For millions of homeowners, trying to balance a budget while maintaining a mortgage that is more than the value of a home is becoming nearly impossible.
Add the threat of scams, con-artists and people who are willing to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners and the scale continues to tip the wrong way.
As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) my first priority is to help distressed homeowners find a way to tip the scale back in their favor and bring some balance back to their lives.
If you or someone you know has found themself under the weight of an unmanageable mortgage, please read and share the report attached to this email.
Then, contact me for a free, confidential consultation.
Tammy Pryor –REALTOR®, ABR, ASP, ASR, Certified Distressed Property Expert, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, Luxury Home Marketing Certified, PMN, REO & Short Sale Lyons Gate Certified, HAFA and 3648 Certified, RRC, SRES,
I held an open house the other day and I overheard the wife loving the fireplace and the husband said it was illegal to burn wood in a fireplace now. I wonder how many people believe this or not…
I wanted to let you know that it is still legal (as of today 3/20/12) to burn wood in your fireplace as long as it is not a “spare the air day.” Here are the statistics for the spare the air days this winter:
Breathtaking open floor plan that is an entertainer's delight! Dramatic 2 story entry with decorative tile inlay in the floor. The home includes a master suite/office downstairs along with a separate Rec Room that opens with French Doors to the spacious back yard...and so much more!
Open house scheduled for Sunday Feb 19th...This is a Must See!
Please contact Team 292-SOLD at 925.292.7653 or email us at Team@292sold.com for more information. Also please visit our website at www.292SOLD.com
Arroyo Crossing River's Bend Circle Livermore, CA 94550
Description: Built by O’Brien Homes and located in South Livermore, the east end of the development is adjacent to Robertson Park’s walking and bike trails. The Classics collection has both one and two story homes, built beginning in 2008 with models still being released. Named 2008’s Single Family Project of the Year by Builder Magazine, you’ll love the amenities, and the location. The contemporary styling includes two-car garages and front porches, with 10’ceilings in the one story models, and 9’ ceiling heights for both level of the two story models.
Floor plan choices in five models: Residence One: Single Story 3 beds 2.5 baths 2177 sq. ft Residence Two: Two Story 4 beds, 2.5 baths 2485 sq. ft. Residence Three: Two Story 5 beds, 3 baths 2578 sq. ft. Residence Four: Two Story 4 beds, 3 baths 2876 -3020 sq. ft. Residence Five: One Story 3 beds, 2.5 baths 2177 sq. ft. Newest Floor Plan: Two Story 5 beds, 3.5 baths, 3367 sq. ft. 3 car garage
Nearby Park: Robertson Park is a special use park, covering more than 110 acres. This park truly has something for everyone. The only equestrian park in Livermore, it also has basketball courts, ball fields, picnic tables as well as group picnic areas, and a dog park. It’s also the home of the Annual Livermore Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, complete with an amazing fireworks display as well as the Livermore Rodeo.
Today I received a call from a homeowner asking how his credit is impacted with a Foreclosure vs. Short Sale. Since things have been changing daily in the Real Estate and Lending Industry… I wanted to recheck to give the most accurate information.
As of today; this is the most current information I was able to find.
A homeowner (borrower) that becomes delinquent on their mortgage(s), which completes a short sale, or gives the property back with a deed-in-lieu, or the bank foreclosed upon, will have their credit affected.
·Current guidelines allow qualification for Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) insured loan 5 years after a foreclosure, 4 years after a deed-in-lieu, or 2 years after completion of a short sale.
·Declaring bankruptcy to delay a foreclosure, or to wipe away a deficiency judgment after foreclosure, will impact the borrower’s credit report for 10 years
There are many ways to avoid a Foreclosure. Please go here for more information:
When I was suffering with pain and surgeries and then my husband lost his job almost 3 years ago we tried the Loan Modifications, taking all our savings to make it work, cashing in our 401k’s, cashing in my SEP-IRA… it was Horrible. I felt like EVERYONE had their hand out.
I know how it feels, I know how it affects us emotionally, physically and the stress it puts on your spouse/partner and family. It is utterly draining and embarrassing.
If you are working with a REALTOR® or not; I would like to help your Family (with REALTOR®s too) for FREE!
Tammy Pryor –REALTOR®, ABR, ASP, ASR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, Luxury Home Marketing Certified, PMN, REO & Short Sale Lyons Gate Certified, HAFA and 3648 Certified, RRC, SRES,
Just saw a Beautiful Home in Fremont which is Clean, Updated and Ready to Move In! If I was to move back to Fremont, I would swap it up. J
Gated Community with Gorgeous Pool, Spa and Recreational Area surrounded by Palm Trees. The HOA’s are only $195/mo.
This home is a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath tri-level with an interior access 2 Car Garage. Real Wood Stairs, fresh new carpet, tile bathrooms, updated kitchen with Granite Counters, New Stainless Steel Dishwasher and 4 Burner Gas Stove which matches the built in Stainless Steel Microwave. Large windows everywhere and upstairs skylight let in lots of natural light.
Fireplace in Spacious Living Area, decorative paint throughout, Vaulted Ceiling in the Master Suite which also includes a deep bathtub set within cultured marble with space for towels, candles and more, oversized shower, double sink and walkin closet.
It is priced great at only $500,000. It is listed with Rick Geha; and his Team or our Team would be happy to show it if you are not working with a REALTOR® already.
Tammy Pryor –REALTOR®, ABR, ASP, ASR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, Luxury Home Marketing Certified, PMN, REO & Short Sale Lyons Gate Certified, HAFA and 3648 Certified, RRC, SRES,
8 Reasons Why Selling Your Home In The Winter Months IS Better Than Waiting For Spring or Summer…
If you are on the fence about selling in the winter vs. waiting for spring/summer, here's some great information:
vThere is 20% less homes for sale in the winter, compared to spring and summer months.
vIn the winter months, the buyers in the market are serious about buying a home. There aren't many “tire kickers” out in the cold house hunting. They are usually motivated buyers.
vThere is less inconvenience to the family to keep the home up for showings, because there's less people house hunting in winter.
vWith scheduled showings, there doesn't have to be any disturbance to holiday festivities.
vSeveral studies have shown homes sold during the winter season sell closer to listing price than those sold during the spring and summer.
vContract negotiations are more flexible and seller concessions are generally less in the winter months. Remember, buyers in the winter are serious about finding a home. It's a captive audience.
vREALTORS® aren't as busy in the winter months, and with less inventory, there is more attention on your property.
vYour home is all festive for the Holidays and warm feelings abound.
Call me now if I can provide any further information on why selling your home in the winter season is a great time. I'm happy to provide you a complimentary property analysis to help you determine if now’s a good time to sell or if it is better to wait. As a professional REALTOR®, it is my responsibility to give you my unbiased expert opinion.
The property analysis is complimentary and there are no strings attached
Tammy Pryor –REALTOR®, ABR, ASP, ASR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, Luxury Home Marketing Certified, PMN, REO & Short Sale Lyons Gate Certified, HAFA and 3648 Certified, RRC, SRES,
Shopping for a bank loan can be tricky, especially when you have been given multiple offers from several different lenders. When faced with this predicament, how do you decide which one to go with? Most just simply look at the interest rate and other overheads but that’s only the starting point. It’s important to also take a good look at the mortgage brokers themselves. Here are some ways to help you decide which lender will work best for you:
Consider all the ranges of loan varieties offered
You financier should be able to pair you with a mortgage that fits the risk you feel comfortable taking and your financial state. Now-a-days there are more loan options existing than ever. It’s important that you know this and take advantage of that fact. Search for a lender who has the ability to offer you a vast assortment of loan options. See if they are able to suggest everything from adjustable rate to conventional fixed rate or even newer types like option ARMs and hybrid ARMs.
Look at costs as well as interest rates
Looking at mortgages based on their APR is a nice place to begin, but that shouldn’t be where you stop. For a mortgage, you should ask numerous brokers for an official “good faith estimate” of all the costs that will come into play with your loan. A “good faith estimate is much more thorough than the initial outline of the offer and is something that lenders must make available. Always ask about other possible costs that might not be shown on the estimate (i.e. pre-payment penalties). After the numbers are considered take into account whether or not the lender is evading your questions or if you feel they are being straightforward and truthful with you. Numbers are not the only things you should be taking into consideration.
Investigate a lender’s reputation
Nothing is more powerful, in every business, than the word of mouth from one person to another. Find other people who may have worked with a lender you are considering and see what they have to say about them. Was it a good experience? Was the financier able to fulfill the customer’s needs? You will want to know the opinion of others about a lender, and take it into consideration when making your decision.
Assess the level of customer satisfaction
If you are not getting excellent service from a financier who is contending for your business, then it isn’t expected that you will get it once you’ve decided to work with them. Be sure to ask each lender about their guiding principle when it comes to securing in their estimated rates and look at whether or not there’s a fee going along with it, when you’re looking at multiple offers. Along with that, see if they are willing to amend one of the terms to see how gladly they agree. By doing this you are looking for their receptiveness and tractability. This will also show how well they listen to what you have to say. For example, if you request a 30 yr. fixed-rate mortgage then they should present that as one of your choices, not push for something else, like an interest-only loan.
Contemplate your specific situation
If you have distinct needs for your loan, you will need to search for a lender with an understanding of your situation. It’s best if they are familiar with the circumstances and have worked with people like you in the past. Going with a big lender over a smaller one isn’t always the best choice, particularly if you are in an unusual situation. For example, some financiers have supplementary routes for those with a lesser down payment, whereas others might concentrate specifically in mortgages for people with low credit scores.
Studies find link between foreclosures and stress-related health issues. Should health care be part of mortgage negotiations?
We know that foreclosures are bad for the health of a community. New research indicates they may be bad for the health of individuals as well.
Considering that economic woes can be very stressful that the poor health of a wage earner is often the reason a family's home goes into foreclosure, we could guess that there would be a correlation between health problems and foreclosures.
Janet Currie of Princeton University and Erdal Tekin of Georgia State University looked at foreclosures and health in Arizona, California, Florida and New Jersey, four states with a high rate of foreclosure.
"You see foreclosures having a general effect on the neighborhood," Currie told The Wall Street Journal. "Everybody's stressed out. There is a connection between people's economic well-being and their physical well-being."
In a separate study in 2008 of 250 people undergoing foreclosure, Craig E. Pollack of Johns Hopkins University and Julia F. Lynch of the University of Pennsylvania found that 32% of the study subjects missed doctor's appointments and 48% didn't fill prescriptions. More than a third reported symptoms of major depression.
Foreclosure is not just a metaphorical epidemic, but a bona fide public-health crisis. When breadwinners become ill, they miss work, lose their jobs, face daunting medical bills — and have trouble making mortgage payments as a result.But that is only part of the story. A growing body of research shows that foreclosure itself harms the health of families and communities.
A 7.2% increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for hypertension.
An 8.1% increase in diabetes among people 20 to 49.
12% more visits related to anxiety among people 20 to 49.
39% more visits for suicide attempts among people 20 to 49.
The researchers didn't find any increase in cancer or in elective surgeries in areas with more foreclosures, indicating that stress-related illnesses were the most likely result of increased foreclosures. Neither study proved that foreclosures caused the health problems. People facing health problems often run into financial problems, and financial problems short of foreclosure also lead to stress and stress-related illnesses. In their op-ed piece, Pollack and Lynch argued that solutions to the mortgage foreclosure crisis should include help with health issues. They write:
For one thing, the settlement negotiations with the financial services industry over mortgage fraud and abuse should include money for health care. Millions of Americans are locked into mortgages they can’t afford. If we can’t help them stay in their homes, the least we can do is help them stay alive.
Fantastic 4 bedroom 3 bath home located close to local parks! Beautiful kitchen includes granite counters, self-cleaning oven, microwave, wine storage and much more! Spacious bedrooms, laundry room, fireplace, and dual pane windows. Fenced in backyard offers in ground swimming pool, large lawn, patio and automatic sprinklers.
Visit www.292SOLD.com for more information and pictures OR call 925-292-SOLD (7653) to schedule a showing!
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
Well-maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Beautiful tile entry way, hardwood flooring, and wall to wall carpeting. Arched windows, window coverings, brick fireplace in family room and much more! Wonderfully landscaped, fenced back yard with tool shed and covered patio. Located near local parks, schools and public transportation. Click Here for a Virtual Tour!
For more information, pictures, features and MORE visit our website at www.292SOLD.com or call us today at 925-292-SOLD (7653)!
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
The market conditions normally play a mammoth part when deciding to buy a house. Keep in mind that the housing market values vary widely from region to region. For example, the Florida market has seen dramatic increases in home values; where Ohio has seen their real estate prices go into undesirable terrain in the last year.
Stay away from buying high and selling low - if your market has gone soft or has already hit its peak and then is heading south, you may want to hold off on your purchase.
There is a magazine called Smart Money that has generated a worksheet that will compare the costs of renting vs. buying by using market appreciation calculations to conclude when you will come out ahead. By entering in the price, down payment, your income bracket, interest rate, and the current market appreciation rates, the worksheet will breakdown what you stand to achieve.
It’s About Your Current Situation
There are three main reasons that people will file for bankruptcy: change of job status, divorce, or unexpected health expenses. If you are facing any of these encounters and don't have any financial cushion, then this might adversely affect your capability to pay a mortgage. Those “BIG life” happenings define your inclination to buy at this moment or to hold out for a little more financial stability.
The “Tell-Tale Signs” that you should wait to buy:
·Are you planning to move within the next five years?
·Are children in your immediate future?
·Are you changing jobs?
·Have you recently filed for bankruptcy or have a low credit score (below 650)?
The Future of your Finances
Apart from life events playing into your choice, getting your finances in order before you begin your search for that perfect home is key. Even though there are numerous programs accessible to buyers with a “low-or-no down payment,” if you find your debts growing gradually and you don't anticipate an increase in your income, unfortunately you are situating yourself in greater financial risk if you were to take on a mortgage.
On the Other Hand…
If you are ready to buy a home that may need a little bit of work and, over a period of time, you can have enough money to get it done, your home possibly will increase in value faster, ultimately strengthening your financial position. If you are ok with taking on a roommate or renter, you could also soften the overhead of a mortgage. Buying a home can be risky, and it's worth taking the time to ask yourself the tough questions about what you're willing to do to look after yourself from getting in over your head.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to get the process going, take your time….here’s where to start:
Well-maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Beautiful tile entry way, hardwood flooring, and wall to wall carpeting. Arched windows, window coverings, brick fireplace in family room and much more! Wonderfully landscaped, fenced back yard with tool shed and covered patio. Located near local parks, schools and public transportation. Click Here for a Virtual Tour!
Features Include:
Appliances
Garbage Disposal
Microwave
Oven Range
Stove
Exterior Finish
Siding
Wood
General Features
Back Yard
Ceiling Fan
Cooling: Ceiling Fan(s)
Fenced
Fireplace
Garage Door Opener
Heating: Gravity Air
Lawn
Patio
Roof: Composition shingle/tile
Sewer/Water Systems: Public
Shed
Trees / Shrubs
Underground Sprinklers
Window Coverings
Visit us at www.292SOLD.com for more pictures or call today to schedule a showing!!!!
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
What to Avoid Before you go to Bed – 4 Things that can affect your sleep
If you’re one of the many Americans having a hard time falling asleep, you’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 65% of Americans say they have a hard time falling asleep. Here are four popular night time rituals, which could be affecting your sleep that you weren’t aware of:
Bringing a Book to Bed For many, reading before bed is a bad habit. The problem with this is that your body has probably adjusted to that routine, therefore, you won't be able to go to sleep until you've red at least a couple chapters in your current book.
A Late Night Work-Out Any intense physical activity rises your body’s temperature and inflates your energy level. Both of these factors can interrupt a calm changeover into sleep. Working out during the day can keep you energized for an hour, that’s why you want to avoid any exercise within three hours of going to bed.
Counting Sheep If you've been attempting to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes, you might as well just get up. The National Sleep Foundation recommends doing something boring, like balancing your checkbook or watching TV. These are activities that demand very little brainpower and are so routine, they will ultimately lull your mind to sleep.
FACEBOOK! Not only does theglare of your computer screen stimulate your brain, but in addition to that it makes it difficult to allow your mind to stop worrying about your digital to-do list. Stay away from those late nights in front of the computer and give yourself time to unwind without any “news feeds” or “status updates.”
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
Don’t Miss out on the 30thAnnual Harvest Wine Celebration in historic Livermore Valley Wine Country during the peak of Harvest Season! With over 40 wineries sharing their wines, hospitality and offering a unique experience, it will for sure make for a memorable weekend for wine enthusiasts and friends. In celebration of the Harvest, the wineries are open on Sunday & Monday of Labor Day Weekend to ticket holders only.
On Sunday, complimentary shuttle buses take guests to over 40 wineries, where guests will enjoy: wine tasting, music, food and art vendors, wine discounts, and more. Guests can also choose to drive themselves.
On Monday, guests can enjoy a more intimate day at the wineries as each winery will offer wine tasting and unique activities like winemaker discussions, bottle your own wines, barrel tastings, and more. There are no complimentary shuttles on Monday.
Participating Wineries:
Auburn James*, Bent Creek Winery, Big White House Winery, Bodegas Aguirre, Cedar Mountain Winery, Charles R Vineyards, Chouinard Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, Crooked Vine Winery, Cuda Ridge Wines, Darcie Kent Vineyards, Eagle Ridge Vineyard, Eckert Estate Winery, El Sol Winery**, Elliston Vineyards**, Fenestra Winery, Garré Vineyard & Winery, John Evan Cellars, La Rochelle Winery, Las Positas Vineyards, Les Chênes Estate Vineyards**, Little Valley Winery**, Longevity Wines, McGrail Vineyards & Winery, Mitchell Katz Winery, Murrieta’s Well**, Nottingham Cellars, Occasio Winery, Page Mill Winery*, Retzlaff Estate Winery, Rios-Lovell*, Rodrigue Molyneaux*, Ruby Hill Winery, The Singing Winemaker, The Steven Kent Winery, Stony Ridge Winery, Tamás Estates , Thomas Coyne Winery, Wente Vineyards Estate Winery, Westover Vineyards &Winery**, White Crane Winery, Wood Family Vineyards.
*Wineries participating at Concannon Vineyard instead of regular tasting rooms. **Wineries participating at Wente Vineyards instead of their regular tasting rooms.
Ticket Information:
2 Day Ticket - $55 adv/$65 day of event
Sunday Ticket - $45 adv/$50 day of event
Monday Ticket - $40 adv/$45 day of event
Designated Driver - $10
(all guests need a ticket to enter the wineries on Sunday & Monday)
Ticket includes: Entrance into the wineries, complimentary wine tasting at over 40 wineries, shuttle bus service (Sunday), special activities (Monday), wine discounts, commemorative wine glass, program, and parking.
This is a ticketed event and everyone needs a ticket to enter the wineries on Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend. Ticket sale proceeds benefit the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, a non-profit organizations which supports the wineries and growers in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area. We appreciate your support.
How to Create an Easy-to-Remember & Super-Secure Password
Getting hacked can be somebody’s worst fear, so when it comes to creating your passwords, there are things you can do to limit your risk of unwelcome virtual predators. These 5 easy tips below will teach you how to create not only a strong and secure password, but one that’s easy to remember as well. Team 292-SOLD knows that nobody wants to be an “easy target” for hackers and we want to help protect you falling victim to these “virtual visitors.”
The Worst Kinds of Passwords are:
Passwords containing "123456" or strings of consecutive numbers. Also try to avoid the password "Password." Other passwords to steer away from are phrases like "iloveyou," "abc123," or common first names like "Mike" and "Elizabeth."
How to keep away from bad passwords: * Avoid using any part of your name or email address. * Stay away from any kinds of personal information, such as your birthday, pet names, addresses, ect… * DO NOT use strings of consecutive numbers. * Evade words in the dictionary or slang
The Best Kinds of Passwords Include Uppercase/Lowercase Letters, Symbols, & Numbers. These days, several websites inspire decent password practices by driving you to enter in a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and varied capitalization. This approach is unquestionably the way to go! By introducing more variables into your password, such as, numbers, symbols, and lower/upper case letters will undoubtedly take hackers longer to crack your password.
How to make your passwords more secure: * Add letters! Just one additional letter can make your password more difficult to figure out. * Use a combination of lower and uppercase letters. By intermingling your cases, you enhance the complexity and safety in your password. * Involve numbers. It makes your password much safer and more diverse. * Use symbols. Symbols really are the secret ingredient to a secure password!
The Length of Your Password Can Result in the Strength of Your Password A password with a number of characters anywhere between 8 and 14 increases your odds of staying safe.
Having a password manager is a good way to do this. Being a little concerned about managing all of the extensive, ultra-secure passwords you’ve created is natural. You can have a program do the heavy lifting for you. These programs lock down your collection of passwords by encrypting them.
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
The MLS and How it Works for Home Buyers & Sellers
The MLS or Multiple Listing Service is essentially a big warehouse filled with properties…kind of like a "home depot" for Real Estate. When a property gets listed on the MLS “for sale,” it goes into this theoretical warehouse. Then, when the property is “sold,” it is removed from the warehouse.
Obviously, Real Estate cannot really be stored in an actual warehouse so what the MLS offers is information. So in actuality, the Multiple Listing Service is really a database. The MLS is a very convenient way to know what is available “for sale” at all times. Real estate agents developed the MLS for this very reason, so that individuals have quick knowledge of the home inventory at all times, thus, making agents more productive.
The Development of the MLS
Because developing and maintaining the MLS system costs money, real estate agents created local "MLS Associations." These associations require a membership fee, and charge each member annual dues (plus additional fees.) These costs are essential in paying for the necessary staff and materials to make the MLS work correctly.
In the beginning, a real estate agent would submit their listings to their local association and the MLS staff would compile the information on what was offered “for sale” and what had been “sold.” About once a week the members of the MLS would receive a book that displayed all of the current listings.
Once computers came into play, it made it much easier to create the listing books. Then when modems came along the listing books were no longer needed. Members of the MLS could now "dial in" directly to the computer.
Finally, we reach the “Information Age” -- and the Internet! Starting in 1996, certain property information was taken from the MLS and displayed on the World Wide Web. The information you find on the internet regarding properties is collected from local and regional MLS systems. But keep in mind that not all MLS system participates on the web to the same degree.
How the MLS Works for Home Sellers
The idea of the MLS is a godsend to sellers because of "supply and demand." The MLS is the most effective way for a seller to get access to the largest number of buyers. By entering your home information online, it makes that data accessible to every MLS member who will ultimately end up showing your property to their qualified buyers in your price range.
By being placed in the MLS system, it increases a home seller's sales force, exposes the property to an enormous pool of potential home buyers, and generates more demand for the property. The higher the demand, the more pricing power that can be enjoyed by the homeowner, thus, the faster the home will sell.
How the MLS Works for Home Buyers
Here’s the “bottom line” for home buyers: Not only is it extremely convenient, but it doesn’t cost a penny to buyers! Not only that, but you have access to a qualified and proficient guide that aids you through the complex procedure of becoming a homeowner
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
The MLS and How it Works for Home Buyers & Sellers
The MLS or Multiple Listing Service is essentially a big warehouse filled with properties…kind of like a "home depot" for Real Estate. When a property gets listed on the MLS “for sale,” it goes into this theoretical warehouse. Then, when the property is “sold,” it is removed from the warehouse.
Obviously, Real Estate cannot really be stored in an actual warehouse so what the MLS offers is information. So in actuality, the Multiple Listing Service is really a database. The MLS is a very convenient way to know what is available “for sale” at all times. Real estate agents developed the MLS for this very reason, so that individuals have quick knowledge of the home inventory at all times, thus, making agents more productive.
The Development of the MLS
Because developing and maintaining the MLS system costs money, real estate agents created local "MLS Associations." These associations require a membership fee, and charge each member annual dues (plus additional fees.) These costs are essential in paying for the necessary staff and materials to make the MLS work correctly.
In the beginning, a real estate agent would submit their listings to their local association and the MLS staff would compile the information on what was offered “for sale” and what had been “sold.” About once a week the members of the MLS would receive a book that displayed all of the current listings.
Once computers came into play, it made it much easier to create the listing books. Then when modems came along the listing books were no longer needed. Members of the MLS could now "dial in" directly to the computer.
Finally, we reach the “Information Age” -- and the Internet! Starting in 1996, certain property information was taken from the MLS and displayed on the World Wide Web. The information you find on the internet regarding properties is collected from local and regional MLS systems. But keep in mind that not all MLS system participates on the web to the same degree.
How the MLS Works for Home Sellers
The idea of the MLS is a godsend to sellers because of "supply and demand." The MLS is the most effective way for a seller to get access to the largest number of buyers. By entering your home information online, it makes that data accessible to every MLS member who will ultimately end up showing your property to their qualified buyers in your price range.
By being placed in the MLS system, it increases a home seller's sales force, exposes the property to an enormous pool of potential home buyers, and generates more demand for the property. The higher the demand, the more pricing power that can be enjoyed by the homeowner, thus, the faster the home will sell.
How the MLS Works for Home Buyers
Here’s the “bottom line” for home buyers: Not only is it extremely convenient, but it doesn’t cost a penny to buyers! Not only that, but you have access to a qualified and proficient guide that aids you through the complex procedure of becoming a homeowner
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
·Kids Eat Free Till 3:00pm at Casa Orozco! Casa Orozco wants you and your family to enjoy the last days of summer vacation over a nice lunch with your kids! One Free Kids Meal for Every Adult Entree Purchased of at least $11.99 in value. Valid for kids 12yrs and under, Mondays-Fridays until 3:00pm. HURRY, this promotion ends August 31st! For More Information visit www.casaorozco.com
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
Unfortunately, there is no real way to predict when or where disaster will strike. Whether it be an earthquake, flood, tornado or hurricane there are steps you can take to prepare you and your family should there be a natural disaster in your region. Luckily, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has published a check-list for us of things that each and every one of us can do in case of an emergency.
Construct an Emergency Plan Your best defense against any natural disaster is to be prepared. After you are conscious of what kinds of disasters can affect your region, you can begin to take precautions for such an emergency. Get the whole family together and explain the threats of floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes to them. Illustrate that be having an emergency plan will help to ensures that the family will stay together in case of an emergency.
·Talk about what should happen if power outages and personal injuries occur.
·Draw the lay out of your home and highlight 2 escape routes from every room.
·Demonstrate to each family member how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at their key switches.
·Have emergency phone numbers hung up near phones and teach your children how and when to call either 911, the police, or fire.
·Teach all your household members how to turn on the radio to receive emergency information.
·Choose an out-of-state, a local friend or relative for family members to contact if you are separated during a disaster.
·Choose 2 different emergency meeting places: one close to the home and another outside the neighborhood in case family members can’t get back to the house.
·Have family members take a basic first aid and CPR class.
Make a Disaster Supply Kit Make sure you have enough supplies in your home to meet all your basic needs for at least 3-5 days. Think of is as if you were going on a camping trip for 5 days. These supplies should be stored in sturdy containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash cans.
The Kit Should Have:
·At least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food items.
·A can opener.
·Any pet food or supplies.
·A change of clothing and practical shoes for each family member, and a blanket or sleeping bag for each person.
·A first-aid kit with any necessary prescription medications
·Battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and utility knife.
·An extra set of car keys and cash, or traveler's checks.
·Any special items for infants or older family members (i.e. formula, diapers, denture or eye care supplies)
·An extra pair of eyeglasses, if necessary.
Create a Car Emergency Supplies Kit for your Car
·Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
·Blanket
·Booster cables
·Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
·First-aid kit and manual
·Bottled water and non-perishable foods
·Maps, shovel, and flares
·Tire repair kit and pump
Take a few days to go over each list and check off what you have acquired. Once you have complete each list you can rest easy knowing that know you are prepared.
For more information on Natural Disaster and how to prepare for them visit www.fema.gov
“Stop Dreaming – Start Moving”® with Team 292-SOLD
