5 Easy Steps to Adding your Active Rain Blog to your Facebook Profile

1.   On your profile page click on the “Notes” tab and mouse over to settings, drop down and click on “Application Settings”

2.  A new window will open called “Applications” and click on “Notes”

3.  Your Note Window will open and to the right you will see a new box called “Note Settings”

4.  Click on that and a new window will open called Import and External Blog, here you type in your Active Rain Blog URL Address ie.  www.activerain.com/blog/username

5.  A new Window will open with a Preview of the Blog and you just click Confirm.

That’s it, now all your blogs will auto populate into your Notes in your Facebook Profile. Enjoy!

6 Easy Steps to add your Realtor.com Listings to your Facebook Profile

1. Go to the website of www.seemylistings.com and click on "Add my Listings"

2. You will then be asked to Login into Facebook

3. Facebook message comes up and click "Allow"

4. Fill in your MLS Board Information Realtor ID

5. Next screen will say "Show Your Listings on Facebook", Click on "Add to Profile"

6.  A new window pops up asking you to Confirm, click on "Add"

That's it, now all your Listings will Auto Populate from MLS to your Facebook Page. Enjoy!

Homeowners Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

The (Not Just) First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, Expanded & Explained

After much speculation by the general populace (and the real estate industry) and much consternation by Congress, the much-anticipated extension of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has been passed. 

Passed, not to mention greatly expanded.

The original tax credit, which was a part of the economic stimulus package put into effect in February 2009, was made available to first-time homebuyers (people who hadn't owned a home for three or more years) and applied to home purchases that closed on or before November 30, 2009. With the passage of the expansion bill into law, that credit has been extended to purchases made by May 1, 2010 and that are closed prior to July 1, 2010.

For first-time homebuyers, the credit amount, as it was in the original plan, remains at 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum credit of $8,000. Originally, to be eligible for the credit, single (not married) purchasers could have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of no more than $75,000/year; married couples with an AGI of $150,000 or less were eligible. Under the new plan, singles with an AGI of up to $125,000 and married couples with an AGI of up to $225,000 are eligible.

For many of the homeowners who had previously been ineligible to claim the credit at all because they already owned a home, there is good news for them. Under the new plan, homeowners who have lived in their homes for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 years are eligible to receive a credit toward a new home purchase. Meant to give a boost to "move-up" buyers, this credit amount can be 10% of the purchase price, up to $6,500. The income caps referenced above are the same.

The members of the Armed Services and who were/will be deployed outside the United States for at least 90 days between December 31, 2008 - May 1, 2010, may claim the credit until May 1, 2011 (with settlement all wrapped up before July 1, 2011). 

One peculiarity of which it's important to take note: even if one purchases a new home in 2010, they can claim the credit on their 2009 tax return. If they file for an extension of time to file their income taxes, or if they amend their already-filed 2009 tax return, they may include the tax credit (this would put the cash in their pocket much sooner than if they were to claim the credit on their 2010 tax return). Be sure, however, to take heed of the income limitations, as they apply to the year in which they claim the credit.

Finally, it's important that you understand that if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000, no tax credit may be claimed, regardless of the income levels. The credit only applies to primary residences. Investment properties or vacation homes don't qualify.

First Day of Autumn 2009 

Can you believe, three quarters of the year of 2009 is now behind us?  September is my favorite month as this is the month that brings the last day of Summer and the first day of Fall.  

The September equinox is where the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west. This is also true for both the fall and spring equinoxes. So on two days of the year people will find the exact cardinal directions of East and West by using the sun.

The autumnal equinox for the northern hemisphere is the vernal equinox for the southern hemisphere. Another nifty way to say this is that when fall begins for the northern hemisphere at the same time, spring begins for the southern hemisphere. Keeping this in mind will help you understand why we have seasons. If part of the globe has opposite seasons than the other half, is not because of how close or far away we are from the sun. This is related to the tilt of the Earth on its axis.

As the North Pole begins to tilt away from the sun, cooler weather comes to the northern hemisphere because the sun is no longer giving its direct rays to this part of Earth. In winter when the North Pole is tilted it's farthest away from the sun, we have the least amount of daylight hours and the coldest weather. You can even notice the angle of the sun and how it never gets as high above the horizon.

Here is an interesting fact, while some would believe that we would have even days and nights, however, this is not the case. In the Northern Hemisphere on the fall equinox, daylight hours will still be longer than nighttime by about seven to 10 minutes. A couple days after the equinox, day and night are finally equal. You can check for the exact dates and time visiting the Naval Oceanography Portal.

Kathy Hyatt is a Native South Floridian, give her a call with any questions you may have on Real Estate or visit www.KathyHyatt.com

Awesome South Florida Living

I have been corresponding with a Buyer who lives in Massachusetts and is interested in moving down to South Florida.  He has lived in Massachusetts for about 15 years and is tired of the snow.  He has even made a list of pro and cons about Florida Living which I have to tell you I found completely humorous.

The one thing that may hold this Buyer back is our High Cost of Living.  It is true, Real Estate Taxes and Home Owner's Insurance alone is Real Pricey and before you know the Mortgage Payment has escalated higher than most people's comfort level. 

However, you must consider this.  South Florida has a much diversified culture attracting people from all around the world.  Throw in our Beautiful Weather, Many Shops and Fabulous Amenities and it is easy to see why South Florida is the place to Live.  

It is important to know your "Values", when determining the replacement of a home's windows, appliances, or roofing. Realtors are wise to educated themselves on knowing approximately how long things will last and that has value to buyers and home owners.

Buyers may want to factor in replacement costs for aging components when they make an offer. Owners can use the information to decide whether to replace a component before a move. Now, a new study by the National Association of Home Builders provides some insight that can help your clients estimate the average useful life of more than 100 household appliances and building materials.

 Of course, the true longevity of any household material depends on maintenance, use, quality of installation, as well  climate conditions, so use these averages as a general guide. The NAHB report still beats asking handy Old Uncle Fred.

•·        APPLIANCES

Exhaust Fan 10                                                     Compactors 6

Dishwashers 9                                                    Disposers, Food Waste 12

Dryers, Electric 13                                             Dryers, Gas 13

Freezers 11                                                          Microwave Ovens 9

Ranges, Electric 13                                             Ranges, Gas 15

Range/Oven Hoods 14                                       Refrigerators, Compact 9

Refrigerators, Standard 13                               Washers 10

Water Heaters, Electric 11                                Water Heaters, Gas 10

Air-Conditioners, Room 10                                Air-Conditioners, Unitary 15

Boilers, Electric 13                                               Boilers, Gas 21

Dehumidifiers 8                                                    Furnaces, Warm-Air, Electric 15

Furnaces, Warm-Air, Gas 18                             Furnaces, Warm-Air, Oil 20

Heat Pumps 16                                                      Humidifiers 8

Note: Life expectancy is based on first-owner use.

  •·        CABINETRY & STORAGE

Cabinet Lines                                                          Bath Cabinets Lifetime

Entertainment Centers/Home Office 10  Garage/Laundry Cabinets 100+

Kitchen Cabinets 50                                              Medicine Cabinets 20+

Manufacturing Types                                            Modular/Stock 50

Source: Appliance Magazine, Sep 2005 issue, Grainger  Source: Wellborn Cabinet, Zaca, Timberlake Cabinet Co., Wellborn Cabinet, Moduline, Canyon Creek Cabinet Co., Easyclosets.com, Wellborn Cabinet

  •·        CONCRETE & MASONRY

Brick 100+                                                                Veneer Lifetime

Caulking (for sealer) 2-20

 •·        COUNTERTOPS

Cultured Marble 20                                                  Natural Stone Lifetime

Tile Lifetime                                                              Wood Lifetime

•·        DECKS

Wood 20 Dry areas last 20-25, South 10-15, North 20-30.

Deck Planks 25

•·        DOORS

Exterior Doors                                                         Fiberglass Lifetime

Steel, Fire-Rated Lifetime                                    Vinyl 20

Wood Lifetime                                                         Interior Doors

French 30 to 50                                                       Closet Lifetime

Screen 40 Pine 20 yrs, Cedar 40 yrs, Mahogany 60 yrs

Source: Fiberframe, Neoporte, Timeline Vinyl Products/Timeline Vinyl Windows, Victoriana East, Coppa Woodworking Inc., Marvin Windows and Doors, Kestrel Source: General Shale Brick, NHACP and NCSG, Sashco Sealants Source: Rynone, Buffalo stone, Architectural Products by Outwater, Formica Corp, Gibco Services, Florida Tile Industries, United States Ceramic Tile Co., National Hardwood Flooring & Moulding Source: Decks.com, Timbertech

 •·        ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

Accessories 10+                                                     Lighting Controls 10+

Copper Wiring                                                          Bare Copper Lifetime

Copper Clad Aluminum Lifetime

Copper Plated Lifetime If used in a non-corrosive environment.

•·        ENGINEERED LUMBER

Engineered Trim 30                        Laminated Strand Lumber Lifetime

Laminated Veneer Lumber 30+                  Trusses, Floor Lifetime

Trusses, Roof Lifetime

 •·        FAUCETS & FIXTURES

Accessible/ADA Products Lifetime      Faucets, Bar/Hospitality 15

Faucets , Kitchen Sinks 15                       Faucets, Lavatory 20+

Faucets, Tub/Shower 20+                       Saunas/Steam Rooms 15-20                                              

Shower Doors 20+                                     Shower Enclosures/Modules 50

Sinks:   Kitchen & Others-Enamel Steel 5-10-Modified Acrylic 50- Soapstone 100+

Faucets, Toilets/Bidets 10 Wear issues depending on use, new cartridges or seals.

Source: Lutron Electronics, Lighting Controls Association, Copper Development Assoc. Source: Delta Faucet Co., Grohe, Kohler Co., Moen, Plexicor (part of Karran), Toto USA, Acquinox, Alumax, Alsons, Karran, Green Mountain Soapstone Corp., Saunastore Source: Engineered Wood Association, Georgia Pacific Corp., Georgia Pacific Corp., Lumber Specialties

 •·        FLOORING

Wooden Floors Lifetime                  Bamboo Lifetime

Brick Pavers 100+                            Carpet 8-10

Concrete 50+                                     Engineered Wood 50+

Exotic Wood Lifetime                       Granite 100+

Laminate 15-25                                  Linoleum 25

Marble 100+                                         Slate 100

Tile 75-100                                            Vinyl 50

Other Domestic Wood Lifetime     Terrazo 75+

•·        FOOTINGS & FOUNDATIONS

Poured Footings and Foundations Lifetime

Concrete Block Lifetime Properly built foundations last indefinitely.

Termite Proofing 12 "Pre-treatment during construction: longevity of treatment depends on disturbance or not of the chemical barriers in place."

Plumbing-Concrete Waste Pipe 100           Plumbing-Cast Iron Waste Pipe 100

•·        FRAMING &OTHER STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

Poured-Concrete Systems Lifetime           Structural Insulated Panels Lifetime

Source: Dry Up Basement, Unexco, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, American Concrete Pipe Association, National Ready Mixed Concrete Assoc, Quikrete Source: ConForm Pacific, NGS Materials, Post & Beam Factory Source:Marble Institute of America, Berg & Berg, Dal-Tile Corp, Floortec, National Wood Flooring Association, General Shale Brick, Masland Carpets, Beaulieu of America, Concrete Designs, Formica Corp, Linoleumstore.com, DePaoli Mosaic, Monarch Ceramic Tile

 •·        GARAGES

Garage Door Openers 10-15                             Light Inserts 20

 •·        HOME TECHNOLOGY

Audio, Built-in 20                                                 Security Systems 5-10

Home Automation Systems Lifetime           Home Networks, Wireless 50+

 Heat/Smoke Detectors <10 National Fire Alarm Code requires that detectors be replaced every 10 yrs.

•·        HVAC

Air Conditioners 10-15                                      Air Quality Systems 15

Boilers 13-21                                                        Dehumidifiers 8

Ducting 10                                                             Furnaces 15-20

Heat Pumps 16                                                     Heat Recovery Ventilators 20+

Thermostats 35                                                    Ventilators 7

Water Heaters, Tankless 20+                      Electric Radiant Heater 40

Hot Water or Steam Radiant Heater 15+    Diffusers, Grilles, and Registers 25

Induction and Fan-Coil Units 10-15              Dampers 20+

DX, Water, or Steam 20                                  Electric 15

Burners <10 Oil burners and more maintenance and don't last as long as gas burners.

Source: LiteTouchHome Director, ADT and Slomin's Home Security, Home Director, Home Seer Source: CenterPoint Energy and Trane Residential system Group, Smarter Way Inc., CenterPoint Energy, Air Quality  Engineering, CenterPoint Energy and Luxaire Unitary Products Group, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Econar, Lomanco, Honeywell, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, EWC Controls, Fantech, No. American Insulation Manufacturers Assoc.US Dept. of Energy, Radiant Electric Heat, Radiantec, Radiantec, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Power Flame Inc., Appliance Magazine Source: Wayne-Dalton Corp.

 •·        INSULATION & INFILTRATION BARRIERS

Insulation Material                                                        Cellulose 100+

Fiberglass Lifetime                                                       Foam Lifetime

Insulation Type                                                              Batts/Rolls Lifetime

House Wrap Lifetime                                                    Loose Fill Lifetime

 •·        MOLDING & MILLWORK

Custom Millwork Lifetime                                            Stair Parts Lifetime

Stairs, Circular & Spiral Lifetime                                Stairs, Prebuilt Lifetime

Stairs, Attic Lifetime                                                       

 •·        PAINTS, CAULKS, & ADHESIVES

Adhesives                                                                         Roofing 7

Paints & Stains                                                                Paint, Exterior 15+

Paint, Interior 15+ Depends on whether or not it is washable paint.

Source: York Spiral StairAzek, Authentic Pine Floors, Century Architectural Specialties, StairWorld, National Hardwood Flooring & Moulding Source: The Sherwin-Williams Co.,Slate Savers, Tamko Roofing Products, Dutch Boy Paints Source: DuPont, National Fiber, Johns Manville, RHH Foam Systems, No. American Insulation Manufacturer Association Source: Putnam Rolling Ladder Co., Genie Industries

 •·        PANELS

Hardboard 30                                                                   Oriented-Strand Board 25-30

Particleboard 60                                                              Plywood 60

Softwood 30                                                                      Underlayment, Flooring 25

 •·        ROOFING

Material                                                                              Aluminium Roof Coating 3-7

Fiber Cement 25                                                              Asphalt 20

Modified Bitumen 20                                                       Copper Lifetime

Simulated Slate 50                                                         Wood 30

Clay/Concrete Lifetime                                                 Slate 50+

Source: Gardner-Gibson, Maxitile, National Roofing Contractors Association, GAF Material Corp., Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer's Association, Johns Manville, Metal Roof Specialties, Nycore, Authentic roof, 208 Shake&Shingle, The Northern Roof Tile Sales Co., Universal Marble & Granite, Slate Savers, Koppers, Northern Elastomeric, EcoStar, Metals USA, GAF Material Corp. Source: Georgia Pacific Corp., NGS Materials, Weyerhaeuser, James Hardie Building Products 

•·        SIDING & ACCESSORIES

Material                                                                            Brick Lifetime

Engineered Wood Lifetime                                         Fiber Cement Lifetime

Manufactured Stone Lifetime                                    Stone Lifetime

Stucco 50-100                                                                Vinyl Lifetime

Related Accessories                                                       

Soffits/Fascias 50 This time period applies for faccia in fiber-cement only.

Shutters Wood/Exterior 20                  Shutters Wood/Interior 15+

Aluminium/Interior 10+ Sun can cause the strings to break.

Gutters and Downspouts                            Copper 50+

Aluminium 20                                                  Galvanized Steel 20

Downspouts (Aluminum) 30                         Downspouts (Copper) 100

 •·        SITE & LANDSCAPING

Asphalt Driveway 15-20                                Polyvinyl Fences Lifetime

Clay Paving Lifetime                                        Underground PVC Piping 25

Valves 20

Sprinklers 20 Usually made obsolete by advances in technology.

Controllers 15 Lifespan given for areas not prone to lighting strikes.

Source: Boral Bricks, APA, GAF Material Corp., James Hardie Building Products, Boulder Creek Stone and Brick, Owens Corning, Genstone Enterprises, El Rey Stucco, Heartland Building Products, Azek, James Hardie Building Products, Blinds.com, Vixen Hill Mfg. Co., Yost Mfg. & Supply, Berger Building Products, Guttersupply.com, (Rain Trade Corp. division)

Concrete Shell 25+                                    Interior Finish/Plaster 10-15

Interior Finish/Pebble-tec 25-35          Interior Finish/Tile 15-25

Cleaning Equipment 7-10                         Decking 15

Waterline Tile 10

•·        WALLS, CEILINGS, & FINISHES

Accoustical Ceiling Lifetime Moisture or movement can affect lifespan.

Ceiling Suspension Lifetime

Ceramic Tile Lifetime

The "Stimulus Bill" is not the only Hot Topic now days. The Federal Government has recently finalized some big changes on the Settlement Rules for Residential Sales, but it will be nearly a year before you will see any big changes at the Closing Table.

One of the final Projects the Bush Administration had been working on was the revision of  the GFE (Good Faith Estimate) and HUD-1 (Closing Statement). The purpose of this is to make it easier for Consumers to compare costs between the two documents and improve the disclosure of Yield Spread Premium that are paid to Mortgage Brokers, which should eliminate the long going problem that Consumers face when going to the closing table.

There have been some minor changes in this Reform that did take effect on January 16^th, 2009. However the Date that is most important for Real Estate Practitioners to remember will be January 1^st, 2010.  That is when Lenders will be required to use a complete revamped new three page Good Faith Estimate along with a revised HUD-1 Closing Statement.

These new forms will require Lenders to calculate the yield spread premiums as part of their origination fee.  Of course the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has said it will challenge this in Court.

Home Builders are also angry that there will be a provision that will prohibit that from using an incentive to channel consumers into one of their affiliated services such as their Mortgage Lenders and Title Companies.  Many Home Builders have indicated they may challenge this provision as well.

Another significant change with the new forms will be no longer allowing Lenders to change certain costs that are stated on the Good Faith Estimate disclosure. Some costs that cannot be changed will be the Origination Fees and Transfer Taxes.  Some 3rd Party Costs such as Title Searches & Inspections can change; however this will be limited to no more than a 10% adjustment. If the difference is greater than 10% the Transaction can still close, however the cost Discrepancy will have to be worked within 30 days.

While all these changes will help many consumers, we will need to watch and see how many of these reforms translate into real-life situations. For more information, visit the National Association of Realtors Website.

Just When You Thought You Saw It All!  

So I am wondering, this is a pretty interesting sign to have on your front lawn. Now I think, ok this Seller obviously is motivated to the Seller and at the same time the Neighbor is going to be motivated to derail the Sale. So what is a Real Estate Professional to Do?

So who is Game to call on this For Sale by Owner Seller?

                                                                 OUTRAGEOUS 2009 NEW OFFICE POLICY

Dress Code:   You are advised to come to work dressed according to your
salary.

•·   If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we will assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a raise.

 •·  If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so
that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise.

 •·       If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore
you do not need a raise.

Sick Days:

•·        We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you
are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

Personal Days:

•·       Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called
Saturdays & Sundays.  


Bereavement Leave:

•·       This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend the funeral arrangements in your place.

•·       In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.

Bathroom Breaks:

Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the 'Chronic Offenders' category.

Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sectioned under the company's mental health policy.

Lunch Break:

 •·       Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that
they can look healthy.

•·        Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to
maintain their average figure.

•·       Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed
to drink a Slim-Fast.

Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.

The Management

After Years of Town Hall Discussions and Intense Home-Owner's Meetings, the Federal Aviation Administration announced its decision, that the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has approved the proposal by Broward County to extend the airport's south runway (9R/27L).

After years of studying the potential environmental impacts of increasing the airport's capacity to meet the demand of air traffic and reduce flight delays, the FAA has determined that extending the airport's south runway (9R/27L) to a length of 8,000 feet is the federally preferred option (Option B1B) and offers the surrounding communities the least impact.

The decision by the FAA to extend the south runway is the same physical runway layout which was approved by the Broward County Board of County Commissioner's in June 2007 and is consistent with the federally approved Airport Layout Plan.

Cities affected are Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and all the communities of the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.  For more details visit: Broward.org/Airport.                     Kathy Hyatt, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida