Linnea's Blog

RE/MAX offers clients to search foreclosures

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:37:10 -0600

You can now search foreclosure listings on remax.com. The No. 1 foreclosure listing Web site, RealtyTrac, is providing remax.com visitors information on more than 1.3 million REO properties across the United States. RealtyTrac collects foreclosure data from more than 2,200 counties, covering more than 90 percent of U.S. households. For additional information view my web site at http://www.linnealavell.remax-texas.com

Analyst: Dallas-Fort Worth home prices to turn positive next summer

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:15:46 -0600

Here is an except of an article that has very encouraging information for the Real Estate Markets. For the full article, please contact me.

First American CoreLogic, a California-based housing and finance information firm, is forecasting that home prices around the country will bottom out by spring.

And in the D-FW area, prices should be slightly positive by August, the firm's economists predict.

"In August 2010, the index is projecting that 12-month appreciation for Dallas-Plano-Irving home prices will be 0.21 percent," First American's latest report said.

That compares with a 0.12 percent decline in home prices here in the 12 months ending August 2009, the analyst said.

First American CoreLogic Home Price Index

Metro areas ranked by best appreciation between August 2008 and August 2009.

1. Houston-area: 2.03%

2. Dallas : -0.12%

3. Boston -3.97%

4. Philadelphia : -5.22%

5. Washington , D.C. : -5.28%

6. Atlanta : -8.22%

7. New York : -11.72%

8. Chicago : -12.5%

9. Los Angeles : -14.02%

10. Miami : -16.82%

SOURCE: First American CoreLogic

Great Starter Home in Little Elm, Frisco ISD

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:18:15 -0500

House for Sale Sunset Pointe, Frisco ISD

Great starter home. Stone and brick elevation, front entry garage, large back yard, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances in kitchen, ceramic tile, 42 " cabinets, tile back splash, split bedrooms, separate shower in master and much more. Enjoy walking/biking trails, ponds, playgrounds, community pool. Close to shopping, restaurants and schools. Priced to sell quickly so don 't wait to see this one.

Property is listed with RE/MAX First Realty II (each office independently owned and operated).

Contact Information

Linnea Lavell

214-280-5900

linnealavell@yahoo.com

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Location

2628 Baytree Dr
Little Elm, Texas 75068
UNITED STATES

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FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms:

Square Footage: 1457

Subdivision: Sunset Pointe

Lot Size: .21 acre

Parking Space: 2

Garage Size: 2 car

School District: Frisco ISD

Year Built: 2005

MLS/IDX#: 11288020

Metro Area: Dallas/Ft. Worth

Status: For Sale

ATTRIBUTES

Rooms

Breakfast Nook

Family Room

Laundry Room

Master Bath

Walk-in Closet

Parking Type

Garage - Attached

Interior Amenities

Air Conditioning

Cable Ready

Central Air

Central Heat

Fireplace

Intercom System

Heating Source

Gas

Floor Covering

Carpet

Tile

Exterior Amenities

Lawn

Near Shopping

Patio

Architectural Style

Ranch / Rambler

Appliances

Range / Oven

Sink Disposal

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 110000

Currency: USD

Flexibility: Negotiable

Taxes: 3111

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Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2066854

Price Reduction: Home for Sale in Panther Creek Estates Frisco TX

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:25:14 -0500

Home for Sale in Frisco ISD

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

$225,000

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3199 sqft
Lot: 0.14 acre(s)

Location

11942 Big Springs Drive
Frisco, TX 75035

Linnea L Lavell

RE/MAX First Realty II
(972) 294-4545
linnealavell@remax.net
http://www.lavellrealty.com

Listed by: RE/MAX First Realty II

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Home for Sale in Frisco ISD
Single Story Home for Sale

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Home for Sale in Panther Creek Estates Frisco TX

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:24:49 -0500

Home for Sale in Frisco ISD

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

$255,000

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3199 sqft
Lot: 0.14 acre(s)

Location

11942 Big Springs Drive
Frisco, TX 75035

Linnea L Lavell

RE/MAX First Realty II
(972) 294-4545
linnealavell@remax.net
http://www.lavellrealty.com

Listed by: RE/MAX First Realty II

Our recent listings

Home for Sale in Frisco ISD
Single Story Home for Sale

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Home for Sale in Wynfield Farms

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:51:51 -0500

Wynfield Farms Home for Sale

Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Wynfield Farms sub-division in Little Elm. Home features formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, island in kitchen, large back yard and much more. You won 't want to miss this one. Priced to sell. Close to schools, shopping and restaurants.

Contact Information

Linnea

972-294-4545

linnealavell@yahoo.com

Contact Reply Form

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Location

Little Elm, Texas 75068
UNITED STATES

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Links

My Site

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms:

Square Footage: 1802

Subdivision: Wynfield Farms

Parking Space: 2

Garage Size: 2 car

School District: Little Elm

Year Built: 2000

MLS/IDX#: 11236409

Status: For Sale

Metro Area: Dallas/Ft. Worth

ATTRIBUTES

Rooms

Dining Room

Family Room

Laundry Room

Master Bath

Walk-in Closet

Parking Type

Garage - Attached

Interior Amenities

Air Conditioning

Attic

Cable Ready

Ceiling Fans

Central Air

Central Heat

Fireplace

Kitchen Island

Security System

Heating Source

Electric

Floor Covering

Carpet

Linoleum / Vinyl

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Lawn

Patio

Building Exterior

Brick

Architectural Style

Ranch / Rambler

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 129900

Currency: USD

Flexibility: Negotiable

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Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2040785

RE/MAX Agent Earns Certified Distressed Property Designation

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:47:07 -0500

LINNEA LAVELL EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Linnea Lavell of RE/MAX First Realty II in Frisco has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Denton County area, more than 1030 homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," said Ms. Lavell. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Linnea Lavell with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Charfen said.

Are You or Someone You Know In Danger Of Foreclosure?

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:41 -0500

If you or someone you know is in danger of foreclosure, I may be able to help. Here's how:

For lenders, foreclosure is the last resort - one they wish to avoid if at all possible.
They may be open to other options - ones that can help you avoid foreclosure and the drastic effect on your credit.
Options may include modifying the loan to make it more affordable or short sale where the lender agrees to the sale of your home for less than the balance of the loan. This can have far less of an impact than a foreclosure on your credit.

If you have missed payments - or on the verge of doing so - don't waste any time. I have the knowledge and the experience to help you navagate through the waters of today's economy.

I can't guarantee I'll be able to help you stay in your home. But I promise you that I'll work with you to arrive at the best possible outcome for your particular circumstances.

Linnea Lavell
Realtor, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

Waterfront Property On Lake Lewisville

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:29:17 -0500

Great Location to Build Your Dream Home

Waterfront property with stunning view. Located in an exclusive development on the shores of Lake Lewisville. Treed 1.2 acres on a cul-de-sac that gently slopes down to the water. With the new bridge opening in August 2009, this will be the place to be.

Contact Information

Linnea

972-294-4545

linnealavell@yahoo.com

Contact Reply Form

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Location

6609 Autumn Mist Cove
Little Elm, Texas 75068
UNITED STATES

Show Map

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FEATURES

Acres: 1.2

Zoning: Residential

Land Type: Land / Zoned Residential

Sewerage:

Water:

Subdivision: Sunrise Bay at Lake Lewisville

School District: Little Elm ISD

MLS/IDX#: 11241230

Metro Area: Dallas/Ft. Worth

Attributes

Pricing

Asking Price: 310000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Currency: USD

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Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2045922

Run The Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:14:02 -0500

With the opening of the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge fast approaching, community leaders have joined together with the North Texas Tollway Authority to creat an event that would celebrate the opening of the bridge and allow the community to participate in the momentous occasion. The result of their hard work being the creation of the Run the Lewisville Lake Bridge 5K Race and Family Fun Walk. The event is a one time only chance for the public to walk or run this new North Texas landmark. The event will be held on August 1, 2009 beginning at 8 a.m. with the 5K race. To register or for more information, go to http://runlltb.com.

All activities will begin in the West side of the bridge at Swisher Road. Come join in the fun and celebration with us.

Service Recognition Award

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:31:02 -0600

RE/MAX International, Inc. proudly recognizes Linnea Lavell for five years of service with the RE/MAX Network.

The award was presented to Ms. Lavell by Joe Bugg from the Broker & Management Team of RE/MAX First Realty II at their monthly office meeting.

"We at RE/MAX would like to thank Linnea for the commitment and skill these five years represent. She is highly valued as a vital contributor to the ongoing success of our network. "

RE/MAX Associates enjoy Agent Training on Demand through RE/MAX University on Mainstreet, the members' resource site. With streaming video education available 24/7 at their desk or laptop, RE/MAX agents can earn advanced designations, take classes on Internet marketing and computer applications without the time or expense of travel.

Bill Williams, Broker, RE/MAX First Realty II said "We've seen how she handles clients, and the quality of professionalism she demonstrates in every phase of customer service. Since she has the added benefit of the worldwide RE/MAX branding power, and more national television, radio and print advertising than all our competitors combined, the sky is his limit."

Ms. Lavell's office is at RE/MAX First Realty II, located at 2831 Eldorado Pkwy., just two doors down from Starbucks, can be reached by calling (972) 294 4545, or visiting

http://www.linnealavell.remax-texas.com

The RE/MAX franchise network is a global real estate system with more than 7,000 independently owned offices engaging 113,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation, and asset management. Local community involvement is important to RE/MAX members who participate in thousands of local charitable causes and have raised more than $70 million for Children's Miracle Network. RE/MAX is also a major sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure Survivor Program. For more information visit www.remax.com

*Each office independently owned and operated.

Top Ten Tips To Successful Home Buying

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:49:49 -0600

Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you will make, with long-term financial ramifications. It calls for many informed decisions and for good advice from a real estate professional. When buying a home, you can learn from the knowledge and skill of a Real Estate Agent.

Tip #1: Research Is The Key To Discovery

Home sellers won't call you with an offer to buy a maintenance-free home with a wonderful mortgage. You have to find the gems yourself! Only by reading available materials, talking to friends and experts, and spending time looking at different homes, schools, and neighborhoods will you end up with your American dream. Avoid the nightmares by learning how best to buy and maintain a home.

Tip #2: Make A Plan And Get Pre-Qualified

Every important decision needs to be clearly thought out. Developing a home buying plan can help you focus on the important factors and organize the entire process. You may even want to use a binder with sections on house hunting, home financing, service providers, etc. Loan pre-qualifying helps you determine the home price you can afford and presents you as a genuine prospect to the seller. A lender typically uses the 28% formula (your monthly mortgage can't exceed 28% of your monthly income) in approving your loan. Planning your actions and getting pre-qualified will keep you out of the panic mode and allow you to take advantage of opportunities. A thorough plan will save both time and money!

Tip #3: Value, Value, Value

The days of 10-30% annual appreciation have passed. Homebuyers in the 1970's benefited tremendously from what seemed like ever appreciating home prices. Nowadays, you're looking at slow growth while guarding against the possibilities of falling prices, skyrocketing ARM rates and corporate layoffs that can dramatically affect your home values. The classic rule of buying the worst house in the best neighborhood still applies. If you buy with an eye towards improvement, you can customize the home to fit your needs. The saying, "make money buying a home, not selling one," should keep you focused on the long-term importance of the purchasing price.

Tip #4: Create A Top 10 List Of Amenities

When shopping for a home, list the features (fireplace, fenced-in yard, new appliances, etc.) that are most important to you in deciding on which home to buy. Establishing "your criteria" early on will save time shopping for inappropriate homes and may keep you from buying a home on a whim. As detailed in Tip #3, your top reason for buying a home should be the value you are getting. Some of your top 10 amenities should logically be sacrificed if an incredible value is available.

Tip #5: Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Adjustable rate mortgages have an initial fixed rate, which is followed by a period of adjustment intervals during which the rate adjusts based on the performance of several key indexes. Typically the initial fixed rate on an ARM is slighly lower than the comparable rate of a fixed rate mortgage.

Fixed rate mortgages allowe buyers to take out a long term loan without having to worry about changing interest rates or monthly payments. Most fixed rate loans are offered in either 15 or 30 year terms.

Most buyers will be well served by a fixed rate loan, but each situation is unique. While ARM loans have become less popular in recent years, they can still be a viable option for some buyers - especially those who plan on selling again in the short term.

Whichever loan you choose; make sure that you scrutinize all the closing costs. If you are required to have a mortgage escrow account and private mortgage insurance, make sure you understand the terms and cancellation procedures (your Real Estate Agent has publications to assist you). Also, make sure there are no prepayment penalties so that you can utilize an accelerated mortgage plan. A good mortgage reduction plan can save you tens of thousands in interest costs, and shorten your loan term, with only small extra principal payments. If you experience negative changes in your job, health, or marital status, you can revert to the standard payments in your mortgage contract.

Tip #6: Sign A Contract That Protects You

Make sure that the contract you put on a house allows you to arrange financing, inspect the home and negotiate any problems that you uncover. Ensuring that the contract you sign will minimize potential legal battles will let you swim in your new pool with your family and neighbors instead of with the sharks.

Tip #7: Put Yourself In The Seller's Shoes

You are about to make one of the most important decisions that will affect both your life and the life of the seller. If you take time to understand the reasons the seller bought the home, their reasons for selling, and the home improvements they have or have not made, you'll be in a better position to evaluate the home and negotiate a better deal. In the end, the home buying process excludes the professionals and comes down to the individuals buying and selling the home. A closer look at the seller may help you in deciding whether and for how much to buy a particular home.

Tip #8: Develop A Mortgage Shopping Chart

One of the biggest decisions to make before putting a contract on a home is how to finance the purchase. There are 10,000 lenders competing for your mortgage business. The days of simply walking into the community bank and negotiating with the loan department manager are over. Today, you can apply for a loan over the Internet or even use a mortgage broker to shop for your loan with hundreds of lenders. When choosing a lender, you want to avoid apples to oranges contrasts by comparing fixed rates to fixed rates, not fixed to ARM's. Create a chart that lists different types of loans, fees, and at least five mortgage providers (including a mortgage broker).

Tip #9: Get A Quality Home Inspection

Although it is hard to believe, more people pay for inspections before buying used cars than when making the biggest investment of their lives - their homes. Paying for a qualified home inspection before you buy a home isn't just spending "a little extra" for peace of mind; it's absolutely essential for anyone who doesn't want to spend thousands of dollars for repairs.

Tip#10: Peace Of Mind: Home Protection Plans

To protect both you as a buyer, as well as the seller, it is a good idea to purchase a home protection plan. What exactly is it? A home warranty, or home protection plan, is a service contract, normally for one year, which protects homeowners against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement of their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. A negotiable contract between the buyers and sellers which does not overlap or replace homeowner's insurance policy, this type of warranty can save the new homeowner lots of headaches, as well as put seller's fears to rest. The warranty covers mechanical breakdowns, while insurance typically repairs the related damage. For example: if a hot water heater burst and destroyed a wall in your home, the warranty would repair the water heater and your insurance would pay to fix the wall.

100% Financing Programs Still Available

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:45:59 -0500

As everyone knows the market has been moving at an unprecedented pace. The big news of the week is the Bush administration has announced to use 250 billion of the 750 billion bailout bill recently passed by Congress. The money will be used to purchase stock in 9 of America's largest financial institutions. This has added much needed confidence. The market rallied Oct 13th with gains of 936 point on the Dow moving up 11%. Is this the end? There are still some major hurdles to overcome but things have finally begun to turn in the right direction.

How does this affect the rates and mortgages? This plan should stabilize the banks with relief from the bad mortgages and free up money to lend on new mortgages. Although it seems harder to obtain a mortgage these days, it is still a great time to buy. Rates are still below the yearly moving average. Prices are low. Down payments are still minimal. FHA and VA mortgages have yet to get hit with any major changes.

The United Stated Department of Ag (USDA) has introduced a loan product that still offers 100% financing with all closing cost rolled into the loan. This loan mirrors the FHA with down payment assistance. Although it is focused on Rural areas it works in more areas than it leads onto. This product is a great alternative to getting into a home with no money down. There are no fico requirements and loan size restrictions with the USDA loan. Every borrower is reviewed on a case by case basis.

Bottom line...before you postpone your next move based on news that the media is delivering, check with us to see how we may help you clear some of the current hurdles!

Information provided courtesy of Tony Ferrari with PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. For more information contact Tony at 972-728-0131 or Linnea Lavell with RE/MAX First Realty at 214-280-5900.

Residential Home Leases

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:11:11 -0500

As we all know, the real estate market is ever changing. Lease properties seem to be the hot spot right now in the Frisco/Little Elm areas. Properties seem to be coming on the market, receiving multiple applications and leasing in a very short time frame.

When looking for a lease property, it is important to find an agent that is familiar with the lease process and the inventory available in the area. There are several forms involved in a residential lease so it is important to find someone that can explain the forms, answer your questions and make sure everything is properly filled out.

When the market is as active as it is right now, it is important not to get frustrated or discouraged if you look at a property and all of a sudden there is an application pending on it. Keep looking and make sure your agent is following up on those properties you really liked that became pending before you could submit an application.

If you are looking to list a property for lease, it is important that you understand the property codes, tenant rights, rules/regulations regarding leasing a property and what are comparable properties leasing for in your area. If you aren't sure of something, consult with a professional to get a clear answer. You may want to consider listing your property with a real estate professional that is familiar with the process, the forms and knows how to market the property in a way to make sure you get maximum exposure to get it leased quickly.

For more information about residential real estate leases contact Linnea Lavell at 214-280-5900.

Going Green

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:36:16 -0600

The concept of making your home environmentally green is growing in popularity as more home owners realize that they can also put a little more green back in their wallets by making some changes.

You don't have to make all the changes at one time but as a need comes up, take the initiative and make the change. When a light bulb burns out, replace it with a compact flourescent bulb. They cost a little more but will save an average of $30 or more over the lifetime of the bulb. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol on the package. ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

As you do routine maintanence and replace items look for the ENERGY STAR symbol for an efficient replacement. You may also be eligible for tax credits by updating windows, doors, appliance, etc. (more information on tax credits can be found www.energystar.gov). Seal air leaks to eliminate drafts throughout the home. Add insulation to block heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

There are many ways to go green and help the environment. Even though we have only touched on a few, you can see that it is not that difficult to think green and start becoming more environmentally friendly. In addition to the ENERGY STAR website, your local power provider or home improvement store can also provide information on ways to go green. All it takes is a little initiative for everyone to be more environmentally friendly.

Complexities of Employee Relocation

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:43:20 -0600

Technology has dramatically changed the speed of business. It has enabled global openness. Its knowledge based workforce has become a capital asset. Deploying such talent to the right place and project has become a never ending challenge.

The relocation of corporate families has always been a time consuming and often frustrating experience for corporations and their employees. Relocation is just one of the responsibilities of a Human Resources Department and requires extensive knowledge of everything from Real Estate, to Moving and Storage, to Relocation Tax Implications.

The Partnering of Professionals

Many corporations outsource their relocation management to reduce fixed costs, while adding specialized skills and geographic expertise. The goal is to maintain productivity, employee loyalty, control costs and ensure a smooth transition for the employee.

Relocation management companies provide the employee with a single contact (Relocation Specialist) to assist the transferee with all aspects of their relocation. The specialist will review the corporate relocation policy with the employee, contact the movers, realtors, temporary housing providers, as well as, answer questions or concerns that the transferee may have about their relocation. Each relocation is unique so the Relocation Specialist will review the individual needs of the transferee and their family to make sure nothing is overlooked.

The Relocation Company works with partners at origin and destination that can best meet the needs of the transferee. Communication is imperative between the service partners and the relocation company to make sure everything goes smoothly for the transferee. One small change such as a closing date being delayed by one day can create issues for everyone. Good communication can alleviate delays, frustration and stress for the transferee. The transferee needs to be focused on their family and their new job in their new location.

To learn more about relocation services, email us at linnea@lavellrealty.com

News From HUD

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:57:45 -0600

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced an incentive program for owner occupied properties in Texas that utilize FHA financing with a full price or higher offer for a property. The program is also available to owner occupied properties who obtain an FHA Repair Loan (203K). The incentive program applies to homes listed on or after November 30, 2007. Similar programs are available in other states, check with your local Realtor to see if your state offers this or similar programs. If you need help finding a Realtor in your state, let me know.

Charitable Donations-Good for the Soul, Good for the Wallet (Taxes!)

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:44:03 -0600

One of the best ways to show thankfulness during the holidays is by making a donation to your favorite charity or local non-profit organization. You can make contributions in your own name, or you can "give the gift of sharing" by making a donation in honor of someone else. If you have children, this is an excellent way to demonstrate the true meaning of the season with your actions and show them what causes are important to you.

If you do not have a lot of extra cash, donate household goods, clothes, toys, books, CDs or even an old car (many non-profits will take an auto even if it is not in running condition and will even come pick it up). Another way you can make a contribution is to donate your time. Many companies now support their employees who donate their money and time by matching employee contributions which makes your contribution worth twice as much.

You can feel good about donating your money, time or possessions to share with those less fortunate than yourself this holiday season and it may just benefit you at tax time as well (check with the charity of your choice and your tax advisor to be sure).

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season.

Happy Holidays!!

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:32:19 -0600

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my clients, customers and service providers for your business and allowing me to assist with your real estate needs. I wish you and your family peace, joy and togetherness this holiday season.

Is Rent to Own Right for You?

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:25:35 -0600

Is Rent to Own right for you?

Are you thinking about a rent to own deal? If so, you probably know a little bit about how this type of real estate transaction works. And when it comes down to it, you need to make sure that you know what rent to own is all about before you move forward. If you do not, you could find yourself in a bad position, or looking for a way to make a change sooner than you had expected. Luckily, once you learn about rent to own, you will be well on your way to deciding whether or not this is going to work to your advantage.

Deciding if rent to own is right for you can be a hard thing to do. After all, there are many pros and cons that you need to look into. But when you think about it, rent to own is just like any other real estate transaction. There are some reasons that you may want to move forward with rent to own, but at the same time, there may be some things that are holding you back. You need to weigh these against each other, and from there, decide on what wins out.

Rent to own may be right for you if you do not have a lot of cash, but still want to own sooner or later. With a rent to own deal you do not have to pay closing costs or a down payment; in this regard you are working more like you are renting a property. This is a great deal because you can one day own a home, but you will not have to spend a lot of up front cash. This alone is one of the main reasons that rent to own real estate has become so popular as of late.

But at the same time, you need to realize that rent to own can sometimes be difficult to deal with. For instance, if you do not know a lot about rent to own real estate, it would be very easy for a landlord to take advantage of you. Additionally, when you are in the renting stage you may be responsible for some things that go on in the house. These are all details that you need to touch on before you sign a rent to own agreement.

Rent to own may be just what you have been looking for. Learn the pros and cons before you make up your mind so that you can get the best deal possible.

Working with your Lender to pay your Mortgage

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:50:34 -0600

Working with your Lender to pay your Mortgage

Working with your lender to pay your mortgage is something that you will do every month. In other words, you will get a statement from your lender telling you how much you owe, and from there you will pay it. But when it comes down to it, there is another way that you may have to work with your lender in order to pay your mortgage. This is when you have slacked off to the point that you are getting yourself in trouble.

If you have missed a few mortgage payments there are a couple of things that you can do. First off, you can attempt to hide from your lender and hope that things get better on its own. As you can imagine, this is a dumb idea and one that is not going to get you very far. Your other option is to get in touch with your lender the second that you find yourself having problems with your mortgage payment. This is the best bet because when you let them know that you are having problems, they know that you are not trying to dodge them. Remember, foreclosure is not a fun process for either party. Your lender wants to avoid foreclosure just as bad as you. But if you hide from them, you are not giving them much of a choice when it comes to this.

You may be surprised to find out how much your lender can help you if you ask. If you have found yourself late on payments, or about to miss one altogether, ask your mortgage company what they can do to help you out. They may be able to let you slide for the time being, or set up your payments later in the month so that you can collect more money. Either way, you need to stay in touch with your lender so that you do not get too far off track.

You should strive to never miss a single mortgage payment. But if you find yourself in trouble, do not run and hide. Instead, get in touch with your lender and ask them about how they can help. There is a good chance that they will work with you to repay your mortgage.

Is A Short Sale Payoff Right For Me?

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:38:15 -0600

Is a Short sale Payoff right for me?

Until you know what a short sale payoff is, there is no way of saying for sure whether or not it is right for you. Generally speaking, a short sale allows the owner to close on a piece of real estate that is worth less money than the debts that are secured by it. If this sounds confusing, you are not alone. When it comes down to it, a short sale payoff is not something that most average people ever look into. But with that being said, you may want to consider what it is all about if you find yourself in the position to do so.

With a short sale, a lender will agree to receive less money than they are owed so that a property can be sold, and their note can be secured. In many cases, you will hear this type of transaction referred to as a pre foreclosure sale. But really, no matter what you call it, there are many details that you should become familiar with.

In order to move forward with a short sale payoff, you need to convince the lender of several details. In other words, a short sale is not something that anybody and everybody can do. You will need to work with your lender in order to determine if this is something that you can do.

The most important detail is that the sale price that has been contracted must be higher than what the lender could sell for after the foreclosure process. Of course, the lender will do their own analysis of the market in order to determine if this is the case.

Your lender will most definitely want a detailed explanation on why you are interested in a short sale payoff. Once again, this stems back to the fact that this is not a traditional way of doing business in the real estate industry. You cannot look into a short sale payoff just because you think that this is something that would benefit you. For instance, you may need to show proof that a short sale payoff is needed. This can include anything from divorce to losing your job and much more. You need a valid reason for looking into a short sale payoff if you expect to have the chance to go through with this process.

A short sale payoff may be right for you, but until you talk things over with your lender, there is no way of knowing for sure if this will work out.

Several Texas Cities Make the List of "Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S."

Linnea Lavell (RE/MAX First Realty II) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:40:59 -0500

According to a report by the Census Bureau this summer, Texas has twelve of the top 50 "Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S." McKinney (#2), Denton (#9) and Ft. Worth (#11) are right here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. This is fantastic news for our area. We are looking forward to welcoming the new transferees to the Metroplex.

Over the past twenty-five years, I have worked numerous families in various aspects of relocation (both domestic and international). Relocation can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life. There are so many details that need to be done and so many people involved (i.e. movers, realtors, lenders) that it can be overwhelming. One key in not getting overwhelmed is to find someone who understands the process and will take the time to explain everything involved. During a relocation, the last think you want to do is make an unwise decision because you were stressed out and not thinking clearly.

When I work with a relocating family, I listen carefully to what their wants/needs/goals are and put a detailed plan together that helps meet those goals. They may have a family member with special needs so I will help them find resources at their new location that meet these needs. They may have a pet that they need to relocate so I put them in touch with a pet relocation company or provide information on airline guidelines for transporting pets. Maybe it is an elderly parent that they need to relocate with their family (I personally had to relocate my Mother a few years ago to live with us). These are just a few examples of how I work with my clients to make the transition to a new city easier.

I have also worked with several companies (large and small) helping with their relocation policies/procedures. Sometimes a company just needs help finding a rental for an employee which I will gladly arrange for them.

Relocating to a new area can be exciting, adventurous and very scary all at the same time. To make the transition as smooth as possible, try to work with professionals that have experience and understand the process. If you or someone you know needs more information or assistance with a relocation, please feel free to contact me at linnealavell@remax.net