How to Save Real Money When You Move - 01/29/09 08:14 AM
Forget about saving three hundred dollars by hiring a cheapmover. You want to save thousands by making thoughtfuldecisions, following your intuition, and staying focused ongoals.1. Hire the pros. Resist the temptation to save a few bucksby hiring Uncle Larry and his pickup. You need a genuinereceipt to deduct moving expenses and you do not want tobe liable if somebody drops a box. One crushed toe can bevery expensive.If you can afford the expense, let the movers pack for you,too. They pack faster: they don't spend time wondering ifAunt Gertrude's crocheted lampshades are worth keeping. Andif they break, they buy.2. Find a … (0 comments)

Home buyers are you ready? - 01/28/09 07:32 AM
Have you spent years renting homes or apartments and have grown tired of paying all that rent money to someone else? If so, then it might be your time to consider purchasing a home, and keeping that cash for yourself. However, you do need to ensure that you are prepared on more than one level before jumping into the equity market. There are many financial considerations to make note of before you start looking for a home. But, if you can arrange your finances into a sensible plan and secure a mortgage then this can ultimately be the most rewarding purchase … (1 comments)

Unrepresented Home Buyer Beware!!! - 01/26/09 09:34 PM
When most homeowners wish to sell their property, one of the first things they do is to secure a real estate agent. However, when many people who set out to purchase a home often start to do so by themselves, without representation. Many buyers go online to look for great deals, or visit open houses themselves, without applying for a buyer's agent first. Unfortunately, this approach can cost home buyers a great deal of money and can lead to house buying disasters that take buyers years to recover from -- both financially and emotionally. It is true that buyers are becoming … (0 comments)

Home Buyers...Your Price, Not the Listing Price - 01/26/09 12:42 PM
Here is your opportunity:You may be able to get a discount on a home if look closely and are ready to buy quickly. Start today by working with a professional Real Estate Agent. Interview 2 to 3 agents find the one who will serve you best by:1)Signing a Buyer Agent Agreement where they actually represent and work for you, the buyer, in your real estate transaction and not the seller.2)Will place you in a VIP Buyer Program where their team will research the MLS daily for new listings that meet your criteria and email them to you with complete descriptions and … (2 comments)

Ask That Miami Real Estate Guy - 01/22/09 09:33 PM
Ask That Miami Real Estate Guy hosted by serdna75.Join now
Chat about what's on your mind. More about public chats.
… (0 comments)

TGIF...Toasted Ravioli! - 01/22/09 09:14 PM

Ingredients
2 large eggs 1/2 cup canned evaporated milk 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs 1 1/2 cups good-quality marinara sauce about 4 cups vegetable oil for frying 24 fresh bite-size ravioli, thawed if frozen 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan  
In a shallow bowl beat together eggs and evaporated milk. Put bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. In a small saucepan heat sauce over moderate heat until hot and keep warm, covered.
In a small heavy kettle (about 5 quarts) heat 1 inch oil over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 350°F. While oil is heating, dip ravioli in … (4 comments)

The Real Estate Revolution - Customer Service - 01/21/09 11:21 PM
Traditionally, real estate has been viewed as a sales industry. But perceptions are beginning to change. Agents around the country are coming to believe that the key to real estate success is service, not sales.Competition and technology now give customers almost unlimited choices, so agents are having to work harder and spend more to win listings. They're discovering that business success comes from repeat business andword-of-mouth.And customer service is the key!Loyalty and good-will can't be bought, not even with the sale of a house. Customers like to be treated with honesty,respect, and integrity. They want a realistic and accurate property appraisal. … (0 comments)

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Property in Florida - 01/21/09 09:26 AM
Moving to the "Sunshine State" is a dream for many retirees, families and singles. With tropical weather in most parts of this giant peninsula, and miles of beaches, it's easy to daydream about a home with orange and palm trees, Spanish moss, and friendly neighbors. As the fourth most populous state, the dream is a reality for more than 16 million residents. If you're wondering how to pick out your dream property in Florida, then keep some of these tips in mind.1. Florida is eclectic. It's true that some Floridians are living the lifestyle stereotype, but most residents will tell you … (0 comments)

Do you work from home? Plan your next home purchase accordingly - 01/18/09 07:13 PM
The flexibility afforded by a "zero-commute" combined with the skyrocketing price of gasoline has strengthened the case for full time teleworking and telecommuting. According to an Environmental Protection Agency (2006) study:"Americans spend an average of 46 hours per year stuck in traffic. Gridlock produces more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year"The artist community has been well acquainted with the use of work/living spaces for years, but improvements in technology have made the benefits of teleworking and occasional telecommuting more attractive to general consumers. According to the key findings form the International Telework Association & Council (ITAC) Telework America (2005) … (0 comments)

Saturday Morning Breakfast: Mortgage Basics - 01/17/09 10:25 AM
Adjustable or floating rate, 15-year or 30? How much mortgage can you afford? These are just a few of the many questions home buyers will find information on in this report.Before You Start:Take a fresh look at your household budget to determine how much you can spend on a mortgage each month. Request free copies of your credit report. (You're entitled to receive a free one annually from each of the nation's main credit reporting agencies.) Familiarize yourself with all of the variables generally associated with financing a home, such as interest rate policies, terms, points, fees, etc. Financing the American … (0 comments)

Negotiating Your BEST Offer! - 01/15/09 09:16 AM
The goal in a real estate negotiation is to reach a best agreement.  One in which the underlying interests of both buyer and seller are met. The results of a poor agreement often return to haunt the parties after closing.  Review these tips as you prepare for the purchase of your home. What do you want to achieve in the negotiation? The first step in getting what you need is simply to let the seller know - in a clear and reasoned way. For most people, the highest priority is the price they will pay for the property. The best way to establish … (0 comments)

Closing Costs 101 - 01/13/09 10:57 PM
Buying or selling a home is a euphoric experience for both of the parties involved. This euphoria can cool when you learn which party is responsible for the closing costs. Who Is Responsible For Closing CostsWhen looking to buy or sell a home, every person eventually arrives at the question of funding closing costs on the transaction. To put it simply, both buyers and sellers typically are responsible for some of the closing costs. However, the exact amounts paid can vary significantly from area to area and depending on what agreements the buyers and sellers come to in the offer-counteroffer process.It … (0 comments)

Planning An Out Of State Move...Read This!!! - 01/12/09 09:17 AM
There's a lot more to moving to another state than there is to staying within the same state. Expenses can vary greatly from state to state and even though your new salary is going to be much higher than your old, you could still end up at a loss due to higher living expenses. When moving to another state, some of the things you should do thorough research on school systems, salary, housing and the like. Pay attention to the tax structure in the state you are relocating to - how much is the income tax? Do they have a sales … (2 comments)

Mortgage Rate Drops to 50 Year Lows... - 01/12/09 09:13 AM
Mortgage rates are down to rates we have no seen in 50 years. Since the early 1970s when we have good data for mortgage rates these are the lowest rates we have seen.1) December 2008 5.192) June 2003 5.233) March 2004 5.454) May 2003 5.48Before this rates were at current levels in the late 1950s. Here are rates for the last few weeks.December 18, 200830-yr 5.19 15-yr 4.92 5-yr ARM 5.60 1-yr ARM 4.94December 11, 200830-yr 5.47 15-yr 5.20 5-yr ARM 5.82 1-yr ARM 5.09December 4, 200830-yr 5.53 15-yr 5.33 5-yr ARM 5.77 1-yr ARM 5.02November 26, 200830-yr 5.97 15-yr 5.74 … (0 comments)

Shopping for A Mortgage? Do Your Homework First - 01/08/09 01:33 PM
If you happen to be shopping around for a mortgage, it is very important that you first take the necessary time to do your homework.When I say homework, I am talking about research. There are so many loan programs out there that it is easy to get lost in all of the mortgage jargon that people in the industry love to use on you. Not to mention of all of the paperwork.By the time you get to the table, you will have a mound of paperwork approximately six inches high filled with words and terms that most people in the business … (0 comments)

The Right Time to Buy Your First Home - 01/08/09 01:31 PM
There are many real estate market forecasts and predictions available - however the bottom line is that if you want to buy your first home there is no wrong time. This is because the motivation to buy is not determined by regional market conditions or by location, but rather by your personal needs. Industry opinions, economic reports, and investor speculation do not sway or predict when a particular individual will be ready to buy.
For the majority of people, the most compelling reasons to buy a home are based on individual circumstances and personal needs. Some of these factors are:
Family … (0 comments)

Condo Benefits is Number 1 or Google and others! (Get listed free.) - 01/06/09 10:45 PM

Via Will Nesbitt - condos / real estate in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County (Condo 1 of Alexandria):
Condo Benefits is a website devoted to condominium owners and buyers for consumers who have questions about condos.  Condo Benefits provides basic information like the definition of a condo, how to sell a condo or how to buy a condo. If you're thinking of buying or selling a condominium Condo Benefits is a great resource.
The Condo Blog Condo Benefits is constantly updated with news, notes, tips and commentary by experts from across North America in a joint effort we call the Condo Blog. The … (0 comments)

The Best Real Estate Investment You Can Make - 01/06/09 10:43 PM
In America the single largest investment most of us will ever make is the purchase of our home. For many of us our home is our number one asset and is a strong appreciating asset. When you decide that you are ready to make that step into home ownership, you should be happy to know that it is likely one of the most sensible investment decisions you are going to make in your life. A common question many home buyers have is should they buy a home now with little money down, or should they wait and save up until they … (1 comments)

Best Buy for 2009... - 01/01/09 07:44 PM
...Golden Beach, one of the most valuable real estate neighborhoods in all of South Florida, known world-wide as an upscale oceanfront estate and single family home community. The majority of homes are valued well in excess of a million dollars. Many well known celebrities and Fortune 500 executives maintain homes here.Until recently it was impossible to find a home in Golden Beach for under a million dollars.  However due to the recent housing slump even Golden Beach has not been left untouch.  Prospective homebuyers can find amazing deals in Golden Beach for a fraction of what these homes use to cost.  … (4 comments)

Best Buy for 2009... - 01/01/09 07:43 PM
...Golden Beach, one of the most valuable real estate neighborhoods in all of South Florida, known world-wide as an upscale oceanfront estate and single family home community. The majority of homes are valued well in excess of a million dollars. Many well known celebrities and Fortune 500 executives maintain homes here.Until recently it was impossible to find a home in Golden Beach for under a million dollars.  However due to the recent housing slump even Golden Beach has not been left untouch.  Prospective homebuyers can find amazing deals in Golden Beach for a fraction of what these homes use to cost.  … (0 comments)