real estate: How much time do you spend on your blog? - 05/04/08 05:40 PM
How much actual time do you spend on your blog weekly? Do you truly feel it is important? Do you enjoy blogging? Is the time spent, worth it? Do you consider yourself an addict?
I am still a newbie when it comes to blogging, but I can clearly see it's purpose in today's technology & for me, having a blog is important, I enjoy it, feel every minute I have put into my blog is very much worth the time & effort. Am I an addict? No, but I could be! It's a great way to share your voice and thoughts in a positive way … (16 comments)

real estate: How to Add a Watermark to a Word 2007 Document - 05/04/08 05:15 PM
Add a watermark to a Word 2007 document...
Click the Page Layout tab. Click the Watermark command in the Page Background group. Click Remove Watermark to remove the Draft 1 watermark. Click the Watermark command in the Page Background group. Click Custom Watermark. Click Text Watermark. Click in the Text box and replace ASAP with Final Showing Markup. Click Apply. Click Close. I have had several ask me how did I add a watermark to my document? These easy steps above explains it all!
 
(10 comments)

real estate: Gas Prices Driving You into Bankruptcy Yet? - 04/29/08 05:06 PM
What is going on at the pumps these days? It's mind boggling to me. Just two days ago, I was able to fill up at $3.15 per gallon and today, same gas station, has posted $3.65 per gallon? Gives new meaning to the phrase: "what a difference a day makes".
Even my husband had a "wicked" joke to tell me (involving the gasoline crisis) today, went like this:
When I got home from work last night, my wife demanded that I take her out to some place expensive...............     So I took her to a gas station!!!!!!!    Ha Ha. Funny.
    I'm … (33 comments)

real estate: Credit Scores - Does a person's age have anything to do with their credit score? - 04/29/08 04:50 PM
Credit Scores - mystify most of us, but does a person's age have anything to do with their credit score? Answer: No. Age does not have any bearing on influencing a credit score. Credit Scores are based on how a person has "handled" their personal finances/credit. There are 25 year olds with credit scores of 800. There are 60 year olds with 580 credit scores. Age is not a factor.
Did you know that earlier credit scores were not a number, but was listed as excellent, good, fair or poor?
Credit Scores have nothing to do with race, color, religion, national origin, … (1 comments)

real estate: Credit: What is Defined as a Late Payment - 04/13/08 05:27 PM
Credit: what is defined as a "late payment". 
A late payment is "any payment received past its due date".  Late payments are also classified into these categories: 30 days late, 60 days late, 90 days late, 120 days late, etc.  - I think you get the idea. If you as a buyer, are considering applying for a mortgage, late payments on a credit report will have an impact on what interest rate you may receive and whether or not a mortgage loan will even be granted to you.
Late payments have an affect on credit scoring, too. The good news is, you … (0 comments)

real estate: Credit - Know the rules - 04/13/08 05:01 PM
Credit - Know the Rules!  - it is much more than paying your bills/debts on time.
There are 5 Main Areas that are critical in your credit make-up, & its effect on Credit Scores:
1. Paying accounts on time. (Equals to 35% of your credit scoring). If you make a payment by its due date, or within 29 days past the due date, it will not affect your credit score. If your payment is received 1 day past its due date, you may have to pay a late fee, but it will not show up as a negative on your credit report, unless over 30 … (3 comments)

real estate: Tag Sale - 1023 Archwood Ave in Lorain OH, just off Lake Rd. - 04/12/08 05:22 AM
  Tag Sale in Lorain - 1023 Archwood Lorain OH
UPCOMING TAG SALE, by Lori Mitchell. I currently have the home for sale, and Lori will be having a Tag Sale on the homes' furnishings. More details to come on April 15th - everything from pots & pans, to antique furniture, holiday decor, wing back chairs, boxed items never used...3 floors of items inside home PLUS garage full, including patio furniture, yard equipment...WOW. Better than a garage sale, Better than an Auction. Times & Dates will be posted on Tuesday, April 15th. EVERYTHING must go!! Please, no checks. Cash funds only.
Located just … (0 comments)

real estate: Cleveland - Lake Erie Lifestyle View from Water - 04/10/08 06:41 PM
  Photos Taken by: Carla Harbert
Views of Downtown Cleveland from Lake Erie Waters, close to sunset. I love capturing moments of time, especially when the sun is slowing setting - with hues of color accenting the waters. For those who love the Cleveland Brown's Football - this is a great pic of their stadium.  Cleveland is just full of things to see & do. Thinking of Relocating to Cleveland? Home prices are so reasonable here, in fact, a bargain right now! A great time to buy with so many homes available for sale, along with several terrific loan programs to fit … (2 comments)

real estate: Lake Erie Lifestyle - LakeView Park's West Beach (Lorain, Ohio) - 04/10/08 06:08 PM

Photo Taken April 2008
by: Carla Harbert, RE/MAX Pros
View of the West Beach Entry of LakeView Park, Lorain OH
Lake Erie attracts thousands of visitors - thinking of relocating to Ohio? Wanting a home on Lake Erie Shores or nearby? Homes in Cuyahoga County & Lorain County along Lake Erie Shores are truly a bargain in today's real estate market. Have you heard of the amusement park called "Cedar Point"? It's just a short drive away!  
RELOCATION Packages available upon request or more information, please contact me -  I will gladly share our Lake Erie Lifestyle "Secrets"!  I LOVE it here!!       
Carla Harbert, RE/MAX PROS  440-309-5209 or Toll … (1 comments)

real estate: Lake Erie Lifestyle - New Listing: 1023 Archwood Ave, Lorain OH - 04/09/08 09:03 AM
   
   
Just Listed! 1023 Archwood Avenue in Lorain, OHIO.  Just one block from Lake Erie Shores!
Traditional Charm with many custom features, beautiful leaded glass windows with matching glass inserted in dining room hutches, gleaming rich hardwood flooring in living room, dining room & upper bedrooms, nature stone was recently put down on the basement flooring...so many unique features. List Price is $125,000 which is excellent pricing for the area. Home is over 1380 sf + basement, 2 car detached garage with loft storage. More information & details can be found on  http://www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com  Stop by! Carla Harbert, RE/MAX PROS in … (2 comments)

real estate: Credit: Example Letter To A Collection Agency - 03/24/08 05:49 PM
Collection Agencies are quick to act upon trying to collect a debt from consumers. Sometimes letters go out to several parties with similar names, trying to seek out the "real" debtor.  Below is an example letter that can be sent out to a collection agency, if you feel this is NOT your debt:
Again, Credit is SO Important today, for a consumer to be as squeaky clean as possible! Here is an example letter to a collection agency...
 
Name of Collection Agency:
Address of this Agency:
Account Number:
 
Date:
 
To Whom It May Concern:
I have received notice that your office is trying to collect a debt, that … (6 comments)

real estate: Credit: What are your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act? - 03/24/08 05:14 PM
Since credit is tightening up, it is very important to know what your rights are, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act!
Right now, there are so many credit reporting agencies out there, besides credit bureaus - such as specialty agencies that report insurance claims, medical records, rental records, check writing histories - just to name a few. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act promotes accuracy. So, what are your rights as a consumer?
A consumer has the right to be told what information on file was used against them, including the name, address, phone number of agency making the report.
A consumer has the right … (0 comments)

real estate: Credit Dispute - Example Letter to Send to Credit Bureaus - 03/24/08 04:38 PM
Some of my customers have asked me for an example letter to send to the Credit Bureau, since I used to be a loan officer with first hand knowledge learning to help my clients.
First off, make sure you can provide proof (never mail original receipts - make copies & keep all originals in a safe place). Also, make sure your credit report is current, less than 90 days old. Ok, here goes....
 
Attention: (put in name of Credit Bureau - Experian, TransUnion or Equifax)
Report Number (this number is found on the top of your credit report)
Date:
To Whom It May Concern:
After reviewing my … (2 comments)

real estate: Get a Copy of Your Credit Report - 03/23/08 09:02 AM
Yes, get a copy of your credit report! Errors in credit reports can be difficult to correct, even time-consuming. Before you begin shopping for a house or mortgage, it is wise to get your credit report from these 3 credit reporting agencies:
Equifax Credit Information Services:  PO Box 740256, Atlanta GA 303-74-0256 or call: 800-685-1111 or go online to: www.equifax.com
Experian National Consumer Assistance Center: PO Box 949, Allen TX 75013-0949 or call: 800-682-7654 or go online to: www.experian.com
TransUnion National Disclosure Center: PO Box 390, Springfield PA 19064 or call: 800-888-4213 or go online to: www.tuc.com or www.transunion.com
Basically, your credit reports are … (1 comments)

real estate: Credit Scores - Where do you fit in? - 03/23/08 08:33 AM
So, how does your credit score? Are you an 800+. 750 - 799? 700-749? 650 -699? 600-649? 550-599? Under 550?
There is a Federal Law put into place, entitling a consumer to a free credit report every year - but these credit reports do not tell the consumer what their credit scores are. Credit Scores are not "freely" given out, that answer is going to cost you anywhere from $6 to $15 or so. Your credit score is determined from the credit report, along with several other factors, so it is very important to review your credit reports to make sure they are … (2 comments)

real estate: Foreclosures Galore In OHIO - "FREE LINK" - 03/22/08 07:49 AM
Foreclosures are EVERYWHERE - from fixer uppers to executive move-in ready homes, commercial property, vacant land, multi-family residences.
Many websites & other agencies are charging the public (potential buyers, investors, and even real estate agents) to view these homes online. But I am furnishing a  link, that is TOTALLY FREE to check out homes for sale, including HUD Homes, VA Gov't Homes, FDIC, Small Business Administration, US Army Corp of Engineers, Customs, US Marshal's Service and the Dept of Agriculture - Rural Development. 
This link will allow ANYONE to search homes for sale, seized through foreclosure or other means, NOT just … (0 comments)

real estate: Welcome to CLEVELAND, Ohio - Lake Erie Lifestyles - 03/20/08 07:30 PM
It's my pleasure to Welcome YOU!
Cleveland, Ohio: full of rich, cultural heritage with affordable housing. In fact, a recent Forbes article tells us that Cleveland was ranked the 4th Best City in the United States to buy a home. Yes, the Cleveland Area has seen its share of the housing slow-down, plus numerous foreclosured, bank-owned homes saturating the market - but many states and major cities have, too. We're no different in that aspect, but Northeast Ohio is blessed to have world-renowned medical and educational facilities. Cleveland prides itself in world-class professional sports teams, the Cleveland Orchestra, numerous museums, large … (0 comments)