Continued problems with HMBI and HUD - 11/12/09 04:15 PM
These folks at HMBI just don't care. Apparently they consider themselves a government office or a bank as they were closed yesterday for Veteran's Day. I have a great respect for our Vets, but c'mon, the lenders were working. So now another day has gone by with no response from those yahoos. they sent me the wrong contract and now it will cause a delay and cost my client time and money. HMBI should be investigated for incompetence.
… (1 comments)

Dealing with HUD - 11/09/09 05:17 PM
I am currently dealing with HMBI, our Virginia sub-contractor for HUD concerning a property which I bid on and was awarded the sale on behalf of a client. This is interesting to me: One simple exchange that took place at exactly 4:55 pm EST via telephone a couple of days after overnighting the ratified contract to their office, over 3 weeks before our expected settlement date. I had just popped back into my office after a busy day out and about. I only expected to check a couple things and have the rest of the evening off. I happened to be … (0 comments)

Homebuyer Tax Credit EXTENDED and improved! - 11/09/09 04:41 AM
Buyers are calling me to get more info about the tax credit extension! This is great news. The credit extension should help the market significantly. I am especially excited about the new $6500 credit for existing homeowners who buy another primary residence. Many of my clients were upset to find out that they did not qualify for the credit thefirst time around. Existing homeowners make up about 80% of our market so I expect this new credit will be taken advantage of on a much larger scale.
… (3 comments)

Photos Make Your Property Really Special and Unforgettable - 11/07/09 10:42 AM

Via Jane Peterson (Alliluja):
Judging from my own experience, I noticed that pictures of your property can increase the value of your house for sale. But your photos should be correct and impressive.
If you send photos of your home online on your own, you definitely dream of impressing your buyers. It's clear that it’s much better to see the home than to listen to long descriptive stories about it. That’s why providing pictures plays an essential role in FSBO procedure of selling.
And besides, offering pictures online is very convenient as you do not waste time on meeting your numerous buyers … (0 comments)

Tax Credit Extension - 11/07/09 10:41 AM

Via Tim Sweeney (Tim Sweeney, Realtors):
The Senate today voted unanimously Wednesday night to extend the $8,000 tax credit for home buyers beyond its scheduled November 30, 2009 expiration date.  The credit would be available until April 30, 2010.  Under the new legislation the credit will also now apply to home buyers who are buying their second or subsequent home.  The credit currently applies only to first time home buyer.
The Senate vote was 98 to 0
Under a compromise reached late last week, the tax credit for veteran homeowners will apply only to those who have lived in their current residence … (0 comments)

Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ's - 11/07/09 10:40 AM

Via Akron Ohio Homes for Sale David M. Childress (Howard Hanna Real Estate Services):
   This list of the most asked questions has been provided to us Akron Ohio Realtors to assist our clients in understanding the changes and time limits on the recent legislation passed and signed by the President on Friday, November 6, 2009. You may contact me or any Realtor in your area for any further questions or concerns you may have. Good luck in your home search!
NAR Frequently Asked Questions
Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes
National Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Division
 Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the … (0 comments)

Do You Reblog? Why or Why Not? My Reasons For Re-Blogging. - 11/07/09 10:39 AM

Via Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946:
When Active Rain first came out with the ability to re-blog, I wasn't sure that I liked the idea... I'm always just a tad cautious about new things and need a little time to think about it or get used to it.  Quickly though I realized that others were writing stuff that my clients would or could benefit from if they read it... articles about topics that those writers were much better qualified to write and may have just said it better than I had. So I started re-blogging. Since there are mortgage people … (1 comments)

Even from the Brooklyn Bridge this looks like trouble! - 11/07/09 10:38 AM

Via Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com):
     There are not all that many roofs that I do not walk on---but one of the kinds I don’t usually walk on is steep metal roofs.  If one thinks back to their childhood---they make slippery-slides out of metal for a reason.  I know there are plastic ones, but they are not nearly as good as metal ones----unless there is water running down them.
     So, I was looking at this one from the eaves and from the ground, to make as good an assessment of the roof as I could.
… (2 comments)

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010 - 11/07/09 10:36 AM

Via Hannah Williams (Re/Max affiliates NE):
First Time Home-buyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010! 
Plus...A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Home Owners!
It's official. President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time home buyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009.
In addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000 through June 30, 2010, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.
So Who Gets What? The program that … (0 comments)

A Question I Get Asked Often...And My Answer Is Always The Same - 11/07/09 10:14 AM

Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):
"Rich, how much will the seller take for the house? Well, taking the rest of the contract into consideration, the seller will more than likely accept the listing price." Frankly, what the heck else did you expect me to say?
Even though some agents ask that question, thats really not what they're after. There is usually a pause after I tell them the seller will accept the listing price. What they frequently say next is, "my client wants to make an offer, but I don't … (1 comments)

Excuse me BofA! You CAN NOT have it both ways! - 11/07/09 10:12 AM
That is horrible, I bank with them and must reconsider!
Via Jane Penttinen (Sunstreet Mortgage, LLC - Sr. Loan Officer):
Excuse me BofA! You CAN NOT have it both ways!
 I refinanced a loan this week for some past clients.  I did their purchase loan in 2005.  We did an 80-15-5 because they had another home that had not closed yet.  The 15% second was a home equity line of credit.  Their previous home sold and they paid off the 15% second in March of 2006.  They never drew another dime on the equity line.
 



June 2008:  They received … (4 comments)

The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit - 11/07/09 10:10 AM

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Exclusive Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):
The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved.  The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house.  The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature. 
First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package.  The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.  
Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for … (1 comments)

What You Oughta Know About Blog Commenting - 11/07/09 10:09 AM

Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate Immaculate Homes):
Much has been said about blog commenting here on ActiveRain, but what about blog commenting out in the real world? I'm talking about commenting on blogs that are not on the ActiveRain platform. Do you comment on other blogs within your niche? Do you try to grab the attention of the big boys? Why would you want to? How can commenting on other blogs help you? 
 
Commenting on high profile blogs outside of A|R can have a huge impact on your publicity, your search engine results, and your … (3 comments)

Market Improving? - 11/07/09 09:57 AM
Here is an interesting article I found today:
Daily Real Estate News  |  November 6, 2009  |   Share Declining Inventory Sign of Stabilizing Market An important reason that the housing market is stabilizing is the reduction in inventory. Current sales and inventories suggest that supply will decline below the pre-2006 levels by the end of 2009. But analysts say that the stabilization of the market doesn’t mean that prices will rise anytime soon. They point to what they call “shadow inventory,” foreclosed homes that banks are holding off the markets. They predict that these homes will hit the market in spring 2010. But overall, … (1 comments)

The ActiveRain Point System - 11/07/09 09:49 AM
How this system works:
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
The ActiveRain Point System
ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community.  While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.
ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which "Starts Monday morning at 12:00am Central Time, and Ends Sunday night at … (4 comments)

More Halloween Pics - 11/07/09 09:43 AM
Here are a few more pictures from our Halloween event. Thanks again to Linda, Jeff, Sal, Nate, Maddi, Deena, Phillip, Brian, Cody, Carole, Devin, Brandon and everyone who helped pull it off. And no, we are not satanic! We are Christians who know the real history of All Hallows Eve, look it up if you don't know: It has a religious background! We love Halloween and look forward to next year when we will have a few changes to keep everyone scared!
 
 

… (2 comments)

Halloween Recap! - 11/07/09 09:37 AM
Some people may have seen a bit of a spectacle in Botetourt County on Halloween thi syear. It began a couple weeks before Halloween with the installation of our Haunted Graveyard. It was set up over the next couple weeks and culminated in what I call "the show". We featured a full graveyard with over 24 tombstones, a flying ghost, an animated coffin, and moving corpse in a body bag and very scary looking bat that lowered itself over the doorway. And let's not forget the 12 volunteers who helped pull it off by operating the moving features and performing as … (1 comments)

Bedford County Land: 10.35 acres - Price Reduced! - 11/07/09 09:21 AM
We have a listing on Mentow Dr in Huddleston. It is land that consists of 2 lots. The first is a 1.32 acre parcel which is very level and completely cleared: a perfect building site. The second parcel is 9.03 acres adjoining the smaller lot. It is narrow at the road but hats much wider. Portions are cleared but mostly wooded. The nine acre lot starts out very level and begins to slope down about half way back as it becomes wooded. As you continue through the wooded are you come upon a clearing suitable for a home location. The smaller … (1 comments)

38 acres with home for $35000 under tax assessment! - 11/07/09 09:14 AM
1450 Runnett Bag Rd with 38+ acres in Ferrum nice little 2 br, 1 bath home built in 1965 on 38+ acres in Ferrum, great views, lots of land, very private. New heat pump/central air listed for $99,950 (taht is over $35000 below tax assessmant). Home has had addition built onto it and features 1250 square feet of living space- quite large for a 2 bedroom home. Kitchen has been completely remodeled, replacement windows and located on a paved road. Land is 10% level, mostly hilly, excellent hunting and a stream on the property with trout! Call Spencer at 540-355-6399
… (0 comments)

New Franklin County Home for Sale, Hardy area - 11/07/09 09:11 AM
New Listing in franklin County. 2 bedroom, 1 bath excellent condition home. Hardwood floors, beautiful kitchen, soem carpet, very clean and a private location. On a 1/2 acre lot at 411 Coopers Cove Rd. Huge custom deck with nice views, wonderful gardens and flowers. Home features single floor living and is very close to Roanoke, and about 20 minutes to Smith Mountain Lake. Call Spencer for a private tour. Asking $129,950.
… (0 comments)

Goings on around Roanoke - 11/07/09 09:06 AM
Just a note about a fun event being held locally at Amrheins Winery. This weekend and next (11/7-8 and 11/14-15) is their soup and wine pairing event with live music by Ron Swann (He's great) The soups are always great and the wine is some of the best in the valley. The cost is $10 per person and you get your money's worth. We make it a point to go at least once per year. There is another event happening today at 2:00 at Virginia Mountain Vineyards in Fincastle. Not sure about the detainls on that one, but we like their … (0 comments)

Goings on around Roanoke - 11/07/09 09:05 AM
Just a note about a fun event being held locally at Amrheins Winery. This weekend and next (11/7-8 and 11/14-15) is their soup and wine pairing event with live music by Ron Swann (He's great) The soups are always great and the wine is some of the best in the valley. The cost is $10 per person and you get your money's worth. We make it a point to go at least once per year. There is another event happening today at 2:00 at Virginia Mountain Vineyards in Fincastle. Not sure about the detainls on that one, but we like their … (0 comments)

More info about tax credit extension - 11/07/09 08:59 AM
This is an article recieved from:
Daily Real Estate News  |  November 6, 2009  |   Share Obama Signs Extended Tax Credit into Law Expected to contribute approximately $22 billion to the economy, Congress overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan measure this week extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to April 30, 2010. The legislation, which is part of a larger bill that also extends unemployment benefits, was signed into law by President Obama today. More people are now eligible to take advantage of the law, which includes a $6,500 tax credit for buyers who are current home owners and have lived in their home for … (0 comments)

Homebuyer Tax Credit EXTENDED and improved! - 11/07/09 08:38 AM
Great news: Yesterday President Obama signed the homebuyers tax credit extension. It will now expire on April 30th 2010. The credit is still up to $8000 (10% of purchase price) for 1st time buyers. The definition of a 1st time buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years. There have also been some changes such as raising the income limits and the addition of a credit up to $6500 for existing homeowners who have lived in their current homes for at least 5 of the past 8 years. This limit is to avoid fraud. The … (0 comments)

 
Spencer_portrait_primary

Spencer Cole

Roanoke, VA

More about me…

RE/MAX 1st Realty

Office Phone: (540) 278-1409

Cell Phone: (540) 355-6399

Email Me

everything in and about real estate in the Roanoke Valley as well as personal updates and local events.


Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find VA real estate agents and Roanoke real estate on ActiveRain.