Archives of real estate blog entries for July 01, 2011

Featured blog posts


By Peggy James, Woodbridge Virginia Area Real Estate Specialist
(SAMSON PROPERTIES)
This week I am starting a blog series called This Weeks Caller. Everyday, I get calls from home buyers and sellers who have questions about the market. Over the past month, I have featured one call a week on the front of our website in the yellow box called This Weeks Caller. These are some of the calls, questions I answered this week: #1.-I would like to see a Foreclosure Home. It is Vacant. Can't you just give me the code? My answer to this one is absolutely NO.The caller said but my other REALTOR® ( friend of the family who I hate...just gave us the code to get in) I said well not this REALTOR®.  If you would like to see a home for sale, I will be more than happy to show it to you. Please forward your pre-approval letter to me, and then we can set up a time. #2- Is there a way to buy...
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By Ginny Gorman, Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond
(RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate)
POW WOW - ActiveRain Foursome - No Golfers Apply.  Pow wow, get together, business confab, tech learning session, and a chance to catch up since our first meet at RainCamp in Atlantic City in April, the foursome of Ginny Gorman, Dagny Eason (hostess), Judy Klem and Debbie Gartner converged early afternoon to early evening to break out the toolbox!   When I arrived at 1 pm, Debbie was connected and pounding away on the laptop ready to go.  We had a pre-format to our meet so we were assured of making progress and just not spending time laughing and having a great time. When Judy arrived from her appointment, we were connected and ready to start buzzing through the +1 of Google, embedding into Google maps, linking better, QR codes and their value,reblogging and we have more to do...POW WOW...
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By James Quarello, Connecticut Home Inspector
(JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC)
Diversity in your business is really a must to longevity and survival. Similar to diversity in a species of animal helps it to survive adverse environmental conditions, so it is true of business. When the business climate changes those who have put all their eggs in one basket, may find nothing left to for breakfast one morning. Years ago the real estate business was booming, houses were selling almost as soon as they hit the market with multiple buyers lining up to make offers. Ah yes the good old days. The prognosticators were saying in the midst of all this insane activity the market could not sustain it. It seems few were listening. These predictions of doom and gloom were nagging at me. At that time I was doing home inspections and only home inspections. But what happens when the m...
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By Andrea Swiedler, Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties)
You might be surprised at the answer... I know I have vented aired my opinions about "BPO's" here. An agent comes from another part of the state, doesn't understand the local market, gives an opinion of value on a short sale which has no relevance to the home or local market, on and on. And there goes the deal, flushed down the toilet... Ever thought the agent that provided this wacked out price opinion guilty of a crime? Well they just might be, read on... According to the Connecticut Association of Realtors, we can give an opinion of value, as in a market analysis, under the following circumstances: a prospective listing sale of real estate providing information to a seller or landlord under a listing agreement providing information to a prospective buyer or tenant under a buyer or te...
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By Craig Rutman, Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor
(Helping people in transition)
This 4th of July Weekend Make Sure It's a Safe One Please Buckle Up.   About a thousand years ago, when I was in my late teens, and before seat belt use was mandatory, I was the first person on the scene of a deadly accident. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say that I saved two people's lives that night... Two other people didn't make it.   They probably would have if they were wearing seat belts. It was from that moment on that I have worn my seat belt each and every time I get into my car. And I won't even put my car in gear until all my passengers are safely buckled up. So this weekend when you go out to celebrate our nation's birthday, please remember to put on your seat belts. If you've not seen this video, I suggest you view it now. It's brilliantly done and truly c...
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By Belinda Spillman, Colorado Living!
(Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado)
This year has been extremely busy for my business partner, Will and myself. We had so many listings, we had to order additional signs. What a great problem to have. The real estate market in Denver has been very strong.  This is great for anyone who has been thinking about selling their home. The number of showings this summer as compared to last summer is significantly higher.  When Will and I go out to a listing appointment, he does extensive research and prepares a detailed market analysis which he presents to the seller.  After much discussion, we help the sellers decide on a fair price to list their home at.  Believe me, there are still the sellers who "Don't Want To Give Their Home Away" or the sellers who "Need Some Wiggle Room".  We have decided this year to leave those listings...
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By Jonathan Dalton
(Realty ONE Group)
Last week I had the opportunity to interview with Redfin for their referral program. Though I thought the interview went well - my past interview experience was when I worked for Schwab and I was wholely invested in the decision, versus this where whatever happened would be fine - I didn't end up getting accepted into the program. C'est la vie. As I look back at the interview, there are questions that still are ringing in my ears, questions where I'm certain I didn't provide the answer the interviewer wanted to hear. One was about my use of Active Rain, which I'm not going to get into again. Suffice it to say, I've been gone for a while. Another was whether I'd ever fired a client. My guess, at least now, is the answer was supposed to be no. Given Redfin's focus on customer satisfaction...
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By Gwen Banta
(Sotheby's International Realty)
There must be a run on caskets this week, because a lot of listings were dead upon arrival. Thanks to Jane Peters of L.A. and Wendy Schoof of San Francisco for helping me comb the MLS for these beauties: Who Could Resist? "Famished apt available" (Flummoxed agent soon to be available, too.) "Views of sweating palms" (Oh...I just thought your hand was in front of your face because you're hideous.) "Buyers will be enameled" (Hence my fear of clowns and kilns.) "Coffin & tea served" (Offered by those homicidal broads at Arsenic and Old Lace Realty. Their motto: "We make killer deals!") "Lots of closeted" (Really? I thought they all moved to West Hollywood.) "Cancel 4th of Jury" (...Overheard at a Gambino Family picnic at an undisclosed Jersey Shore location.) "Natural havibat for birds" (...
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By Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
(http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com)
Here is where it gets really interesting...a review of In Re Veal. I have written about the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Decision in the matter of In re Veal.  I have mentioned that two prominent tax attorneys reviewed it with me…we have made a VERY interesting and compelling argument.  In a situation in which the borrower has an approved short sale, and receives a 1099 or 1098 from the lender that indicates a “forgiveness of debt issue”, there is a way to negate the tax ramifications (in addition to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (MDFRA). Suppose the a borrower owed $1 million on a property and there was an approved short sale for $600,000 and the bank issues a 1098 for $400,000 (I might mention that regardless of whether th...
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By ActiveRain Real Estate Network
(ActiveRain)
Thanks to all who entered the contest.  Your hyper local posts makes us want to journey to each and every place.  While we had quite a few entries, only 20 lucky members won.  I thank you all for your participation and congratulations to the winners. We put each fabulous entry into a hat and picked 20.  Here they are in no particular order: Ken Cash                                                Cindy Edwards Jay Markanich                                                    Bob Gilbert                                          Debra Brooks Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman Ed Silva Barbara Martino-Sliva Stacey Smith Donnie McKinney Shar Sitter John Hrisco Kathy Streib Cynthia Larsen Mimi Foster Amy Hahn Ralph Gorgoglione Barbara Hensley John Mulkey Gerry Michaels Your coffee tumblers will be mail...
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By Kerrie La Guardia, Let it Rain!
(ActiveRain, Community Manager)
Does everybody have their hot dogs, sparklers and macaroni salad ready?  I sure hope so....you guys work your bottoms off and it's time to celebrate our country's freedom!  Make the most of your days, smile and BE SAFE!  Just as a quick note that AR Headquarters will be closed on Monday with the staff returning recharged and ready on Tuesday.  The six firecrackers below share their stories.  Hopefully they'll light a fuse under you if you need it! If you have yet to write your own success story, I urge you to do so. Simply go to your profile page and click "edit" located next to My Profile (edit). Scroll down until you see the spot designated for your ActiveRain Success Story. Keep in mind this will not show on your AR profile but will be available to view on the ActiveRain Success Stor...
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By Karen Burket, Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages
(Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank )
Did I commit fraud on my mortgage application? I was having my weekly meeting with a circle of Realtors this morning and some discussions were going around with regard to potential buyer fraud during the course of the transaction.  After our meeting, I forwarded this blog post to all of the agents who were involved in this discussion.  Because of the timing, I thought what better time to repost this here.    Did I commit fraud on my mortgage application?   It came to my attention recently that it appears many folks possibly aren't being coached or taught properly as to what you, as the borrower should be, and more importantly, should NOT be doing, before, during and after the mortgage application process.  In this post, let's get into some important information with regard to potential ...
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Blog posts


By Conrad Allen, Webster, Ma, Realtor
(Re/Max Professional Associates)
The Warren Group reported that the May 2011 foreclosure petitions decreased by 67% over May of 2010.  The number filed was 699 petitions.  These petitions are not actually foreclosures but the lender going to court for approval to foreclose.  This is the number that you see in huge print on TV and in newspapers.  It is misleading for sure. The actual foreclosures fell over 65% from May of 2011.  The number of foreclosure deeds was 465.  That is a difference of 234  Why didn't the other 234 properties go to foreclosure?  Some were sold, some were refinanced, some brought their payments current, etc. So why the drop in foreclosures?  Some of it has to do with the robo foreclosure process by Bank Of America et al.  I think short sales are taking the place of foreclosures in a lot of market...
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By Amy Hahn, Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC
(Pine Knoll Shores Realty)
Friday Foto on the Crystal Coast   I love living on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina! Everyday is filled with beautiful sights and sounds, and the smell of the sea air comforts me.  The photo below was taken from the beach in Salter Path, North Carolina.  Salter Path is a small fishing village in the middle of Bogue Banks Island, and has so much to offer.  Fresh seafood, great restaurants, watersports, quint little shops, but the views....are Unbelievable!   Happy Friday from the Crystal Coast! To view homes for sale on Bogue Banks, visit our website at www.pineknollshoresrealty.com  
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Hi, If you are thinking of buying or selling a single family home, condo or multi family in Charlestown, MA you may want to follow this blog to stay up to date on which way the real estate market is trending.  Every week my team goes through which houses came on the market, which had price improvements, back on market, re-activated, went under agreement and most importantly....which sold! So follow the blog to stay up to date! Ryan Covino ryan@ryancovino.com
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By Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner
(KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate)
Does the same bad stuff happen in all horror movies?  Pretty much!  So why keep watching them?  I don't know - but I can apply the same analogy to over-pricing ANYTHING that is for sale or rent - doesn't matter if it's a house, car or stuff at a yard sale.  If you know that it won't sell at your high price - why do you keep pricing it high? Maybe because there is hope that yours will be the one that will be different? OK - so no ax is used, perhaps a chainsaw instead. Maybe because someone will come along and love the house so much they will make an offer you will accept? OK - so maybe the doom won't happen behind a shower curtain - instead when she gets in her car. Maybe because you really don't need to sell and want to see what happens. OK, well maybe the boyfriend won't notice the ch...
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By Gita Bantwal, REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel
(RE/MAX Centre Realtors)
Resort style living in 55plus community at Heritage Creek Estates, Overview Maps Photos Features Neighborhood Open House $399,000 Single Family Home Main Features 2 Bedrooms2 BathroomsLot: 5,460 sqft Location 1202 Scott PlWarwick, PA 18974USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Gita Bantwal ReMax Centre Realtors(215) 343-8200x124gita01@aol.comhttp://www.gitabantwal.com Listed by: RE/MAX Centre Realtors Our recent listings Resort style living in 55plus community at Heritage Creek Estates, Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale This is a lovely community in Bucks County. It shows like a model home and is near the new golf course. For a list of Active Adult communities in Bucks County call Gita at 215-275-8491
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By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
It’s July 1 and it’s hard to believe that 2011 is officially half over. And the holiday weekend may be a good time to assess our businesses to see if changes need to be made for the duration of the year. I for one am very surprised that we are still concluding transactions that started in 2010. It seems like every deal takes forever and is fraught with perils and pitfalls. Also, listings taken after today will expire in 2012 which is both an election, an Olympic, and a leap year. For whatever reason, I have always preferred even numbered years!!!! And although we finished the second quarter with a flurry, 2011 has not lived up to expectations so far. We really need to step it if we are going to meet our goals that we set in November. The good news is that it is possible to achieve our ...
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By Wallace S. Gibson, CPM, LandlordWhisperer
(Gibson Management Group, Ltd.)
I can remember when Grace Kelly married "her prince" and what a TV and newsreel show it was for many had never heard of the tiny country carved out on the coast of France. This 3-day event wedding of Grace's and Rainier's only son, Albert * age 53 * will be another tourist extravaganza for the small principality.  His bride is a ravishing * Grace-like blond * Charlene Wittstock * an Olympic swimmer from South Africa.  The couple met during the Olympics * he is a bobsledder.   Where the English Royal Wedding featured Rolls Royces and horse drawn coaches * the Monaco wedding will feature  a GREEN Lexus LS 600h with clear roof made specially for the wedding. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/custom-lexus-ls-landaulet-to-chauffeur-royal-couple-through-monaco/   Sir Richard Branson...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
Today I want to mention an issue that has been around forever, and warn you about a sloppy solution that is most-often recommended by real estate agents involved in the transaction. The issue in question is how to best handle occupancy prior to closing in a real estate transaction. When a buyer needs the ability to take occupancy prior to the actual date of closing on the property, a document is needed to make sure that both parties are protected from the various things that can go wrong in a real estate transaction. The most common solution that I have seen for more than 20 years in the Tallahassee real estate market is that both parties execute a simple addendum to the contract which allows for the occupancy prior to closing. This is a great mistake. Sometimes the need for occupancy p...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Long Island 4th Of July Fireworks Celebrations The fourth of July celebrations for 2011 are here and below are some of the places that you can view Grucci fireworks display on Long Island.  Please do not call us for any phone numbers or any further information. Please contact:  Fireworks by GrucciOne Grucci LaneBrookhaven, NY 11719 USATel: 631.286.0088Fax: 631.286.9036 Once again this year, for the second year in a row,  safety concerns have caused the July 4th fireworks show at Jones Beach to be cancelled. The once very popular attraction had been held annually for 15 years before officials at the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation said there were not enough trained park police officers to safely hold the display.   Try and arrive early for the best viewings!   Saturd...
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By Dustin Oldfather, Delaware Ocean & Water Front Homes
(Ocean Atlantic Sotheby's International Realty)
Bethany Beach Delaware Fourth of July Parade 2011     The Bethany Beach 4th of July Parade Committee is in the process of planning for its 28th Event. The theme of this year’s parade is “THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION”. In this regard, we are also honoring the STATE OF DELAWARE, SINCE DELAWARE WAS THE FIRST STATE TO RATIFY THE CONSTITUTION. Artist, Jennifer E. Carter of Bethany Beach is in the process of designing the T-shirt depicting this theme. Pertinent Parade information is as follows: . Registration for floats, bikes and walkers is from 9AM to 11:30AM on Monday July 4th. No preregistration. The parade will step-off on Monday, July 4th starting at 12:00 noon. . The 23 annual horseshoe throwing contest will be held at the conclusion of the parade located on the South West corner of ...
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By John Handschuh ABR SRES, Bucks County Real Estate
(RE/MAX Legacy)
Interesting read. I just receive this information from my Home Actions Club. There is discussion on capitol hill regarding 20% down payments to become mandatory. This will affect all home buyers in our future.   20% DOWN PAYMENT IDEAS COMING UNDER FIRE- IMPACT WOULD BE WIDESPREAD Topic Summary: Regulators and Legislators were close to mandating new qualifications for a conventional mortgage. There is much blame to apply as to what caused the 2007-2009 meltdown and stringent terms are now being discussed including mandatory 20% down payments. An industry Coalition joined 326 Members or Congress urging a redesign of the policy and a just announce delay in the final ruling has been granted.The recent activity stems from the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act  This ac...
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By Jay McHugh, YOUR SendOutCard Mentor
(SendOutCards-Appreciation Marketing Expert)
      Here is a link to my "July Real Estate Update":http://realtytimes.com/152/JayMcHughThis Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.This month's issue includes topics such as: "Summertime Selling Tips";"Why Own My Home?";"Quick Homeowner Updates"; "Green Living: Low-Impact Summer"; "Landscape Appeal Helps Sell Homes";Plus a roundup of June real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too! Sincerely, Jay McHugh
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At Charlottesville Real Estate Solutions we are usually out with clients. However this morning we are meeting to go over plans for the next 6 months. You see we are only 6 months old and now have 8 people at our office – Solutions Office. That is quite a growth pattern and we will be making some adjustments. ABOUT SOLUTIONS: Charlottesville has many outstanding firms and agents, however one firm offers "Solutions" vs the traditional brokerage model. "Solutions" is a Boutique Firm which means we are a group of highly trained and experienced agents who work exclusively for our clients needs. We do not work to support a large firm or franchise. Our standards put our clients needs first. Our agents focus on buyers, relocation, new construction and listing select properties. When you want e...
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600 Residential Units will be part of a 1 million square feet of expansion in the popular Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, North Carolina. These 600 Residential units will be single family homes, condos, etc. Two Hundred Hotel rooms, and more office space will also be part of their expansion. Great News for the Ballantyne Area.  This project is set to be finished by 2025. This Bissell Companies Expanision is going to be on Ballanyne Commons Parkway near the Ballantyne Resort Hotel, popular for its golf and other recreational activities. Ballantyne is a great area to shop and live. For people who have thought about relocating to the Charlotte area. Ballantyne has much to offer, with new restaurants, such as the Mellow Mushroom moving into the area, movies and great walking paths. If you wou...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
After reading Kristine Ginsberg's blog on "Taking a So-So Photo and Making it a Great Photo", I took a couple of photos, put them into picnik.com® and voila! Here is what happened:                       In the after photo, I went into Exposure - clicked on advance and then clicked on local contrast (see how much sharper the bark of the tree is, cropped and rotated it slightly which brought the photo in closer then added a drop shadow to make it stand out on the page. In this 2nd photo of the Aurora Borealis, I cropped it a bit to bring you closer to the tents,  also used the local contrast in exposure to brighten the lights coming from inside the tent.  Then I went into touch-up and highlights and dodging and ran the dodging brush over the green stripes to make a little more intense.  I...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
The Best of NW Austin There is a reason you want to live, work and play in NW Austin.  From the vistas of Lake Travis and the rolling hill country landscape NW Austin has much to offer! If you're considering relocating to Austin and want to be part of the spirit and dynamics of our growing and exciting city then let me give you a taste of what you'll be experiencing: CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOMES IN NW AUSTIN,TEXAS
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By Melissa Juarez
(Massachusetts Buyers Broker Agency, LLC)
WELCOME TO SAUGUS, MA Are you ready to buy? If you are looking for a great community with a high-quality real estate market, consider Saugus.  In the past few weeks, Saugus has seen an increase in inventory for homes ranging in price from $199,888 to $649,000.  This means that if you are a Buyer interested in Saugus, you have plenty of homes to choose from in a variety of price points. There are 4 open houses for single-family homes this weekend, 7/1-7/3 in Saugus.  Why not spend this weekend looking at houses?  Now is the time to buy. Saugus is located in Essex County and is only 12 miles from downtown Boston, a commuter's dream. If you are a potential home buyer and you are interested in Saugus, please contact me to start receiving listings and open house schedules.  Let's connect tod...
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By Joseph D. Federico, Eastern Massachusetts Real Estate
(Donahue Real Estate Co.)
In June of 2011 there were 7 homes that closed within the month for Westwood, MA. this was a decrease of 12 units as there were 19 homes that closed in June of 2010. The Average list price for the homes that closed in Westwood for June 2011 was $724,386 The Average list price for the homes that closed in Westwood for June of 2010 was $576,321 The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Westwood for June of 2011 was $706,500 The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Westwood for June of 2010 was $559,779 The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Westwood in June of 2011 was 142 days. The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Westwood in June of 2010 was 75 days.   19 homes went under agreement in Westwood, Massachusetts for the month of June, 2011....
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By Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
(Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate)
ECONOMISTS ARE OVER COUNTING CONSUMERS.  THEY SHOULD BE COUNTING ONLY ABOUT 75% OF US.  WHERE DID 25% OF CONSUMER GO?? "HOMES ARE BOUGHT BY PEOPLE, NOT CORPORATIONS"!!  says Dick Greenbergin bringing an interesting article to ActiveRAin readers.  EUREKA! ! !   But, of course, that's just a small part of the information in this article that Dick featured. Dick goes on to say, "Homes are bought by people, not by corporations, and their ability to do so is based on their earnings" I believe that people's ability to engage in the buying and selling of real estate, due to the large dollar amount involved would be:   A huge percentage of economic activity in the U.S. is by CONSUMERS, not corporations.  I would go farther and say that the consumer's ability to buy homes and that their ability ...
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By Lee & Pamela St. Peter, Making Connections to Success in Real Estate
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522)
Sun Safety is Soo Important!!  SPF 6??  Hmmmmm.....   This week-end here in the Triangle is going to be filled with lots of outdoor activities to engage in.  Now we're not at the beach but... The importance of sun screen & shade hats is becoming more and more apparent as melanoma skin cancer is on the rise.  We are still early in the season of HOT HOT HOT, but don't forget to consider sun safety as you head outside... Do you remember when covering ourselves in BABY OIL was the fad to aid in capitalizing on any and all extra sun exposure possible!!  If only we knew then what we know now...  ouch! Now North Carolina does have AMAZING beaches and mountains that attract people from all over.  This gorgeous state has beautiful beaches to the East and breath-taking mountains to the West, and...
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