I pledge alligiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands.
One nation under God,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Enjoy your holiday...and to the U.S. Armed Forces

Thank You!

While many of us know better when it comes to people contacting us via the net ..you know the Nigerian scams?  Yes I am writing again..its clear in Volusia County and Flagler County Florida its happening in my neck of the woods.

If you are reading this..you might want to pass this information along to someone not so highly skilled on the Internet.  It could happen to them...

As a property manager or rental agent one thing to add to your presentation...to forewarn people leasing out their home...and those that are listing a property for sale? If someone contacts them directly..refer them to their real estate agent.   I've always said it REALTORS and/or real estate agents provide protection!

Beware of the Nigerian Rental Scam happening on Craigslist!

You can read what the Daytona Beach News Journal Reported...

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

How do I get started in purchasing a home? If I were personally look for a home today...I would do the following things before contacting a real estate professional:

Before I would pick up magazines and start looking at houses regardless of my income, my employment record regardless of how much cash I am working with..

I would not assume anything..because I know guidelines have changed..

First things first, I would contact a mortgage professional that I trust and would find out what I qualify for in order to buy a home. 

Because if I don't qualify..I'm not buying!

I would gather docs because I know you will need them...

I would start with the following items: 2 years tax returns, 3 months bank statements, 1 year's worth of rent checks.

I would let my employer know I are buying a house and to expect a letter or phone call of employment verification. It may hold true for a landlord as well so prepare to discuss this with your landlord.

If you are in a lease read through your lease agreement and your lease there may be a chance you can break your lease if you purchase a home. If it is not clearly stated in your documents go to your landlord or property manager and ask what are the consequences in breaking the lease now may be the time to buy a home but it may also prove it's not!

One thing I believe..you have a better chance in buying a home if you are prepared..if you do some homework in advance..and if you keep control in what is going on around you! Don't be the buyer who said they did it to me!

That means trust the professional you are working with, plan on cooperation and make sure and make good sound decisions...understand the documents...read the fine print but most of all pay attention to the numbers...after all its You and only you paying for that mortgage!

These are things I would certainly do!

SEARCH Property Listings       

It would be my pleasure to help you!

Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Broker Associate. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me!  All calls and inquiries are confidential.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public.  Daytona Beach and Ormond by the Sea.   midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

Jeannette Neepat had surgery today...it was a success and knowing Jeannette she'll be back on her feet before we know it...please send her warm wishes to let her know we are all thinking of her.

It was a year ago that Jeannette and I became friends through the Makeover2Takeover contest..my perky little friend sounded like she needed some cheering up....nothing like online friends to do just that!

She is a social media Nut...so you can send her warm wishes just about anywhere online!

Get Well Jeannette...

I know I'll be talking to you soon! 

T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K

There has never been a real estate transaction that occurred that one role was more important than the other..there is a buyer, a seller, real estate agents...in most cases a loan officer or mortgage broker...either an attorney or title company..lets not forget...the appraiser, the inspection company, surveyors and stagers.  Did I leave anyone out?????   Each person has their role..and no transaction has ever been completed with just one party. 

So why keep the 411 to yourself?

An attorney handling the negotiations for a short-sale..attorney's are busy..and get paid by the hour..they have many files...and a way they do their own business... but what does it take to pick up the phone and/or email to confirm...they received ...and has successfully submitted the package?  Is this information top secret?  While an attorney answers to their customer...we as real estate agents answer to many!

A buyer is waiting on their loan officer to find out if they qualify for a mortgage..they have to check the loan programs...review credit......I know they have current customers they are working with...do people sometimes forget real estate agents have time-lines to follow...and someone will be calling..more than likely that nervous buyer who didn't receive their approval or denial in a timely fashion!

Sometimes there is nothing new to report to a seller or buyer..but a buyer and a seller have made a big decision...a decision that will affect them financially...most likely emotionally and create a big change in their lives...sometimes the follow up and the follow through..is the weakest part of the transaction but the follow up and the follow through make the difference between a smooth transaction or horrible experience...not just for the customers but for everyone!

Many may portray that real estate is a walk in the park..that transactions occur every time they blink an eye...and your system and lead generating systems must be in place...guess that is not enough....the biggest mistakes I have seen in the past few months have been nothing more than.

Communication Breakdown

You do not learn this in real estate school...you should have learn this early in life...the golden rule!  Bottom line closing doesn't make for a good or bad experience..its the process in between...one thing is certain..no one likes to be left hanging!

Google amazes me with all of the tools available today.  Recently I've been playing with the public data information. 

Find public statistical data through Google

"Public statistical data, such as unemployment rates or population numbers, doesn't need to be hard to find or, more importantly, hard to understand. Google is making it easier to find and use important public statistical data from governments and other sources. This data is included in Google.com search results and displayed as interactive graphs that you can customize and share with others."  read more

I try and utilize every product google has...because of quality and SEO power!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Most people laugh when they hear about the scams that are taking place all over the net.  These scammers are hitting...Craigslist...Facebook...and even Flickr and today...I got one from one of my Careerbuilder alerts.  I've personally had several through all of these sources...fortunately I spend a lot of time on line...but what about those that do not?

I truly do not find it funny.....because so many fall victim.....we have to understand not everyone is a genius or have the basic understanding that most real estate industry professionals have when it comes to buying a home, selling a property or even requesting information on a rental.

A few statistics you should think about before making prejudgments on those who fall for these schemes...I live in an area...where many homeowners do not use the Internet at all!

• Did you know only 74.4 % of North America uses the Internet?  That means there is a good chance some who search for properties on line...may do very little searching...as a matter of fact...they may use the Internet rarely and may not be aware of these schemes. 

• 12 million people in the U.S. still use dial up according to www.rlslog.net!  Have you tried to use dial up recently?  Its hard to get information and really truly does not work well nor give a great experience on line. 

• According to Pew..its 9% who use dial up last year! 
  

• In many rural areas...broadband is not available still!
  

Today while going through my comments I found something quite interesting and thanks to Dave Dugdale...there is a software to detect whether you might be falling for a scheme...The Rental Scam Detection Tool!  I went ahead and tested and I think it is a fabulous tool for those who might fall prey. 

Very basic and very easy to use but specifics to look for when the schemers come scheming!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Please R.S.V.P and visit the blog...rebarcamp.com/miami for additional details.  Oh and maybe we can test on line marketing...

Anyone care to sponsor and gain additional notoriety and familiarity of your company and products to a bunch of real estate technology enthusiasts? Sponsorship $250.00

How about sponsoring a great facility that would house around 200 people?  Or maybe you know someone in the Miami Beach area who would allow us to use their facility for one day FREE? Imagine the exposure...the recognition and the appreciation!  Contact Ines, the Mojito Critic and author of Miamism.com.

WE hope to see you there! 

I invite you to reblog...we need a facility! :)

WARNING....WARNING....WARNING

HOUSE FOR RENT SCAM

Another Craigslist SCAM...Craigslist SCAM

Today's message from our Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS!

The Port Orange Police Department wished to notify our citizens about a scam involving houses being falsely advertised for rent on Craigslist. It appears the criminal has found houses for sale on-line or snowbird residences and copied the information onto a Craigslist ad claiming it up for rent.

The criminal claims to have moved to West Africa after winning a petroleum land bid and after much consideration decided to rent out the house instead of selling it. The e- mail states that they are looking for someone who cares about the house as much as they do. At the bottom of the e-mail there is a questionnaire for the potential renter asking the Full Name, DOB, Occupation, Number of People living in the house, etc.

The catch is that the security deposit and rent money need to be sent to Africa and then the "home owner" will send the keys to the renter. The e-mails are coming from an account set up in the real homeowner’s name. This especially should be of interest to our "Snowbird" citizens.

Please make your friends and neighbors aware of this scam that is sweeping across Florida. Real homeowners are checking on their properties and finding them occupied without their knowledge.

If you have any questions about this or other alerts, please contact Crime Prevention Officer Dave Miller at (386) 506-5822 or e-mail at dmiller@port-orange.org

In truth it really doesn't surprise me...ever put your services on Craigslist?..spammerama...scammerama..a service that once proved very effective is just another grabber of unsuspected victims!

Many consumers moonlight to earn sufficient income to provide for their families and if need be, why wouldn't a REALTOR do the same thing? 

If you recall Jeannette participated in the Makever2Takeover and placed 3rd in between juggling her children, her husband, her house, her real estate business and her job. 

Last year Jeannette had her best year ever in real estate and this year will prove to be better..could it be...

• Proper systems in place
• A strong desire to provide for her family
• Hard work and dedication and the thought to never give up!
• Doesn't give in to the norm of thinking

You have to ask yourself...what is more important saving face for the sake of your peers or taking care of your families?