FHA CHANGES COMING. SADLY, THEY ARE DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE BUYER POOL, DENY HOME OWNERSHIP TO MANY PROSPECTIVE BUYERS and FURTHER DAMAGE THE HOUSING INDUSTRY. - 01/30/10 07:08 AM
ONE THING EXPERIENCE TEACHES US IS THAT, JUST BECAUSE A PERSON IN AUTHORITY SAYS SOMETHING, DOESN'T MAKE IT TRUE.
EXAMPLE:  HUD Secretary Donovan, in announcing the details of the changes to FHA financing, states:
"The new policies are designed to strengthen the FHA's capital reserves so we can continue to fulfill our mission of serving underserved communities."
The changes include:
Increase the up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to 2.25%; Update credit score and down payment requirements for new borrowers; Reduce seller concessions to three percent, from six percent; and Implement a series of significant measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement.  … (130 comments)

LENN'S ACTIVERAIN POSTS FOR JANUARY 2010 THAT WERE NOT FEATURED! ENJOY! - 01/29/10 03:43 PM
HARD CORE REAL ESTATE WRITER ON THE LOOSE. 
Just in case you are a member who reads featured ActiveRain posts only, you might find some worthwhile content in the posts below.
Not posted below are posts to Localism, posts of a non-real estate nature, etc.  The below represents January 2010 content only. 
There may be a post or two of an opinion nature.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```` 
Blog Entry: LENN HAD AN EPIPHANY! SHORT SALE MISCONCEPTIONS COULD BE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGENTS.
Blog Entry: NEW HOME SALES FOR DECEMBER DOWN. Why is anyone surprised??
Blog Entry: CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IS HARDLY A PREDICTOR OF ECONOMIC … (21 comments)

WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE A FEW MILLION RECALLS MAKE! - 01/29/10 01:39 PM
I took my Toyota in for regular service this a.m.
THE PLACE WAS PACKED - - THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THAT IS.
I'm sure everyone has heard the news by now:
"about 2.3 million cars are affected by the accelerator pedal could wear down and become difficult to depress, slow to spring back or get stuck partly depressed.". . more,  NY Times Business.
I've checked several sources and my 4Runner is apparently not affected.  Thank goodness.  However, up until November 2008, I owned a Toyota Sequoia that did have accelerator malfunctions.  The accelerator would often not depress as it should and it wouldn't go over 15-20 m.p.h.  This was … (19 comments)

LENN HAD AN EPIPHANY! SHORT SALE MISCONCEPTIONS COULD CAUSE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGENTS. - 01/29/10 10:19 AM
SHORT SALE MISCONCEPTIONS COULD BE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGENTS.
IS KISMET AT WORK IN THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF SHORT SALES??
SHORT SALES HERE, SHORT SALES THERE, SHORT SALES EVERYWHERE.  The significant number of short Sale listings and sales these days have led to the misconception on the part of many agents licensed within the past 5 years or so that Short Sales.
Kathy Schowe writes today about a Gentleman who made $1,000,000 in the past years but now wants to sell his home as a Short Sale.
The ubiquity of Short Sales caused by the mortgage mess is unique to the real estate … (64 comments)

NEW HOME SALES FOR DECEMBER DOWN. Why is anyone surprised?? - 01/28/10 05:01 AM
HEADLINES THIS MORNING:  "Sales of newly built U.S. single-family homes fell unexpectedly in December, data showed on Wednesday"
IT'S A "LOCAL" THING, THEY WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND.  One thing that we should know by now is that national housing statistics have no relationship to many local markets.  They surely do not have any relevance to the new home market in Northern Virginia. 
In Northern Virginia, new home sales are hot, hot, hot.  The rare new home in inventory is usually the result of a contract buyer losing their job.  Few builders are investing in spec homes because they don't have to.  The … (17 comments)

AN ALERT FROM WACHOVIA! - 01/27/10 08:05 AM
JUST FOUND IN MY E-MAIL.
AN ALERT FROM WACHOVIA.
They noticed "more attempts to log into . . . . . . "
Mmmmm.  Since I don't have a Wachovia account, I can assume that it's a phony notice. 
Further, they have blocked me from use of my debit/credit card.  O.K. FINE WITH ME.
Then it gets really interesting.  "please complete our security step as soon as possible to verify your identity"  Of course, this form wants my account number, my social security number, my mother's maiden name, my eye color, etc., etc.
You gotta love it.
What I loved most … (44 comments)

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IS HARDLY A PREDICTOR OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY. - 01/27/10 07:07 AM
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE?  Now there's a sound measurement of economic stability.  When I read CONSUMER CONFIDENCE in the news, I want to scream. . . . . "Give me the facts".
An interesting post by Mike Jones got the little gray cells moving around this a.m.  
Mike wrote:  "Interest rates:  Up, Down, or Flat?  I'm betting on flat, but that could change with market volatility."
Interest rates are volatile?  What does volatile mean when used to describe interest rates?  Over a week, if the published interest rate increases or decreases 1/8%, it's considered volatile. 
IS THE HOUSING MARKET VOLATILE?  I have also read the word volatile … (9 comments)

No Perfect English Required - 01/27/10 06:10 AM
WHAT'S THE MESSAGE?  IS THERE HELPFUL INFORMATION IN THE POST? 
Loreena cites personal experience with writing for her blog in English that many may consider "less than perfect".
Since when do out blog posts have to be perfect?  THEY DO NOT.
Sometimes folks just cannot see the lush green forest for the isolated skinny sapling.
Are we reading words?  Or, are we absorbing valuable content?
Or, are we reading at a 2nd grade level or using words to stimulate the thought process of our mature brains???
Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco-TX-Homes … (16 comments)

Is Your Realtor a Clown in Disguise? - 01/26/10 02:25 PM
Bill Gassett gives the home owner/seller the benefit of the doubt in this case. 
I, On the other hand, sparked by Bill's description of the specificity of the owner's interview suspect skulduggery .  Not to mention the incongruity of the listing going to (at best) a minor league agent.
Or,
2.  When a good presentation is made, the price is competitive and an experienced agent is passed over for an inexperienced listing agent. . . .
You can bet your boots that, 90% of the time,
1.  the successful agent made an $$$$$ offer to the seller that they couldn't refuse.
2.  … (8 comments)

NEW HOME IN ASHBURN, BRAMBLETON FOR SALE, $486,790, UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND READY IN APRIL. - 01/26/10 11:43 AM
NEW HOME IN ASHBURN, BRAMBLETON FOR SALE, $486,790, UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND READY IN LATE MARCH OR IN APRIL.
$486,790 *  $486,790 *  $486,790 *  $486,790 *  $486,790 *  $486,790 *  $486,790 *  $486,790
     FINISHED EXAMPLE OF HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION BELOW
QUICK DELIVERY *  QUICK DELIVERY *  QUICK DELIVERY*  QUICK DELIVERY
 HOMEFINDERS.COM HOME BUYERS REBATE FOR THIS HOME IS $5,000.
ASHBURN / BRAMBLETON's most popular community has a home under construction for sale. 
Home Under Construction will be ready in March/April

FINISHED MODEL OF HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND FOR SALE (Reversed Floorplan)

Two Car Side Load Garage


… (8 comments)

“Under all is the land.” Some thoughts about owning real property. - 01/26/10 06:30 AM
BUYING LAND A GOOD INVESTMENT???
You bet! 
But only for folks who are in it for the long term and won't need to sell for some time. 
If folks want liquid investments, land is not a good idea TODAY.  However, in the future? 
Katy, bar the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:
The preamble to the Realtor® Code of Ethics begins with the words: “Under all is the land. And while at first that may seem a bit cryptic, the fact of the matter is that it has never had more meaning than it does today!
Where I live, … (8 comments)

LOAN MODIFICATION DENIED?? OF COURSE! THE OWNER DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR THE NEW LOAN. - 01/26/10 04:38 AM
IF YOU SEEK LOAN MODIFICATION, YOU MUST MEET THE GUIDELINES FOR APPROVAL AT THE MODIFIED AMOUNT.
LOAN MODIFICATION APPLICATION DENIED?
Far too many home owners believe that they can qualify for a modification of their mortgage loan simply because it will be easier for them to make a lower payment.  Of course, it would.  BUT, would it be easy enough?  More important is the need to qualify for the new loan with tougher guidelines.
JUST LOOK AT THE NEW TOUGHER GUIDELINES FOR LOAN APPROVAL.
Tighter LTV requirements Higher down payments Fewer ARMs qualified at the start rate No more stated income … (26 comments)

LOVETTSVILLE VA NEW HOMES GUIDE - Mountain Views, Wooded Lots, 2 Miles from MARC Train and Priced Right - 01/25/10 04:18 AM
LOVETTSVILLE VA NEW HOMES GUIDE - Mountain Views, Wooded Lots, 2 Miles from MARC Train and Priced Right
NEW HOMES IN LOVETTSVILLE, VIRGINIA priced from $452,900 to $520,900.  
Tour this builder's model home in a lovely community in Lovettsville.   
Mountain Views Priced from about $452,900 to $520,900 for two finished level plus unfinished basement. Two miles from MARC Station in Brunswick, MD. Lovely open lots, wooded lots, lots with mountain views.    Contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 to tour.  
The Homefinders.com New Home Buyer's REBATE for these homes for buyers working with Homefinders.com is 1% of the contract … (11 comments)

FHA Temporary Lift of Anti-Flipping Rules: More Government Regulation Helping Big Corps? - 01/24/10 11:59 AM
Government picking and choosing - - -  again.
This is must read for anyone in the real estate industry who follows the machinations of FHA. 
Renee's article is perceptive and may serve to explain events that may affect our market in the near and not so near future. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Renee Burrows - Las Vegas NV Valley - Homes For Sale - SRES - SRS - AHWD - ABR (Encore Realty Group -Realtor>Estate>Probate>REO>Short Sale):
FHA just relaxed the anti-flip underwriting guidelines for purchasing a home.  You can read about it here (Nevin Williams) and here (Esko Kiuru). 
This is not an "informational piece" … (9 comments)

REMOVE THE FINANCING CONTINGENCY? NOT ON MY WATCH! - 01/24/10 08:29 AM
Bob Harris gives some good advice to home buyers considering buying distressed property.  However, when it comes to removing the financing contingency in an offer, buyers need to understand the risks.
WHAT IS THE JOB OF A BUYER'S AGENT??   We are engaged to help home buyers "find the house"??  Of course, but so much more.  When preparing a Contract of Sale, home buyers often rely on the advice of the agent about the meaning of the paragraphs in the Contract.  Agents MUST be careful and give the buyer the agent's best advice to protect the buyer.  Experienced agents learn through experience that … (43 comments)

"Can Blogging really Help to Build My Business?" - 01/24/10 06:02 AM
EXPERIENCE IS A WONDERFUL TEACHER.  However, who's "experience" is going to be used and how is it going to be used??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Via Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Agent (Windermere West Sound, Inc.):
Stuart Kaufman, noted Personal & Business Coach, who writes a column for the Washington REALTORS® News, contacted me the other day and asked if I would contribute to an upcoming article he is putting together on Blogging.
In this article, he is posing the question:
“It seems like Blogging is the current rage. I took a class and know the basics, but can it really … (15 comments)

Why is this not age discrimination? - 01/23/10 04:52 PM
COMMUNITIES THAT PERMIT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TENANTS AND OWNERS WHO ARE UNDER 55 IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY AT LARGE.
WHY???
HA!  Best keep the old codgers with each other and to themselves. 
ALSO, the children and/or grandchildren can't usually move in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Via Russel Ray, San Diego Marketing & Business Consultant (Russel Ray):
I have a question for Realtors and the legal eagles in our ActiveRain community:
Why are communities that only allow 55+ owners/residents not against the law? Why is that not age discrimination?
Okay, that was two questions, but I need enlightenment.
Thanks. 
 
♪♫♫♫♪
… (14 comments)

NEW HOME IN LOVETTSVILLE, NEW TOWN CENTER LOCATION AND PRICED AT $329,990. - 01/22/10 04:32 PM
NEW HOME IN LOVETTSVILLE, NEW TOWN CENTER LOCATION AND PRICED AT $329,990.
Still time to qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
Homefinders.com New Home Buyer REBATE for these homes, $3,500.
100% financing available for buyers who qualify.  Several lovely floor plans from which to select.

THESE ARE THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE HOMES IN ALL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. 
Located right in Lovettsville's New Town Center just a block or less to the mall and circle.  Perfect location for in-town convenience to restaurants and Lovettsville shops.  All homes are walking distance to Library and Community Center with the outdoor … (3 comments)

NEW HOME IN LOVETTSVILLE, NEW TOWN CENTER LOCATION AND PRICED AT $329,990. - 01/22/10 04:22 PM
NEW HOME IN LOVETTSVILLE, NEW TOWN CENTER LOCATION AND PRICED AT $329,990.
Contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 for a tour of these lovely homes. … (1 comments)

Are You A Doctor Of Real Estate Or Only In It For The Money? - 01/22/10 06:02 AM
LENN "THE GRINCH" HAS ANOTHER VIEW ABOUT THE ALTRUISTIC AGENT.
Gary writes:  "You Never Can Go Wrong In Life TRULY caring about another, with blinders on as to the money that ends up in your pocket at the moment!"
My thought is:  You can help more consumers find a HOME if you manage your BUSINESS carefully and provide quality service.   
That means:
Limiting your representation to serious qualified buyers or serious motivated sellers.
Agents who wear blinders may not serve themselves OR the consumer.
BEING A "DOCTOR" OF REAL ESTATE means understanding your practice and understanding your "patients". 
Don't forget that real estate practitioners … (35 comments)

LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SAT SCORES FOR 2009 - Loudoun County Virginia School Excellence. - 01/21/10 03:01 PM
LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SAT SCORES FOR 2009 - Loudoun County Virginia School Excellence.
THE SCHOOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT TEST  (SAT).  While Boards of Education in school school districts may use other standards of measurement for school excellence, (Virginia uses a unique Standard of Learning measurement (SOL)), the SAT is universally recognized as a valid measurement of school excellence and it is understood and comparable school-to-school in any school district. 
VISIT SCHOOLS IN AREAS OF INTEREST.  Homefinders.com agents and brokers recommend that parents visit public schools prior to making a decision about which home to buy.  With comprehensive information available on the Internet, parents … (17 comments)

PROSPECTING FOR HOMES TO SELL, NOT LIST - A SUCCESSFUL LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN MAY WORK FOR YOU - IT WORKS FOR ME. - 01/21/10 06:10 AM
MARTE CLIFF writes a helpful post about "WRITING LETTERS TO LISTING PROSPECTS".
Well, what about writing letters for home buyers???  It works for me. 
Marte also writes:  "You are merely another stranger who has invaded their mailbox."
UNLESS THE HOME OWNER FINDS HELPFUL BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN THEIR MAILBOX. 
I use business correspondence to generate potential homes for qualified home buyers.  It works. 
NOT YOUR USUAL JUNK MAIL.  One of the reasons my letters are successful is, I believe, because the consumer is not used to receiving business correspondence from real estate agents.   What they usually get every month or so is the same old, … (127 comments)

Strong Internet Presence Leads to Letter From Jail! - 01/21/10 04:44 AM
THE LONG ARM OF ACTIVERAIN!!
This is so funny. 
I wonder if the money for the property is in a tin can wrapped in a blanket and burried in a secret location near one of the lakes??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Via Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty):
If you have ever read my blog articles you know that I am proud of the fact that both my Massachusetts Real Estate website and blog can be found in most local Real Estate searches. Some of the content I provide my readers is also much more broad in nature and will also be found for … (10 comments)

BLAME REALTORS FOR THE MORTGAGE MESS IF YOU WISH, LEAVE ME OUT! - 01/20/10 09:41 AM
DALE TERRY writes: "We're part of the problem but won't admit it".
WELL, I JUST COULDN'T DISAGREE MORE!
Count me out of the collective "WE" when accepting blame for the mortgage mess and "problem going on in the real estate industry right now".
If real estate agents and brokers had any power to create the mortgage backed security industry, the massive credit default swaps of AIG that sucked money out of our pockets all, we could take some blame. 
Did real estate agents have the power to approve 100% financing mortgage loans, Alt-A loans, pay-option loans?  NO.  On one hand HUD advised … (37 comments)

LEAVE THE BUYER OR SELLER SOMETHING TO REMEMBER YOU BY. . . . THE PACKAGE! - 01/20/10 05:51 AM
LEAVE THE BUYER OR SELLER SOMETHING TO REMEMBER YOU BY. . . . THE PACKAGE!
Jane Peters writes about THE PACKAGE and how important to our marketing plan the preparation and use of a Buyer's Package or Seller's Package can be when meeting a prospective buyer or seller.  In Jane's case, she means a "LISTING PACKAGE".  In my case and in the case of the Buyer's Agents in the Homefinders.com Network, it means the "BUYER'S INFORMATION PACKAGE". 
IS "THE PACKAGE" IMPORTANT??
ABSOLUTELY.
JUST HOW SERIOUS ARE YOU??  I have been shocked, shocked when prospective buyers called me for a phone number for … (28 comments)

DON'T NEW HOME BUILDERS UNDERSTAND THAT THEIR "REPRESENTATIVES" ARE COSTING THEM SALES?? A RANT!!! - 01/19/10 04:37 PM
WORKING WITH A NEW HOME BUYER IS FUN.  ESPECIALLY ONE LOOKING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. 
These new home buyers are qualified for a reasonable price range for new construction in my area.  There are 6-7 builders that offer homes meeting the buyers' criteria.
$500,000-$700,000 20 minutes commute to the commuter train to D.C. 4 bedrooms A front porch.                          
O.K.  The front porch means that they will have to build.  There are no new homes in inventory or under construction with a full front porch. 
How many builders offer what these wonderful buyers want??  About six.  Major builders all. 
Sadly, only 2 … (28 comments)

ATTENTION HOME INSPECTORS - - HOW DO YOU WRITE ELECTRICAL DEFECTS IN HOME INSPECTION REPORTS??? - 01/19/10 05:18 AM
QUESTION FOR ALL HOME INSPECTORS ON ACTIVERAIN.
In reviewing the article below:
How To Fix Double Tapping At Circuit Breakers
The question came to mind:
"Shouldn't these double wiring defects be corrected by a licensed electrician or licensed electrical contractor?" 
By describing these repairs as a HOW TO article, in great detail, it would seem to me that the home inspector is encouraging "home owner electrical work". 
IS THIS A SAFE PRACTICE FOR HOME INSPECTORS? Electrical defects often cause problems when showing a home with "home owner improvements", i.e., finished basements, room additions, finished garages, etc. 
As a home inspector, when discovering defects such as double wiring … (27 comments)

REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND BROKERS - PAY ATTENTION! IF YOUR BROKER ISN'T OFFERING TRAINING. . . LOAN OFFICERS ON ACTIVERAIN ARE. - 01/18/10 05:42 AM
LEARN ABOUT THE NEW GOOD FAITH ESTIMATES AND CLOSING DOCUMENTS.  What do they say and what do they not say??

THE NEW GFE AND CLOSING DISCLOSURES ARE PRETTY, but what do they say?   LEARN TO UNDERSTAND THEM,  When a home buyer asks a question, and they will, you be able to help them.  That's our job. 
"The new HUD required 2010 GFE is possibly the worst disclosure ever conceived". . . Bill Ladewig, 01/18/2010
ATTENTION REAL ESTATE AGENTS.  If nothing else, and it isn't much, the forms that loan officers will now be required by law to provide to borrowers may, just may encourage … (24 comments)

Capt. Sullenberger's Wild Ride Flight Simulation ~ Miracle on the Hudson - 01/17/10 03:53 PM
YOU'VE GOT TO WATCH THIS VIDEO.
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH REAL ESTATE.  HOWEVER, IT HAS A LOT TO DO WITH COURAGE, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE.
Wait, perhaps we can learn a bit about the courage it takes to start a real estate business, get the necessary training and gain the experience to be as good as "SULLY".
 
Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
Interesting how time flies, we are a year out on the amazing landing on the Hudson River of that US Airways jet taking off from LaGuardia in New York and having … (14 comments)

MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA HOME HEATING FIREPLACE ALTERNATIVES. - 01/17/10 03:23 PM
MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA HOME HEATING FIREPLACE ALTERNATIVES.
FIREPLACE FUELS, GAS, PROPANE OR WOOD?  DEPENDS ON THE LOCATION, BUILDER AND PERSONAL PREFERENCE.  In most homes the fireplace is either decorative or a secondary source of heat.  Of course, there are many rural homes, small homes whereby the only heat source is the fireplace. 
Maryland and Northern Virginia are areas with "moderate" weather.  Our normal daytime high temperature is usually about 43 F.  This year, however, we've been lucky to get to 30 F during the daytime.  Night time lows have been around 15 F.  For us, that's cold.  Moderate winter temperatures mean that the fireplace can often … (10 comments)

ACTIVERAIN - YOU DON'T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND ACTIVERAIN TO BENEFIT FROM THIS AMAZING REAL ESTATE NETWORK. - 01/17/10 06:04 AM
SOME "HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK" ABOUT ACTIVERAIN. 
 
ACTIVERAIN IS A POWERFUL REFERRAL DIRECTORY.  ActiveRain is unique in it's ability to connect members who take this platform seriously to learn to benefit from the Internet synergy it provides.  Your ActiveRain profile puts your resume' right in the hands of agent and brokers with valuable real estate industry referrals.
 

BUILDING ACTIVERAIN CONTENT BENEFITS ALL MEMBERS.  Members who benefit the most are those who contribute their time and energy to the ActiveRain community on a regular basis.  Google crawls the ActiveRain member profiles and blog posts daily.  The more often you contribute content, the … (179 comments)

LOVETTSVILLE VA NEW HOMES in GROWING COMMUNITY. - 01/16/10 07:22 AM
NEW HOMES IN LOVETTSVILLE VA in GROWING COMMUNITY.
Lovettsville Virginia is growing and the lovely New Town Center offers a lovely town Center with walking trails, recreation areas, open spaces and homes sites priced right for new home buyers in 2010.
Contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 for an introduction to these wonderful homes in Lovettsville, priced right for first time home buyers.
100% FINANCING AVAILABLE.
                       
                                                        GARAGE FRONT MODEL
Five lovely models from which to select your next home.

     
                                                   GARAGE BACK MODEL
Ask about the Homefinders.com, New Home Buyer's REBATE.
More … (5 comments)

MANASSAS NEW HOME READY FOR QUICK OCCUPANCY - PRICED RIGHT AT $490,000. - 01/15/10 11:43 AM
MANASSAS NEW HOME READY FOR QUICK OCCUPANCY - PRICED RIGHT AT $490,000.
Take a walk with us through this lovely home for sale in Manassas and enjoy the fine details that make this newly constructed home ready for you to move right in.
The builder has a new model and has slashed the price for their former model just for you. 
To tour the home, contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.
               * * * *  Ask about the Homefinders.com New Home Buyer's REBATE * * * *
               * * * *  The New Home Buyer REBATE for this … (7 comments)

MANASSAS VIRGINIA NEW HOMES 20112 - PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE WHERE VALUE AND BEAUTIFUL HOMES MEET. - 01/13/10 08:57 AM
MANASSAS VIRGINIA NEW HOMES 20112 - PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE WHERE VALUE AND BEAUTIFUL HOMES MEET.
                                                       * * * *  IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY  * * * *
                                               * * * *    DISCOUNTED FOR QUICK SALE   * * * *
Right off Route 234, the Prince William Parkway, on the west side of Manassas, this community of new homes offers spectacular prices for new home buyers.  Yesterday, we visited the builder to view their new home model.  Lovely and full of feature upgrades normally found in homes priced much higher. 
This beautiful new home is priced at $490,000 … (20 comments)

Leading The Unhurried Life ~ You Might Want To Try It!! - 01/13/10 05:08 AM
Have you been following me???
I don't have to slow down.  My life is slow motion.  It's really quite easy. 
Don't disappoint anyone.  Leave in time to arrive for an appointment early enough to make sure you're not late.
Don't be disappointed by anyone.  Expect others to be late because far too many often are.
Prepare for showings, meetings, classes, etc. well ahead of time.  Waiting for the last minute means you'll have to rush to finish in time or your prep will be insufficient. 
Don't procrastinate.  Experience the feeling of well being when a task is finished on time - - … (22 comments)

HOME INSPECTIONS ARE NOT BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS. - 01/11/10 05:48 AM
HOME INSPECTIONS ARE NOT BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS. 
There appears to be an ongoing debate about home inspectors citing to the local municipal building codewhen identifying certain existing conditions in resale homes undergoing a home inspection for purposes of a real estate buy/sell transaction. 
Glen Fisher, a home inspector in New Jersey, appears to advocate citing to the municipal building code as a foundation for writing defects in the condition of existing resale homes that do not comply with the present day municipal building code.  The title of his article in ActiveRain today, Building Codes and Home Inspection Standards Intertwined Mr. Fisher evidences his belief … (56 comments)

FREDERICK COUNTY MD HOMES FOR SALE ARE PRICED RIGHT, NEW, RESALES AND HISTORIC HOMES. - 01/10/10 11:50 AM
FREDERICK COUNTY MD HOMES FOR SALE ARE PRICED RIGHT, NEW, RESALES AND HISTORIC HOMES.
NEW MARKET in Frederick County is a popular location for home owners who like a rural atmosphere but want to be close to major commuting highways.  Close to Route 70, Route 270, Route 40, New Market is convenient and offers small town living.
HOMES IN NEW MARKET ARE PRICED RIGHT.  The home below offers a completely remodeled interior and exterior with "state of the art" appliances, upgraded flooring, systems and attention to detail hard to find in new homes in the $450,000 price range.
VISIT HERE TO … (7 comments)

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) What To Do When You Have A Buyer - 01/09/10 06:56 AM
"But remember, a commission will need to be negotiated between you and the agent for their commission."
I disagree.  In fact, this is one of the reasons the home owners reject the services of so many agents.
Strategically, there are far better ways to sell FSBOs than hitting the seller in the face with a commission agreement before even introducing a buyer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Trisha Pennington (Coldwell Banker Reilly & Sons):
This is a continuation of:  For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Tips To Sell Your Home 
So you decided to sell your home without the use of an agent? Here are some … (14 comments)

IS THE TERM "STRATEGIC DEFAULT" FAIR? OR DOES IT DEMEAN AND DIMINISH THE UNDERWATER HOME OWNER? - 01/09/10 05:55 AM
WHO INVENTED THE TERM "STRATEGIC DEFAULT"? 
Seems to me that the word strategic alone is misused in the context of a home owner relinquishing their ownership of a real property.
Seems to me that, for an action to be considered strategic, it must be part of a plan of action. 
Seems to me that relinquishing ownership of a piece of real property is a reaction to forces far beyond their control. 
In military terms, strategic would mean a plan of military action designed to defeat an enemy. 
In financial terms, strategic would mean using one's assets to leverage a financial gain.
By the use … (66 comments)

REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND BROKERS, WE'RE NOT OBSOLETE. ANOTHER "FRINGE" INTERENET BASED COMPANY IN TROUBLE. - 01/08/10 03:12 PM
Another fringe real estate entity is in financial trouble. 
READ ON INMAN TODAY,
FORECLOSURE.COM FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY.
Actually, the foreclosure.com web site is fascinating.  It's about as close to an online transaction management tool for consumers that I've seen. 
Somehow I still believe that, while the promise of selling foreclosures online is fine for investor and sophisticated buyers, re-modelers, etc.,
CONSUMERS STILL NEED AN AGENT TO GUIDE THEM THROUGH THE HOME BUYING PROCESS.
What think YOU???
                       
"Honey, do you think we could save any money by buying a foreclosure online??"
"Perhaps, Dear, but is it worth the risk?  I believe … (29 comments)

HOWARD COUNTY MD CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS and LUXURY HOMES and REAL ESTATE. - 01/08/10 02:26 PM
HOWARD COUNTY MD CUSTOM LUXURY HOMES and REAL ESTATE.
BECAUSE YOU'RE SPECIAL, HOMEFINDERS.COM HAS COMPILED A LIBRARY OF LUXURY HOME AND CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN HOWARD COUNTY MARYLAND. 
These builders offer custom designs and will customize their floor plans to suit your wishes.  Or, custom home builders offer unique experienced builders for the floor plan you select.  The key is experience.  If you're in the market for a custom designed homes and insist on top quality materials, experienced trades and top of the line components and appliances, you'll want to work with a CUSTOM builder. 
We can help.  Homefinders Howard County Real Estate Brokers meet regularly with custom home builders … (10 comments)

HOWARD COUNTY MD NEW HOMES with STYLE, BEAUTY AND VALUE. - 01/08/10 10:41 AM
HOWARD COUNTY MD NEW HOMES with STYLE, BEAUTY AND VALUE.   
New homes in Howard County are the best buy in many years and home buyers are taking advantage of the value.  Fabulously beautiful homes with exciting features on acres of the gently rolling countryside of Northern Howard County, Maryland. 
New Homes in Howard County ( Single Family Detached Homes ) range in price from $350,000 for a 3 Bedroom Split Level homes in Jessup, to exquisite custom built homes in the $2,000,000 price range plus.
Homes like the one below are priced in the $700,000 to $900,000 average range. 
                
These beautiful homes must … (5 comments)

WE WON! WE WON! ALL THAT WARNING ABOUT MAN MADE CLIMATE CHANGE WORKED! - 01/07/10 05:33 PM
O.K..  IT WORKED! 
It's clear that warnings about man made climate change were taken to heart. 
Americans have become very GREEN.
They, the global warning fanatics, were just annoying enough to encourage a few folks to trade in the SUV,  take "gas" and spend about $20,000 more for a fuel efficient box on wheels.
They made us stop cutting trees and we now buy wood products from Canada.
The GLOBAL WARMING alerts worked!
We pay a bloody fortune for imported gasoline to drive to and from work because we won't take our own oil out of the ground.  So, we drive less and many take the METRO to work. 
O.K.. IT … (47 comments)

YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY MAY MAKE YOU AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE! - 01/06/10 04:29 PM
IF YOU HAVE A MORTGAGE LOAN WITH A "PORTFOLIO" LENDER such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, etc., etc.
YOU MAY GET AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE.
Home owners with mortgage loans that are held in your lender's portfolio may be able to convert their loan to one with more favorable terms simply because. . . . . .
"Drum Roll Please". . . . .
YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WANTS TO SELL THE LOAN TO FANNIE OR FREEDIE. 
You may have a Libor or other indexed 1, 3, 5, 7 year ARM.  Your lender would like to convert your loan to a fixed … (20 comments)

New Good Faith Estimate 2010 Form #3 - 01/06/10 03:36 PM
WANT THE SKINNY ON THE NEW GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE?? 
Read this series that George Souto has published over a few days. 
New Good Faith Estimate 2010 Form
New Good Faith Estimate 2010 Form #2
New Good Faith Estimate 2010 Form #3
ENJOY!!  Did I really say that??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:
My Post yesterday focused on the the three categories of costs that may or may not change once the New Good Faith Estimate 2010 Form is issued. These three categories are costs that Cannot Change, cost that Can Change by 10%, and costs … (6 comments)

Why do Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executives get enormous bonuses? - 01/06/10 07:22 AM
WHY WERE THEY PAID SUCH ENORMOUS SUMS??? 
Will Nesbitt asks: "What did Mr. Raines do to deserve this giant sum?"
In the case of Franklin Raines, he was a FOB. 
"Friend of Bill", Clinton that is.

Via Will Nesbitt - condos / real estate in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County (Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC):
Can anyone please tell me why we are paying the executives at Fanne Mae and Freddie Mac giant bonuses?
According to Business Week, "Fannie Mae Chief Executive Officer Michael Williams and Freddie Mac CEO Charles Haldeman Jr. are each eligible for compensation of as much as … (6 comments)

Why Inspect Without Infrared Imaging? - 01/06/10 06:54 AM
ARE INFRARED IMAGERS important for home inspection??? 
One question I have in mind is, are the home inspection contracts changed from "visual inspection" to something to cover the infrared?
I can see the benefit if it finds water leaks and serious things of that nature. 
The termite inspector I use has equipment that can locate critters behind the walls.  However, the Certificate of Inspection still says "visual". 
Interesting.
Via John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.):
I am a licensed Maryland home inspector and a Level 1 thermographer. A thermographer is a qualified person who uses an infrared imager.  My Level 1 certification was … (8 comments)

Foreclosures on This Syndicated Author's Wish List - 01/06/10 04:37 AM
DON'T BELIEVE THE CLAIMS THAT "BANKS LOSE MONEY WHEN THEY FORECLOSE". 
That is simply not so.  The tax laws and insurance protect the banks.  It's the pathetic home owner who loses when they home is foreclosed and their credit ruined for a decade.
The real overlooked problem with the national housing economy is NEGATIVE EQUITY. 
Yes, I'm beating that drum again and will continue to do so until this mess is over, which, they way the numskulls on the hill, in the WH and the various tinkering executive offices are going, could easily be 10 years. 
Banks do not lose money when they … (6 comments)

The Cost of Waiting for First Time Home Buyers - 01/05/10 06:07 AM
YES, THE HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT IS A "MARKET MOVER".
THIS IS  COMPLICATED, SO "LISTEN UP". 
While I deplore the tax credit for having the effect of favoring one group of consumers (home buyers who qualify) over another group (home buyers who don't qualify and tax payers who are not buying homes), it's there and can't be ignoredby real estate practitioners as a market mover. 
The home buyer income tax credit is just one reason to buy now.  However, there is a more important reason to buy NOW, the impending rise in mortgage interest rates.
HYPOTHETICALS ARE HARD TO SELL.  … (17 comments)

ACTIVERAIN TRUMPS FACEBOOK FOR REAL ESTATE RELATED NETWORKING. - 01/05/10 04:59 AM
UPDATE:   5:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2010.
EUREKA!
All is fine with the Facebook connection. 
However, there are still have problems with Facebook.  When opening mail wherein someone has named me as a "friend" and I'm instructed to accept their invitation.. . . . . .   There is not a hint about who that person is.  My interest is connecting with folks in the real estate world. 
As many know, I live a bifurcated life.  Some might consider it rather schizophrenic.  I rarely mix my business life with my personal life.  This helps me remain focused on business when … (22 comments)

HA!!! IS FACEBOOK SUFFERING FROM INADEQUATE SERVER BANDWIDTH?? OR IS THERE A "DENIAL OF SERVICE" IN THE WORKS? - 01/04/10 03:25 PM
I try to keep up with folks who want to befriend me on Facebook.
I try. 
However, this afternoon I can't get in.
Not to worry folks.  I'll get to you. 
Facebook makes it easy.  Just click the link and accept. 
Twitter, OTOH, makes me log in to add a friend.  Big pain in the butt. 
I'll get to you. 
Sooner or later.
SEE?  ActiveRain is not the only social media site (if one insists on calling AR a social media site) with connection problems. 
I prefer Real Estate Network. 
Oh well.
… (17 comments)

SHOULD ACTIVERAIN PURGE THE MEMBERSHIP? "NO". - 01/04/10 04:35 AM
Ellie McIntire asks "When will ActiveRain purge it's member list?"
Lenn answers:  HOPEFULLY, NEVER!!
This isn't the first time I've read this suggestion.  In fact, I've bemoaned the fact that there are many members on the roster who have joined but never contributed content.  My disappointment is not because the members are not benefiting from their ActiveRain membership.  My disappointment is that I may be looking for a referral agent and with no content, I can't get a "feel" for the member's real estate practice. 
Members often suggest that ActiveRain purge the member list.  I disagree. 
After all, members who are not … (139 comments)

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "BAD HOME INSPECTION", IF THE INSPECTOR FINDS THE DEFECTS IN THE PROPERTY. - 01/03/10 08:11 AM
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "BAD HOME INSPECTION".
HOME INSPECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT FOR HOME BUYERS, HOME SELLERS, LISTING AGENTS AND BUYERS' AGENTS. 
THE HOUSE WILL BE UNDER A MAGNIFYING GLASS.  A good home inspection means that the home inspector examines every "nook and cranny" in a house and tests all systems and components. 
A HOME INSPECTION IS USUALLY A CONTINGENCY ON THE CONTRACT.  If the home inspector discovers and documents serious structural, systems, etc. defects, the seller is usually given an opportunity to cure or the buyer can void the contract.  If the home inspection finds the home in … (94 comments)

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Putting the Pieces Together in 2010 - 01/03/10 04:55 AM
Real Estate practitioners are fortunate to be located in areas of growth.
Many of our areas are the same.  A drive through eastern Loudoun County, VA will show dynamic growth.
New homes are selling and prices are quie stable. 
Our area is rarely affected by national market declines to the same degree experienced by other geographical areas.
Debe talks about North Carolina where the banking industry thrives. 
Northern Virginia is experiencing continuing growth due to the continuing growth of the high tech industry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):
Historically, Charlotte NC … (2 comments)

LOUDOUN COUNTY VA CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL - JANUARY 2010. - 01/02/10 04:48 PM
LOUDOUN COUNTY VA CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL - JANUARY 2010.
THE LOUDOUN COUNTY LANDFILL,
20939 Evergreen Mills RoadLeesburg, VA 20175(703) 771-5500
Bring those spent Christmas trees to the Loudoun Count Landfill.  Located in the recycle area.
          
Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 
Serving home buyers in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
 
… (2 comments)

CHARLES DAILEY - - A NEW ACTIVERAIN MEMBER TO FOLLOW - - GOOD STUFF! - 01/02/10 04:57 AM
I noticed a new member this morning who is publishing content worth noting.
See:  Mortgage Qualification after Short Sales: Did Those Short Sale Classes Cover This?
Meet Charles Dailey. 
His self description in his ActiveRain profile says it all.
Description "Charles is a self-described mortgage industry nerd.  His company is a correspondent lender that maintains a capacity to broker if need be." I LOVE NERDS!
OPINION vs. FACT
What I noticed about Charles' posts was that he is not merely publishing opinion, he is also backing his statements up with sources.  Publishing opinion is easy.  Publishing FACTS is much harder because, unless the stated "FACT" can be supported with a … (28 comments)

10 Wishes for You in 2010 - 01/02/10 03:57 AM
SOME ACTIVERAIN BLOGGERS APPEAR TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO . . . . .
Read between the lines. See into a writer's soul. Find gold nuggets among the gravel. This is a wonderful example of an ActiveRainer who actually reads posts.
Insight is a wonderful thing. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Tanya Nouwens, Montreal Real Estate Agent (JJ Jacobs Realty Inc/Ready, Set...Sold! Inc, Montreal Canada):
1. May your blog get hijacked at least once by TLW and/or C Tann-Starr.
2. May ThatBritishAgent photoshop you onto the beach somewhere.
3. May Lenn Harley not call you out onto the mat for something you've said.
4. May Jennifer … (21 comments)

PURCELLVILLE VA NEW HOMES AT FANTASTIC PRICES - JUST TWO LOTS REMAINING, SPECIAL REBATE FOR JANUARY 2010. - 01/01/10 04:08 PM
PURCELLVILLE VA NEW HOMES AT FANTASTIC PRICES - JUST TWO LOTS REMAINING, SPECIAL REBATE FOR JANUARY 2010.
                               * * * *    JUST TWO LOTS REMAINING  * * * *
NEW HOMES ON 3 AND 4 ACRE LOTS ON A CUL-DE-SAC IN PURCELLVILLE.   
NEW HOMES WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOOR PLANS AT ASTOUNDINGLY LOW PRICES:
Both homes are on 3 plus acre lots and both homes have side load garages. 
HOME SITE #1 - $468,990, 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS - 3.6 ACRES.
HOME SITE #2 - $504,990 - 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS - 4.8 ACRES.

HOMEFINDERS.COM BUYER REBATE - $6,000
… (12 comments)

HUD to Help Homeowners with Defective Drywall - 01/01/10 06:18 AM
Big deal!!!!
The payments go on.  If the homeowner has to pay for other lodging while the drywall is replace, they'll probably default.
This is the biggest phony-balony "help" to date.
Just another press release.
Via Tina Merritt - Virginia Beach Real Estate (Long and Foster Real Estate):
HUD has issued a press release stating that they are now offering assistance to homeowners with FHA loans who have defective drywall.
HUD has instructed FHA approved lenders to offer special forbearance to homeowners faced with financial hardship due to the effects of defective drywall.
“We’re instructing our FHA mortgage lenders nationwide to extend temporary … (13 comments)

Is That A Root Beer Float In The Attic? - 01/01/10 06:08 AM
DANGER WILL ROBINSON!

AGENTS AND BROKERS.  SOMETHING TO PUT IN YOUR MEMORY BANKS.
Sooner or later, we real estate licenses run into a product that just screams out"
DANGER WILL ROBINSON!
Jay Markanich, a home inspector out of Bristow, VA, alerts us to a product that you might want to remember.
How many remember the deteriorating roofs due to the plywood roof decks that fell apart under the roof tiles?
How many remember the expensive homes rotting from the inside out from the use of artificial stucco??
How many of us watch for gray water pipes in homes?? 
I'll … (10 comments)

 


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