real: Soon you'll need a passport to get back in the United States from Mexico and Canada
- 02/14/08 07:36 AM
The good old days of simply saying "I'm a U.S. citizen" to cross the border are over. Now, you need a passport. Well, if you've never gotten one, here's what you do: If you plan to travel outside the United States -- and re-enter -- you're going to need a passport; a passport is a document that verifies the nationality and identity of its bearer. You'll need two 2x2-inch photos, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, passport application and money. Here's how to obtain a passport. Fill out the Application for Passport, Form DS-11. You can download this form online and … (0 comments)
real: You Can't Say It Enough -- If You Want It Sold -- Depersonalize
- 01/01/08 06:16 AM
I just took finished a listing appointment (the property was listed with someone else and did not sell) -- and I couldn't believe the condition of the property. The home was in good condition, but it was a mess. Crap everywhere. With all the home staging programs and HGTV, I didn't think there was a soul out there who didn't know about cleaning up the clutter. So, here's a quick reminder. If you want to get your home sold -- now is not the time to show off your beer can collection, your masterpiece from Painting 101, your dusty bunny animal collection … (1 comments)
real: Remember How Fun Playing Board Games with the Family Was When You Were a Kid?
- 12/14/07 03:08 AM
Merry Christmas Everyone! Some of my best memories growing up were playing Risk or Scrabble or Monopoly up until all hours of the night with my dad, brothers, uncles, causins. Afterall, when did so many family members get together to have fun. Playing games, eating cookies, drinking soda. Hearing you dad laugh -- or your aunt razz your mom about a sqift move. Good times. I went out Christmas shopping and bought a few of my favorites. It's kinda selfish, I suppose, buying gifts for my kids, knowing deep down I'm the one looking forward to playing. Oh well, Fun is the … (3 comments)
real: Mortgage Banker vs. Mortgage Broker
- 11/27/07 02:58 AM
Mortgage Banker vs. Mortgage Broker Many consumers think mortgage companies are simply banks that lend their own money. In fact, the company that you work with may be either a mortgage banker or a mortgage broker. So, what's the difference? A mortgage banker is a direct lender, meaning it lends you its own money, although it often sells the loan to the secondary market. Mortgage bankers are often referred to as "direct lenders" and occasionally retain servicing rights as well. A mortgage broker, on the other hand, is a middleman that does the loan shopping and analysis for the borrower, and brings the … (2 comments)
real: Yep, I'm arlready thinking about turkey ... and dressing, and wine, and ...
- 11/12/07 02:20 AM
Here's a winner! Yes, it does take a bit longer than most turkey recipes, but who's in a hurry? Slow-Smoked Turkey w/Syrup-Coffee Glaze Serves 10+ LeftoversPrep Time = 1 Hour | Total Time = 3 HoursIf you have a grill with a lid and a bag of hickory chips, you can smoke a turkey. To make extra delicious, braise the bird first in a mix of coffee, apple cider vinegar, and cane syrup (or brown sugar).The results is a combination of complex flavors-sweet, bitter and ambrosial. Ingredients 2 gals. water 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup ground coffee (preferably chicory) 1 … (3 comments)
real: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let a buyer move into a home before COE!!!
- 11/09/07 01:21 AM
I just read another blog which indicated they let the buyer move in 5 days early to take the pressure off a fast move. I can't think of anything worse. I've been there, done that -- and it was a disaster. We wanted to accommodate the buyers -- give them time to move. The buyers, their agent, the lenders, everybody said it was a "done deal." No problem. It will close on time. So, we moved out. Stayed in a rental while our new house was being prepped. Guess what? You know the answer. The home didn't close. It took nearly 10 stressful days … (4 comments)
real: Beautiful 4,000SF Bemidji, Minnesota Home For Sale - North Woods - $337,500
- 11/08/07 02:17 AM
While this home is in the North Woods -- it is actually very sophisticated. Unlike most homes in the Bemidji, Minnesota area, this is not your pine or log home. This home is FSBO -- but I am cooperating with Buyer's Agents. Check it out: http://www.bemidjirealtor.com/ Thanks. … (2 comments)
real: 3 Tips to Help You Keep on Walking
- 11/06/07 01:35 AM
There's soooo much good info on AR about real estate -- I think you have it covered. Yesterday I had a bad call with a potential client -- I was steamed -- and after the call I went for a walk. I came back and felt great! I did some quick research and found this: Walking rates as one of the most popular workouts. It's easy, convenient and a great way to keep off extra weight, but all too often there are obstacles that prevent you from enjoying this activity -- or so you think. Obstacle 1: I work all day and can't … (1 comments)
real: 5 Useful Travel Tips During the Holidays
- 11/03/07 03:21 AM
It can be a wonderful time of year -- here's some tips to keep in mind during November and December travel: 1. Check your flight for delays and cancellations before you leave to the airport. 2. Allow at least an extra hour to find parking, check in and pass through security. 3. Use the "self-check" kiosks to save time. 4. Don't wrap your gifts -- you may be asked to unwrap them at the security gate. 5. Now is the time to plan for Spring Break to get the best deals. … (1 comments)
real: Del Mar, California Sunset
- 11/02/07 02:38 AM
Nothing like a Del Mar Beach sunset to help you shake off the day. This one was taken recently at Powerhouse Park. … (0 comments)
real: Good to Know During Your Next Hospital Visit
- 11/02/07 02:25 AM
I used this in my own newsletter and thought I would pass it on so you're aware when visiting family and friends. According to a review published in the the New England Journal of Medicine, infections acquired by patients while they're in the hospital are estimated to affect nearly 2 million people resulting in 90,000 deaths a year and costing $9.5 billion in medical bills. The biggest culprit? The room's TV remote control! Researchers from the University of Arizona recently found that the remote control in a hospital room carries more disease-causing bacteria than the toilet, faucet handles, bathroom door, call buttons, and other … (4 comments)
real: Not Exactly a New Idea -- But I'm Surprised I Don't See It Very Often
- 10/31/07 02:49 AM
Make Home Repairs Before Listing -- One Small (or Big) Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Odds Most home sellers are aware that there's a lot of competition on the market right now. And, most buyer's know they have a lot of choices. So, what can a home owner do to get an edge? Try this: Have your home inspected and all repairs made prior to putting it on the market. If your home is already in great condition, the cost will be minimal. If your home needs a lot of work, you would probably have to make the repairs anyway or … (6 comments)
Related Links:
Paul Stokes & Dean Rooke | Del Mar, Solana Beach & Cardiff Real Estate
The good old days of simply saying "I'm a U.S. citizen" to cross the border are over. Now, you need a passport. Well, if you've never gotten one, here's what you do:
;)
;)
