 08:15 PM
An increase in foreclosure rates will inevitably bring with it an increase in short sales. But what is a short sale? A short sale happens when you sell your house for less than your remaining mortgage balance, the proceeds of which go to the lender and in return the lender forgives the remaining balance. Selling your home as a short sale is one way to avoid foreclosure.
As a general rule, lenders lose money when they foreclose on a property. Consequently, they would rather not have to foreclose if it can be avoided. A short sale represents an opportunity to cut … (0 comments)

For Sale By Owner - Please consider your Time, the Effort and the Capital needed - 04/30/12 08:13 PM
FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate agent or broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents’ commission. 6% may not sound like a lot, but it can add up, especially on more expensive homes. But before you run off and decide to sell your home FSBO, you must remember that to get a savings like that, there must be a cost. So what’s the catch? Selling FSBO is hard. A … (0 comments)

Considering Offers - Please consider other aspects too - 04/30/12 08:08 PM
When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a buyer. Some terms that may work in your favor:
higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs the buyer will take care of any repairs quick close - the buyer is pre-approved and ready to close in a timeframe that best suits you all-cash deal When reading through … (2 comments)

Buying a Home? Please Do Not Make Any Major Credit Purchase - 04/30/12 08:05 PM
Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation. Every $100 you pay per month on a credit payment could cost you about $10,000 in home eligibility. For example, a car payment of $300/month could mean that you qualify for $30,000 less in a mortgage.
Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that … (0 comments)

Are You Thinking About Buying a Foreclosure? - Home Buyers Information - 04/30/12 08:03 PM
With the housing bubble burst and the subprime mortgage crisis, millions of homeowners found themselves unable to make their mortgage payments. Many found themselves owing more on the house than the home was worth. Many just walked away from their homes. As a result of these complicated issues, millions of homes were foreclosed. While this isn’t the only reason for which homes are foreclosed, it has been a widespread one. With all the foreclosed properties, there has also been extensive interest in buying these properties at a bargain price.
It is true that foreclosed properties can be priced at a significant … (0 comments)

Do not get into a Financial Stress Situation - Home Buyers - 04/30/12 08:01 PM
Avoiding Financial Stress By asking the right questions, and knowing exactly what your needs are, you can find the right loan for you. There are certain approaches that you can take while mortgage shopping that can cost or save you money.
It is still true that the better qualifications you have, the lower your interest rate will be. However, there are mortgages available for almost everyone; it's the interest rates or the down payments that vary.
Before speaking with a lender, know what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to. Then when you discuss mortgage pre-approval with your lender, it … (0 comments)

Insist on a Professional Home Inspection - Home Buyers - 04/30/12 08:00 PM
A professional home inspection protects both you and the buyer. It allows both you and the buyer the opportunity to learn about the property’s defects. A home inspection usually covers the following:
Plumbing conditions - if there is leakage or clogging Roofing conditions - the extent of deterioration, if there is leakage Electrical conditions - if there are inadequate circuits or potential fire hazards Structural problems - if there are problems with the underlying foundation of your home As a seller, the home inspection reports protect you because it establishes the actual condition of the property at the time of sale.
… (1 comments)

Setting the Right Price - Home Sellers - 04/30/12 07:58 PM
The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home. Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an agent, he/she will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). The CMA will reflect the following:
houses in your price range and area that were sold within the … (0 comments)

Enjoying Florida Parks - 04/28/12 08:50 PM
We are always tempted to feed the animals, but it turns out, we them more harm that way. The food given to them is specially formulated to be a well balanced diet, and to top that off, a lot of what we feed them could actually harm them
Via Sara Homan, Realtor, Homes, Farms & 55+ (Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty Inc):
I alway liked to feed the ducks as a child, but we obeyed the rules!


These young ducks followed us as we walked around the pond.  I think their parents abandoned them and they wanted someone to follow.

… (4 comments)

DO I REALLY NEED TO PURCHASE A HOME INSPECTION? ALL BUYERS MUST READ NOW - 04/27/12 09:43 PM
This is some very good stuff. Extremely important information for every home buyer. I always tell my buyers that a home inspection is the best money soent in the home buying process.
Via Harry F. D'Elia, Investor , Mentor, CSSN Radio Coach, REOs, Networker, ePRO, CDPE (Properties R Us LLC):
DO I REALLY NEED TO PURCHASE A HOME INSPECTION? ALL BUYERS MUST READ NOW
I have represented many home buyers in my real estate career. I consider the home inspection vital during the buyer's due diligence period when purchasing a house. The purchase of a home is the biggest investments people make in … (2 comments)

Home Buying - Step by Step - 04/27/12 09:39 PM
I wish buyers would understand the importance of working with an agent, and preferably with an experienced agent. They do not understand the difference between being in good hands, or flying solo.
Via Ryan & Sheri MacDonald (Re/Max First):
Buying a home is one of the biggest lifetime investments, both in terms of dollars and energy! That's why it is important for buyers to understand this process in order to make a wise decision. Calgary Home Team has developed a flowchart that identifies the major home buying steps:
- First, you should contact your real estate agent to determine your wants and needs … (2 comments)

LEASE OPTION SELLER CHECKLIST PLEASE CONSIDER THIS OPTION GREAT WAY TO SELL A HOME WIN WIN ALL AROUND - 04/27/12 09:35 PM
This information is priceless. It is a good way to sell a property, but as you said, it should be conducted with much caution, and by an agent well versed in these transaction type
Via Harry F. D'Elia, Investor , Mentor, CSSN Radio Coach, REOs, Networker, ePRO, CDPE (Properties R Us LLC):
LEASE OPTION SELLER CHECKLIST PLEASE CONSIDER THIS OPTION GREAT WAY TO SELL A HOME WIN WIN ALL AROUND

Many real estate agents stay away from lease options simply because they do not understand the mechanics of this transaction. The lease option tool is a great way to sell another home. … (2 comments)

Importance of Inspection - Home Buyers Information - Home Inspections - 04/23/12 09:55 PM
As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take anything for granted, not even what you see or what the seller or listing agent tell you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.
Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or … (2 comments)

Etiquette for Pinterest - 04/23/12 09:50 PM
It is always a great idea to be very Respectful of others, and to always be Authentic. I have heard a lot of good things about Pinterest, and I hope that the work that has been accomplished so far does not get ruined in the same fashion a few start up have suffered
Via DeeDee Riley El Dorado Hills Realtor (916)225-2719 (Lyon Real Estate - El Dorado Hills CA):
Etiquette for Pinterest     The moment I was invited by my daughter to Pinterest, I was hooked on the concept. Imagine a place to gather all the little things I see on the internet and … (1 comments)

Difference between an Asking Price and a Selling Price - 04/23/12 09:41 PM
Setting the Price The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.
Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an agent, he/she will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). The CMA will reflect the following:
houses in your price range and area that were … (5 comments)

Making a Good First Impression - Home Sellers - 04/23/12 06:04 AM
Making a Good First Impression If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer both emotionally and visually, thus prompting them to make an offer. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.
A bad first impression can dissuade a potential buyer. Don’t show your property until it’s all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.
Ask … (4 comments)

Finding the Right Agent - Home Buyers & Sellers - 04/23/12 06:02 AM
Finding the Right Agent Not all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for an agent that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs.
Try to go with a local agent. They can better serve your needs because they should be more familiar with the local market conditions, local prices, and … (0 comments)

Your Savings and Down Payment - Home Buyers - Home Financing - 04/23/12 05:59 AM
Your Savings and Down Payment Your First Step Toward Buying a Home When preparing to buy a home, the first thing many homebuyers do is look at the real estate ads in newspapers, magazines and listings on the Internet. Some potential buyers read how-to articles like this one. The next thing you should do - before you call on an ad, before you talk to a Realtor, before you shop for interest rates - is look at your savings.
Why?
Because determining how much money you have available for down payment and closing costs affects almost every aspect of buying a … (0 comments)

Which ARM is the Best Alternative? - Home Financing - 04/23/12 05:58 AM
Which ARM is the Best Alternative? How would you like a mortgage loan where you did not have to make the whole payment if you did not want to? Or would you like a loan with an interest rate about 1% below a thirty-year fixed rate mortgage and pay zero points? Or a loan where you did not have to document your income, savings history, or source of down payment? How would you like a mortgage payment of only 1.95%? You can have all that with the 11th District Cost of Funds (COFI) Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
Sound too good to be … (0 comments)

Where Does the Money Come From for Mortgage Loans? - Home Buyers - Home Financing - 04/23/12 05:57 AM
Where Does the Money Come From for Mortgage Loans? In the olden days, when someone wanted a home loan they walked downtown to the neighborhood bank or savings & loan. If the bank had extra funds lying around and considered you a good credit risk, they would lend you the money from their own funds.
It doesn’t generally work like that anymore. Most of the money for home loans comes from three major institutions:
Fannie Mae (FNMA - Federal National Mortgage Association) Freddie Mac (FHLMC - Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) Ginnie Mae (GNMA - Government National Mortgage Association) This is … (0 comments)

WHAT’S A FICO®? - Home Buyers - Financing - 04/23/12 05:54 AM
WHAT’S A FICO®? What is a FICO® Score? FICO® stands for Fair Isaac & Company and is the name for the most well known credit scoring system, used by Experian. The credit bureau’s computer evaluates a complete credit profile and assigns a score, which is used to estimate credit worthiness. Each of the three bureaus (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax) employs its own scoring system, so a given person will usually have 3 separate scores. Someone with a higher score will be viewed as a better risk than someone with a lower score. Typically, scores will range from about 600 to 700 … (0 comments)

The No-Cost Thirty Year Fixed Rate Mortgage - Home Buyers Information - 04/23/12 05:50 AM
The No-Cost Thirty Year Fixed Rate Mortgage There really is no such thing as a no-cost mortgage loan. There are always costs, such as appraisal fees, escrow fees, title insurance fees, document fees, processing fees, flood certification fees, recording fees, notary fees, tax service fees, wire fees, and so on, depending on whether the loan is a purchase or a refinance. The term “no-cost” actually means that your lender is paying the costs of the loan. All a no-cost loan means is that there is no cost to you, the borrower.
Except that you pay a higher interest rate.
Understand How … (0 comments)

The Biweekly Mortgage - Who Needs It? - Home Buyers Information - 04/23/12 05:47 AM
The Biweekly Mortgage - Who Needs It? Have you received an advertisement offering to save you thousands of dollars on your thirty-year mortgage and cut years off your payments? With email spam becoming more pervasive as everyone tries to get rich quick on the Internet, these ads are popping up with troublesome regularity.
The ads promote a Biweekly Mortgage and for the most part, do not come from a mortgage lender. Exclamation points punctuate practically every claim:
No closing costs! No refinancing! No points! No credit check! No appraisal! Save thousands! Cut years off your mortgage! To achieve these wonderful savings … (0 comments)

The Advantages of Different Types of Mortgage Lenders - Home Buyers Information - 04/23/12 05:46 AM
The Advantages of Different Types of Mortgage Lenders What kind of lender is best? If you ask a loan officer, “What kind of lender is best?” the answer will be whatever kind of company he works for and he will give you a list of reasons why. If you meet the same loan officer years later, and he works for a different kind of lender, he will give you a list of reasons why that type of lender is better.
Realtors will also have differing opinions, and those opinions have and will continue to change over time. In the past, it … (1 comments)

8 Iron (Humor) - 04/22/12 11:21 AM
This is a hilarious post. We should always find time to work, but we also need to find humor in life so we can keep on going. I have found that the happier we are, th emore work we get get dome, and the more successful we are
Via Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate (Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales):
8 Iron

 
Joe and Dave are playing golf when Joe slices a ball deep into a wooded ravine. He grabs his 8 iron and goes down the embankment in search of his ball. The brush is thick.
… (1 comments)

Human Food for Dogs - 04/22/12 10:41 AM
A great post for dog owners and dog lovers. We are always tempted to give our dogs some of the food that we eat, and not knowing what makes them sick, can actually be a huge problem in the long run
Via Buyers Broker of Florida :
Human Food for Dogs
If you look at quality dog food (like Blue Buffalo) you will notice that the some of ingredients are what humans eat.  That's because there is a new direction that dog food manufacturers are taking.  The trend is going back to the old days of natural, holistic, human food, and real nutrition instead of chemically flavored and artificially colored corn meal kibbles. 
… (3 comments)

Sell Your Home Fast Using These 3 Tips - 04/22/12 10:28 AM
Great post that I thought was worth re-posting. The 3rd suggestion is so true when you say that people get so used to looking at some minor fixes that are needed in the house, that they don't even see them anymore
Via Adrian Willanger (Coldwell Banker Danforth):
Sell Your Home Fast Using These 3 Tips There are three things that you can do to sell your Seattle home faster than ever. These include decluttering, cleaning and repairing. When you put these 3 things into place you can expect to see a faster sale than if you ignore them.
1. Decluttering
Decluttering doesn’t just … (1 comments)

COOL APPS and Stuff - 04/22/12 10:26 AM
These wonderful Apps are actually making our lives much easier, but most importantly, we can do things much much faster and much more efficient. Pineterest is the one that I think we should concentrate on for now
Via Terri Stephens REALTOR® Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663 (CIR REALTY ):
I am always amazed with Techie people they just seem to catch on so quickly to
The latest gadget and gizmo – or find cool Apps before the mainstream.
 
Apps
 
FREE- Calgary Pathways & Bikeways  - information of all the parks in the city
                                                                Plus events and weather too.
 
FLIPBOARD … (3 comments)

Well Equipped Dry Cleaner, 2211 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33324 - 04/21/12 10:20 PM
Dry Cleaner for Sale, Davie, FloridaFull Service & Well Equipped plant, Fantastic Location in in a very busy Shopping Center with many other businesses! Upscale desirable suburbs! The location is perfect on a high traffic street. The surrounding area is made up of great nice residential neighborhoods and upscale office buildings. Great opportunity to own a turnkey business! Well established dry cleaning business - lots of upside opportunity! Cash Cow! Click on image for more information  
… (1 comments)

Chevron Gas Station for Sale, 1231 N POWERLINE ROAD Pompano Beach, FL 33069 - 04/21/12 10:13 PM
Great Gas Station for Sale in Pompano Beach, Florida. This Gas station in located on 1231 Powerline Road, In Pompano Beach Florida 33069, about 1 mile East of The Florida Turnpike. This gas Station is Selling an average of 125,000 Gallons a month. The Convenience store sells on the average about $56,000 a Month + there a small Sandwich Shop paying rent 
… (0 comments)

Leaders Develop Daily, Not in A Day ! - 04/21/12 10:00 PM
A group of americans tourists walked through a quaint village in wonderment. The were enamored by the town's winding cobblestone streets,the beauty of the courtyards and plazas, and the sense of history emanating from its ancient churches. While strollinh through the local park, the tourists struck up a conversation with an elderly gentleman and found out that he had lived in the town for his entire life. One of the Americans, eager to hear more about the town's history, asked, "Sir, have any great men been born in this village?" "Nope" said the old man, "only babies"
… (1 comments)

12 Little things you can do this Earth Day (and everyday) to make a difference! - 04/21/12 09:44 PM
Hello Dianethis is a great list that you put together, I may use it on some of my emails, as it will help spread the word and that way some people will follow your advice, some other will follow your advice indirectly through my page
Via Diane M. Phillips, Realtor® Real Estate, Homes For Sale, Homes (Frankly Real Estate Inc.):
12 Little things you can do this Earth Day (and everyday) to make a difference!  Environmental conservation to big an issue for you to make a difference? Can you....
Shorten your shower by one minute? Saves water Power down your computer for an … (0 comments)

The Biweekly Mortgage - Who Needs It? - Home Buyers - 04/20/12 05:39 AM
The Biweekly Mortgage - Who Needs It? Have you received an advertisement offering to save you thousands of dollars on your thirty-year mortgage and cut years off your payments? With email spam becoming more pervasive as everyone tries to get rich quick on the Internet, these ads are popping up with troublesome regularity.
The ads promote a Biweekly Mortgage and for the most part, do not come from a mortgage lender. Exclamation points punctuate practically every claim:
No closing costs! No refinancing! No points! No credit check! No appraisal! Save thousands! Cut years off your mortgage! To achieve these wonderful savings … (0 comments)

VA Loan Rules: Spouse Income - 04/20/12 05:19 AM
Thank you for posting some very interesting points about VA loans. VA Loans seem to have quite a few rules that differ greatly from FHA and Conventional Loans. What you posted today is of much value, thank you !
Via Bruce Reichstein - Expert VA Loan Officer for 23 years: www.VALoans.com (VALoans.com - Expert VA Loan Officer - Agent Trusted Lender):
One frequently asked question about VA home loans involves whether a spouse’s income can be counted on the VA loan application for the purposes of calculating the debt-to-income ratio.
It is easy to assume that a VA loan application with spouse income … (0 comments)

Active Rain Camp "ah ha's" for me today.. - 04/19/12 08:42 PM
Hello Buddy.This is a great post with plenty of information. I have used Search.twitter.com and it is actually WOW ! You can find people that are tweeting about wanting to move, buy or sell their homes, and what an opportunity to connect with them in your area, town, city, etc...
Via Mark Loewenberg PA (Keller Williams of the Palm Beaches):
Just a few teasers from today's Active Rain Camp!   To learn ALL the tricks of the trade that they let out of the bag today, you need to see the replay that I am hoping they will find a way of posting … (3 comments)

Toughen up Buttercup! Selling your home is doing business, it’s not personal. - 04/16/12 07:33 PM
I really liked this post by Sheila Moran from Texas. Sellers need to know the truth, the problem is, they think that we are out to get them, and the only reason we want them to lower the price, or to fix something that needs fixing, is to make our life and the sale easier. They need to understand that every property has a price, and they cannot get a penny more.
Via Sheila Moran, SanAntonioSheila.com RE/MAX Access, Broker 210-325-6962 (RE/MAX Access (Garden Ridge, San Antonio, New Braunfels)):
 
Toughen up Buttercup!  Selling your home is doing business, it’s not personal.
 
… (2 comments)

TRULIA/ZILLOW HAVE REALLY DONE IT NOW!!!....Do You Have Any Recommendations In How To Handle Them??? - 04/16/12 05:28 AM
Hello PaulaInstead of fighting it, and getting nowhere, register with both Zillow and with Trulia for a free account. Once you do that, you can "claim the listing", and that will give you the ablity to not only be your own listing agent on both sites, but it will also give you the ability to go in and edit "your" listing
Via Paula I Hathaway, Senior Vice President, LBA (Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate):
TRULIA/ZILLOW HAVE REALLY DONE IT NOW!!!....Do you have any recommendations on how to handle them???...After getting a bid on my own home, my potential buyer pulled out of the … (2 comments)

The Advantages of Different Types of Mortgage Lenders - Home Owners Information - 04/16/12 05:15 AM
The Advantages of Different Types of Mortgage Lenders What kind of lender is best? If you ask a loan officer, “What kind of lender is best?” the answer will be whatever kind of company he works for and he will give you a list of reasons why. If you meet the same loan officer years later, and he works for a different kind of lender, he will give you a list of reasons why that type of lender is better.
Realtors will also have differing opinions, and those opinions have and will continue to change over time. In the past, it … (3 comments)

Land Contract - Home Owners Information, Seller Financing - 04/16/12 05:07 AM
An alternative to a non-conforming loan is the use of a land contract, which is allowed in some states. A land contract is an agreement between a buyer and a seller, where the buyer agrees to make periodic payments to the seller. The title to the property only transfers to the land contract buyer on fulfillment of the land contract obligations. A land contract can be helpful for those who need time to establish or improve their credit rating. There are only small closing costs, and payment can help establish a good mortgage payment record. This can help establish an overall … (2 comments)

Items You Need When Applying For a Loan - Home Owner's Information - 04/16/12 05:06 AM
Have These Items Ready When You Apply For a Loan It used to be that lenders mailed out verifications to employers, banks, mortgage companies, and so on, in order to verify the data supplied by borrowers. Nowadays, the interest is often in speed and getting answers quickly so alternate documentation has become more widely used. Alternate documentation means that underwriting answers can be obtained with information supplied directly from the borrower instead of waiting around for verifications to come back in the mail.
The following is required for most standardized loans as part of alternate documentation processing. Items may differ according … (0 comments)

Documenting Your Assets - Verifying Your Down Payment - Home Owner's Information - 04/16/12 05:04 AM
When buying a home, it is not enough to just come up with the money. With the exception of no asset verification loans, lenders want to verify where the money for your new home will be coming from. If you can document that the funds are coming from your personal savings, the lender is more confident of your strength as a borrower. In addition, if you can verify that you have additional assets that are not needed for the down payment, it is important to document those, too. Additional assets are reserves you can draw upon during times of trouble, such … (0 comments)

Closing Costs When Buying or Refinancing a Home - Home Owners Information - 04/16/12 05:02 AM
This is a detailed summary of costs you may have to pay when you buy or refinance your home. They are listed in the order that they should appear on a Good Faith Estimate you obtain from a mortgage lender. There are two broad categories of closing costs. Non-recurring closing costs are items that are paid once and you never pay again. Recurring closing costs are items you pay time and again over the course of home ownership, such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Some of the items that appear here do not traditionally appear on a lender’s Good Faith … (2 comments)

Adjustable Rate Mortgages - The Basics - Home Owners Information - 04/16/12 05:00 AM
An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that fluctuates periodically. This is in contrast to a fixed rate mortgage, which always has the same interest rate. Every ARM has basic components:
An index A margin Adjustment Period An interest rate cap An initial interest rate The Index An ARM’s interest rate is tied to one of many economic indices, some examples of which are the 1-year constant maturity Treasury security, the Cost of Funds Index, or the London Interbank Offered Rate. Different indices move at different rates so know the characteristics of the index used for your ARM.
The … (0 comments)

Adjustable Rate Mortgages - The PROS & CONS - Home Buyers Information - 04/16/12 04:59 AM
Now that you know what an ARM is and how it works, you may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are. So let’s explore that issue. Offering adjustable rates allows lenders to transfer part of the interest rate risk from themselves to the borrower. If you get a fixed rate mortgage and the interest rate then goes up, it costs the lender money. However, if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, as the interest rate goes up, so does your payment, thus compensating the lender. Adjustable rate mortgages are particularly useful when unpredictable interest rates make fixed rate loans hard … (0 comments)

What is a FICO® Score? - Home Buyers Information - 04/16/12 04:57 AM
What is a FICO® Score? FICO® stands for Fair Isaac & Company and is the name for the most well known credit scoring system, used by Experian. The credit bureau’s computer evaluates a complete credit profile and assigns a score, which is used to estimate credit worthiness. Each of the three bureaus (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax) employs its own scoring system, so a given person will usually have 3 separate scores. Someone with a higher score will be viewed as a better risk than someone with a lower score. Typically, scores will range from about 600 to 700 or above, although … (1 comments)

FICO® Score - a Brief Explanation - HomeBuyer's Information - 04/16/12 04:55 AM
When you apply for a mortgage loan, you expect your lender to pull a credit report and look at whether you’ve made your payments on time. What you may not expect is that they seem to be more interested in your FICO® score. “What’s a FICO® score?” is a common reaction.
Each time your credit report is pulled, it is run through a computer program with a built-in scorecard. Points are awarded or deducted based on certain items such as how long you have had credit cards, whether you make your payments on time, if your credit balances are near maximum, … (1 comments)

FICO Score - a Brief Explanation - Home Buyer's information - 04/16/12 04:52 AM
When you apply for a mortgage loan, you expect your lender to pull a credit report and look at whether you’ve made your payments on time. What you may not expect is that they seem to be more interested in your FICO® score. “What’s a FICO® score?” is a common reaction.
Each time your credit report is pulled, it is run through a computer program with a built-in scorecard. Points are awarded or deducted based on certain items such as how long you have had credit cards, whether you make your payments on time, if your credit balances are near maximum, … (0 comments)

Title Insurance When Refinancing Your Current Loan - Home Owners Information - 04/15/12 08:55 AM
Lower interest rates have motivated you to refinance your home loan. The lower rate may save you a tremendous amount of money over the life of the loan, but you should also expect to pay the lender the typical closing costs associated with any new loan, including service fees, points, title insurance protection and other expenses. Why do I need to purchase a new title insurance policy on a refinanced loan? To the lender, a refinance loan is no different than any other home loan. So, your lender will want to insure that their new loan is protected by title insurance, … (0 comments)

Top 5 Elements Every Realtor's Website MUST Have to Be Successful - 04/15/12 08:38 AM
Lots of very good information. Very, Very important to follow most of the steps if not all of them. Sometimes we spend a lot of time and plenty of money building a website, and we are just out there, but we are the only ones that know about the site.  Thank you for sharing
Via Jeffry Evans:
Most real estate agents know that they have to have a website to compete in today’s marketplace. Right?
Unfortunately, they end up building (or paying someone to build) a website that doesn’t make them more money or get them more qualified leads.
So, what’s the … (3 comments)

Title Insurance When Refinancing Your Loan - Home Owners - 04/14/12 08:52 PM
Lower interest rates have motivated you to refinance your home loan. The lower rate may save you a tremendous amount of money over the life of the loan, but you should also expect to pay the lender the typical closing costs associated with any new loan, including service fees, points, title insurance protection and other expenses. Why do I need to purchase a new title insurance policy on a refinanced loan? To the lender, a refinance loan is no different than any other home loan. So, your lender will want to insure that their new loan is protected by title insurance, … (1 comments)

BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY CUL DE SAC HOME IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE & WELL KEPT GATED COMMUNITY OF VICTORIA LAKES, Pembroke Pines, Florida - 04/12/12 09:18 PM

BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY CUL DE SAC HOME IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE & WELL KEPT GATED COMMUNITY OF VICTORIA LAKES WITH VERY, VERY LOW HOA ($90 A MONTH). INMACULATE AND WELL LIT WITH A VERY NICE FLOWING FLOORPLAN. HUGE KITCHEN WITH VERY LARGE COUNTER. PERFECT CENTRAL LOCATIONClick here for more information 
… (1 comments)

BofA and foreclosure rental program and California homeowners - 04/12/12 09:11 PM
This has always been talked about, it is a great idea, and we would have probably been out of the crisis by now, had it been implemented 3 years ago. By the way, Florida is not in that list either, and both California and florida should be.
Via Lorraine Santirosa, San Diego Military Relocation Expert! (Keller Williams - San Diego Metro):
Bank of America (BofA) foreclosure rental program and California - Just over a week ago, BofA announced that it was testing a new foreclosure rental program to help underwater borrowers stay in their homes as renters. The program is being implemented in … (1 comments)

Title Insurance Requirements for Insuring Trusts - Home Buyers - 04/10/12 05:49 PM
In today’s world of busy probate courts and exorbitant death taxes, the living trust has become a common manner of holding title to real property. The following may help you understand a few of the requirements of the title insurance industry if title to property is conveyed to the trustee of a living trust. What is a trust? An agreement between a trustor and trustee for the trustee to hold title to and administer designated assets of the trustor for the use and benefit of one or more beneficiaries.
Can a trust itself acquire and convey interests in real property? No. … (2 comments)

Title Insurance - Where Does Your Dollar Go? - Home Buyers Information - 04/10/12 05:47 PM
Title Insurance: As a homebuyer, the term is probably familiar - but is it understood? What is your dollar actually paying for when you purchase a title policy? Title Insurers, unlike property or casualty insurance companies, operate under the theory of risk elimination. Title companies spend a high percentage of their operating income each year collecting, storing, maintaining and analyzing official records for information that affects title to real property. Their technical experts are trained to identify the rights others may have in your property, such as recorded liens, legal actions, disputed interests, rights of way or other encumbrances on your … (0 comments)

The Functions of an Escrow - Title & Escrow - 04/09/12 09:15 PM
Buying or selling a home (or other piece of real property) usually involves the transfer of large sums of money. It is imperative that the transfer of these funds and related documents from one party to another be handled in a neutral, secure and knowledgeable manner. For the protection of buyer, seller and lender, the escrow process was developed. As a buyer or seller, you want to be certain all conditions of sale have been met before property and money change hands. The technical definition of an escrow is a transaction where one party engaged in the sale, transfer or lease … (3 comments)

Statements of Information - Home Owner's Information - 04/09/12 09:11 PM
What’s in a name? When a title company seeks to uncover matters affecting title to real property, the answer is, “Quite a bit.”
Statements of Information provide title companies with the information they need to distinguish the buyers and sellers of real property from others with similar names. After identifying the true buyers and sellers, title companies may disregard the judgments, liens or other matters on the public records under similar names.
To help you better understand this sensitive subject, the Land Title Association has answered some of the questions most commonly asked about Statements of Information.
What is a Statement … (0 comments)

Required Reporting to the I.R.S. Home Sellers - 04/09/12 08:35 PM
Sellers of real property will have certain information regarding the sale reported to the Internal Revenue Service. This required reporting is a consequence of the Tax Reform Act of 1986; it is intended to encourage taxpayer compliance and aid in audit and enforcement efforts by the I.R.S.
To help you better understand this subject, the Land Title Association has answered some of the questions most commonly asked about Required Reporting to the I.R.S.
Who is required to report to the I.R.S.? Sellers of real property, under guidelines established by the I.R.S., are required to have their gross proceeds from the sale … (1 comments)

Creative Financing - Home Sellers - 04/09/12 08:11 PM
Creative financing: You’ve heard of it, and, as a seller, the idea sounds pretty attractive. But, do you know everything you need to know about carrying back a second; essentially, about becoming a lender? You better know the same things that financial institutions know - you better know about lender’s title insurance. It’s time to sell your $150,000 home, a home that you have owned for fifteen years, a home in which you have substantial equity. The loan terms call for a $20,000 down payment from your buyer, a new $100,000 loan from a local savings and loan, and for you, … (2 comments)

Closing and Title Costs - Title & Escrow, Home Buyers - 04/09/12 08:09 PM
It’s the big day. The day you go to the title or escrow company, sign your name on the dotted line, hand over a check and prepare to take ownership of your new home.
It’s also the day that you and the seller will pay “closing” or settlement costs, an accumulation of separate charges paid to different entities for the professional services associated with the buying and selling of real property.
It’s too often a day filled with uncertainty and stress.
To help you better understand this confusing subject, the Land Title Association has answered some of the questions most commonly … (0 comments)

Understanding Foreclosures - Home Owner's Information - 04/09/12 05:57 AM
It is an unfortunate commentary, but when economic activity declines and housing activity decreases, more real property enters the foreclosure process. High interest rates and creative financing arrangements are also contributing factors. When prices are rapidly accelerating during a real estate “bonanza”, many people go to any lengths available to get into the market through investments in vacation homes, rental housing and trading up to more expensive properties. In some cases, this results in the taking on of high interest rate payments and second, third and even fourth deeds of trust. Many buyers anticipate that interest rates will drop and home … (0 comments)

Underground Heating Oil Tanks - Home Owner's Information - 04/09/12 05:55 AM
Underground heating oil tanks can pose many potential problems to both home buyers and sellers. They have been the source of many environmental problems such as contamination of surrounding soil and ground water. Leaks are generally caused by the rust inside underground tanks or by an electrical condition sparked by electric utility lines.
Buyers should always have the tank inspected to make sure that it is structurally sound. Buyers who do not want an underground fuel tank can arrange for an above ground tank to be installed in the basement and the underground tank to be shut off. Cleanup of any … (0 comments)

Mello-Roos - Home Owner's Information - 04/09/12 05:51 AM
In purchasing your new home, your future monthly payments will be made up of principal, interest, real property taxes, and insurance. But what is the tax for the Community Facilities District, otherwise known as a Mello-Roos District? The Land Title Association (LTA) has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act. What is a Mello-Roos District?
A Mello-Roos District is an area where a special tax is imposed on those real property owners within a Community Facilities District. This district has chosen to seek public financing through the sale of bonds for the purpose of … (1 comments)

Mechanic’s Liens - Home Owner's Information - 04/09/12 05:49 AM
The Mechanics’ Lien law provides special protection to contractors, subcontractors, laborers and suppliers who furnish labor or materials to repair, remodel or build your home. If any of these people are not paid for the services or materials they have provided, your home may be subject to a mechanics’ lien and eventual sale in a legal proceeding to enforce the lien. This result can occur even when the homeowner has made full payment for the work of improvement.
The mechanics’ lien is a right that a state gives to workers and suppliers to record a lien and ensure payment. This lien … (0 comments)

Living Trusts - Home Owner's Information - 04/08/12 04:23 PM
Estate planners often recommend Living Trusts as a viable option when contemplating the manner in which to hold title to real property. When a property is held in a Living Trust, title companies have particular requirements to facilitate the transaction. While not comprehensive, answers to many commonly asked questions are below. If you have questions that are not answered below, your title company representative may be able to assist you, however, one may wish to seek legal counsel. Who are the parties to a Trust?
A Family Trust is a typical trust in which the Husband and Wife are the Trustees … (1 comments)

Social Media Security Tips for Small Business - 04/07/12 10:05 PM
Good information ! so I felt it was good enough for me to Re-post it. There can never be enough security when dealing with the internet. Keep up the good woth, buddy !
Via Robert Siciliano (IDTheftSecurity.com Inc):
Corporations know there are long-term marketing benefits of social media and they also know the security issues with employees continue to be a problem.
Many companies restrict internal access. Others prevent employees from discussing or mentioning the company in social media during private time.
Follow these social media security tips for small business to prevent security issues:
#1 Implement policies. Social media is a … (3 comments)

Lead Poisoning - Home Owners Information - 04/07/12 03:41 PM
Lead poisoning is a serious problem that can lead to adverse health problems. In children, high levels of lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems, slow growth, and hearing problems. In adults, lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorder, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain. Lead poisoning is especially a problem in cities with older buildings. Typically, lead is present in the paint from older buildings, in the water supply, and in the environment from cars and buses. Preventing lead poisoning in large cities, where … (0 comments)

Environmental Issues - Home Owners Information - 04/07/12 03:40 PM
When purchasing a piece of property, it is important to be aware of any environmental liabilities associated with it. For example, you should find out if there are any registered underground tanks within several miles of the property, known contaminated properties in the neighborhood, or property owners who have been fined by the government for failing to meet environmental safety standards. Before, it took a costly site investigation to acquire this type of information, but now there are online environmental databases available at a fraction of the cost. Anyone can access reports on otherwise hard to detect environmental issues. With these … (0 comments)

Condominium and PUD Ownership - Home Owner's Information - 04/05/12 03:53 PM
Builders, in an effort to combat the dual problem of an increasing population and a declining availability of prime land, are increasingly turning to common interest developments (CIDs) as a means to maximize land use and offer homebuyers convenient, affordable housing. The two most common forms of common interest developments in many states are Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments, often referred to as PUDs. The essential characteristics shared by these two forms of ownership are:
Common ownership of private residential property Mandatory membership of all owners in an association which controls use of the common property Governing documents which establish the … (0 comments)

Common Ways of Holding Title - Homeowner's Information - 04/05/12 03:51 PM
How Should I Take Ownership of the Property I am Buying? Real property can be incredibly valuable and the question of how parties can take ownership of their property is important. The form of ownership taken -- the vesting of title -- will determine who may sign various documents involving the property and future rights of the parties to the transaction. These rights involve such matters as: real property taxes, income taxes, inheritance and gift taxes, transferability of title and exposure to creditor’s claims. Also, how title is vested can have significant probate implications in the event of death.
The Land … (0 comments)

Do Not Make Any Major Credit Purchases - Tips for Home Buyers - 04/04/12 10:26 PM
Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation. Every $100 you pay per month on a credit payment could cost you about $10,000 in home eligibility. For example, a car payment of $300/month could mean that you qualify for $30,000 less in a mortgage.
Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that … (4 comments)

Be Smart - Use a Buyer’s Agent - 04/04/12 05:06 AM
It’s important that you choose an experienced agent who is there for you. Your agent should be actively finding you potential homes, keeping you informed of the entire process, negotiating furiously on your behalf, and answering all of your questions with competence and speed. First, find an agent who represents you and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a buyer’s agent, he or she is required not to tell the seller of your top choice. In addition, he or she is also focused on getting you the lowest asking price.
Also, when … (2 comments)

Thinking About Buying a Foreclosure? - Tips for Home Buyers, Florida - 04/04/12 05:04 AM
With the housing bubble burst and the subprime mortgage crisis, millions of homeowners found themselves unable to make their mortgage payments. Many found themselves owing more on the house than the home was worth. Many just walked away from their homes. As a result of these complicated issues, millions of homes were foreclosed. While this isn’t the only reason for which homes are foreclosed, it has been a widespread one. With all the foreclosed properties, there has also been extensive interest in buying these properties at a bargain price.
It is true that foreclosed properties can be priced at a significant … (1 comments)

Buying a Home Still a Very Smart Plan - Tips for Home Buyers - 04/04/12 05:02 AM
With the burst of the housing bubble, credit crisis, and millions of foreclosures across the country, you may wonder if buying a home is such a good idea after all. However, it’s important to consider all of the facts. The important message to take away from these events is not that buying a home is a bad idea, but that you must be smart about buying your home. The housing market, like every type of market, unavoidably has its ups and downs. That doesn’t mean buying a home is a bad investment. As a long-term investment, homeownership is still one of … (1 comments)

23 Real Estate Laws That Impact Real Estate Sales! - 04/02/12 08:25 PM
Loved this post, so I went ahead and re-posted it. I am going through each one of the 23 Real Estate Laws in this post so I may impact my Real Estate Sales !
Via Lorraine or Loretta Kratz-Certified Negotiation Consultants (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.):
23 Real Estate Laws That Impact Real Estate Sales:

Residential real estate has become more complex over the years as a result of laws enacted to protect consumer's welfare. The following 23 federal laws play a part in residential real estate. This list is not exhaustive, but  provides an idea of how … (2 comments)

Please Insist on a Home Inspection - Tips for Home sellers - 04/02/12 08:18 PM
A professional home inspection protects both you and the buyer. It allows both you and the buyer the opportunity to learn about the property’s defects. A home inspection usually covers the following:
Plumbing conditions - if there is leakage or clogging Roofing conditions - the extent of deterioration, if there is leakage Electrical conditions - if there are inadequate circuits or potential fire hazards Structural problems - if there are problems with the underlying foundation of your home As a seller, the home inspection reports protect you because it establishes the actual condition of the property at the time of sale.
… (1 comments)

Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time - Tips for Home Sellers - 04/02/12 08:13 PM
In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, you need to know how to market your home. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want. The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the market and your property’s worth. The key is to get as many people as possible checking out your fairly priced property. If your property is not priced fairly, there will … (0 comments)

For Sale By Owner - Is it A Good Idea? - Tips for Home Sellers - 04/02/12 08:10 PM
FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate agent or broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents’ commission. 6% may not sound like a lot, but it can add up, especially on more expensive homes. But before you run off and decide to sell your home FSBO, you must remember that to get a savings like that, there must be a cost. So what’s the catch? Selling FSBO is hard. A … (2 comments)

Finding the Right Agent - Tips for Home Sellers - 04/02/12 08:08 PM
Not all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for an agent that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs. Try to go with a local agent. They can better serve your needs because they should be more familiar with the local market conditions, local prices, and what’s hot or not … (1 comments)

Considering Offers - Tips for home Sellers - 04/02/12 08:07 PM
When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a buyer. Some terms that may work in your favor:
higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs the buyer will take care of any repairs quick close - the buyer is pre-approved and ready to close in a timeframe that best suits you all-cash deal When reading through … (1 comments)

Why You Should Not Make Any Major Credit Purchases - Tips for Home Buyers - 04/02/12 08:05 PM
Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation. Every $100 you pay per month on a credit payment could cost you about $10,000 in home eligibility. For example, a car payment of $300/month could mean that you qualify for $30,000 less in a mortgage.
Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that … (0 comments)

Use a Buyer’s Agent - Tips for Home Buyers - 04/01/12 01:48 PM
It’s important that you choose an experienced agent who is there for you. Your agent should be actively finding you potential homes, keeping you informed of the entire process, negotiating furiously on your behalf, and answering all of your questions with competence and speed. First, find an agent who represents you and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a buyer’s agent, he or she is required not to tell the seller of your top choice. In addition, he or she is also focused on getting you the lowest asking price.
Also, when … (2 comments)

 
Kamal-41 Rainmaker_large

Kamal Salim

Weston, FL

More about me…

Realty Associates

Address: 4410 Weston Road, Weston, FL, 33331

Office Phone: (954) 727-9939

Cell Phone: (954) 297-3630

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find FL real estate agents and Weston real estate on ActiveRain.