"Living in the Real World" ~ Lola's Log

SHORT SALES Just Got Easier in CA--Why Not for the Rest of us?!?

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:01:50 -0500

For once I agree with something happening on the West Coast regarding Real Estate--they just passed SB 306, which requires lenders to respond (accept, reject, or deny) IN WRITING within 21 days to a short sale request (with full documentation, of course). That's not all, of course, there's also something about a 4 DAY response for offers submitted with HUDs (don't we ALWAYS do that?!), but the section is below--read it yourself! As in anything, the law is subject to interpretation, and my statements are my opinion only, I do not represent myself in any way to be an attorney, so consult your own.

Considering the number of short sales transactions I've been dealing with for OVER 6 MONTHS, this sort of legislation is long overdue, and Realtors in Florida need to be pressuring our fine Representatives to take similar action, don't you think?!?

Here's what the new CA law says (and GO ARNIE!):

Real property transactions.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SB 306, as amended, Calderon. Real property transactions.

(1) Existing law requires that, upon a breach of the obligation of

a mortgage or transfer of an interest in property, the trustee,

mortgagee, or beneficiary record a notice of default in the office of

the county recorder where the mortgaged or trust property is

situated and mail the notice of default to the mortgagor or trustor.

Existing law, until January 1, 2013, prohibits a mortgagee, trustee,

beneficiary, or authorized agent from filing a notice of default for

an additional 30 days on loans made between January 1, 2003, to

December 31, 2007, that secure residential real property, under

certain circumstances.

This bill would, until January 1, 2013, provide that these

provisions apply to mortgages and deeds of trust recorded between

January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2007, secured by owner-occupied

residential real property containing no more than 4 dwelling units.

The bill would also, among other things, revise the declaration that

is required to be filed in this connection with the notice of

default.

(2) Existing law states legislative findings and declarations with

regard to the duty loan servicers have to maximize net present value

under their pooling and servicing agreements, stating that their

duty is owed to all parties in a loan pool, not to any particular

parties, and that a servicer acts in the best interests of all

parties if it agrees to or implements a loan modification or workout

plan, as specified.

This bill would specify the application of these findings and

declarations to certain investors.

(3) Existing law requires a trustee or authorized agent, upon

posting a notice of sale, to post and mail a specified notice

addressed to residents of property subject to foreclosure upon

posting a notice of sale. Existing law requires a notice of sale

to be recorded in the county in which the property, or some part of

it, is situated at least 14 days prior to the date of sale.

This bill would specify how and when this notice is to be mailed.

This bill would extend the time during which the

notice of sale must be recorded from 14 to 20 days.

(4) Existing law requires a beneficiary on a deed of trust or a

mortgagee on a mortgage to prepare and deliver a beneficiary

statement or a pay-off demand statement within 21 days of receipt of

a written demand from specified entitled parties. Existing law

requires the written statement to include information reasonably

necessary to calculate the payoff amount on a per diem basis for the

period of time, not to exceed 30 days, during which the per diem

amount is not changed by the terms of the note.

This bill would revise the period of time during which the

information reasonably necessary to calculate the payoff amount may

be prepared.

The bill would also , until January 1,

2014, require a beneficiary to prepare and deliver

, within 21 days upon written demand,

of the receipt of a short-pay request, as defined, to prepare

and deliver a short-pay demand statement, which would be a

written statement, conditioned on the existence of a short-pay

agreement, that is prepared in response to a request from an entitled

person or authorized agent, setting forth an amount less than the

outstanding debt, together with any terms and conditions, under which

the beneficiary would execute and deliver a reconveyance of the deed

of trust securing the note that is the subject of the short-pay

demand statement. The bill would provide that the short-pay agreement

is an agreement in writing in which the beneficiary agrees to

release its lien on a property in return for payment of an amount

less than the secured obligation. The bill would permit a beneficiary

that elects not to proceed with the transaction that is the subject

of the demand short-pay request to

refuse to provide a short-pay demand statement, but would require

that he or she provide a written statement, indicating that the

beneficiary has elected not to proceed. The bill would provide that

if the terms and conditions of the short-pay agreement require

approval by the beneficiary of a closing statement prepared by an

escrowholder, approval or disapproval shall be provided not more than

4 days after receipt by the beneficiary of the closing statement, or

the closing statement shall be deemed approved, except as specified.

(5) The Escrow Law provides for licensing and regulation of escrow

agents, other than certain exempt persons, by the Commissioner of

Corporations. The law requires licensees to apply for membership in

the Escrow Agents' Fidelity Corporation, a nonprofit mutual benefit

corporation, which is established to indemnify its members against

loss of trust obligations. The law limits required membership in the

Escrow Agents' Fidelity Corporation who engage in certain kinds of

business. Existing law defines and regulates the activities of

exchange facilitators and excepts from the definition of exchange

facilitator escrow companies, under specified circumstances.

This bill would provide escrow transactions that involve money or

property held or deposited with a person acting as an

pursuant to specified actions of an exchange

facilitator regarding deposit of funds are not

transactions that require a licensee to have membership in the Escrow

Agents' Fidelity Corporation.

Who Knows How to Deal With Chase on a WaMu 2nd (Short Sale)? HELP!!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:09:31 -0500

Here's the background:

This is the FOURTH time I've sold this house--the first three times the 1st (Countrywide, now Bank of America) took so long to work it through their system I lost each buyer prior to closing. The current offer on the table, approved by BofA and Freddie Mac after 4 months, has now been bounced back by the collections agency initially hired by WaMu, now Chase.

What these really POLITE and INTELLIGENT (note the sarcasm) guys who work for Tate & Kirlin are telling me now is that, since it took so long to get an approval from BofA, the second is now under Chase, and they will take no less than $8,000, when they had agreed to $2000 under WaMu, and they want every penny they can get, out of my whopping 6% (1/2 on $49K=less than $1500).

The issue(s):

This is Freddie Mac, who will not negotiate below a 6% commission.
even if we agreed to lower our commission, it would go to the first, not the 2nd lien.
they will receive nothing if the 1st forecloses, which it will if this sale does not go through.

The only advice I have gotten, from anyone, is that I'll have to re-negotiate with these people, when there IS no negotiating with these people--I can't change anything on the already-approved contract with Freddie.

Anyone have any other ideas? I have advised my client to seek legal representation, since I am pretty sure the 2nd mortgage falls under predatory lending practices, but I really see nothing else I can do.

Thoughts? Comments? HELP?!?

"Green Genie" Debut(ted?) at Tarpon Talkers Toastmasters

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:16:17 -0500

Yes folks, that's right--Green Genie has made her official debut, at my Tarpon Talkers Toastmasters meeting last week--with great trepidation and even a few genuine chuckles, I have released my nom de plume (or is she a pseudonym...or just a stage name?) into the world!

I was actually quite surprised when the audience laughed at 'her' first couple of jokes--I've never tried any sort of "meaning to be" funny stuff in public. Now that I have, I do believe I'll do it again!

Green Genie was born to help me get the message out that it ain't so funny to be green--or maybe it is?

Three Easy Ways to Be Greener (according to Green Genie, of course):

Think Local: the more you buy close to home, the more you support your local economy AND save lots of energy in shipping.
Recycle: when we recycle our cans, glass, and plastic it;s much easier to be aware of what we are buying and how much of our "green energy" (aka dollars) goes to packaging, vs. the product itself!
Think BIG: When making larger purchases, such as automobiles or other transportation, as well as appliances and HOMES--look for energy-efficiency, such as higher mileage, or Energy Star ratings.

Green Genie has lots more suggestions on how YOU can increase the green inside your wallet as well as in your environment, so STAY TUNED for more posts from her!

NAR Call To Action - EXTEND THE $8000 TAX CREDIT!!!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:23:25 -0500

NAR issues Call to Action: Extend $8K credit

NAR Call to Action

WASHINGTON - Sept. 15, 2009 - The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) is calling upon its 1.2 million members to urge Congress to extend the successful homebuyer tax credit into next year.

Since the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit's inception, 1.2 million new buyers have entered the market. Of those new homebuyers, 350,000 would not have purchased a home if the tax credit had not been offered, according to NAR. The credit is due to expire Nov. 30, 2009.

"Now is the time for Congress to keep this recovery going by extending the tax credit through 2010 and making it available to more homebuyers," says NAR President Charles McMillan. "We have all seen how the credit has been a spur to bring homebuyers into the market, and have seen the beginnings of a real recovery in the housing market. Housing has always led this nation out of economic downturns and can do so again."

NAR has asked all Realtors to write their U.S. senators and representatives to tell them of their successes with the tax credit thus far - and to press Congress to extend and expand it.

"The credit needs to be available for an additional period of time in order to sustain the progress that's been made, so we can continue to see our markets fully recover," McMillan says. "Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand. The only way we can assure that the progress we've made can continue is to extend the credit and to do that now."

As the current deadline for the credit looms, potential homebuyers need to complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by Nov. 30. In today's market, NAR estimates that it generally takes between 45 and 60 days from contract to closing.

"That means potential homebuyers who qualify must act now, and so must Congress," McMillan says.

THIS IS IMPORTANT, REALTORS!!! We all need to be writing our congress people to get them to extend the tax credit--there are buyers out there, many of them still fence-sitting or stuck in short sales negotiation, but they MUST close by Nov. 30th or lose that shot at $8000.

If you have not done so already (and even if you have!) write, blog, talk to everyone and anyone about extending this credit!! Look at the statistics--nearly 35% of buyers this year would not have purchased if not for the tax credit--think of what the market would be right now without those buyers!

Short Sales......LEARN, KNOW AND GROW!!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:48:51 -0500

A WEALTH of knowledge here, whether you are an agent representing clients in short sale transactions, a buyer, or a seller in this minefield of a market! Well done, Bryant!

Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:

Hi folks. I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day. Today I want to talk about Short Sales. Big surprise right? More specifically I want to talk about the tools available to help you if you choose to handle Short Sales.

Whether you are on the listing side or the selling side you need to understand how Short Sales work. You need to have “insider“ information and support from your peers if you want to weed through the jungle that is Short Sales.

I’ve been debating with Richard Weisser on his recent post. His post and many of the comments are all about blaming the lenders for the difficulties in getting Short Sales approved and closed. I actually agree that the lenders are part of the problem BUT I would much rather put my efforts into trying to find a solution or a “work around” than waiting on the lenders to come up with a better system.

I need to find a “work around” because if I don’t.....my Sellers will be foreclosed on.

One of Richard’s complaints is that “A 5th grader knows how to write a checklist. You would think that a bank that was gifted 25 billion tax dollars could hire one to create simple directions for sellers”

Richard feels is it not our job as agents to put together short sale packages. After all “we are NOT loss mitigation negotiators by trade. Nor should we be. We are form fillers and order takers, and many agents are very good at that.”

Now folks I want to say.....I like Richard. We actually agree on most things and Richard is certainly an ethical and honest Broker. BUT, in my opinion, he is dead wrong in this case.

First....I completely disagree that we are “form fillers and order takers”. Personally I am far more than that. I found that statement very insulting.

And, as I have tried to explain over and over again, most of the big lenders DO have check lists and forms for us to use. They also have instructions for the sellers and their agents. All the agent has to do is ask. But of course.....the agent has to KNOW to ask first.

Anyway, I didn’t write this post to give Richard a hard time. I wrote it to share. To hopefully get you to understand that you do not have to go it alone. If you want to do Short Sales then LEARN the “work around”. Don’t wait on the lenders to change their process…..change yours. GROW as an agent.

Here are some freebies for you:

Are you working a Bank of America or old Country Wide Short Sale? Then click here and you will find everything you need to get the deal done. Including forms, check lists (directly from BofA) and insider information.

How about Wells Fargo?

Or Chase?

GMAC?

Fifth Third?

WaMu?

IndyMac?

Need help with tools to make your job easier?

Have specific questions on a file you are working?

Want to laugh about it all?

http://ShortSaleSuperStars.com is for agents helping agents. We LEARN, KNOW and GROW. We are not complaining…..we are conquering. And it’s FREE!!! Please join. We'd love to have you.

Wendy Rulnick and I have spent hours upon hours putting this site together. We did it to be of service. Eventually we will have groups set up for EVERY lender. The members of www.ShortSaleSuperStars.com have CLOSED 100s of Short Sales.

Did you know just faxing the LOA (letter of authorization) to the wrong number can delay your short sale by weeks?

Did you know not updating your seller’s financials every 90 days can cause the file to be closed?

We really do want to help. Let Wendy or I know if you have any questions. Together we CAN make a difference. What say you?

Available Short Sale Training:

The Negotiator Interview $27.00

www.ShortSaleSuperStars.com FREE

Short Sale Agent Training Webinars 8 Hours of training and materials for $197.00

Short Sale Listing/Submission Package $47.00 Click for details

Bryant Tutas
Broker/Owner
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
http://CentralFloridaShortSales.com

http://ShortSaleSuperStars.com

Are you a Florida REALTOR(R) looking for a change? Check it out.

CENTRAL FLORIDA REALTOR(r) OPPORTUNITIES

Copyright © 2009 http://www.brokerbryant.com/ | All Rights Reserved

September 11, 2001: The Day The World Stood Still by Feng Shui Long Island

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:21:29 -0500

This was so well-written and focused on one of the (rare) positives I had to re-blog!

Via Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City):

September 11^th 2001 -- The Day the World Stood Still

I don't revisit Ground Zero-It is too difficult for me and too sad. One devastating day that changed ourselves and our world forever.

Trinity Church seen in the Background

These pictures are from last year and show Downtown Manhattan and some photos of St. Paul's Church which is located on Broadway, directly across from Ground Zero. It is nothing short of a miracle that this church remains and is said to have been protected by a huge Sycamore tree that sheltered it from the falling debri.

It also survived the Great Fire of Downtown New York in 1776. It was the Church that George Washington prayed in on April 30, 1789 after his presidential inauguration and is the oldest operating church in Manhattan.

It became a refuge for those that stationed themselves at Ground Zero after the attack to help New Yorkers. It was a time that the Country pulled together in ways I have never seen.

Tomorrow, September 11, 2009, is a day filled with sorrow as we all remember. They will read the names of the over 3,000 people that perished in a makeshift memorial on the Sacred Ground where the Twin Towers stood.

Many of these gravesites are 200 years old.

The Makeshift Memorial. Some items have been saved and remain in the Church.

Bell of Hope.

Inside St. Paul's Church New York City.

Before you go to bed tonight, please pray for all of those who perished that day. Please pray for their families and loved ones left behind. Please pray for those that have passed and become ill from coming in to give their assistance at their own risk of life. And please pray for those still so traumatized by the attacks they have left New York City but have not been able to return to leading a normal life.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

The Feng Shui Voice

**Carole Provenzale has been a New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. On Site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City, Queens and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com

What's Quick About a Short Sale?

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:05:54 -0500

I guess we all know the answer to that one by now: Nothing! There's nothing "short" about a short sale--ask me, as a person of diminutive height, I can tell you that short sales are nothing about shortness! So, where from did this term derive, anyway?

Well, put simply, the real estate market is just like any other market--and selling short is market terminology. When you sell a stock short, you are actually purchasing under the assumption that the future price of the stock will fall. When you sell a property short, you are asking to purchase a property which has an existing lien currently worth more than the property in the current market.

A recent question on Trulia asked:

I am in the latter stages of a short sale. The listing has been as a 'active contingent short sale'. One day last week it disappeared from the website. The next day it was back on the web site, this time it was listed as 'pending'. What is the difference, why was it changed My agent tells me the listing agent told her the contract is on the supervisors desk at the bank with everything they need. That we just have to wait. It has been 3 1/2 months since we signed the contract. Also, this was listed as a "bank approved" short sale. If this is the case why the long wait. I know the story of short sales, this is our second attempt. The first time we heard something by now. Help!

The answer? Read it here

Beacon Wood Beauty - A Pool Home with Extras!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:11:56 -0500

Loretta J Buckner | Real World Properties, Inc. | 727-656-6206

8604 Lincolnshire Dr., Hudson, FL

Wonderful community of Beacon Woods, quiet, tree-lined streets and a lovely pool home just waiting for a new owner! Updates include wood, tile, and co

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $99,999

Year Built	1977
Sq Footage	1,744
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	None
Lot Size	5,100 sqft
HOA/Maint	$22 per month

DESCRIPTION

Wonderful community of Beacon Woods, quiet, tree-lined streets and a lovely pool home just waiting for a new owner! Updates include wood, tile, and cork flooring, solar-heated pool, and an additional bedroom/garage conversion, which adds 500 sq ft (to tax recorded 1244) heated/cooled.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard
- Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Business center	- Clubhouse	- Fitness center
- Swimming pool(s)	- Sauna/Spa	- Tennis court(s)
- Golf course	- Lake	- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Loretta J Buckner

Real World Properties, Inc.

727-656-6206

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 30, 2009, 8:03am PDT

Aniee, DON'T Get Your Gun!!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:31:35 -0500

I met Aniee last year--she called on one of my listings, looking for something she could purchase as a lease-option. I could tell right away she was a 'can-do' kind of a person, her enthusiasm and sparkle (yes, I said sparkle!) virtually crackles right through the phone when she's happy.

Today she's not so happy--after over a year of painstakingly cleaning up a few minor credit issues, paying some things down or off, applying for CDC down payment assistance and attending the classes, having several offers fall through becasue the houses would not pass FHA or CDC inspections, AND after waiting six months to get an answer on our last offer--a short sale...

after all that...

Now, her mortgage broker says the only way she can get a loan is by coming up with 3.5% down on the house--the requirement for any FHA loan, one which she was told would not be necessary with the down payment assistance she's getting from the City of Largo.

Aniee is a single mom, she's raising two kids by holding down two jobs while she also cares for her elderly father who was diagnosed with cancer this year--on top of everything else, she runs back and forth to his house to make sure he's eating, taking his meds, doing his laundry, and taking him for chemo treatments. One of the primary purposes of buying this house is to consolidate the two households so that she can better care for him without impacting her children.

I don't know about you, but to me Aniee is one person who deserves a little help, and deserves to own her own home. However, she has used all of her resources to pay down debts and no longer has the money available for the down payment she didn;t think she needed.

I'm not sure yet how this will turn out, but if there's anything I can figure out to help her with this, I will. Anybody else have any ideas?

Riverside Drive in Tarpon Springs - A Foreclosure to Remember...

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:51 -0500

Take a look at this beauty! Coveted Tarpon Springs waterfront neighborhood--walk to schools and Fred Howard Park (BEACH!), come see the REAL Florida: www.TarponSpringsTreasure.com

Loretta J Buckner | Real World Properties, Inc. | 727-656-6206

811 Riverside Dr., Tarpon Springs, FL

Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget! New Construction, never lived in--their loss is your gain! Master Suite (on entire 3rd floor) with wet bar and lux

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $480,000

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	3,556
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	3
Parking	4+ Car garage
Lot Size	9,768 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Never lived in--champagne taste on a beer budget! Four bedrooms, three baths over 3500 sq ft of living space in prestigious Tarpon Springs. Walking distance to schools, park, and bayou--only one mile from Fred Howard Park and the Gulf! The entire top floor is a Master Suite with its own balcony and wet bar. All granite kitchen & baths, hardwood floors.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

· Central A/C	· Central heat	· High/Vaulted ceiling
· Walk-in closet	· Hardwood floor	· Tile floor
· Family room	· Living room	· Bonus/Rec room
· Office/Den	· Dining room	· Breakfast nook
· Dishwasher	· Refrigerator	· Stove/Oven
· Microwave	· Granite countertop	· Stainless steel appliances
· Laundry area - inside	· Balcony, Deck, or Patio	· Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

· Tennis court(s)

· Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

· Room for a Pool

· Two schools within walking distance

· One mile from Fred Howard Park and the beach

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 4	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Loretta J Buckner

Real World Properties, Inc.

727-656-6206

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 27, 2009, 9:04am PDT

Earth Day 2009 is April 22 - 10 Things You Can Do to Help Your Environment

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:10:04 -0500

Some Just-REAL Common Sense Tips for GREEN Living

Via June Piper-Brandon, CRIS, ePro, Broker (Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.):

Check out your neighborhood and see what is going on to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2009. Here are 10 super easy things you can do to help your environment. Share this list with your clients and fellow realtors, there are lots of things here we can all do to help.

Decrease the margins on your standard print setup on your compuer. If you decrease your margins by just 1/2 inch you will use 5% less paper.

Exchange all your incandescent light bulbs for compact Fluorescent bulbs. The price of these has really come down over the last few years. They use 60% less energy and last longer. We changed as many bulbs as possible in our house a 2 years ago and only two bulbs have had to be replaced. Our electric bill also dropped by $50 the first month. Home Depot now has a package of four on sale (latest flyer in Maryland) for $5.98 which isn't that much more than regular incandescent bulbs. They come in different wattages and for those lamps with three settings too.

Change out your old thermostat for a programmable thermostat. During the day you can set your temperature higher (in summer) or lower (in winter) during the day when no one is home and similarly at night after people have gone to bed and will be under the blankets. We added this last year and further reduced our energy bill every month. These too have come way down in price, an affordable thermostat is now about $50 and you will recoup this the first month. Our local gas and electric supplier (BGE) has a special offer now with special pricing. This program is called the Peak Rewards program. It is a component of the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program, which allows customers to conserve energy, save money, and help the environment.

Stop buying bottled water. Buy a water bottle (or get one for free as a promotional) and fill it up with water yourself. If you are like me you are probably drinking 3 or 4 bottles of water a day. If you buy one, you're keeping 4 bottles a day out of the landfil. My office has a water cooler, DeerPark picks up the old bottle, recycles it and redelivers it to another office.

Replace your shower head with a low flow shower head with a turn off button. So, while you are lathering up the shampoo in the morning you have the water turned off. Turn it back on when you are all soaped up and save some water.

Check your car tires and make sure they are properly inflated. You could save up to 3% of your gas mileage by doing that.

Change your washer to warm or cold setting. Clothes will get clean in warm or cold just as well as they will in hot water and you are saving energy.

Run your dishwasher on the energy saving setting every time and be sure you run it only when it's full.

Most people have their hot water heater set on 140 degrees. It will be just as efficient if you turn it down to 120 degrees.

In the winter turn your thermostat down just two degrees and in the summer turn it up just two degrees and save on the energy you use to heat and cool your house. Last summer our air conditioner stopped working. We still haven't gotten it fixed. We installed ceiling fans and window fans in our house and really cut down on our energy costs.

These are just ten really easy things that anyone can use to save on your energy costs, save our planet and save towards buying a home!!

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home give me a call today and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market.

During 2009 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. This is a $350 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.

June Piper-Brandon, Broker - Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.

It's a FEEDING FRENZY--the Bottom Feeders are out--Are We At Bottom?!?

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:10:01 -0500

There has been so much activity lately of the 'shadier' sort here in Pinellas County, Florida--I thought it pertinent to mention yet again some of the scams which have surfaced, proving yet again that greed really brings out the worst in many.

From Trulia this morning:

Our house is getting ready to go into foreclosure, we've got an investment firm wanting to "buy it".

Distressed Homeowners: PLEASE don't sign over your deed to anyone--this does not release you from any obligation with your lender--all it does is remove your rights.

It is quite clear that we have reached the point, at least here in Pinellas County, where those great deals are getting harder to find--which is good news for those wishing to take advantage of the tax credit this year! For the distressed homeowner looking for options, however--BE WARY--the sharks are out and it's a FEEDING FRENZY...so get some good advice from a trusted source! Anyone out there offering these kind of 'deals' to people already out of options is not looking out for your best interests!

Consult a Professional!

FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

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Ready...Set...GO!! Pasco County Homebuyer Program is FUNDED--Get Yours Before it's GONE!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:29:31 -0500

Pasco County Homebuyers Rejoice! The long-awaited funding of the Pasco County Neighborhood Stabilization homebuyer assistance program has happened--so you'd better get in while the gettin's good! For those who are not yet in 'the know'--Pasco County received one of the largest endowments for community redevelopment and stabilization, due to the Gi-normous amount of foreclosures in the county in the past couple of years. These funds are already at work on a number of homes purchased by Pasco County as rehabbed and affordable homes, and now the program which allows buyers to access up to $20,000 in interest-free assistance is available as well.

Take note--this is a program for those wishing to purchase homes to live in, not as investment:

"Congress passed legislation in the summer of 2008 providing funds to local governments to help homebuyers purchase foreclosed and abandoned homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods across the country. Pasco County is using these funds to assist homebuyers with their downpayment, closing costs, and rehabilitation so they can get into a safe, decent and standard home. This is a program for homebuyers, not investors. We want more homeowners in Pasco County."

Some details of the program:

⌂ Maximum sales Price: $240,000

⌂ For Purchase of Foreclosed or Abandoned homes* only

⌂ Sales Price must be 85% of appraised value

⌂ Borrowers do not have to be 1^st time homebuyers**

⌂ Family Income limits apply

⌂ Essential Service workers can receive $10k more assistance

⌂ Low Income can receive up to 50% of sales price

⌂ Homebuyer must attend Homebuyer Ed class Prior to contract

⌂ Max County Loan cannot exceed 50% of appraised value

⌂ Minimum Investment*** from borrower $500 - $1,250

⌂ County Loan Interest Rate is 0%

⌂ Payments required are determined by Debt-to-Income Ratios

⌂ Recapture Affordability Provisions****

⌂ POP agencies buy foreclosed/abandoned homes, repair them and make them available for sale to low and moderate/middle income families

Email me at HelpSaveHomes@gmail.com for the full information on this program!

You MUST work with an approved Realtor and lender who have taken the program's classes as well--so if you are interested in this program, and you are not working with a Realtor or lender already:

FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
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ForeclosureBusPasco - A Recap of the Most Recent Rides in Pasco County, Florida

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:33:24 -0600

ForeclosureBusPasco Recaps the most recent rides:

foreclosurebuspasco: Beacon Woods in Bayonet Point - A Recap of Lovely Golf Community Posts - 03/07/09 10:28 AM
... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: A Bird's Eye View of Beacon Woods in Hudson or Bayonet Point Florida - 03/07/09 10:22 AM
Some more onsite video I've taken of the BEST DEALS to be found in Pasco County--highlighting Beacon Woods, which is a lovely, deed-restricted golf community in Bayonet Point (a section of Hudson), Florida.

If you or anyone you know is currently creeping into default, please call me, email, or check ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Foreclosures In Pasco County Florida - Some of the Best Deals Aren't! - 02/08/09 04:19 PM
Still attempting to dispel the myths and misinformation about foreclosure homes in Pasco and Pinellas County, our Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour continues, to several fine Pasco County neighborhoods where the deals are there for those who choose to L@@K!
On this stop, The Lakes in New Port Richey:

To ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: ForeclosureBusPasco Tours Some Great Pool Homes ON SALE NOW! - 02/02/09 12:12 PM
Still attempting to dispel the myths and misinformation about foreclosure homes in Pasco and Pinellas County, our Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour continues, to several fine Pasco County neighborhoods where the deals are there for those who choose to L@@K!
Today we are touring the Timber Oaks area near Jasmine Estates in ... (1 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Foreclosure Bus Tours Pasco County Pool Homes in Regency Park - 02/02/09 11:26 AM
Still attempting to dispel the myths and misinformation about foreclosure homes in Pasco and Pinellas County, our Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour continues, to several fine Pasco County neighborhoods where the deals are there for those who choose to L@@K!
Our first stop, Regency Park, and an El Dorado model pool home, ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: "Anything Selling in ALOHA GARDENS?" she asks... - 12/29/08 03:32 PM

A client/friend of mine just asked this today, with impeccable timing, since I just finished compiling foreclosure statistics for Pasco County, Florida, where she lives.
So let's take a look at Aloha Gardens--a lovely, waterfront community of moderately priced homes in Holiday, Florida. I know the area well, since my own ... (1 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Florida FORECLOSURE FORUM--What's Happening in Your County? - 12/29/08 01:48 PM
There has been SO much speculation regarding foreclosures and the market bubble bursting, etc., etc.--I want to know what's happening in YOUR area, because, as professional Realtors I don;t have to tell you (because you already know), that every market IS different, and what's happening a couple of counties away may ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: ForeclosureBus Tours More Pasco County Neighborhoods - 12/16/08 05:46 PM
Still attempting to dispel the myths and misinformation about foreclosure homes in Pasco and Pinellas County, our Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour continues, to several fine Pasco County neighborhoods where the deals are there for those who choose to L@@K!
Our first stop, LaVilla Gardens in New Port Richey:

Next, ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Beacon Square in Holiday Currently Has THIRTY Foreclosure Deals - 08/18/08 07:57 AM
Beacon Square, a popular neighborhood in Holiday, due to its proximity to the Gulf, affordability, and easy access to Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, is showing a turn in foreclosure sales. Since January of this year, 32 foreclosure homes have sold, and there are now only 30 on the market (I look ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Sea Pines Golf and Gulf Front Community ~ Conservation Lot - 07/28/08 07:00 PM
Sea Pines in Hudson, Florida - Great Gulf Access, Golf Course Community, Discount Pricing!
This is one GREAT home, and one really HUGE deal--for less than you can rent a lovely 2/2/2 home like this, you could be buying THIS one!

To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Westchase to Wesley Chapel - The Foreclosure Bus Covers Tampa Bay - 07/22/08 02:27 PM

WEE-OOH! The Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus had a great tour on Saturday--you shoulda been there! We saw some great homes, and there are plenty of really great deals out there, so make sure you make the NEXT bus!
Here's some examples of what you might see:

foreclosurebuspasco: The Foreclosure Bus Rides Again! Preview Some West Pasco Deals Here! - 07/22/08 02:13 PM
If it ain't fun, don't do it...so I'm trying to make this FUN--I hope you enjoy my quirky sense of humor and...ok, weirdness--it's just weirdness. Hop onboard the Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus and see what's out there in foreclosure homes!
Take a look, and if you see something you like, or ... (1 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Take A Peak Up Countrywide's Skirt...Yikes! Are Foreclosures Slowing Down? - 07/02/08 07:02 PM
Yes, it's true--The State of Florida has a lawsuit against the Nation's largest lender--Countrywide Mortgage, while Bank of America finishes it's acquisition of the troubled company. Our State's Attorney General says Countrywide HAD to know they were giving loans out like handing lollipops to diabetic babies. Big news, right?
Here's the ... (3 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Which Would YOU Rather--FIVE Years or ONE Year? - 06/24/08 03:41 PM
If you or anyone you know are considering "letting go" of your home to foreclosure--be sure you know ALL the facts first! The rules are changing, and have changed--used to be the difference between a Short Sale and a Foreclosure was about a hundred points on your credit, and a year ... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: The Foreclosure Virtual Bus Recap ~ Pasco County - 04/02/08 09:26 AM

... (0 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Distress Sale in New Port Richey - The Short Bus Stops Here - 03/31/08 02:57 PM
No, this is not an "anti-PC" post--the "Short Bus" in this case is my newest project--instead of playing on the foreclosure side of the fence, why not tackle the side on which we might actually make a difference and help someone? That, my dears, is called a "short sale"--when a homeowner ... (2 comments)

foreclosurebuspasco: Short Sale in Port Richey ~ The Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour Stops in Ridge Crest - 02/28/08 07:54 PM
Foreclosure and Short Sale Virtual Home Tour stops in Port Richey for one of the best deals around. This home in Ridge Crest is an incredible value, listed at only $120,000. Many homes in this area have sold for well over $170,000, so there is instant equity in this home! All ... (2 comments)

Beacon Woods in Bayonet Point - A Recap of Lovely Golf Community Posts

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:28:10 -0600

beacon woods: A Bird's Eye View of Beacon Woods in Hudson or Bayonet Point Florida - 03/07/09 10:22 AM
Some more onsite video I've taken of the BEST DEALS to be found in Pasco County--highlighting Beacon Woods, which is a lovely, deed-restricted golf community in Bayonet Point (a section of Hudson), Florida.

If you or anyone you know is currently creeping into default, please call me, email, or check ... (0 comments)

beacon woods: Great Neighborhood ~ Lovely Patio Home in Beacon Woods - 05/13/08 11:50 AM
It's all here - three bedrooms, two full baths and a split plan ideal for a guest room/mother-in-law/teenager situation. Plenty of room, with over 1400 square feet inside, two patios, and a spacious, open floor plan with cathedral ceilings--this is a must-see.
Beacon Woods is a wonderful, deed-restricted golf course community, ... (2 comments)

beacon woods: Beacon Woods Patio Home in Beautiful Bayonet Point, Florida - 10/14/07 04:22 PM
Truly a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Patio Home in Beacon Woods - close to shopping, hospitals, moments from the beach and marinas. Play golf, tennis, swim, get fit at the fitness center, or just enjoy a walk through the beautifully landscaped, tree-lined neighborhood.
Tour Beacon Woods, or take a look ... (2 comments)

beacon woods: Home Staging Project in Process: Beacon Woods Lovely Home - 10/04/07 03:24 PM
I realized that I posted this initially just to the "Stage it Forward" group, but I've had such a wonderful, helpful response I really want it here in my blog as well. Here's the inital post, and the first comments and suggestions I've gotten--once I've applied the suggestions I will post ... (4 comments)

beacon woods: Beacon Woods in Bayonet Point, Florida ~ Lovely Home in a Great Community! - 09/06/07 07:09 PM

Search More Listings in Beacon Woods and Hudson, Florida
Tour the Lovely Community of Beacon Woods, courtesy of Katrina Madewell.
Tampa Bay Real Estate - Suncoast Homes for Sale in St. Petersburg|Tampa|Clearwater|Palm Harbor|Trinity|Gulf Beaches|Safety Harbor|Crystal Beach|Ozona|Oldsmar. By Referral Only means telling someone you care for about someone you respect~ Please Don't keep Me ... (11 comments)

A Bird's Eye View of Beacon Woods in Hudson or Bayonet Point Florida

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:22:23 -0600

Some more onsite video I've taken of the BEST DEALS to be found in Pasco County--highlighting Beacon Woods, which is a lovely, deed-restricted golf community in Bayonet Point (a section of Hudson), Florida.

If you or anyone you know is currently creeping into default, please call me, email, or check back here--I'll be hosting a Distressed Property Help Seminar and special call-in lines to help answer your questions.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
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Pinellas County Distressed Properties - Do You Owe More On Your House Than It's Worth?

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:51:52 -0600

Continuing the process of learning as much as I possibly can about my local market and how best to help those caught in the pinch of the mortgage crisis and subsequent foreclosures resulting, I've been compiling statistics in an effort to hopefully sooth some fears.

Nationwide, the statistics of homeowners who are currently not making a mortgage payment is reported as one in ten--this means that if you walk outside your house, look up the street and down the street--there is at least one house in view where there is a homeowner who is struggling to make their next mortgage payment.

An even scarier statistic is that one in six homeowners are "upside-down", which means that they owe more on their home than it is currently worth in today's market.

One perspective I would like to mention, however, is that being upside down is only an issue if you actually HAVE to sell your house--for those who are not having difficulty making payments and plan to stay in their homes, well, no problem, right?

To me, the biggest shame is the number of homeowners who are in over their heads and are not getting the help they need to resolve the situation, or perhaps even worse--they know they are in trouble, and turn to the wrong kind of help.

I have a friend who came to me recently, asking for my help and advice because he was getting behind on his mortgage payments, and he really wanted to keep his house. I advised him to first speak with his lender, which did happen to be one I know to be offering good loan modification solutions.

He took my advice, and the lender offered a 2.25% fixed interest rate for two years, and then a fixed 5.5% for the remainder of the loan term.

"Great!" said I--having seen a number of 'workouts' which did not benefit the homeowner enough to get them out of trouble.

Not the end of the story, however--this same friend had also been approached by another type of bottom-feeder--a "private lender" who offered to purchase the house as a short sale from the bank, and allow the former owner to then re-purchase at a lower purchase price, for a fixed profit for the lender.

I asked every single professional that I know, and this scenario stunk more and more the longer it was exposed to the light of day. Can you say "fraud"?!

PLEASE

I'm begging--if you are falling behind on your mortgage payments--please, please consult with one or more certified distressed property agent, or an attorney, or a CPA--NOT your family attorney, NOT anyone else who is not familiar with the current real estate market--someone who is successfully negotiating these very tricky situations in the trenches right now.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

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www.BankOwnedHomes.com

Foreclosure Bus Blog--Cross Bayou is a Great Community With GREAT Deals!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:23:29 -0600

Still attempting to dispel the myths and misinformation about foreclosure homes in Pasco and Pinellas County, our Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour continues, to several fine Pasco County neighborhoods where the deals are there for those who choose to L@@K!

Our first stop, :

To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
www.BankOwnedHomes.com

Take a Look at This Honey in Tarpon Springs! See What You Can Now Get for Under $140K?

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:12:49 -0600

Wow--this is a phenomenal deal--fifteen other homes for sale in this neighborhood, which is a really good one in Tarpon Springs--and this one is priced near the bottom of the list...and it's been COMPLETELY UPDATED!!

This is NOT a foreclosure, this is NOT a short sale--this is just one GREAT value--so come and take a look!

To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
www.BankOwnedHomes.com

News to Take to the Bank--Florida Home Sales UP, and Pinellas County as Well!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:40:11 -0600

I was checking out some statistics myself this week, after noting that median price sales for
December, thus for the entire last quarter of 2008, were up from the year-to-date average, unlike the prior year, which was still on the decline.

Does this mean an end in sight to the real estate downturn? Maybe so--optimists like myself think so!

Here's what FAR has to say:

ORLANDO, Fla. - Feb. 12, 2009 - Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 13 percent in fourth quarter 2008 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the latest housing statistics from the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). A total of 30,163 existing homes sold statewide in 4Q 2008; during the same period the year before, a total of 26,635 existing homes sold statewide. It marks the second consecutive quarter that Florida has reported higher existing home sales; sales activity rose 5 percent in 3Q 2008 compared to the same period the previous year, according to FAR.

I must mention, I had gotten myself into such a snit over the whole media bruha again, while compiling statistics for a speech I gave last night--some of the REALITY which was revealed is that, yes indeed, those market-callers who say that Real Estate has traditionally maintained a 5-year cycle were correct, at least, in Pinellas County--take a look at the pretty chart I made which actually shows the real estate 'bubble', and where we are now--right back to where we were some 5 years ago:

I won;t go into any long-winded explanation of how I arrived at the numbers here--let us suffice to say I melded sales statistics into an apples-to-apples comparison for charting purposes. Oh, yes--numbers can be FUN when there are charts to be made!

Here's another, which targets the exact month and year that the bubble stretched to the breaking point:

Cool, huh? Please note--we are NO DIFFERENT in terms of real estate sales RIGHT NOW than we were in...oh, say--2004?

Food for thought...

Foreclosures In Pasco County Florida - Some of the Best Deals Aren't!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:19:44 -0600

On this stop, The Lakes in New Port Richey:

To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
www.BankOwnedHomes.com

ForeclosureBusPasco Tours Some Great Pool Homes ON SALE NOW!

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:12:52 -0600

Today we are touring the Timber Oaks area near Jasmine Estates in Northern Pasco County--where several very nice golf communities merge: Timber Oaks, Bear Creek and Driftwood Village, where this home is scheduled for auction, current price is under $80K:

To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
www.BankOwnedHomes.com

Foreclosure Bus Tours Pasco County Pool Homes in Regency Park

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:26:39 -0600

Our first stop, Regency Park, and an El Dorado model pool home, currently listed under $80K:

To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE:

EASY ONLINE FORM

Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website

Facing Foreclosure?
GET GOOD ADVICE
FREE INFORMATION

www.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com

> Search Pinellas Homes FREE

How To Buy
3, 4 or 5 Bedroom
BANK OWNED HOMES

Click Below
www.BankOwnedHomes.com

"Yes, We Can" - Changes are Coming - "Make it Right (ECO Green) for All!"

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:59:52 -0600

An amazing call to action here, for Realtors all over the U.S.--just think, for less than ten dollars we could be responsible for helping Brad Pitt finish his Pinkness!

Via Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor, MAS, ePRO. (Frank Howard Allen Realtors (#1 Marin Real Estate Company)):

NEW ORLEANS, LA

It is now 3 and 1/2 years since Katrina's 2nd landfall on August 29th, 2005 in Southeast Louisiana. With the unprecedented economic downturn and the excitement of a new President and the New HOPE promised by President Obama, Katrina seems to be a distant past, a fading memory, something to be put on the back burner and forgotten.

Why should it still matter? - New Orleans had come back to life, Mardi Gras celebration goes on ... But how can we forget the devastation and extreme destruction since Katrina slammed into New Orleans and the continued struggle 9th Ward people have while hoping to rebuild their homes and start a new life?

By August 31, 2005, eight percent of New Orleans was flooded; with some parts under 15 feet of water, thousands of buildings destroyed and the official death toll, according to the Louisiana Department of Health, was 1,464.

Seeing the great loss, actor Brad Pitt formed the "Make It Right"foundation a year ago and presented lot owners in Lower 9th Ward with designs by 13 architects; basically allowing the homeowners to pick a design for their homes to be rebuilt by the foundation.

December 11, 2008, the "Make It Right" Foundation celebrates the completion of first six homes. These are not only a fresh start for homeowners but also become blueprints for LEED Platinum Certified, affordable, storm-resistant, and Green/ECO sustainable housing designs.

The homes are built with sustainable wood cabinetry, non-toxic paints, and Energy Star appliances; as well as Green features that take these houses to the next level include insulation that makes them five times more air-tight than typical homes, photovoltaic systems, and groundwater heat pumps for both heating and cooling. Looking ahead, separate plumbing lines were installed so owners can utilize their rain harvest systems if a current shttp://www.usgbc.org/displaypage.aspx?CMsPageID=222tate law banning rainwater for toilet use is repealed.

Heavily subsidized by Pitt's foundation, the per-house budget of $150,000 is possible because of donated materials and services, including the architects' designs. The costs are expected to drop as more houses are built. The goal is to build 150 homes; Pitt's foundation has raised money for 87 of them.

An additional $9,450,000 is needed to complete the remaining 63 homes at $150,000 each. A speckle of dust comparing this to national debt; but a healthy chunk of money when money is scarce (unless you are Treasury with a printing press, of course)

MARIN COUNTY, CA

Back to my hometown, the Marin County - As Marin county residents (or California, in that respect), by the Very Nature of choosing to be part of Marin County, we are proud of being ECO, being GREEN, being environmental friendly and being Sustainable. We want to be in the forefront of going Green and being Green! (see logo from San Marin High School for their Green Week event)

Marin has seen a few successful Green Projects. Boasting Cleanest Air in the Country, Novato (San Rafael 2nd, and Salinas placed 15th in Clean Air category) in Marin County, CA has three of the following four Green Projects (there are many more) -

1) Dominican Convent in San Rafael received a Gold Certificate from the U.S. Building Council for the sustainable building (convent). The 6,200-square-foot, two-story shingle-and-stucco convent, built with strong lines and a vibrant brick-red exterior, takes full advantage of the latest pro-environment technology. It has rooftop photovoltaic panels, solar-powered attic fans and toxic-free insulation of reclaimed materials, . With programmable gas heaters in each room, the interior remains at a uniformly comfortable temperature, even with a floor made entirely from a mix of concrete and recycled fly ash. Traffic flows were studied, Recycled furnishings were used, History was preserved.

Dominican convent is the only environmentally certified convent in the world, right here in Marin.

2) Virginia Grove In Novato, Marin is the First None Public Funded Affordable Green Homes in Marin county and the Winner of the 2007 Award of Excellence for Smart Growth & Workforce Housing,138 points on the Build-It-Green scale, the highest ever in Novato. This project combines attractive architecture, Green Development Practices and lower income affordable housing in a single-family environment.   Heralded by ABAG as "a model for regional planning", the project includes bioswales, Grass-pave, ground-water recharge, a major tree-transplanting program, passive solar heating and cooling, pre-wiring for solar photovoltaic panels, sustainable, recycled and reclaimed materials on an infill property.

3) Olive Ridge, again in Novato, CA, on the other hand, is a Luxury Green Home development consists of 19 homes on large lots surrounded by 20 acres of open spaces.

The homes meet the new Residential Green Building Ordinances for all single family homes and major remodels by City of Novato. The ordinances addresses Green Issues such as using Natural Resources, conserve Water And Energy and improve Indoor Quality; use energy-efficient materials and techniques such as photovoltaic, solar panels.

3). Commons at Mt. Burdell- A redevelopment of the current Fireman's Fund Insurance Company's property in North Novato (the north most part of Marin County) brings the first LEED Platinum certified project to Marin County.   Numerous neighborhood meetings and city planning meetings were held for neighbor and city input on the project.

The project considers and implements plans for renewable energy, conserve and recycle water, noise reduction, indoor air quality, reuse, recycle, education, public transportation, and plans to achieve carbon-neutrality within 10 years. A museum will also be built for educational purposes.

Those are examples of the existing and in planning Green Buildings in Marin County.

FROM NEW ORLEANS TO MARIN

Looking at the designs for the 9th Ward and considering the challenges some of the Marin county residents have, the "Make It Right" foundation's design can benefit many of Marin Residents, especially for the ones who live in one of the 10 flood Zones in Marin County (o.k. don't know what happened to Zone 2).

The flooding happens every few years and can be devastating to local residents and businesses (see picture on the right for Novato Flood in the '80s).

Not only it is disruptive to lives and businesses, being in the flood zone also requires flood insurance for homeowners and has an adverse effect on the desirability of the homes and housing prices in the area.

Flood Zone 1 - Novato Area,

Flood Zone 3 - Mill Valley Area,

Flood Zone 4 - Bel Aire Area

Flood Zone 5 - Stinson Beach

Flood Zone 6 - San Rafael Meadows

Flood Zone 7 - Santa Venetia

Flood Zone 9 - Ross Valley (Corte Madera Creek)

Flood Zone 10 Inverness

Some of the features for the "Make It Right" homes will probably even benefit earthquake prone California - the stilts have to be able to withheld the surge of flood water, which shall be able to absorb some of the effects from an earthquake.

As we have learned from various sources, designing Green Buildings and acquire Green Material add a premium to the building of those homes, especially the LEED Certification, which can prove to be cost prohibitive to embark on related projects.

THE SPIRIT OF SHARING

The idea of sharing the 'Make It Right' plan provides "a sense of working together to change the world". Being able to share the plan from 9th ward, one of the most economically challenged areas in the country with other areas in the U.S. provides both a symbolic and real meaning of working together and sharing; something to be encouraged and proud of!

And remember, some of the most important features of Green/Sustainable are to RECYCLE, REUSE and to CONSERVE, same thing goes to building plans.

Although some of the designs are hard to picture in Marin, but a few will fit right in (see the one on the left)!

Now comes the difficult part -

How Do We Fund all These - not talking about Marin projects, but the remaining Lower 9th Ward homes?

Well, last I checked... there are currently 1,197,529 Realtors registered with National Association of Realtors,

As Realtors, we care about our neighbors, our fellow citizens and our country. in short, WE CARE!

The participation by All Realtors at a time of housing crisis to help complete the Lower 9th Ward project will definitely go a long way to show the nation that Realtors DO Care, which is something Money Can NOt Buy!

With each Realtor donating $8.00; we can raise more than enough for the 63 remaining homes. The remainders can be used to improve the Lower 9th Ward!

What better time to help with the Optimism of "HOPE" and "Change Is Coming" slogans and what a great time to cultivate Goodwill among All.

To jump Start, Yes, Mr. Brad Pitt might just want to be the Goodwill Ambassador for NAR as his presence will certainly rally the participation and help all to accomplish this noble goal!

Sylvia Barry, Realtor, ePRO
Marin Realtor for Marin Real Estate
Marin, San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com

MARIN, SONOMA, S.F. BAY AREA REAL ESTATE - Beveldere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon; Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa. Starter Home to Luxury Property. REO (Bank Owned), Short Sale, View Homes, Architecural Distictive Homes. Investment, 1031 Exchange. Chinese Realtor.

Make Dreams Real - Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise Youth Services

Wheel I am

Real World Properties, Inc. - Home of ForeclosureBusTampa! — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:41:01 -0600

This is one of the most well-written, clear and concise presentations of an Eco-Idea I've seen yet. The writer, Dave Roberts is clearly on the cutting edge of Eco-issues in California and elsewhere!

Via Dave Roberts (Healdsburg Sotheby's International Realty):

Everybody knows the feeling. You're in the middle of a mess/puzzle/problem and think, "somebody has to have figured this out before." I had the sensation as I tried to figure out how to create a curved porch last year. I have seen dozens of them, but I was left with figuring out how to do the details myself.Why should I re-invent something that's been done better by people more expert than me. This concept of honoring what has gone before is deeply embedded in our culture. Everybody has said at one time or another, "Don't reinvent the wheel." In honor of that common (meaning accurate and true) wisdom, I have created the Sustainability Wheel.

The LEED certification programs, California's Title 24 Net Zero homes, and the New Orleans Rebuld Green program all share common goals. Sustainability can mean many things to many users, and each region of the country might have a different emphasis based on local concerns. For instance a house in Minnesota will need much more focus on energy use in winter than water use. A new home builder in New Orleans has to worry about floods and humidity more than freezing cold. Both can use the same materials and techniques of sustainability, just in different proportions.

The earth image symbolizes the concept of sustainability for me. A sustainable building respects the natural environment. Forests are protected by smart use of engineered lumber and wise land use. Fresh water is treated as the scarce resource it is. The very design and size of the house and how it is located with respect to sun, neighborhood, and community all matter and all can contribute to the sustainability of the project. With the cacophony of crises of energy, climate, water, and housing that echo through the media every day, sustainability provides a soothing rhythm that can integrate all the problems and turn them to solutions.

With the principles of reuse and recycling uppermost in my mind, I urge anyone with detailed plans for sustainable homes to share them with the community at large. We need great ideas, and we don't have the time or money to reinvent the wheel...again.