8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home

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

Avoid Foreclosure With New Short Sale Plan

Short Sale: Investor Opportunity

Happy Thanksgiving

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.

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

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

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

TENNIS BATTLE

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

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

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

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

How foreclosures hurt everyone's home values

Real Estate Friend

Facing Foreclosure: What to Do Right Now

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

How to Read Your Gas Utility Bill

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

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

Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

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!

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

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

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

Changing Times

Mortgage Rates Remain Historically Low

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

Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Home

NEW IHFA PROGRAM COMING

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

Realty Times - Summer Energy Saving Tips

Mortgage rates dip to lowest level of the year

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

Fox News

Posted using ShareThis

How to file bankruptcy and still get a loan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bank of America Apologized for Accidentally Repossessing Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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