You might feel a bit intimidated at the thought of buying your first home. You might be a fairly young, recently married couple, and it’s important to you to feel that you aren’t making any big mistakes.
You want to go through this experience feeling like you asked the right questions and that you can trust the people who help get you through this big step. The two best qualified people to help you find the right answers and the right home are a great lender and your REALTOR®.
Some important FAQs to consider would be:
1. How much can you really afford to pay for your first home?
2. How will you know if you’ve found the right lender and what does it take to qualify for your first mortgage?
3. How much cash will you need “out of pocket” – 3%, 5%, or more?
4. What closing costs will you be expected to pay and how much will it be?
5. How much will your monthly mortgage payment be and will that include home owner’s insurance and county taxes?
These are all great questions … and there are a lot more questions that will come up along the way from “just looking” to actually closing on your first home purchase. However, if you can get clear and accurate answers to these 5 questions, you will be way ahead of most first time buyers and well on your way to your goal of home ownership. As an experienced full-time real estate agent, it is my job to answer these questions for you and to help you avoid making mistakes that you may not even know about yet.
Some answers to these 5 FAQs:
1. The absolutely best way to know how much you can afford to pay for your first home is to make an appointment with a mortgage lender or financial loan officer. I know you’ve heard it before, but it really is best to pre-qualify for a future purchase. A good lender will ask you some basic questions about your current income and debts, monthly expenses and obligations, and any past debts that you still pay. A great lender will talk openly with you about your debt ratio (your income vs your debt), and he/she will go over your credit report with you to make sure there are no surprises.
2. When you find the right lender you will go from feeling completely overwhelmed by the process to realizing that you are in a good place. When you find a professional loan officer, loan originator, or mortgage broker, you will get solid answers to the questions that usually trouble buyers the most. The right lender will take or return your calls in a timely manner and he/she will take the time to explain all the costs that come along with the loan. You need to ask how much they charge for the credit report, the appraisal, underwriting, and other closing costs. Ask for a closing cost estimate of the lender’s charges in writing! In order to qualify for your first mortgage, you will need to provide personal information including proof of your income, your social security number, and bank statements. You will need to give them permission to run your credit report.
3. The amount of “out of pocket cash” that you will need will depend on the kind of loan or financing you qualify for with that great lender you’ve found. The amount of down payment – 3% or 5% for example – will depend on whether you get an FHA, VA, or Conventional loan. The kind of loan you get will be decided between you and the lender based on your credit report, the condition of the property you are planning to buy, and the types of loans the lender has available.
4. There are some specific closing costs that are usually paid by the buyer, and these can vary depending on what is typical in the area where you plan to buy a home. Most of these costs have to do with your loan such as the appraisal, underwriting, and any other lender fees or state taxes on the new loan monies. In addition, you may be required to pay for inspections such as termite or home inspections, as well as a property survey. In some areas it is typical for the seller to pay for a termite inspection, but in others the buyer pays for any inspections he/she orders. The two most important people who will help you estimate the closing costs are the lender and your REALTOR®.
5. You know better than anyone else what you can realistically afford to pay each month. Chances are you’ve already made a budget based on your current income and monthly expenses. Go ahead and make a list of all your bills that you think will continue to stay with you after you buy a home, such as car payments, student loans, credit card monthly payments, and any other credit obligations. Your monthly mortgage payment (P/I or Principle and Interest) will depend on the amount of the loan and the interest rate the lender charges. Your lender should give you these numbers in writing! The taxes and insurance will depend on the value the local property appraiser assigns to the property you buy and the amount of home owners insurance required to sufficiently protect your home. Once you’ve found the right home, decided on a purchase price, and have qualified with a lender the next step is to find the right insurance agent. It doesn’t hurt to “shop” rates when considering home owner’s insurance costs. Don’t skimp! And if you are in certain areas, you may need flood, wind, or other forms of extended home owners insurance. Be sure to ask for any requirements and for written quotes on these as well.
Detailed answers to these FAQs and other important questions can and should be answered by the real estate professionals you choose to work with you on this most important first time home purchase. There are great programs available for first time home buyers through various lenders in addition to the federal $8,000 tax credit. There are limitations on all of these, so be sure you find a lender and a REALTOR® who will to spend the time necessary to answer your questions. You will be glad you asked these questions when you close on the purchase of your first home.
Education, experience, and expertise are the values I bring to every real estate transaction. You will feel confident when you have all your questions answered and you find the perfect first home to buy!
POSTED BY JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
Given the choice between 2 units in the same neighborhood, would you buy an out-dated, run down fixer-upper OR would you buy the totally renovated, updated, like-new townhouse? Why wouldn't you buy the beautifully remodeled townhouse for less money than it would cost you to buy and fix up the out-dated townhouse? Not to mention all the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears it takes to update and renovate a fixer-upper!
I just listed this beautifully renovated townhouse in Panama City. It's an end unit which is always a good thing! It has a little more square footage than the interior units, and it has a wonderful back and side yard complete with a new gated privacy fence in front!
This is 3908 Venetian Circle! It reflects the true pride of ownership inside and out. The location is great ... conveniently located off Hwy 390 ... near shopping, schools, and restaurants.
What's new?
ALL NEW light fixtures in the living room and dining room, new plumbing and bath fixtures, new tub and ceramic tile, new vanity counter tops, new lighted ceiling fans throughout ...
new stove, new kitchen countertops, new granite sink, new hinges/handles on all cabinet doors, new raised panel interior doors, new front door, new vinyl windows throughout.
And it's beautifully decorated with fresh paint including chair rail and bead board wainscoting, ceramic tiled baths and kitchen, and pergo flooring throughout.
Isn't this a great townhouse? It's a 2 story townhouse with 1022 square feet, and it's been a great starter home for a very special couple. But they're going to need a larger home now that their second child is on the way!
Privacy fenced back yard with covered patio and new brick open patio
with new double french patio doors, and a new open brick patio off the covered patio in the privacy fenced grassy back yard.
All the new updates and remodeling were done in 2007/08, and the HVAC and roof were replaced in 2005. This townhouse is all electric and with the new vinyl windows, it's very energy efficient.
JUST LISTED: $134,500
NO ASSOCIATION FEES!
POSTED BY JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
Address: 2110 E. Norwood Drive, Panama City, FL 32405
Approximate Sq Ft: 1660 $/Sq Ft: $99.34 List Price: $164,900
This nice 3 bedroom home is conveniently located off 23rd Street near Northside Elementary School.
The owners have made many improvements in 2007-2008 including new carpet in the family room, new flooring in the hallway, new vanity and fiberglass insert in hall bathroom, and more upgrades that rejuvenate this home. The large yard features a covered patio in back. There is ample covered parking. There is an inside laundry room and full bath off the family room. Nice kitchen with new dishwasher, upgraded counter tops and cabinets. This home has so much to offer and is much larger than it looks from the outside. There is a transferable American Home Shield Warranty.
Lot Size: 100X135 Lot Access: Paved Road, City Road
Zoning: City, Residential Single Family
Parking Features: Carport Lot Features: Interior Lot
Room Type Dimensions
Family 19x18
Living Room 14x12
Bedroom 1 13x10
Bedroom 2 10x10
Bedroom 3 11x10
Exterior Features: Patio Covered, Sprinkler System, Yard Building
Interior Features: Breakfast Bar, Ceramic Tile, Carpet
Appliances: Stove/Oven/Dishwasher, Disposal, Range Hood, Refrigerator
Utilities: Electric, Public Water, Cable TV, Public Sewer
Energy: Heat/A/C: Central Electric
Const/Siding: Block/Frame, Foundation: Slab On Grade
The family room is the heart of this home. There is a full bath off the family room as well as a large laundry room. The family room opens to the kitchen with breakfast bar.
The side door of the family room opens to the covered carport parking area, and the back door opens to the covered patio in the back yard.
POSTED BY JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
In Panama City Beach on the NW Florida Gulf of Mexico, locals go to Capt. Anderson's Restaurant to celebrate the family milestones of life. Our family gathered tonight to celebrate my dad's 82nd birthday ... and the evening couldn't have been better!
Candi organized our plans as she drove from Orlando to Panama City today. It 's always so much fun when she comes home for a visit!
We had a wonderful time choosing our favorite Capt. Anderson's entrees beginning with Greek Salads. From the classic Scamp Imperial with fresh lump crabmeat to the rich and creamy she-crab pie, every dish was delicious!
Of course the best part of finishing your entree is the arrival of the Capt. Anderson's dessert tray.
Yummm!
Our server, Robin, was just tremendous!!! She has been doing this for quite a while, so her attention to detail and anticipation of our needs made the experience even more special.
Robin is showing off the world famous Feud Cake that she selected for Dad's birthday celebration ... served with a lighted candle!
Thank you, Robin, for being part of our special evening!
And "Thank You" to the entire Capt. Anderson's family for making us feel so welcome and appreciated!
It was a very Happy 82nd Birthday!
You can read more about Capt. Anderson's in these articles I've written about the restaurant:
For more information about Panama City Beach restaurants, read the RESTAURANT VACATION GUIDE FOR PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA written by Jan Evett, Broker Associate, Century 21 Ryan Realty, Panama City Beach, FL.
POSTED BY JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
I admit I was playing around on Facebook ... late at night, should probably have been asleep. However, my niece made up one of those "How well do you know me?" quizzes, and it was kind of fun, so I thought I would make one up about me. I sent it out to a few people just for fun.
Suddenly, there's that little red flag in the bottom right corner! Sommer took your "How well do you know me?" quiz... click to see her results!! Sommer is in Alaska ... she's on FB now ... it's not late in Alaska!
Turned out to be one of my favorite TESTIMONIALS of all time!
Thank you, Sommer! That is just about the sweetest thing I could ever want to hear from one of my favorite military relocation families! I found their first home when they came to Tyndall Air Force Base and was honored to be asked to list and sell it for them when they got orders to Alaska. THIS is what makes real estate a very special profession and why I love what I do!
POSTED BY JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a "Text 2 Twitter Workshop" presented by David Allred, Principal with LWT Communications this Thursday, May 28, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at the Calypso Cafe located at 15812 Front Beach Road on Panama City Beach, Florida.
This is a *FREE* workshop event and will be focusing on social media tools such as Twitter, blogging, networks, and more with special emphasis on how these tools can help you track marketing efforts and make new connections.
POSTED BY JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
Come join me for a fun and relaxing afternoon at Martinique, a private gated community on beautiful Panama City Beach. I will be hosting an Open House this Sunday, May 10, from 3:00-6:00 pm.
The Martinique community is conveniently located near schools, shopping, restaurants, seafood markets, and lots of entertainment venues in the Thomas Drive area. However, this up-scaled gated neighborhood is secluded by plush natural landscaping indigenous to coastal Florida.
From Thomas Drive, turn onto North Lagoon towards Capt. Anderson's Restaurant, then turn left into the gated community of Martinique.
This home is located on a nicely landscaped large corner lot at 5301 Hopetown Lane.
This is a custom built new construction home by LEDMAN CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, INC. The two story home features 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The large family room with 10' ceilings opens to the gourmet kitchen featuring granite counter tops, all wood cabinets, pantry closet, and full Stainless steel appliances and a breakfast area. You will enjoy the formal dining room with decorative columns.
Flooring choices include Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, large ceramic tile in kitchen and baths, and the decor is completed with crown molding and custom built-ins. The master suite is fit for a king with direct access to a private covered balcony. The master bath features a garden tub, double vanity with granite counter tops and two large walk-in closets. Extra features include wired audio speakers in kitchen, family room, and screened porch. The home features Good Cents energy efficient construction, all electric, complete security system, and all rooms and kitchen are wired for high speed Internet service.
Imagine the hours of family fun you will enjoy in the in-ground pool by Cox Pools within an enclosed court yard featuring privacy wall and a brick paver pool deck surrounded by beautiful landscaping. This home has 2845 square feet and is priced at $589,000. Qualified 100% FINANCING is available as an incentive.
Come enjoy all the peace and tranquility that Martinique has to offer at Open House, Sunday, May 10, 2009.
This Martinique home is listed with Century 21 Ryan Realty, 8212 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida.
I am excited to be hosting OPEN HOUSE in MARTINIQUE during the annual Bay County HOMEBUILDERS PARADE OF HOMES. This week long event begins every Mother's Day in Bay County, FL, which basically includes Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, and surrounding areas.
MARTINIQUE is a unique gated community located between the bay and the beach on Panama City Beach. It's esquisite community features include this tropical swimming pool.
Other family centered amenities feature a PLAYGROUND, COMMUNITY PAVILLION where cookouts often take place for residents and guests, and peaceful LAKE offering a serene area for casual walks.
MARTINIQUE homes are carefully secluded just off Thomas Drive in one of the most beautiful areas of Panama City Beach. From the South Thomas Drive, turn onto North Lagoon Drive at CAPT ANDERSON'S RESTAURANT, then left into the gated community of MARTINIQUE.
Follow the Open House signs to the Builder's Home at 5301 HOPETOWN LANE where I will be from 3:00-6:00 pm.
JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
When you plan your vacation to Panama City Beach you must treat yourself to the wonderful seafood dinners that await your visit. You will love our warm Southern Hospitality, hot she-crab soup, fresh fish and shellfish, and homemade desserts.
Save a couple of nights to enjoy a nice dinner and local music and entertainment. And if you are bringing the little ones for vacation, you'll need to know which restaurants are 'kid friendly' and which ones cater to more adult tastes.
There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the area making it possible even for locals to try a new menu every week. For many families, going to the beach for summer vacation has become a way of life. We see church groups, civic clubs, business organizations, sororities and fraternities, as well as out-of-state families and international tourists returning year after year.
Here are some restaurants for you to enjoy!
Captain Anderson's Restaurant is #1 in my opinion when you want some fine seafood, excellent service, and pristine waterfront dining. Read my "local expert" feature article about this Panama City Beach tradition. Florida Classic and Open Hearth Seafood, Steaks, and Desserts. Excellent family friendly dining. 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, FL 32408, (850) 234-2225.
Kingfish Floribbean Cuisine & Sushi Bar
Kingfish is located at the Bay Point Marriott Resort on the Bay. Florida and Carribbean Cusine, Sushi, Steaks, Fish, Seafood, and Desserts. Family oriented restaurant style with excellent wait staff. 4200 Marriott Dr. 850-236-6075
30 Degree Blue
This upscale bar gets its name because it is located at 30 degrees north latitude overlooking the blue waters of the Bay Point marina and the Grand Lagoon on Panama City Beach, Florida. Beautiful views for adult tastes. Steaks, Seafood, Desserts, plus a full bar. 3900 Marriott Dr. 850-236-1115.
The Kingfish and 30 Degree Blue are both located at the Bay Point Marriott Resort and Golf Club.
Angelo's Steak Pit
Angelo's is also a tradition with families who vacation on Panama City Beach year after year. This western-style family restaurant is worth the wait if you like a big ole steak with all the trimmings. Bring the entire family. Steaks, Ribs, Seafood 9527 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32417, 850-234-2531
Bay Street Deli & Bagel Bakery
This little deli and bakery is a favorite with locals and winter visitors. The bakery part is really important because they do their own baking... breads, bagels, cream cheese danish, muffins, and desserts. They make home made soups, quiche, chicken and tuna salads daily. The "mile high" New York style Ziggy Reuben is fabulous! They open very early for breakfast and ONLY serve breakfast and lunch. 7806 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407, 850-233-1755
Bayou Bill's Crab House
Located on the West End of Panama City Beach behind the new Winn Dixie shopping center, this is one of the most family friendly casual dining restaurants on the beach. Wear your beach clothes, bring the kids, and prepare yourself to eat too much fresh steamed seafood. Buckets of crab legs, corn on the cobb, and boiled potatoes are waiting to be served. Hickory Smoked Ribs, Steaks, Fish & Seafood, Cajun Cuisine, and Desserts. Located at 23100 Front Beach Rd., 850-235-1010
Boar's Head Restaurant
The Boar's Head Restaurant is a casual fine dining dinner house featuring fresh Gulf seafood and the finest Steaks and Prime Rib on the west end of Panama City Beach. For more than 30 years, they've been serving Fried Lobster, available as an appetizer or entrée. The Venison and Quail dinner is equally popular year round. Live music is available in the tavern Wednesday - Saturday at 6:00 pm. Families are welcome. Steaks, Fish & Seafood, BBQ, Desserts, and Expresso Beverages. 17290 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32413, 850-234-6628
The Boatyard
This is a local's favorite inspired by the casual nature of coastal and island living with the rustic, open-air feel of the docks of Grand Lagoon,offering cuisine with the flavor of the islands. Great for large groups or families. The Boatyard is located on the docks of Grand Lagoon behind Capt. Anderson's restaurant. Dress is casual, and prices are reasonable. Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week all year ‘round. Reservations are not necessary and plenty of boat slips are available if you are coming by boat. Steaks, Fish, Seafood, Carribbean Cusine, Desserts, and full bar. 5323 N Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 850-249-9273
Breaker's Restaurant
This is one of the best GULF FRONT restaurants with an incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico from every table in the house. Their menu features local fresh seafood, angus steaks, and mouthwatering desserts. The new 40' bar is a major feature. They say they are the only gulf front restaurant that takes reservations. Call 850-234-6060. 12527 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
Calypso Beach Cafe
Located across the street from the new Calypso Condo Resort, Recipes from New Orleans and the Caribbean are featured on the delightful menu at this restaurant that is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers something for everyone such as outstanding appetizers, delicious steaks, made-from-scratch soups and salads, fresh from the Gulf seafood, and award-winning desserts. A daily happy hour is also available, as well as an entertainment schedule. Located at 15812 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413.
Captain Jack's Family Buffet
Panama City Beach's best seafood buffet is housed in an unusual building on Thomas Drive (next door to my office at Century 21 Ryan Realty). This buffet styled restaurant is hosted by renown local restauranteur, Jack Bishop, serving Panama City Beach since 1971. They serve three great buffets daily: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Crab legs are included with every dinner buffet. Adults Dinner Buffet is $23.95, Kids 3 & under EAT FREE! The breakfast buffet for Adults is $8.95, Kids 3 & under EAT FREE! 8208 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, Florida (850) 236-8555
Dusty's Oyster Bar and Dining
They're inexpensive and good! They have one of the best Grouper Baskets on the beach. Here's a quote from their website: "Home of warm beer, lousy food, ugly waitresses and Scotty'O, two time U. S. National Oyster Shucking Champion 1999-2000 & 2001-2002. Competing in Ireland for the world title as seen on Discovery Channel, Food Network and the Today Show. Try our world famous Fried Green Tomatoes. Happy Hour every day 2-6 $2.99 doz. raw oysters, $.75 draft. Come party with the crew and have an adventure on your vacation." Directions: HWY 79 to Front Beach, head East on Front Beach Rd located 1mile on you're left Rates: $8 daily Lunch and $12 daily Dinner.
The Treasure Ship
Three restaurants and a gift shop in one big ship. This tourist event is located at 3605 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, 850-234-8881 on Grand Lagoon.
Main Dining Room offers a panoramic view of Grand Lagoon. They serve a traditional Angus beef steak and fresh local seafood harvested from the Gulf of Mexico.
Hook's Grille & Grog is a colorful dockside restaurant on the lower level of The Treasure Ship. They serve a "Bountiful Caribbean" cuisine with live entertainment, and a menu with a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, entrées and desserts. Captain Crabby's Bar is the more casual of the three Treasure Ship restaurants which offers a choice of either indoor or spacious open deck dining with a beautiful panoramic view of Grand Lagoon.
Montego Bay Restaurant
Two locations on the beach, the same great menu. One is located at 4920 Thomas Dr. (Near St Andrews State Park), 850-234-8686; the other is located at 473 Bechrich Rd. (In Shoppes at Edgewater), 850-233-6033. Both serve a great menu of Steaks, Fish, Seafood, Carribbean & Cajun Cusine, and Salads.
Pineapple Willy's Restaurant
This is a fun place to be when you are serious about being ON the beach. There is an inside restaurant, a beachfront pier bar, and a sports bar with a whole lot of TVs. Pineapple Willy's claims to be the original home of the famous Jack Daniel's BBQ Ribs. They are located directly on the beach at the original Panama City beach "Pier 99" built in 1935. Willy's also features a sports bar inside on big TVs and projector screens. They have something for everyone including seafood, prime rib, salads, sandwiches, and a kids menu. Located at 9875 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32417, 850-235-1225
Saltwater Grill
This "dinner only" restaurant is truly unique in that it offers a panoramic view of a seven foot high, 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. Both the Café Dining Room and Mermaid Room Piano Bar offer dazzling views of this tropical reef and its nonstop parade of exotic sea creatures. It's located on Middle Beach Road, also known as Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL.
Schooner's Last Local Beach Club
Schooners, the Last Local Beach Club, is open 7 days a week from 11 in the morning till the wee hours of the night. You can enjoy a delicious lunch on the beachfront deck - awesome any time of the year. Dinner is accompanied by some terrific bands on stage in front of a great dance floor. You must experience at least one amazing sunset at Schooners! Every day at sunset, they fire off the cannon... right on the beach facing the Gulf of Mexico! 5121 Gulf Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408, 850-235-3555
The Spicy Noodle Restaurant
Spicy Noodle serves Italian "Comfort Food with Attitude" and they are renowned for homemade bread, made from scratch daily and served with a signature olive oil dipping sauce. They are a "Kid Friendly" restaurant, with a separate menu for children 10 and under. Open daily 11 AM-9:30 PM. Located on the West End of the Beach on Hwy. 98, just west of Carillon Beach and the Phillips Inlet Bridge. 13667 Back Beach Rd. 850-231-0955
Pier Park
The newest mega attraction on Panama City Beach is Pier Park, a retail shopping extravaganza with some great places to eat! Beginning with a steaming cup of coffee at Starbucks for breakfast, followed by juicy burgers and fries at 5 Guys Famous Burgers and Fries and ice cream at TheMarble Slab Creamery, then on to a casual dinner at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - this place has it all located at the Panama City Beach Pier between Front Beach Road and Panama City Parkway (Hwy 98).
Smokin' Butts BBQ
If you're driving down Hwy 79 South from Enterprise, Alabama, you'll come right through the little town of Vernon, FL. If you're starving and can't wait til you get to the beach for lunch, stop for a pork BBQ sandwich and a glass of sweet tea!
You can't miss their signs right on Hwy 79!
THIS IS WHY YOU LOVE TO COME TO PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA!!
JAN EVETT, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CENTURY 21 RYAN REALTY, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
Wondering what's going on at the beach? What is the local real estate market doing in Bay County, Panama City/Beaches? Wondering where to get the best seafood dinner? Wondering where the great buys are in real estate?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.