Archives of real estate blog entries for May 01, 2011

Featured blog posts


By Craig Daniels, Technology Instructor/Project Consultant
(Tech Training for You!)
I'm glad you found your way to my Craig's Classroom Catalog Post where you can better find my teaching articles based on categories of topics. I started the catalog here but it has grown too large for this page! (I'm happy to report that news.) Now the best place to check out other tech articles that I have written is the catalog page on my WordPress site. There are lots of topics for you to explore there! Click the image below to jump over there. Enjoy!    
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By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
Documentation is paramount especially in short sale transactions. The customer service part in short sales has to do with caring for your sellers and keeping the buyer agents informed as to the process of the short sale.     But brokers and agents need to to understand that while making your calls, emails and texts to your clients is appreciated people in a stressed out situation like going through a short sale can easily forget what transpired during a phone call. Some sellers and buyers may be so stressed out that they may claim you did not call them when you did.  We document everything. Every email, every phone call and every correspondence not only with the banks but also with the buyers agents and the sellers. When some short sales drag on for over a year and going through several...
Comments 62
By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Most Common Consumer Complaints About Real Estate Websites So, what is keeping your site from holding your visitors' interest?  Could be content, or lack thereof but, there are other reasons that folks just don't stay on your site.  Hopefully you've mastered all of the techniques to keeping the consumer on your site.  If you haven't, here are a few common complaints about real estate websites and how to remedy each of them: 1.  Slow Load Time:  Your readers, or should I say potential readers, will not wait for your site to load.  You wait because it's your site but, slow loading sites scare off potential readers.  Find out what is bogging your site down and correct it or your site will not do for you what you expect it to do. 2. You Have No Blog:  Your website should be all-inclusive.  ...
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By Susan Haughton, Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.
(Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545)
I had a client who met with some misfortune regarding a long time rental tenant, who decided to stop paying rent and trash his townhouse, all within the space of three months. After he got the tenant evicted, he decided he just didn't have the time nor the energy to get the house back in decent shape, so I put it on the market for him.  We decided to price it way below comps - not only to allow for the substantial amount of damage done, but also to leave another $10-15k on the table as an incentive to get the property sold quickly. The strategy worked;  we were deluged with showings and had we not had several excellent offers early on, we probably would have quite a few more offers in the coming days.  After we had several offers to consider, we decided it was time to pick one and get t...
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By Beverly Femia, Broker Realtor Stager - Greater Wilmington, NC Are
(BlueCoast Realty Corporation)
 I opened her email and here's what I found...  I sent your feedback to my sellers and they want to know exactly what "clutter" you were speaking of. Please let me know and I will let them know. "You know the day I had the Realtor Luncheon and had approximately 50 agents come, not one of them had comments like yours. They all complimented the home and the yard and the sellers on the beauty all around. You didn't have one nice thing to say. I always try to find something encouraging to say, even if it's only 'Thank you for letting us look at your house'. I have never received such negative comments as the ones you provided. I spoke with my husband about it and was sharing with him what you said in the feedback and he said he remembered you came to our Realtor Luncheon over in The XXXXXXX...
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By Valerie Baker, Spokane Realtor
(Exit Real Estate Professionals)
  It is a common saying among Realtors that “buyers are liars.”  Buyers will insist that they need four bedrooms and a totally updated high-end kitchen.  They MUST be on a cul-de-sac where the children can ride their bikes.     Next thing you know, they stop into an Open House on a Sunday afternoon and can’t wait to make an offer on a 1910 Craftsman home with three tiny bedrooms and a kitchen that even Mrs. Cleaver would call ancient!  It sits up on a hill on a busy arterial . . . picture little Billy flying down that driveway screaming “look Mom, no hands!”   SO, what gives? Don’t even try to figure it out! This has nothing to do with rational, logical thought processes.  It has EVERYTHING to do with those warm, fuzzy things called HUGS!  It happens to the best of us.     The funny thi...
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By Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney
(THE ZARETSKY LAW GROUP - Board Certified Real Estate Atty and AUTOMATED LAND TITLE COMPANY)
It is not too often we "in the trenches" of short sale negotiations get to understand why lenders act the way they do through "behind the scenes" documentation.  However a couple of months ago we did get some "lender to servicer" documentation that I thought was interesting enough to pass on to my ActiveRain readers.  Note: the documentation you are about to read states in BOLD CAPITALS, "YOU MAY NOT GIVE A COPY OF THIS COVER LETTER TO THE BORROWER, THE CLOSING ATTORNEY/SETTLEMENT AGENT, REAL ESTATE BROKER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY".  I would add that I am not sure how we obtained this information, but it is not the first time I have seen documentation like this. FreddieMac is along with FreddieMae, one of the largest owners of residential mortgage paper in the country.  Their procedures for ...
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By Mimi Foster, Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor
(Falcon Property Company)
Today is the first day of the 31 Days of May Challenge, and I'm sure that it will not be difficult for most of us to come up with writing ideas for the next week or so of posting.  But what happens after our good ideas seem to dry up, and we think we don't have anything else to write about (commonly referred to as 'writer's block')?   Last week I posted about how I keep a running list as ideas come to me, and I have to write them down immediately because my old brain loses the thought before I get up from my chair. You can find lists everywhere for 'memory joggers.'  As I prepared for my first Challenge, I didn't write blogs, but I added a lot of things to my ongoing list of what I could write about when nothing else comes to mind.  Many of these are geared toward the ActiveRain crowd i...
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By James Quarello, Connecticut Home Inspector
(JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC)
Moving into a new home is exciting and a little bit intimidating. New surroundings can cause some anxiety to well up in anyone.  For example not knowing your neighbors. Will they be friendly or standoffish? Do they have a dog that barks incessantly at all hours? Or are they fun, friendly and inviting and own a cat. There are a few times every month during an inspection when the neighbors ease on over to see who's moving in. All the commotion of the home inspection always attracts attention. When you stop and think about it, new people moving in must generate the same soup of emotions in them too! Because I'm working I catch snippets of what is happening, like what happened the other afternoon. I was inspecting a town house style condo. These units are most often built in long rows. The ...
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By Jay Markanich, Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
(Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC)
On new construction inspections, I have learned a couple of things.  First, everyone wants to say their product is green, although I am not sure why.  And second, when they do, when builders say green, find out what they mean. My clients on a recent new construction said that the builder told them it was a "green house."  I asked which standard was used to determine that and if he was going to give them a certificate.  They knew nothing of that. So I asked, "Why do you think it is green?"  "Well, the appliances are Energy Star, we think he used good windows and he said there is a thick layer of cellulose insulation in the attic." THAT MIGHT BE SOMEWHAT STANDARD OR EXPECTED THESE DAYS, BUT NOT GREEN. I think builders or sellers use the word "green" because they think it lends marketabili...
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By Kathy McGuriman, CRS, SRES, ACRE, Realtor for Lansdale, PA area
(First time home buyers, downsizers,seniors,new construction)
  I hear this comment several times from a prospective seller,  "If I don't get X from the sale of my home, I won't be able to do Y".  So "we" need to price it at Z!  Mr. & Mrs. Seller, this is not a good approach to take in selling your home.  It doesn't matter to a prospective buyer what you want to net.  The only thing that matters is what a buyer is willing to pay for your home.   I research, very diligently, what has sold in the area, comparable to your home. Remember, your home will have to appraise. An appraiser will look at those comparables as well.  I look at what is on the market that is your competition. We want a buyer to choose your home over the others.  I evaluate how many houses sell per month and how many are listed in the area of your home.  That is an indication of t...
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Blog posts


By Larry Kanter
(2inovate)
  I wrote this as much for me as I did for everyone who writes a blog. Most blogs are written poorly, making them near impossible to digest thoroughly. The grammar is low level, the syntax is questionable, and the spelling mistakes almost hurt me. I remember taking a journalism course in college and there existed a comparison between how a good writer writes something and how an armature writer would write the same thing. It went something like this:   The professional writer writes: San Francisco is beautiful in spring. The amateur writer writes: Coming from California, I am familiar with the weather and many other aspects having to do with the state. It amazes me that the weather changes in San Francisco are so dramatic and they can take place in a matter of hours, certainly within da...
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By Donnie Keller, Reata Realty Group At Compass
(Compass)
Fred's Cafe in Forth Worth has always been one of my favorite spots. Located at 3005 Bledsoe in the new West 7th area of Fort Worth. Fred's used to blend in with their surroundings..an area that had seen better days. It was a stop for me when out on my Harley Sunday afternoons for a cold beer and listen to local singer song writers on the patio. Now with all the new construction and revitalization of West 7th it's a conspicuously shabby venue with, in my opinion, the best Jalapeno cheese burger anywhere. Terry Chandler, the owner and chef is renowned in Fort Worth for his talents as a cowboy chef is now branching out. Terry is adding another location in North Fort Worth on Western Center Blvd. He has leased a location at 1111 Foch St. where he will be roasting big hunks of meat in the m...
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Kristin Johnston,Waukesha Cty WI Realtor, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Delafield, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate Market In Waukesha County, WI  My name is Kristin Johnston of Remax.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Delafield, WI for the last 30 days. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.  Furthermore, I can't think of a better time for a buyer to purchase a home in Waukesha County.  Real estate in Waukesha County WI is now an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.  Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha Cou...
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By Al Raymondi, Ormond By The Sea Florida - Home and Condo Sales
(Ocean View Realty Group in Ormond By The Sea Florida)
Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins in Ormond By The Sea, Florida  East Central Florida including Ormond By The Sea, Daytona Beach and all of Volusia County are under lighting restrictions form May 1 to October 31 each year.  The restrictions are designed to protect several species of endangered and threatened sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs.  Balcony, porch and other lights that could potentially be seen from the beach must be turned off or shielded. Hatchlings head to the ocean when they emerge from their nest and could be confused by lights coming from the opposite direction.  For more information about lighting visit the Volusia county web site http://volusia.org/environmental/natural_resources/seaturtles/lighting.htm
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By Sharon Seabury Twin Pinnacle Realty
(Twin Pinnacle)
Waking up to a chilly morning today. It is a perfect day for The Walk for Hunger! Make it a great day everyone. Before we get to today's Updates let's take a look at today's daily pic from Somerville Redbones in Somerville picture courtesy of redbones-com If you have a favorite Somerville Photo you would like to share, email me at sseabury@twinpinnacle.com and I will post it. Twin Pinnacle wants well informed customers!We provide updates on Somerville Real Estate as quickly as we can.This latest information was updated for Somerville on 05-01-2011 07:06 Welcome! We are dedicated to promoting and endorsing Somerville as a great place to call home! Today's New Listings in Somerville Lowell Somerville Condo For Sale Listed by Douglas Group Realty  ALpine Street Somerville Condo For Sale Li...
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By Eric Garrison, Realtor, CDPE - The Maine Real Estate Network
(The Maine Real Estate Network)
17 Rousseau Road Windham, ME 04062 Your Retreat From The City Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing Contact Me Eric Garrison BA915405 Office:207.247-3232 Ext 209 Mobile:207-651-5480 Website:Visit Website Co-listed by: Joe Massimino The Maine Real Estate Network cell:207-595-0610 Website:Visit Website Price : $214,900 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : 2 Square Foot : 1,512 Lot Size : 5 County : Cumberland Property Type : Detached Year Built : 2004 MLS Number : 1004032 click for more information and pictures Property Description If you are searching for a home that gives you that quiet country feeling to escape and unwind in, this could be the home you are looking for. Nestled on 5.01 acres, this is a 3 bedroom 2 bath modular ranch with lots to offer. Possibili...
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By Judy Chapman
(Referral Network of Illinois LLC)
Want to know what sold in Winnetka during April 2011? And for how much? These real estate statistics should give you a feel for the current market value. They will also illustrate the right way to price your house ... and the wrong way. Believe yourself or your own lying eyes All you have to do is run your eyes over these rows and columns, and you’ll see a pattern emerge. Go on. Try it now.   Street Original List Price  Sold Price Ratio of Sold Price to Original List Price Days on Market Short Sale / Foreclosure Status Forest  $        595,000  $        350,000 59% 530 N/A Garland  $        649,000  $        500,000 77% 330 N/A Sunset  $        599,000  $        534,000 89% 144 N/A Elm  $        719,000  $        657,500 91% 302 N/A Edgewood  $        870,000  $        790,000 91% 145 N...
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By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
  Martin County Florida Open Houses for Sunday May 1, 2011 View by location     Basic Search | Advanced Search | Map Search | Address Search | Listing ID Search 5463 SE MILES GRANT RD PH1,B-206,  Stuart,  FLORIDA 34997-1858 (Mapped) Price: $61,500 EXPANDED 1 BEDROOM FURNISHED 2ND FLOOR UNIT GREAT GOLF COURSE VIEWS BREEZEY ... View Details View Photo Gallery Save Property MLS#: 357608 MLS: MCMLS Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Partial Baths: 1 Square Ft: 903   6884 SE BUNKER HILL DR,  Hobe Sound,  FLORIDA 33455-7316 (Mapped) Price: $189,000 ABSOLUTLEY GORGEOUS. SPECTACULAR VIEW OF GOLF COURSE AND POND. RARE 3 BR ... View Details View Photo Gallery Save Property MLS#: 357488 MLS: MCMLS Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Ft: 1612   7814 SE SPICEWOOD CIR,  Hobe Sound,  FLORIDA 33455-8205 (Mapped) Pri...
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By Eric Garrison, Realtor, CDPE - The Maine Real Estate Network
(The Maine Real Estate Network)
628 Deerwander Road Hollis, ME 04042 Country Feeling Without The Seclusion! Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing Contact Me Eric Garrison BA915405 Office:207.247-3232 Ext 209 Mobile:207-651-5480 Website:Visit Website Co-listed by: Joe Massimino The Maine Real Estate Network Cell:207-595-0610 Website:Visit Website Price : $288,000 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : 1 Square Foot : 2,268 Lot Size : 199,940 County : York Property Type : Detached Year Built : 2001 MLS Number : 998806 click for more information and pictures Property Description Clearance Event Price Holdover. Priced well below town assessent for this beautiful custom built 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home. Nestled on 4.59 acres giving you a true country feel. Your home sits on a full unfinished basemen...
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Yes, it is May 1! I didn't think we would ever get here. Not only is it May 1 but it is a beautiful Sunday morning. Enjoy it everyone! Something to Blog About: All About Wakefield, Ma and Wakefield Life Good Morning on this May Sunday (Enjoy the weekend!) in Wakefield Make it a great day! Here is the Twin Pinnacle Pic of the day for Wakefield Wakefield is the host of a 24 Hour Ultra Marathon picture courtesy of Somerville Road Runners If you have a favorite Wakefield Photo you would like to share, email me at sseabury@twinpinnacle.com and I will post it. Twin Pinnacle wants well informed customers!We provide updates on Wakefield Real Estate as quickly as we can.This latest information was updated for Wakefield on 05-01-2011 07:09 Welcome! We are dedicated to promoting and endorsing Wake...
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By Eric Garrison, Realtor, CDPE - The Maine Real Estate Network
(The Maine Real Estate Network)
60 Division Road Limerick, ME 04048 Instant Income Property or A Year Round Home! Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing Contact Me Eric Garrison BA915405 Office:207.247-3232 Ext 209 Mobile:207-651-5480 Website:Visit Website Co-listed by: Joe Massimino The Maine Real Estate Network Cell:207-595-0610 Website:Visit Website Price : $109,900 Bedrooms : 2 Bathrooms : 1 Square Foot : 768 Lot Size : 19,166 Community : Lake Arrowhead County : York Property Type : Detached Year Built : 1967 MLS Number : 997586 click for more information and pictures Property Description Clearance Event Price Holdover! Looking for a great starter home with room to expand? How about an investment property with instant income? Stop looking!!! Nestled in the Lake Arrowhead Communi...
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By James Dray
(Fathom Realty)
  A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates.  Ahead of him is a guy who's dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans.   Saint Peter addresses this cool guy, 'Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven? '   The guy replies, ‘I’m Jack, retired Continental Airlines Pilot from Houston’.   Saint Peter consults his list.  He smiles and says to the pilot, 'take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom.'   The pilot goes into Heaven with his robe and staff.     Next, it's the priest’s turn. He stands erect and booms out, 'I am Father Nelson, pastor of Saint Mary's in San Francisco for the last 43 years.'    Saint Peter consults his list.   He says to the priest, 'Take this cotton robe and wooden staff an...
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By David Wallner
(Prudential Snyder and Company, Realtors)
Why do some REO (real estate code for bank owned) properties come on the market at a list price that actually seems too low?  In my opinion the seller / broker is trying to move the property quickly by creating a silent auction. What is a silent auction? An auction that is conducted by submitting bids in sealed envelopes before the sale. How does this work with real estate? The low list price generates a lot of buyer activity.  Potential buyers are watching the Internet sites and getting alerts from their Realtors that a new listing is available.  In some cases the sign by itself attracts attention, especially if the home is in a popular neighborhood. Then what? As buyers view the property they realize the value (what you get/what you pay) seems to be high relative to other properties c...
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By Anita Clark, Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA
(Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055)
Things to do in Warner Robins GA: Change The World One Step At A Time 5K Run/WalkChances are most of us do not personally know someone who has had Malaria (Thank God).  But, if you did, what would you do to help your friend, family member, neighbor, or kid across town? If you live in Warner Robins Georgia, on May 7th you can participate in a 5K run/walk sponsored by the World Wide United Methodist Campaign whose theme is "Imagine No Malaria".   What: Changing the World One Step at a Time 5K Run/WalkWhere: Trinity United Methodist Church, Warner Robins GAWhen: May 7th 2011, 7:30am registration / 9:00am 5K race startCost: $20 (adults) and $15 (students)For younger kids (up to 12), in parallel with the 5K event, there will be a Biking for Bibles event and those who preregister will receive...
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By Sharon Seabury Twin Pinnacle Realty
(Twin Pinnacle)
May 1 is the perfect time to think about summer and summer means swimming...Haverhill has hidden little gem that really only the residents of Haverhill know about. It's called Plug Pond. Plug Pond has a beach area that is open during the summer months. The beach has life guards and bathroom facilities. Best of all they run various programs such as community boating and a learn to fish program. If have an opportunity to check it I would definitely go. Haverhill has a lot to offer to the community.. Before we get to today's Updates let's take a look at today's daily pic from Haverhill The tap in Haverhill, Ma picture courtesy of joyofbocce-com If you have a favorite Haverhill Photo you would like to share, email me at sseabury@twinpinnacle.com and I will post it. Twin Pinnacle wants well ...
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By Bert Spangenthal, Let's see what is out my front door.
(Retired Realtor)
In the April/May magazine of Realtor Magazine there were Six Easy Tips for home repairs or fix-ups to help sell a house, and are worth the cost.  If you want to sell a home in today's market these six steps should be discussed.   Cleaning and Declutering.  You’re going to be moving. So why not pack up those items you don’t use every day.  It will make the rooms in your house, closets, and cupboards look bigger.  Also, who doesn’t like going into a home that smells sparkling clean.  Average Cost $290/ Return $1990 Brightening.  Let the sunshine in.  Be sure to wash the windows both inside and out. Window coverings that are worn should be replaced. Do you have a light fixture that needs replacing?  Now is the time to do it. Also remove anything that blocks light from entering thru the win...
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By Coral Gundlach, Real Lives. Not Just Real Estate.
(Compass)
Depends on what it is, but it is very likely when making major improvements or replacements in your home, you will.  You may think permits are only for new construction, but they are actually required for much more.  Here's what Arlington County says about permits on their website:   "Permits are required to protect all people from the effects of the repairs, additions, or new construction which are in violation of the codes and which could cause harm to life and property. Permits are also required to ensure that federally mandated building related requirements, such as energy conservation and accessibility are complied with. Failure to obtain the required permit is a violation of the law.   Permits are issued to property owners, contractors, leasers, architects or engineers. A permit w...
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By Carol Ryniewicz, Broker / Owner - CT & MA
(CR Premier Properties LLC)
Sunday May 1, 2011 12:00 - 6:00 3rd Annual Oyster shuck off Competition!   After the competition Putnam will begin it's summer River Fires   It's going to be a great day In Putnam CT!!         Carol Ryniewicz Samuel Stephens Real Estate!  
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By Jay Markanich, Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
(Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC)
Hi everyone!  Billy Jays here! Today I am going to introduce our first product for kids only! They will love it! I call it Git Yer Gap! Boys and girls, do you know how scary it can be to go to your parents' doors only to find them closed?  And they are usually those big, double doors!  What can you do? Well, have a look at this! This is Git Yer Gap! From a distance like this it might not look like much! But it is!  You know, as you approach the door, sometimes your parents are making noise and sometimes they aren't?  Sometimes the TV is on and sometimes it's not?  Or music is playing and sometimes it's not? Don't you wonder? Of course you do! Well wonder no more.  Here's Git Yer Gap!               Now with Git Yer Gap! you can peep your parents without them even knowing!  It makes an op...
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By Joshua Zargari, MJ Decorators Workshop
(MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating)
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