Tina's Blog

A day of remembrance, A day to be thankful, A day to be proud and A day to honor.

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:53:55 -0600

A day of Remembrance, A day to be Thankful, A day to be Proud and A day to Honor. Almost anyone you ask either has a relative in the service, has had a relative in the service or knows of a family with someone in the service. Whether you personally agree with the ways of the military and the wars we have fought, there is one thing you have to give credit for. These men and women are putting aside the fear of dying so that we can sleep safe and sound in our comfy beds at night.

I just happened to be at an awesome "Motivational" Seminar yesterday and there were quite a few military guys and gals there. It was great listening to the guest speakers, such as Rudy Guliani, Sen. Colin Powel, Laura Bush, Zig Ziglar and many others talk. I would have to say the most inspiring of their talks happened to center around the mention of being proud to be in the United States of America, our Military Personnel and the heart of those who believe strongly "This is by far the greatest Country on the planet." I am not sure who made the statement and I know I won't get it word for word, but, "Those who complain and cut down our country should take a look at the lines of those waiting to get in....no where else has lines waiting to enter their country like The United States Of America.

It was an Honor to stand, clap and cheer our soldiers who were among us. It saddens me that we have one day to Honor these that sacrifice so much every day. My step-son, Terry, has just returned to the states from Iraq. In New York, now, he will be coming home at Christmas time and there isn't a day that goes by that I do not think of how he is doing and hope that he is safe. I am hopeful that his arrival back to the states was a welcoming one. I see the change since he deployed and we are all proud that he chose to protect and serve our Country.

Today is a great day to show love, compassion, honor and being proud. Shake the hand of the soldier you see at the airport or grocery store....better than that, give them a hug and graciously tell them how safe you feel because of them. Tell them they are your hero.

Like I said before, whether or not you agree with these wars, it is important that these soldiers know that they are dodging bullets, fearing missiles, missing their families and having sleepless nights for the greater purpose of keeping our Country safe and that WE ARE PROUD OF THEM.

Here is a short note we put in the local paper for Terry:

Dear Terry,
The last two years we have watched you transform into an exceptional young man and father . You have made us all proud with your decision to serve our Country in the United States Army during this time of war. We are glad to have you back in the states, even though it may be for a short time, and cannot wait to see you and the new baby over the holidays. This journey you are on will be the solid building blocks of your future and Jaelah will one day know the sacrifices that you have made not only for her but so many others. Thank you for your bravery and faithful service. We all love love and miss you, Dad, Mom, Julian, Tina, Jeffrey and Tiffany.

Today is a day we decide to honor these men and women in many forms, parades, newspaper letters, t.v. clips and picnic get togethers.....but I believe we should choose to honor them EVERYDAY!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN.....OF YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW!

FREE Comparative Market Analysis!!! Find out what your home is worth without the hassle of speaking with an agent.

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:16:59 -0500

Thinking about selling?

Visit my website tinaallenproperties.com for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis of your home.

Just click on the link "Ball Park Analysis" and fill out the form....no need to speak with anyone to find out what your home is worth.

Tina Allen, EXIT Realty Tri-County

352-455-1654

www.tinaallenproperties.com

tina@exitrealtytricounty.com

Come and be a part of the EXIT Family!

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:08:33 -0500

Company: EXIT Realty Tri-County

Location:

Mount Dora, FL

EXIT Realty Tri-County is looking for great agents! EXIT is unlike any other Real Esate Firm....potential for more than 100% commissions!!! Contact Tina at tina@exitrealtytricounty.com or 352-455-1654 for details and a private interview.

I knew it was just a matter of time before I fell behind......

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:25:58 -0500

Trying to stay on top of technology is a full time job in itself. With facebook, twitter and my blackberry, I already run out of daylight before I am finished updating and emailing. Sometimes I get that stare from my husband and I realize, okay, time to stop for the day. Plus, I feel kind of bad surfing the net while my husband is sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and dusting all around me.

So, I think I am pretty savvy most of the time. I knew it was bound to happen, but, I definately was not ready when it did. I have a 13 year old daughter and a 15 year old son, so as fast paced as they are learning I know the time will come when they surpass me with computer and technology knowledge. Well, I mean the time has come. Enter sad, defeated face here.

I had to buy a new blackberry when flushing my old one rendered it useless. This new one has a few more cool tools. After playing around for a few days...I had my facebook application set as well as a few others. One item that I have not started using is Bluetooth. I think it's a pretty cool tool especially for busy Realtors, but, I still find myself looking at people funny when I think they are talking to themselves before I see that bug like looking item sticking out of their ear. I just don't know if I am ready for it. So, I do not know a lot about Bluetooth......however, my 15 year old son does.

My cool new blackberry also has a music player and believe it or not my kids and I listen to the same type of music. I actually listen to many types, but, most music on my Ipod or computer is pop, hip hop/dance and R&B....I know, doesn't seem suitable but when I was young, I did a lot of dance (pop & hip/hop) and the roots are still there. My son who has a phone with music and Bluetooth capabilities decided he wanted me to send him some songs from my phone. Well, I couldn't figure out how to forward the music. He advised to do it with Bluetooth. I thought he was crazy...but, he walked me through the steps and waaalaaa....my songs went straight to his phone. I couldn't believe it.

So, the time has come....I am forced to never use the words "Because mommy's know everything" again.

What are you learning from your kids?

How many times can we say it? Time is running out...

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:12:36 -0500

I have been trying to get the word out there to consumers....don't wait. Now is the time to buy. Statistics are beginning to show a slight increase in sales already. If you were waiting for the bottom....I think you just missed it.

Here are two knowledgeable and experienced FHA lenders..... There's no other way to put it than, it's now or never....well, maybe not never, but, it's not guaranteed. Tina

So you think you outsmarted the crowd because you skipped the $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit

A great friend and colleague in NJ wrote this, and it so needs to be shared. With so much talk about the First Time Buyer Tax Credit, and if it may be extended or not, it's good to know what's at stake if you decide to wait.

As for myself, I agree with Jeff Belonger below that waiting is foolish. Our local market here in Central Florida has seen severe price reductions and some very good deals are out there. Though multiple offers are being submitted on the better deals, the fact that sellers are taking offers for $0 down financing and paying all closing costs says volumes about the type of offers they are getting. Buyers certainly continue to have the upper hand, and buyers working with knowledgeable and experienced Realtors are really winning in this market.

Lastly with continued tightening of lending standards, and the spector of higher rates it's just not prudent to roll the dice on buying a home now. If you are interested in buying a home in Central Florida, and can qualify now, you are best served to try to close before November 30th and get your tax credit dollars.

Just another opinion from somebody with enough experience to take seriously...

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your FHA Loan Pro

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

How smart do you think you are? Do you think you can outsmart people, just because you read some good advice, yet it failed to share with you the opposite side of things. That has been one of my biggest fears and pet peeves when it comes to blogging. And another? That many blogs are opinions, not facts, yet they sound like facts.

Janet Guilbault wrote this interesting post that makes a good point : Outsmart the crowd : Skip the $8,000 tax credit & wait to buy - She talks about skipping the first time homebuyers tax credit in hopes that you could get the house of your choice for $20,000 less. She adds that winter is around the corner and the market should be slower, which could get you that price reduction. Again, some good food for thought, yet forgetting some very key points to her opinion. And just for the fact, in my opinion, this is a risk. Are you willing to chance your $8,000 tax credit? Let's look at this further....

RISK - CHANCE - HOPE - LUCK - FALSE HOPE

Again, Janet states that you should skip the $8,000 tax credit, because you could get a better deal on a house in the winter months. And because there wouldn't be as many buyers in the market, because of the first time homebuyers tax credit of $8,000 would not be available. Overall, I feel really strongly against this kind of advice.

Here are my thoughts on why you should be careful of such advice :

Reduced property values - You got the house for $20,000 cheaper, and based on a $250,000 mortgage, that would save you $120 a month. So you didn't get the $8,000 tax credit. It would take you 5.5 years to save that tax credit with your monthly savings.

Interest Rates - Do you have a crystal ball? Do you know where mortgage rates will be in December? You get that new house for $230,000, yet the rate increased .375 of a percent. Your new savings will now only be $64 a month. That means that it would take you 10.4 years to save that $8,000.

Real Estate Market - Do you know how appraisals truly work? Do you understand that an appraisal is an opinion from a certified appraiser? Not one house is the same and in many cases, not all appraisals of that same house are the same. I could give you many examples of specific homes in recent months, having a few different appraisals that could vary from $3,000 to $20,000 in value.

$8,000 tax credit in your pocket - You now have the $8,000 in your pocket 2 months after settlement. What could you do with that monies?

- Use the money to fix up the house.

- Use the money to pay off some credit cards, which could save you more money in the long run.

- Possibly pay back some debt to those that helped you get into your new home.

- Save for any housing emergencies that could happen at any moment.

- Ryan Shaughnessy, in comment # 11, states that you could use the tax credit to pay for 12 months of your mortgage payments. Imagine that, no mortgage payments for a year.

Waiting for a possible increase to the tax credit, possibly a $15,000 tax credit - So you take Janet's advice and say to yourself, maybe they will extend the tax credit or raise it to $15,000. Ouch, in my opinion, that is a huge risk. If you are actually in the market now, why play the market? If you come across your home now, but it now, don't roll the dice.

Real Estate Market - Each real estate market is different. In my opinion, even the experts can't truly predict what the housing market will do. Some have said that we have hit bottom. Some say it could be a year. But then again, in some markets, prices have increased already. In Janet's post and in a few of the comments, some people have stated that there will be a correction to this. Again, it's an opinion, not a fact.

$20,000 reduced value - You don't physically see this money. You don't get 20k in hand. And what happens if the house was over-priced to begin with? What happens if values don't increase in 5 years? The only equity is that equity that you build yourself. In 5 years, you knocked your principal balance down by $16,000.

Conclusion : Janet ended her post with this ... "If you save $20,000 on your house, do you care if you sacrifice an $8000 tax credit? Probably not. (But don't expect anyone in the real estate industry to talk about this until AFTER the rebate ends)."

Well, I will still be talking about it, no matter if the tax credit continues or ends. I am all about educating the consumer, sharing both perspectives on real estate and mortgage issues. And yes, I would care if I sacrificed the tax credit, especially based on what I stated above. Especially if interest rates went up a half of a percent by December. In my opinion, I can go to Vegas and or Atlantic City to gamble. But why gamble on free money, money that you don't have to pay back. We are in a very tight economy now. I don't think many of you have money to gamble with as you did several years ago. (I don't want to get into the statement of free money, because yes, as tax payers, we are paying for that)

Lastly, excellent time for first time homebuyers. Home values are lowest in the last 5 years, with interests being close to the lowest in several decades, and $8,000 given to you if you qualify.

IMPORTANT REMINDER - The $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit ends on November 30^th, 2009

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Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

What will they come up with next?

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:49:18 -0500

It never ceases to amaze me....almost daily, you can find a magazine or news article, a post or a T.V. show which brings the newest tech savvy tool to the world. Most of the time I feel as though I am staying somewhat current with technology but all too often when I come across the "newest" gadget or tool, I feel like throwing in the towel and screaming from the top of my lungs "I just can't do anymore." All of these great new gadgets and tools are supposed to make our lives run smoother and allow us more time to spend with our families, etc., however, it seems all of these things are just sucking the life out of us. I know, that's quite a strong statement, and I don't really mean that, but, geesh.....it's neverending!

So, I was reading the new issue of the REALTOR magazine while waiting for my daughter, Tiffany, to be finished with Volleyball practice and I came across this article about Virtual Staging. Yes, Virtual Staging. We have virtual office assistants, virtual pets and virtual avatars that can be designed to look just like us, and now we have Virtual Staging.

Who thinks of this stuff? Actually, it's kind of funny...I think I was thinking about this just a few weeks ago, dang!, could have been the cool inventor of "Virtual Staging". Anyway, compared to the thousands of dollars it might cost to stage a vacant home with "real" furniture, this virtual staging can cost less than $225. In this day and time, we are all trying to save a dime or two, and now, instead of having movers and stagers packing and unpacking, when you sell the home, you can just hit a clear furniture button, lol. Maybe not, just leave it....it's not going to bother anyone.

I think I really like this idea. It seems as though a well staged home will get more showings than a home that is completely empty and nowadays, more and more buyers are searching online. So, it makes since, right?

Now, you'll have to go find your REALTOR Magazine....it's somewhere in that pile on your desk or in your car. Here is a link to virtualstagingsolutions.com to check out some pics of before and after....pretty amazing if you ask me.

What do you think about Virtual Staging and do you feel it could help you sell more vacant homes? I wonder if when we list a home and the seller has "not so nice furniture", can we use virtual staging to remove their old stuff and replace it with really cool stuff?

What are you trying to sell?

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:25:31 -0500

I can't hold it in any longer....I have bitten my tongue long enough. If I don't get this post out, it's just going to eat at me until it's all I am thinking about.

So, I am strolling through the Multiple Listing Service checking out the new active listings. I click to view the pictures because the front of the home is enough to spark my interests. And there it is....one of my pet peeves, staring at me again....ugh! The bed. Yes, the bed. I am not seeing the room as a whole, I am staring at a bed. It's a very nice bed with a beautiful bedspread and fluffy matching pillows. Does it come with the house? I mean, why else would you take the shot right smack in the middle of it?

Don't you think you're doing a disservice to your sellers? Shouldn't the picture be of the bedroom as a whole? So, I go to the next picture and the next. Same story....nice kitchen table and nice Dell Laptop on the mahogany desk. What is wrong with this picture? I can't see the room!!!! That's what is wrong. I want to see the floor and the size of the room...geesh! Am I asking too much?

If you're selling the furniture then go ahead.....shoot away, but, please, please don't give me a close up of the monogrammed pillow on the bed if you're trying to sell the HOUSE!!!

Okay, I feel better now. And I won't be looking at anymore new listings tonight...I promise.

Properties for sale...Mt. Dora, Eustis, Orlando, Leesburg, Lake County, Florida

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:05:26 -0500

Who said that? Quote of the day.....

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:30:25 -0500

"Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us."

Earl Nightingale

Dale Carnegie

Les Brown

Speechless Sundays.....I am getting too old for this!

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:59:48 -0500

Had to share...someone sent me this picture in an email.

Another reason I don't like doing Open Houses!

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:10:50 -0500

It's a question we get from most sellers, "Can we do an open house?" I cringe everytime I am asked that. I do not care for Open Houses and just finished reading another news article out of North Carolina in which a Realtor sitting at a Model Home was raped at knife point. Our world is in such array today that I just refuse to put myself in that type of situation. This Realtor is lucky to be alive...the rapist could have killed her and just walked out of the home, unnoticed.

I know there are steps to be taken, check driver's license, have them sign in, blah, blah, blah, even with that...they could lie, still hurt and kill you, and at that point who cares if you have some information on a piece of paper that could possibly be false anyway. I think a Broker's Open is fine and even an Open House if you can arrange to have more than one or two agents there at all times. There also needs to be in place a more secure type of questionaire. How can we monitor who is coming in and out? Could we use some type of quick background check to inform us what kind of person is entering the home? I know it seems like a lot and most consumers would not want to subject themselves to what would seem like harrasment to just look at a home, but, if people would think about the lives it could possibly save, could they take the extra pre-cautions for the safety of us agents?

Open houses also allow for strangers to come into the home and check for expensive art, jewelry, security systems, and areas that could be easily accessible. Maybe there's a back door that they notice has a flimsy lock that they could pick easily. Burglars and rapists look for easy targets and what's easier than walking in a home and seeing the complete layout and knowing the family works during the day and goes out of town on the weekends.

I try my hardest to appease my sellers, If they insist on doing an open house, I will try to arrange something that will work for all of us. I do explain my feelings on open houses and have been lucky enough that most sellers understand and do not insist. Usually, they have not even thought of these negative scenarios and are grateful that I did not agree to just leave their home wide open to intruders of any kind.

It's not that I don't think Open Houses are a great way to let consumers walk in and fall in love with a home, but, there is just not enough safety precautions in place. My children probably worry enough with their family members in law enforcement, waiting for the day, someone won't come home, I do not want them to be concerned that their mother who sells houses for a living, has a dangerous job and might not come home either.

It's time for some Jazz and Blues at The Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, Florida

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:23:21 -0500

Come Join Us as we Celebrate Jazz at the Winery

Saturday, September 19th, 10 - 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 20th, 11 - 5 p.m.

It's time to celebrate at The Lakeridge Winery. Fun times are to be had....listening to jazz and blues music.

You won't be disappointed as this special weekend is packed full of great musicians such as The Robert Harris Group, who, along with his band are well acclaimed Jazz maestros.

Come along and enjoy a glass of Lakeridge wine, beer or soft drinks all available for purchase while listening to the live music by Tory Wynter who will entertain you during the entire Weekend.

An assortment of delicious food will be available for purchase. Admission to the fairgrounds is $2.00. Ample seating is available, but you're welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets for your comfort.

As always complimentary winery tours and tasting will be held throughout the entire weekend.

Free parking.

Music Schedule:

Saturday, September 19 - Air Tight, 10 - 1:30 pm

Tory Wynter, 2 - 5 pm

Sunday, September 20 - Groove Masters, 11 - 1:30 pm The Robert Harris Group, 2 - 5 pm

It's never been a better time to buy! If you're looking for a home in the Central Florida area, visit Tinaallenproperties.com and find yours today.

More exciting real estate news for Lake County, Florida

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:46:07 -0500

More exciting news in Real Estate!

Don't believe all the negativity!

June Sales for Lake at 250 up 22.55% from May and 33.69% from last year.

July sales at 283, up 13.20% from June and 45.13% from last year. It's a great time to find a good deal.

Call your favorite Realtor today!!

Quote of the day: Remembering back when.....

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:42:05 -0500

Children ask better questions than adults. "May I have a cookie?" "Why is the sky blue?" and "What does a cow say?" are far more likely to elicit a cheerful response than "Where's your manuscript?" Why haven't you called?" and "Who's your lawyer?"

Fran Lebowitz

Speechless Sundays.....Captivating

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:30:41 -0500

Home sweet Home! You have no idea!

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:34:53 -0500

Just wanted to take a quick minute to let my fellow active rain buddies know that I haven't dropped off the planet. Trying to get back into the swing of things here in Florida after traveling to Sturgis this year to help a friend open a bar/club for the famous Sturgis Bike Rally. So many crazy things going on, but, we did manage to see Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Black Hills and Deadwood, which I had never visited. The mountains were beautiful and the land just seems to go on and on. Besides smelling like a cow pasture, the landscape was just breathtaking.

South Dakota also has some strange and unpredictable weather. It would be nice, sunny and warm and within minutes drop 25 degrees. I was constantly putting my sweater on and off. We happen to catch the crazy hail storm. Just check out youtube...some of the videos...wow! Being from Florida, I am used to hurricanes, tornadoes and bad weather, but, I have never seen hail this size before. some of it was the size of apples, no kidding. Cars, bikes, trailers and tents were ruined. I saw a car that the hail went thru the top of the roof. And there were more windshields broken than imaginable. Bruce Rossmeyer, probably the largest Harley Dealer in the world was killed and Steve Tyler from Aerosmith fell off a stage and sustained injuries...so it was a little, no a lot crazy in South Dakota.

I think the worst thing that happed while in Sturgis was the near suicide of my blackberry. It didn't get the greatest reception and calls home were not often. Texts and emails came thru most of the time, so that is how I kept in contact with everyone. But, while using a very public toilet....yes, my blackberry made a jump for it. Eeeewwwh! I managed to fish it out, rinse it, sanitize it and leave it alone for a few days. Surprisingly, it is working, however, being almost flushed, I still need to get a new one....I don't want to hold it near my face.

Working 15-20 hours a day for my friend took its toll. It took me probably a week to get caught up with my sleep and I have never been so happy to see my bed, my bathroom, my couch, my floor, ect. Also, had some catching up with the kids....I don't think I have ever been away from them for such a long period of time. And working so hard with bad phone reception, it was hard not talking to them throughout the day. Jeffrey, 14, and Tiffany, 13....I think they actually missed me too! School starts for them on Monday, so school supply/clothes shopping and some good bonding has been necessary since I arrived home.

I also came back to my one month old grandson, who needed a loving "Mimi" to take care of him for a few days. It definately has been a while since I had to take care of an infant. For those that don't know, I have two step-sons, one serving in Iraq with a new baby in New York (will be seeing her in November, yay!) and one here who just became a daddy. Baby Julian is precious and I can't wait to show some pics of his cute little face too.

Anyway, I am hoping to get back on schedule this coming up week and start posting regularly again. I will post about my adventures and of course more pics of the very cool airbrush painter....check out my quick post Wordless Wednesday....Wow! to see an example.

Thanks for all those checking up on me...it's nice to be thought of!

See ya in the rain....soon!

Wordless Wednesday......Wow! Unbelievable!

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:19:26 -0500

3571 Lake Eleanor Drive, Mt. Dora, Florida 32757 Just Reduced!!! 3/2 pool home on lake

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:05:11 -0500

Just Reduced!!! 3/2 pool home on lake $189,900

Over 2,000 sg ft home, tiled throughout. 1/4 to 1/2 acre on Lake Eleanor in beautiful Mt. Dora, Florida.

Spacious rooms, open floor plan. Enjoy LARGE family room that opens out to the screened in pool area. Scenic Lake views of Lake Eleanor. Click here for virtual tour.

Looking for that perfect Florida home....visit tinaallenproperties.com and find yours today!

Tina Allen EXIT Realty Tri-County

352-455-1654 tina@exitrealtytricounty.com

www.tinaallenproperties.com

Wordless Wednesday....please, please save me!

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:31:20 -0500

I received this picture in an email of many great pictures....I had to share this one.

Very Important Tips.....one of them could save your life.

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:12:08 -0500

I received this in an email and thought it was important to share with any and everyone that I can. These tips were written by a Law Enforcement Officer. It is sad that I feel I need to instill so much fear into my 13 year old daughter's mind about what could happen, but, there is so much happening today, I would rather have her paranoid than trusting of the crazy and perverted people out there.

Crucial Because of recent abductions In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation... This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know. After reading these 10 crucial tips , forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2.. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their chequebook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it . As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor , and in the back seat B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOTbe a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer,was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help'into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted
his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said thatit sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors! Please pass this on. The Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers,wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry.. Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or loved one's life.

Speechless Sunday....just another reason to admire our servicemen.

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:24:15 -0500

This picture was taken by a friend in Iraq. I couldn't imagine living in that.

Home sales keep rising in Lake County, Florida

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:10:49 -0500

For the month of June, Lake County sold 387 homes. Sales are slowly but surely rising. Now, the prices are obviously lower due to many foreclosures, short-sales and bank owned properties being sold, but, I am optimistic that the "playing field" will level out.

What are you seeing in your area?

"A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes." -Hugh Downs

Quotes to think about....

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:47:42 -0500

Just came across these and thought they could brighten your day like they did mine! Enjoy! Join Quotes of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and share some of your favorites.

"A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."

Hugh Downs

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each one of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

Robert F. Kennedy

Looking for that perfect summer home in Florida? Visit tinaallenproperties.com and find yours today.

Can I have a little feedback please?

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:24:33 -0500

We have this wonderful little button that is visible when you pull up a property in our Multiple Listing Service. It is a showing button and if, when the listing is entered, you type in the showing instructions, lockbox codes, vacant etc., you can access this information by clicking the button. An email will be sent to the listing agent letting them know someone has viewed the showing instructions. Sounds easy enough right?

Another reason I like this set-up is because in about 2 days, the showing agent will receive an automatic email with a link asking to leave feedback on the showing. It takes less than 2 minutes to type something in the little text box. So, why am I not getting anything back but "Thank You?" I mean you were just there 2 days ago, don't you remember what the buyers liked or disliked about the property? My seller wants to know.

This has been happening more and more lately. I know agents are busy, but, give me a little feedback please! Maybe it is something that can be changed or fixed. It's a courtesy that I give to you when showing your listing, so I would appreciate the same in return. Let's work together to get these homes sold.

Speechless Sunday.....Teamwork at its best

Tina Allen (Exit Realty Tri-County) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:26:29 -0500