Archives of real estate blog entries for September 01, 2014

Featured blog posts


By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Realtor
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
  Housing In US Is Not Set Up To Handle Aging Population   Did you notice this article about how housing in the US is not set up to handle an aging population? As an early baby-boomer, myself, it sure caught my attention. The article made some very interesting points about how current housing needs may not satisfy an aging population's need for: Homes with no steps to access the home. More affordable homes. Homes in areas that are less car-dependent and closer to public transport. But I have some suggestions to add, as well, that would go a long way to help an aging population in terms of housing: More homes with masters on the main floor are needed. More homes with two masters are needed, as we see more multi-generational living arrangements. (I have several clients looking for this a...
Comments 82
By George Souto, Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
(George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages)
One of the lead stories in the August edition of the National Mortgage News was an article by Gonnie Sinnock titled "Second Liens Grow Again as Firsts Dwindle".  The article attributes the reason for why Second Mortgages Are On The Rise Again is because of home values increasing once again in many parts of the country. Second liens have been one of the reasons why some Short Sales have taken so long to do.  Short Sales cannot proceed without the blessing of the second lien holder, therefore, second lien holders can hold the Short Sale hostage until they are guaranteed an acceptable payoff. In the first quarter, "The top 10 funders of second liens mortgages wrote $4.6 billion" second lien mortgages.  This is a 44% increase from 2013 according to MortgageStates.com. "Borrowers should not ...
Comments 35
By John Meussner, #MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852
(Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI)
You Don't Want to Know the Closing Costs          It's true.  You DON'T want to know the closing costs.  You want to know exactly  what a mortgage is going to cost you.  When comparison shopping amongst different lenders, it can be very difficult to compare apples to apples.  Sometimes closing costs for the same loan on the same property can be presented by different lenders with a difference of thousands of dollars.          How is it possible, with all of the disclosure rules & regulations in place, that disclosures can still be inaccurate?  That advertised closing costs can vary by so much?  Simply put, only SOME closing costs are required to be disclosed in advertising, and many true "Settlement costs" are omitted completely when lenders are trying to get the phone to ring.         ...
Comments 43
By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
I lost one of my favorite people in the world today. My good friend, Russell Lewis, passed away this morning from esophageal cancer. Thanks to his wife, Margaret, I was able to see him Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours. He apologized so many times for being sick, which struck me as poignant. We had a great visit, and laughed many times. He seemed mostly concerned about hurting other people (from sadness). I told him several times that I loved him, although that had started before he was even sick. We had a great connection. I cried in front of him Saturday. I also had a chance to spoon-feed him ice chips and we prayed together a couple of times. His prayers were beautiful, frankly. There was a peace in their home that was tangible. He became one of my best friends, and I ALWAYS l...
Comments 76
By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
ASK AN AMBASSADOR:  We Share The Highs And The Gut Punches If you've been around the Rain for any length of time you'll start to get it.  What makes the Rain different.  You can find real estate information in other places.  Tutorials, coaching, places to post your listings.  There's no shortage.  What makes this place different, truly different, is the people of ActiveRain.  With the rare exception, we're without the drama and brawling we routinely see in other real estate forums (fact is I intentionally avoid many Facebook forums explicitly because of the negativity and drama). The more you get what the Rain is about, the more you participate beyond rote posting of listings and generic comments, the more this community gives to you. And at some point you'll take the next step beyond p...
Comments 66
By Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366, General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage
(Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366)
  What is Required For a Barrier-Free Bathroom?   There are plenty of rules, codes, and guidelines for a general contractor to make a home wheelchair accessible. I was asked to look at a home today for an emergency alteration to a home that was going to be getting a young woman in a wheelchair. There is not time to do all the changes right away, we will be concentrating our efforts in the bathroom. On the list of things that must be done right away in the bathroom looks like this:   Barrier-Free Shower – We need to get a shower installed that a wheelchair can roll into on their own power. We will be checking into the cost of different options.   ADA Toilet – The current toilet is not high enough to work for her. Many choices are readily available.   Grab Bars – There has to be grab bars...
Comments 26
By Tammy Lankford,, Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville
(Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668)
When you log on to your  computer each morning do you stop by ActiveRain and Faceook first before you check your emails?  I do.  It's a habit that is about 6 years old.  I've met some of the best people I know as a result of ActiveRain.  Some of the smartest, some of the funniest. Don't get me wrong, like any family there's a black sheep here or there.  We aren't going to ever ALL be able to sit around a camp fire and sing cum ba ya, but for the most part I love dearly all the people I've come across here in the rain. Russell Lewis was certainly among those I loved dearly.  I was fortunate enough to have met him in real life at a conference we both attended in Atlanta.  We had been in a couple of close small groups in facebook together for years.  Groups that started as a result of Acti...
Comments 61

Blog posts


By Ginny Gorman, Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond
(RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate)
Changing Home Closing Dates | Let the Battles Begin   In this world of real estate we have the buyers, the sellers, the real estate agents and the property (lest us not forget the attorneys, home inspectors, appraisers, banks, etc.).    If you have not sold or bought a house in the last 5 years you are in for a real experience....even if you are buying with cash.  The closing dates in RI real estate for the home in question can become a sticking point when it was not one at the beginning of the transaction.   When a home buyer puts a date on the purchase and sales agreement, that is the date you are working towards closing on.  Not a week later, not a week earlier.  If you are getting financing, the lender is dictating how soon you can close.  Some lenders are better than others as real...
Comments 19
By Paula Bradfield, Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team
(Bradfield Ramsey Group)
Cotopaxi Colorado Weather on September 30, 2014  Good morning Cotopaxi!   At 9:25 a.m., we are at 57° and sunny. The expected high is going to be 72° and partly cloudy.   Our overnight low tonight is expected to be 46° and partly cloudy.   Tomorrow's high will be 69°.    The winds are coming from the W at 9 mph. By midday, it will come from the WNW at 12 mph.    Sunrise today was at 6:58 a.m. and sunset is 6:47 p.m. The humidity is 41%.       Make it a great day!  Paula      Resources for Cotopaxi  Cotopaxi CO Homes for Sale  Cotopaxi CO Market Trends   Cotopaxi CO Community Reports         Cotopaxi Colorado Weather on September 30, 2014     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cotopaxi Colorado Weather on September 27, 2014  Goo...
Comments 0
By Carol-Ann Palmieri, "Cal" the Real Estate Gal
(RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group)
Home Buying Boot Camp part 1.    Boot Camp.   Makes buying a house sound like work doesn't it?   It's not really, but just like anything else, getting in shape and being prepared reduces stress and makes you a solid, confident buyer!   You've been thinking of buying a home.   Why not?  It's a great time with interest rates low, inventory to choose from and favorable programs out there.   I remember getting off that bus at Parris Island so many long years ago thinking,  "What the Hell did I just do?"     I also remember buying a home, thinking the exact same thing!       You don't have to feel that way!     Over the past 26 years, I've found that following these very simple and precise steps will help you become that lean, mean, buying machine!     Get off the Bus!   One of the hardest t...
Comments 2
By Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366, General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage
(Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366)
    I Had No Idea That I Wasn’t Following You Already   With the latest changes here at ActiveRain, I get to see how many of the members that I read and comment but not follow. How can this be? Some of these members I read on a Daily basis and just assumed that I was following them, but that was not the case with an amazing number of you. I have a feeling that the same is true for you too! I have been getting followers that I just thought were following me all along, they have read and comment on my posts often over the years. For me this realization came as a result of the changes to the profile photo with the Follow button underneath next the comments left. Check it out yourself, are we following each other? I know that I’ll be looking when you comment! Are you following me? Here are ...
Comments 21
By ReadySetLoan Team, Residential, Commercial & Condo Financing Experts
(ReadySetLoan Condo Team LLC)
FHA Extends Temporary Condominium Approval Guidelines As expected, FHA extended the effective date of Mortgagee Letter 12-18 until August 31, 2016; the provisions in ML12-18 were due to expire on August 31, 2014. At 5:21AM on August 30, I received an email notification that FHA released Mortgagee Letter 14-17. The sole purpose of the Letter was to extend the effective date of the ML12-18. No other changes were announced in the Letter. Mortgagee Letter 12-18 announced a temporary easing of certain criteria regarding condominium project approvals. The modified guidelines have made it easier for many condominiums to obtain an FHA condo approval. Extending effective dates of these criteria is great news for condominiums looking to obtain a certification with FHA. Why wouldn’t they extend th...
Comments 14
By Barbara Todaro, Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team
(RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired )
This is my contribution to Richie Naggar’s contest “Scratch The Itch With Rich” but I want to preface this with the thought that scratching a tan is not my favorite thing to do!!!  Applying moisturizing cream is the only way to fix that itch!!! I frequently change slogans, and there are times when I use all slogans within one marketing piece, just to keep ALL of them fresh in the minds of the readers.  Slogans are statements that reflect “who you are, what you do and how well you do it” in one line.  Oh, how I love one-liners!!! The slogan that I most frequently use at this time for Lorraine Kuney is “the most frequently hired agent in Franklin MA.”  This began last year, and I should have created it sooner.  It just never occurred to me, even after posting all of the pie charts that r...
Comments 60
By Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities, Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.
(Charlemagne International Properties)
I'm always excited to review the sales, pending sales and active listings as soon as the first day of a new month arrives.  Even though this is a holiday, I'm at my computer bright and early to pass along to you how the Manhattan Beach luxury home market performed during August 2014.   18 Manhattan Beach luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 sold.  Six of the sales were townhouses. 17 Manhattan Beach luxury homes are currently in escrow with accepted offers. 35 Manhattan Beach luxury homes are for sale.  Again, six are townhouses.   For detailed information about homes sold, or currently for sale, check out the maps below.  If you see one, or more, you would like to tour contact Charlemage Int'l Properties.     - Norma (310) 493-8333   Manhattan Beach Luxury Homes for Sale:  
Comments 2
By Paula Bradfield, Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team
(Bradfield Ramsey Group)
Howard Colorado Weather on September 30, 2014    Good Morning Howard Colorado and Down Valley Residents!   At 9:25 a.m. the temperature is 53° and sunny. Our high today is expected to be 63° and partly cloudy.  Tonight's temperature will be 39° and mostly clear.    Winds are coming from the SW at 15 mph. Later today, expect the winds to come from the W at 15 mph.   Humidity is 42%    Tomorrow's high will be 59°.   The sunrise was at 6:58 a.m. and sunset is at 6:48 p.m.     Make it a great day! Paula     Howard Colorado Resources   The Elevation of Howard in town is 6716' and rising from there.     Howard Colorado Home PricesHoward CO Market TrendsHoward CO Neighborhood/Community info       Howard Colorado Weather on September 30, 2014     -----------------------------------------------...
Comments 0
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
What to write about today?  Well it is a Holiday and it is Monday and I am taking the day off but I will still write about some quotes: Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.  Robert Louise Stevenson No Matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important  Mary Kay Ash Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you.  Cynthia Kersey Unity is strength...when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.   Mattie Stepanek Success is not what you have done compared to what others have done.  Success is what you have done compared to what you were supposed to do.  Tony Evans The person who makes a success of living is the one who see his goal s...
Comments 19
By Dick Greenberg, Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate
(New Paradigm Partners LLC)
New Patio Home Listing - 2070 Vineyard Dr. Windsor CO MLS#745430      Click on photo for property details   Relax in the ultimate luxury of a brand new patio home in Stonewater at Water Valley South. A gigantic master suite, a family room with fireplace and a covered patio make this home your ultimate retreat. This is a Devon model, the largest of the new floor plans, and features 2 bedrooms; 2 baths; a study; a gourmet kitchen with  granite counter tops, modern stainless steel appliances, an island and a pantry; coffered 10ft ceilings;  hardwood floors and upgraded carpeting; a full unfinished basement; and a 2-car garage.  With Lennar's "everything's included®" program, construction is almost complete on this wonderful home - you can move in anytime after mid-September, 2014. It is o...
Comments 7
By Ann Irza, Real Estate Agent
(Prestige Real Estate)
August, 2014 Real Estate Market in Andover, MA   Listings for Sale in Andover, MA  Request a FREE custom valuation of Your Home   Real Estate Market in Andover, MA Buyers and sellers who are interested in the August, 2014 Real Estate Market in Andover, MA (01810) have access to the most up-to-date information through the Prestige Real Estate Website Market Insider Pages. Market Insider consolidates data from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales, community information, local school data, and more.  Whether you are a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions.    Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed in Andover, MA The following graphics illustrate the breakdown of sold prices price trends in Andover, MA during th...
Comments 0
By Paula Bradfield, Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team
(Bradfield Ramsey Group)
Salida Colorado Weather on September 30, 2014  Good Morning Salida!     At 9:45 am we are at 55° and partly cloudy. Our high today is expected to be 63° and partly cloudy.   Tonight's temperature will be 39° and mostly clear.   Winds are coming from the SW at 17 mph. Later today, they will come from the W at 15 mph.   Midday, the humidity will be about 37%.   Tomorrow's high will be 59°.   The sunrise today was at 6:59 a.m. and sunset is at 6:48 p.m.       Make it a great day!  Paula   Salida CO resources  Salida is 7000' near the river and rising from there as you head up into the hills.  Homes for sale in Salida CO Salida CO Market PriceTrends Salida CO Community/Neighborhood Reports            Salida Colorado Weather on September 30, 2014     ----------------------------------------...
Comments 3
By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Realtor
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Happy Labor Day From Carolinas Realty Partners   However you're spending your Labor Day weekend, take a moment to think about why we celebrate it in the first place. Acknowledge the power of labor, for, as Sophocles said, "Without labor, nothing prospers."Nina Hollander and Carolinas Realty Partners thank all of our amazing clients, colleagues, friends, and families for your business, your trust, and your friendship--and we look forward to "laboring" for you in the coming year!
Comments 9
By Trey McCallie, Excellence in Real Estate since 2003
(Tate Daniels Concierge Real Estate)
Cash Flow and Equity Build-up   Many years ago, Las Vegas hotels would entice customers with inexpensive rooms, meals and entertainment so they would gamble.  It may have worked initially but if you’ve been to Las Vegas recently, the bargains are gone.  Hotels expect each division to be a profit center on its own.  As a consumer, I might not like the changes but as an investor, I’d have to be pleased with increased profitability.   Years ago, real estate investors used to accept negative cash flow buoyed by tax incentives in hopes of making a big payday due to appreciation when they sold it.   Today’s investors are focusing on tangible, current results like cash flow and equity build-up. Cash flow is the amount of money you have left over after collecting the rent and paying the expense...
Comments 1
By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
     I'm on the beach in Ocean City ,NJ, soaking in the end of the tradition NJ beach season(Memorial Day to Labor Day) . The partly cloudy day is starting to cause all of the weekenders to head home early . But on my mind  is today will mark the end of a 63 month journey to become AR's 118th Millionaire ! While I am an admitted "Point Junkie", this pursuit has been about a lot more than just the points . ActiveRain has produced far more for me than any other real estate activity over that 5+ year period ! But I'll share more about that in a future post. So Today is all about achieving AR Millionaire status while sitting on the Beach staring at the Atlantic Ocean . Will you help me ??????      Have a great and relaxing Labor Day,                                                          ...
Comments 29
By Julie Chapman, Sales in Palm Coast, Saint Augustine, Ormond, New
(Julie Chapman Broker)
Salute The Troops Cookout at Lennar Homes at Bainebridge Estates on September 20 from Noon until 5   Enjoy our freshly grilled chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers as well as homemade desserts. And to give back to the troops Get $10,000 In Closing Costs on a Move-In Ready Lennar Home Call or text Julie Chapman 404-831-2111 for details.   
Comments 3
By William Feela, Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.
(WHISPERING PINES REALTY)
You know the ones... They set on the counter.  One is flour, then sugar, coffee and salt. They were staples of the home for many, many years. But now days with our instant society...who needs them. This set was sitting on the floor in a corner of the basement of a home I showed. In it's place was a juicier, a coffee press and an espresso maker. Growing up EVERYBODY had a canister set on the kitchen counter.  Every one knew what was inside each one just by the size of the container...even us kids! But in today's world most women of the home work out and the easy and ready to use items are the way to go, especially for most of us guys! I remember my grandmother making bread from scratch.  She would buy flower in 50# sacks.  Today, my wife buys a 5 pound bag in hopes of using it all before...
Comments 10
By Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities, Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.
(Charlemagne International Properties)
Hermosa Beach offers not only a coastal location, but also a prime location within the greater Los Angeles area.  It's  close to freeways and LAX plus Hermosa Beach's homes on the world famous Strand are becoming just as pricey as those in neighboring Manhattan Beach.  Manhattan Beach maintains a perennial place on the most expensive homes in California, and Hermosa is likely to make the list soon. 4 Hermosa Beach luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 sold during the month of August 2014. 2 Hermosa Beach luxury homes are in escrow with accepted offers. 9 Hermosa Beach luxury homes are for sale.   For detailed information on location, price and amenities check out the attached maps.  For a tour of any Hermosa Beach luxury homes for sale contact Charlemagne International Properties.   - No...
Comments 0
By Karin Smallwood
(Keller Williams Southwest)
Houston Townhomes and Condos Houston Townhomes Houston townhomes are individually owned structures that are built side by side and share two walls (sometimes one) with a homeowner that lives next door. In older built Houston townhomes, attic space is shared across each structure while newer built townhomes have firewalls separating attic space between each structure. The right of ownership begins from the center of the earth, upwards to infinity and includes the townhome structure. NOTEThroughout Houston, there are single-family homes (no common walls) with first floor garages and two or three stories built above the garage. They are built on single/multiple lots that are considered townhomes by the locals. By all appearances, they are single-family homes with a few exceptions. These “t...
Comments 0
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