Sheldon Dance

$25 Billion Mortgage Settlement "Just the 'First Step' - ABC News

2012-02-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

$25 Billion Mortgage Settlement "Just the 'First Step' - ABC News

Deducting mortgage interest, as well as interest on home equity loans Read more

2012-02-08T09:45:00.002-07:00

If you want to deduct all of your mortgage interest, there are limits on both how much money you can borrow and on what you do with the money you get. You also need to itemize your return to reap the benefits of these deductions. Calculations can be complicated, so consult a tax adviser.
Read more: :

Business is good (though market is slow)

2012-01-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

With the real estate market down, have you considered how it offers a great opportunity to "move up" because the values of higher-priced homes have come down more than yours has?
I also wanted to say that although the market is slow, I'm still doing well. The reason? Integrity, experience, and I use all the latest high-tech tools to maximize a home's market exposure. In addition, I've come to the conclusion that the best solution to a softer market is harder work.
So if you've considered selling, or if you hear that any family, friends or neighbors are, please call or email me any time.

This Month in Real Estate

2012-01-18T08:23:00.001-07:00

2012 shows signs of an improving housing market as the U.S. economy continues its forward-moving yet slow road to recovery. Although there are economists projecting housing prices will decline further, aided by distressed property sales that sell at a greater discount, these prices are expected to rebound considerably later in the year and continue into 2013. Factors that continue to impede a speedier recovery in the housing are consumer confidence, job-growth uncertainty, and tough lending standards that keep many otherwise qualified buyers from financing a home purchase. However, consumer confidence may be showing signs of improvement according to a report released by Fannie Mae on December 7, which revealed that consumer sentiment toward home prices is stabilizing and that, for the first time in six months, more people believe that prices will soon begin to rise. This is an encouraging development, as much of our economic vitality depends upon the overall confidence of the consumer, and could trigger even stronger home sales as more people feel confident that prices will go up.As the new year begins, many consumers appear to be in a holding pattern, waiting to see how the economy reacts to the different demands both here and abroad. Yet with steadily increasing sales and record-breaking affordability, now is the time to take advantage of these opportunities to buy or sell a home.Sources: Fiserv, Fannie Mae

How to Seal Out Drafts and Seal in Comfort

2012-01-09T13:43:00.002-07:00

An average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. The most significant air leaks tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air leaks and prevent your home heating and cooling dollars from vanishing in the wind, it’s important to seal any air leaks around windows and doors. Learn More Here

2012-01-05T10:32:00.002-07:00

Wow - This home is a classic in its days! All brick single level home in Home Ranch. Very neat, clean & bright. Beautiful chandeliers, built-in china hutch, drawers. The large living room has a fireplace and large picture window. The kitchen is light and bright with beautiful white custom cabinets, breakfast bar, dishwasher, oven/range & fridge. The kitchen & dining floor is ceramic tile. The 4 bedrooms are all huge with lots of closet space in all. There are 2 large baths with large vanities. The laundry is on the main level. The basement is finished with a family room, kitchenette, bedrooms, mechanical room & storage with shelving under the stairs. There is a covered patio for enjoying summer barbecues and a large fenced yard, auto sprinklers & mature trees. FAMILY TRUST OWNED! IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN THIS HOME, GIVE ME A CALL.

2011-12-15T10:20:00.001-07:00

PREVENT FROZEN WATERLINES
Winters in Eastern Idaho can be very cold. Take preventative measures to prevent frozen waterlines. When water freezes, it expands. That's why a can of soda explodes if it's put into a freezer to chill quickly and forgotten. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes and you can have serious damage to your home as a result.

Make sure that if you leave for an extended period of time that you winterize your property. If you are leaving for a short time leave the faucet running just a little to keep from freezing. Also, keep the temperature of your home at the proper temperature as to prevent frozen lines. Listening to your local weather will usually warn you of the very cold temperatures that we have to worry about. Neglecting your waterlines can cost you unnecessary expenses.

NEW LISTING!

2011-12-06T17:02:00.003-07:00

JUST LISTED - Builder's Custom Home - Located in Polo Club Estates with views of the valley, sitting on 1.82 acres. Six bedrooms, 3.5 baths, reclaimed hardwood floors, theatre room, custom cabinets throughout. Walkout finished basement, fantastic landscaping. Priced at $489,000. For virtual tour.

2011-12-06T16:49:00.004-07:00

JUST LISTED - Beautiful 1 1/2 story home in Gated Community. Builder's custom home with all the perks. Five bedrooms,three family rooms, plus bonus room. Even a theatre room. Access to Clubhouse indoor pool, hot tub, kitchenette. Also, walking path & tennis courts. Priced at $599,500. For a virtual tour.

Energy-Efficient Fireplace Options

2011-11-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Energy-efficient fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas, let you enjoy the glow of a fire without letting your home heating energy go up in smoke.Read more:

Foreclosure Starts Spike

2011-10-06T13:35:00.007-06:00

The foreclosure freeze brought on by documentation deficiencies, which came to light last fall, has started to thaw. RealtyTrac estimates that more than 3.5 million homes that belong in foreclosure have been hanging in limbo and are slated to start entering the foreclosure pipeline.

The recent spike in foreclosure starts has been most pronounced in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, where notices of default and trustee filings shot up 116% between July and August of this year. As banks pick up the pace, homeowners-by the millions-are needing help with alternatives to foreclosure. Now is the time to reach out and share the news that the time for complacency about missed mortgage payments is over.

A lot has changed in the world of short sales and loan mods since the foreclosure freeze kicked in last fall, and no one is more tapped in to this constantly evolving arena than CDPE agents, who have the expertise, the resources and the credibility to step in with solutions to avoid foreclosure.

In many cases, lenders are proactively reaching out to CDPE agents with leads of financially-strapped homeowners who need help with a short sale.

CDPE agents have access to the tools and the marketing strategies to establish themselves as their market's distressed properties expert. Looking to build your business during the upcoming short sale surge?

Article from CDPE.com

The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them

2011-09-28T14:55:00.000-06:00

Crooks go where the money is. So with Americans spending as much as $22 billion a year on construction projects, it’s no surprise that home improvement has become a favorite target for fraud artists. Some of these shady characters use amazingly well-polished contractor scams that are tricky to spot until it’s too late.

The vast majority of contractors are honest, hardworking professionals. Protecting yourself against the few bad apples requires checking references, having a solid contract, and being alert to the warning signs of these top five contractor scams

Read more:

Top 10 real estate boomtowns: 2012

2011-09-14T08:56:00.003-06:00

Rank Metro area
1 Raleigh-Cary, N.C.
2 Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash.
3 Austin-Round Rock, Texas
4 Provo-Orem, Utah
5 Hinesville-Fort Stewart, Ga.
6 Logan, Utah-Idaho
7 Grand Junction, Colo.
8 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
9 Idaho Falls, Idaho
10 Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C.
Source: Proximity One

Read More

I.F. cheaper for many despite higher tax rate

2011-09-09T14:20:00.002-06:00

Ammon's long-touted low tax rate doesn't save many of its middle-class residents from a higher cost of living than paid by their Idaho Falls counterparts.

A higher schools tax levy and utility fee increases enacted over the past year and a half have negated the savings most Ammon homeowners would see on their yearly tax bills.

The Post Register analyzed significant taxes and fees assessed to residents of three geographic and taxing areas: Ammon; the section of eastern Idaho Falls that lies within Bonneville County Joint School District 93; and the bulk of Idaho Falls, which is within the boundaries of Idaho Falls School District 91.

That analysis found owners of smaller, cheaper homes spend far less if they live in the Idaho Falls-District 91 area.

That's because Idaho Falls residential water and sewer rates are about half of what people in Ammon pay -- a difference compounded by the fact that Idaho Falls Power customers pay 35 to 40 percent less for electricity than do Rocky Mountain Power customers.

Another major factor is the difference between tax levies charged by the area's two main school districts. Homeowners in District 93, with a taxable value of $100,000, pay almost $20 per month more than those in District 91.

But Ammon's low tax levy -- about one-third of the Idaho Falls levy -- begins to pay dividends for families owning homes with a taxable value of $250,000 or more.

At that value, Ammon residents pay nearly $600 less per year in taxes and fees than eastern Idaho Falls residents. The bills for Ammon residents and the rest of Idaho Falls would be virtually identical in that scenario.

Local real estate professionals said the difference between each area's taxes and fees aren't the driving force behind potential homebuyers' decisions.

These days, the bargains to be had in a rocky housing market can be just as important as the standard considerations of neighborhood, price and quality, said Juan Murdoch, an agent with Keller Williams Winstar Realty in Idaho Falls.

"In this market, people are less concerned with the fees -- the city fees -- and other things like that than they are with the house itself," Murdoch said. "It's really, 'Where are the places where I can get the best deal on the house?'"

While acknowledging that utility fees are a concern for business owners, Ammon City Council President Dana Kirkham said she's not worried that fee increases will discourage homeownership in the city. Money isn't the only reason people move to Ammon, she said.

"There's a quality of life here that people here are buying into, too," she said

Article from the Post Register in Idaho Falls

California Distressed Sales Decline, Realtors Push for Streamlined Shorts

2011-08-29T08:20:00.000-06:00

California’s pending home sales dipped in July, as did the share of distressed property sales, according to a report released by the state’s Realtor group this week.
The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) says 44.5 percent of home sales contracts accepted last month involved distressed properties. That’s down from both a month earlier and the same period last year, when the distressed share was 46.9 percent and 47.7 percent, respectively.
Read More

Foreclosures

2011-08-26T15:34:00.000-06:00

Looking to invest in a foreclosed home? I have access to all Idaho Falls Area foreclosed homes. Give me a call or visit my website. http://www.idahofallsidrealestate.com/custom3.shtml

7 Storage Solutions You Didn’t Know You Had

2011-08-17T15:28:00.001-06:00

Every square foot of your home is valuable. Here are seven storage solutions that take advantage of underutilized nooks and crannies. And just for fun, we did some back-of-the-napkin calculations based on the average price per square foot of a U.S. home ($81)—so we could attach a theoretical value to the bonus space.
Read more here:

Facing Foreclosure: What to Do Right Now

2011-08-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

If you’re facing foreclosure, don’t panic: Take steps right now to save your home or at least lessen the blow of its loss.
Read more

Surviving Short Sales - Local News Story

2011-07-11T15:22:00.001-06:00

It seems like everywhere we look there are more and more For Sale and Foreclosure signs. In Idaho Falls during the month of May just over a third of all homes sold were distressed properties.Read more from our Local News. I was interview for this local story.

10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

2011-07-06T08:30:00.002-06:00

Spending less money on utility bills doesn’t mean you need to rush out and purchase a whole new suite of Energy Star appliances. With occasional light maintenance and good habits, you can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your large kitchen appliances—up to about $120 annually—without sacrificing convenience.
Read more

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program

2011-06-27T15:36:00.001-06:00

If your mortgage payment is unaffordable and you are interested in transitioning to more affordable housing, you may be eligible for a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure through HAFA. The benefit of a HAFA short sale is that you are no longer responsible for the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and the amount that your home sells for. Read more here

HOME Down Payment Closing Cost (DPCC) Assistance

2011-06-17T08:10:00.000-06:00

Available for first-time homebuyers with a household income less than 80% of area median income.
- Minimum of $1,000 with a maximum of 3.5% of the purchase price not to exceed $8,000, based on borrower's need, and the adjusted gross household area median income (AMI).
- Borrower minimum investment of $500, with no cash out at closing.
- Property must have been previously vacant or owner-occupied.
- Finally Home!® Homebuyer Education program completion prior to applying for the assistance
Click here to learn more

Building Credit

2011-06-03T12:42:00.000-06:00

Your credit report represents how well you manage your financial responsibilities. The good news is that your negative information drops off over time but the positive information remains. Building a strong and consistent history of responsibly using credit is the foundation to building a great credit profile. Although it’s relatively easy to gain access to new credit such as credit cards, there are many best practices to use and common traps to avoid. Here are a few easy tips for effectively building your credit history.

Building Credit | RE/MAX, LLC

President Obama on Loan Modifications

2011-05-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

President Obama has made a public call for mortgage lenders and servicers to provide struggling homeowners with longer-term modifications and principal reductions when it fits the situation. Read more here

Idaho Legislation Places New Requirements on Lenders

2011-05-09T16:47:00.001-06:00

Under a new Idaho state law, lenders must respond to requests for loan modification within 45 days and cannot proceed to a foreclosure sale until after responding to the request.
Read the article here

Understanding Your Credit Score

2011-05-06T12:25:00.000-06:00

Credit scores are likely to play a key role in your ability to obtain credit (auto loan, mortgage loan, credit card, etc.) and in the determination of the interest rate you will pay for that credit. A borrower with a favorable credit score is more likely to be approved and to pay a lower interest rate on new credit. However, the impact of a credit score goes even further—your score could be reviewed when you are renting housing in the future, when applying for a cell phone or cable TV account, and may even impact whether you must pay a deposit before receiving electric and gas utility service.
To learn more, download the booklet “Know Your Credit Score” published by FICO and the Consumer Federation of America.

Fannie Launches Interactive Video to Help Borrowers Avoid Foreclosure

2011-04-25T15:23:00.002-06:00

The Air Force uses visual flight simulators to train its pilots on proper procedures and prepare them for the actual experience. Virtual reality simulation models are used as therapeutic techniques to help people overcome their fears or uneasiness about certain real-life situations.

By personally interacting with a replicated environment, individuals become more at ease when they actually encounter the event and feel better prepared to make the right decisions. Fannie Mae is applying this same idea to foreclosure prevention.
Read the full article here

Home Upgrades That Don't Pay Off

2011-04-22T12:03:00.000-06:00

Home Upgrades That Don't Pay Off | Real Simple

Avoid Foreclosure: Know Your Options

2011-04-08T11:25:00.000-06:00

Experience

2011-03-14T15:35:00.000-06:00

Ides of March

2011-03-11T15:24:00.001-07:00

Beware the Ides of March! It's coming, you know, on the 15th of this month. No, it's not a horror movie. It's the anniversary of Julius Caesar's ultimate downfall. (His enemies put hemlock in his tea on March 15 in 44 BC.)

Hopefully, the Ides of March will not be so dramatic for you. But if they are, give me a call if I can help you in any way. In the meantime, don't drink any tea.

Bankruptcy: Your Last Resort

2011-02-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

If you must file for bankruptcy, you can recover over time if you follow the tips in this article
Bankruptcy: Your Last Resort | RE/MAX, LLC

Buying Foreclosed Homes

2011-02-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Buying Foreclosed Homes | RE/MAX, LLC

Happy Groundhog's Day!

2011-02-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

I know, it's an unusual reason to write, but Groundhog's Day is a very important holiday. There's a whole "Groundhog's Day" section at Hallmark now. Did you know?

For those of you who are wondering just what Groundhog's Day is, it's the national holiday that elevates a certain groundhog (one that lives in Pennsylvania, I think) to weatherperson status. Now, on this day, if this certain groundhog comes up from the ground and sees its shadow, that means there's six more weeks of winter.

Kind of a silly reason for a holiday. Unless you look at it like this: If a groundhog can be a weather expert, you can be absolutely anything you want to be.

Replacing Plumbing

2011-01-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Inspect the pipes in your home regularly to determine if all is well, or if replacing your plumbing is a reality and not just a pipe dream. Here are a few tips to make sure your water is running smoothly

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/replacing-plumbing-are-your-water-pipes-plumb-worn-out/#ixzz1BQhqnIri

HINTS HAMMERING

2011-01-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been hammering and completely missed the nail? If you hit the wall, you could put a dent in the plaster the size of Delaware. You could also hit your finger and, over the next few days, complain bitterly about the pain. You might receive several good tips from friends regarding proper hammer use. I thought I'd share one with you.

First of all, if you have to pound a nail in at a level that is at or below your knees, stand with your back to the wall, crouch down and hammer the nail from behind. Also, if the nail is too short to hit (like so many are), use a comb to keep it in place the comb will protect your wall so it won't sustain any injuries.

8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home

2010-12-29T13:57:00.002-07:00

The role of curb appeal goes beyond just making a good first impression. The way your house looks from the street can impact its value. It can also shorten the time it takes to sell your house.

Read more

Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

2010-12-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Avoid Foreclosure With New Short Sale Plan

2010-12-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Short Sale: Investor Opportunity

2010-12-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

We have a tradition in my family at Thanksgiving. Just before we say grace, we go around the table and each person says one reason why they're especially thankful. It keeps the focus on why we're together-to celebrate the good things we have-and makes us all aware of the fact that there's always something to be thankful for.
I hope that you have many reasons to be thankful this season.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Applications Fall to Four Month Low.

2010-11-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mortgage applications plunged last week to a four-month low after mortgage rates jumped to 4.46% for an average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, up from 4.28% in the previous week, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported on Wednesday.

Overall applications were down 14.4%, but the plunge was sharper among refinances, which are much more sensitive to swings in rate. Refinance applications were down 16.5%, to the lowest level since July, while purchase applications were down 5%.

The MBA attributed the increase in rates to stronger economic data and “lingering uncertainty regarding the structure and impact” of the Federal Reserve’s new round of debt purchases. Rates have become incredibly volatile over the past week as investors have sold off mortgage-backed securities. Yields on the 10-year Treasury note, to which mortgage rates are closely tied, have climbed steadily over the past week.

The four-week moving average of the index that tracks home-purchase applications is 30% below the levels of April 2010, when home sales were artificially inflated by tax credits, and around 11% below the year-ago levels, when home sales had plunged following the anticipated expiration of home-buyer tax credits.

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/11/17/mortgage-rates-rise-applications-fall-to-four-month-low/

Traditional vs. tankless water heater

2010-11-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Tankless water heaters cut energy bills but aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you.

Read more

Buying and Storing Firewood

2010-11-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

Knowing how to evaluate, buy, and store firewood is key to the safe, efficient operation of your fireplace, wood stove, or fireplace insert.
Read more

203K: One Loan to Buy and Remodel

2010-10-25T08:53:00.000-06:00

TENNIS BATTLE

2010-10-13T09:21:00.000-06:00

Did you know that it's been more than ten years this month since Billie Jean King mercilessly crushed Bobby Riggs in what was billed as the "Battle of the Sexes?" When the "Women's Libber" beat the "Male Chauvinist Pig," all of us here in America learned (or should have learned) one thing: Never underestimate the power of the underdog!

I like to take this lesson and paraphrase it to say: Never underestimate the power of a REALTOR!

With today's computerized sources and informational networks, we can do a lot to answer your questions and provide solutions to problems you may think are insurmountable. If you have questions about any real estate matter please don't hesitate to contact on me.

I'm not an underdog, but I am a REALTOR!

Storm Windows

2010-10-04T15:55:00.001-06:00

Storm windows essentially serve two purposes; better insulation -therefore reducing air movement into and out of existing windows and reducing loss of temperature from your home which will reduce your heating and cooling bills. Storm windows are available for most types of windows and are made for installation on the interior or exterior of the primary window.
Storm windows help to better insulate your home and according to the U.S. Department of Energy can reduce your heat loss by up to 50%. This will definitely improve those heating and cooling bills. Some windows may not be able to have a storm window, such as a picture window. Call around, check out your local stores, and they check with Pacesetter for your free estimate on getting storm windows for your home. www.homeimprovementideas.net

7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Laundry Room

2010-09-28T10:01:00.000-06:00

Good laundry room habits, including some occasional minor maintenance, can save energy and shave nearly $300 off your annual utility bills. That’s because you can curb the biggest energy culprit: the cost of heating water.
Read more

Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

2010-09-20T11:00:00.001-06:00

Preparing a home emergency preparedness kit you hope never to use may seem like a waste of time and money. But when disasters happen that are beyond your control, you can take charge of how you respond. Read more

How foreclosures hurt everyone's home values

2010-09-01T08:59:00.000-06:00

How foreclosures hurt everyone's home values

Real Estate Friend

2010-08-24T15:19:00.000-06:00

Facing Foreclosure: What to Do Right Now

2010-08-13T08:27:00.000-06:00

If you’re facing foreclosure, don’t panic: Take steps right now to save your home or at least lessen the blow of its loss. Read more.

Short Sale: The Basics

2010-08-06T10:35:00.001-06:00

How to Read Your Gas Utility Bill

2010-07-29T15:42:00.002-06:00

Learning to interpret the terms and abbreviations in your gas bill can save you money. When your gas bill arrives, you probably react like most homeowners—you glance at the amount owed, tear off the payment coupon, and throw the rest away. But if you use natural gas to warm your house, heat your water, and cook, there are clues lurking in your bill that can help you to better understand exactly what you’re paying for. Once you know the basics, you can use that knowledge to save energy and reduce costs. Read more at www.houselogic.com

How to Recognize a Sellers Market

2010-07-27T11:34:00.000-06:00

Read the article here. Realty Times - How to Recognize a Sellers Market

Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

2010-07-16T11:26:00.001-06:00

A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it’s a better alternative than foreclosure. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started.
Read the houselogic article

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-06T08:16:00.001-06:00

Between all the hooting and hollering, fire-crackering and sparkling, and all the blatant shows of patriotism that this month brings, I hope you're taking time to appreciate all the freedoms you have in this great country of ours. One of those freedoms is the right to own property. If you're thinking about investing in real estate, please feel free to call me

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit

2010-07-01T11:16:00.001-06:00

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS.

Home-buyer tax-credit extension

2010-06-28T13:52:00.000-06:00

Home-buyer tax-credit extension stalled for now Real Estate Weekly - MarketWatch

Changing Times

2010-06-22T15:11:00.000-06:00

Mortgage Rates Remain Historically Low

2010-06-14T10:51:00.001-06:00

Read article Here. Realty Times - Mortgage Rates Remain Historically Low

Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Home

2010-06-08T13:42:00.002-06:00

NEW IHFA PROGRAM COMING

2010-06-04T08:18:00.001-06:00

Next week IHFA will launch two new products for creditworthy homebuyers through the IdaMortgage program. Here are details of each of the products.

Affordable Advantage Loan
The new Affordable Advantage Loan offers financing for homebuyers with as little as $1,000 in down payment, and has no private mortgage insurance requirement, lowering monthly mortgage payments for homeowners.

New Homebuyer Tax Credit
This homebuyer tax credit is exclusive to IHFA, and can be used in conjunction with IdaMortgage's First loan program or the new Affordable Advantage loan program. The timing of this is significant as it will become available on the heels of the expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit. Conventional, FHA, and RD loans are all eligible for this credit. In addition to low interest rates on their loan, this allows qualified homebuyers to file with their federal income tax return an additional tax credit of up 20% of the mortgage interest paid, a maximum of $2,000 each year, for the first ten years of the loan.

For a $120,000 loan, a qualified homebuyer would be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit the first year, and over a ten year period, would be eligible for more than $10,000 of tax credits.

Summer Energy Saving Tips

2010-05-26T09:47:00.000-06:00

Realty Times - Summer Energy Saving Tips

Mortgage rates dip to lowest level of the year

2010-05-18T11:47:00.001-06:00

The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dipped to 4.93 percent this week from 5 percent a week earlier, Freddie Mac said Thursday. It was the lowest level since mid-December, when rates averaged 4.81 percent. Read the full article here.

Foreclosures Dip, More Trouble Ahead

2010-05-13T10:56:00.003-06:00

Fox News

Posted using ShareThis

How to file bankruptcy and still get a loan

2010-05-03T10:55:00.000-06:00

How to file bankruptcy and still get a loan: "If you're on the brink of bankruptcy, or are one of those 1.4 million people who declared bankruptcy last year, you might be interested to know the follow"

30-year mortgage rates hold steady

2010-04-29T09:01:00.001-06:00

Rates on 30-year mortgages didn't budge from last week, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday. Read the full article here.

Fannie Adds Incentive to Avoid Foreclosure

2010-04-28T08:28:00.000-06:00

Beginning in July, Fannie Mae will allow financially troubled home owners to complete a "deed in lieu of foreclosure" or a short sale and be eligible to apply for a new Fannie-backed mortgage in two years.

Currently, borrowers who have completed a deed-in-lieu must wait four years to apply for a loan that Fannie will purchase. Home buyers who go through foreclosure must wait five years.

All these waiting periods can be reduced further, if the potential buyer can show extenuating circumstances. "We are beginning to think about post-recession, how you address borrowers who became unemployed through no fault of their own ... and now deserve the right to re-enter the housing-finance system," said Federal Housing Association Commissioner David Stevens.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nick Timiraos (04/26/2010)

Hint - Paint Cans

2010-04-21T14:07:00.000-06:00

How many times have you looked on the label of a used, yet still relatively new, paint can only to find all the important instructions covered with paint drips? It happens because we wipe our brushes clean on the lip of the can-once that lip fills up with paint, it runs over the side and covers the instructions.

OK. So here's what you do: Put a strong rubber binder over the vertical middle of the can and wipe your paint off on it.

Hint - Main Drain

2010-04-14T17:00:00.001-06:00

You're a homeowner and you're a busy person, which means at least one thing: You don't have a lot of time to tend to some of the little-yet important-aspects of home ownership. This post comes to you as a reminder to check in with the little things.
For instance: Are all your showers, sinks, and toilets draining quickly and smoothly? If not, it may be time to call the people at Roto Rooter and have them send someone out to clean your main line to the street (otherwise, you might end up with sewage in your basement). For those of you who aren't currently experiencing drainage difficulties, listen up, because this is good preventative maintenance, too.

Making Home Affordable Program

2010-04-06T13:27:00.000-06:00

The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program includes opportunities to modify or refinance your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable. It also includes the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for homeowners who are interested in a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Find out more at http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/

March Market Statistics

2010-04-05T11:49:00.002-06:00

Number of Homes sold
Bonneville 110
Jefferson 13
Madison 15

Average Price of Homes Sold
Bonneville $155,862
Jefferson $174,154
Madison $203,967

Average Days On the Market
Bonneville 123
Jefferson 102
Madison 185

$8,000 Tax Credit Ends April 30

2010-03-30T14:38:00.005-06:00

Eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. Read the full article online from the IRS' "First-Time Homebuyer Credit" page online.

100 Million Miracles

2010-03-29T11:17:00.000-06:00

Bank of America Apologized for Accidentally Repossessing Home

2010-03-23T09:54:00.004-06:00

Angela Iannelli returned home one day in October to find her house ransacked. But it wasn't a burglar. It was Bank of America. The bank had repossessed her home even though the mortgage was up to date. Read the full GMA article here.

Neighborhood Safety

2010-03-15T11:10:00.000-06:00

In the interest of safety, many people are organizing neighborhood crime watches. If you are unfamiliar with this concept, it's an effective way to prevent crime in your area. Maybe you don't have a problem with crime in your neighborhood. If not, that's great! But it always helps to be safety-conscious.

Some of my clients gather together with their neighbors from time to time to discuss their concerns about the area. They say that it makes them feel like more of a community. Talk to your neighbors and see what they think. If not a "Neighborhood Crime Watch" maybe you'll decide to start a "Neighborhood Social Hour."

Cash for Clunkers

2010-03-04T13:32:00.003-07:00

President Obama announced March 2 details on “Homestar,” a Cash for Clunkers-like rebate program designed to entice Americans to make their houses more energy efficient. Read the article here.

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-03T14:05:00.001-07:00

It's March, which means that you should begin to think about spring cleaning. If the thought of doing the dreaded tasks of washing windows, dusting remote areas of your home and cleaning the garage is too much to bear, take heart! There are many, many willing and qualified people out there who will do these things for you!

I keep a list of willing and qualified maintenance experts and cleaning people in a file. If you need help with your spring cleaning and don't know who to call, please feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to introduce you to anyone in my secret file.

Hint - Smoke Detector

2010-02-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

As you know, being a homeowner is a big responsibility. There are myriad things to tend to and, often, some of the little, yet important, things get pushed aside. From time to time, I will write to remind you about some of these little, important things. For example:

Have you checked the batteries in your smoke detector recently? Fire marshalls say that almost all fire-related deaths can be avoided by a working smoke detectors. A good rule of thumb is to change your batteries twice a year, in the spring and fall, when you re-set your clocks. That way your smoke detector will always run like clockwork! And your family will always be protected. So, remember to check your batteries.

Presidents Day

2010-02-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

One holiday for two great presidents, Lincoln and Washington. Each of these presidents was great enough to have their own holiday. And at one time, they did.

But in our rush to institutionalize holidays, and make them fit in school and bank schedules, we may have accidentally improved on two great holidays. By making one day devoted to all great presidents.

One great president proved his high expectation for the country and each of us in one sentence.

"The ablest man I ever met is the man you think you are."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt.

As we celebrate Presidents' Day, let's acknowledge that it's really a tribute to all greatness. To all leadership.

Enjoy the holiday!

Valentine’s Day

2010-02-12T11:20:00.002-07:00

This Valentine’s Day, why not mix things up a bit and, instead of giving the traditional flowers or chocolates, say “I appreciate you!” with a few inventive projects that will fill your home—and their hearts—with a little love.
Like so many of us, you probably have a nagging to-do list at home that never seems to get done. As a gift idea, find something that’s symbolic of each task, wrap it up, and give it to your partner with a note promising to get it done. Remember to follow through!
Your creativity and commitment to tackle those “to-dos” should work magic on your mate and make life a little simpler in the process! Oh, and feel free to throw a box of chocolates in, too!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Closet control. You will find lots of handy closet-organizing tools at your local home improvement center. Whether you use easy-to-install wire components or hire a professional service to build a more permanent solution, having a place for everything in your closet should put a smile on your loved one’s face.
Drop the drip. Fixing a leaky faucet will not only eliminate a minor irritation, but it also will save countless gallons of water each month. The repair often is simply a matter of replacing a washer or “O” ring. Check with your local handyman or home improvement center for the best fix.
Make it rain. Update your old showerhead with one of today’s top-of-the-line models. It will turn your daily shower into an oasis that reminds your partner how very much you care!
Bop while you chop. Install an under-the-cabinet stereo/CD player in the kitchen so your partner can enjoy tunes while preparing meals.
Update his workspace. Wow him with a garage or workroom makeover, just don't move the tools!. Add a TV or stereo, or create a mini-fridge or coffee pot corner. If you’re unsure of what he would like, wrap up a home improvement center gift card so he can update his pegboard or get the new saw he’s been eyeing!
Bloom where you’re planted. Take a day to re-mulch landscaped areas, plant seasonal flowers and spruce up your front door area! A fresh look is sure to brighten everyone's day.
Maid to order. Take your spouse away for a little rest, relaxation and pampering. While you’re gone, send a cleaning service in to scrub those floors, buff up those bathrooms and refurbish the refrigerator.
Even if you’re not handy around the house, there are plenty of local contractors who would be happy to cost-effectively check some of the headaches off of your to-do list! You also can find helpful resource books and guides at your local home improvement center.

Financial Information

2010-02-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

This may be a good time to remind you that we maintain a permanent file of financial information (closing statements, settlement charges, real estate taxes, etc.) regarding your home purchase.

This is very good news if you're one of those people who would rather go to the dentist than attempt to keep your financial files straight. On the other hand, it's probably only moderately interesting if you're one of those people who saves and files papers with ease.

Either way, if at any time you need an exact figure for financial record-keeping reasons or tax preparation purposes, a copy of a document for your files or if you have a question about any other real estate matter, please call or email me.

You lost your house - but you still have to pay

2010-02-04T08:20:00.003-07:00

Former homeowners may still be on the hook if there's a difference between what they owed on their mortgage and what the bank could sell it for at auction. Read the CNN report here:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/03/real_estate/foreclosure_deficiency_judgement/

Happy Groundhog's Day

2010-02-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

I know, it's an unusual reason to write a blog, but Groundhog's Day is a very important holiday. There's a whole "Groundhog's Day" section at Hallmark now. Did you know?
For those of you who are wondering just what Groundhog's Day is, it's the national holiday that elevates a certain groundhog (one that lives in Pennsylvania, I think) to weatherperson status. Now, on this day, if this certain groundhog comes up from the ground and sees its shadow, that means there's six more weeks of winter.
Kind of a silly reason for a holiday. Unless you look at it like this: If a groundhog can be a weather expert, you can be absolutely anything you want to be.

Excited About Your Retirement Options

2010-01-29T09:28:00.002-07:00

As baby-boomers begin to make their way to retirement, a lot of them are wondering what kind of lifestyle they'll be able to afford. Well the bad news is, homes cost more today than when you last bought one. The good news is, the home you bought last time is likely worth a lot more than you think!People on the road to retirement are faced with many financial questions. One of the largest is knowing how much equity is really in their home. If you'd like a realistic answer to that question, I can give it to you, whether you plan to sell right now or not. You need to know. As one who provides professional real estate services, I'm always glad to help. Whether you're selling a home, or moving into your retirement nest, you can count on me for straight answers and personal attention to your unique and individual needs.

Hint- Leaky Faucet

2010-01-27T16:38:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you should only turn your faucets just until the water goes off? If you turn them too tightly, the gaskets will compress and cause your faucets to leak. And, thus, annoy you to a state of awakeness in the middle of the night.

Which reminds me: If you have a drippy faucet, a quick and easy way to deal with it is to tie a two-foot-long piece of string around the faucet so that the drips can travel down the
string and into the drain. It's a pretty nifty way to ensure your uninterrupted sleep.

Hint-Furnace Filter

2010-01-21T13:59:00.001-07:00

Being a homeowner, in case you haven't realized it yet, is a big responsibility. There are myriad things to tend to and, often, some of the little-yet important-things get pushed aside. From time to time, I will write to remind you about some of these little, important things. For example:

Have you changed your furnace filter lately? Did you know that in order to get the maximum amount of energy out of your furnace and increase the quality of the air you're breathing, you should change it once a month? (That's what furnace repair experts say, anyway.) A new furnace filter is relatively inexpensive, about $4 for a filter, and changing it regularly means that you won't have to dust as often. How's that for incentive?

Integrity

2010-01-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

In today's dog-eat-dog world, the word "integrity" has become more of a concept than an actual character trait. Watch an old Jimmy Stewart movie sometime, you'll learn about old-fashioned integrity. Remember George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life"? He always did the thing he knew in his heart was right.

I wouldn't say that I'm anything like George Bailey, but I will say that in the business of real estate, integrity is my greatest asset-one that I protect with every decision, increase with every satisfied customer, and ensure with every positive action.

You deserve the absolute highest level of integrity in every transaction. And that's my pledge to you, and your friends or others that you might refer to me.

If there is any way that I can help you or an associate, please call or email at your convenience.

Service

2010-01-14T12:40:00.001-07:00

My company and I strive to provide the best service possible but, as they say, there's always room for improvement-so if you have any specific comments about the service we've provided so far (negative or positive!), I'd really appreciate hearing from you.

Many of my customers and clients say that they value the nationwide relocation and referral service we provide. We also provide information on homes in communities anywhere in the world at no cost or obligation.

Feel free to jot a comment or two right on the bottom of this post. Your opinion matters to me and your input will make a difference. I guarantee it!

Thanks for taking the time to help me improve.

Model Homes

2010-01-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

A customer called me the other day and asked if I could show him a builder's "model home." I think he was just asking wishfully, because he was really surprised when I said, "yes."

The fact is, under today's computerized and cooperative real estate system, I can show almost any home to any interested party. So if you or a friend are curious about a home, or see an ad on a property and want more information, call me and let me do all the checking for you!

New Tradition

2010-01-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

As we begin a new year, you may wish to begin a tradition by lining your family up outside your house and taking an annual photograph of your home. Many of my clients do this and say that it's fun to look back over the years and see how their homes have changed. Not to mention how their families have changed!

Just as each year brings changes to your home and to your family, it also brings changes to the real estate market. As the years go by, rest assured that I'll keep you up-to-date on the changes in the marketplace, too. So all you have to do is keep up on the changes in your family.

December Market Statistics

2010-01-04T16:00:00.002-07:00

Number of Homes Sold
Bonneville 70
Jefferson 17
Madison 5

Average Days on the Market
Bonneville 137
Jefferson 116
Madison 299

Average Price of Homes Sold
Bonneville $185,078
Jefferson $166,476
Madison $171,480

Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)

2009-12-28T10:28:00.001-07:00

The Department of Defense is proud to offer the Homeowners Assistance Program to eligible service members and federal civilian. Check out their website http://hap.usace.army.mil/

Christmas Message

2009-12-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

Christmas Message

2009-12-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

Christmas Message

2009-12-17T08:27:00.001-07:00

Christmas Message

2009-12-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Market Statistics for November

2009-12-10T10:19:00.003-07:00

Number of Homes Sold
Bonneville 103
Jefferson 19
Madison 18

Average Days on the Market
Bonneville 122
Jefferson 91
Madison 136

Average Price of Homes Sold
Bonneville $167,231
Jefferson $150,867
Madison $162,967

Christmas Message

2009-12-07T11:07:00.000-07:00