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Real Estate IRA-Take Full Advantage of the Current Economic Cycle

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:24:28 -0800

Are stock market woes preventing you from building wealth in your retirement account? If so, you might be interested in a small, but growing, trend among individual retirement account owners-investing their retirement funds in real estate.How It WorksIf the option of using tax-deferred funds to purchase property sounds appealing, you'll need to locate an independent IRA custodian that allows real estate investments and work with that company to set up an IRA account. Most banks and brokerage companies-the most common IRA account options-limit your choices to certificates of deposit, stocks, mutual funds, annuities, and similar financial instruments. But Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code permits individuals to purchase land, commercial property, condominiums, residential property, trust deeds, or real estate contracts with funds held in many common forms of IRAs, including a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA , and a Simplified Employee Pension plan, or SEP-IRA.To find a custodian that specializes in real estate, search under terms such as "real estate IRA" or "self-directed IRA." This latter term was coined by the financial industry in the 1980s to distinguish the self-directed IRA from other IRAs that focus on stocks and bonds. The IRA account holder can't serve as the custodian of his or her own account. However, it's important to select a custodian knowledgeable about the types of investment you're interested in, because the custodian holds title to the real estate. Do your homework, and understand what you're getting into.Fees can vary widely among custodians, as can the flexibility of the services provided for account holders. If the custodian holds real estate on your behalf, but does not service it (collect the rent, etc.), you may have to contract with other providers. However, be sure that all rents are paid into the IRA and that all taxes are paid by the IRA.Purchasing the PropertyMost IRA custodians that hold real estate will usually allow you to purchase raw or vacant land, residential properties, or commercial buildings for your portfolio. In addition, some custodians may permit foreign property or leveraged property.Since buying a property may require more funds than you currently have available in your IRA, you also can have your IRA purchase an interest in the property in conjunction with other individuals, such as a spouse, business associate, or friend. Also keep in mind that if the property is leveraged, the debt must be a non-recourse promissory note.Unfortunately, Internal Revenue Service regulations will not let you use the real estate owned by your IRA as your residence or vacation home. Nor can your business lease space in your IRA-held property. The underlying premise for any real estate investment purchased with IRA funds is that you can't have any personal use or benefit of the property. To do so may cost you plenty in taxes and penalties.There are a few other IRS limitations as well. You cannot place a real estate property that you already own into your IRA. Your spouse, your parents, or your children also couldn't have owned the property before it was purchased by your IRA. Property owned by siblings may be allowed, since the Internal Revenue Code (section 4975) specifies that only "lineal descendents" be disqualified.Once you've chosen a property, your IRA custodian-not you personally-must actually purchase it. The title will reflect the name of your IRA custodian for your benefit (such as Silver Trust Co., Custodian FBO John Doe IRA). In addition, if you put up earnest money with your personal funds, you'll need to make sure you include that amount in the total due so that the title company can reimburse you upon closing.Operating an IRA-held Property Because all property expenses, including taxes, insurance, and repairs, must be paid from funds in your IRA, you'll need liquid funds available in your account. Of course, all income generated from the property will be deposited in your IRA account so you can use that money to cover your costs. You also can make annual contributions within federal guidelines.Currently, you can contribute $3,000 annually to a traditional or Roth IRA ($3,500 if you're age 50 or older) and as much as 15 percent of your annual compensation, up to $40,000, if you're a self-employed individual with a SEP-IRA. If your account doesn't have funds to cover property expenses, you will have to withdraw the property from your IRA and pay taxes on the value of the property, as well as possible penalties for early withdrawal.It's also possible to sell properties while they are held by your IRA, so long as the purchaser is not a family member. Once a deal closes, your IRA account now holds the cash proceeds-ready for you to make your next investment. An alternative is to sell an IRA-held property with seller financing so that all payments made by the buyers are paid to the IRA.Distributing Your Property You can withdraw real estate from your IRA and use it as a residence or second home when you reach retirement age (age 59½ or older for a penalty-free withdrawal). At that time, you can elect either to have the IRA sell the property or take an in-kind distribution of the property. Under that arrangement, your IRA custodian assigns the title to the property to you. You will then have to pay income taxes on the current value of the property if it's been held in a traditional IRA. If the property was held in a Roth IRA, you won't owe taxes at distribution. This makes a Roth IRA extremely attractive if you anticipate that your real estate investments will appreciate over time.Whether your retirement strategy is to hold properties or buy and sell for gain, real estate investing through your IRA can yield extraordinary returns toward your future retirement.IRA OptionsWhile any form of IRA allows for real estate investment, there are other pluses and minuses to consider when choosing the account type that's best for you: A traditional IRA lets you deduct annual contributions (currently set at $3,000, or $3,500 if you're age 50 or older) from your income. However, once you begin withdrawing money, those funds will be taxed as regular income. A Roth IRA gives you no deduction on your current contributions (again $3,000), but does allow you to withdraw funds tax-free. If you expect to buy a real estate investment in an IRA and hold it for a long period, this is probably your best option, particularly if the property increases in value over that period. A SEP-IRA is designed for self-employed individuals and small companies. You can contribute up to 25 percent of your compensation, or $40,000, whichever is less. However, keep in mind that if you have employees, you must make contributions for them as well. This option is a great alternative for real estate practitioners who can make the higher contributions because they can build up funds more rapidly to purchase properties. Withdrawals from a SEP-IRA are treated like those of a traditional IRA for tax purposes.

A Day Spa For Your Mouth!

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:16:11 -0700

A Day-Spa for Your Mouth There's nothing like a good mud bath. But if you're feeling a time crunch and want that same day-spa sensation in less than five minutes, I'm loving Fresh's Umbrian clay treatment bar ($38). It's made of 100% "argilla bianca," the rare and ancient alkaline-rich earth from the hills of Umbria. It exfoliates and tones the pores, for a clear, tight complexion. (Tip: you can even treat pesky bug bites and your little one's diaper rash with it.) Also, try the corresponding Umbrian clay toothpaste ($20), which stimulates circulation in the gums and alleviates sensitivity. The clay particles buff away plaque, while wild mint and lemon combat morning- or coffee-breath. Who'd have thunk it? A day-spa for your mouth, in just a couple of minutes. How luxurious! As Real Estate Professionals we could all use a little luxury break mid day!

Pete Dye to Design Championship Golf Course Near Gold Beach

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:55:21 -0700

Take renowned golf architect Pete Dye and turn him loose on 200-plus acres of incredible beauty just south of Pistol River and what you have is a championship golf course that will probably look a little like Pebble Beach and a little like Bandon Dunes. If everything goes the way the Crook Family is hoping, Curry County will have itself a 6,900-yard championship golf course that its developers hope will make it one of the best-rated courses in the country, if not the world. The course will be situated on the west side of Highway 101. On the south it will border Boardman State Park and on the east Pistol River Dunes. If one is driving south on Highway 101 and drops down to the river and sea stacks coming down from Cape Sebastian and Myers Creek, the golf course would start approximately where the highway starts up the other side of the Pistol River delta. Much of the course will not be seen from the highway. The course is being developed by Bill, Jackie, Ron, James, Melody, Kathleen, and David Crook. The Crook Family settled the area in the mid-1800s. They own some 2,800 acres near Pistol River. The development is being spearheaded by Leroy Blodgett and his Eagle Two Development Corporation of Harbor, and Five Star Land Development of Scottsdale, AZ, the latter specializes in developing golf courses. They will be in charge of planning, permitting, and construction. Perry Dye, the son of Peter Dye, and a principle of Dye Design of Denver, CO will be the principle designer. Steve Pfeiffer of the Perkins Coie law firm in Portland will be the land-use lawyer. The golf course development will include 25-75 custom cabins, a clubhouse, and a restaurant. The cabins will only be accessible by golf carts. People's vehicles will remain at the clubhouse. Each cabin will have a full kitchen and a private hot tub. The cabins will have one to four bedrooms and range in square footage from approximately 1,000 square feet to 1,850. Some 95 percent of the golf course will be open space. No home development is planned for the golf course. Jobs and revenue for community When completed, the golf course will employ 62 people permanently with an annual payroll of $1,750,000. The construction value for the golf course and all the buildings that come with it will be more than $20 million. More than 100 construction workers will be employed during the two-plus years of construction. The annual gross revenue for the course is expected to be about $10 million. Most of that will be spent locally. The annual property tax for the course and buildings is estimated to be about $180,000. Another $50,000 will be spent on permit fees. Timeline If everything goes smoothly, the golf course will open in June 2011. Before that happens the following must occur. The county Planning Services Department must propose a destination resort ordinance and map the resort areas of the county. (There is expected to be more than one.) This is expected to be completed by October 2009. The applications for the permits are expected to be complete by December 2009. Public hearings are expected to occur in March and April 2010. The developers hope that the county would approve its applications by May 2010 so that construction could begin in June 2010. Construction would take about a year. While the official construction start date would begin in June 2010, Blodgett said some of the planned fairways will be cleared early so that the Dye Design team can get a better idea of what they have to work with because of the hilly terrain. World class, economical Blodgett said there are 13 golf courses on the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Canada. Seven of the 13 courses are ranked in the top 100 in the United States. Five of the courses are ranked in the top 100 in the world. Dye's company alone has nine courses ranked in the top 100 worldwide. Blodgett said the Crook Family wants to maintain the rural atmosphere of the county with lower green fees for locals at about $115 including a golf cart. The summer greens fees at Bandon Dunes tops off at about $250. Blodgett said it is hoped that the course will be limited to about 25,000 rounds a year. Crook plans The Crooks plan to use some of the profits from the course to create a foundation endowment or other mechanism to give back to the community through scholarships, grants, and donations.

Boat Made Of Plastic Bottles Ready To Cross Pacific Ocean

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:07:34 -0700

Adventure Ecology founder David de Rothschild has spent the past year or so constructing a 60 foot boat made mostly out of two liter plastic bottles. Following a few false starts in the design stage, the vessel is nearly ready to make its maiden voyage. In August, the "Plastiki" will set sail from San Francisco and cross the Pacific Ocean bound for Sydney, Australia. A total of 12,500 bottles went into the construction of the boat, which will support a crew of nine. We love this project because it combines a pro-active recycling experiment with a willingness to allow technology to devolve a bit.

Top 5 Market Research Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:05:34 -0700

1. Your goals are not well defined. What do you want or need to learn from your market research? How will the data affect your business? Your goals should be specific, measurable and actionable. All the data in the world won't help you if it's not related to your short and long term goals. 2. Your target audience is not well defined. If you're talking to the wrong people, it doesn't matter what research results you get because they're irrelevant. Take the time to identify the specific target audience you need to communicate with in order to get information that can accurately help you create your marketing strategy. 3. Your research is too limited. If you only talk to a few people, that's probably not enough feedback to hang the success of your marketing strategy on. Of course, the number of people you should survey or communicate with for your specific research initiatives varies depending on your business, but one thing remains constant for all businesses - make sure you speak with a statistically significant portion of your target audience before you implement any sweeping marketing changes. 4. Your survey or research tool is substandard. The data you collect through research is useless if you're using a survey or research tool that stinks. Make sure you take the time to develop a survey or research tool that will deliver the information you truly need. Hire a market research company or consultant with deep experience in developing surveys and research tools in order to ensure yours is the best and most effective it can be. 5. You massage the results to support your predetermined opinions. Most people have an idea of what they want to hear from their audiences. This applies to market research, too. Let's face it. Data can be interpreted in many different ways. It's the glass is half empty vs. half full theory. Be careful when you analyze your results that you do so from a 10 foot, unbiased view. Your investment is worthless if you don't listen to the real results.

22nd Annual Wine, Art& Music Festival - Gold Beach, Oregon

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:37:03 -0700

Wings of Epoh (Hope Backwards)

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:17:36 -0700

Wings of Epoh It's a children's book, first of all. But Wings of Epoh, about a young boy with autism who befriends a butterfly named Epoh ("hope" spelled backward) is heart-rending and increasingly relevant in a time that sees the disorder on the rise across the country. (Oregon has 1/3 more children diagnosed this year than last year.) Mothers can (and should) read it to their little ones. The message is mighty: Spread your wings, share your talents and find courage in the face of adversity. This tenderly written (and gorgeously illustrated) book by acclaimed author and Holocaust survivor, Gerda Weissmann Klein, is a prime example of an empathetic voice linking to a kindred emotional experience in spare, elegant prose.

One Flaw In Women

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:06:09 -0700

Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Give Mom A Break!

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:52:50 -0700

Give Mom a Break 12 Times a Year. Mom is the the busiest person we know. And after a long day she's always more than happy to make dinner for her loved ones (and no, she didn't pay me to write that). So why not give her a break once in a while? Celebrate the mother in your life by registering her in the Dinner of the Month Club . For $263 a year (or about $22 a month) you can have a complete dinner for four delivered once a month. This is also a great gift for the busy professional (aka yourself), or anyone who doesn't always have the time to make a nutritious and satisfying dinner for guests. It's a truly catered affair. We love the pastas (which are always al dente) and baked breads. Six and three month-long packages are also available. Now you're cookin'-only you (and mom) won't actually have to! Makes a great closing gift as well!

What to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:11:43 -0700

I don't usually re-post, but this is a really great article for agents as well as clients! By George W. Mantor RISMEDIA, May 2, 2009-If you are a recent seller of real estate, you may have had some difficulty dealing with the gap between your selling price and your actual net proceeds, as reflected in your final check. Hopefully, you knew what to expect and factored that into your decision to sell. But, all too often, in the blizzard of activities involved in transferring real property, the costs of selling are often overlooked or underestimated. Once all loans and liens are satisfied, the next largest cost is often real estate brokerage fees. Despite recent declines, property values having did rise rapidly in many markets and that fractional six or seven percent can equate to some serious coinage. It does cause one to ponder, where does all the money go? As is often the case, the best value isn't always the lowest price. Those looking for real value are more than willing to pay top dollar for top quality. But, the question arises, how does one determine the elements of full value in real estate services? What should one expect from a professional real estate practitioner? A competent, knowledgeable real estate practitioner gets paid for their time and their knowledge. Everyone's time is limited. At some point, in the development of a personal service business, a practitioner can work no more hours. And, as they build their business, enhance their skills, and improve their knowledge, they can only increase their compensation by increasing their fees or adding additional revenue streams. Remember, the very best in every profession are always the highest paid. Given the flood of inexperienced newbies who enter the field each year, a strong argument can be made that they should be paid what they're worth. Understanding the value of a real estate practitioner is made more difficult by what the consumer sees and doesn't see. From what I gather, a common perception of a real estate practitioner is someone who drives around in an expensive car, holds open houses, has a list of "for sale" properties and a special key, puts up sold signs, talks incessantly, demonstrates few social graces, scans the room over your shoulder looking for someone better to go get pushy with, and gets paid millions for doing the above. Essentially, the work of a real estate practitioner can be broken down into three main categories: functionary duties, compliance duties, fiduciary duties. Functionary duties Most of what the public sees the practitioner doing could be described as functionary activity. Measuring a house, hanging a lock-box, canvassing a neighborhood, and designing flyers are examples of things that could be done by an agent of any level and, arguably, do not rise to the value of several thousand dollars. Compliance duties Behind the scenes, the trends toward consumerism and government regulation have placed burdensome responsibilities on sellers of real property to such an extent that most sellers have no idea what disclosures are required of them or what the consequences are for failing to provide them. Many sellers incorrectly believe that their agent is responsible for providing these disclosures, but the legal onus is upon the seller. Among the practitioner's compliance duties, would be a risk reduction strategy that directs the seller to be in compliance with all legally mandated requirements. Over the course of my nearly 30 years in real estate, I have watched a standard real estate contract swell from a couple of pages to a three-pound bundle of disclosures, addenda, inspections, affidavits, disclaimers, waivers, reports, indemnifications, acknowledgements and amendments, all woven together in a labyrinth of time frames, receipts, authorizations, approvals, all with their unique ramifications and consequences for buyers and sellers of real estate. The fact that consumers do not see all this doesn't make it any less binding upon them. For a real estate broker, these increasing compliance issues increase the cost of training, processing, filing, paper, toner, equipment, and long term storage. It either gets paid for by the consumer or it doesn't get done. The consumer not in compliance is the one at risk, not the agent who cut corners. Fiduciary duties This brings us to what the public often doesn't see; the top professionals in any field exhibit qualities that come at a price. Often, they are very selective regarding the clients they accept. Experience and longevity create an existing clientele. The fiduciary relationship is based on trust. There is an absolute duty of fairness and honesty. And, in my view, there is a duty of competence as well. That means education, training, and a commitment to mastering all of the technical and legal nuances of the business. Here is what to expect from a top professional: 1. Courtesy With privileged athletes and rock stars as our role models, boorish behavior has become mainstream. I'm old school. I still believe in something called "professional conduct." I don't need a code of ethics or Dr. Phil to tell me how to conduct myself in my myriad of daily encounters with people. You should expect, at minimum, that a true professional will always be well-mannered, polite, relaxed, patient, and empathetic. These are more than niceties; they are valuable assets that benefit the client. These attributes foster effective communication, which is the heart of better negotiation. Don't think twice, just be nice. Years ago, I heard a very popular real estate sales trainer say that the worst thing that people could think of you was that you were nice. I don't agree, but then I'm a country boy and I was reared to be polite and considerate. Courtesy extends to being on time, returning phone calls promptly, and fulfilling commitments. 2. Thorough needs analysis Any professional will want to meet you in their offices for the purpose of an initial consultation. Among the reasons are to determine if your situation fits their expertise, to conduct a thorough analysis of your circumstances and options, and to make sure you fully understand the process. 3. Strategy Once you understand what your options are, you can begin to form a plan for achieving the one best option for you and your circumstances. Your best option could be doing something entirely different than your original plan, or even nothing at all. The strategy is the step-by-step process of achieving your best option. 4. Advice and Counsel It can be hard to appreciate the value here but, in my view, it's probably of greatest value to the client. I once asked the agent representing the buyer of my listing, "What did you advise your client to do?" His response was, "I don't give my clients advice." In my view, he is worth less than full value. 5. Prior inspections Most real estate professionals hate surprises. They understand that it is far better for the seller if all property defects are determined prior to bringing the property to market. Those defects will be discovered by the buyer's inspection which is likely to trigger protracted and needlessly acrimonious renegotiation and often cancellation. 6. Comparable Market Analysis The key to selling quickly for the highest possible price is to place the property in the marketplace at exactly the right price. If the price is too high, the best qualified buyers won't get to see it because they'll be looking at homes priced in their spending range. This is where your home should have been listed, in the first place. Two sets of data help to determine what is known as current market value: what others have recently paid for nearby properties which posses similar attributes such as square footage and amenities, and what is currently available to compete for buyers. 7. Mortgage Review Is there a prepayment penalty or are there other fees associated with paying off the mortgage at this time? A prepayment penalty is deductible but should also be reflected in the plan. 8. Title Review You could have a lien on your property and never know about it until you go to sell. Considering that even a mistake will take time to unravel, this should be learned early in the listing period. 9. Estimate of Net Proceeds When you list your home for sale, the only thing that matters to you is your net proceeds, not the selling price or the agent's commission. You should expect that any professional real estate practitioner would provide you with a breakdown of all the known and anticipated costs associated with selling real estate. 10. Review Escrow Instructions You should expect that your escrow instructions have been fully reviewed to make sure there are no surprises, and the instructions to the escrow company reflect the meeting of the minds of the parties. Usually, more than one party is contributing information to escrow and they don't always get it right. If those 10 elements are missing then, in my view, you didn't get full value. On the other hand, if your real estate professional behaved as I have described; upbeat, on the ball, honest, caring and laser-efficient, you can be confident that, in my judgment, you received high quality, professional service. If you feel that you got a trusted advisor instead of a salesperson, you got your money's worth. I've never advocated against those business models whose value proposition is discounted fees. Discounting brokers are hardly new to the marketplace, as much as they'd like you to believe otherwise. They often serve as valuable training grounds for new licensees who are willing to work for less to offset their inexperience. In a few years, if properly tutored, they will have built enough value in themselves to justify top tier compensation. My bet is that they won't continue discounting once they've achieved mastery. The real estate business has become so complex and legal that a meaningful apprenticeship ought to be required. But, the failure rate is so high and the turnover so rapid that it can be difficult to build much of a foundation of knowledge of real estate fundamentals while driving the salesperson to be a good closer. At least the argument can be made that, "I don't know much about real estate, but I can save you thousands in fees." I know it can sound trite to say "you get what you pay for." And, we all know from our own first hand experiences, with all manner of things, including real estate professionals, it isn't always true. But, one thing is obvious, the best and the brightest will go where they are rewarded commensurate with their talent. The skills required to master the real estate profession are easily transferable to other arenas. If the dumb-down factor becomes so great that masters cannot earn a living in real estate, they'll just switch to another business. The consumer may save money but the service level will fall as well. And, a handful of the very best will increase their fees in recognition of their higher level of service.

If Your Kids Are Drinking Red Bull, You Are Now Officially A Bad Parent

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:20:43 -0700

We all knew that energy drinks are probably not good for you, but a new series of studies have uncovered the truly crazy health threats associated with beverages like Red Bull. The drinks like to boast about strange herbal ingredients, but the thing that gives you "wings" is caffeine, and Red Bull contains the equivalent of seven cups of strong coffee or 14 cans of Coke). The study not only focused on healthy adults but also on kids, who when exposed to those levels of caffeine experience tremors and chest pain. Stick with water or Gatorade on the soccer field, parents.

SPRING CHECKUP FOR YOUR CABIN

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:48:03 -0700

It's that ti,e of year again! With just a few weeks left in the school year, many families are already thinking about that first family camping trip! SPRING CHECKUP FOR YOUR CABINWood Exterior? 5 Quick Tips to Keep It BeautifulIf your favorite place is wood or log-sided, it might need a spring checkup.1.Spray or splash a bit of water on your wood siding or logs. If the water beads up and rolls, you're good for another year. But if it soaks in, it's time to consider a new coat of stain. (If it's log, it's especially important to check the log ends as end grain tends to soak up more moisture.)2.Check that your plants and trees around the perimeter of your place haven't grown too close to the siding. They can direct rain onto your cabin and block the sun & air circulation from drying any moisture in the area. You should have a good 2-3 feet of space between your cabin & any shrubbery.3.Make sure the earth around your cabin isn't too close to the wood as well. You want a minimum of 6 inches between the bottom of the siding and the ground so that rain doesn't splash onto the wood.4.Re-caulk any gaps in your windows, trim & butt joints of the wood. This helps with air infiltration into the house and keeps the moisture out as well. Latex caulk is easy to work with & cleans up with water, but because it's water-based, it shrinks more than other caulk & may need re-application more often. 5.By now it should be obvious that moisture control and water management are keys to the long-term longevity of your place. If you don't have gutters already installed, they can be a great investment. If you do, take the time to clean them out and make sure that the runoff drains away from your cabin.

United Country Named Among Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 100 Franchises

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:29:14 -0700

Entrepreneur Magazine recently unveiled the 30th Annual Franchise 500®, the world's most comprehensive franchise ranking system designed to assist entrepreneurs in selecting the best franchise opportunities. United Country Real Estate has earned a Top 100 ranking among the 2009 Franchise 500 report, which is featured in the January 2009 edition of Entrepreneur Magazine. Capturing the No. 95 position in the 2009 Franchise 500, up from the No. 101 spot in 2008, United Country is the only franchise in the real estate category to move up in the new rankings. The company also achieved the No. 24 ranking in the Low-Cost Franchise category and was featured in the November 2008 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine in the article, 85 Franchises you can start for less than $25,000."The fact that United Country is the only real estate franchise to achieve upward growth in the rankings illustrates that despite the challenges in the real estate market, our infrastructure remains strong and we are poised for continued success in the future. During economic uncertainty, many companies choose to become static when it comes to investing in new initiatives. We chose to do the opposite. We felt that there was no better time to refine our system and bring additional value to our franchise offering in areas including technology, marketing and strategic partnerships - all with the goal of propelling our franchisees ahead of the competition today and even more so as we see market correction in the years to come," said Dan Duffy, chief executive officer of United Country Real Estate.Entrepreneur Magazine has been conducting the Franchise 500 study since 1980. All companies, regardless of size, are judged by the same criteria: objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation. The objective factors are plugged into the Franchise 500 formula, with each eligible company receiving a cumulative score. The franchises with the highest scores become the official Franchise 500.About United CountryUnited Country Real Estate is the largest integrated real estate and auction company in the U.S. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company has been an innovator in real estate marketing since 1925. United Country is the only national franchise specializing in country properties. The company supports nearly 675 offices nationwide with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes one of the largest portfolios of property marketing web sites (over 750 separate sites), publishes seven proprietary real estate catalogs with a cumulative distribution of 1.5 million, an extensive, current buyer database and national advertising of properties to more than 90 million potential buyer prospects a week. United Country has been recognized as a Top 25 Franchise by the Wall Street Journal and among Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500®.

The Realities of Real Estate

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:28:30 -0700

It's our job as Realtors, to enlighten the Lender, the Buyers Broker, the Appraiser, the Tax Assessor and our CLIENTS about the real value of their home!Hope you get a smile out of this one....it's one of my favorites to send to clients just before the appraisal!

Yoga Offers Escape From The Daily Grind

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:41:12 -0700

Yoga's gentle, healing nature can alleviate stress. Sitting, lying or standing on a mat forces the body to slow down and moves the brain away from life's distractions to a point of mental clarity. "The human brain does not multi-task very well," says Carlyle Chan, professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa, Wis. "The people who say they do so are not exactly accurate. When you are at the office and your phone rings, you get distracted. That's just the way the brain is structured." "Yoga focuses the mind on something else and helps you reset," Chan says. "The more you do it, the more effective it is." In today's frenetic world, where finding time to visit a studio might multiply the stress, an at-home practice could be good medicine. Before flowing through poses in your living room, take a few classes with a certified yoga instructor. The more confidence you have in the poses and postures, the better chance you'll be able to focus and practice with safety. To ensure you have props for yoga at home, invest in a mat, strap, blocks (either wood or foam) and a thick, woven blanket. Practice in your bare feet and wear comfortable, tighter-fitting clothing. "Start today. Don't wait until you have the perfect setting," says Marietta Pucillo, owner of Yama Yoga in Milwaukee's Third Ward. "As long as it's a place to give you peace, it will be OK. Accept that wherever you are today is perfect. That's the principle of yoga, anyway." Here are some ways to create a yoga space at home: Clear out a dedicated space-Whether it's a spare bedroom or a new area that opens up when you move the coffee table, the space should be free of magazines, toys and other clutter. Keep the room's temperature warm so muscles are completely relaxed. You should be able to reach your arms and legs in all directions and not touch any walls. Linoleum or hardwood flooring is fine if you are on a mat, Pucillo says, but rugs or carpeting is better for postures and sitting poses. Set aside a specific time- Instead of just adding "practice yoga" to an evolving to-do list, pick a time of day and stick to it. Incorporating yoga into your morning routine or bedtime rituals is one option. Not scheduling a time - but showing dedication - works, too. Invest in a virtual instructor-As lovely as it would be to hire a private instructor to drop by every week, that probably isn't economically feasible, but many respected yoga instructors lead virtual classes on DVD. Buy a few different videos so you don't get bored with the same routine. I recommend the WII Fit, it's not only great for yoga, you can track all of your daily exercise with the virtual personal trainer. Say no to distractions- It can be easy to become distracted, even if you view something out of the corner of your eye, but you must not give in to distractions. Don't have a phone in the room either. If the phone can't be moved, turn the ringer off during your session

Our Wonderous World-A Feel Good Earth Day Video

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:12:18 -0700

A Window AwayI look out my window what do I see a cardinal, a blue jay and a chickadee They sit on my feeder or in my tree they're fun to watch and company When singing their pretty song my worries and cares are gone Hummingbirds enjoy my flowers succulent nectar they love to devour The chipmunk fills his cheeks with the seeds that he seeks He scurries away back to his den then comes back for seeds again Rabbits run, hop. and play on this wonderful sunny day Mother Nature is a window away I am thankful for this every day

Lighthouse Sunset

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:28:35 -0700

On The Beach- Beautiful Oceanfront Home $975,000

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:08:57 -0700

Charm and sunshine await you in this 4 bedroom 4 bath house of glass. Double foyer entry leads to the large great room, kitchen and dining. You'll love the sparkling hardwood floors. Cosy den has a full wall of bookshelves. Each bedroom suite features a private bath and OCEAN VIEW balcony. The only thing you need to bring is your toothbrush, this home comes fully furnished. You will have to act fast on this one! Call Angela (541) 425-0188

Oregon Coast Relocation Guide-Virtual Magazine

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:02:36 -0700

Gold Beach Oregon Relocation Guide Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs mortgage ocean

Suf, Sea and Sand...Ocean Front Home, 1.38 Acres $1,295,000

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:39:43 -0700

Massive stone fireplace, window wall, hardwood floor & vaulted ceiling highlight spacious great room. Dream kitchen w/endless storage & island eating bar for impromptu meals. Upstairs den could serve as a hobby room or office. Sliding doors open your bdrm suite to the large deck & hot tub. Guest suites w/shared bath & sauna will be an overnight success. Make your dreams come true...call Angela at (541)425-0188 Today!

Simple Tips For Staging Your Home-Virtual Presentation

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:55:20 -0700

Getting your house ready to sell can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Just keep in mind that you're wanting potential buyers to be able to see their own family and possessions in your home. In order to do that, your home must have more "blank areas" than usual to allow buyers to imagine their things in your space. Since you're going to be packing for your move anyway, go ahead and get a start on it now. Box up out of season clothes to make closets seem more spacious. Remove family photos so buyers don't feel the house is already "taken". Give them opportunities to visually place their possessions by having less of your own spread around the house. Allow your house to still feel comfortable, but never crowded or cluttered. If you need specific advice, we would be happy to help you prepare your home for sale. Please call 541-247-7857.

What Do You Get For $7,500,000 In Todays Market?

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:02:41 -0700

A Stunning Departure From The Ordinary! Details in the architecture and appointments of this three bedroom home reflect the local timber and mining history that allowed Grants Pass to boom in the early 1900's. Yet, taken as a whole, this 15,100 sq. ft. residence with massive log beams, towering windows and flowing floorplan is distinctly contemporary. The best testament to the success of the home's design is how richly livable it is - how well it's able to nourish the mountain life of its residents with mesmerizing vistas and spaces that truly draw people together.

Circle L Ranch Resort 40 Rogue Riverfront Acres!

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:56:15 -0700

Wild and Scenic Rogue River front retreat with magnificent 360Â° mountain views. 40 acres with 3,700' of river frontage running along the entire SE border of this 26 space Campground/RV Park. Romantic 1 bdrm caretakers cottage warmed by a rustic stone fireplace. Imagine your guest fishing for Salmon and Steelhead, launching their boat for a day of adventure from the private dock, kayaking the riffles and rapids or taking a relaxing dip in one of the many swimming holes. Guest frequently see Elk, Deer, Eagles, Osprey, Ducks and Geese roaming the property and as they hike the nearby wilderness trails. Future development potential is endless in this high end resort area. Seller may finance for qualified Buyer.

Old Coast Ranch... 82 Ocean View Acres

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:52:29 -0700

Big Sky Meets Big Surf Old Coast Road, Gold Beach, OR 97444 View Map Luxury can become a habit in this magnificent lodge style coastal home. The rugged yet refined 3,967+/- sq ft home is purposefully set atop 82+/- acres overlooking a commanding 180° ocean view including Otter Point State Park. Elegant materials highlight this specially designed and handcrafted home of stunning architectural proportion. A showcase home for distinguished southern Oregon homebuilder Benchmark Builders. The ranch surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of conservation and ranch lands was once part of the historic R.D. Hume Estate which stretched from the south bank of the Rogue River east to Agness and as far north as Nesika Beach. The ranch is access by a historic wagon train route known as the Old Coast Road. By the 1840's the Old Coast Road was the only overland route from California to the North Oregon Territory. The first pioneers to travel the Old Coast Road were searching for gold and furs, the most notable are Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark. THE LODGE HOME-A two story great room is the heart of the home with a stunning free form handcrafted river rock dual sided fireplace that separates the formal and informal living areas. Adjoining gourmet kitchen and dining area provide ample space for dining and are equipped with a walk-in pantry. The black oak coffered ceiling gives the den a formal flair. A spacious guest suite completes the main floor. With a balcony over-looking the great room, the second floor has an open feel. The luxurious master suite of rooms, full of amenities, features a large river rock shower and claw foot soaking tub. GREAT ROOM-The immense free form river rock fireplace dominates the great room. A wall of clear story windows frames the incredible ocean view. Imported Canary Wood flooring continues to the adjoining dining area. KITCHEN-A combination of coffered ceilings, natural marble surfaces, antiqued brick flooring, antique apothecary counter imported from Portugal and handcrafted solid oak cabinetry showcase the stainless steel Thermador Professional Series Appliances. Highlights of the spacious Butlers pantry include abundant work space, antique ice box and cabinet for wine storage. DEN-The coffered ceilings continue to the multi-purpose den. Striking ocean views and custom Black Walnut with White Oak inlay bookshelves differentiate this extraordinary den from the standard. BED and BATH-Encompassing the entire second story the main suite provides an inviting retreat consisting of the ocean view master bedroom with private bath, sitting room and walk-in closet with laundry facility. Both the bedroom and sitting room feature walls of Carolina Ledge Stone. The sitting room is the perfect place to snuggle with a warm blanket and book from the 20 ft Cherry Wood and Purple Heart bookcase. Pure magnificence is the only way to describe the master bath, as you enter you're immediately drawn to the river rock shower enclosure, claw foot tub, and tumbled marble flooring. Upon further inspection you will see immense thought went into the design to ensure ocean views from both tub and shower. Bamboo flooring, built-in Cherry Wood cabinetry, handcrafted shoe storage, separate shelves for linens and towels all accentuate the enormous walk-in closet with laundry facility. The second guest suite located on the main level is quite luxurious, complete with its own spa-like bath . BARN and OUTBUILDINGS-The large four stall barn with hay loft, 3 stall turn-out shed, hay barn and two additional shelters for covered feeding have all been designed to compliment the architecture of the main home. PASTURE-Approximately 40 of the 82+/- acre property has been developed into rolling lush green pasture. The entire property is fenced and cross fenced to allow for grazing management. The mild climate is suitable for all types of livestock including buffalo, cattle, sheep, alpaca, goats and of course horses with the hundreds of miles of trails and sandy beaches at your finger tips. On most evenings you will find deer and elk enjoying the abundant meadows. THE COMMUNITY-The road to your ranch is flanked by other ranch estate homes on large acreage tracts plus more than 1,000 acres of conservation lands. This private community is located near shopping and dining with easy highway access. In the surrounding area, you'll find sheep and cattle grazing the hillsides, fishermen catching Salmon in the Rogue River and hiking enthusiast exploring new territory. Best of all...IT CAN BE YOURS. Details Asking Price: 2,900,000.00 MLS: 6105282 Sq. Feet: 3967 Lot Size: 82 Acres Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 # of Floors: 2 Garage Size: 2 Car Contact Info Angela Haralson Principal Broker Main (541) 247-7857 Email | Website

Sail Into The View

Angela Haralson (United Country Rogue Coast Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:51:02 -0700

Sail Into The View! 33935 Miller Lane, Gold Beach, OR 97444 View Map Breathtaking ocean views from virtually every inch of this custom 4 bedroom 4 bath 4,500 sf coastal home with over 1000 sf of attached garage space and additional RV/boat garage. First impressions are important and this home makes a grand entrance through the double doors to the impressive foyer with custom coral marble flooring. Formal and in-formal sunken livings areas are separated by lavish three sided fireplace. Private office with french doors and hardwood floors. Polished hardwood floors in formal dining room will set off your Oriental rugs. There's no telling what you'll cook up in the dream kitchen….custom cabinetry, solid granite counters, high end appliances, endless storage, hardwood floors and a fireplace that separates the kitchen from the casual dining area. Main bedroom, situated for privacy boasts a spa-like bath complete with Jacuzzi tub and polished stone tile surfaces. Three additional oversized bedrooms with private baths. Unwind at days end in your own sauna. A colorful palette of flowers border the beautifully groomed lawns and garden area. You can cook a feast for four or 40 on the built-in grill in the gardenside kitchen. Every detail describes perfection! See for yourself today. Details Asking Price: $1,490,000 MLS: 7033957 Sq. Feet: 4,500 Lot Size: 4.21 Acres Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 # of Floors: 1 Garage Size: 3+ Year Built: 2003 Property Amenities - Range/Oven- Sink Disposal- Full Refrigerator- Microwave- Washer/Dryer- Central Vacuum- Dishwasher- Satellite- Fireplace- Kitchen Island- Hardwood floors - Security System- Patio- Deck- Grass Lawn- Yard- Fenced Yard- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool- Sauna- Tool Shed- Secluded Setting - Central Heat- Walk-in closet- Tile floor- Family room- Living room- Office/den- Dining Room- Breakfast nook- Granite Countertops- Laundry area - inside Contact InfoAngela Haralson Principal Broker Main (541) 247-7857 Email | Website