The Property Shoppe Blog

Just Listed - 133 Columbus St. Sun Prairie, WI 53590 3Bed/2Bath $171,000

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:43:21 -0500

Just Listed - 5811 Taft Street, Middleton WI 53562

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:18:55 -0500

For more information regarding this listing, visit my website at http://www.YourPropertyShoppe.com

Midwest Home Sales UP

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:32:09 -0500

For the first time in five years, existing-home sales have increased for four months in a row, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 7.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million units in July from a level of 4.89 million in June. Sales are 5.0 percent above the 4.99 million-unit pace in July 2008. The last time sales rose for four consecutive months was in June 2004, and the last time sales were higher than a year earlier was November 2005.

Largest Gain in a Decade

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said he is encouraged. “The housing market has decisively turned for the better. A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales,” he said.

The monthly sales gain was the largest on record for the total existing-home sales series dating back to 1999.

“Because price-to-income ratios have fallen below historical trends, there are more all-cash offers. In some recovering markets like San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Orlando, the demand for foreclosed and lower-priced homes has spiked, and a lack of inventory is becoming a common complaint,” Yun said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 5.22 percent in July from 5.42 percent in June. The rate was 6.43 percent in July 2008.

"First-Time Buyer Tax Credit is Working"

An NAR practitioner survey showed first-time buyers purchased 30 percent of homes in July, and that distressed homes accounted for 31 percent of transactions. NAR President Charles McMillan said the first-time buyer tax credit is working. “In addition to first-time buyers, we’re also seeing increased activity by repeat buyers. While many entry-level buyers are focused on the discounted prices of distressed homes, they’re also freeing some existing owners to sell and make a move,” he said.

“Realtors are the best resource for consumers in these changing market conditions because the transaction process has become more complex. Since it’s now taking longer to complete a home sale, first-time buyers who want to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit should try to make contract offers by the end of September,” McMillan said. “Otherwise, they may miss the November 30 closing deadline.”

Inventory Up, Prices Down

Total housing inventory at the end of July rose 7.3 percent to 4.09 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.4-month supply at the current sales pace, which was unchanged from June because of the strong sales gain. Raw inventory totals are 10.6 percent lower than a year ago when the number of unsold homes was at a record.

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $178,400 in July, which is 15.1 percent lower than July 2008. Distressed properties continue to weigh down the median price because they typically sell for 15 to 20 percent less than traditional homes.

Single-Family Homes and Condos

Single-family home sales increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in July from a pace of 4.33 million in June, and are 5.0 percent higher than the 4.39 million-unit level in July 2008. The median existing single-family home price was $178,300 in July, which is 14.6 percent below a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 12.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 630,000 units in July from 560,000 in June, and are 5.9 percent above the 595,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $178,800 in July, down 18.9 percent from July 2008.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest jumped 10.9 percent in July to a level of 1.22 million and are 8.0 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $157,200, which is 5.9 percent less than July 2008.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, contact me at 608-469-5199 or visit my website at www.YourPropertyShoppe.com and see how we can assist you.

Keller Williams Ranks # 1

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:55:04 -0500

Keller Williams ranked first among home buyers in the annual J.D Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller study.

The study measures customer satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies. The most significant factor is the buyer/seller experience with the practitioner. Other factors include overall experience with the office and satisfaction with special services offered, like referrals to inspectors and lawyers. Home sellers also rate marketing.

The 2009 Home Buyer/Seller Study includes more than 3,100 evaluations from 2,801 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2007 and June 2008.

Among the related findings:

Home sellers report that, on average, 3.2 open houses were conducted for their property in 2009, compared with 4.5 in 2008.
Approximately 64 percent of home sellers used a Web site listing to market their home in 2009, up from 61 percent in 2008.

Here are the home buyer rankings on a 1,000-point scale. (The home buyer average score was 791.)

Keller Williams, 806
Coldwell Banker, 801
RE/MAX, 798
Century 21, 795
Prudential, 781
ERA, 744
GMAC, 731

Here are the home seller rankings on a 1,000-point scale. (The home seller average score was 786.)

Coldwell Banker, 815
Keller Williams, 801
RE/MAX, 784
Century 21, 770
Prudential, 753

(NOTE: ERA and GMAC were included in the study but not ranked due to a small sample size.)

Source: J.D. Power and Associates (07/30/2009)

Tips To Improve Curb Appeal And Get It Sold!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:48:04 -0500

Curb appeal can often make or break a sale in todays real estate market. Here are some low cost tips that sellers can increase their curb appeal and get more buyers to look at the home.

Clean everything: Clean up planting beds by weeding and pruning shrubs, and add fresh mulch. Power spray the outside of the house and remove all of the dirt and spider webs. Keep the porch and walkways clean of debris and update the old door mat with a fresh new one.
Invest in pots. A couple of attractive ceramic pots filled with attractive plants can really make an enterance look classier.
Accent lighting: Install landscaping lighting leading to the front door. Replace old out to date lighting with more up to date styling. Replace any burnt out light bulbs with new energy efficient ones.
Replace the mailbox with a newer one and put some nice plants at it's base to dress it up.

Wisconsin Foreclosure Assistance Information

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:45:28 -0500

The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) has officially kicked off an online public education project aimed at keeping people in their homes. Dubbed the Wisconsin Foreclosure Assistance Resource Center, the Web site at www.wisconsinforeclosurekit.org breaks down the foreclosure timeline, provides a glossary of terms and lists answers to frequently asked questions about the foreclosure process. In addition, it includes steps homeowners can take to avoid foreclosure, such as loan modification and quick sales. E. Joe Murray, WRA's director of political and government affairs, reports that the association designed the Web site to be "a comprehensive tool that people could use no matter what stage [of foreclosure] they were in." The site has three main sections, covering everything from survival tips to prevention tips to general information. Each of the three sections includes video clips with experts from such groups as the WRA, the Wisconsin Bankers Association and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Association. WRA President Bill Malkasian concludes, "The purpose of the online resource is to provide a ready source of credible help that takes emotions out of the equation and replaces fear with a clear course of action."

7 Reasons For Buying Real Estate in 2009

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:40:43 -0500

First-time buyers tax credit ($8000 or up to 10% of the cost of the purchase)
Mortgage rates remain near historical low
Best affordability and prices since 2003-2004
Better choice of inventory - distressed, resale, new
Motivated sellers may be more willing to give concessions
Federal, state, and local grant or assistance programs
Low down-payment programs - FHA, VA, Rural Development

If you are considering making your first home purchase, remember the tax credit expires at midnight on November 30th. That means you have to have found, purchased and closed on your new home prior to November 30, 2009 to be eligable for the tax credit.

If you are looking for a team of professionals to assist you in finding your new dream home. Contact us today at 608-469-5199 to learn how we can help.

Median Home Price and Sales Are Up! See What You Can Do To Get Your Home Sold!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:35:08 -0500

If you are having difficulty selling your home, or are considering selling in the future....

Call us today to learn more about what our team of professionals will do to...GET YOUR HOME SOLD.

$8000 Home Buying Tax Credit....Do You Qualify?

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:57:48 -0500

If you are a first time home buyer or a buyer that hasn’t owned a property in the last 3 years, you may qualify for a TAX CREDIT of up to $8,000 on your 2009 home purchase. To get the facts about the tax credit follow this link .

I look forward to helping you reach your DREAMS...One House At A Time. Call me today at 608-469-5199 to schedule an appoiment and get your FREE copy of "Your First Home: The Proven Path to Home Ownership".

There Is A Rumor Going Around...Have You Heard?

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:22:14 -0600

Everyone is talking about the low interest rates… And the big question everyone asks…is it time to refinance your loan? That’s a tricky questions with a two part answer.

It depends….

There are two factors to consider. #1 - What is the total cost to refinance and #2 - How long do you plan to keep the loan?

Closing costs can vary from lender to lender. Some of the closing costs are discount points, title insurance, survey, appraisals, credit reports, etc….To know if it’s time to refinance, weigh the difference between the money saved per month compared to the costs of obtaining the loan. If it costs $3000 dollars to save $100 per month, it will take 30 months to recoup that money. If you plan on selling your home, within that time period, it wouldn’t be worth refinancing.

Shop Around For the “Blue Light Special”

You can do some shopping from lender to lender. Start with your current mortgage holder, they may cut some of the closing costs since they already have the original mortgage. Call around and ask for some quotes to refinance with no points, no origination fees, and no transaction costs. Make sure you compare the entire cost to get a loan and not just interest rates. Ask about the 10, 15, and 25 year loans, they may suit your needs better!

I have several morgage companies who are competitivie and can offer low rates. They will also be able to advise you if it is feasible to refinance. Just give me a call and I can pass along their names and numbers.

This Is Your Opportunity To Live In Your Dream House!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:16:27 -0600

Remember when you bought your current home, you really wanted to buy your DREAM home, but at that time it was out of your reach. With home prices down and interest rates at a 40 year low, THIS may be the time that your dream home is within reach.

The money you may “lose” on the sale of your current home can be more than made up on the ownership of your dream home.

If you have been thinking of selling or buying real estate in today’s market but just haven’t made the decision to jump at the opportunity yet, let’s sit down and look at your options before this opportunity passes you buy for good! This just may be opportunity you have been waiting for.

Contact me to find out more about the real estate market in your community and what the current market value of your home is in today’s real estate market.

Tips For Buying Foreclosure Properties

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:24:43 -0500

Foreclosed houses are everywhere you turn in this market. But while their sticker prices are low, buying one can be a risky endeavor. This is mainly because you won't have the same protections as you would for a conventional house.

From Consumer Reports magazine, here are four ways you can protect yourself if you're in the market for a foreclosed home:

1. Don't pay a fee for property listings. You can find free information on foreclosed homes in your area by checking with a local agent. Usually there will be someone who specializes in foreclosed properties at the broker's office. This person is a great free resource.

2. Invest in a home inspection. This is always a good idea whenever you buy a house, but for a foreclosed property it is especially the case. The property may have been vandalized. Fixtures and appliances may be missing. Also, with utilities shut off it will be impossible to test for the water pressure in the shower. Try to arrange for the utilities to be turned on before you buy. The inspection will cost between $250 and 400, but it will end up saving you if there is a problem with the home's structure or its systems.

3. Don't assume the sale is final. In some states, a homeowner may have up to 180 days after the foreclosure to pay any outstanding debts and reclaim the home even if it has been bought by someone else.

4. Buy some title insurance. The title insurance will protect you against any liens that you might not now about. It will also prevent a previous owner from making a successful claim on the house after you buy it.

Why Now Is A Great Time To Buy A Home!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:59:43 -0500

According today's Real Estate News, now is a particularly great time for first-time buyers, or buyers long out of the market, to jump in.

Here's just a couple of reasons why:

Prices are probably as low as they are going to go as the market stabalizes, thanks to the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get government help.
Minimum down payments required by FHA will raise on October 1, 2008 from 3 % to 3.5%. People scraping dollars together for a down payment should try to set their closing for the end of this month.
The tax credit will shave $7,500 off a first-time buyer's federal tax bill due April 15. Buyers who don't owe tax, will get the money as a refund. (The government's definition of a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years).

So, if you have been thinking about buying but just haven't made the committment to do it yet, NOW's the time to save money on down payment requirements and get substantial tax incentive that you can use for anything you would like.

Small Projects - Big Savings!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:19:23 -0500

BIG SAVINGS SMALL PROJECTS THAT CAN LEAD TO BIG SAVINGS
_____________

Summer is a great time work on projects around the home that reduce your environmental impact. Even if you are not making big changes such as replacing old leaky windows or installing ceiling fans, there are still small things that can be done around the house to minimize energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint. Read on to learn more about how to make simple, sustainable adjustments to your home.

=>    Plug household appliances into a power strip that can be turned off at night, such as computers, printers,
            televisions and microwaves. Even when these items are not in use their "standby" consumption their energy usage can be equivalent
            to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.

=>   Use the dishwasher. Newer dishwashers typically use only 4 or 5 gallons of water, while washing a sink full of dishes by hand
           can require up to 15 gallons of water. Not only will you avoid wasting water, you’ll also save the energy your water heater would
            have used on those additional gallons.

=> Adjust your thermostat. A difference of just two degrees you could reduce your household’s carbon dioxide emission by
            2,000 pounds in addition to providing significant savings on your utilities bill. In the summer, keep your thermostat at 78 ° F/ 25 °C
            or higher.

=>    Keeping household appliances clean and up to date can significantly curb your household’s energy consumption.
            Schedule your heating and cooling system for a checkup every 2 years. Be sure to clean the filter or coils monthly on your air
            conditioner and refrigerator to ensure they are working efficiently.

=>    Prevent leaks. Insulating your water heater and weather-stripping or caulking around windows and doors in your house could
            save up to 420 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions a month.

=>    Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. CFLs use significantly less energy and can last up to ten times longer
            then standard incandescent bulbs. Replace five of the most-used lights in the house with CFLs and enjoy reductions in heat production,
            energy use, and electricity bills!

TEN FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MARKET

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:53:19 -0500

TEN FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MARKET, ACCORDING TO THE WRA.

THINK LOCALLY AND LONG TERM, AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

1. There is no such think as a national real estate market.	If you read the newspapers, you might get the idea that real estate markets are the same everywhere. If conditions are bad in San Diego or Detroit or Miami, they must be bad everywhere, right? WRONG! real estate markets are local; when you're looking to buy or sell, pay attention first to price trends, volume and inventory in your target market, rather than looking at your local market through the lens of National indicators.
2. Wisconsin home values are STABLE.	From January 2007 to December 2007, the average price of Wisconsin homes remained stable, with a 0.2 % improvement. Yes, there are pockets in Wisconsin where home prices have declined, but even in those areas, generally speaking, homes are still worth more than they were 3 years ago. Compared to the rest of the nation, Wisconsin continues to outperform the Midwest and ranks 29th in foreclosures at less than half of one percent. Nationally, over the past 30 years, home values have risen more than 6% annually. On average, home values nearly double every 10 years. For more details visit www.wra.org/housingfacts
3. A house is a place to make a home, not just a buck.	Most purchasers don't buy a house to flip it-they buy it to live in it. The value of strong communities, rooted families, civic pride, comfortable retirement, and a higher quality of life can't be expressed on a balance sheet.
4. Housing demand in Wisconsin is set to grow.	Estimates show that Wisconsin's population will increase by almost 190,000 from 2005 to 2010. These new Wisconsonites will need a place to live. For further details visit: www.doa.state.wi.us
5. There are hundreds of reputable lenders ready to do business.	Buyers with good credit and a realistic view of what they can afford should have an easier time obtaining mortgage approval. First-time home buyers can obtain a low cost loan and down payment assistants through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. For further details, visit: www.wheda.com
6. The future looks bright so talk to a Realtor.	2007 was a rough year for sales compared to recent boom years, but Wisconsin's housing future looks bright. Wisconsin citizens are optomistic, ranking their quality of life, neighborhoods, and their homes as excellent or good. That's good for the housing market in 2008. Our market is special. If you're even mildly interested in buying or selling, talk to me today at (608) 469-5199. For further details visit: www.wra.org/housingfuture2008.
7. Owning a home builds wealth in a way that renting can't.	According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renters net worth is $4,800, while the average home owners net worth is $171,000. Clearly it pays to own a home.
8. It's prime time for second homes.	60% of the average homeowners wealth comes from their home's equity. Savvy investors and prospective retirees know that real estate is important to their portfolios. About 1/3 of all Wisconsin home sales are second homes, or vacation properties and Wisconsin has plenty of inventory and desirable locations for those seeking them.
9. Using a Realtor is a smart financial decision.	Realtors are the experts at bringing buyers and sellers together. Compared to For Sale By Owners (FSBOs), you're not alone. Realtors have contacts to help speed up the transaction. You'll also get the latest market data on pricing your home and an expert on real estate forms to ensure your transaction runs smoothly. The advantage of developing and ongoing relationship with a professional - a Realtor- speaks for itself. For further details visit: www.wra.org/housingfacts
10. Now is a good time to buy.	The time is right to buy a home with low interest rates, good prices, and a wide selection. Don't judge the Wisconsin market through the lens of National indicators. Every market is different.

Remember:
According to the WRA, it's a mistake to look at the Wisconsin market under a microscope with national indicators. Housing in Wisconsin continues to be favorable in 2008 with low interest rates, good selection and stable prices. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates several times in recent months, making rates the lowest in years and Wisconsin homes are incredibly affordable for credit-worthy buyers. If you're a buyer, this market is for you. But ... If you need to sell first, be patient, and price your home correctly. Consult a REALTOR®. Competitive pricing is important. Experts agree, well-priced homes sell faster.

For more information on buying or selling real estate, visit my website at: www.buyorsellyourhometoday.com

Pre-qualification vs Pre-Approval Letter

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:44:34 -0500

Real Estate Corner...

•Q. We entered into a contract with someone who wanted to buy our home. The agent representing the buyer presented us with a "pre-qualification" letter from a lender. Today we discovered the buyer was rejected for financing. How can this happen?

•A. You allowed the term "pre-qualification" to lull you into a false sense of security. The loan amounts referenced in pre-qualification letters are conditional on verification of income, employment, funds on deposit, credit report, and more. A lender can issue a pre-qualification letter after just a simple 10-minute phone interview with a prospective purchaser.

As a seller, your best vehicle for peace of mind would be a pre-approval letter accompanying the offer to purchase. A pre-approval letter is a firm commitment to lend money and is issued only after verification of the crucial financial items mentioned above.

Summer Home Safety Tips

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:36:47 -0500

summer homesafety tips
Summer Home Security Tips

Of the over two million home break-ins every year (one every 15 seconds) most happen in July and August, when vacationing families leave their houses empty and vulnerable. Summer travel season has arrived, so before you hit the road, make sure to take simple steps to keep criminals out of your home.

No one wants to come home from a relaxing vacation to broken windows and stolen valuables, but in the rush to leave, people often forget to secure their houses. You can rest easy and enjoy your vacation with these smart, simple and affordable ways to keep your home safe.

* Make your home look lived in
Ask a friendly neighbor to make sure the lawn is mowed and keep an eye out for unusual activity around your house. Suspend newspaper and mail delivery or have someone collect them for you and make sure the trash cans are put out and brought in on time. The more lived-in your home appears to be, the less inviting it is to thieves.

* Leave a light on
Put a few lights and a radio on timers set to go on and off at random times during the day and evening. Leaving one light on the entire time you’re away is an obvious sign that no one is around to turn it off. Close most of your window shades, but keep a few open on upper floors for light to shine through and make it look like someone is home. Install motion detector lights by each entry to your home, including the garage. Thieves don’t want to be in the spotlight!

* Don’t invite a climber
Don’t leave toys or ladders around your yard, they can easily be used to stand on or climb up to break into your home. Likewise, prune back any tall trees with branches near upper windows.

* Lock it up
It sounds obvious, but lock the doors and windows – more than 50 percent of thieves burglarize homes by walking right in. Use deadbolt locks that can only be opened with a key and forget about hiding the key under a doormat. If you must keep a key nearby, purchase a steel lockbox with a combination that is specifically made to store keys.

* Sound the alarm
A survey by Temple University found that alarm systems, when used with other precautions, reduce the likelihood of burglary by more than 60 percent. InGrid Home Security is one of the first home security solutions that works wirelessly through a home’s broadband connection and is built with multiple system backups for added safety – that means there is no single point of vulnerability such as phone lines that can be cut. Wireless home security systems also allow for monitoring, arming and disarming from anywhere, via a Web site to let you double check on your home while away. InGrid offers around-the-clock professional monitoring and the money-saving option for homeowners to install the system themselves, allowing them to set up sensors wherever they would like, for both emergency and non-emergency alerts.

* Don’t squirrel valuables away
Thieves aren’t dumb, they know people like to stash their goods under the bed, between the pages of books and in the sock drawer. Store your valuables in a safe-deposit box at the bank or in a safe you can bolt to the floor.

Taking a few simple precautions before taking off for vacation can provide the peace of mind you need to relax during your time off and come back to home sweet, secure home.

For more information on InGrid home security solutions, visit www.InGridHome.com.

Five Simple Fire Safety Tips That Can Save Your Life!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:48:16 -0500

Five Simple Fire Safety TipsThat Can Save Your Life!

A house fire at any time can put you and your family's lives in great danger. Yet, fire experts say you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death by just following these five simple safety tips:

1.   Make sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you. Consider using oversized reflective or illuminated numbers at the curb, preferably next to your mailbox.

2.   Install smoke detectors in places where they will activate in time for you to save yourself and family. This is usually within a foot of the ceiling. Make sure you test them monthly by pressing the "test" button, and replace batteries at least once a year. Don't rely on the alarm to make an intermittent "beep" to change batteries.

3.   Create a fire escape plan with an emergency route for each family member's bedroom. If bedrooms are on the second floor, purchase a simple chain ladder for escape from windows. Arrange for a safe family meeting place outside the home in the event fire strikes. This way you can account for each family member instantly.

4.   Place an adequately sized fire extinguisher near the kitchen area of your home. Also, place one at the opposite end of the home. Most homes use undersized extinguishers. Even if a small fire breaks out, you will want all the suppression you can get.

5.   Remove all weeds, tree branches, leaves, and litter away from the perimeter of your home. Put a screen on your fireplace and keep it closed at all times. It's best to sleep with your bedroom door closed to give yourself more time to escape in case of a fire. And teach your children what to do if their clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

How do I respond to all of the great people who have left me comments?...HELP!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:22:41 -0500

In my previous post "Help I need more associates" Patty Ledford (below) wrote: Patty Ledford-Your N. Ga. Mountain Agent -The Ledford Team-Blue Ridge, Ga. (EXIT Realty Mountain Properties) "Pamelyn-looks like you have your answer, so I will just say welcome to Active Rain, but I will say, always comment back when you get a comment from someone. Have lots of fun!"

Now that I have completed my first post, and actually made it as a preferred "gold star" (wow!) and actually received comments, I agree I would love to respond to these individuals who took the time to provide valuable information to me.

When I follow the email link, it sends me to the bottom of the posting to add a comment. Is there were I should comment back to the group post? or is there a way to individually send comments back to each respondent?

Your assistance with this would be greatly appreciated, I certainly don't want to hurt anyone feelings by not responding.....if I only knew how!

Help, I need more Associates!

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:13:22 -0500

So being fairly new to blogging and active rain, I would like to know how you grow your associates? I also belong to wannanetwork.com and myspace.com and it is self explanatory on how you "invite friends" but I can not figure out how to request associates. I know many other AR members but am unsure what to do next. Please help me. Thanks

Also, I seem to be confused...is there a difference between Associates and Associations?

Help For Homeowners: Choosing a Handyman

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:37:18 -0500

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS: CHOOSING A HANDYMAN*

Whether it's a big project such as a bathroom remodel, something small like
putting up shelves, or repairs and routine maintenance, many homeowners turn
to handymen to get the job done. It used to be that everyone knew "a guy
down the street" who could do everything, but these days finding a
qualified, professional , and reliable handyman can be a real challenge.
Here are some tips for homeowners to ensure that they have the right person
for the job:

MAKE SURE THEY ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORK

Certain projects require specific skills that all handymen may not have.
Make sure that they have the qualifications and experience to do the job. In
addition, many states and provinces require persons performing certain work
to be licensed; electrical and plumbing often fall into this category.

ASK FOR REFERENCES

Request at least two local references from previous customers. The handyman
should be willing to do this without hesitation. Then, contact those
references! Ask about the quality of the work, timeliness, professionalism,
and how the handyman handled any changes that may have occurred during the
course of the project. Also ask how satisfied they were with the work
overall.

CHECK ON INSURANCE COVERAGE

Liability insurance is always a good idea. If the handyman or another worker
is injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for
medical costs. Ask for evidence of coverage before agreeing to any work.
Uninsured handymen often charge less for their services because they lack
the overhead expense of insurance, but using one could cost you in the long
run.

GET WRITTEN ESTIMATES AND A CONTRACT

Ideally, you should ask three handymen for written estimates for the work
you have in mind. Be sure that each estimate contains enough detail so that
you can make a comparison between them. For example, are the specified
materials of the same quality? Does the cost include cleanup and hauling
away any debris or old/broken items? Read all contracts carefully and be
sure to ask about anything that you are unsure of.

DETERMINE THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE BEFORE YOU SIGN

Beware if you are asked to pay for the entire job up front - this is not an
accepted business practice and could leave you open to fraud. Handymen will
often ask for 50% when the contract is signed, which will allow them to
purchase materials for the job and assure them that you are committed. Be
sure to request receipts for all payments.

If you are looking for a list of handymen for your next project, visit http://www.firstweber.com/concierge/
for a list in your area.

* source: www.handymanconnection.com <http://www.handymanconnection.com/>

Hello to my fellow Madison Realtors

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:58:14 -0500

I came across this group as I was searching to learn more about what active rain has to offer me. I am a realtor for First Weber and service the Dane County area. It is a pleasure to meet all of you, and I look forward to learning more about the group.

Hope you are all keeping dry and your listings continue to remain dry so we don't have to update all those condition reports. Have a great day.

Good News About Wisconsin Real Estate

Pamelyn Meller (The Property Shoppe) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:20:26 -0500

From the Wisconsin REALTORS Association on their new campaign to boost awareness of positives in the Wisconsin real estate market...

"The fact is today's real estate market, especially in Wisconsin, is full of great opportunities, if people take the time to look into it," said Mike Spranger, Chairman of the Board of the WRA. (and also a President at First Weber)

"There is no such thing as a single national real estate market, despite news reports that throw around lots of large, scary numbers and focus on the negative," said Bill Malkasian, President of the WRA. "But in Wisconsin, we have very favorable market fundamentals, especially in selection, price and interest rates."

"Our goal is to reveal the truth about how strong Wisconsin's real estate market really is and encourage consumers to take a closer look," Malkasian said. "We think they will like what they see."

The positive spin campaign has been running since February, mainly online at sites such as homes.com, hgtv.com, nytimes.com and more.

Have you seen any of these ads?

Are you thinking of buying a home and feel better when you hear positive news about home buying? Lots of reports do say the second half of 2008 (we are almost there!) will turn around, meaning prices and probably rates will start to rise. So think about it!

If you would like to know what your HOME is currently worth in the Wisconsin real estate market, visit my website at www.buyorsellyourhometoday.com and request your FREE "Home Value Analysis".