New Incentive for Buyers to Purchase Bank Owned Properties by Fannie Mae - 01/29/10 10:07 AM
Excellent information regarding further incentives to purchase a home.
Thanks to Lisa Coates Boston's Northwest Real Estate Specialist

Via Lisa Coates ABR,CBR,GRI - Realtor (Prudential Preferred Realty):
New Incentive for Byers to Purchase Bank Owned Properties by Fannie Mae

 
Fannie Mae is offering an incentive for buyers purchasing and closing on a Fannie Mae REO between January 28 and April 30, 2010.
The incentive’s goals are to encourage buyers to purchase REO properties and increase the sales volumes to help manage the higher levels of inventory anticipated this year.
The incentive is a total of 3.5% of the final … (1 comments)

Private Mortgage Insurance-PMI-First Time Home Buyers - 01/29/10 10:03 AM
Private Mortgage Insurance-PMI-First Time Home Buyers
 
Many first time home buyers will not be able to come with the 20 percent down to avoid getting Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Yet many will have no idea what PMI is, how it works, and what they can do to relieve themselves of the added expense in the future.
 
Many government regulations restrict loans to 80 percent, while many lenders are permitted to loan up to 95 percent of the property value if the additional amount over the 80 percent is insured by a private insurance company. While this does allow first … (1 comments)

Gettysburg Battlefield Monuments - 01/28/10 03:01 PM
Gettysburg Battlefield Monuments
                              
Many consider the equestrian memorial to Gen. John F. Reynolds an engineering masterpiece. The statue is perfectly balanced on just two horse hooves.
   
The Monument to the 44th NY atop of Little Round Top was designed by Gen. George Meade’sChief of Staff Gen. Daniel Butterfield and is 44 feet tall.
  
The 20th Mass monument marks the spot where the regiment repulsed Confederate forces during Picketts Charge. Ironically, the 20th was commanded by Col. Paul J. Revere, grandson of Paul Revere of Revolutionary War fame.
  
The image George Washington is … (4 comments)

New Home Construction is Down in Stats and Size - 01/27/10 11:40 AM
New Home Construction is Down in Stats and Size
 
For the first time in 27 years the size of new homes being built in the United States has declined. On top of new home construction stats that came out this week showing new home construction is still declining, the average square footage of those new homes being built is down as well. Top priorities for new home buyers have shifted from oversize to energy efficient. The numbers of bedrooms, numbers of bathrooms as well as luxury items are all on the decline in an attempt to hold costs in line … (1 comments)

Market Meltdown-Fight Back - 01/27/10 10:16 AM
Market Meltdown-Fight Back
 
Over the last few days Wall Street has taken a beating, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday of last week saw the market fall all three days. Analyzing and pontificating as to why doesn’t help any bodies bottom lines. The outlook for health care costs, energy costs, as well as simple cost of living increases has changed the financial landscape for many soon to be retired Americans. Clearly traditional means of retirement income will most likely not be enough for most to get through. With that outlook on the horizon many soon to be retirees are looking to an … (0 comments)

Finding and Working with a Loan Officer-Tips for First Time Home Buyers - 01/26/10 09:38 AM
Finding and Working with a Loan Officer-Tips for First Time Home Buyers
 
Many first time home buyers spend months looking their agent, but how many hours are spent looking for a quality loan agent. Consult with family, and friends for a recommendation, and do not forget the guidance that your real estate agent can provide here. Gather a few names and begin the process of going to make face to face contact with the names you received. Check out the track record of each company you visit, ask questions and remember that you are hiring them; they should be trying … (3 comments)

Applying for a Home Loan-What You’ll Need - 01/25/10 10:47 AM
Applying for a Home Loan-What You’ll Need
 
Okay so you’ve been looking at homes online for 6 months, you know what neighborhood you want, you know what school district you want, you’ve even picked out a Realtor, your ready to go look at homes…Wrong. In today’s real estate market getting pre-qualified for a home loan is no longer adequate, in our current real estate environment it is necessary to get pre approved for your home loan. The difference being the pre-qual is the phony baloney version where the loan agent takes your word that the financial information you are relaying … (4 comments)

"I want my 99 cent Whopper" - 01/22/10 12:59 PM
This story comes to us from Will Nesitt and is definately worth the read....
Via Will Nesbitt - condos / real estate in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County (Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC):
Years ago when I was a DJ I was standing at the bar of the nightclub where I worked.  The bar was quiet and it was early in the evening before I started playing.  A guy came in the bar who looked like Jesus with tatoos. He had shaggy jeans on and a chain from his wallet hung out of one pocket.  He wore a vest with a … (4 comments)

The Battle of Gettysburg-Generating Leads - 01/22/10 10:47 AM
The Battle of Gettysburg-Generating Leads
 
Gettysburg Pennsylvania is a challenging market to sell Real Estate. Many of the residents of the area do not use cell phones or computers. Many agents in the area must rely on back to basics; out of the box community orientated lead generation. These methods as well as using the technology that the 21st century offers makes the job just a bit different here in Adams County.
 
Here are some suggestions for lead generation without using technology, old school as they say.
 
-Utilize membership in your local Chamber of Commerce, DO NOT … (3 comments)

Utilizing a Basement to add Living Space to your Home - 01/21/10 11:31 AM
Utilizing a Basement to add Living Space to your Home
 
Converting a basement can be a cost effective way to add additional living space to your home. Basements pose a different set of challenges then the previously discussed attic conversion. Basements can be converted to a number of helpful living spaces such as family room, kids play room, party room, den, office just to name a few.
 
It is important to point out that anytime a project involving a basement remodel is concerned dryness is of utmost importance. If the basement cannot be made to be dry at … (0 comments)

Gettysburg Understands Fear - 01/21/10 11:02 AM
Gettysburg Understands Fear
 
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”
                                                      FDR

Okay I understand that when you think about Gettysburg Pa you are not thinking about Franklin D. Roosevelt, but there is a lot to learn from this famous quote, and it can be associated with the Battle of Gettysburg as well as the current Gettysburg real estate market. This quote was uttered on March 4th 1933 during FDR’s inaugural address. In it FDR also made some closely related comments that fit the times in 1933, yet interestingly also fit when referencing our current economic … (0 comments)

IMPORTANT INFO for FIRST TIME HOME BUYER CREDIT - 01/20/10 12:10 PM
This is important information for those first time home buyers who are attempting to use the credit. Apparently when congress extended the tax credit the rules changed. The IRS is reporting that delays in the area of FOUR months or more to recieve your credit. Additionally, there is no more e-fileing , filers will now have to mail in the paper forms, whick will slow the process dramatically.This is not the fault of the IRS however, the changes were promted because people were scamming the system. So once again the majority of honest people are paying the price for the dishonest … (0 comments)

Bridal Fares-Weddings-Apartment Complexes-First Time Home Buyers - 01/20/10 10:50 AM
Bridal Fares-Weddings-Apartment Complexes-First Time Home Buyers
 
What you ask do all these have in common? If you are a Realtor these are all great places to meet first time home buyers.
 
Apartment complexes are a great place to target would be first time home buyers. This is a great time to pull out the door hangers, flyers and postcard mailers. Do a home buying seminar and include the entire mailing list to your invite list.
            
Weddings can be a great place to meet friends of the bride and groom that are newly … (2 comments)

History-Winston Churchill-Gettysburg-Real Estate - 01/19/10 10:34 AM
History-Winston Churchill-Gettysburg-Real Estate
 
“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”
                                                Sir Winston Churchill
                        House of Commons, London, 13 May 1940
 
 
Winston Churchill made this statement at the age 66 while making his first speech to House of Commons after his appointment as Prime Minister. At the age of 66 Churchill was thrown into a role that would change his life, as well as the history of the world. Churchill was truly a man for his time, as he often said to his wife,” I was born for this”.
It would take … (1 comments)

Green Building Standards just got clarified - 01/19/10 09:31 AM
Green Building Standards just got clarified
 
The recent release of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) makes standards mainstream for single family as well as multifamily construction. The NGBS was published in January 2009, after a two year approval process that included a myriad of affected parties including environmentalists and developers. Many states including New York, Pa, Iowa, and New Jersey have proposed legislation that requires compliance to the NGDS to be considered for green building incentives.
 
The NGBS is written in code language that separates it from other green building guidelines. The documents compatibility with ICC (International … (2 comments)

Interesting Facts about the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battlefield - 01/18/10 03:11 PM
Interesting Facts about the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battlefield
 
In 1963 President John F Kennedy was invited to attend ceremonies that were scheduled for November 22. Kennedy was unable to accept as he was making a trip to Dallas, Texas that day. Of course we all know that Kennedy was assassinated on that date in Dallas.
             
The first official monument on the battlefield is the 2nd Massachusetts, dedicated in 1879.
                        
The first unofficial monument is the Minnesota Urn erected in 1867
                                                                                                                                                                             
                               
The yungest monument is the Delaware Memorial dedicated in April of … (3 comments)

Mondays with Jim Rohn - 01/18/10 11:49 AM
 

"One good customer well taken care of could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising"
 
I don't think there is much one can add to this one. Talk about being right on the money!
The value of doing a good job is underestimated, if we want to last in any business we need to be consistent, ensuring referral business.
… (1 comments)

Random Money Saving Tips to keep your Family Budget Healthy in 2010 - 01/18/10 11:40 AM
Random Money Saving Tips to keep your Family Budget Healthy in 2010
 
While the countries economy shows signs of finally stabilizing, keeping your families operating budget healthy is still going to require some cutting and smart spending. What many people don’t realize is that running a family is no different than running a business in many aspects. Budgeting is one of those similar areas, a healthy budget whether it be a family budget, or business budget requires a keen eye towards spending habits and creative and effective saving methods.
           
            When shopping for groceries, make a list … (5 comments)

Everybody Loves Their Mother - 01/15/10 12:38 PM
Everybody Loves Their MotherI was having an after work drink with a gentleman the other day. We began talking about business, life, the state of the world in general and he made a statement that really has me thinking. In the course of the conversation we were talking about the terrorism that seems to be so rampant these days. Bob (not his real name) says to me " we are all pretty much the same in this world, everybody loves their mother and their children". That has really had me thinking, now obviously there are some exceptions to this statement, but … (5 comments)

Sleeping my Way to the Top - 01/15/10 11:39 AM
Sleeping my Way to the Top
 
 
Yes that’s my plan for the 2010 selling season. I will be working harder, smarter, and with a keen focus on success. A big part of my plan for 2010 success will be my “sleeping my way to the top” exercise.
 
Dealing with being a small business (which is what we Realtors are) can be very hard on a body, add to that the state of constant, and lighting fast change rate, and stress levels can skyrocket. How many nights have you spent wide awake with your mind racing obsessing about … (6 comments)

Add Additional Living Space by Finishing an Attic - 01/14/10 10:41 AM
Add Additional Living Space by Finishing an Attic
 
In these uncertain market times many home owners are choosing to remodel and renovate instead of purchasing that new home. While this is not the desired choice by the real estate industry it is something we need to deal with. Many of my first time homebuyer clients have approached me with questions regarding this issue. They usually are asking with resale values in mind, so at some point in the future they will be listing and if I can assist them in improving their situation while cultivating a future listing, and second … (3 comments)

Understanding UFFI Part III: If Found, What About Testing - 01/13/10 02:27 PM
Understanding UFFI Part III: If Found, What About Testing
 
Keeping in mind that formaldehyde is a gas that is not easily detectable in small amounts, testing samples of suspected UFFI are important. Samples of the foam need to be collected for testing in a lab environment. Air sampling tests can also be utilized, including home "testing kits" that are capable of monitoring formaldehyde levels at a basic stage.
 
Testing level standards have established that formaldehyde levels as low as 0.10 ppm can cause reactions to individuals that are prone to cardio problems. Many factors including humidity, ventilation, and temperature … (0 comments)

Gettysburg College: A Vibrant Neighborhood within Gettysburg Pa - 01/12/10 02:57 PM
Gettysburg College: A Vibrant Neighborhood within Gettysburg PaWhen discussing neighborhoods in Gettysburg Pa one would be remiss not include the neighborhood that is Gettysburg College. While the campus boasts 200 acres of academia, it is also a neighborhood in itself here in the Borough of Gettysburg. The College which was founded in 1832 as Pennsylvania College and later renamed Gettysburg College in 1921 houses approximately 2,600 students. It's the challenge of housing those students that gives Gettysburg College it's neighborhood feel.              The college long ago ran out of campus dorm space and began buying up some of the large Victorian … (3 comments)

Is your ARM going to cost you a LEG? - 01/12/10 11:20 AM
Is your ARM going to cost you a LEG?
 
It has been reported that 2010 and 2012 are going to see a lot of mortgages re-adjust. If you have an ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) and it will be adjusting this year it is most likely going to rise. In this economy many homeowners are going to find themselves in a situation where they will no longer be able to meet their mortgage payment obligations. As a homeowner you do have some options to head off this type situation happening to you.
 
If at all possible look into refinancing, … (5 comments)

Live the Good Life at Lake Heritage Gettysburg Pa - 01/11/10 12:01 PM
Live the Good Life at Lake Heritage Gettysburg Pa You too can live the good life at Lake Heritage in Gettysburg, Adams County Pa. Lake Heritage is a gated community that was founded in 1965 and is chartered as a non-profit corporation under the Pa Uniform Code for Planned Communities.
    The community has over 1000 home sites, with 252 of those being water front sites. All home sites within the community have lake access privileges. It boasts full time security at the gate house entrance as well as full security patrols for the entire community. Lake Heritage sits on … (5 comments)

Steinwehr Avenue Corridor in Historic Gettysburg Pennsylvania - 01/09/10 03:27 PM
Steinwehr Avenue Corridor in Historic Gettysburg Pennsylvania
 
Just a few short blocks from the Historic District of Gettysburg Pennsylvania lies one of the Gettysburg Boroughs most important business districts. The Steinwehr Ave corridor is home to some many of the area’s best shops, including motels, restaurants, ice cream parlors, fine chocolate as well as period clothing shops and much much more. No visit to Gettysburg Pennsylvania is complete without a visit to the Steinwehr Ave corridor.
         
This past Dec 23, 2009 the Gettysburg Borough Council voted unanimously to adapt a Steinwehr Avenue Business District. The district debuts … (7 comments)

Don't Bother Reading, Just Watch the Video - 01/08/10 11:36 AM
SometimesI am truly humbled by the thing that I see, hear, and experience. Ihave spent plenty of time on AR blogging about all the knowledge, thequality of information that is at our fingertips through this wonderfulsocial network we call Activerain. I read everyday inspiring posts fromindividuals as Lou Ludwig, Gita Bantwal, Mike Perry and many more. Weall prod each other, support each other to get through our days, getthrough this mess we call a market. Then, something like this comesalong and puts it all into perspective.
It smacked me square on the jaw, with the support of my AR friends, andthe … (2 comments)

Okay You've Blown It, Time for the 3 C's - 01/07/10 01:09 PM
Okay You've Blown It, Time for the 3 C'sDon't be so hard on yourself, we have all done it. You are working with a client and you realize that you have done something wrong. Incorrect information, missed a communication que, it could be anything. You just know that you did a really poor job of providing valuable service to client. So what do you do?Commonly agents who find themselves in this situation close off and hope to never see the clients again, that is usually a first reaction. If I close my eyes maybe this will all go away. If you … (2 comments)

Historic District in Gettysburg Pennsylvania - 01/07/10 11:39 AM
Historic District in Gettysburg Pennsylvania
 
In an attempt to safeguard Gettysburg Pennsylvania’s historic nature, Borough Council adapted the Historic Preservation District. Since inception the ordinance has twice been expanded to cover a larger area of the borough.
 
The scope and purpose of designating an “official” Historic District was to accomplish numerous goals.
   
Stabilizing and improving the property values was of great importance, as well as strengthening to local economy through collaboration with the Gettysburg National Military Park, making Gettysburg a destination for visitors. The intent was to preserve the historic resource that is the buildings and … (1 comments)

Listening is Essential to a Skilled Negotiator - 01/06/10 02:54 PM
Listening is Essential to a Skilled NegotiatorRichard Moss once said "The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention".A successful negotiator  needs to be a good listener. Keep in mind that good listening means non verbal listening as well, make an effort to be aware of facial expressions, hand gestures, and vocal fluctuations. By all means turn the cell off when involved in a negotiation, It is single most interruption that distracts you attention away from what your counterpart is saying.Common courtesy and respect dictate that when conversing with someone you look them in the eye. This … (2 comments)

Gettysburg’s Colt Park Neighborhood Teems with Adams County History - 01/05/10 09:04 AM
Gettysburg’s Colt Park Neighborhood Teems with History
 
Visiting the neighborhood of Colt Park in Gettysburg Pennsylvania one would not know how much the neighborhood is steeped in history. The actual ground sits on the edge of the historic Bliss farm, and was where Generals Pettigrew and Trimble commanded troops during the battle of Gettysburg. The housing development sits on the edge of the Gettysburg National Military Park.
 
The neighborhood is named for Camp Colt, which was established in 1917 as a training camp for the new U.S. Army Tank Corps during World War I. The camp included barracks, workshops, … (2 comments)

Bob Ballard; Man of Discovery - 01/04/10 10:55 AM
"When people ask me what is my greatest discovery,? I respond, the one I am about to make"

Bob Ballard
Bob Ballard is best known for his discovery of the Titanic, however if you read anything about the man he has already moved on to the next big discovery. Mr. Ballard is a prime example of being successful by persevering, and doing what you love.

In Real Estate terms you could ask yourself...What was my best sale, the one I am about to make...
Good luck in 2010
… (2 comments)

Monday's With Jim Rohn - 01/04/10 10:01 AM
"Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want"

Jim Rohn

Boy if that doesn't hit the nail on the head.  It does not matter whether you are in real estate or not, in this economy, this is a profound statement. It should be something that we adhere to always, however in our current economic state it tends to carry more weight, and have a bit more relevance.
… (2 comments)

New Years Eve on the Gettysburg Square, Where You There? - 01/01/10 12:31 PM
New Years Eve on the Gettysburg Square, Where You There?
 
Neither rain nor sleet nor snow could stop the masses from gathering on the square in Gettysburg Pa for a fabulous New Years Eve celebration. The square in Gettysburg filled up quickly Thursday night, revelers from as far away from Bethlehem Pa turned out. Were you there?
   
Paesan Pelligrini from WGTY handled the DJ and hosting duties overseeing a myriad of events including the crazy hat contest, the chicken dance contest, and not to mention the locomotion dance around the square. You haven’t live until you’ve seen Abe … (1 comments)

 
100_0527 Ambassador_large

Gerry Michaels GettysburgGerry

Social Meida

Gettysburg, PA

More about me…

Studmuffin Media

Address: PO Box 127, Cashtown, Pa, 17310

Cell Phone: (717) 752-6886

Email Me

Blog site for Studmuffin Media in Gettysburg Pa. Services include Social media managment, community building, content management, SEO, blogging, video, photography, graphic design, website evaluation and builds. We cover any and all aspects of the Social media, marketing world..


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog