Lynn's Active Rain Blog

My Kitchen Is Making Me Fat???

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:39:38 -0700

Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat?

When it comes to weight gain, we blame our genes, our metabolism, and wrong foods that taste so right. But maybe our kitchens are to blame. Here’s why. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Newly Remodelled and Turnkey.....You've Got to See It!

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:12:29 -0800

$144,900 MLS#o5087135

Beautiful and Ready for you!!!

This Sky Lake home, close to the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida can't wait for the new owners to make it theirs. From the moment you drive up to the long curving driveway you will notice the attention to detail including designer inspired custom exterior paint, professional landscape and lush green lawn. Entering the home you will notice the light and bright interior made possible by the new windows and doors throughout. No detail was missed.

The kitchen boasts beautiful and functional new cabinetry, granite countertops, new fixtures and new appliances for the cook! The open floor plan invites entertaining and the pool and 1/3+ acre backyard make you want to stay home and enjoy your new quality of life and share it with your friends.

This home will be sold on 2/26 for the highest and best offer (reserve sale) so please attend the Open House on Saturday 2/25 and/or Sunday 2/26. Lender will be available to discuss your financing options and we hope to meet you and help you become the new homeowner.

Sky Lake is a community with Orlando comprised of many homes and condominiums, close to entertainment, hospitals, great shopping, restaurants and a city bus ride or easy commute to Disney, Universal and downtown Orlando. The area was built from the 1950's through the 1980's and many of the homes have been remodelled over time and this home is one of them.

Schools are close by and a new addition to the middle and high schools has recently been completed.

You will love your new lifestyle and life as the new owner of this quality home on a quiet Orlando street in Sky Lake.

I can help make your dreams of Orlando real estate (purchase or sale) a reality. I have represented buyers and sellers in the Greater Orlando area since 2004.

Contact me to plan you your real estate goals today!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

You want to Live on a Golf Course.....Things to Consider

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:19:49 -0800

5 Things to Know about Buying A House at A Golf Course

The idea of life on a golf course is a dream to many prospective homebuyers. Through each window, a golf course can create lush picture-perfect views of vast, meticulously maintained lawns. In fact, in many neighborhoods and towns, golf course homes offer the best vistas available. Another benefit is that houses are often sited so that neighbors are not directly visible, and all views face the fairway. Best of all, for avid golfers, owning a house at a golf course means that their next round of play is right outside.

In home buying, what seems ideal seldom is. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of living next to a golf course, especially if you’ve never lived on a course. Here are the top five things to keep in mind when hunting for your golf course home:

1. Courses are maintained, early and often. Lawns must be cut and tended to in the morning, before rounds are played. That means that groundskeepers are out on the course before sunrise. In places with a year-round golf season, putting greens are usually maintained every day. If a master bedroom window faces a green, headlights from golf carts and riding mowers will blaze through. The engine noises will be heard as well.

The fix: If you’re a sound sleeper, no worries. If you’re a light sleeper, make sure that your home is located on a fairway and relatively distant from greens and tee boxes that require more maintenance. Select a property that positions your master bedroom away from the course or look for window treatments such as blackout curtains. You may even want to consider investing in a white noise machine.

2. Pay attention to location of cart paths when house hunting. Many courses built in residential developments are lined on both sides by houses. The path for golf carts will run along one side of the fairway from tee box to green. If a cart path is directly behind a home, golf carts will be zipping by all day. This can be more than a little disruptive to the otherwise serene setting a golf course affords.

The fix: Proximity to a cart path does affect housing lot desirability and this should be reflected in the price of a home. Sometimes a house in one of these “high-traffic areas” will be a great deal. Good landscaping can block out some disturbance, but will also block views from the ground level. Smart positioning of outdoor features like decks, pools, hot tubs and other water features is a must to minimize the disruption of carts zooming by.

3. Tee boxes and greens are regular stopping points. Every golfer will park his or her cart at every tee box and putting green during a round of play. If a house is located near these course elements, players will be stopping near your home throughout the day. Their chatting and laughter will be audible, and their loud golf pants will be visible. If a house is on a cart path near a tee box or green, carts will park on the path regularly.

The fix: Where there’s a golf course, there are golfers. This will always be true. So when viewing a house at a golf course, always sit out back or facing the course and wait for a foursome to play through. Take note of where they park their carts and how much noise they make while playing. If you’re not comfortable with the noise and motion of the golfers, then the house is not for you.

4. Understand all of the deed restrictions. One of the potential cons of living next to a golf course is that homes are almost always in deed-restricted communities where certain aspects of home maintenance and modification are regulated by a homeowners’ association (HOA). In order to maintain a certain look and feel of the course, house exterior paint colors usually need to be selected from a limited palette. You probably can’t put a swing set in your backyard, facing the course. Landscaping requirements may mandate that a certain density of trees be planted on your property and which species are acceptable – this may seem un-American, but it is rather common. In golf course communities, homeowners tend to have visible pride of ownership and take these rules very seriously. Golfers who can see your house from the course may complain to the community or HOA if they notice that you’re behind on maintenance.

The fix: If you like the feel of a neighborhood, aspects of the deed restrictions probably appeal to you. It means that many qualities of the neighborhood will be retained for years. Always request the HOA documents and read through them when contemplating the purchase of a golf course house that is part of a deed-restricted community. These documents are often available online. If the rules don’t work for you, look elsewhere.

5. Golf course land is often off-limits for non-golf activities. Golf courses are great for playing golf, but can’t be used for much else. Recreational walking or biking on cart paths is forbidden at almost all courses. You can’t walk your dog along a fairway.

The fix: If you like to walk or bike, make sure that a golf course community also serves these needs as well. Even if you live on a golf course, you won’t play every day, and your golf course home should meet the needs of a well-balanced life.

There’s no question that having a house at golf course provides a great quality of life for many people. If you think a golf course home might be right for you, just remember to weigh the pros and cons and carefully research specific properties before taking the leap into homeownership. Then you can enjoy all the perks of living next to golf course views.

If you are looking to sell purchase a home in Orange, Seminole, Lake or Brevard County, I can help.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Maintaining Your Home

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:18:52 -0800

I received this helpful news from a custom homebuilder friend of mine and thought it was advice that was worth sharing so Enjoy!

I have been the owner of an upscale home for more than 20 years and a homebuilder since 1980. Below are some helpful hints to maintain your home.

Landscaping- Hiring a professional landscaper is best. Mow grass, edge, weed and trim shrubs weekly. Never cut more than 1/3 of the length of the blade of grass. It puts major stress on the lawn. Sure it's more work to cut the grass weekly during growing season but that's what it takes.

Make sure you stay on top of your landscaper to avoid a $500-$700 bill for “whipping your yard into shape” when you hire the new replacement company. Pay a fee each month even though there is less work to do in the winter. Winter is the time to ask your company to tighten things up. In the summer, they have all they can do to stay on top of the basics. Go figure, you hire a lawn guy to work in the yard and then pay Bally to give you a work out!

Mulch- new mulch should be placed in the planting beds yearly. On a1/4 acre lot about 15 Cubic Yards are required. I buy 200 bags of mulch (2 cu yd's, each) from Home Depot ($50 delivery charge) and ask my lawn company to install it. This way I know how much mulch was actually installed and the bags are much easier for the lawn guys to carry. You can even do it yourself if you’re ambitious or decide to cancel your Bally membership. Non-colored Cypress mulch is best (the red dye can’t be good for the environment) and pine bark mulch just floats way with the first rainstorm. Cypress mulch mats together and stays in place longer.

Insect control- is required 1 time per month. Most companies fertilize and perform weed control at the same time. They normally apply fertilizer and insect control by spraying. During the rainy season, ask for granulated fertilizer so it doesn't wash away with the afternoon showers. Make sure they use a leave blower to remove the excess granular material that lands on concrete services. Otherwise, the iron in the fertilizer leaves rust stains. It usually ends up in your pool as little orange dots!

Roof Cleaning- required every 3 years. Makes sure they wet down your shrubs and cover them with plastic before they start. It's smart to water your landscaping a few hours before they arrive. This keeps the shrubs and grass from absorbing their chemical mix as much. Hire a lightweight guy to walk on your roof to avoid costly roof repairs from broken roof tiles. I cleaned the roof this last time myself. It's not for the faint at heart. I saved about 2/3 the cost an outside company would charge. I used a 10% chlorine mix that I bought at Lowe's and applied it with a lawn sprayer. Make sure you hose it off afterward. On second thought, hire the roof cleaning guys. I don't want to have to take up a collection to support your wife and kids!

Exterior house cleaning- removing mold, mildew, insect nests etc. is required every two years. I know they call it pressure washing but nobody actually does that. It causes too much damage. They use chlorine to do all the cleaning and just hose it off. Have them clean the screen enclosure too.

Window washing- cleaning the inside, outside, screens and tracks is required every two years, right after the exterior house cleaning. I like to hire the same company to do both as I get a better deal. Have them do the pool deck too. They might even throw in the driveway and sidewalk cleaning if you negotiate.

Exterior painting- is required every 5-10 years. Darker colors fade out faster than lighter ones. Touching up damaged paint will extend the life of your paint job. Hire a painter ($100) every couple of years to Touch Up the paint inside and outside. This will keep your home looking sharp. A fresh coat of paint is not only attractive but a waterproofing agent too. This becomes real important during hurricane season.

Don't forget to get approval from the HOA if your changing the outside color of your home, it's required. Hire an interior design company to pick your exterior color palette. The difference is well worth the $200 design fee. Make sure you apply color swatches to the exterior first. A color can sure look different once it's applied to the wall. Invite the HOA to give it their blessing, then paint. It sure beats an argument about who is going to pay for repainting the house with the HOA.

I bought a foreclosure from a bank recently and had trouble getting the HOA to approve my exterior colors timely. After a week, I finally had to paint on the front of the house, "please approve my paint colors" in very large letters! It was a miracle! I received a call approving the colors that very afternoon.

Pressure washing- concrete driveways, pavers, walks and pool decks require cleaning 1-2 times per year. You can extend the time between cleanings by applying a 10% chlorine solution with a garden sprayer. It's better to do it early in the morning before the concrete gets hot. Otherwise, it evaporates before it has time to do its job. Keep an eye on the kids because that chlorine leave ugly white foot prints on dark green carpet!

Pool cleaning- required weekly. You can do the job yourself if you have a screen enclosure and a pool vacuum or hire a company if you don't. It's manageable if you have an enclosure. Set the clock for 8 hours in the summer and 6 after hurricane season. Once it starts raining you'll need the extra hours to manage the algae build up.

Make sure the pool guy, cleans the cartridge filter weekly. Once it's full of dirt it can be cleaned with automatic dish washing liquid by soaking it in a clean trash can for a few days. Don't let the pool guy tell you it's clogged and you need a new one! Keep cleaning it until the horizontal bands break and the pleats stick together. I have two so I can rotate one while I'm cleaning the other. I only threw one out in 10 years! I can't tell you how many I bought before I figured that one out! Also, make the guy place the chlorine tablets in the automatic chlorinator unless you want to pay for another plastic skimmer basket. The chlorine tablets will eat right through it!

Irrigation- maintaining your irrigation system is essential for the overall health of your landscaping. Look for evidence of broken sprinkler heads (wash outs and dry patches) weekly, especially in the dry season. Remove growth from around sprinkler heads 2 times per year. It’s best to do this before the growing season (March) and at the end of the season (October). Place concrete doughnuts around each head and trim grass away with a small spade shovel. Weed killer won't do the job. It's a good time to make sure the heads are adjusted properly. Don't let the water hit the house if you want to avoid mold issues! Replace the battery in the timer box too. This way the watering times will stay set even if the power goes out. Ok, when was the last time you thought of that one?

It's a good idea to give a friendly neighbor permission to water your lawn if they see your lawn dying. It might save you from replacing the entire lawn. Trust me on this one! If you can't find a neighbor that will help you out then it's time to move!

Water is the life's blood of your landscaping, especially the lawn. When it doesn't get enough water it gets stressed, then weakens. This leaves the grass susceptible to bugs and disease. It's a cascade effect so make sure you stay on top of watering. I know watering is expensive, that's why I recommend using a shallow well.

Watering- required 2 times per week for 30 minutes per zone, more or less depending upon the weather. Make sure you rain sensor is working and just leave the timer clock set in the on position. Water early in the morning instead of late in the evening. It helps prevent your grass from getting a fungus. If you are courageous, some people turn the irrigation system off in the rainy summer months. Better remember to turn it back on after hurricane season!

The smart move is to install a shallow well and lower your water bill to less then $25 per month. It will be the best $2,000 investment you ever made! You'll start saving money after 2 years. Your neighbors will always wonder why your landscaping looks better than theirs. Tell them it’s like Coors Beer, it’s in the water!

Handyman- stop kidding yourself that one day you will complete the "honeydo” list. It’s not going to happen! Wives are just built that way, so get over it. Hire a handyman to come in monthly and keep your home running smoothly. If you don’t, your new home will be falling apart before you know it. Maintaining your home will increase the value and avoid a nasty surprise when the future buyer hires a home inspector before they close. Just keep a running list of things that need attention and have someone else take care of them while you are at work. Save your free time for the family. A good handyman will save you a ton! I have are retired guy that can do anything but I'm not sharing! He even hangs the Xmas lights! Make your wife a deal. She can have that cleaning lady if you get a handyman! Negotiate.

Septic System- make sure you have a company inspect and pump out your tank every 3 years. It will save you a $10,000 bill for replacing your drain field. Better believe me on this one! Remind the company to clean out the filter. Can you believe, you have to tell them this! Yeah, get over it, just do it! Never flush old medications, coffee grounds or bleach down the toilet. Anything that kills the bacteria in you tank will stop your system from working. Every month, flush a whole jar of yeast
down the toilet. Half on the 15th and the other half on the 30^th……You want to keep the septic tank bacteria happy! They usually get unhappy just when you’re having a really big party. It's not pretty! If not, buy a pair of hip waders (no, not for trout fishing).

Once a month- stand in the street outside your home and see what your neighbors see. This will avoid an embarrassing letter from the Management Company and bad feelings with neighbors. If you see something that's unsightly so do your neighbors!

Appreciate the team it takes to keep your home beautiful. I keep a supply of $10 Publix gift certificates on hand. It's amazing what you can accomplish with one of those babies! Before the workers start I meet each of the guys, introduce myself, ask their names and shake their hands. I thank them in advance for doing a great job and hand the boss a Publix give certificate right in front of his men. I want happy workers giving me their best work because I'm such a great guy! I usually leave them whistling and smiling.

I hope these tips have been helpful. Many of these lessons have been learned quite painfully over the years.

Now get back to work, somebody has to pay for all this stuff!

Best regards,
Mike McGuffie
Regal Classic Homes
RegalClassicHomes.com

I can help make your real estate goals a reality in Orange, Seminole, Brevard and Volusia Counties. I represent buyers and sellers and make their best interest my goal!
Let's Get Moving!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Working with your own Buyer's Agent

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:56:34 -0800

Sometimes the world of real estate can be confusing for buyers. Sometimes there are so many options it's difficult to understand who to call, when to call them and why. Sometimes you're driving down the street in Avalon Park or Windermere or your desired location and low and behold is the "perfect home" for you. Your agent has stressed to you that if you have ANY real estate questions at all that you call her. She has stressed that if you call another agent that you may lose your representation. The hard part is you heard through the grapevine that your agent is taking a day off and you hate to bother her. YIKES!!!! Don't dial the number on that sign. If you can't make your fingers not dial it.....first words you say need to be: "I'm working with a real estate agent". If you don't say those magic words and let the agent who answers the phone know that right up front, you can lose your representation by the agent that has been working on helping you find the perfect home for months on end. Even if your agent is on vacation in Guatemala she wants you to call her. If she can't get the information you need immediately, she will get it to you asap, via whatever method she needs to and you will remain represented throughout the entire process.

Why say you??? Three good reasons to use my advice:

Working with your own buyers agent will help you find, offer and negotiate the price on the best homes for you in your price range and location of choice.
Working with your own buyers agent will avoid confusion and competition between multiple agents whom you may or may not want to represent you. Even in areas where dual agency is allowed it is difficult to have a relationship that remains transparent with the seller and buyer for the same property.
Working with your own buyers agent will save you time and help you focus on that perfect home, community, school district that is the dream you have been having since you began your home search (with your buyers agents help, direction and expertise) based on all of the information you've shared with her since you began your search.

I wish you good luck with your home search. Remember to call your agent. I know that she's here to help!

Looking to sell or purchase a home in the Orlando, FL (Orange & Seminole County) area?

Contact me.....I can help.

REALTOR since 2004. Resident since 1999.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Foreclosures effect on economics AND health

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:53:32 -0700

Sometimes we forget what effects our circumstances have on our health and how to keep our health in the best possible condition. I have a health care background (I was a nurse for 25 years before entering real estate sales in 2004) and so I tend to think with the medical side of my brain. I hope maybe you will read the article in the Orlando Sentinel a few weeks ago: Health & Foreclosure and better yet heed the advice.

The current economic situation in homes, workplaces and lives has caused much upheaval and it is about time to evaluate it and make sure that we are taking care of ourselves through these crises.

My Prescription for your good and lower stress health:

Eat a well balanced diet.
Exercise regularly.
Don't overschedule.
Family First.
8 Hours of sleep every night.
Get a flu shot.

I wish you the best health and enjoyment of your life......you only get 1!

Let me know if I can help you overcome the stress of selling or purchasing a home in the Orlando (Orange and Seminole County) area!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Fall is upon us.....Enjoy the season that passes too quickly!

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:14:43 -0700

I grew up in the Midwest and I love fall!

Looking forward to the change of seasons and the beautiful bright colored leaves is something that has not left me since relocating to Sunny Florida. More than 10 years have passed and I can still close my eyes and picture the magnificent sights, rustling sounds and crisp aromas.

Our warm weather, palm trees, and flip flops do not mean that we miss celebrating the season. Fun fall activities are all around us. We just need to get out there and find some good old fashioned family entertainment.

Here are few ideas to help you get started regardless of your setting:

A trip to a local u-pick farm is a fun outdoor activity and offers families a chance to participate in the fall harvest. Most orchards usually open the first weekend after Labor Day (call ahead to find out about picking conditions and availability).

Visit a local pumpkin patch. Everywhere you turn it seems fields of orange gourds are growing overnight. I'll bet you might find a place offering some hay or pony rides.

Great Family Fun Ideas

How about making some caramel apples.....Taffy Apples where I come from:-).

Who doesn't love an apple dressed in sweetness? The web is loaded with recipe sites and you are sure to find soemthing that tickles your taste buds.

Last, there is my personal favorite.....fall cookies. I am always inspired this time of year to pull out my recipe box (tablet computer) and start cooking and baking!

Happy Autumn.....

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

WHY I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT TO OFFER!

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:37:08 -0700

This is a message I try to convey through the entire purchase process. It is difficult for me as well as often my offer would be different than my clients, not necessarily more or less, but based on what my wants and needs are at the time. Paula conveyed the essence of the dilemma beautifully and I think it is worth sharing.

Via Paula Hamilton~McDonald, The Woodlands, TX ~ 936-203-0279 (Chevaux Group, PLLC):

WHY I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT TO OFFER!

Dear Buyer,

We have been working together for awhile now. I have provided you with the latest market data, shown you numerous home and have spent numerous hours discussing the process of home buying to you. You have found the perfect home and you are now faced with the inevitable task of making an offer!

Many times when buyers get to the "Making an offer stage", they want me their Real Estate Agent to tell them what they should offer. When I won't give them this information, some Buyers get upset or angry with me. Please understand that while I can assist your throughout the process, I cannot and will not TELL you what to offer.

Here are a few reasons why myself nor any other licensed real estate agent will not tell you the price you should offer:

This is YOUR money, not mine. The price you can and will pay is something only you can truly determine.

I do not know what a Seller will take.

The listing agent will NOT provide me with information about other offers in a multiple offer situation nor will I ask them for this information. They owe confidentiality to THEIR client just as I owe you mine.

My job is to guide and assist you so please understand when I will not tell you the price you should offer. My job is to add value as an expert and to help you make the very best choice possible. Ultimately, you are the one who has to live in the house and make the payment each month.

I hope this clarifies this sticky situation. As an agent, I am anxious to work with you and to give you every bit of information to help you make an informed and intelligent decision when it comes to purchasing a home. Chevaux Group is your real estate expert choice so give us a call if you are ready to buy or sell!

Paula Hamilton~McDonald ~ REALTOR^®

Broker ~ Managing Principal

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 8210 ~ The Woodlands, TX 77380 ~ 936-203-0279

Paula@ChevauxGroup.com

Copyright 2011 Paula Hamilton~McDonald

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Seeing A House Through The Agent's Eyes

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:30:04 -0700

Maria really puts into writing what she "sees" as the reason buyers need realtors. Reators are accustomed to seeing the house and buyers are accustomed to seeing homes. Thanks for sharing and I hope this is useful information for my clients when they are looking at homes. Thanks Maria, for allowing me to share!

Via Maria Morton, Kansas City Real Estate (Prudential Kansas City Realty):

Although most home buyers have figured out that working with a Buyer's Agent is to their advantage, some are not quite sure exactly how seeing homes with an agent benefits them until they visit a few homes with their agent; then the light bulb clicks on.

Your agent sees many more homes than you do so is able to notice things about each house that may escape your attention. Things like drainage, attempts to cover up defects, and quality of workmanship, for example. Many home buyers are not aware of the difference between a regular water heater and a tankless water heater; your agent can explain the value to you.

The buyer sees a well-furnished, well-decorated, charming home. The agent sees an air conditioner older than Moses, cracks in the foundation, gutters that need to be cleaned and a roof nearing the end of its' lifespan.

Home buyers often lack the expertise to imagine future changes to a house. Your agent will also be able to help you envision what can be done to improve the home in the future and how much that work might cost. For instance, you may want to add a screened in porch or a swimming pool; your agent can help you figure out if the house you are considering would be able to accommodate this plan.

The buyer sees a garden shed, dog run and children's swing set all in the same space. The agent helps the buyer realize that all those objects cannot exist in the same space.

Sometimes, the home buyer is focused on the appearance of the home's decor and forgets to consider the condition of the house. Other times, the home buyer is too focused on unimportant details and needs the agent to help them evaluate the whole house in comparison to their other possible choices. The agent brings balance and perspective to your home finding experience.

The buyer is enamored with the bay window and window seat in the family room. The agent points out that the window is 50 years old while the window in the other house is the newer, energy efficient kind and the view is presently obscured by the window treatments which could be easily changed.

Most home buyers today understand the value of having an agent to negotiate and conduct the transaction for them but are unaware of the value of seeing a house through the agent's eyes. How often do I hear the words "Wow, I never thought about that! I'm so glad you're here with me!" ... The Second Showing ...

A good agent will help you evaluate each house so that you make sound decisions based on facts rather than fluff.

Realtor Maria Morton -816-560-3758- Leading Edge Society 2010...♪♫   ....Zillow rating

For Buyers:  How To Buy A House in Kansas City ...

For Sellers:  Choosing The Best Agent When Selling Your Home ...



...*Information obtained from Heartland MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. **This is an eclectic blog combining a little business with pleasure; please consult a licensed professional before making life altering decisions. Maria Morton, Realtor©, SRES is a Kansas City Real Estate Agent licensed in MO & KS and affiliated with Prudential Kansas City Realty 816.410.5499.o Maria Morton Copyright © 2011 *Seeing A House Through The Agent's Eyes*

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Time to plan ahead

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:06:41 -0800

Is tomorrow really December 1.....already. Is it just me or is time flying so fast that I really can't keep up? The year started off with a homebuyers tax credit that really helped my market. Great incentive to finally, yes finally get buyers off the fence. They weren't even kicking and screaming, but beating down my door! Wow, that was nice!

Then......yay.....tax credit extended. Buyers once again calling and writing. Can I still get the $??? Many did, some didn't but almost all have finally closed on their short sales and last minute low interest low price specials that they are so happy to be in.

Buying vs. Renting these days???? No contest. Although rental rates are also at a very low price point, 3 bedroom livable homes selling for $75000 - $100000. That's a mortgage P & I payment of $281 - $475 per month. Where do you find rents like that? Interest and property taxes remain deductible expenses too! Need I say more.

Tax credit over......Investors abound. Cash buyers......yes they can see the value in these prices too and many have moved from their formerly upside down homes into their new fixer uppers, same size, a little work and 1/2 the price and no mortgage. They were good savers.

December is upon us. Midterm elections over. Holiday season is buzzing. Wait, yes that's my phone. Do we have any inventory left in Orlando less than $100,000.00.

OK, gotta scoot. There is 1 more buyer left and it sounds like they need my help.

I can help with your real estate needs. Call me and be in your home in time for the New Year!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Should I buy a home from my neighbor and will I qualify for a mortgage?

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:47:36 -0700

Please read this article posted today at Trulia to see a real life story of a buyer who needs the assistance of a real estate professional. His questions are real life and he needs real representation before proceeding. He sounds like he has it all going for him but like so many new buyers he need the help of a REALTOR. Let me know your thoughts.

Trulia.com

I can help you with your real estate needs. Let me know what and where they are!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Winter Park Farmers Market--Saturday Morning--7am-1pm--Rain or Shine

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:35:44 -0700

We just returned from another great morning at the Market! Worth the drive from any location in Orlando. My favorite is the vendor who sells local nursery products, plants, trees, flowers & herbs for prices that can't be beat in any retail location. Quality is top notch too.

My husband loves the high quality selection of produce and also the gourmet products that he hasn't been able to find anywhere in Orlando. He's a big fan of the Giardineria that's mass produced in Chicago (our hometown) and shipped to the local vendor for us to enjoy a taste of "home" whenever we choose.

The dog watching can't be overlooked either. You MUST be a doggie lover to attend, or at least a tolerator. The Farmers Market is a Dog Parade on Saturday mornings. Dogs wear their finest scarves, headwear, and collars. Many do resemble their owner and that's my favorite part!

Many other surprises await, seasonal flowers, pumpkins jams and jellies. Occasional fundraisers. Delicious breakfast foods inside the station and fresh cut cheeses and artisan breads to order.

Located at the train station in Downtown Winter Park (New England Ave. at the tracks). We're there most Saturday mornings and are true enthusiasts.

Take advantage of the Market soon and I assure you won't be disappointed In the here's a photo overview of the location. You really need to see it in person tough!

I'm an expert in Winter Park and Metro Orlando area real estate. Let me know if I can help you.
See you at the Farmer's Market too!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

10 Reasons for Buying a Home in Today’s Market

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:09:11 -0700

10 Reasons for Buying a Home in Today's Market as presented by a Non-Realtor. Great perspective and insight on a question I hear regularly:

"Is now a good time to buy, or should I continue to wait?"

I can help you with your real estate needs and dreams in Central Florida!

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

I will begin by stating that I’m not a real estate agent and derive no income from real estate sales. The information provided is to help potential home buyers make the most prudent choices regarding the purchase of a home.

As a former home builder, I have built and sold hundreds of homes and have experienced both good and bad markets. Each day I read news about housing and the economy, and while much of that news is negative, I believe the current market to have some of the best opportunities for buyers that I’ve experienced during my entire career. Below I have offered several pertinent facts for buyers to consider.

10 reasons for buying a home in today’s market:

● Great prices. In most areas of the country eager buyers can find incredible prices on homes, with many priced below the cost of construction. With the bursting of the housing “bubble,” an irrational buying frenzy that drove prices well beyond value, homes are once more becoming affordable. Many of the millions who overpaid or who borrowed against equity are now unable to maintain their payments, which has flooded the market with foreclosures and short-sales and driven home prices down near their historical averages.

● Low interest rates. With interest rates at historic lows, those purchasing a home will find their mortgage payments much easier on the budget. And once inflation returns, which will happen at some point, the low interest rates of today could vanish forever.

● Leveraged investment. A fact that most purchasers often overlook, homes—unless purchased for cash—are a leveraged purchase. Most buyers only put a small cash investment towards their purchase, often in the 5-10 percent range; and when the return on the actual investment is calculated, the results can sometimes be dramatic. And while this is not to encourage purchasing for investment potential, the long-term benefit can be a pleasant surprise.

● More choices. Home buyers generally have more choices than those looking for rentals. Buyers are not limited to style, location, or features, but can seek out their exact preferences. Additionally, they will not experience the restrictions faced by renters on making modifications, changing colors, or other alterations that would not be possible in most rental situations.

● Buyers may save on taxes. Those who itemize deductions on their Federal Income Tax can deduct the interest on their home mortgage as well as the property tax paid on their home. A tax advisor can calculate whether or not such a deduction is advantageous, but for many, the benefits can be substantial.

● Pride and stability of ownership. Those who desire to own often do so because of the perceived value and sense of accomplishment that comes from home ownership. According to studies, homes provide an anchor to the community and owners are more likely to participate in local activities, schools, and local politics, enjoying a sense of connection not often found in rental neighborhoods.

● Equity growth/long-term savings program. While experienced investors often purchase homes for their investment potential, consumers should not do so. Consumers should purchase more for shelter and the intrinsic values of ownership that cannot be measured in dollars. See: “Are Homes Still a Great Investment?”

● Unlimited choice of neighborhoods. The choices for renters are generally more limited when selecting a location, but buyers are only limited by price range and housing inventory. With today’s large numbers of homes for sale, buyers have the flexibility of finding a home near the schools, shopping or other amenities they desire.

● Security. Strangers do not have keys to your home, and homes can be purchased in areas of low crime rates, providing a sense of security. With several Web Sites offering information on neighborhood statistics, home buyers can choose the area that best meets the safety and security needs of their family.

● When you hear a door close, it’s yours. I’ll always remember the comment a friend made when moving from his apartment into a new home, “When I hear a door close, I want to know it’s mine.” Privacy, flexibility, and serenity are not concepts normally associated with rental units.

Although today’s lower home prices may be attractive, not everyone should purchase a home. Those whose employment may be tentative or who are subject to being transferred, may find it better to rent until those conditions change. Additionally, those who lack the financial resources to purchase and who have little or no savings may find that the risk outweighs the rewards. They too, should wait for more opportune times. Buying isn’t for everyone; but those who prefer to own and who meet the conditions for ownership may find this the opportunity of a lifetime—and an opportunity that can create a lifetime of rewards.

And while we all like to take advantage of great buying opportunities, purchasing a home requires both an understanding of the current market as well as historical trends that may affect the potential future value. That’s why I recommend that buyers seek the advice of a professional buyer’s agent experienced in their market to assist in the purchase process. Proper guidance is critical; what appears to be a dream purchase can become a nightmare when not properly analyzed.

The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions—now featuring daily updates of Today’s Housing News

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

The Sunshine State....as seen from East Orlando

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:25:29 -0700

East Orlando, home to UCF, Siemens, Lockheed Martin and SAAB to name a few is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Great Restaurants, Medical Facilities, Schools, Entertainment, Easy to Get to and did I forget great shopping at Waterford Lakes Town Center!

Locations are plentiful with subdivisions such as Innisbrook, Andover, Fieldstream, University Estates and Bristol Estates to planned communities such as Avalon Park and Lake Nona to name a few.

Close to the beach too!!! What more can you ask for?

Let me help you make a house into your home. I love East Orlando and want to help you love it too!

Call me today to make your real estate dreams into your reality.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Survey Wednesday---Yes you want one.

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:55:15 -0700

At the point of contract you will want to make sure that you are able to base your sale upon the results of a land survey. This survey will tell you if there are any encroachments (see previous article "Title Insurance"), the exact measurements of the property, if any of the property lies under water, if the neighbor has a fence on your lot and where you are technically able to mow your grass to. A survey will also identify where there are actual "stakes" placed on your property that are the POB (point of beginning) for any measurements taken of your property.

A survey may (or may not) be required by your lender however the value for you is that if your lender does not require, you will want a survey for when you want to add an addition, add a decorative yard feature (pool, pergola or anything that needs to be permitted). If you don't obtain this before closing, you will want to in the future and the cost will be $300+ which will add to your expenses down the line. It is also to your benefit to have a survey done before closing, to make sure you are in agreement (or not) with any encroachements that were not visible to you before the survey. Sometimes these can be enough to stop a sale, or at least have the concern evaluated before you purchase (usually not as easy after you purchase).

There are many types of surveys (this list compiled by Wiki Encyclopedia) and you will want the one that best fits your needs:

ALTA/ACSM Survey: a surveying standard jointly proposed by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping that incorporates elements of the boundary survey, mortgage survey, and topographic survey.
Archaeological survey: used to accurately assess the relationship of archaeological sites in a landscape or to accurately record finds on an archaeological site.
As-built survey: a survey carried out during or immediately after a construction project for record, completion evaluation and payment purposes.
Bathymetric survey: a survey carried out to map the topography and features of the bed of an ocean, lake, river or other body of water.
Boundary survey: a survey that establishes boundaries of a parcel using its legal description, which typically involves the setting or restoration of monuments or markers at the corners or along the lines of the parcel, often in the form of iron rods, pipes, or concrete monuments in the ground, or nails set in concrete or asphalt.
Deformation survey: a survey to determine if a structure or object is changing shape or moving. The three-dimensional positions of specific points on an object are determined, a period of time is allowed to pass, these positions are then re-measured and calculated, and a comparison between the two sets of positions is made.
Engineering surveys: those surveys associated with the engineering design (topographic, layout and as-built) often requiring geodetic computations beyond normal civil engineering practise.
Foundation survey: a survey done to collect the positional data on a foundation that has been poured and is cured. This is done to ensure that the foundation was constructed in the location, and at the elevation, authorized in the plot plan, site plan, or subdivision plan.
Geological survey: generic term for a survey conducted for the purpose of recording the geologically significant features of the area under investigation. .
Hydrographic survey: a survey conducted with the purpose of mapping the coastline and seabed for navigation, engineering, or resource management purposes.
Measured survey : a building survey to produce plans of the building. such a survey may be conducted before renovation works, for commercial purpose, or at end of the construction process "as built survey"
Mortgage survey or physical survey: a simple survey that delineates land boundaries and building locations. In many places a mortgage survey is required by lending institutions as a precondition for a mortgage loan.
Soil survey, or soil mapping, is the process of determining the soil types or other properties of the soil cover over a landscape, and mapping them for others to understand and use.
Structural survey: a detailed inspection to report upon the physical condition and structural stability of a building or other structure and to highlight any work needed to maintain it in good repair.
Tape survey: this type of survey is the most basic and inexpensive type of land survey. Popular in the middle part of the 20th century, tape surveys while being accurate for distance lack substantially in their accuracy of measuring angle and bearing. Standards that are practiced by professional land surveyors.
Topographic survey: a survey that measures the elevation of points on a particular piece of land, and presents them as contour lines on a plot.

File your survey and all closing documents together. You will need them in the future!

Call me to talk real Orlando Real Estate. I can help.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Title Insurance. What's that? Do I really need it?

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:51:31 -0700

Useful information for any purchasers and sellers of real estate today.

Real Estate Title, by definition, is:

The owners right to whole or partial ownership of the land and the improvements on the land and in the case of a condominium title, it is the owner's right to whole or partial ownership of the space defined by the condominium documents.

Title insurance in the United States is insurance against financial loss from defects in title to real property and from the invalidity or unenforceability of mortgage liens developed and sold as a result of deficiencies of the US land records laws. It protects an owner's or a lender's financial interest in real property against loss due to title defects, liens or other matters.

Just as lenders require fire insurance and other types of insurance coverage to protect their investment, nearly all institutional lenders require title insurance to protect their interest in the collateral of loans secured by real estate. Buyers purchasing properties for cash (without a lender) want title insurance as well.

"Good" title (often referred to as "clear" title) is when you can prove your title as superior to the interest of any other person or entity in the world, subject to whatever restrictions, declarations or encumbrances are listed on your title.

Encumbrances can be many things including temporary liens, such as a mortgage, which could be satisfied and extinguished when it is paid off or exchanged for a new mortgage (refinanced), an easement which is the obligation of your land to serve the rights of others, such as a power or cable TV company (commonly called a "utility easement") causing your land to "bear" the lines and cables and allowing the "holders" of the easement to enter onto your land for the purpose of making inspections and repairs. An easement can also be when the owners of another adjacent land are give permission to enter onto or cross your land for the matters of ingress and egress to access a public dedicated street or roadway.

When a buyer purchases real estate, he should receive a title commitment prior to closing. This is where the title underwriter will disclose to the buyer all easements, covenants and restrictions which are permanent (meaning "run with the land") and any other encumbrances such as mortgages which are temporary and need to be paid off at closing.

The commitment for mortgagee title insurance, typically paid by the buyer, describes the title insurance protecting the new mortgagee bank (the buyers lender), not the new owner (buyer). The commitment for owner's title insurance, typically paid by the seller, will describe and protect the rights of the new owner (buyer). The title examination lists with detail on the schedules all of the encumbrances and matters affecting title.

The title commitment is best read and interpreted with a new current survey of the property listing the easements and encumbrances. If there is any question as to any of the matters listed in the schedules of title commitments, it is always best to seek the advice of a real estate attorney before purchase (closing) is completed. After closing, you have purchased any defects that are included in the title commitment and the title company will not insure against these.

So the answer to the question is Yes, you really need and want title insurance and your lender will require it.

Next time, Why a survey?

I serve your real estate needs in the Metro Orlando area including all of Orange and Seminole Counties!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

I couldn't be having this much fun before I got a Flip Video Camera

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:56:55 -0700

Flip Video. I can see how this little camera is going to rock my real estate world. I got it 2 weeks ago and have been experimenting ever since. I'm gradually working it into my real estate business. Current plans are local videos of the Orlando area, client testimonials and video listing tours. Not sure how else I'll end up using it, but I know I will.

I'd love to hear other ideas of creative uses for the video camera in your business too.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

4128 Sunnybrook

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 10:28:08 -0700

4128 Sunnybrook Ct. 32820

I am so fortunate. Today is the first day of the rest of this listing. The Seller is motivated....staging has been completed. Home is always picture perfect. Location in picturesque. Close to EVERYTHNG in Orlando. Close to the beaches. Great for owner of toys: Owner of boats, cars, trucks, RV's. Short of an airplane hangar, this home has it all. MLS# o4983297. I can't wait to help this great seller sell this great home and Make their Move and help the new buyer purchase this home and Make their Move! I am lucky and I want to make other people prosper from my good fortune, working with this great listing. I would love to share my good fortune with you. Call today to make your appointment for your private preview: 321-438-9598. Ask for Lynn!

I can help with your real estate needs in all of the OrlandoMetro area, especially Orange and Seminole Counties!

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

East Orlando has a hidden treasure

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:01:36 -0700

I've been thinking alot about East Orlando lately. It is the home of the University of Central Florida (UCF) which is home to the Knights football team, a beautiful arena and a city unto itself with enrollment pushing 50,000. UCF has brought vibrancy to East Orlando with its infusion of young adults local and spanning the globe.

East Orlando is also the location of Research Parkway where many highly technical military and civilian opportunities lie for exciting, high paying employment at Siemens, Lockheed-Martin and Saab to name a few.

There is also lots to do and plenty of places to spread your wings. Waterford Lakes Town Center, located in the heart of East Orlando is home to Target stores, Regal Cinema (with the best popcorn of all the theaters in Orlando), Barnes & Noble and California Pizza Kitchen, Panera Bread, Five Guys Burgers and lots more. TooJay's deli will make a great breakfast, lunch or dinner at a reasonable price or plan a party using their mouthwatering catering selections.

The attractions are a sweet 45 minutes away via, downtown Orlando, 20 minutes and Cocoa Beach a cool 45 minutes away.

The UCF Medical Center is up and running a little further south and west of East Orlando but connects easily via our new entrance to the Beach Line Expressway at Innovation Way.

Home prices remain lower than many other Orlando areas, homes are plentiful and newer homes abound for prices that were non existent a few years ago.

I'm a local resident since 1999 and would like the opportunity to share more with you about East Orlando real estate and all that East Orlando has to offer.

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

I JUST RECEIVED AN OFFER BUT I REFUSE TO COUNTER

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:06:37 -0700

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Seller,

It is so easy to consider rejecting an offer but that doesn't make practical sense in any situation. If the buyer has taken the time to put all of the components together to write an offer, they want to buy the home, they just don't want to pay too much. Don't let their offer go, make sure to work with it and it may become the one you've been waiting for. What have you got to lose???

Read this if you need convincing:

Via Dan Jasmer (RE/MAX Excellence):

Have you ever been involved in selling a home where an offer was made and you refused to counter the buyers offer? Here is some advice for sellers to consider, especially in today’s economic environment.

If a buyer has taken the time to put an offer on paper and submit it to your listing agent, I think you would agree that this is a good sign that they are interested in purchasing your home.

Your agent calls and says, “great news, we just received an offer!” They come over to review it with you and you immediately get defensive. The offer price is way too low or the terms of the contract aren’t favorable. These terms could include financing contingencies, a long and drawn out closing date or a request for you to pay some of the buyers closing costs.

Do your best to leave your emotions out of this! Consider this a business transaction that, when completed, will get you to your eventual goal. That goal may be buying your dream home, retiring to a different state or country, downsizing and buyer a less expensive home allowing you to stash some cash, and the list goes on.

I have been involved in a few transactions with sellers who have absolutely refused to counter a buyer’s offer. 9 times out of 10 this is the worst thing you can do! Your strategy is that if you do not counter, the buyer will come back with a better offer in a few days. What!? This is like catching and releasing a fish where there are other fishermen around you and hoping the fish decides to come back to you because you think you have better bait on your hook. Why would you take a chance at losing an interested buyer when there is a lot of inventory for them to choose from? Chances are there’s another home out there that could work for them. You may have a special home unlike any others on the market. If priced properly, maybe holding out is the right thing to do, but that is a big risk to take. Make sure holding out for a better offer is worth the risk.

If you have received multiple offers while listed on the market that you feel have been too low, perhaps your agent is not being upfront with you. There is a high probability that your home is overpriced. If your agent has made you aware of this and you have refused to listen and agree to a price reduction, then you are missing the chance to get your home sold for the best price with the least amount of stress. I have seen more sellers that have ended up in foreclosure, short sale, not selling at all or receiving 20% less than an offer they received months or a year earlier because they held out for a better deal. As an agent, it’s hard to see this happen to a client. The agents best bet is to walk away from the listing if there is no agreement to reduce the homes price. The ability to sell your home depends on you and your agent working together to achieve that goal. If you have done your homework and hired a full time, professional and knowledgeable agent, take the time to discuss your concerns with them, they will do the same. Listen to the advice they have given you. This is their daily job. They eat, breathe and sleep real estate!

They have their finger on the pulse of the market and know what needs to be done to get your home sold.

Make the counter offer and keep the negotiations moving. This may be changing the price and terms, just the price or just the terms of the contract. You may have to go back and forth 10 times to get to a final agreement, but there is a good chance you will come to an agreement if you and the buyer are reasonable along the way. Not countering an interested buyer’s offer is not reasonable!

You may not always like what your agent has to say. It’s not your agents’ job to agree with you all the time or be your best friend. There are days you will not like them and you’ll wonder why you hired them. Ultimately, their job is to sell your home. If that means you getting upset because your agent gives it to you straight, that’s ok. You’ll thank them and get over it once your home has sold and you’ll be glad they weren't sugar coating anything. In fact, I have a good feeling you’ll become great friends…

I hope this helps to keep you focused on the ultimate goal of selling your home!

Dan Jasmer, GRI | RE/MAX Excellence
510 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228
T: 941-284-9893 | F: 941-388-0000
http://www.jasmermatarese.com

5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2010

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

ActiveRain’s Weltanschauung

Lynn Ganster, P.A. (Morris Williams Realty) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:19:40 -0700

Active Rain is a great way to reach out, learn, meet and grow! I think all conditions of the mission are being met.

Via ActiveRain Corp.:

Weltanschauung: The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization. A world view.

1.    We understand that the value of the ActiveRain community rests entirely with its members. We admire the spirit of real estate professionals and believe our goal is to fully engage their talents and knowledge for the benefit of all members of the real estate community.

2.    We believe that real estate professionals will thrive if they demonstrate their local market expertise. With ever greater access to listings, local knowledge is now the key differentiator.

3.    We believe that homeownership is a positive force for social good. ActiveRain is committed to empowering real estate professionals so they can help people achieve the dream of homeownership.

4.    ActiveRain welcomes the active participation of all real estate professionals, irrespective of their affiliation with industry groups or trade associations. We believe a vibrant and diverse real estate community is essential to maintaining a strong organization.

5.    We believe that the constructive dialogue at ActiveRain fosters transparency among consumers about the industry. We understand that ActiveRain plays a key role in demonstrating the integrity and professionalism of those engaged in our industry.

6.    ActiveRain prides itself on editorial independence. We believe that an open, free exchange of ideas is our primary reason for being. We are not captive of any point of view or agenda – other than to advance the interests of homebuyers and sellers and real estate professionals.

7.    We encourage dissenting or contrarian points of view because our industry is better served by continually examining the status quo. Challenging conventional wisdom is often essential for the evolution of our industry and the development of new opportunities.

8.    We believe in spirited discourse, but personal attacks or predatory behavior will not be tolerated. Respect and civility are the shared values that unite all of us.

9.    ActiveRain does not stand on ceremony or hierarchy. ActiveRain is a two-way street. We believe that a continual conversation with our community is critical to our continued growth and vitality. We are fully committed to incorporating member feedback and ideas to improve ActiveRain.

10.    ActiveRain believes that it is in the best interests of real estate professionals to build a community that is focused on educating one another. ActiveRain believes its future depends on members of all experience levels openly sharing their experiences and best practices with others in the field. This communal dialogue offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and is the way to share in the dynamism and excitement that constitutes the modern real estate business.

-The ActiveRain Team

Let's Get Moving!
Lynn Ganster
REALTOR, ACRE
Morris Williams Realty
321-438-9598

Lynn's Active Rain Blog

My Kitchen Is Making Me Fat???

Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat?

Newly Remodelled and Turnkey.....You've Got to See It!

You want to Live on a Golf Course.....Things to Consider

Maintaining Your Home

Working with your own Buyer's Agent

Foreclosures effect on economics AND health

Fall is upon us.....Enjoy the season that passes too quickly!

WHY I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT TO OFFER!

Seeing A House Through The Agent's Eyes

Time to plan ahead

Should I buy a home from my neighbor and will I qualify for a mortgage?

Winter Park Farmers Market--Saturday Morning--7am-1pm--Rain or Shine

10 Reasons for Buying a Home in Today’s Market

The Sunshine State....as seen from East Orlando

Survey Wednesday---Yes you want one.

Title Insurance. What's that? Do I really need it?

I couldn't be having this much fun before I got a Flip Video Camera

4128 Sunnybrook

East Orlando has a hidden treasure

I JUST RECEIVED AN OFFER BUT I REFUSE TO COUNTER

ActiveRain’s Weltanschauung