Ed Savard's Real Estate Blog

1429 Peachtree - Fairway Estates - Daytona Beach

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:37:42 -0500

ONCE IN A WHILE .....WE LIST A BARGAIN. This is it! This home has 1476 Sq. ft of living space, large lot, plus a solar heated screened pool for ONLY $125,000. This home is a handy man (or woman) special. Galley style kitchen with pass through window for poolside dining. Formal Dining room with patio doors to pool deck. Formal living room plus family room with fireplace. Split bedroom plan with Master bedroom at the north end of the home with another set of patio doors to pool deck. Walk in closet and vanity table and Master Bath with shower. Second bedroom and guest bath is located at the south end of the home. Large fenced in yard. This home is in need of extensive improvements. WANTED: CREATIVE BUYER, LET YOUR IMAGINATION run wild in restoring this home to the showplace it once was. See it not for what it is BUT what it could be!
PRICED AT $125,000

1400 Sunland - Daytona Beach - Florida Living at it's Best!!

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:33:02 -0500

This Home Offers Everything You Desire, Come and Enjoy Florida Living At It's Best! Over 1700 square feet of living space. Three bedrooms/2 bath home complete with very large covered patio (21x11) overlooking the pool area. Patio doors open from kitchen for those summer time pool parties. Very warm and cozy foyer greet your family and guests with the true friendly spirit of this home. Combination living/dining room with fireplace is great for entertaining in. Florida room features a second set of patio doors that open to the pool area. Kitchen with lots of counter space and cupboards, plus a breakfast bar and causal eating area with patio doors. Door off the kitchen to garage makes grocery days a breeze. Master bedroom is very spacious with twin mirrored lighted closets. Two additional bedrooms with the main bath with skylight for natural lighting. Oversized 2 car garage (24x18) with laundry area. Priced at $159,900

637 Northern - South Daytona, Florida

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:29:01 -0500

The 3 factors in real estate...price, condition and location!!! This home has PRICE! We won't kid you. This home is in need of extensive improvements such as roof, kitchen and bathrooms plus re-decorating. Lots of living space with family room with fireplace, formal living room, eat in kitchen and dining room. Large fenced in back yard and two-car garage. All this for less than $80,000. WANTED: CREATIVE BUYER, LET YOUR IMAGINATION run wild in restoring this home to what it once was. See it not for what is BUT what it could be!

Priced to SELL at $79,900

19 Emerald Circle - Ormond Beach -Intercoastal Riverfront Home

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:24:58 -0500

Savor the sun with this Intercoastal RIVERFRONT home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Spacious and open floor plan with river views from the family room, kitchen, dining room, the den and the Master Suite. The Master Suite and Master Bath, located at the south end of the home with patio doors to the Florida Room could be expanded. Spacious tiled foyer opens to formal living room and dining room. Large kitchen with eating area has an abundance of cupboard and counter space with a pass through window to the covered pool deck. Three bedrooms PLUS a den and a huge Florida room overlooking the river. At the north end of the home is a games room and full bath that could become a separate guest suite. Inside laundry and utility room with cupboard and counter space What's Sun Coast living without a party deck and pool and a beautiful back yard. Enjoy the morning sun or the moonrise over the water. But wait...there's MORE: Owner says that a ‘dock permit" is available. The triple car garage has pull down stairs to an abundance of accessible storage space over garage. There's a fenced compound next to the garage with a concrete pad for RV parking. Direct riverfront homes on large lots are still a "rare find". $1,100,000

1205 Mardrake - Daytona Beach - Great Family Home at a Great Bargain!

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:21 -0500

SMART sellers know that SMART buyers recognize a GREAT price and this is a GREAT price! Homes that are priced right sell fast, so don't be disappointed by a SOLD sign. Spacious tiled entrance greets guest PLUS a lighted walk in closet. Living room with vaulted ceilings with the dining area overlooking back yard. Split bedroom plan-South end of home has two bedrooms and main bathroom. At the north end of the home is the Master Suite with walk in closet and Master Bath with oversized shower. Galley style kitchen with eating area and patio doors to screened porch. Inside laundry and utility room. Single garage has been converted to additional living space that could be a family room or guest room or converted back to a garage. Large fenced in back yard with concrete slab for storage shed. A GREAT home at a GREAT price. C it B4 it's gone!!!

All this for only $125,000

Fairway Estates February Beautification Winners

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:36:59 -0600

Here are the winners for February 2008 for the Fairway Estates Beautification Awards. Congratulations to our winners this month. Thanks for making Fairway Estates a GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!!! Be sure to visit your FREE community website: www.MyFairwayEstatesNews.com where you can talk about it, find it, sell it, buy it, read about it and so much more!! Log on and see what is happening in your neighborhood.

1219 Golfview Stephen Lentz	1170 Suwanee Marian Davis
1405 Ruthbern Pearl Paisley	1236 Mardrake Roberto & Mirtha Castellano

January FUN FACTS, Brain Bats and Everyday Tips!!

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:40:13 -0600

This post is strickly just for fun, as we all need a little fun in our lives. So enjoy and tune in for next month's fun facts and brain bats! Thanks

FUN FACTS!!

Basketball is a famous American sport invented by a Canadian who was working at a YMCA in the U.S.

Apples are more effective at keeping people awake in the morning than caffeine.

Every year, kids in North America spend close to a half billion dollars on chewing gum.

A mule won't sink in quicksand but a donkey will.

Did you know that 40% of McDonald's profit come from the sales of Happy Meals

If you add up the numbers 1-100 consecutively (1+2+3+4+5 etc) the total is 5050.

What is a BrainBat? Simple say what you see!

This month's Brainbat:

What is represented by this BrainBat?

DEEF

Think about it, all you have to do is simply say what you see....

Scroll down for answer

EVERYDAY TIPS

Storing sharp knives in a drawer makes for less-cluttered counters and a safer kitchen. But with each pull of the drawer, sliding knives collide, dulling and damaging their finely honed edges. Artists' drawing-board liner (available at art-supply stores) has a slightly rubbery surface that keeps sharp implements stationary and wipes clean easily. Using a ruler and a utility knife, cut a piece of liner to fit the bottom of the drawer, and anchor it in place with double-sided tape

Save energy!
Turn off the lights when you leave the room or the house. Unplug your TV and stereo when you're not using them--these electronics actually "leak" electricity when they are turned off but still plugged in.

FEEDBACK

January Is...

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:45:15 -0600

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 21: To celebrate the birth of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Learn why many consider this a day on and not a day off at www.mlkday.gov.

National Compliment Day - January 23: How many people have you given a compliment to today? Use this day to get started with one compliment and go from there. Learn more at www.complimentday.com.

Home Office Safety and Security Week - January 13-19: Dedicated to ensuring that the more than 30 million American home offices are safeguarded and protected against break-ins, theft, workplace injury, computer virus and hacking, natural disaster and any other malady that can impact the home worker. Get safer by visiting www.chiefhomeofficer.com.

Cervical Cancer Screening Month: To inform women and their doctors about the causes of cervical cancer and the best ways to prevent or detect it. Learn more at www.thegcf.org.

National Get Organized Month: An opportunity to streamline your life, create more time, lower your stress, and increase your profit. For information, go to www.napo.net.

Year End Market Watch for Fairway Estates for 2007

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:10:52 -0600

Since moving to Fairway Estates, I've been involved in the sale of 171 homes. No one else comes close...NO ONE. I do not say this to "impress" you but rather to impress upon you the incredible success home sellers have experienced using the Ed Savard Home Selling System. It's a fact that the systems, secrets and knowledge I use not only sells more homes in Fairway Estates for MORE money $$$ but I also sell them in LESS time than any other agent!

What that means to you is that when you list your home with my Team it is far more likely to sell and far more likely to sell for more money and in a much much shorter time. We will continue with this difficult market for some time to come. This is another reason that if you are selling your Fairway Estates home, you need and agent that can get your home sold not merely put a sign on your lawn. That agent is me. Below is the Market Watch for the year end of 2007.

With 1528 sales of single family residential homes in the Greater Daytona Area (MLS sales as reported by the local real estate board Dec.31st, 2007, areas 11-48) compared to 1990 sales for 2006, there was a DECREASE of 23.32% in the number of homes sold. The average sale price decreased from $290,634 in 2006 to $277,153 in 2007. This represents an decrease of 4.64%. The average time to sell increased from 90 days in 2006 to 114 days in 2007.

20 homes sold in FAIRWAY ESTATES in 2007 compared to 18 in 2006. The average sales price for 2007 was $186,835 compared to $196,175 in 2006 or a decrease of 4.76%. The lowest selling price for 2007 was $155,000 and highest selling price was $210,000.
Of the 20 homes sold in Fairway Estates,11 were sold by Ed Savard (see enclosed bar chart). Homes listed by Ed Savard in Fairway Estates in 2007 sold for an average of 95.83% of the asking price in an average of just 29.6 days. Homes sold by other agents sold for an average of 92.45% of the asking price and took an average of 107.1 days to sell. In other words, homes listed with ED SAVARD SOLD for an average of 3.38% MORE than homes sold by other agents. On a $200,000 home that's $6,760 MORE than homes listed by other agents. Homes listed by other agents took more than three times as long to sell (if they sold at all) than homes listed by Ed Savard!
Does living in Fairway Estates and over 31 years of real estate experience contribute to the continued success Ed gets for his Fairway Estates home sellers and buyers, YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR and in all kinds of markets???...the answer is YES! Ed Savard and his family live at 700 Sunview Place (the bottom of Golfview). More and more people continue to discover that Fairway Estates homes sell and sell faster and for more money (in good and bad markets) when listed with:
Ed SAVARD and his TEAM.
Selling your Fairway Estates home, call Ed Savard for a "NO OBLIGATION, NO PRESSURE meeting... you'll be glad you did... IT'S GUARANTEED!
Visit www.EdSavard.com for all your Real Estate needs and don't forget to visit: www.MyFairwayEstatesNews.com, YOUR COMMUNITY WEBSITE, where you buy it, sell it, talk about it, discuss it and more all for FREE.

Fairway Estates Beautification Winners January 2008

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:20:17 -0600

Congratulations to the following Fairway Estates Residents. Here are January 2008 Beautification Winners
for Fairway Estates. Thanks to all of you for making our neighborhood a GREAT PLACE to live. If you would like to view all of the past winners click the link below. Also be sure to visit your FREE Community Website at:

www.MyFairwayEstatesNews.com, where you can TALK about it, SELL it, BUY it, DISCUSS it and
so much more!! Check out what is happening in your neighborhood. Do you have news to share, log on and
let your voice be heard. Best of all it is FREE!!!

January 2008
1432 Peachtree Gunter Ulbrich	712 Sunview Tanya Marie Carnley Royston
1301 Edgewater James Malis Click Here for Past Winners

Experienced or Novice

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:26:57 -0600

If you were going to court for a very important case, one that could have a serious impact on your future, would you want an inexperienced lawyer representing you? A lawyer without a track record and without any references? A lawyer without any trial experience? Of course not!

So, why then would you let one of your most valuable assets, your Fairway Estates home, be represented by an inexperienced or UN-qualified agent? Too often we see home sellers choose their agent based upon someone they know or someone who offers the lowest commission or quotes the highest price. Just as an experienced lawyer can change the outcome of a trial, so can an experienced real estate agent improve the outcome of your home sale. You would pay top dollar for the best lawyer so apply the same principle of compensation with one of ( if not the most) valuable assets....YOUR HOME. Don't abandon it to the lowest bidder.

An experienced agent can get MORE for your home than an inexperienced agent. Want Top Dollar for your home? Hire the agent based upon their experience and track record not solely on commission.

Call Ed Savard @ 386-334-2587
RE/MAX ALL PRO REALTY
"Your Home SOLD Or I Buy It For Cash"
( I have been involved in the sale of *165 homes in Fairway Estates...
NO ONE ELSE COMES CLOSE-NO ONE!)
(*As of June 30^th , 2007)

Fairway Estates Homeowners Association

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:26:07 -0600

The Fairway Estates Homeowners Association is an organization formed to create a fraternal spirit, enhance home ownership through civic pride and secure the benefits derived from a "good neighbor policy", to encourage ourselves and our community. Our sole purpose is to foste good neighbor citizenship and to protect the value of our property, to encourage the maintenance of homes in a neat and attractive conditioin. Voluntary memberships open to all owners of property within Fairway Estates sections 1 through 7 at a noninal cost. (Section 8 has it's own mandatory associaiton)

"A unified neighborhood is a strong and safe neighborhood"

Just a note to let you know what your dues go towards in Fairway Estates:

Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch
An organization fostering good neighborhood citizenship and protecting the value of our homes
Pay for the maintenanance of the three entrance islands (flowers, trimming, paint, sign, etc.)
Supporting quarterly meetings
Maintaining the flag and flagpole
Presenting a united voice to city hall
Quaterly newsletter
Paying for the lighting of the sign and flag
Supporting your sunshine committee (sends a flowering plant to the family of a deceased resident in Fairway Estates, whether a member or not)

These are a few of the things your homeowners association does with your dues, so be sure to support them!!

December 2007 - Beautification Winner in Fairway Estates

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:18:05 -0600

Beautification Awards for December 2007

Congrats to the winners for making Fairway Estates a GREAT Neighborhood
to live in. Be sure to check out all of the past winners also! Thanks to all of last years winners
and thank you to everyone for taking such good care of our lovely community.

TO VIEW PAST WINNERS CLICK HERE

December 2007
1332 Suwanee Christopher Callahan & Christine Wetherill	1424 Margina William & Catherine Miller
1316 Ruthbern Edgar & Constance Parks

Fairway Estates Homeowners Association Garage Sale

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:10:52 -0600

Fairway Estates Home Owners Association Garage Sale: A GREAT SUCCESS!!!!

Judging by all the traffic and people, our neighborhood garage sale was a BIG success. Hopefully, you sold stuff to get some extra cash for the holidays or you got some great purchases just in time for Christmas. A SPECIAL thanks to Sandy McDermont and Carla Quann for their help in organizing this event and thanks to all the Block Captains who delivered flyers door to door promoting the event

Watch for our next Association Meeting in January where we will be installing our NEW Board of Directors.

May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Ed & Pat Savard

Fairway Estates Market Watch 3rd Quater of 2007

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:05:34 -0600

At the time of preparing this report there were 2793 single family homes on the market in the Greater Daytona area (MLS listings as of Oct. 19th, 2007) compared to just 2452 as of October 1^st, 2006 (a 13.91% increase over 2006). Year to date there were 1193 sales of single family homes with an average sale price of $281,218. This compares to 1588 sales in the same period of 2006 with an average sale price of $292,347. This is a drop of 24.87% over 2006 in the number of single family homes sold with an decrease in the average sale price of 3.81%.

At the time of preparing this report there were 15 homes offered for sale through MLS in Fairway Estates compared to 17 on the market this time in 2006. At the end of the third quarter of 2007 there were 15 sales with an average sale price of $194,205 compared to 15 sales with an average selling price of $194,243 in 2006. The number of sales are identical with the average sales prices almost identical.

Homes listed by Ed Savard in Fairway Estates through MLS in the 1st three quarters of 2007 sold for an average of 97.50% of the asking price while homes listed by other Realtors sold for an average of 90.98% of the original asking price. The average selling time for homes listed by Ed Savard in Fairway Estates in the first three quarters of 2007 is just 64 days compared to 105 days for homes listed by other Realtors. In other words, homes sold by Ed Savard, sold for an average of 6.52% MORE than homes listed by other Realtors which took 64.06% LONGER TO SELL.
When homes in Fairway Estates are listed by otheragents they usually sell for LESS $$$ and take much much longer to sell (If they sell at all). So, when YOU want TOP DOLLAR for your Fairway Estates home and you want it sold, call ED SAVARD because he gets more money for his home sellers and he gets it in less time!
Visit Ed's web site www.EdSavard.com to see homes currently for sale in Fairway Estates and request a copy of his FREE Report entitled "The 7 Deadly Mistakes Most Home Sellers Make and How to Avoid Them!" or the FREE report "10 Questions to Ask A Realtor Before You Hire Them" The information is FREE!
With the changing market Ed is continually innovating new programs and systems to sell his clients homes fast and for top dollar and judging by the results...IT CONTINUES TO WORK, day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year! If you would like a FREE, quick computerized evaluation of your home, with no obligation, call Ed Savard at (386) 334-2587 or toll free @ 1-800-791-7108. He loves Fairway Estates so much, he lives here! (700 Sunview Place) if you want information, or know someone who wants information, on any of the homes currently available in Fairway Estates (or anywhere in the Greater Daytona area), just call Ed and he can provide it for you. After all, there's no better Realtor to call about Fairway Estates than the Realtor who lives in Fairway Estates and that's Ed Savard. Visit www.MyFairwayEstatesNews.com, your FREE community website

If you're looking for great gift ideas...

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:33:37 -0600

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. - Calvin Coolidge

THE GIFT OF LISTENING: But, you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listen.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION: Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER: Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE: It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT: A simple and sincere "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR: Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE: There are times when we want nothing more than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION: The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. It's not that hard to smile and say "Hello" or "Thank You."

This holiday season, may you give and receive these gifts and more.

Happy Holidays from The Ed Savard Team

Some Good News for The Daytona Beach Area

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:15:39 -0600

Just thought it would be nice to see some good news for the Daytona Beach area rather then all the dismal news the local papers keep sharing with everyone. They keep writing articles with titles like: "Home prices take record hit", "Housing market reverses", "Existing homes sales still lag", "Housing boom has foreclosure hangover", "Home sales, prices tank; sellers scared", "Home sales outlook falls again", "Builders facing bankruptcy" just to name a few.

Here is what we found while doing a littler research on single family home sales between the years 2002 and 2007.

GREATER DAYTONA BEACH
AREAS 11-49
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES SALES

YEAR #SALES AVG SALE PRICE %CHANGE DOLLAR AMT

2002 2715 $154,230

2003 3078 $174,640 13.23% $20,410

2004 3136 $212,014 21.40% $37,374

2005 3234 $273,498 29.00% $61,484

2006 1997 $290,484 6.21% $16,986

2007 1342 $276,541 -4.80% ($13,943)

This information goes from January 1, 2007 through about November 19, 2007 with still 6 weeks to go till the year end. AVERAGE SALE PRICES ARE UP FROM 2005 BY 1.11%

Yes sales are down from the year 2005 and as of November 2007 down from 2006 but the average sale price is holding its own so far this year. We believe this is a positive thing in this very negative market. With all the talk on the news, papers and magazines of falling prices it is nice to see that we haven't fallen below last years average sale price in this area.

Buying a Home In Today's Market - Why Homeownership is Still a Smart Decision

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:17:31 -0600

Although this is not my original words or thoughts this article bears republishing

You've heard news reports saying that the housing market is in turmoil, and that home prices are stalling, if not falling, in many areas. And it is tougher to get home financing. So does this mean it's game over - is it just too late to buy a house?

Well, before you write another rent check, or write off the opportunity to buy another property, consider the following seven things you need to know when it comes to homeownership.

HOMEOWNERSHIP IS A SOLID LONG-TERM INVESTMENT. In fact, it's probably the smartest investment you will ever make during your lifetime. That's because homeownership has proven to be a critical contributor of financial well-being for American families for decades. While residential real estate did especially well between 1998 and 2005, I'm not thinking of just that period. Instead, housing has been making consistently solid gains since at least the 1950's. It's simple - homeownership generates wealth, renting you home does not.
THE IRS GIVES BIG ADVANTAGES TO HOMEOWNER. The federal government provides tax breaks for homeowners - from allowing you to deduct your mortgage interest, mortgage insurance and property taxes to exempting capital gains taxes on your primary residence, within limits (be sure to check with a tax professional to see how these may apply to you). In some cases, you may find that your after tax mortgage payments is comparable to and perhaps lower than your current rent payment!
GENERALLY SPEAKING HOME VALUES AREA STILL RISING. During the past year home prices across the country rose 3.2%, according to government statistics. While that's the slowest rate of appreciation we've seen over the past ten years, the value of the typical home continues to increase. And history is on your side, especially if you remain in your home for at least a few years. Since 1975, and through recessions and expansions, the average annual appreciation rate for the typical home is 6.0%. And national home prices since 1975 have yet to record a decline for any one year period.
WHAT THE MARKET IS DOING NATIONALLY IS IRRELEVANT TO YOU. The media likes to refer to a "nationwide housing slump". But don't be misled. Real estate isn't national, its local! The only market you need to be concerned about is your local market. Some areas throughout the country are indeed struggling. On a state-by-state basis, five states recorded price declines of between 1.0% and 1.5% in the past year: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, California, Michigan and Nevada. But at the same time, four states posted increases in excess of 9%: Montana, Wyoming, Washington and Utah. When considering future home price appreciation in your area, ask yourself about prospects for local job growth. Is it anemic or healthy? And rely on your real estate agent, who can tell you a lot more than just listing prices. Ask about days on the market, the local housing inventory and selling prices to get a clear picture of your current local market. Don't let headlines in the media SCARE you AWAY!!
BUYING OPPORTUNITIES HAVE IMPROVED.In most of the country, the number of homes on the market has risen steadily, making this largely a buyer's market. Sellers are more willing to make concessions on price or even paying part of the closing costs. Mortgage rates remain low by historic standards,and while lending terms have become more stringent for those with less than perfect credit, borrowers with a good credit record probably won't notice much of a difference.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT TIMING THE MARKET. Ideally, you'd snap up a new home when the price is at its lowest, and see it start to appreciate right away. It's nice to dream, but do'nt let that keep you from getting into the market. If you're making a long term purchase - a property you expect to own for at least four years or so - you're usually better served just getting in.
SMART HOME FINANCING OPTIONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. There's a wide array of mortgage products out there, filling various needs for borrowers in certain situations. Be sure you understand what you're getting. Will the rate change? If so, now soon? How high could it go? Can you handle bigger monthly mortgage payments? Are you paying down the loan's outstanding balance? If you have the option of paying less than the monthly interest accrued, are you willing to add the unpaid interest to your loan's outstanding balance (known as negative amortization)?

These are just some of the questions you need to consider. The mortgage that's right for you depends on your situation and your preferences, and some financing options available to you may harm, not help, your financial security. That's why it's critical to work with a lender who takes the time to understand your financial circumstances and preferences and than ensures that you understand your choices.

Again, the main point is: Homeownership is the way American families move ahead financially, and waiting for the current concerns to fade away can cost you. Don't simply assume that this is a bad time to buy real estate. Go beyond the headlines, and make yours a well informed decision.

By David Bach

How To Carve the Perfect Pumpkin

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 08:31:34 -0500

Halloween's around the corner and it comes with one of the most popular October traditions: carving pumpkins and transforming them into spooky jack-o-lanterns. Whether you're a professional or a rookie, these tips can help you create that ideal Halloween decoration:

Select a pattern you'd like to carve. You can buy a patten book, many come with the carving tools. If this is your first time, select a pattern that's fairly simple. You can always get fancier with the second pumpkin.
Keep your selected pattern in mind when choosing the size of your pumpkin. Don't choose one with soft spots, browning spots or dents. Try to get one that stands up straight. Avoid small pumpkins because they're difficult to carve.
If you pumpkin pattern is a rectangular design, you can use an ordinary kitchen knife. Or purchase an inexpensive pumpkin carving kit sold during the Halloween season.
Begin cutting the lid at a slight angle. This keeps the lid from falling inside as it dries out and shrinks. Carve a hole in the lid for a chimney if you plan to use a candle. After finishing, clean out the pumpkin with a large metal spoon or the scraping tool supplied with the carving kit until the wall thickness stands one inch around.
Draw the pattern on paper and tape it to the pumpkin. Take a pointed object such as a pen, poker, or tip of a knife and poke holes along the lines of your pattern. Remove the paper.
To help support the pumpkin's wall structure, start cutting in the middle of the design and work your way out slowly and carefully, connecting the holes in short up-and-down strokes.
Carve out an area in the base of the pumpkin to insert a small candle. You might want to place some aluminum foil underneath the candle as added protection. An alternative is to use a small flashlight. Now your pumpkin has become a jack-o-lantern!
Don't leave lit jack-o-lanterns unattended or easily accessible to young children
During the day, it's important to leave the finished jack-o-lantern in a dry, shaded area. This helps prevent mold and decay.

AND MOST OF ALL ENJOY THIS FRIGHTFULLY SPECIAL HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY!!

Buyer's Don't Give up on a Home's Potential

Ed Savard (RE/MAX All Pro Realty) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:58:50 -0500

If you are shopping for a home and you are like many buyers that have in your mind a picture of their perfect home. It is important to try and look past certain things, for example, dark and dingy walls, poor decorating, a yard that needs work, etc. as you could miss an exceptional buy and a great home.

Some things you might want to consider when house hunting:

Flooring - carpet, tile, vinyl etc that is old, worn or outdated, remember that these can easily be replaced. If for example the carpet is not to your liking you could request a carpet allowance in your offer.
Walls - Don't like the color, wallpaper etc. Remember that you can paint or re-wallpaper for a reasonable cost. Try to picture the home with your decorating tastes, not the current sellers.
Landscaping - yard unkempt, dirt spots, weeds etc. Easily fixed for a reasonable cost to you and remember again you can add your personal touches to the landscaping.
Kitchen - If the current kitchen appears dated and you like the rest of the home, you can add fresh paint and possible new appliances to help make the kitchen more modern, if necessary new counter tops and cabinets if they fit into your budget. Just by adding fresh paint and your personal touches, which is not to costly you can liven up a dated kitchen.
Exterior - Some homes haven't got good curb appeal, remember you can change the appearance by painting the exterior and updating the landscaping etc. to suit your tastes.

You should get yourself pre-quailfied for a loan so you can make a decision on the maximum amount you can afford. This way you won't be looking at homes that are above your price range and you won't be disappointed.

Remember you are making an investment in your future when purchasing a home, keep in mind some things you feel you can not do without but remember your budget. Plus make sure you get a home inspection done on the home from a professional who can let you know of any possible major things your may have to deal with down the road. Also keep in mind that unless you are having the home built to your specifications there will always be some things you will not like and over time you can change these to your choices and make the home your ideal dream home.