Map of Homes For Sale
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Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 08, 2011
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Beryl Gosney wants to keep up with you on Twitter
Beryl Gosney wants to keep up with you on TwitterTo find out more about Twitter visit http://twitter.com/i/06532c7deb0651e0da9c2489be1a4f4ac924a2e4 Thanks, About TwitterTwitter is for discovering and sharing what's happening right now through the timely exchange of short, public messages. Since its inception in 2007, this open exchange of information has transformed Twitter from a simple social utility to a new kind of communication with the potential for positive global impact. Individuals and organizations alike are encouraged to try Twitter for a variety of uses ranging from social to commercial.
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Wednesday, March 04, 2009
URGENT MESSAGE COULD SAVE YOUR PETS LIFE
Dear Dog & Cat-Loving Friends,
PLEASE PASS IT ON ~ EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A DOG OR CAT, YOU SURELY KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES.
Checked on www. Snopes.com (see below).
Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk .. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.
Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
This Snopes site gives the following information:http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
PLEASE GIVE THIS THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION!!!
PLEASE PASS IT ON ~ EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A DOG OR CAT, YOU SURELY KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES.
Checked on www. Snopes.com (see below).
Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk .. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.
Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
This Snopes site gives the following information:http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
PLEASE GIVE THIS THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION!!!
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
Final score: $8,000 for homebuyers
First-time purchasers get a tax credit windfall
if they buy before December.
By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: February 17, 2009: 12:13 PM ET
A big plus is that the credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill - the amount of withholding they paid during the year plus anything extra they had to pony up when they filed their returns - was less than that amount. But there has been a lot of confusion over this provision. Adam Billings of
"I will qualify as a first-time home buyer, and I am currently set to get a small tax refund for 2008. Does that mean if I purchased now that I would get an extra $8,000 added on top of my current refund?"
The short answer? Yes,
Scenario 1: Your final tax liability is normally $6,000. You've had taxes withheld from every paycheck and at the end of the year you've paid Uncle Sam $6,000. Since you've already paid him all you owe, you get the entire $8,000 tax credit as a refund check.
Scenario 2: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've overpaid by $1,000 through your payroll withholding. Normally you would get a $1,000 refund check. In this scenario, you get $9,000, the $8,000 credit plus the $1,000 you overpaid.
Scenario 3: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've underpaid through your payroll withholding by $1,000. Normally, you would have to write the IRS a $1,000 check. This time, the first $1,000 of the tax credit pays your bill, and you get the remaining $7,000 as a refund.
To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit.
Additionally, there are income restrictions: To qualify, buyers must make less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. (Higher-income buyers may receive a partial credit.)
Applying for the credit will be easy - or at least as easy as doing your income taxes. Just claim it on your return. No other forms or papers have to be filed. Taxpayers who have already completed their returns can file amended returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
Lukewarm reception
The housing industry is somewhat pleased with the result because the stimulus plan improves on the current $7,500 tax credit, which was passed in July and was more of a low-interest loan than an actual credit. But the industry was also disappointed that Congress did not go even further and adopt the Senate's proposal of a $15,000 non-refundable credit for all homebuyers.
"[The Senate version] would have done a lot more to turn around the housing market," said Bernard Markstein, an economist and director of forecasting for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). "We have a lot of reports of people who would be coming off the fence because of it."
Even so, the $8,000 credit will bring an additional 300,000 new homebuyers into the market, according to estimates by Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors.
The credit could also create a domino effect, he said, because each first-time homebuyer sale will lead to two more trade-up transactions down the line. "I think there are many homeowners who would be trading-up but they have had no buyers for their own homes," Yun said.
Who won't benefit, according to Mark Goldman, a real estate lecturer at
One state,
Many may look at the tax credit as a discount on the home price, according to Yun. A $100,000 purchase effectively becomes a $92,000 one. That can reassure buyers apprehensive about purchasing and then watching prices continue falling, he added.
And it provides a nice nest egg for the often-difficult early years of homeownership, when unexpected repairs and expenses often crop up. Recipients could also use the money to buy new stuff for their home - a lawnmower, a rug, a sofa - and, in that way, help stimulate the economy.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Key to Avoiding Foreclosure is Taking Informative Action!
Foreclosure is not a fun word yet it is reality that many across the US are facing in these tough economic times.
There are many ways that home owners find themselves in this predicament including job loss, reduction in income, mounting credit card debt, an increase in mortgage payments, a terrible illness, or divorce. There are probably others that I have missed as well.
A home foreclosing doesn't just effect the homeowner directly. It effects you and I and everyone else that lives near the home.
Foreclosures drive down property values! When you are faced with selling your home and you have to compete with the foreclosure down the street that's been marked down in price because the bank has no desire to hold it, you will quickly realize you are part of the epidemic.
There are many home owners that don't know there are other options besides letting their home end up in foreclosure. Some are even too embarrassed to investigate their options.
This is a shame and I would like to help explain some of the things you can do including a short sale or a loan modification.
The short sale and loan modification options would solve the same goal of avoiding a foreclosure but with each providing a different outcome.
The short sale is for those that absolutely need to move and get out from under their debt completely. A loan modification is for those that would really like to remain in their homes but can not do so without assistance.
It is important to remember that banks are not in the business of owning Real Estate in their portfolios and would much rather assist a homeowner than to take ownership of their home.
Here is a break down of how both assistance programs work.
A short sale is a legal lender approved solution designed to assist those home owners who are financially strapped to get out from under their mortgage debt.
A short sale is negotiated through the mortgage holder of an owners home where by the mortgage holder agrees to take less than what home owner owes on the property.
An example of a short sale would be if a home owner owes $500,000 on their current mortgage and their home is only worth $450,000. The lender in this example would agree to take a short fall of $50,000 at closing. In many cases the mortgage holder may completely wipe out the debt and the home owner does not have to repay the 50k.
The home owner benefits in this situation because they get out of a sticky financial mess without going to foreclosure which can seriously damage your credit.
You may be thinking why would a mortgage holder want to allow a short sale? There are a number of reasons, most notably the cost involved for the lender going through a foreclosure proceeding. The mortgage holder when all is said and done can easily spend $40,000-$50,000 going through a foreclosure. This avenue can save the lender money they would otherwise lose. The average loss by a bank is about double when a foreclosure is done instead of a short sale.
Most lenders will work with a short sale option to avoid a costly foreclosure.
As a Realtor representing a seller in a short sale scenario there some issues you need to be aware of. See Ethics in a short sale for an explanation.
When selling your home and you know you are going to be faced with a short sale make sure you choose to work with a good Realtor who has some working knowledge of short sale procedures! A good Real Estate lawyer in your corner who has worked with short sales would also be an important consideration. There are also short sale negotiating companies that work directly with the banks as well. There is a lot that goes into the process of completing a short sale. Having professionals to work with is vital when you are going through a short sale.
If you would like to investigate the short sale process and live in the Metrowest Massachusetts area, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. I am well versed in the procedures and have been successfully completing short sale closings.
Loan Modification
Over the last year working as a Metrowest Massachusetts Realtor, unfortunately I have heard a number of stories about people who have lost their homes that did not realize they had any other options.
What you need to understand is that just because you missed a few mortgage payments does not mean that a bank is not going to want to work with you! There are times in people lives where they can come under financial stress, as mentioned previously.
Banks understand that sometimes a persons problems are not permanent and can turn around quickly. You have all the incentive to try to avoid the foreclosure process at all costs.
With a foreclosure on your record you will not be able to buy a property with conventional loan financing for five years. So if you or someone you know is potentially facing a foreclosure because of falling behind in mortgage payments don't just sit back and let it happen. Reach out to your lender and explain your situation right away and ask for their help.
The 1st thing a lender or bank will want to know is exactly where you stand financially at the moment and what you can afford. Let the mortgage company or bank know your exact situation. Speak to them about your desire to remain in the home and how you can work out a payment plan that will be mutually beneficial.
The bank is going to want to know what has caused you to become financially strapped. You can plan on being asked to put this in writing. This is known as a "hardship letter". In the letter you will be asked to explain the circumstances behind your missed payments and an understanding of why you believe you will be able to continue to make payments under the modified terms.
You will be asked to provide documentation to prove your case. Documents that the bank will ask for most likely will include pay stubs, bank and brokerage accounts, W-2's, income tax returns, and a list of your current expenses including things like insurance, utilities, taxes, food and other typical expenses.
The bank has the option to try to keep you in the home in a number of ways including an extension of the length of the mortgage, the interest rate, or a reduction in principal. It potentially could be some combination of all three. Remember the goal is to keep you in the home and the bank is working with you!
One other option that can help those home owners who are under water where the value of their home is less than the mortgage balance is the new bill put into law in October known as the Home Owner Recovery Act of 2008.(read a complete explanation here) This new bill will allow a qualified home owner with the lenders approval, to refinance their home at 90% of the homes newly appraised value. There is one caveat, however, to this new program. The home owner will be required to share in the future appreciation of the property with the government.
Above all else remember there is help available!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The above information on Foreclosure ~ Avoiding it Through a Short Sale or Loan Modification was provided
by Bill Gassett, the team leader for the #4 RE/MAX Team in Massachusetts in 2007. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. Bill has helped people move in and out of many Metrowest towns for the last 22+ Years. Bill's office is conveniently located in the center of Hopkinton MA at 77 Main Street.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Retiree Pay Raise
Retiree Pay Raise
Sunday October 19, 2008
The Dec. 1 cost-of-living adjustment for military and federal civilian retirees, disabled veterans and survivors will be 5.8 percent, with the increase first appearing in Jan. 1 checks.
The COLA is the biggest increase in military retirement pay since 1982, and is significantly larger than the 3.9 percent pay raise Congress recently approved for active duty and reserve componant members. That's because the two annual increases are based on separate factors. Retired pay automatically increases each year to keep pace with inflation, measured by the change in the cost of goods and services. Increases in military are designed to match private-sector wage growth.
The COLA is the biggest increase in military retirement pay since 1982, and is significantly larger than the 3.9 percent pay raise Congress recently approved for active duty and reserve componant members. That's because the two annual increases are based on separate factors. Retired pay automatically increases each year to keep pace with inflation, measured by the change in the cost of goods and services. Increases in military are designed to match private-sector wage growth.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Put Your Car Key Remote Beside Your Bed At Night
Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents your Dr office, the checkout girl at the market, everyone you meet.
Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:
It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around... After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want t hat. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there . ... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.
P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic, Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. A lady has suggested to her husband that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem .
Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:
It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around... After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want t hat. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there . ... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.
P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic, Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. A lady has suggested to her husband that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem .
Sunday, October 12, 2008
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE ECONOMY
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE ECONOMY
Associate Director
Intergovernmental Affairs
The White House
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 10, 2008 10:25 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Over the past few days, we have witnessed a startling drop in the stock market -- much of it driven by uncertainty and fear. This has been a deeply unsettling period for the American people. Many of our citizens have serious concerns about their retirement accounts, their investments, and their economic well-being.
Here's what the American people need to know: that the
The fundamental problem is this: As the housing market has declined, banks holding assets related to home mortgages have suffered serious losses. As a result of these losses, many banks lack the capital or the confidence in each other to make new loans. In turn, our system of credit has frozen, which is keeping American businesses from financing their daily transactions -- and creating uncertainty throughout our economy.
This uncertainty has led to anxiety among our people. And that is understandable -- that anxiety can feed anxiety, and that can make it hard to see all that is being done to solve the problem. The federal government has a comprehensive strategy and the tools necessary to address the challenges in our economy. Fellow citizens: We can solve this crisis -- and we will.
Here are the problems we face and the steps we are taking:
First, key markets are not functioning because there's a lack of liquidity -- the grease necessary to keep the gears of our financial system turning. So the Federal Reserve has injected hundreds of billions of dollars into the system. The Fed has joined with central banks around the world to coordinate a cut in interest rates. This rate cut will allow banks to borrow money more affordably -- and it should help free up additional credit necessary to create jobs, and finance college educations, and help American families meet their daily needs. The Fed has also announced a new program to provide support for the commercial paper market, which is freezing up. As the new program kicks in over the next week or so, it will help revive a key source of short-term financing for American businesses and financial institutions.
Second, some Americans are concerned about whether their money is safe. So the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the National Credit Union Administration have significantly expanded the amount of money insured in savings accounts, and checking accounts, and certificates of deposit. That means that if you have up to $250,000 in one of these insured accounts, every penny of that money is safe. The Treasury Department has also acted to restore confidence in a key element of
Thirdly, we are concerned that some investors could take advantage of the crisis to illegally manipulate the stock market. So the Securities and Exchange Commission has launched rigorous enforcement actions to detect fraud and manipulation in the market. The SEC is focused on preventing abusive practices, such as putting out false information to drive down particular stocks for personal gain. Anyone caught engaging in illegal financial activities will be prosecuted.
Fourth, the decline in the housing market has left many Americans struggling to meet their mortgages and are concerned about losing their homes. My administration has launched two initiatives to help responsible borrowers keep their homes. One is called HOPE NOW, and it brings together homeowners and lenders and mortgage servicers, and others to find ways to prevent foreclosure. The other initiative is aimed at making it easier for responsible homeowners to refinance into affordable mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. So far, these programs have helped more than 2 million Americans stay in their home. And the point is this: If you are struggling to meet your mortgage, there are ways that you can get help.
With these actions to help to prevent foreclosures, we're addressing a key problem in the housing market: The supply of homes now exceeds demand. And as a result, home values have declined. Once supply and demand balance out, our housing market will be able to recover -- and that will help our broader economy begin to grow.
Fifth, we've seen that problems in the financial system are not isolated to the
And finally, American businesses and consumers are struggling to obtain credit, because banks do not have sufficient capital to make loans. So my administration worked with Congress to quickly pass a $700 billion financial rescue package. This new law authorizes the Treasury Department to use a variety of measures to help bank [sic] rebuild capital -- including buying or insuring troubled assets and purchasing equity of financial institutions. The Department will implement measures that have maximum impact as quickly as possible. Seven hundred billion dollars is a significant amount of money. And as we act, we will do it in a way that is effective.
The plan we are executing is aggressive. It is the right plan. It will take time to have its full impact. It is flexible enough to adapt as the situation changes. And it is big enough to work.
The federal government will continue to take the actions necessary to restore stability to our financial markets and growth to our economy. We have an outstanding economic team carrying out this effort, led by Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox, and FDIC Chair Sheila Bair. I thank them and their dedicated teams for their service during this important moment in our country's history.
This is an anxious time, but the American people can be confident in our economic future. We know what the problems are, we have the tools we need to fix them, and we're working swiftly to do so. Our economy is innovative, industrious and resilient because the American people who make up our economy are innovative, industrious and resilient. We all share a determination to solve this problem -- and that is exactly what we're going to do. May God bless you.
END 10:33 A.M.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Tax Credit to Aid First-Time Homebuyers
| Sept. 16, 2008 WASHINGTON — First-time homebuyers should begin planning now to take advantage of a new tax credit included in the recently enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Available for a limited time only, the credit:
However, the credit operates much like an interest-free loan, because it must be repaid over a 15-year period. So, for example, an eligible taxpayer who buys a home today and properly claims the maximum available credit of $7,500 on his or her 2008 federal income tax return must begin repaying the credit by including one-fifteenth of this amount, or $500, as an additional tax on his or her 2010 return. Eligible taxpayers will claim the credit on new IRS Form 5405. This form, along with further instructions on claiming the first-time homebuyer credit, will be included in 2008 tax forms and instructions and be available later this year on IRS.gov, the IRS Web site. If you bought a home recently, or are considering buying one, the following questions and answers may help you determine whether you qualify for the credit. Q. Which home purchases qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit? A. Only the purchase of a main home located in the United States qualifies and only for a limited time. Vacation homes and rental property are not eligible. You must buy the home after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009. For a home that you construct, the purchase date is the first date you occupy the home. Taxpayers who owned a main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase are not eligible for the credit. This means that first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the three years prior to a purchase can qualify for the credit. If you make an eligible purchase in 2008, you claim the first-time homebuyer credit on your 2008 tax return. For an eligible purchase in 2009, you can choose to claim the credit on either your 2008 (or amended 2008 return) or 2009 return. Q. How much is the credit? A. The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $7,500 for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing jointly. The limit is $3,750 for a married person filing a separate return. In most cases, the full credit will be available for homes costing $75,000 or more. Whatever the size of the credit a taxpayer receives, the credit must be repaid over a 15-year period. Q. Are there income limits? A. Yes. The credit is reduced or eliminated for higher-income taxpayers. The credit is phased out based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). MAGI is your adjusted gross income plus various amounts excluded from income—for example, certain foreign income. For a married couple filing a joint return, the phase-out range is $150,000 to $170,000. For other taxpayers, the phase-out range is $75,000 to $95,000. This means the full credit is available for married couples filing a joint return whose MAGI is $150,000 or less and for other taxpayers whose MAGI is $75,000 or less. Q. Who cannot take the credit? A. If any of the following describe you, you cannot take the credit, even if you buy a main home:
Q. How and when is the credit repaid? A. The first-time homebuyer credit is similar to a 15-year interest-free loan. Normally, it is repaid in 15 equal annual installments beginning with the second tax year after the year the credit is claimed. The repayment amount is included as an additional tax on the taxpayer's income tax return for that year. For example, if you properly claim a $7,500 first-time homebuyer credit on your 2008 return, you will begin paying it back on your 2010 tax return. Normally, $500 will be due each year from 2010 to 2024. You may need to adjust your withholding or make quarterly estimated tax payments to ensure you are not under-withheld. However, some exceptions apply to the repayment rule. They include:
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
8 Steps to Help Preserve Your Neighborhood From Foreclosed Homes
Are there foreclosures in your neighborhood? Sacramento, CA has certainly had its fair share of real estate foreclosures. Some neighborhoods worse off than others. The steps to be a pro-active neighbor are not just for Sacramento neighborhoods but can be applied all over the country.
Have homeowners moved out on your street? Are there vacant homes on your street? Have renters moved out and no one has moved in?Have you seen the remnants of a Foreclosure in your neighborhood? Are you sick of seeing burned-up grass in neighborhoods?
I recently saw what could be a solution to help sell a house where the banks have decided to turn off the water and no one is taking care of the lawn.
Here are some solutions neighbors can do to help preserve their own neighborhoods:
- Form a Neighborhood Watch through your local Police Department
- Become familiar with your neighbors and know who is living in the houses on your street
- Be aware when neighbors move out (many times a house stays vacant for months before a bank is aware that the owner has even moved out.
- When a house is vacant, check for trash and put it out for pick-up. Remember, no one is there to do it and trash brings rats into your neighborhood
- Park one of your cars in the driveway and rotate them to keep pilfers at bay
- Pull weeds and mow the lawn...take turns in your neighborhood and keep up your street
- Report broken windows etc to your County officials
- Report any suspicious cars or people on the property
It's time that neighbors took back their neighborhood and become pro-active. Don't try to use the water or figure out a way to turn on what has been shut off at a vacant house. As this may cause major flooding inside a winterized house. If water is needed, use your own water.
A proactive approach is always less stressful and will lend itself to being a "good neighbor," while helping yourself in the process.
Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Home Buyers - DIY Home Inspection - You May Not Need a Hired Inspection
By doing your own Home Inspection you will know your new home better. You will better understand the working components of the home, by testing the appliances, following the instructions on running and testing the Furnace and Air Conditioner, Water Heater, etc. these instructions are included in Good DIY Inspection Reports.
When purchasing a DIY Home Inspection Checklist, make sure it is more than a simple fill in the blank checklist (without "how to" instruction.) Most reports on the market do not have instruction to guide you through a home inspection. A DIY Inspection Report should give you detailed instruction on how to perform an inspection on any of the many components one will find in a home.
You will find most hired Home Inspectors have many disclaimers built into their pre-inspection agreement and their report. If an issue is found with their inspection, they will want you to get a professional to look at it for their opinion, to eliminate the inspector's liability. If you were performing your own home inspection, and you found something it is suggested to talk to your Realtor and/or the homeowner. If their answers do not set quite right with you, you could call a professional to look at the problem, just as the hired inspector would do. Or elect not to make an offer on the house.
Things to remember when doing your own inspection:
•It is a visual inspection only. If there is a need to see behind something, the homeowner should be asked to make the area accessible for further inspection. Respect for the home owner's property (home and contents), should be top priority.
•After testing the furnace and/or air conditioning reset the thermostat to where it was.
•Electrical breakers should not be tripped. With the electronics and computers being used, tripped breakers may cause major problems.
•When testing GFCI receptacles make sure they are all reset after testing. Freezers in garages are commonly using a GFCI receptacle.
•Leave the home exactly as you found it.
| The BAIR (Building Analysis Inspection Report) System has been designed by a home inspector who has completed 7000 home inspections. It is designed to be thorough yet an easy guide to follow. It includes a checklist for each section as well as a summary page for your evaluation of your home. Review and Download at: http://www.bairsystem.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Fuller |
Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Veterans Real Estate Goes Nationwide!
#1 Real Estate Portal for Veterans Online!
If you are Active Duty, honorably discharged or Retired from the U.S. Armed Forces, we have built an exclusive website just for You and Your Family.
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate and need a real estate professional, who in most cases is a Veteran him or her self, perhaps is even a retiree as well, and someone who understands your sacrafices, your hardships, and your lifestyle, then you have come to the right place!
Introducing www.VeteransRealEstate-Online.com --- the leading portal online which will give you access to properties throughout the country, as well as overseas.
RE AGENTS, LOAN OFFICERS & HOME INSPECTORS:
If you are a licensed real estate professional, a real estate agent, loan officer, or home inspector, and have experience working with US Military personnel and their families to buy or sell a home, then we encourage you to affiliate with this website so we can refer Miltary clients to you!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate and need a real estate professional, who in most cases is a Veteran him or her self, perhaps is even a retiree as well, and someone who understands your sacrafices, your hardships, and your lifestyle, then you have come to the right place!
Introducing www.VeteransRealEstate-Online.com --- the leading portal online which will give you access to properties throughout the country, as well as overseas.
RE AGENTS, LOAN OFFICERS & HOME INSPECTORS:
If you are a licensed real estate professional, a real estate agent, loan officer, or home inspector, and have experience working with US Military personnel and their families to buy or sell a home, then we encourage you to affiliate with this website so we can refer Miltary clients to you!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.
Exclusively for....U. S. Military Veteransand their Families
The American Dream is just as real today as it has been in the past!
Matter of fact, interest rates continue to bob up and down like a yo-yo but we've seen it drop from the mid 6's down to 5.25% last week. But if you going to buy, you need to tell your lender to keep an eye on the rate and to call when it surges one way or the other.
If you are interested in Buying a Property and would like BUYERS AGENT representation and FREE services, please go to www.PreviewPropertiesInc.com and click on the Home Search icon. This will enable you to conduct a home search throughtout the state and alternately if you wish to home search Nationwide, we can help you with that as well. All you need to do is complete the short form provided and I will set out to assist you any way we can.
If you are a homeowner and wish to Sell Your Home, go to our National website at www.VeteransMLS.com where you may list your home for sale or for rent FREE of charge.
If you wish to use our popular services to sell your home, pay a visit to our website at www.Homesale-Guarantee.com ---
For most part of the country, we have a Buyers Market --- but get the facts please. Listening to the nightly FOX or CNN news will deceive you. There breaking news stories about the market may not apply to your area. Use national news as an indicator, but always check with local professionals before making any decisions that will cost you or save you money!
Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Two New Websites for U.S. Military Veterans and Real Estate Professionals
Please pass the word about (2) new websites designed exclusively for Real Estate Agents, Loan Officers, and Home inspectors and U.S. Military Veterans and their families:
1. http://www.veteransmls.com
- this site is absolutely FREE to both U.S. Military Veterans and their families, as well as being FREE for use by Real Estate agents who work with veterans to buy and sell real estate. The site has been online only a few weeks and is populating by word of mouth, so it will take a few months to get the word out. The good news is, it has been attracting veterans worldwide slready, and from the reports we have, a couple dozen homes have sold due, to the exposure here on this site.
RE Professionals can list up to 100 homes a year FREE on www.VeteransMLS.com - The site also provides FREE advertising to Veterans who are selling their own homes as a FSBO as well.
- this site is absolutely FREE to both U.S. Military Veterans and their families, as well as being FREE for use by Real Estate agents who work with veterans to buy and sell real estate. The site has been online only a few weeks and is populating by word of mouth, so it will take a few months to get the word out. The good news is, it has been attracting veterans worldwide slready, and from the reports we have, a couple dozen homes have sold due, to the exposure here on this site.
RE Professionals can list up to 100 homes a year FREE on www.VeteransMLS.com - The site also provides FREE advertising to Veterans who are selling their own homes as a FSBO as well.
2. http://www.veteransrealestate-online.com
- this site is currently under construction and has an entirely new professional appearance than what you see there now. We expect to launch this site in late September or early October 2008 --- we are finishing up the various functions of the site now. It will be awesome -- just like the price.
(http://www.veteransrealestate-online.com/comparisons.php)
- this site is currently under construction and has an entirely new professional appearance than what you see there now. We expect to launch this site in late September or early October 2008 --- we are finishing up the various functions of the site now. It will be awesome -- just like the price.
(http://www.veteransrealestate-online.com/comparisons.php)
- for the first 1,000 real estate professionals who join us, we have a special introductory offer for as little as $5 per year (reg $29 yr), whereas real estate professionals can be members of this exclusive veterans web site, which unites Veterans (on active duty, honorably discharged, or retired) and their families with Real Estate Professionals (Agents, loan officers, and home inspectors).
For $5 per year, RE Professionals can be listed in our directory for up to 2 cities for the $5 price. If you want to be listed in up to 10 cities, the total cost is only $9. You will have a complete profile page that will surpass anything you have seen on Internet and it is provided FREE. Veterans will be able to contact you directly to represent them and to home search. The functions and the features on the site are more than you'd ever expect.
For $5 per year, RE Professionals can be listed in our directory for up to 2 cities for the $5 price. If you want to be listed in up to 10 cities, the total cost is only $9. You will have a complete profile page that will surpass anything you have seen on Internet and it is provided FREE. Veterans will be able to contact you directly to represent them and to home search. The functions and the features on the site are more than you'd ever expect.
Please pass the word --- help us help our Veterans!
www.VeteransMLS.com (totally FREE)
www.VeteransRealEstate-Online.com (only $5 yr)
Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Students not covered by many home insurance policies
Students living away from home are likely not to be covered by their family's home insurance policies, new research has revealed.
UCAS has revealed that a study by Sainsbury's home insurance showed 25% of home insurance policies do not cover students while they are away from home, leaving thousands of university students with unprotected possessions.
Sainsbury's home insurance manager, Neil Laird, advised families to check their insurance policy carefully: "Before splashing out on insurance, students should check their parents' household contents insurance policy to see if it provides cover whilst they're studying away from the family home."
He added that insurance is essential for students as they are prime targets for theft. With their flats or houses left unoccupied for long periods of time during the day, they are more likely to be victims of crime. "The average student will have possessions that would cost thousands of pounds to replace if they were burgled," he remarked.
Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Should I sell or should I rent?
With large inventories of homes for sale, buyers seemingly have the upper hand. Though there has been some good news lately in many markets throughout the country, such as rise in existing home sales, it has been balanced by record declines in median sales values, some areas ore than others.
This mixed news can make it tough for homeowners when they have to make a choice between selling a home and renting it out. There are quite a few questions you can ask yourself when making this choice.
The most basic question is: Will my income exceed my expenses?
This question can be much more complicated than it first appears, due to the following questions it raises in turn:
- Do you have time and are you able and willing to manage a rental property, or should you hire a rental management company?
- Are you aware of the tax implications that renting your home can have for you?
- Can you ensure your rental property will have 100% occupancy?
- What are expected repair and maintenance costs? Most experts believe you should set aside anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of the rent in reserve for such items.
If you have done the research and uncovered all the pitfalls, there are many advantages to being a landlord. You could potentially make a profit on your rental home while building equity at the expense of the renter. Waiting for prices to start to swing upwards in this market may be the single best source of equity gain you can have over the next several years.
Whatever you decide, make sure you take full advantage of resources and get feedback from multiple rental management companies and real estate agents. They will know best about either side (rental and sales) of the real estate market and help you make an informed and advantageous decision. As always — take full advantage of the internet and sites like eppraisal.com to help track local market conditions.
And BERYL SEZ: Be cautious now more than ever about waiting to long to buy, while you wait for prices to dip $5-10,000, the interest rates could go up a point (1%) overnight, and then you'll find yourself having to make higher payments on a home that you hope will cost you less! (psssst - this scenario has already happened to clients who refused to heed my warning)
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
Market Values Continue Improvement
Good news is rare in today's real estate market, but for the third consecutive month, key figures from eppraisal.com show the number of markets experiencing an increase in single-family home median sales values is on the rise.
Of the 188 market areas tracked nationwide, 121 report an increase in home values during the three months ending in July 1, while just 61 markets — or 32.4 percent — recorded a decline.
This is the third Eppraisal Market Report to show more value increases than decreases since August 2007.
The Midwest continues to be the heart of recovery, with Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois commanding the majority of the double-digit value increases. Flint, Mich., shows the biggest improvement with a 41.2 percent increase to $60,000, while Lima, Ohio, continues its strong resurgence with another 38.5 percent increase to $90,000 from $86,500. And Niles-Benton Harbor, Mich., (23.2 percent) and Battle Creek, Mich., (22.8 percent) maintain their impressive recoveries; both markets' values increased more than 20 percent in the last two Eppraisal Market Reports, as well.
Danville, Ill., (23.4 percent) and Erie, Pa., (16.7 percent) were the top performing markets in their respective states.
Seemingly immune to even the slightest recovery, California has only three markets where values have improved, and the increases are slight: Chico (3.2 percent), Hanford-Corcoran (2.4 percent), and San Francisco-San Mateo (.7 percent). More than 89 percent of the Golden State's markets show a drop, including the still-plunging Modesto (-11 percent) and Merced (-15.8 percent).
The report, which is based on completed sales of single-family residences, shows median home values in the three months ending July along with the percent change from the three months ending in April.
How does your area rank?
See the complete Eppraisal National Market Analysis report.
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
FHA Mortgage Activity --- Becoming the King of Loan!
29.1% of all mortgage applications in July, 2008 were for government-insured loans.
The government-insured share of mortgage applications has tripled since July 2007.
Conventional to FHA refinance applications have increased 317% since July, 2007.
Conventional to FHA refinance endorsements have increased 260.8% since July, 2007.
Applications for government-insured loans have increased 133.9% since July, 2007.
Applications for conventional loans have decreased 50.2% since July, 2007.
The government-insured share of mortgage applications has tripled since July 2007.
Conventional to FHA refinance applications have increased 317% since July, 2007.
Conventional to FHA refinance endorsements have increased 260.8% since July, 2007.
Applications for government-insured loans have increased 133.9% since July, 2007.
Applications for conventional loans have decreased 50.2% since July, 2007.
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
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