www.KarenMonsour.com

Exquisite 3/3.5, 2 car garage Townhome with elevator between the Intracoastal and Ocean in SE, FL

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:13:39 -0600

Exquisite 3/3.5, 2 car garage Townhome with elevator between the Intracoastal and Ocean in SE, FL

Exquisitely decorated 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath Townhome with a 2 car garage and private yard in between the Intracoastal and the Ocean in Pompano Beach, Florida!

Pride of ownership abounds in this marvelous townhome. Marble floors, granite kitchen, custom paint, and designer tile work through out adorns this warm and comfortable place to call home.

This turnkey home can be yours in 10 days - just in time for the Holidays! ONLY $410,000!!!

Enjoy these pictures:

Make this wonderful town home yours. It is located in Pompano Beach, Florida and on the MLS: F1036943

Call: Karen Monsour, 954-464-4194 cell

Visit: www.KarenMonsour.com

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach

How Excited was I to receive the Realtor.coms "Award of Excellence" from Max Pigman last Wednesday?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:56:55 -0600

How Excited was I to receive the Realtor.com's "Award of Excellence" from Max Pigman last Wednesday?

I was thrilled! When I was first invited to this seminar and told that I had been chosen to receive this award, I have to tell you...I didn't believe it. I talked to my office manager and asked her if anyone else had ever had a call like this before and she said, "Not to my knowledge", we just had a little laugh and I totally forgot about it.

Then last Monday night David from Realtor.com called me and said, "Are you going to make the seminar on Wednesday morning, you are going to receive an award." I thought, "Well, maybe this is real!" so I said, "Yes, I'll be there."

Well, to my surprise, it was a real award, and it was based on the fact that I add more pictures to my listings than is required, I make comments on the pictures, and I fill in as much of the data on the MLS sheets that goes through to their site as I possibly can.

So, here is what I received:

Now, I know it's hard to read, however, Max Pigman, VP of Realtor.com presented me with this award and I had my picture taken with him during the presentation and this will be part of their website.

It was a great seminar, and they had some great marketing ideas about new camera's that take better pictures, attachments that widen the view, lighting features, and they (as does Brad) advocate the use of the iPHONE vs the Blackberry because of the ability to open attachments.

Mr. Pigman didn't know that we here in south Florida were also able to access our MLS from our iPHONE's as well (thank you Brad - you told me I would thank you and you are so right!)

So, that being said, I had a fantastic week.

How was your week? We are really busy here in south east Florida. If you need any assistance, please feel free to let me know.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Signals, dropped calls, and the iPHONE...

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:27:58 -0500

Signals, dropped calls, and the iPHONE...

At Brads suggestion (and if my phone worked it would be great), I purchased an iPHONE in July. Ever since I purchased the phone, I have not had good service in my home or office. I have constant dropped calls and people tell me they only hear every other word I say when I am using my phone.

That being said, YES, I have updated my phone, they have given me a new SIM card, I have done everything on earth to get this situation rectified.

Today, out of TOTAL FRUSTRATION, I took my phone back to BEST BUY and explained the situation. I bought my phone at BEST BUY, because they offer "insurance". When I bought the phone, I was told that if there were ever any issues with the phone, they would replace it. WELL - NOT!!!

When I went there today, they said that the policy had changed - mine was old (bought the phone in July - OLD???) and that they would have to send my phone back to APPLE, overnight, and that I would have a replacement in 3 days...DO THEY NOT KNOW WHAT 3 DAYS WITHOUT A PERSONAL PHONE MEANS TO A REALTOR(R)??? They offered to give me a totally different phone...not sure what it was, and offered to teach me how to use it...um...it took me 3 weeks to be comfortable with all the features of the iPHONE...AND, I have customers flying down to go see properties with me. I count on the GPS (and it works well for me) and also the features that I know can use without thinking.

So, with all the above, the sales "Assistant Manager" told me that there are many complaints about the same thing in my area. The server is AT&T...AT&T tells me I am in a high signal area and they are currently working on boosting it even further.

The "Assistant Sales manager" talked to the "Assistant store manager" and I talked to the Sales Manager of the phone department and they still would not honor my "old" (July) contract. What is the point of buying at BEST BUY, and purchasing their "insurance" if they won't honor the contract, saying that APPLE CHANGED THEIR POLICY. Was I notified of this change, NO.

What would you do???

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

The media wasted 3 hrs of time today, because a child lied..what should happen...

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:05:48 -0500

The media wasted 3 hrs of time today, because a child lied..what should happen...

I am pretty disgusted at the fact that a sibling of someone who designed a flotation devise in a back yard encompassed the news for three hours today...The fact that we watched and waited for the demise or death of a 6 year old child as parents of our own children had us heart struck for over three hours is horrific.

The children (the two older ones) or the one that reported the youngest child in this so called balloon...which was filled with Helium ( my question is why was this filled and waiting to go into the air without a parent around or filled with Helium, period. And, why weren't these children supervised while around this so called, " weather hot air balloon? "

The whole world was sitting and hoping this 6 year old who supposedly was in this balloon was sitting, watching and waiting to see if he was safe and in fact alive on landing. I, myself probably wasted my 3 hours of work aghast at the site. Losing $750.00 is not funny.

The other 2 children who supposedly were ready to record this on video...should be punished. The parents who allowed these young children access to this "mushroom type balloon" should also be punished.

The kid is in the "attic" and no one could find him within 20 minutes or one hour of the "so called balloon being launched" is ridiculous.

The cost incurred by law enforcement officers is also ridiculous and should be a fine to the parents. Why, because if you are devising something like this, your young children should not know how to untie it and to be accessible to it at all...Your children look like they are all under 12...sir...you are responsible for the time by helicopters, law enforcement, and whoever else was helping to look for your 6 year old...while he was in your attic in a box. My question to you is...how did he get into the attic and if you knew he could get into the attic, why didn't you look there for him and save all the cost incurred, when the medics, police, and specialists were called in to help you.

Were you trying to get attention for your product? Did you have anything to do with this situation? After all rumor has it, your children were on the roof video taping the whole situation...and they are visually young.

Mr. and Mrs. Parent...yes, you took over the news all over America for 3 hours...tell me...where were you when your children were playing with your experiment? And, why did your older sons say your 6 year old was in the basket...and what fell from the balloon?

What do the rest of you think?

AR produces results...here is the proof!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:39:01 -0500

AR produces results...here is the proof!

Because of confidentiality issues and the price of the sales, I cannot reference the deals that I have been able to close due to my activity and friendships developed through Active Rain...however, I thank this site.

That being said, I have new contacts on a daily basis with requests for my services, requests for properties to be bought and sold, for bulk investors.

I currently am looking for bank owned properties in Miami/Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

What I need is bank owned properties - single family homes price range $200 -$450K...NOT LISTED BY A REALTOR...I am looking for a bank that will sell me bulk properties in $3,000,000. packages.

I have multiple buyers - at least 3 at this point to the tune of $15M.

If you are a bank or you have a contact that has inventory to sell in Miami, Broward, or Palm Beach county, please call me...

No one really believes this, however, investor inventory is drying up...banks are refinancing in my area...

SE Florida has their own rules as does Florida in general...We are a state that has their own rules...

Amazingly enough we are not in bad shape in SE Florida.

Call me...

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194 cell

Who are the acceptable agencies to invite to join AR? Do you know?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:40:33 -0500

Who are the acceptable agencies to invite to join AR? Do you know?

So many times I am asked about who writes or who the members are on AR. Why is this important to know? Because knowledge is what makes this network - work. Finding answers from the professionals here or inviting professionals to this site helps all of us...So, while you are out there bragging about how much AR helps your business, KNOW WHO YOU CAN INVITE!

So, here is AR's list of acceptable entities:

Real Estate Agents
Loan Officers
Mortgage Companies
Inspectors
Appraisers
Title Companies
Escrow Companies
Real Estate Attorneys
Real Estate Auctioneers
Virtual Assistants
Home Stagers
Real Estate - Others
Account Execs
Mortgage Processors
Real Estate Brokerages
Builder-Contractors
Real Estate Medias
Real Estate Trainers
Notaries
Commercial Real Estate Agents
Environmental Services
Commercial Lenders
Business Brokers
Property Managers
Real Estate Sales People
Architectural Designs
Financial Planners
Insurance Broker or Agents

This list was taken directly from this AR site. Perhaps some newbies have not found this list yet, so I thought it was appropriate to share.

After all, it's a Real Estate networking site. Sometimes we forget about the notaries, the environmentalists, the contractors, the designers, etc.

So if you review this list, you just might know of a few other professionals to join in to AR and to add to the knowledge and advise that this site is about.

If you have any other suggestions of other's who may be of value, please post your additions and opinions here.

P.S. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO ALSO REQUEST INFORMATION...DON'T BE SHY, YOU CAN COMMENT TOO!

Thanks!

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

How about some EMOTICONS on the tool bar...wouldn't that help you to make your points?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:28:40 -0500

How about some EMOTICONS on the tool bar...wouldn't that help you to make your points?

How cool would it be to have a button to choose Emoticons on the tool bar above where we write our blogs?

So many times you are trying to make a point/or not....and an Emoticon expression would be a great little tool bar asset to that point - wouldn't it?

This can't be too tough for the AR genious techies that help us to have a wonderful site to use. This is probably a no brainer, little link that Brad could find a way to install?????

Sure you can copy and paste and use some of the : ; / ) ( D

Some as: :-) ;-) :-D ;-D :_) :0 :-O :/ :\ :-$ :-# :-& :+)

Then there are those colorful ones that we could also have included.

What others can you do with just the keyboard?

SHOW ME YOUR CREATIVITY...

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Do you link your blogs to your website?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:18:32 -0500

Do you link your blogs to your website?

Do you know how to link your blog post to your website?

Do you link your blog post to your website? Why or why not?

If you don't and you would like to, here is how you do it...

It's simple.

1. Highlight your "title". Hit control "C"

2. Type your website at the bottom of your post, for example: http://www.KarenMonsour.com

3. Highlight: http://www.KarenMonsour.com (you need the http://)

4. Hit the picture of the "tree" in the tool bar.

5. Hit control "C" again and the title of your blog will appear.

6. You can let this open in a new window or choose to open it in the same window.

7. Then, you are linked.

When people look for you on the internet, they can find you.

Do you link? Or not?

Why or why not?

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

How many real estate agents are left in this market?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:13:01 -0500

How many real estate agents are left in this market? Seriously...how many agents who were licensed agents still hold a license in their state and have hung out throught this current debacle?

According to statistics in Florida, we've lost almost more than half of the agents in the last 3 years, then again...there were 60 in the new Gold Coast class.

Why does this matter?

Do you want an experienced agent?

Do you want a "so called" experienced "short sale agent" because they took a class or do you want a seasoned agent who understands your situation.

What puzzles me is, new agents who have titles such as "Short sale expert," "Foreclosure expert,"
REO expert," and they have never sold a single piece of property.

Who do you want to represent you as a customer? A Real Estate agent with a few years of experience or a new agent calling themself a specialist, just because they took a class?

Agents who have experience can certainly handle the new wave of real estate transactions...they have become educated on short sales and foreclosures and REO's (bank owned properties).

WHO DO YOU WANT TO REPRESENT YOU? A SEASONED AGENT OR NOT? WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS ON THIS...???

It's really all about service...no matter what! Isn't it?

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:50:07 -0500

It's really all about service...no matter what! Isn't it?

Capture this moment. Then think about this for a minute.

Service at a restaurant is not much different than if you don't get back to your new customers or new leads in a timely fashion. After all, there are many hungry agents out there, so if you get a lead through your website or through Active Rain, you need to get back to them ASAP.

Think about the correlation to waiting in a restaurant. You are hungry...you are waiting for someone to serve you breakfast, lunch, or dinner...how long are you going to wait for a waitress to appear and take your order.

It's just an analogy. If you get a lead via email or phone, you need to make a quick connection with your new customer.

I just made a sale because the customer that I recently sold to, used me over all the other agents he contacted - CALLED HIM to make the CONNECTION. Everyone else that he emailed said, yea, whatever, if you ever get down here (Florida) to look at some properties, send me an email and let me know.

No, I don't do that. As soon as I get a hit from AR, my website, Coldwell Bankers lead router, I call the customer immediately and make the connection.

Being lax in the way you handle customers is not good.

Being on top of those looking for a great agent requires responsiveness, requires attention, and most important requires the respect of the customer who has looked to you for your expertise.

Think about this as above, if you went to a restaurant and no one took your order, would you go back to that same restaurant? How long will you sit there if you are hungry if no one attends to you? Would you recommend this restaurant to your friends if they didn't provide service?

NO, absolutely, you wouldn't. This analogy is the same with Real Estate. You have to be "on your game" you have to provide exceptional service...Those are qualities that enable you to prove to your peers that you are an exceptional agent, who goes above and beyond the call of duty...that is why the cream rises to the top. My glass is always half full, is yours?

Let me know!

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194 cell

Lazy does not mean, you are entitled to handicapped parking! $250.00 fine for laziness!

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:20:41 -0500

Lazy does not mean, you are entitled to handicapped parking! $250.00 fine for laziness!

I was so upset today when I was showing my customer property. The unit involved has underground parking, however she is handicapped and those spots were all taken. When we sat and waited for a spot (she didn't want me to leave her at the door alone)...we saw people coming out of the unit obviously with a real estate agent. All could walk just fine...they were young. I got out of my car (probably shouldn't have) and asked her who was handicapped? She said, "No one". I just use my Dad's handicapped sign for convenience when I show properties. I said, "Well, that's really sad, because we've been sitting here for 20 minutes waiting for a handicapped spot as my customer is legally disabled." She said, "Oh well, too bad for you, you should find a relative to "steal" a sticker from. Now, I'm livid!

I walk away, angry as heck...show the property...and I'm still angry when I leave. I don't know her name, I don't know who she works for, however...the gift of a security guard and a gate community allowed me to see who this incredibly ignorant agent was. We had to sign in...I saw her name and her brokerage.

Should I say something, or should I let it go?????????

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Flu shots $24.95 at Walgreens...$29.95 if you are allergic to preservatives or latex.

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:21:25 -0500

Flu shots $24.95 at Walgreens...$29.95 if you are allergic to preservatives or latex.

Make SURE, you let the nurse or pharmacist (yes, now some are certified to give the shots as well) know if you are allergic to preservatives or LATEX!

This is not a warning for the swine virus vaccine which is not yet available, but for the seasonal flu vaccine. They have two different vaccines available.

Make sure you read the disclosures carefully and let the nurse or the pharmicist know if you have allergies.

Think about getting a flu shot. I got one two weeks ago with no symptoms.

Young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with a history of cancer, and the elderly should think about getting flu shots...this is supposed to be a rough season. Be safe, not sorry.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Is it legal for an agent to raffle off a listing?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:14:35 -0500

Is it legal for an agent to raffle off a listing?

Well, now that I have your attention...I thought it was a fantastic way to sell a home in this market when I heard a home owner doing this...

Really, I have a fantastic listing...between the Intracoastal and the Ocean here in Pompano Beach. It is top line everything...let's see if my pictures work...

This is a 3 master bedroom town home in Pompano Beach, Florida located between the Intracoastal and the a block from the ocean. It has an elevator for convenience, a 2 car garage, a view of the ocean from the private first master bedroom balcony. It has custom crown moldings, custom walls and custom painting through out the town home. The cabinet to the left of the 4th picture stays as it was custom built for this wall. It has a Bose stereo system, an Intercom system throughout all 3 floors. A private patio is just steps outside the sliding doors. There is a jacuzzi in the main first master, there is a private entrance to the 3rd master on the first floor. There is a laundry on the first floor and a 2 car garage.

Fantastic opportunity at $425,000. Furniture is negotiable...call me Karen Monsour, 954-464-4194, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Fort Lauderdale Beach or email me at: KarenLuvs2ListNSellRE@yahoo.com

This is listed on the MLS: F980001.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194 cell, www.KarenMonsour.com

So, really, "What IS the PRICE of the property?" Agents need to consider their answer!

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:37:34 -0500

So, really, "What IS the PRICE of the property?" Agents need to consider their answer!

I had an agent ask me this question the other day. She said, "Do we really even know what "price" is anymore? GREAT QUESTION from HER, and GREAT QUESTION for YOU as PEERS!

What's in the "price", by "price" I am relating this to the listed price on the MLS. Is it the price that is confirmed on an REO that has very little "wiggle room" or is it the "short sale listed price in an unapproved short sale?" waiting for that first offer to get things started. Is it the sale price listed in a normal sale where it is priced correctly in this market? Or, is it inflated/deflated?

How do you set your prices?

Most important to me is: "HOW ARE YOU DOING A CMA?" Are you using foreclosures? Or are you using normal type sales numbers? What IS the price?

How are you determining the suggest PRICE at a listing appointment? How do you justify what the sales price should reflect?

At this time and in this market, it's hard to determine. You might have a gorgeous well maintained home across the street from one who was damaged 4 years ago with mold, roof leaks, pool no longer holding water. How do you deal with these issues? What do you advise your customers, how do you make them understand the "PRICE"?

This has become a HUGE ISSUE for those of us who list as well an sell in the current market.

I would appreciate your constructive comments here as on occasion...these issues arise.

We can all help each other by suggesting methods of dealing with situations as above as I know everyone has to deal with this at this time and in this market.

Thank you for me and our peers!

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

RULES, there are so many rules...each state has their own...some are reciprocal...to FL that is.

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:24:35 -0500

RULES, there are so many rules...each state has their own...some are reciprocal...to FL that is

There are so many different lending rules, listing rules for RE agents, loan types and so much confusion for John Q Public to read through and try to understand in this every changing market.

They, for the most part, if they are looking for a loan, if they have some cash on hand and are looking to try and purchase something are apparently getting a plethora of untrue information from agents.

Some of the information that I have heard from buyers that have talked to other agents is just unbelievable. Working with a professional agent is so important in this day and this time. If you are a customer and you are confused and you don't get answers that you feel are correct, please call me.

I for one, if I cannot answer your question about real estate will refer you to an attorney.

If you have questions about real estate law, it would be best for you to contact a Florida real estate attorney. Real Estate agents are not attorneys. We refer you to attorneys for your protection and for the best advice.

Real Estate agents work on specific laws in Florida that do not allow us to give you advice on legal issues.

It's not that we are not willing to help you, however, sometimes your questions are beyond our scope of experience and we request your retaining an attorney for the legal advice.

RULES...there are so many...it's best to consult one if you have legal questions...

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 95...

HUD-1 statements...do you use them in your state and is it your law?

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:04:04 -0500

HUD-1 statements...do you use them in your state and is it your law?

What is a HUD-1

It is the reconciliary statement that is used at closing that explaines the costs to you the buyer and to the seller as to who owes what to each other.

The HUD-1 Settlement Statement is the closing statement required to be used in all transactions covered under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

What forms do you do in your state at closing to settle at closing?

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 95...

954-464-4194, cell

Don't send me a listing unless it's a steal! WOW now...who am I to decide what's a steal?

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:43:01 -0500

Don't send me a listing unless it's a steal! WOW now...who am I to decide what's a steal?

What is a steal? And are real estate agents the ones who should determine this?

As an active REALTOR(r), when I get a customer requesting a "steal" I hesitate.

I will send you the lowest priced properties that I can find, you choose. You decide if it is what you define as a "steal".

What determines a steal?

Well, as I'm told its probably more classified as a REO or bank owned property.

Does that mean that the customer is willing to buy this AS-IS property and take on the responsibility to fix it up?

What's a steal? What do you as an agent think of this type of request and how do you handle it?

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 95...

Hillsboro Beach in Florida...great fishing and snorkling opportunities.

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:24:46 -0500

What a fabulous place to visit, just south of billionaires row in the Hillsboro Mile.

There is snorkling, fishing and site seeing trips availabout out this inlet. See the small black dot by the ocean, that is the light house the lights the way for the fishermen to get home.

This is one of the most fantastic places in south east Florida!

Over that inlet and for the next mile is bilionaires row...you think a hotel is big..see these wonderful homes...

I can show you the home of your choice here if you qualify. Financials are required for a view.

Give me a call.

You must have financials available prior to viewing one of these fanstatic homes for sale on the Hillsboro Mile..

Call me for an exclusive showing.

Karen Monsour, 954-464-4194 , http://www.KarenMonsour.com

Earnest money deposits...they aren't required to facilitate a deal in Florida!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:36:51 -0500

Earnest money deposits...they aren't required to facilitate a deal in Florida!

Earnest money deposits are not required, in other words, there is no law in Florida that requires earnest money deposits to make an offer on a property here in Florida.

A promise to buy and a promise to sell are enough consideration to create a valid contract to purchase real property here in Florida.

We as licensed agents must present all offers, with or without an escrow deposit. (NOTE: If there is an escrow deposit, the name, address and phone number must be on the contract of who is holding the earnest money).

Sellers may request a specific amount of money in a counteroffer to ensure the buyer is serious about the purchase, however, with the offer, earnest money deposits are not required.

ARE EARNEST MONEY DEPOSITS REQUIRED IN YOUR STATE?

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

It's time for a Bonanza! Buy now, thank me later!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:20:37 -0500

It's time for a Bonanza! Buy now, thank me later!

Yes, you can thank me later! The buyers now will eventually be the MILLIONAIRES OF THE FUTURE!

With Real Estate prices at an all time low, if you have a doubt about where to put that cash on hand, it's Real Estate!

There are some FANTASTIC buys out there right now, especially in Florida. Even beach front properties!

In SOUTH EAST FLORIDA, there are so many buyer opportunities, be it, a normal sale or a bank owned property (REO), there are deals. If you have the patience of a SAINT, you MIGHT consider a short sale...that is, like I said, and I will reiterate, you have the PATIENCE of a SAINT.

You don't have to call yourself an investor, you just have to make an educated decision with the guidance of your attorney, CPA, and with the ability of a professional real estate agent who can find what you might consider a property that would suit your needs.

NOW is the TIME to consider buying a property here in south east Florida.

While many negative news people (who are not real estate agents, just write the news) are saying that now is not the time, I disagree. The bank owned properties are going at all time low prices, and (some) actually have some equity associated with them.

If you are considering buying a vacation home or a rental property and want more information for yourself or a customer, please call me.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Karen Monsour, REALTOR(r), Coldwell Banker, Fort Lauderdale Beach.

What are the principals of RESPA?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:46:25 -0500

What are the principals of RESPA?

RESPA is defined as The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.

RESPA was developed in 1974 to protect buyers at closing. It is an Act that requires the disclosure of the types of charges that a buyer will incur when purchasing a property. It also requires an explanation of the amounts of costs that will be charged to the buyer.

There are six sections to this Act.

They are as follows:

1. Is a rule that states that the closing agent must provide/use a HUD-1 form to provide the buyer with all the costs incurred to the buyer and seller at the closing table. It is typically known as the "Uniform Closing Statement". This is a requirement in Florida.

2. Requires the buyer be provided with a "Special Information Booklet" that must be given to the buyer at the time the buyer makes application for a loan, or which must be provided within 3 days of application for a loan.

3. Is a GFE or what is know as a "Good Faith Estimate". This also as above must be provided at loan application or within 3 days of said application. This is a document that will show an itemization of the costs that are known by the lender to be costs incurred by the buyer.

4. Specifies that the lender has to disclose the relationship, if any that they currently have with the closing agent/title company. That is, if say for example, you are buying an REO (bank owned) property and they require you to use their title company/closing agent.

5. Kickbacks are not allowed unless disclosed to all persons and that performance of a service was actually performed. Referral fees between cooperating brokers are allowed in Florida.

6. Sellers may not mandate that a buyer use a specific company to buy Title Insurance. This can not be a "condition" of the sale.

For more information for consumers, you can follow the link below.

More information can be viewed at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at:

www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/res/respa_hm.cfm

It's very important to be aware of RESPA. There are many other specific rules under these basic definitions to always educate yourself on when dealing in a real estate transaction.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Florida is developing a combination FAR/BAR and FAR contract, are you aware?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:18:24 -0500

Florida is developing a combination FAR/BAR and FAR contract, are you aware?

Florida lawyers are in the process of developing a single buyers contract which combines the FAR/BAR and the FAR contract!

There is actually a draft in place at this time. One of the changes agents should be looking at is numbers 9 and 10, where it lists the standard items included in the purchase of a home/condo. They (in the draft at this point) have now excluded the washer and dryer from standard appliances included in the sale. Just one of the many other changes to the standard contract.

There are many other changes that will be of critical importance if this combination goes to fruition. It will be very important that you as an agent read and know well the entire contract. The new contract appears to be very, very specific...almost to the point where after you read it, you hope you are always writing an "AS-IS".

It addresses many of the important sections that we've all come to assume are going to remain the same. Not so in this new version.

Just be aware that change is coming...sometime soon in Florida.

If you have not yet heard about this pending development, you can go on line to the Florida Association of REALTORS(r) for more information.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Florida will soon require home inspectors to be licensed.

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:38:24 -0500

Florida will soon require home inspectors to be licensed.

Florida currently does not require or regulated home inspectors. As of JULY 1, 2010, home inspectors, mold assessors, and mold remediators will have to have a Florida license.

This new law requires those who wish to continue practicing as above to complete 120 hours of prelicense education. They will also have to pass a Florida state exam. These licenses are good for 2 years. Then they have to be renewed. Prior to renewal, they will have to complete 14 hours of continuing education as do real estate sales associates (real estate associates have a first course, then need 45 hours of continuing education prior to their 14 credit cycle).

This is according to F.S. (Florida St.) 468.83.

You can also visit the American Society of Home Inspectors at www.ashi.com for more information.

Is this a REQUIREMENT in your STATE?

How do you feel about this new law?

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:51:09 -0500

Lawyers or any professionals, Do you know what the rule is on copyright law?

I'm under the impression that if it is copyrighted, you need to use this designation.

Anyone know for sure?

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Speechless Sunday, My family and my late father's Paradise.

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:41:50 -0500

This was my father's heaven on earth. Just below this group of chairs was his dock and his boat. He spent every hour of every weekend here in his paradise. This was most of the wonderful memories during his wake. My father bought this property after the flood (in PA) of 1972. I was a church camp when the flood occurred and he to his death does not realize that I almost dround in the ocean at our camp in Virginia.

When I got home that night, our basement was flooded and my mother woke me up at 2 am to help and sweep the water out...there was no where for it to go...

What a memorable experience. My father bought the cottage that we spent weekends at and the home that my Grandmother lived in next to them.

My sister knocked down that cottage and built a wonderful home. I'm happy for her...

www.KarenMonsour.com

Exquisite 3/3.5, 2 car garage Townhome with elevator between the Intracoastal and Ocean in SE, FL

How Excited was I to receive the Realtor.coms "Award of Excellence" from Max Pigman last Wednesday?

Signals, dropped calls, and the iPHONE...

The media wasted 3 hrs of time today, because a child lied..what should happen...

AR produces results...here is the proof!

Who are the acceptable agencies to invite to join AR? Do you know?

How about some EMOTICONS on the tool bar...wouldn't that help you to make your points?

Do you link your blogs to your website?

How many real estate agents are left in this market?

It's really all about service...no matter what! Isn't it?

Lazy does not mean, you are entitled to handicapped parking! $250.00 fine for laziness!

Flu shots $24.95 at Walgreens...$29.95 if you are allergic to preservatives or latex.

Is it legal for an agent to raffle off a listing?

So, really, "What IS the PRICE of the property?" Agents need to consider their answer!

RULES, there are so many rules...each state has their own...some are reciprocal...to FL that is.

HUD-1 statements...do you use them in your state and is it your law?

Don't send me a listing unless it's a steal! WOW now...who am I to decide what's a steal?

Hillsboro Beach in Florida...great fishing and snorkling opportunities.

Earnest money deposits...they aren't required to facilitate a deal in Florida!

It's time for a Bonanza! Buy now, thank me later!

What are the principals of RESPA?

Florida is developing a combination FAR/BAR and FAR contract, are you aware?

Florida will soon require home inspectors to be licensed.

Copyright©, If you have copyrighted, do you need to use the © after the word?

Speechless Sunday, My family and my late father's Paradise.