Shoud You Consider a Short Sale

Residential home values are in decline and adjustable rate mortgages are resetting at higher rates which leave many people unable to afford their homes. As many people have found out, if you do not make the monthly mortgage payment, the bank and/or mortgage lender will eventually attempt to foreclose your interest in that house. The process of foreclosure is extremely stressful and draining. With that being said, Short Sales are becoming increasingly popular. A Short Sale means that the mortgage lender is willing to take less than what is owed on the home. This has been occuring because many people are "upside down" on their homes - they owe more than their homes are worth due to declining property values. If you are in this situation you can call your lender and let them know what is going on. Explain your situation and ask for advice as to how to proceed. There are also attorney's that can work as mediators between you and the bank. Once you have given your authorization for the attorney to work in your behalf, your home can be listed on the market, and you can save the stress of the foreclosure. Understandably, the prospect of losing your home can be extremely difficult. But you need to make sure that you deal with it no matter how difficult it is. There is help out there but you need to ask for it!

MAKING YOUR HOME READY FOR WINTER

It is that time of year again when we all have to start thinking about our heat bills. I know most of us don't read the inserts that come with our bills, but I did read some interesting tips provided by national grid and I thought I would share them with you. After all, with all that is going on in our world, what ever we can do to save money and energy should take priority. Now is the time to take steps to prepare our heating systems and homes for winter.
1.) Have your furnace chimney flue, space heaters, water heater and fireplace checked.
2.) Clear space around heat registers, appliance vents and exhaust ducts.
3.) Clear chimneys and vents of bird or squirrel nests, leaves and other debris.
4.) Make sure that the exhaust and air intake vents of natural gas appliances are not blocked. These vents, which are located on the roof, and on the ground around the outside foundation walls for direct-vent gas appliances, should be kept clear of snow and debris.
5.) Seal any holes or cracks that let in old air. Caulk around windows and replace any broken panes on storm doors and windows. Weatherstrip around doorframes.
6.) Check insulation in your attic, walls, ceilings and floors, and add insulation as needed where you can.
7.) Remove window air-cnditioning units to reduce drafts during the cold months. If this isn't possible, cover all sides of the unit with plastic. For more ways to save on winter energy bills visit www.nationalgridus.com.

GIVE OF YOURSELF

Summer is an exciting time of year for many. Kids will be out of school and it is time for families to enjoy some quality time together. Many people I have spoken to are forsaking their usual travel plans and are sticking closer to home this year. With plane fares, gas prices, food and utilities costing so much more, many people are finding it more difficult to make ends meet. Though we all are feeling the pinch, many of us can spare a few dollars to buy a box of cereal or some can goods for our local shelterrs. Though it is nice to help with charities that deal with world wide famine, charity should begin at home. If you know of a neighbor or elderly person in need of assistance, don't wait for someone else to help, take it upon yourself to help. Though it is highly unlikely I will ever be on Forbes top 100 Billionaires list, I am grateful for what I do have. My husband, children, grandchildren, family, new friends and old, as well as my pets are in my opinion the true meaning of my wealth. If I can be of help to make someone elses life just a little easier, it gives me one more reason to start my day with a smile.

Great Time To Buy A Home

Here we are right into the Spring Market! Houses are selling but not at the fast and furious rate as they were two years ago. The good news is that THEY ARE SELLING. It is a great time to buy a house. Interest rates are very low. Of course banks are choosier as to who they will finance so it is important to pay bills on time. If you do have some credit issues, don't give up. It is never too late to turn over a new leaf. Our sister company, Unlimited Mortgage can give you suggestions and in some cases they can help you repair your credit. Call me and I can give you the name of someone there who can help. There are some great properties on the market. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments that some people make in their lifetime. Choose a realtor that can help you through the process. Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned home owner, a realtor will work closely with you to make sure your home buying or selling process goes smoothly. Don't wait to see if the market has bottomed out! The only way you will know the market hits bottom is when the prices begin to rise again and then it is too late! Sign on to my website for up to the minute properties in the towns you want and the criteria you are looking for!

GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOUSE

It's rare to find a news article that's got any positive information about today's housing market. CNN had this article that may help to put some buyers and sellers minds at ease and I wanted to share it with you. Go to http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/04/real_estate/markets_less_overvalued/
I have found that local towns have not been as badly affected by the slow real estate market. Larger cities that are plaqued with foreclosures seem to be the most affected. Now that Spring has sprung, and mortgage rates are still low, I am sure the market will keep steady. I have some awesome listings coming on the market. Keep a watch over the next week. Let's hope the weather stays warm and the snow will stay away!

SUSAN G. KOMEN AND CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK

Now that I have survived the flu I am back to work. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you that everytime I have a successful closing, I will donate money to both the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund and the Children's Miracle Network in the names of my clients. So whether you are buying or selling a home with me, you will contributing to two very worthy causes. It is my understanding that the Children's Miracle Network sees that our own local Children's hospital will be receiving our proceeds. Many of us have had family members that have been touched by illness and it is important to me to share a portion of my profits with these causes.
I am gearing up for the Spring market! From 2006 to 2007, some of the towns we serve have actually sold more homes. I had a very successful 2007. I have sold all my listings and my buyers are all cozy in their new homes. I have some new properties coming on the market, so check back soon. Thankfully, we are just days away from Spring! With all the snow and ice, it will be refreshing to have some warmer weather. Happy blogging!