Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog

Ballet San Antonio: Coppelia

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:34:48 -0500

Ballet San Antonio ~ Ballet’s Most Celebrated Comedy

Want to get your kids interested in the arts? The entire family, including the children, should enjoy this performance.

Ballet San Antonio will feature Coppelia for two performances, February 3 and 4. This most celebrated ballet comedy of all time tells a story of jealousy, stubborn love, and mistaken identity.

In addition to our city’s professional ballet company, the performance will include 50 children from San Antonio. Coppelia is based on a 19^th century "story of mistaken identity that conveys enduring messages about self-esteem, dignity and resilience." Coppelia premiered in 1870 and was choreographed again by George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet in the 1970s.

“From start to finish, it’s a colorful, amusing and beautifully danced show that does justice to the story” – San Antonio Express News.

Tickets for Coppelia are available via Ticketmaster http://www.ticketmaster.com/Coppelia-tickets/artist/806784. Performances will take place Friday, February 3, 7:30p.m. and Saturday February 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.

Hablamos español.

As an SRES® designee, I have received additional education on such topics as tax laws, probate, estate planning, equity conversion strategies, and can offer you information on current market trends as well as valuable resources regarding real estate transactions.

San Antonio eNewsletter January 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:13:06 -0500

JANUARY 2012 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. Please click here to view the JANUARY 2012 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

Hablamos español.

San Antonio Neighborhoods: The Gardens of Hollywood Park

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:13:04 -0500

The Gardens of Hollywood Park

The Gardens of Hollywood Park is a community of garden/patio homes conveniently located off Hwy 281 North and Donella, just inside Loop 1604 in the city of Hollywood Park, zip code 78232.

There are currently 3 homes for sale on the MLS, listed in price from $310,000 - $385,000; square footage, 2152sf – 2330sf. Some features of homes in this community are high ceilings, open floor plans, atriums, covered patios, upgrades, and more.

This gated community is near restaurants, shopping, and entertainment and has convenient access to the airport, downtown, or a drive out into the Hill Country.

Students in The Gardens of Hollywood Park attend award winning North East ISD schools.

Residents enjoy the Hollywood Park community pool, tennis courts, park, playground, and jogging trails. The city of Hollywood Park has its own police and fire departments.

Scenes in The Gardens of Hollywood Park:

San Antonio Neighborhoods: Green Spring Valley

Hablamos español.

Sure I Trust. But I Also Verify.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:07:06 -0400

Trust, but verify. Why does that phrase sound so familiar? Trust, but verify was a signature phrase made famous by president Ronald Reagan. Reagan adopted the saying from a Russian proverb and used it when discussing U.S. relations with the Soviet Union. It is the translation of the Russian proverb "doveryai, no proveryai".

This phrase also applies to real estate, as J. Philip Faranda shows in his blog.

Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY:

Buyers in this real estate market enjoy many more liberties and advantages with sellers than I have ever seen since I was first licensed in 1996. Not only do they have the lowest rates in half a century, they have far more bargaining power, and in Westchester County, where a starter home can cost $500,000, that is huge. It is a great time to be on the purchasing side. The one thing they don't get to do, however, is consider themselves exempt from reasonable scrutiny regarding their qualifications to buy. Simply put, I as the listing agent have to verify things, and no amount of annoyance or insistence to the contrary can change that.

I have written previously how cash buyers simply have to show proof of funds if they want to be truly taken seriously. Today, I will reiterate that fact for buyers getting a mortgage. If you are going to submit a pre approval, or in today's case, a prequalification, it is part of my job to verify things, and that goes beyond your agent's "cross my heart" reassurances. It means in many cases calling the loan officer on the pre qualification letter and asking questions. Here are some that I would ask:

Have you verified the borrower's credit?

Have you verified income and employment?

Have you run the borrower through your underwriting software (an industry standard)?

Today, we had an offer where it was disclosed that they were in the process of selling their current home, it was submitted with a pre-qualification from a mortgage broker, not a direct lender, and the amount on the letter was less than the offer. My question to the buyer agent was shrugged off with a reassurance that all would be fine because they had extra money. Perhaps that is all true, but my job is to verify, not take assurances blindly. Like I said, in Westchester, with the competing number of homes for sale, real estate mistakes can be very expensive. Having a deal die can cost my clients tens of thousands of dollars.

SO...I called the listing agent on the property they were selling (under contract, strong buyer) and I also spoke with the loan officer. I heard what I needed to hear from those I needed to speak with. Without getting into too many details, this did not sit well with the buyer, who actually called me directly.

Sorry, but that is how it is today. I have to verify the qualification of buyers before I can advise my client to accept an offer. Spending months off the market under contract with a buyer who cannot close is not acceptable. Buyers are the belle of the ball now more than ever, but they don't get a mulligan on basic due diligence from the listing agent. It is my job to verify, and the notion that I am invading their privacy is fallacious. It is absolutely our business to ascertain that the buyer can perform. If I wanted to take some perverse pleasure in sticking my nose in someone's personal business, I'd watch reality TV. This is business, and should never be taken personally.

______________________________________________________________________________

Subscribe to J. Philip's Real Estate Blog by Email

Memorial Day 2011: Giving Back to a Veteran in Need

We Are Westchester County & Metro New York Real Estate. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900.

J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. Vice President, Empire Access Multiple Listing Service.

I am one of New York's premier short sale REALTORS, serving Westchester, the Hudson Valley & Metropolitan New York.

Free MLS Search! Register for a Free Listingbook account and search the MLS like an agent.

I am hiring agents. We offer outstanding support, marketing resources, and pasta.

All content/images, unless noted, are the property of J. Philip Faranda & may not be used without permission

Hablamos español.

How to Hang the American Flag Vertically

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:37:23 -0400

It is very important to pay respect to Old Glory. Loreena's post informs of flag etiquette in properly displaying the American flag on your front door, as well as additional flag rules. By honoring the flag we honor the many have given their lives to keep this flag flying as a symbol of freedom and justice for all.

Via Loreena Yeo, Realtor®| Frisco TX Community Ambassador (214)783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Frisco TX Real Estate Co.):

If you want to honor September 11 by hanging the American flag by your front door, remember that there is a flag etiquette to respectfully display the American flag vertically as per the U.S. Flag Code (Public Law 94-344), a joint Congressional resolution.

(1) Make sure your flag must be displayed to its full extend, with no sag or wrinkles against your front door.

(2) Drape the flag over the front door. I used a clear tape to secure it from the inside.

(3) IMPORTANT: The Blue/ Stars portion (known as the Union side) must be at the top left corner of the door when you're facing the door.

Additional US Flag Handling Tips:

(1) The US Flag must be handled respectfully at all times.
(2) Do not sloppily display the US Flag. It is a sign of disrespect. If you choose to display the US flag, it must be done appropriately.
(3) When there is more than 1 flag to be displayed when compared to state, cities or local flag on the same halyard, the US Flag must be hoisted at the top before any other flags.
(4) When there is more than 1 flag to be displayed of different nations, the flags must be the same size, with not one bigger than any other. It must be on its separate staff, at the same height. International usage forbids one flag flown higher than another.

More Common Sense Tips:

The US flag cannot touch the ground.

The US Flag cannot and should not be used as a decoration.

The US Flag cannot and should not be used as a table cover.

When carrying the US flag, do not put other things on it.

The US Flag should not be made as a clothing material.

Public Law 94-344 is known as the Federal Flag Code. It contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag enacted on July 7th 1976.

***************************************************************

This information is provided to you by 3:16 team REALTY with a commitment to support the Frisco TX community.

3:16 team REALTY is a locally-owned Frisco TX real estate brokerage that serves buyers and sellers in and around the Frisco TX areas.

Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper & North Dallas area communities.

3:16 team REALTY - Loreena Yeo, Realtor® in Frisco TX
Pick up your phone & call today.
(214) 783-2210
loreena(at)loreenayeo(dot)com
Check out some of the best values in Frisco TX Featured Homes of the week.
This list is monitored and updated frequently by Loreena Yeo - Realtor® in Frisco TX.

Join the Frisco TX City Guide & 3:16 team REALTY serving Frisco TX Homes Facebook Fan pages

Content & Photography Copyright © 2011 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY)
How to Hang the American Flag Vertically

Hablamos español.

Neighborhoods in San Antonio, TX ~ Belterra

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:16:42 -0400

Neighborhoods in San Antonio ~ Belterra

Belterra is a beautiful gated community in north San Antonio. It is located north of Loop 1604 near Hwy. 281 and Bulverde Rd. The development consists of 200 wooded lots and an amenity center that includes a community pool, clubhouse, playscape, swing set, and Frisbee golf course.

There are currently 11 homes for sale in Belterra listed on the MLS, ranging in size and price from $221,000 for a 2033 sf home to $349,900 for a 3501 sf home.

If you would like more information on Belterra or if you are ready to start looking at homes in Belterra or homes in any area of San Antonio, just give me a call!

photo -Sanditin

Hablamos español.

Gorgeous One Story Rental in Steubing Ranch~3/2/2 +Study ~ Award Winning Schools

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:19:09 -0400

Shirley Parks | Sands Realty | (210) 414-0966

4527 Darien Vista, San Antonio, TX

NO Pets Allowed

3BR/2BA Single Family House

$1,395/month

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 2,284 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $1,395

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous one story Steubing Ranch home on cul-de-sac street. Features a front porch, 3 bedrooms plus office/study/bedroom, high ceilings, covered patio, great landscaping, Beautiful kitchen open to family room. Large private master suite has bay window, double vanity, & huge walk-in closet. NEISD, quick access Randolph AFB & Ft. Sam Houston. HOA pool and playground.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

- Air conditioning - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Tile floor - Family room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Stainless steel appliances - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Cable-ready - High-speed internet

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse - Swimming pool(s) - Playground

LEASE TERMS

Min 12 mo. max 24 mo.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Office/Study/Bedroom

Back

Steubing Ranch

Playground

Pool

Master Bath

Kitchen

Family Room

Master Bedroom

Contact info:

Shirley Parks

Sands Realty

0331413

(210) 414-0966

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 8, 2011, 8:08am PDT

Hablamos español.

Naples FL Homes For Sale - Why didn't Anyone Else Buy It?

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:09:34 -0400

This is the first time I have noticed Ellie's blog but when I read her wonderful post, I immediately thought of the exquisite book written by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, "A Gift From the Sea."

Congratulations on the star, Ellie!

Via Ellie Penaranda - Naples Florida Real Estate - Waterfront & Beach Cottages (239.776.5077 Downing-Frye Realty ):

Posted by: Ellie Penaranda - Naples FL Real Estate Blog

I love going to the beach every morning looking for shells and I am always hoping it is a slow market low tide, so I would have a big selection of shells to choose from and find my rare and elusive Alphabet Cone, Colorful Natica, or Paper Fig. Ahead of me, I see someone bending down to pick something up.  My heart sinks and I am afraid that they got to my favorite shell before I did. I walk over to the same pile of shells, my heart racing now, and behold here is my cone sitting there on the top for everyone to see.  When I was a newbie to shelling I would stop and wonder why that person before me did not pick this absolutely beautiful and rare find. Now I jump with joy that it is not what they are looking for and it will be mine.

You learn real quick that we are all different and not looking for the same thing. We think the standard of beauty is the same, but like everything in life it is relative and depends on your personal needs, desires and tastes. So why is it when a home buyer finds a property they like and its been there for a while, the first reaction they have, is "Why didn't anyone else buy it? What's wrong with this house?"

Low tide means more shells - Slow market means low prices and a wide selection of homes.

Since I live in Florida and go to our beaches (Barefoot Beach, Bonita Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor Wiggins State Park, Naples Beach & Pier) every day, I've become the expert. I know which beaches have the sand dollars, I know exactly which spot I might find the Natica and can tell by the color of a pile of shells that there is a shark tooth hidden there. I don't waste my time just walking a beach area that does not have shells. Same in real estate, I regularly preview homes every week - I know exactly where we will find the home you are looking for.

Looking in the area closest to the water for the new finds - looking in the old piles for the best finds.

At the beach I always spot something I want or have been looking for - and in real estate I have found the perfect home for my clients.

Every shell has its own markings - and in Naples no home is like another, even if it is the same neighborhood or the same model, it does not make it the same condition, same view, same upgrades or same sun exposure.

I've learned when I find it , to grab it.

Yes there are more shells in the sea that will come on the market shore tomorrow, but today I can still find what I want, and maybe what comes tomorrow does not fit my collection's needs and just might not be as large, as colorful or in the same condition. Now here is an advantage in home shopping over shelling, you can fix or repair a home and it will shine as new, but a broken shell can't be fixed.

Today the tide was very low and I found some exceptional shells. . . . and today is a great day in real estate in Naples, with a wide selection of homes, the lowest prices in years, the most serious and realistic sellers we've had for a while and with interest rates attractively low to make it happen. But like shelling, If I don't grab what I want, the tide will change on me before I know it.

As a real estate local expert I am always looking for the perfect income property for my investors, the best beach view for my 2nd home buyer, and the best amenities for my snowbirds - I know exactly where to go to find the right home.

If you are serious about buying a home in Naples, know what you want and like - I know where to find it.

Search Homes for Sale in Naples, Florida

Homes for Sale - High-end Short Sale Listings

Homes for Sale - High-end Bank Owned Listings

  If you are considering a purchase or sale in the Naples area, it is important to be informed of the sales activity and price trends - the more you know the better equipped you will be to make the right choices.             Visit our website   www.StepsToTheBeach.com   for more specific community information or call me direct at 239-776-5077



Check our new website: 365ThingsToDoInNaplesFL.com

Call or text me direct 239-776-5077 & Let's Get Started!

Downing Frye Realty - ellie@stepstothebeach.com - www.STEPSTOTHEBEACH.com

Follow me:

Hablamos español.

Overwhelmed? Just Call Jayne!

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:16:37 -0400

We all lead busy lives these days.

In addition to our own obligations, we may we have a parent or family member who needs help with paperwork, billing paying, keeping track of insurance and appointments. Since we don’t have the time to help out on a consistent basis, it can all feel overwhelming.

Whether Mom, Dad, or any loved one is still living at home, in an independent living or assisted living facility, or is in transition, we hear of challenges like this on an almost weekly basis.

So we were happy to have Jayne Greenburg of Right Hand Resources visit our Caregiver Support Group last week. Right Hand Resources helps seniors and special needs adults with personal and business solutions.

Services Offered:

· Non-medical Assistance and Support

· Organization of Paperwork and Office

· Bill Paying and Balancing of Checkbook

· Income Tax Preparation

· Develop Emergency Medical File

· Review Insurance Policies

· Review Important Paperwork

· Work Out Insurance Issues

· Problem Solving

· Attend Important Appointments

· Help in Understanding New Technology

· Plan Calendar

· Research Travel and Arrange Trips

· Anything else? Just ask Jayne!

Call Jayne for a free consultation: 210-493-0504 (office) or 210-710-2410 (cell) www.righthandresources.com

Hablamos español.

San Antonio Real Estate Statistics

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:32:21 -0400

Year-to-Date Market Statistics

8,770 – Total number of sales year-to-date, an 8% decrease from the

first half of 2010. Market analysis is skewed due to the 2010 Homebuyer

Tax Credit.

$184,930 – Average price for single family homes year-to-date, a 4%

increase from 2010.

$151,100 – Median price for single family homes year-to-date, a 4%

increase from 2010.

~Courtesy San Antonio Board of Realtors, July 14, 2011

Hablamos español.

What Realtors Do for Buyers

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 11:29:36 -0400

What a great subject to blog about, Mimi. Thanks for educating the public about all we do for them. There are countless other little things that come up during the course of a transaction that aren't listed here. I am grateful to my clients that they always express their appreciation for my dedication and hard work.

Via Mimi Foster - Realtor Colorado Springs (EPIC Real Estate Group Real Estate Colorado Springs):

WHAT REALTORS DO FOR BUYERS

Okay, here's the deal. I'm gonna share my list with you of some of the services that we provide to our Buyers (I'll share my Seller list with you next week, so if you want to get it, be sure to subscribe to Mimi's Musings :) ~ yep - shameless plug). I have not updated this list in years, and I'm sure a lot of things have changed. So if you take the time to read through it, in the Comment section, please feel free to add or subtract things that we do that I may have missed, or that is new with new technology. I will then update the list so that we all have as extensive a list as possible.

This list was a knee-jerk reaction of mine because an obnoxious young man said to me one day, "Well at least I have a REAL job . . . it's not like I drive around town all day talking on the telephone." I never liked him before that day, and I certainly never liked him after that day, but he did get me to produce a list, so I guess he was of some use besides just being a waste of space.

I posted this list so that you may use it or copy it in any manner that you see fit . . . There is a post in conjunction with this that is a cover letter that I use when giving Buyers this list. It can be found at Cover Letter to "What Realtors Do for Buyers"

REALTOR^® SERVICES / TASKS INDEX

PRE SHOWING: Before we begin looking at potential homes, it is important that you contact a competent Lender to see how much home you will qualify for, and to make sure that your credit is acceptable for a home purchase - requirements are changing daily. You will receive a letter from the Lender (pre qualification) before we begin.

Make appointment with Buyer to find Buyer's wants and needs in a home

Have Buyer contact Lender and find out ability to get pre-approved for a loan

Get pre-approval from Lender to begin showing houses (takes less than 30 minutes)

Have Buyer access our website to begin looking at available homes

Confirm time to meet with Buyer

Prepare Agency Disclosure

MEET WITH BUYER: Then we meet with you to discuss your wants and needs in a home, understand your projected time frame in purchasing, logistics if you have a home that needs to be sold, and understanding Buyer Agency and all of its benefits. Realtor services are almost always free to you, the Buyer.

Discuss our Company policy on Agency

Discuss wants and needs in a home, price range, time frame, how motivated?

Discuss areas in which Buyer would like to look

Does Buyer have a home that must sell prior to purchase?

Explain that it does not cost Buyer out-of-pocket to work with Realtor - Seller pays

Not in Buyer's best interest to work with multiple agents - need an 'Advocate'

Do computer research to find homes that meet Buyer parameters

Set appointments to view several of these homes

View homes and get a feeling for what does and doesn't appeal to Buyer

Will show houses one day, then must decide on Buyer Agency

Sign Buyer Agency Agreement

AFTER BUYER AGENCY SIGNED: Much goes into a computer search for properties that might fit your needs. I will preview homes electronically and physically and share them with you, contact my Realtor network, prepare showings, define and narrow list for what we will see, map route for viewing houses until we find something about which you are excited.

Copies of all documents – give a set to Buyer

Do another computer search and narrow or expand the field of possible homes

Prepare showing inventory

Preview homes by phone and physically, if necessary

Call Realtor network to discuss our Buyer's needs and new listings

Present Buyer 101 handbook to explain process and take notes of homes we are viewing

Can see 1 or 100 homes - my job really starts after we find the home they like

Check MLS for Matching Sellers

Input Buyer into Outlook

Contact unrepresented Sellers

Map out location so that showings are systematic - allow plenty of time

AFTER BUYER FINDS A HOUSE THEY LIKE: Prepare a thorough Market Analysis to make sure value in the home is reasonable, call other Agent and pre-negotiate, get disclosures and thoroughly discuss all paperwork, possible offer, and pricing strategy based on professional judgment and market. Sign all paperwork and completed offer (Contract).

Pull property City and tax records

Pull old MLS listing, if applicable

Order Owner & Encumbrance Report

Research property's current use and zoning

Research and verify legal description of property

Pull comps on Active, Sold, Pending, Withdrawn, Expired, and Cancelled Listings

Research "Average Days on Market" for property of this type and location

Prepare Comparative Market Analysis

Print Map of property and comps

Pre-negotiate with other Agent before writing, if applicable

Prepare Contract

Receive all disclosures

Discuss Contract with Buyer

Sign Closing Instuctions

Sign Seller's Property Disclosure

Complete Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Complete Square Footage Disclosure

Discuss Comparative Market Analysis

Discuss offer and pricing strategy based on professional judgment and market

Discuss availability of Home Owner's Warranty

Get copies of leases, if applicable

Ask for floor plan, upgrades, special features, detailed list of amenities

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS: Discuss your financial qualifications with other Agent, terms of offer, time frame of Seller, and any other details that might be important in writing an offer. Present offer, negotiate offer and possible counter offers, renegotiate to complete the Contract to your satisfaction.

Discuss Buyer's financial qualifications, terms, and times

Discuss exclusions, dates, etc. with other Agent

Review Contract Addendum

Evaluate offer and prepare a "Net Sheet" for Buyer

Negotiate the offer and options

Convey pre-qualification letter

Sign offer or reevaluate offer, if necessary

Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptances, or amendments

Acceptance Deadline Time

Renegotiate however many times necessary and finalize

Receive signed Contract or Counterproposal

Discuss options with Buyer; if accepted, go "Under Contract"

Make applicable copies

Convey signed copies to other Agent

AFTER CONTRACT SIGNED BY ALL PARTIES: We will deliver your earnest money and Contract to your Lender and Title Company to set the closing process in motion. Set up time for inspections, review and track all dates; get insurance; resolve any title disputes and matters of HOAs, verify that permits were pulled correctly on any upgrades, coordinate closing time and any special items needed.

Copies of all documents - copies to Buyer

Make copy of Earnest money and Contract

Deliver check to other Agent

Convey Contract to Mortgage Lender

Convey Contract to Title Company

Notate dates on calendar

Send date sheet to Buyer

Do necessary paperwork for unusual conditions

If Seller and Buyer both our clients, do Change of Status Notice

Copies of leases and damage deposit receipts, if applicable

Track Seller's Property Disclosure Deadline

Inspection Objection Deadline

Resolution Deadline

Property Insurance Objection Deadline

Review all paperwork for signatures

Get all necessary signatures

If mail-out, get instructions and addresses

Notify Title Company of Mail out

If POA needed, get original from Title Company

Get POA signed and notarized

Remind Buyer to notify Utility Company to start service and do a "final read"

Discuss what happens if other offers come in between Contract and Closing

Is Buyer's current house on the market - resolve timing issues

Resolve any Title Disputes

Resolve any Off Record Matters

Deliver unrecorded property information to Buyer

Mail "The Moving Guide" with Change-of-address forms to Buyer

Set up closing time

Call Seller's Agent and coordinate closing time

Verify closing date and time and make all parties aware

Mail time-verification of closing and directions to Buyer

Assist in solving any Title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.)

Assist in obtaining Death Certificates, if applicable

Cleaning needs (e.g. carpet, kitchen, etc.) upon move-out

Discuss mover and time-frame for move-in with Buyer

Receive list of completed repairs and maintenance items Seller has done

Verify with Regional Building that appropriate permits were pulled

Verify HOA fees and disclosures, if applicable

Mail copy of Contract to Buyer - include MLS printout and projected Buyer Cost Sheet

Call in HOW, if applicable

Calculate average utility usage for last twelve months

Return all phone calls - weekdays and weekends

Add daily activities to Contact Management Software

HOME INSPECTION: At this point we will set and coordinate times with all parties to do your home inspections, meet with Inspector, review their report, search for repair estimates, and negotiate with Seller on any inspection objections. Prior to closing, verify that all items have been completed.

Set up Inspection

Coordinate time with Seller, Agents, Buyer, Inspector

Review Notice of Unsatisfactory Conditions with Buyer

Help Buyer negotiate Inspection Objections

Help Buyer with repair estimates or a credit at closing

Copy of Inspection Notice to file

Verify prior to closing that all repairs have been made

Get copies of repair receipts

THE APPRAISAL: The bank will assign an independent appraiser to appraise the property. We will coordinate time with all parties, I will do a market analysis and prep for value. Verify appraisal has been completed and note any conditions. Discuss options with you if appraisal is low, and schedule final inspection if there were any conditions.

Set up appraisal

Coordinate time with Seller, Agents, Buyer, Appraiser

Do current CMA for appraiser

Meet appraiser with CMA

If VA, make sure CRV ordered and completed

Track Appraisal Deadline

Verify appraisal completed and satisfactory

If appraisal low, discuss options with Buyer

Discuss any conditions on appraisal with Buyer

Schedule final inspection on appraisal conditions, if applicable

Verify all conditions met prior to closing

TRACKING THE LOAN PROCESS: I will verify all of your information with your Lender. I will also verify that the processing of the loan is moving forward according to schedule, that the Lender has all of the information needed, and continue to keep track of loan and credit deadlines.

All paperwork to Lender

Make contact with Lender and verify Buyer information

Loan Application Deadline

Buyer's Credit Information Deadline

Disapproval of Buyer's Credit Information Deadline

Existing Loan Documents Deadline

Existing Loan Documents Objection Deadline

Loan Transfer Approval Deadline

Contact Lender often to ensure processing of loan approval is on track

Notify Buyer of loan approval

Confirm that we are not liable for lender non-performance

IF CONTRACT FALLS: We will be upset for just a little while, and then we will begin the process again. We will need to fill out all of the paperwork necessary to get earnest money released. Then we return to After Buyer Agency Signed.

Fill out all necessary paperwork

Get Release of Earnest Money forms signed

Get earnest money back for Buyer

CLOSING PREPARATIONS AND DUTIES: You and I will do a walk thru of the property, figure out the approximate amount you will need to bring to closing, confirm dates, mail outs, and POAs with our Closer. Verify property insurance, possession, financing details, and make sure Closer has all paperwork. I will verify closing figures. You will bring a Cashier's Check. We will have a good time.

Schedule walk through with Buyer, Buyer's Agent, Seller

Verify with Buyer approximate monetary amount needed

If mail-out, verify correct mailing address

Confirm mail-out with Closer

Title Deadline

Title Objection Deadline

Survey Deadline

Survey Objection Deadline

Document Request Deadline

CIC Documents Objection Deadline

Off-Record Matters Deadline

Off-Record Matters Objection Deadline

Right of First Refusal Deadline

Property Insurance Objection Deadline

Coordinate Possession Date and Possession Time

Prepare disbursement authorizations

Notify Title Company of any Amend/Extends or date/money changes

Last minute bills and receipts faxed to Closer including HOW, if applicable

Make sure Closer has all addenda, correct price, rents, or applicable credits

Discuss closing figures with Closer

Check final figures for accuracy

Call Buyer and discuss final figures

Remind Buyer to bring picture ID

Discuss Buyer's need for Cashier's Check

Deal with all last-minute crises

Check file for any unsigned documents

Coordinate this closing with Buyer's sale and resolve timing issues

Request HUD from Lender/Title Company at least 24 hours prior to closing

Contact Buyer and review HUD

Have a "no surprise" closing so that Buyer can obtain possession after closing (yeah, right :) )

POST SALE: Our office will scan and store your file, make sure that the real estate sign and lock box are removed, and make sure that you have a copy of the HUD-1 (closing document) for next year's tax return. You will now be faced with the daunting task of moving in. Congratulations! Wasn't that EASY?

Enter sales data for County Records

Scan entire file to disc

Store hard file at outside location

Copy HUD-1 and put in pre-addressed envelope

Mail out disc of all paperwork to Buyer

Mail out HUD-1 to Buyer the following year for taxes

Gift to client

Ask for referral

What Realtors Do for Buyers was written by Mimi Foster

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If you enjoyed reading this post, be sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to the right ----> to stay up-to-date with Mimi's Musings. If you are not completely satisfied, you may unsubscribe at anytime and get double your money back!

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If you would like to Search for Homes in Colorado Springs, CO, or for any of your other real estate needs, please contact your Colorado Springs Realtor

Selling homes throughout Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs and surrounding areas with a Specialty in Victorian and Vintage Homes in
Downtown Colorado Springs

Hablamos español.

Don’t Let the Bank Foreclose on Your Barrington Home

Fri, 27 May 2011 13:54:28 -0400

Let me re-phrase the first sentence of this blog post: "Is the market value of your San Antonio Texas house upside-down?"

Judy Chapman of Barrington, IL, presents some very important reasons for doing a Short Sale rather than letting your house go into Foreclosure. Be sure to read the last 2 paragraphs of this post.

Thanks, Judy!

Via Judy Chapman (Koenig & Strey Real Living):

Is the market value of your Barrington house upside-down? Are you facing financial difficulties? Does it look like you could lose your home to foreclosure?

You’re not alone.

Crain’s Chicago Business recently reported that it takes banks nearly 500 days to process an Illinois foreclosure. This may give you nearly a year-and-a-half to sell your house as a Short Sale. But don’t get too complacent. A Short Sale can take 6 months or longer to process through your bank. Meanwhile, your bank could foreclose on your home in less than a year.

This gives you nearly a year-and-a-half to sell your house as a Short Sale.

The long and the short

Maybe you haven’t heard about Short Sales. Or maybe you have but also heard that they don’t work.

Untrue.

Short Sales are different from regular sales and must be handled in a different way. But when handled properly, they can close over 90% of the time.

Learn more about Short Sales here.

Short circuit

In the last 12 months, 40 foreclosed homes were sold in the Barrington.

40 homes lost by people just like you.

40 homeowners paralyzed by fear.

40 homes that could have been sold as Short Sales.

40 homeowners who could have moved on with their heads held high instead of tucking tail and moving out in the dead of night.

Data provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing service and includes properties listed and sold by various participants in the MLS. Data supplied does not reflect all market activity in the area.

Taking the shortcut

Meanwhile, 43 homeowners decided to sell their homes as Short Sales. And succeeded!

If you let the bank to foreclose on your Barrington home, penalties could hound you for years to come —

Your credit score could take a tumble of 250 or more points.

Your foreclosure circumstance could stay on your credit report for up to 7 years.

Your lender could go after you for their incurred losses.

You probably won’t be able to buy a house, a car, or a refrigerator on credit for at least 3 to 7 years.

You may jeopardize your employment status, particularly when it comes to financial or security positions.

Don’t sell yourself short

On the positive side, doing a Short Sale allows you to —

Sell your house and start over

Completely eliminate or substantially reduce your financial liability

Minimize damage to your credit rating

Recover from credit damage in months instead of years

Purchase another house in as little as 2 years

Protect your employment status, particularly when it comes to jobs involving security clearances or sensitive positions in investment or banking

Look forward with a clear conscience instead of glancing back with worry and regret.

For more about Short Sales, visit ChicagoShortSales.com.

Want to find out if a Short Sale can work for you?
Call me — Judy Chapman — at 847.521.4111

I list and sell Short Sales all over Chicagoland!

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JUDY CHAPMAN |What can I do for you?

Residential Sales ∙ Short Sales ∙ Residential Rentals

Koenig & Strey | 1925 Cherry Lane | Northbrook, IL 60062

Judy@JudyChapman.net | Office: (847) 521-4111

© 2007-2011 www.activerain.com/blogs/NorthShoreChicago by Judy Chapman. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Portions of this content may be used with attribution. The information contained in this blog is the author’s own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of Koenig & Strey Real Living.

Hablamos español.

HOW DO I LOVE THEE FHA??? Top 5 Reasons to Consider FHA!

Wed, 25 May 2011 23:55:15 -0400

Buying a new home is exciting and sometimes stressful. Finding just the right home takes a great deal of time and decision making. Just as important is finding the right mortgage for your home purchase. The blog below considers the top 5 reasons to consider an FHA mortgage.

If you plan to purchase a new home this year, give me a call and I will be happy to assist you. I will also refer you to a mortgage professional to help with financing your home.

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

There are many things that people should know about FHA loans. They're great for a variety of reasons, but I'm going to give you my list of favorite reasons for considering and FHA mortgage.

First time homebuyers can generally come in with less of a downpayment. Truthfully, conforming or conventional loans generally want 5% down. FHA loans only need 3.5% down. How cool is that?

The entire downpayment for an FHA loan can be in the form of a gift. There are gift restrictions as to who can give you a gift, but generally, if you're related, you can help someone out by gifting them the entire downpayment and closing costs. Borrowers can put zero of their own money into the transaction. You know that with conventional loans no matter what the borrower needs to put 5% of the purchase price into the transaction, unless the borrower were to receive a gift of at least twenty (yes 20) percent. Makes FHA so much more attactive.

Credit scores and credit in general. - While FHA is slowly inching to mirror the credit requirements of conventional loans, for now, FHA still allows lower credit scores. In fact, scores alone, can't be used to make a credit decision. Also, when you're coming out of a Bankruptcy, FHA is so much more forgiving as to the time lines as to when someone can buy a house. Credit scores and credit requirements are so much more lenient with FHA.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrowers- THIS IS A BIGGEE! I do this all the time. The borrower can have someone co-sign with them even if the person who is cosigning isn't going to live within the property. The loan gets qualified on the income and debt on the borrower and the non-occupant co-borrower together. And still only 3.5% is needed for the downpayment. On conventional loans, 10% down is needed and the borrower still needs to put 5% down against the entire transaction and still qualify for carrying a significant part of the mortgage payment. For FHA, the borrower can not be earning a penny all year, but so long as the borrower and non-occupant co-borrowers combine to qualify together, we're good to go! I have dads and mom buying homes with kids in college. The kid is the borrower and mom and dad co-sign. Do em every year out at Northern Illinois University.

Appraisals - Appraisals used to be so difficult when going FHA. That's no longer the case. FHA, for the most part, mirrors those of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They do also protect the borrower in that if there were substantial and material defects that would cost the borrower a lot of money in the first year of ownership to fix up, they'll address those issues, but the same can now be said of conforming loans.

If you choose, you can find me here:





                                         NMLS ID#158606               An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Hablamos español.

San Antonio Texas Neighborhoods ~ Emerald Forest

Wed, 25 May 2011 01:00:38 -0400

The community of Emerald Forest is located in north east San Antonio outside Loop 1604 near Bulverde Road. This is a neighborhood of beautiful custom built homes set on treed lots. Amenities include a 24 hour staffed security entrance, pool, tennis, clubhouse, park and playground, and trails for walking or jogging.

A search of the San Antonio Board of Realtors MLS shows there are 12 single family homes currently listed for sale in Emerald Forest. The homes range in price from $304,9900 to $484,950.

Emerald Forest is in the award winning North East Independent School District. Students attend Bulverde Creek Elementary School, Tejeda Middle School, and the brand new state-of-the-art Lady Bird Johnson High School. Schools should be verified and schools are subject to capping. NEISD Website

To search MLS for homes in Emerald Forest go to my website www.shirleyparks.com

Hablamos español.

Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program-The Checks Are in The Mail

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 12:54:09 -0400

The Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program helps military families who are under water on their mortgages. It helps protect their credit by avoiding a short sale or foreclosure.

The final rule, 32 CFR Part 239 was published in the Federal Register on November 16, 2010, with an effective date of January 18, 2011.

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (CJ Realty Group, Inc.):

After a long wait the checks are beginning to roll out for military families who qualify for assistance from the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).

Three weeks after the funds were made available the surviving spouse of a Fallen Warrior received her check. Then a check went out to an Air Force Major in Colorado and since then the checks have been rolling out on a regular basis. Each check issued means one of the thousands of military families impacted by the declining market value of their home comes one step closer to financial relief.

The expanded program has had a few holdups. First the funds part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 needed to be made available, then the program rules needed to be reviewed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and finally Congress need to pass HR 3548 to remove the 25% tax penality that was attached to the original rules.

Fortunately for those who have waited processing seems to be moving fairly quickly. Two of the Northern Virginia military families I am working with have received their benefits letters and we are finalizing the updates required by the HAP counselors.

For more information on the qualifications for the program you can review the eligibility requirements at the US Army Corps of Engineer website. If you are a military family in the Northern Virginia area who qualifies for the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) then give me a call at 703-346-2213. As an agent experienced with the HAP program guidelines and processes I can help you navigate the requirements and get your home SOLD before your next PCS move.

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If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about the local real estate market from a no nonsense point of view.

Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.

Hablamos español.