coldwell banker united realtors: What is Hardie Plank or Hardie Board Siding?
- 10/07/13 07:29 AM
Hardie Plank and sometimes referred to as Hardie Board siding is a combined Fiber Cement Lap Siding that can enhance the look of your home while also protecting it. Not to be confused with Wood, Vinyl or LP siding that can disintegrate over time with moisture. The fiber-cement design boasts a resistance to insects and moisture damage and designed to even withstand severe weather. Suitable for paint or stain or can be pre-primed with a factory applied finish in a variety of colors. • Flexible Appearance— Hardie board siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood … (1 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Space Allocations in New Homes
- 10/07/13 06:02 AM
If you’ve ever wondered how the space is allocated or broken down in a new home, here is some great information from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) that you might find helpful. The average percent distribution of finished space in the typical new home built by NAHB’s is illustrated below.
In addition to an average breakdown of space in all new homes, NAHB looked at the breakdown for a small homes under 2,000 square feet) and large homes with a minimum of at least 3,000 square feet. These numbers are averages based on new construction, and … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Sorry It's Not An Upgrade... it's called Maintenence
- 02/12/12 09:44 AM
I’ve heard this on more than one occasion from home sellers: We've done Lots of upgrades! NOT!! And while I appreciate the time hard work and money you’ve invested in your home, I am going to have to give you the disheartening news that all your “upgrades” are actually maintenance. New carpet throughout – 5 years old now, and the only reason your replaced it was because it was covered with so many stains you didn’t even want to walk on it in bare feet anymore New roof—You had to repair the leak. You got a new one after Hurricane Ivan … (3 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: How to Identify Mortgage Fraud?
- 12/28/11 12:57 PM
As I continue to receive calls and e-mails asking the question, “is this for real” or “is this a scam” I’m amazed at the lengths companies will go through to make homeowners think the information they are receiving is from their own mortgage lender or the VA or another legitimate entity. While there are some companies out there that are trying to help, there are twice as many out there with ill intent. While I try to advise people carefully, on these things, I was happy to find that Freddie Mac has identified the same things to people. Following are six … (1 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Fort Walton Beach Military Realtor
- 02/28/11 03:07 PM
If you're looking for professional results, and a dedicated to the best interest of the Military members REALTOR in the Fort Walton Beach area, then you should be calling KarenButler.com! Specializing in Military Relocations and creative financing. Retiring from the USAF at Eglin AFB, Florida. I've been there, done that and got the T-shirt! I know what it's like to relocate. My clients need, want and expect an experienced Contract Negotiator who will guide you through the real estate transaction with ease and will get you the best price and terms on your property. Making the difference between for sale & sold! Contact me when you need a … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Considering Updating Your Homes Lighting?
- 01/27/11 10:51 AM
If you've been considering updating the lighing in your house take a look at this quick video first. I thought it was pretty helpful and enlightening. Click here to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05SSP3WKXuI
Karen Butler, REALTOR Karen@KarenButler.com 850-830-8780 Coldwell Banker United Realtors, FWB, Fl 20 Years - USAF Military Veteran Military Specialist 1st Time Home Buyer Counselor Contract Negotiation Specialist, CNS Trusted Community Advisor Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES Mortgage Pre Approval Resource Resale Home Analyst Accredited Buyer Specialist, ABR Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource, SFR Fair Housing Chairman, ECAR … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Northwest Florida Is Still Growing
- 01/25/11 02:17 AM
Last week I told you about the new WalMart opening in Niceville, there is also another one under construction in Santa Rosa County which will be smaller and not a Super WalMart. Now they are opening another Family Dollar Store in Fort Walton Beach. Renovations have started on the old West Marine building at 4 Eglin Parkway S.E. to transform the building into the new Family Dollar store. It is schedule for completion sometime around July-Sept 2011. And they will be announcing jobs availability soon, stating they would like to hire from the local area. People don't spend money if they … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: New Requirements for Wind Mitigation Inspections in Florida
- 01/04/11 11:21 AM
While the attached bulleting has come from Citizens Insurance, I'm pretty sure the other carriers will be following suit, to maintain the integrity of the program. Wind Mitigation inspections can but are not guaranteed to reduce homeowner insurance premiums for those home built prior to 2002 that meet the criteria such as having roof clips. So if you have considered getting one, I've seen the cost range from $75-$150, make sure you you are paying someone who meets the new criteria for the insurance companies, otherwise, you may find yourself having to pay for an additional one. Per Citizens bulletin, 4-Point inspections will … (2 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Military Realtor in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- 12/22/10 06:40 PM
When it comes to military moves, trust a REALTOR who has been in your shoes more than once. One that can and will explain the real estate and home buying process. I have an extensive military background, and over 12 years real estate experience in and around the Fort Walton Beach area. Here is a quick did you know on Veteran Eligibility: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/servlet/AgentListing?action=detail&ComColdwellbankerDataAgent_id=198468 … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Have You Heard of RFID? How About Electronic Pickpocketing?
- 12/08/10 05:07 PM
Well that's exactly what it is. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification technology. Who and what is at risk? You, your credit card, debit card and even passports! It is actually electronic picpocketing, and you are never touched and your credit card never leaves your wallet, pocket or purse! How scary is that? Think about the group activities you attend where you wouldn't even think twice about seeing someone with a tablet PC. Basketball games, football games, concerts, movie theaters, conventions?! You know I researched it before posting this, and apparently they pulled the episode of MythBusters who were planning to … (6 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Waiting Period Before Buying Another Home After A Short Sale?
- 11/08/10 05:22 PM
I received a call this weekend from a home buyer who just sold his previous home as a short sale about 2 months ago, and is ready to purchase another home. Can a seller buy again in less than two years? Not really, Fannie Mae guidelines now require 24 months "seasoning". FHA adopted guidelines in 2010 that say a seller who is current on their mortgage and does a short sale "may" qualify to immediately buy another home. But unfortunately that is going to be the exception rather than the rule. Fannie Mae guidelines allow a seller to immediately apply for … (9 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Military Brides Across America
- 11/07/10 06:01 PM
Oh my gosh, I almost forgot to tell you about this! Brides Across America was created and supported by the bridal industry to do more to support our troops and their families. Bringing bridal and military together is a marriage made in heaven! Bridal salons are uniting across America to donate and giving away wedding gowns to qualified military brides. So if you will be marrying a Military member or are a Military member who's planning or thinking about planning a wedding then this is for you.The wedding industry is making a difference and giving brides to be the opportunity to find the wedding gown … (6 comments)
Karen Butler, REALTOR Karen@KarenButler.com 850-830-8780 Military Specialist 20 Years - USAF Military Veteran Trusted Community Advisor 1st Time Home Buyer Counselor Resale Home Analyst 2010 Fair Housing Chairman, ECAR Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource, SFR Contract Negotiation Specialist, CNS Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES Accredited Buyer Specialist, ABR FREE Search Homes For Sale: Fort Walton Beach* Eglin AFB/ Hurlburt Field* Navarre* Crestview … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Portraits For Deployed Military Members Just in Time for the Holidays!
- 09/14/10 03:07 PM
I recently came across this announcement, and since I live in a military community, I thought it was worth posting for folks in my area as well as others located in military communities. If you have a service member in your family, or know of one who is deployed, I hope you will pass this along. JC Penney is offering a deal on their photography services for their families from now until October 31st, 2010, The offer includes free sitting fees, AND one free portrait sheet mailed to the service member, AND one free portrait sheet for the family. Additional portrait sheets … (1 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Appraiser or Homestead Exemption Detective?
- 07/07/10 08:07 AM
In Florida especially, there are a lot of vacation and second homes. There are also people who have lived here, moved for a variety of reasons and rent out there property. Nothing wrong with that... Except... They are still claiming their homestead exemptions! If you aren't familiar with a Homestead Exemption, in a nutshell it is a reduced amount on property taxes. A tremendous tax savings and incentive for homeowners, only Florida and five other states have homestead exemption laws that protect all of the owner's equity from being lost to creditors and judgments. Your home is your most valuable asset, and … (5 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: National Flood Insurance program extended also!
- 07/01/10 05:57 AM
Last night Senate approved the homebuyer tax credit AND without as much acclaim but equally important, they also passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act , which extends the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30 2010. This will allow home purchases in the 100-year floodplain to move forward. These homebuyers and homeowners have been sitting on pins and needles too since Friday when the house approved it, waiting for for the Senate to give the okay. What I found significant in this is that when signed into law by the President, the bill, which will apply retroactively, will cover the lapse period … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Federal Agencies Introduce Online Mapping Tool to Track Gulf Response
- 06/17/10 05:17 PM
The world knows the BP oil spill has been a catastrophe affecting several states along the Gulf Coast. The impact affects industries from hotels and condo tourism, to fishermen, charter boats to local community beach tourism. The NOAA has launched a new website meant to answer many of the questions people have been asking more accurately than the spin on television. It provides an operational picture that allows the American people to see how the government is responding to the crisis, and not what the bobble heads are running around saying "nothing is being done". This appears to be pretty detailed in almost … (2 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Panicked About losing your $8000 tax credit?
- 06/17/10 04:42 AM
Last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Johnny Isakson and Christopher Dodd, introduced legislation to extend the closing deadline for homebuyers who have had a contract pending prior to April 30 that qualified for the $8000 and $6500 homebuyer tax credits until September 30. 2010! Outstanding move! Under the program as it stands today, these folks have to close on their homes by the end of this month or else lose their eligibility for the tax credits! I have clients that fall into that category, and the servicers are just a little to cavalier about telling me that they are not … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Gulf Coast Mortgage Relief?
- 06/17/10 03:52 AM
How do you spell relief? If you are a homeowner and live in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama or Florida in the areas of the Gulf of Mexico affected by the BP Horizon oil spill, it appears there is a "brief reprieve" being offered for your mortgages from Citigroup, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Citigroup says it is suspending loan foreclosures in the region through Sept. 17, 2010. Now let me see if I have this correctly, fishermen for example, haven't been allowed to work for the last 90 days, and they are willing to suspend actions for another 90 days, during which … (0 comments)
coldwell banker united realtors: Late Reporting After Short Sale Is Closed
- 06/01/10 02:04 AM
Apparently short sales can continue to be reported that the account is still delinquent to the credit reporting bureaus for up to 10 months even after the sale has closed. For people already suffering through a hardship, this can severly impacting a persons ability to reestablish their credit and get back on their feet. I didn't say it was right, I said they are doing it. What you can do is have clients, Realtors or Attorneys contact the servicer to let them know the sale has closed and to please (don't forget that part) stop reporting continual late payments. More than likely it is the trickle down effect, and until the word … (0 comments)
Hardie Plank and sometimes referred to as Hardie Board siding is a combined Fiber Cement Lap Siding that can enhance the look of your home while also protecting it. Not to be confused with Wood, Vinyl or LP siding that can disintegrate over time with moisture. The fiber-cement design boasts a resistance to insects and moisture damage and designed to even withstand severe weather. Suitable for paint or stain or can be pre-primed with a factory applied finish in a variety of colors. 
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