Great Cleaning Products
Whenever I find a good cleaning product that lives up to its advertisement I have to brag about it. A few months ago I saw an ad in a magazine for Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver. The advertisement stated that it was a no refinish product that was easily applied and made your hardwoods look like new. Well I had to try it. It has taken the home improvement stores awhile to get the product in the stores. Just today I used it and I must say my floors look great. My kitchen and breakfast areas are hardwood and with two children and three dogs they have been well used. This product was easy to apply and the total cost was about $8 bucks. I have a 1/2 of a bottle left over to use again in 3 to 6 months.
Also, the best carpet cleaner to remove pet odors is Capture. You will only find it at you local home improvement store in the carpet section. It comes in a white and purple box. You sprinkle the cleaner on wait 10 minutes and vacuum. We were able to save our carpets and remove pet odors easily. Happy fall cleaning!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Save the Date! HUD’s Georgia REO Forum will be held
Thursday, Oct. 23, at the
GA International Convention Center.
The two-part event will feature an afternoon industry segment (1p – 5p) and an evening public/homebuyers-focused segment (5:30p – 7:30p).
At the industry presentation, HUD, FHA, Fannie Mae, USDA and VA will give presentations and panel discussions regarding their REO properties and current trends and statistics in Georgia. Additionally, local governments that have received funding from The Housing and Economic Recovery Act - which allocated $4 billion toward neighborhood stabilization - will be present to discuss their visions for new stabilization programs in Georgia. (Registration is required to attend the industry segment - please call 1(800) 961-3181 to register. Seating is limited)
At the industry presentation, HUD, FHA, Fannie Mae, USDA and VA will give presentations and panel discussions regarding their REO properties and current trends and statistics in Georgia. Additionally, local governments that have received funding from The Housing and Economic Recovery Act - which allocated $4 billion toward neighborhood stabilization - will be present to discuss their visions for new stabilization programs in Georgia. (Registration is required to attend the industry segment - please call 1(800) 961-3181 to register. Seating is limited)
In the evening public segment, the above groups will have exhibit booths and be present to talk to potential purchasers. There will be a special in-depth session for homebuyers on “Purchasing HUD Homes.” This evening segment is open to the public; registration is not required.
More information is available at www.hudpemco.com or www.hud.gov/georgia
More information is available at www.hudpemco.com or www.hud.gov/georgia
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Take a break for the 4th quarter of 2008!
As we head into the fall and 4th quarter of 2008, no one could have expected or predicted the wild ride Wall Street has provided us. I will be honest I am afraid to look at my SEP account and Raymond's 401K plan and I haven't. The reason, you ask, I don't want to panic. Yes, our accounts have taken a plunge and yes so have our real estate investments. But what is a girl to do? Remain calm! I plan on nestling down for the coming 4th quarter and not sell any of our investments.
As my Grandmother would point out, there is a silver lining in everything. Even this correction, recession whatever you want to call it has a silver lining. Here is my list of good things that will or have happened
1. Margo and I have already gotten back to the basis of selling. We will continue to ask for your referral business in the coming year.
2. For those in the market to REO/bank owned properties that are less than a year old and in excellent condition. Banks are willing to deal to get these homes out of inventory.
3. Inventory levels in Atlanta have dropped. Our number of homes on the market have dropped by 20%. If you have to sell...get it on the market! You stand a better chance to sell!
4. Home prices are affordable. In 2004/2005 when I was showing property I was always sticker shocked...and I am the agent! Prices have come down in Atlanta making our lives much more affordable.
5. Building materials are at an all time low. If you are looking to build or add on...go for it. You will not only have the red carpet rolled out for you by the contractor but the costs will be less as compared to 2004/2005.
As we head into the holiday months I know that I will be greatful for the business I have gotten this year and look forward to the referrals I will receive in 2009.
Happy Fall!
As we head into the fall and 4th quarter of 2008, no one could have expected or predicted the wild ride Wall Street has provided us. I will be honest I am afraid to look at my SEP account and Raymond's 401K plan and I haven't. The reason, you ask, I don't want to panic. Yes, our accounts have taken a plunge and yes so have our real estate investments. But what is a girl to do? Remain calm! I plan on nestling down for the coming 4th quarter and not sell any of our investments.
As my Grandmother would point out, there is a silver lining in everything. Even this correction, recession whatever you want to call it has a silver lining. Here is my list of good things that will or have happened
1. Margo and I have already gotten back to the basis of selling. We will continue to ask for your referral business in the coming year.
2. For those in the market to REO/bank owned properties that are less than a year old and in excellent condition. Banks are willing to deal to get these homes out of inventory.
3. Inventory levels in Atlanta have dropped. Our number of homes on the market have dropped by 20%. If you have to sell...get it on the market! You stand a better chance to sell!
4. Home prices are affordable. In 2004/2005 when I was showing property I was always sticker shocked...and I am the agent! Prices have come down in Atlanta making our lives much more affordable.
5. Building materials are at an all time low. If you are looking to build or add on...go for it. You will not only have the red carpet rolled out for you by the contractor but the costs will be less as compared to 2004/2005.
As we head into the holiday months I know that I will be greatful for the business I have gotten this year and look forward to the referrals I will receive in 2009.
Happy Fall!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Tips on Cutting Back
With a slowing economy it's time for Americans to watch their expenses. Cutting back on outgoing expenses will allow your family to save money. Here are some tips that I have done and they work!
1. Movies and Entertainment- Look for the movie coupons in AAA and The Entertainment Book. This will allow you to purchase movie tickets at discounted rates. Don't forget to use student ID's and attend the matinee to save $$
2. Eating Out- Check out http://www.restaurant.com/. Purchase a $25 voucher for $10 bucks. This would a great gift idea as well. There are restrictions on days you can use it but hey that's $15 bucks in free food.
3. Free in home movies. Check out http://www.hulu.com/ to download free tv shows and movies.
4. Homeowners and Auto Insurance- Shop around. I recently moved my coverage from a national company and I am saving over $100 bucks a month in auto insurance...no I'm not a bad driver I just have teenagers. Increase your deductibles to $500 or $1000.
5. Online coupons- Thinking of buying something online. Go to http://www.couponheaven.com/ here they have a list of online merchants with promotional codes and discounts. This site will direct you to the merchant site. It's easy. There are many of these services online just search for online coupon codes.
HOPE FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP:
HUD CONTINUES TO OFFER DOWN PAYMENT ‘ASSISTANCE’
Recent release from HUD...
ATLANTA, Ga. – In a real estate market plagued by setback after setback -- and most recently, the termination of most down payment assistance programs -- the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Georgia offers hope for homeownership, continuing to offer homes for sale with an option of a $100 down payment.
Amidst the collapse of other down payment programs, the “$100 Down Incentive,” which HUD unveiled in October 2007 as a means to promote and increase homeownership, remains available to owner-occupant buyers who purchase a HUD-owned home with FHA financing.
The incentive offer has been well received by purchasers, according to PEMCO Vice President, Kimiko Yamamoto.
“Since the introduction of the incentive almost a year ago, more than 600 HUD homes have been sold to buyers taking advantage of the $100 down offer. We expect to see several hundred more utilize what is becoming an increasingly unique opportunity.”
- more -
HUD DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE – page 2
PEMCO, Ltd. is contracted by the Department to run the Georgia HUD Homes Sales Process, which consists of managing the sale of the one-to-four-unit residential properties on which a foreclosure action has been taken on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD automatically acquires such properties, and through PEMCO, Ltd., offers them for sale to the public to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.
There are currently more than 2,000 HUD-owned homes for sale in Georgia, varying the gamut when it comes to price, location and condition. Any of these homes which are eligible for FHA financing are eligible for the $100 down program incentive. In such sales, the $100 down payment takes the place of the standard 3% down payment required by FHA.
Anyone who is able to obtain financing is able to purchase a HUD-owned home by having a HUD-registered agent submit an offer via HUD’s electronic bidding system. The only buyer-requirement for those who wish to take advantage of the incentive is that the buyer must live in the home purchased as his/her primary residence for at least one year.
For more information about the HUD Homes Sales Process, the $100 down payment incentive or to search for HUD-owned homes currently available for sale, visit www.hud.gov or www.hudpemco.com.
HUD CONTINUES TO OFFER DOWN PAYMENT ‘ASSISTANCE’
Recent release from HUD...
ATLANTA, Ga. – In a real estate market plagued by setback after setback -- and most recently, the termination of most down payment assistance programs -- the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Georgia offers hope for homeownership, continuing to offer homes for sale with an option of a $100 down payment.
Amidst the collapse of other down payment programs, the “$100 Down Incentive,” which HUD unveiled in October 2007 as a means to promote and increase homeownership, remains available to owner-occupant buyers who purchase a HUD-owned home with FHA financing.
The incentive offer has been well received by purchasers, according to PEMCO Vice President, Kimiko Yamamoto.
“Since the introduction of the incentive almost a year ago, more than 600 HUD homes have been sold to buyers taking advantage of the $100 down offer. We expect to see several hundred more utilize what is becoming an increasingly unique opportunity.”
- more -
HUD DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE – page 2
PEMCO, Ltd. is contracted by the Department to run the Georgia HUD Homes Sales Process, which consists of managing the sale of the one-to-four-unit residential properties on which a foreclosure action has been taken on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD automatically acquires such properties, and through PEMCO, Ltd., offers them for sale to the public to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.
There are currently more than 2,000 HUD-owned homes for sale in Georgia, varying the gamut when it comes to price, location and condition. Any of these homes which are eligible for FHA financing are eligible for the $100 down program incentive. In such sales, the $100 down payment takes the place of the standard 3% down payment required by FHA.
Anyone who is able to obtain financing is able to purchase a HUD-owned home by having a HUD-registered agent submit an offer via HUD’s electronic bidding system. The only buyer-requirement for those who wish to take advantage of the incentive is that the buyer must live in the home purchased as his/her primary residence for at least one year.
For more information about the HUD Homes Sales Process, the $100 down payment incentive or to search for HUD-owned homes currently available for sale, visit www.hud.gov or www.hudpemco.com.
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