Nick & Trudy's Blog

Will buyers act now?

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:18:46 -0600

The housing tax credit has been extended and expanded, details are all over the internet, so will buyers act now?

What has caused buyers to wait? Is it confidence in the market? Is it concern about their jobs? Is it a feeling that the housing market has another drop in prices as more foreclosures hit as executives laid off during the recession seek short sales or the banks foreclose on them?

Or will the incentives offered by this bill cause those 90% of Americans employed to make a move and buy a larger home or better located home? Will the incentives enable them to sell their own houses more quickly? Will these incentives allow baby boomers to downsize as they age?

Is there enough time for these incentives to actually make an impact on the housing market? Will they cause the greatest spring market we have seen in recent years?

Lots of questions few answers right now. What do you think?

Easttown Supervisors November 2nd meeting to be held at Beaumont Elementary School

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:07:57 -0500

The Easttown Township supervisors meeting scheduled for November 2nd is to be held at Beaumont Elementary School starting at 8 PM with a working session beginning at 7.15 PM. On the agenda will be a combination of the expenses and revenue for the township budget, including discussion of additional taxes including an earned income tax.

The last supervisors meeting was also held at the school across the road from the township building and there was spirited discussion on the subject of the earned income tax. Whilst the township is proposing a 1% earned income tax to increase revenues due to the drop in the budget from Real Estate Transfer Taxes due to a sharp decrease in real estate sales, many of those residents speaking pointed out this would produce a much bigger increase in revenus than was needed and that what needed to be addressed was cuts to the budget. Obviously an earned income tax will affect both residents and those working on the township. Many townships already have have earned income taxes in their budgets. How this has or would affect property values is a question that has been put forward but to which there are no statistics to prove one way or another that the writer knows about.

This meeting on November 2nd will be to bring together projections and suggestions on both sides of the budget with a final meeting proposed for November 19th to decide on final budget. Easttown Township furloghed their office staff this year.

New Listing in Wyckfield, Malvern, PA Great Valley School district

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:49:20 -0500

Malvern PA house for sale, Wyckfield 10 Tunbridge Lane produced by Nick Vandekar on WellcomeMat

This is a new listing Open Sunday October 25th 2-4 PM.

Easttown Township considers Earned Income Tax.

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:11:43 -0500

THe Easttown Township Supervisors meeting to consider Earned Income Tax held October 19th at Beaumont School across from the township building the discussion was all about the budget and the proposal from the Supervisors to consider implementing an Earned Income Tax or other taxes, such as an amusement tax, per capita tax, and several other options.

There was some confusion among residents as this was the second of several meetings on the budget discussing the hole in the budget that needs to be filled, either through cuts or increased revenue. At the previous meeting the discussion was on the expenses side and this meeting was to deal with revenue options. However it quickly becasme clear from residents comments they felt the Board of Supervisors needed to consider cuts to the budget before considering increased revenue streams.

Whilst it was a pretty vocal meeting with a lot of passion, the board of Supervisors did vote to continue to keep all their options open for increasing revenue. As was explained by Mr Rau the Township Attorney, legal issues require them to begin advertising these possible tax increases to be able to implement them for the next fiscal year, as the state needs to be notified so employers are aware that they need to collect these taxes on behalf of the township.

The next meeting will be held November 2nd advertised last night to be at Hilltop House, although this may need to moved to accomodate the numbers of people who will turn up. This meeting will combine the proposed expenses and the proposed revenue to agree upon a way forward.

One of the parties to speak last night was a residents advisory group who have been and will continue to meet with the township employees to see where savings can be made as opposed to increasing revenue. So save the date November 2nd 8.00 PM Easttown Township Supervisors Meeting at Hilltop House, Berwyn.

Easttown Township considers Earned Income Tax.

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:46:32 -0500

Easttown township is considering a potential earned income tax to balance the budget that has been affected so dramtically by the drop in home sales in the township. Already staff do not work Fridays having been furloughed several months ago to save costs but the dramatic drop in home sales has still left the budget with big holes.

The Borad of Supervisors has announed recently their intention to levy an earned income tax following a public meeting on October 19th at 8 PM at Beaumont Elementary School. Many residents at the October 5th Board of Supervisors meeting voiced their concern that the township has yet to consider all the alternatives, exploring other revenue streams and cutting expesnes further.

So, if you have any interest in Easttown Township as a businessman or resident you will want to be present at the meeting on the 19th of October.

First time buyer tax credits - Good or Bad? Just a discussion question.

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:52:10 -0500

Whilst everyone jumpson board and many economists say the tax credits need to be extended and Realtors and builders shout it from the rooftops are these credits really good or really bad? Could they be adding or doing the same damage that all the toxic loans have done.

Will Americans only buy when something is on sale or when they have a coupon/tax credit? Can we really expect our economy to recover when there is no confidence, when buyers are still concerned prices will drop further because there is weak unemployment and more foreclosures coming down the road to affect home values.

Are these credits pulling buyers forward to spend now rather than when they were ready.

Maybe, we need to take a deep breath and re-set the horizon. To realize that buyers need to have money to put down so they will have to save and that will take time. That a home is a place to live, not to make money, a place to have a family and entertain friends, a place that will be a shelter for us and a place of refuge when we need it. Just maybe we need to stop and think again about what a home really is.

What do you think? Good or bad?

Time is running out...

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:17:18 -0500

Time is running out rapidly if you want to take advantage of the First Time buyers Tax Credit. All our mortgage providers have been telling and warning us to get our buyers under contract by this week to make sure that their settlements can be completed no later than November 30th.

You cannot afford delays with settlement to get the credit. You must settle on or before November 30th. It is a little misleading when people talk about December 1st as that is too late and you will not qualify for the credit.

Will it be extended? Who knows, there is talk coming out of Washington this week that it will be extended and maybe even expanded to all buyers, but the safest option is to act now, get out with your buyers agent and look at properties, make sure your mortgage application documents are all in order and act now.

Candidate Sean Moir receives donation from SERPAC

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:25 -0500

I had the privilege today to present Candidate Sean Moir with a check from SERPAC in support of his campaign to be elected as Tredyffrin Township Supervisor. Sean has been vocal in his support in Preserving Resources, Stream Restoration at Crabby Creek, Sidewalk improvements in the Tredyffrin Township and has served on several committees. for more information visit www.SeanMoir.org and remember to vote on November 3rd 2009.

Get ready for winter!

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:44:16 -0500

Whilst it seems summer is only just behind us, now is the time to get ready for winter. Here is a short list of things to do to be prepared.

Get your furnace inspected and cleaned, the more efficient it runs the cheaper it is to heat your home.
Buy filters for the furnace now and replace the old one.
Clean the registers/vents, this will keep down any allergens that may have built up. If you have not had the ductwork cleaned for a while have it cleaned professionally.
Have any chimneys and flues professionally cleaned, this will avoid any chimney fires.
Clean the gutters and downspouts.
Fit gutter guards. (I have two freinds who are inspectors who disagree on this. One is for gutter guards, the other thinks they cause other problems. Your choice)
Direct downspouts away from the house and replace or fit extensions if necessary
Turn off outside faucets and drain
Drain garden hoses and put away.
Wash, dry and store or cover outdoor furniture, grills and any planters that might be affected by ice and snow.
Check timers on your lights as the evenings draw in.
Check your insulation.
Cover any exposed pipes.
Add weather stripping to doors.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Good luck and stay warm and dry this winter.

Real value in Devon PA condo, opportunity for using the First Time buyer Tax Credit

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:09:14 -0500

Devon PA condo shows real value for buyers. Priced at $199,500. This is a great opportunity to buy in Tredyffrin Easttown School district at an affordable price. Also there is still time for first time buyers to take advantage of the tax credit that is being offered as settlement can be achieved on or before November 30th when the credit will expire if not renewed or expanded.

134 Old Forge Crossing condo for sale produced by Nick Vandekar on WellcomeMat

Things to do on the Main Line - Food and Restaurants

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:07:22 -0500

Saturday we went with some friends to a Chinese Restaurant a short way off the Main Line called the Han Dynasty in Royersford. It is located just off the 422 in the Limerick Square Shopping Center. If you like Szechuan food this is a great placce, the food is spicy hot and heavily seasoned. Our friends had eaten at this restaurant before and in the companion restaurant in Exton in the Exton Plaza.

It is a BYOB, so bringing some cold beers or a white wine that is crisp and that can deal with the spices is a good idea. We started with some Dumplings in Chili oil, a cold noodle dish and some meat buns. all of these were excellent and mildly spiced.

For our main course we ordered some beer suace duck, this uses the restaurant tea smoked duck and adds a sauce.

This was hot but not overbearing on the spice scale, with lots of vegetables. We also had a dish of pea shoots whcih were salty and delicious. Along with these our friends ordered a dry pepper chicken which was covered with red chillis and szechuan peppers, this was delicious, hot without being overbearing.

Along with these we had a lovely fish dish in a hot sauce using flounder that I found personally delicious.

This was also packed with leeks, onions,and bamboo shoots. If you don't like spicy food, they can adjust the seasonings for you, our friends like their food spicy, it was a bit overwhleming for Trudy, but what i noticed as left, having drunk a lot of jasmine tea, that the heat was gone, unlike some Indian curries that the heat stays with you for a long time. My mouth was fine and I am ready for another adventure enjoying the different cuisine of the Main Line, but I think it will be something a little less spicy next time.

Michael Main built home in Villanova area of Lower Merion just listed

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:01:22 -0500

Michael Main built home in Villanova area of Lower Merion just listed. Harriton High School, Welsh Valley Middle School and Gladwynne Elementary are the local schools. First time on the market since the original owners purchased the home in 1989, recently remodelled and updated, new roof, new windows, wine cellar and tasting room, updated bathrooms. See full details

But one of the things that really makes this home great is the location on a quiet and peaceful cul-de-sac off N. Spring Mill Rd. Set back from major roads and surrounded by trees and professional landscaping this home is really quiet.

To top it off the owners have also added the most amazing wine cellar and Tuscan style tasting room. Not only can you store your wine in the temperature controlled cellar, but you can enjoy it with friends in this very romantic tasting room.

See all the details of this home and set up an appointment with us to tour this home privately.

Is this commission fair/ethical??

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:58:05 -0500

I discovered yesterday that there are apparently agents out there who do not share the commission paid by the seller 50/50 with the agent who was kind enough to bring them a buyer...........

Now I have as a listing agent taken LESS commission then the selling agent, but this is the first time that I have come across an agent who would offer me 2.5% and takes herself as the listing agent 3%.

Mind you that is what was offered in the MLS, but I was not aware of the uneven split untill I saw the preHUD.

I feel this is something that should be disclosed in the MLS.

What do you all think?

Creating your personal decorating plan!

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:49:41 -0500

Another interior design post from our series by Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors

A beautiful home doesn't just happen. Good decorating is the result of good planning and should start by developing a comprehensive, detailed decorating plan.

What should be included in your decorating plan? Everything that needs to be done, including timing priorities and budget. It's vitally important to write down everything and be as specific as possible.

Most people feel they need assistance in creating and implementing their decorating plan. Professional interior decorators have the talent, experience and specialized knowledge to help you pull it all together. They can also save you time and money. After all, the most costly furnishings you will ever buy are the ones that prove to be mistakes! Here are a few suggestions that will help you understand your own preferences and prepare you to work with a decorator.

Begin by collecting decorating magazines - or design books. Consider cutting out photographs of furniture, styles, window treatments, color schemes, floor and wall coverings, etc., that appeal to you.

Then, compile everything you've collected into a notebook and organize it into sections for each room you'll be doing. If you chose to work with a decorator, your preplanning will make it much easier for you to communicate your likes and dislikes.

Evaluate your present furnishing and decide what you would like to keep, eliminate, and re-do. Write down the various items in your notebook. What will be your overall color-scheme? Does the carpeting need to be replaced? Which room do you want completed first? What budget have you established for each decorating project you wish to undertake. Knowing this information will prove valuable in working with your chosen interior decorator.

And remember - no matter what your lifestyle - your home should be a reflection of your tastes - your likes and your interests!

Deborah Bettcher, Decorating Den Interiors,
Studio:610.964.8403
www.DecDens.com/dbdesign

*Making the World More Beautiful-One Room at a Time*

Things to do in Chester County. Play golf whatever the weather!

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:43:09 -0500

One of the things I love about our area is that there are so many things to do in Chester County and the surrounding area. Restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, sports, movies, nature, hiking just to name a few

I recently came across Play-a-Round Golf in Malvern, PA. This is a unique concept that allows you to play golf and stay dry whatever the weather. I met with Steve Graves Sr. the President of Play-a-Round Golf this week and the video below gives a short overview of the facility.

You can use it a sa driving range or play 38 different courses without having to travel. Play-a-Round Gold is having a Fall Harvest Charity Classic for which you can sign up right now. But whatever time you can enjoy a round of golf, wind, rain or shine without getting wet, hot or bothered. Give them a try.

And if you want a home on a local course just give us a call and we will help you find the perfect place.

FREE Buyer Agent. Not really!

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:30:59 -0500

Buyers are so used to the services of the buyers agent being explained to them as "FREE, I get paid by the seller!" that they have no loyalty in many cases because agents do not explain the buying and transaction process correctly. Many buyers do not understand that agents are on a commission and do not get paid unless they sell a house and that as a buyers agent they represent the buyer and their loyalty and fiduciary duty is to the buyer..

How about if the buyer paid a retainer, would they select their agent more carefully? What about paying on an hourly basis like an attorney? What fee structure as an agent or as a buyer would you prefer?

Agents representing both the seller and the buyer for many years have been paid by the seller at settlement. This is so ingrained that many people find it hard to look at it any other way. Even with the introduction of buyer agency this has not dramatically changed.

Sometimes it is merely a matter of looking at the issue through a different lens. For example if the buyer does not fund the transaction there is no money to pay the agents. So maybe it is the buyer who really pays for the seller's representative as well as his own buyer's agent.

Whilst it might be a strain to pay the buyer's agent out of pocket, would it be acceptable for the mortgage company to fund the deal with the buyers agency fee included? In a sense they already do. That way the buyer pays for their own agent, allowing for a price reduction in the current scenario, only for that price to be corrected to include the buyer agent. It is actually a wash but for many attorneys a more correct procedure removing any vestige of conflict of interest.

Whilst we discuss buyer agent fees, how about a flat fee rather than a % of purchase price. Do agents really give more care to a buyer of a larger and more expensive house. Whilst the multi million dollar buyer may require and demand different treatment, the care used in the negotiations and the transaction should not alter. What is a fair price for your services?

Open to ideas and suggestions.

Frequently asked decorating questions.

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:28:07 -0500

To continue our decorating series. Any ideas what the universal decorating question might be? Well, here it is!

"I want to redecorate but need help picking a color/s. I just don't know what color/s to use"!

So, here are a few color tips that I hope you find helpful in beginning the color selection process. And, don't forget, a professional decorator can provide you with valuable assistance in making these all important color decisions!

Decide on your dominant color. You might want to repeat that color elsewhere - at least once.
Use colors unequally for better color proportion and balance.
Color-connecting adjoining rooms is a must!
Stay with light colors for a feeling of spaciousness. Lighter color tones reflect light rays instead of absorbing them.
Bright, strong colors have the opposite effect. They create a warm, cozy feeling especially in large rooms
Emphasize desirable architectural details with strong color
Camouflage architectural defects with neutral paint colors.
Notice how colors are affected by their neighbors, and be guided by what you see.
Take wood tones into consideration - they are apart of your color scheme.
Base your choice and use of warm and color colors on the atmosphere you wish to create.

I hope these few tips will give you some a bit of knowledge when working on developing your own personal color scheme. And remember, I'd be happy to help with your selections, as well as help you prevent costly mistakes!

For help with your decorating on the Main Line in Philadelphia call Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den INTERIORS at 610.964.8403, www.DecDens.com/dbdesign Making the World More Beautiful-One Room at a Time

Tredyffrin Easttown market statistics for past 12 months

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:27:43 -0500

Below are the market statistics for Tredyffrin Easttown (T/E) for the previous 12 months. Days on market have increased during the year although they seem to be dropping currently. Sales volume has dropped, although this also has started to pick up in the past couple of months. Listed volume has decreased recently although compared to last year it is roughly equal. Invnetory accumalation, the time it is estimated it will take to sell a house if no more houses were to come on the market is 7 months, 6 is considered balanced, neither buyer or seller market. There are currently 286 home son the market in the school district. Houses are selling for about 92-93% of asking price, although this number may be skewed slightly if agents relist a home at a lower price rather than reducing the price.

Monthly Statistics for the Date Range Selected

Date	Units Listed	Listed Volume	Listed Average	Pended	Units Sold	Sold Volume	Sold Average	Average DOM
Aug 2009	27	12,406,600	459,503	8	28	16,282,800	581,528	50
July 2009	74	45,824,649	619,252	43	55	28,134,419	511,534	61
June 2009	86	53,532,324	622,468	55	64	32,261,945	504,092	54
May 2009	89	63,945,449	718,488	68	32	10,908,786	340,899	63
Apr 2009	112	68,112,744	608,149	42	26	10,013,400	385,130	59
Mar 2009	83	56,632,600	682,320	36	19	6,102,974	321,209	90
Feb 2009	70	42,497,695	607,109	38	40	16,961,775	424,044	26
Jan 2009	70	38,194,076	545,629	24	33	14,573,894	441,633	93
Dec 2008	30	18,946,872	631,562	24	33	14,315,475	433,802	60
Nov 2008	42	19,309,488	459,749	32	30	16,733,000	557,766	78
Oct 2008	69	50,491,620	731,762	32	38	20,994,320	552,482	73
Sep 2008	100	63,634,517	636,345	39	52	25,302,005	486,577	62
Aug 2008	72	42,772,400	594,061	46	67	37,637,286	561,750	59

Totals:	924	576,301,034	623,702	487	517	250,222,079	483,988	62

Inventory Accumulation for the Last 12 Full Months


Current Inventory *	Inventory Volume	Current Average	Average Monthly Sales**	Inventory Accumulation ***
286	235,271,010	822,625	40	7

*Current Inventory is based on the actual available properties on the date this report was created.

**Average Monthly Sales is the average sales for the last 12 full months

***Inventory accumulation (in months) = Current Inventory Units / Average Monthly Sales

Pricing Details of Sold Units for the Date Range Selected

Minimum Prices	Maximum Prices	Average Prices
Original List Price : $129,900	Original List Price: $4,999,000	Original List Price: $522,551
Sold Price : $111,000	Sold Price: $3,875,000	Sold Price: $483,988

What happens when a lender can’t produce the original note?

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:47:22 -0500

Lots of good issues raised here and I presume they apply across state borders. Especially important to note is the part at the end of the original post about short sales and who you are negotiating with and whether they truly have the right to approve an offer.

Via Rick Misitano (Law Offices of James M. Bosco & Associates):

A growing number of homeowners around the country are using a foreclosure defense that may help them retain their homes. It’s called “Produce the Note” and we want you to know this is not a mere technicality that should be treated lightly by the lender or by the Court.

Everyone needs to understand the importance of this issue. When a lender can’t produce the original note, allowing a foreclosure to proceed puts the homeowner at risk of owing that debt again to another party in the future. Therefore, great caution must be taken before a judge can allow someone who can’t produce the original note to cash in on your home.

What if Your Lender CAN’T Produce the Note?

So, what happens when the lender tells the Court it can’t produce the original note, because it is lost? Let’s start with the basics. If a lender wants to foreclose on a property, it has to be able to show that it is, in fact, the appropriate person to whom the money is owed. That right to foreclose belongs ONLY to the person who has legitimate POSSESSION OF THE ORIGINAL NOTE - not a copy, not an electronic entry, but the original note itself with the original signature of the person(s) who allegedly owes the money along with appropriate raised notary seal and signature. So, if you are faced with a foreclosure, you have every right to demand that the person or entity trying to take your property, first prove to the Court that they have the legal right do to so in the first place by proving they have legal possession of the original promissory note.

In my opinion, an original mortgage note is much like legal tender and should be guarded and protected as such by the person holding such an asset. Loosing an original mortgage note is like loosing a $100 bill or a gift card or a lottery ticket. What if I scratched that million dollar ticket and just stuck it somewhere and misplaced it? Do you think I could just show up at lottery headquarters and claim my prize without having the winning ticket? The same principle applies to the person or entity claiming to be the legal holder of an original mortgage note. He who holds the note holds the key.

What the Lender Must Do

What often happens, however, is that the lender claims it doesn’t have the original note, because that note has been lost or destroyed. If the lender is making such a claim, the law requires the lender to prove all of the following under the “Uniform Commercial Code”, which is a set of laws governing commercial transactions that many states have adopted. It contains a specific provision on this subject (Section 3-309) which states that a person can enforce a promissory note without having the original, BUT only under certain limited circumstances.

1. The person or entity has to swear and attest that it no longer has the original note;
2. The person or entity has to prove that it was properly in possession of the note and was entitled to enforce it WHEN it lost possession of the note;
3. The person or entity has to prove it didn’t “lose” possession simply because it transferred the note to someone else (i.e., it’s not really lost); and
4. The person or entity has to prove that it cannot produce the original note because the instrument was destroyed or its whereabouts cannot be determined or it was stolen by someone who had no right to it.

All of these matters have to be definitively proven by the person or entity trying to foreclose on the property. It is not the obligation of the borrower to prove or disprove any of this. The borrower can challenge the right of the person or entity trying to foreclose and demand proof.

The Court’s Important Role

It is up to the Court to determine whether the lender has satisfactorily proven why it no longer can produce the original note. The Court also has to be satisfied that when the original note was lost, the person trying to foreclose on the property had possession of the note at the time it was lost. Until the Court has been satisfied of all of this, the foreclosure cannot proceed.

It is also important for the Court itself to understand that this issue is not merely a “technicality” and the judge should not be satisfied with anything less than full proof of this issue. The Court itself needs to appreciate the fact that if it should agree that an original note has been legitimately lost (and allows the foreclosure to proceed) it is the borrower who is still at risk.

Why? Because incredibly, even if a Court has found that the original note is lost and the foreclosure sale is finalized, if someone later turns up with the original note and proves that it is the proper holder of the note, and not the person who foreclosed on the property, the original borrower is STILL LIABLE.

That’s right. Someone took your home and the Court allowed it because it believed that the lender proved that the note was lost and it was the proper party. Then someone legitimate shows up in the future with the actual note and you still owe that person the money even though your property was taken with the blessing of the Court. Trust me, this is a very serious issue regarding post foreclosures and post pre-foreclosure short-sales. It has happened to three of our own clients! These homeowners had the need to sell their property by means of a negotiated short-sale (so they could avoid a foreclosure) only to find out that the entity claiming to have the legal right and authority to enter into such negotiations and accept such settlements sold their note to another entity and weren’t even aware of it. Several months later, the newly assigned lenders (now claiming to be the rightful owners of our client’s original notes) have since come forward and have also filed suite seeking to recover their entire outstanding principle balances owed to them (prior to the homeowners closing their short-sale transactions with the wrong note holders).

How fair is that?!?! It’s not! And that’s why homeowners need to start fighting back when someone is trying to take their home by foreclosure, especially since an overwhelming percentage of mortgages granted over the last 3 to 5 years have been packaged into securities and re-sold and re-assigned numerous times since the inception of the borrower's original note and mortgage. In some states, homeowners have better than a 50/50 chance of being successful in defending themselves against a completed foreclosure. Why wouldn’t anyone who owns a home do everything in their power to protect and defend it?

All the Best,

Rick D. Misitano, Senior Paralegal
Law Offices of James M. Bosco & Associates
Methuen Executive Park
240 Pleasant Street
Methuen, Massachusetts 01844
Phone: (978) 687-8804
Fax: (978) 687-8872
boscolaw@comcast.net

Enhance Your Decorating Confidence

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:48:09 -0500

Another part of our Decorating Series by Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors, contact details at end.

I often times here my clients say "I don't know what my style is or what I like - you need to tell me". When this happens, I usually try to help them by asking a few key questions. My clients have also found it helpful to practice a few simple visual exercises that I also recomment to help them identify what they like. And once you know why you like and why, it becomes easier to develop and enhance your own decorating style - confidently!

Discovering your style involves developing an acute awareness of your surroundings and the ability to judge your reactions. Take a minute right now, in the room where you are reading this article. Look around the room - carefully - and write down 5 reasons why you like the room. Be very specific. For example, you like the window---why? Is it because of the symmetry? Does it admit a lot of natural light into the room? Do you like seeing the colors in the window's view?

Now, take a few more minutes, and look again. Ask yourself what features you don't like. For example, a painting on the wall. What is it about the painting that you don't like? The color? Is it hung too low? Too high?

By becoming conscious of your reactions to what you see, you'll begin developing your own sense of likes, and just as important, dislikes.

Every time you enter a room, make it a habit to ask yourself whether you like it or not. An office, a restaurant or another home - it makes no difference. What characteristics appeal to you? Which ones make you feel uncomfortable? Do any of the rooms approach your ideas of what you would want your home to look like? Assess the mood that is evoked in each room, and the elements that give it a particular ambience. Does it make you feel warm, cool, cozy, serene, etc?

Decorating confidence is something you develop, many times with the assistance of your own personal professional decorator, whose knowledge and resources are indispensable. Your home should be decorated with a sure awareness of how you respond to light, color, texture, form, line and space.

For assistance in finding your design style and helping you to create the home you've dreamed of contact Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors -610.964.8403. To view her webpage: www.decdens.com/dbdesign

Who are those people on the wall in Berwyn?

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:38:11 -0500

Ever wondered who are those people on the wall in Berwyn?

Painted in 2005 over the summer on the wall of a building opposite Clay's Bakery on Waterloo Avenue the mural depicts a Fourth of July parade and was commisioned by Earnest Eadeh and painted on the side of a building Earnest owns in Berwyn, PA. There are a host of people who many may not know. But thanks to C. Herbert Fry a local historian the information is available.

It is a colorful eye catching patriotic piece of work with flags flying. The 20 faces from right to left are Gene Williams, Easttown Township Manager, Carol Williams, Secretary for Surender Kohli, Carolyn Carter, Easttown Volunteer, John Thomas owner of the barbershop on whose wall the mural is is painted, Denise bones, owner of Clay's Bakery, Keith Martin, a Wayne electirician, Chantal Eadeh Goldberg daughter of Earnest Eadeh and carrying her young baby, Lydia Corinne in her left arm and leading her 2 year old daughter, at the time, Jocelyn Sarah with her right hand; Clay Carter, husband of Carolyn Carter, Bill Connor Sr., owner of the the former Connor's Pharmacy; Bill Fritz, president of Fritz Lumber in Berwyn; Leslie Eadeh, wife of Earnest Eadeh; Earnest Eadeh; Surender Kohli, of Kohli & Associates and Easttown Township Engineer; Heather Eadeh; daughter of Earnest Eadeh; Jack McCormick, a Berwyn Roofer who prepared the roof of the mural building; recently retired Tom Armstrong then Easttown Police Chief. The 3 horses, Chancellor, Derby and Rocky are from Fox Meadow Farms. Jim Stowell, Sr owner of Jim's Berwyn Sunoco in Easttown and Jim's Berwyn Aito Repair in Strafford is driving the horses and standing at the back of the turn-of-the-century steam pumper fire engine is Dave black, facilities manager for Earnest Eadeh.

Three buildings are also depicted, Berwyn Train Station, the former Connor's Pharmacy, and the Berwyn Primary School. The mural was created by Karl Yoder and ainted by a graduate of Pratt Institute in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

No greater love

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:09:20 -0500

We made a trip to Washington this last Monday. It was a beautiful day, bright sunshine, hot and the roads were light with traffic. It was a trip I had dreaded the previous five years to have to make. It was for a funeral at Arlington Cemetery.

We all assembled close to the grave as the attendance was so large. For four years we wondered day in and day out whether we would be attending the funeral of our own son here. But last year he completed his enlistment in 2nd Recon Battalion based in Cam LeJeune, NC. His last tour in Iraq he had been very close with his gunny sergeant and commanding officer who he reported to. Whilst Jeremy left the corps and went to school his friends carried on their service to our country.

July 8th we heard that his old gunny sergeant now Master Sergeant John E Hayes had been killed in action in Afghanistan along with another Marine. We were touched by how many people were at the funeral, this was a man who had touched many lives during his career and everyone wanted to pay their respects.

Several images remain with me from that day, MSgt John Hayes wife, his high school sweetheart saying good bye to her husband as everyone left and she knelt beside his casket, an image filled with poignancy and love. Secondly, at the reception following another Marine, standing to give a eulogy choking up over the friend he had lost. As I have thought on these two images through the week it left me with the following thought.

No greater love...

Semper Fi MSgt John Hayes, Thank you and rest in peace.

How to select a decorator

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:25:57 -0500

Have you ever questioned how to select a decorator? Many times the only option has been to hire a decorator who charges a fee for her time. But what happens if it's obvious within the first hour or two that you just aren't going to click with that decorator? Unfortunately, you're left feeling very uncomfortable -sometimes intimidated- and you're back to square one, having accomplished nothing.

With today's overwhelming choices in home furnishings, a professional decorator is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. A Decorator's role is to professionally assist you in creating the décor of your choice in your home. The more your know about your own tastes and personal style before selecting your decorator, the more productive your decorator will be in working with you. Here are a few tips to help you truly enjoy working with your decorator.

*Do your homework. What are your color preferences? Styles? Basic priorities?

*Look through magazines. What catches your eye?

*Give some thought to your budget. This guideline will save you lots of valuable time.

*Think about your needs and your decorating desires for your room.

Select a decorator who is interested in making YOUR dream home a reality! With a little forethought and planning, working with a professional, caring decorator can be a truly pleasurable experience.

PA Contractor Law moves to 2nd phase

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:18:51 -0500

As mentioned before the new PA Contractor Law implemented this year requires all contractors to register with the state before July 1st, over 40,000 contractors have done that , however 20,000 have still to register.

The second phase of the law requires all contractors to prepare new contract forms. This is because the law requires 17 different provisions be included (and 11 excluded!) in every contract. Contractors have never been too focused on long written contracts, this will be a big change for the industry as it becomes more formal in its paperwork. New provisions include start/completion dates, insurance coverage, lists of sub-contractors, three day rescission period for the homeowner, in other words no more contracts on paper napkins.

Another part of the law is the requirement for contractors to advertise their official registration number with the PA Attorney Generals registration program. This is the HIC# you will see on trucks, paperwork and advertisements.

So make sure your contractor has registered and is following the new rules.

Is your room visually balanced?

Nick & Trudy Vandekar (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:46:23 -0500

Part of an interior design series by Deborah Bettcher a friend who has a local interior design business contact details at the end.

Have you ever walked into a room that seemed to tilt to one side even though the floor was perfectly level? Having had the opportunity to work with many, many clients through the years, I've seen this situation often. The problem is simply one of visual weight. Did you know that your eyes assign greater weight to objects that are large and have a high degree of tone or color contrast? And conversely, our eyes seem to give small objects or objects with little tone contrast less weight or impact.

And have you ever noticed that some parts of an empty room appear heavier than others because of the architectural features in those parts of the room" For example, a fireplace, doorway, window, built-in bookshelf or a dark-paneled wall will look heavier than an unbroken expanse of wall in a pale color. And in the same way, a dramatic window treatment will look heavier than a softly subdued window treatment.

When planning the placement of furniture in your rooms, keep in mind the visual weight of the pieces you own. Groups with larger pieces and individual large pieces should be placed first. Smaller furniture pieces can then be easily used to fill in the room, each one selected and placed to create visual balance with all others.

And as you begin arranging your furniture pieces, you will also need to be looking for a place to establish a focal point or center of interest. A focal point could be a structural element such as a fireplace - a tall piece of furniture or even a window treatment. Once you decide on your focal point, try your best to call attention to it as your place your furniture.

Above all, it's important to arrange your furnishings in such a way that you achieve visual balance in each room. Of course, being a professional decorator, I have been trained in how to help my clients achieve attractive visual balance in each room in their home. So why not think about doing it right the first time by calling in a professional?!

Deborah Bettcher, INTERIORS by Decorating Den, Studio:610.964.8403