Ask the Judge

What are the best tips for selling your house during the holidays?

2011-11-16T17:00:00.006-06:00

You may think that the holiday season from November through January may not be the best time of year for putting your home on the market. The thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, you’d rather be out shopping or curled up in front of the fire with a hot cup of chocolate, right?! HOWEVER, the season does have its advantages when it comes to buying and selling real estate: holiday buyers tend to be more serious, and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. So, first, decide if you really need to sell and then once you've committed to the challenge, roll out the festive spirit and follow these tips to make it the best holiday experience yet!

Light the house and put out your best decorations

Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. Adornments that are too large or too many can crowd your home and distract buyers. Keep these simple staging tips in mind:

Clean and stage appropriately BEFORE you put out your holiday decorations.
Create a cozy vibe with a few subtle touches like a wreath or a bowl of pinecones
Complement your palette, make sure your holiday collection matches your current décor
Accentuate the positive and don’t block details with too many trimmings
Use lights to accentuate your home’s architecture not take away from it
Stay diverse in your decorations and keep the overtly religious décor in storage this year
Keep the size of the tree proportionate with your space
Clear the clutter – as always, the easiest and best staging tip anytime of the year!

Hire a reliable real estate agent

That means someone who will work hard for you and won't disappear during Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas or New Year's. At CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company our real estate professionals are dedicated in going above and beyond what is expected to get your home sold – any time of the year. The right agent will ease your stress and give you more time to enjoy the season. Visit www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com and search the Realtors in your area to find the perfect match, or call us at 800-451-8055 and ask for a referral from our staff.
Seek out motivated buyers

Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Work with a CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor to target buyers on a deadline, including people relocating for jobs in your area, investors on tax deadlines, college students and staff, and military personnel, if you live near a military base.
Price it to sell

No matter what time of year, a home that's priced low for the market will make buyers feel merry. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, many real estate agents advise sellers to slash their prices before putting a home on the market.
Make curb appeal a top priority

When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. Bare trees equal a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers' safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves. And then of course there is all that beautiful holiday garland that can add an inviting atmosphere to your front porch!
Take top-notch real estate photos

When the weather outside is frightful, homebuyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of flattering, high-quality photos of your home. If possible, have a summer or spring photo of your home available so buyers can see how it looks year-round. Need help? Consult with a CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Professional on how to take the best photos – they will even offer their help!
Create a video tour for the Web

You'll get less foot traffic during the holidays, thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm. Need help shooting a video? Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor for help, or ask them if they plan to provide a video as part of the marketing of your home during the holidays.
Give house hunters a place to escape from the cold

Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing soft classical music and offering homemade holiday treats. When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.
Be flexible in negotiations

You needn't give away the farm by any means; just be willing to give and take. Your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor will guide you through this with your best interests at heart.
Relax! The new year is just around the corner

The holidays are stressful enough, with gifts to buy, dinners to prepare and relatives to entertain. Take a moment to remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next year, which luckily is only a few days away.

Real Estate 411: How do I protect my investment property during the winter months?

2011-10-19T15:49:00.001-05:00

Maximize your ROI with these tips on caring for your investment property

Seasons are changing, we are no longer experiencing 105 degree heat and we can actually enjoy sitting, eating and playing outdoors – at least for a short while. The changing of the season brings new maintenence issues that will need your immediate attention.

During these next few months we will have more rain and colder, more extreme temperatures – you want to be prepared for the fall and winter months and do what you can to preserve and protect your investment property.

Here are our tips on things to do to make sure your property is prepared to handle the colder weather and avoid unnecessary energy loss and or cold weather disasters! Whether you own one or 20 properties, doing these things now will pay off when Spring comes!

Winterize:

Protect your water supply lines by covering exposed faucets
Insulate lines exposed to cold
Use insulation foam to seal cracks and crevices
Seal windows and doors to cut down on energy loss
Fill cracks in drives and parking areas to protect from additional damage due to freezing water
Paint and spackle doors, windows, and fascia sofits – this will pay dividends next spring!
Replace and seal damaged siding and wood – this will save you money now, before additional damage is done by the wet and cold weather

Avoid frozen pipes:

Locate your home's water cut-off valve NOW - learn how it works so you can act quickly in case of an emergency
In case of broken pipes, turn water off at the main shut off, if the location of the main shut off is unknown, turn off the valve located on the hot water heater (generally located on top of the water heater)
Cover all foundation vents by filling the openings with foundation plugs - ideally, you should install your foundation plugs in late October and remove in late April
Disconnect water hoses and wrap outside hydrants and spigots
Drain your sprinkler system before the first freeze
If your home has a hot tub or pool, keep the water circulating constantly in freezing weather
If the temperature is below freezing, leave the heat on and open cabinet doors under sinks, allowing warm air to circulate around pipes

Avoid the expensive cost of potential repairs in the Spring by being proactive in the maintenance of your investment property this fall and winter.

Other important items:

Test and replace (if necessary) all smoke alarms
Replace A/C and heater filters for better efficiency
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Continue your landscape maintenance - mowing, edging and weed-eating for a while longer
Trim bushes back and tree limbs away from the roof
Spread out the fall weed killer and fertilizer

Need help with your property management?
For assistance in managing your investment properties, contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management Company, a locally owned, certified full service property management company. C21JFPM has been successfully managing homes in the DFW Metro area since 1952 and continues to manage over 1500 local homes. For more information call 972-780-5380 or visit www.C21JFPM.com.

Help your tenants protect themselves with Renters Insurance
We also strongly advise that you recommend Renters Insurance to your tenants to cover their personal property and protect their household from major losses. For more information, or to obtain a competitive quote, contact Linda Shade with CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Insurance (214) 446-2571.

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com

What do you want to do with YOUR money?

2011-09-08T09:37:00.001-05:00

It is the BEST of times, it is the WORST of times. You’ve heard it said often, right? But there has never been a BETTER time to BUY real estate than NOW!

It is the BEST of times, it is the WORST of times! You’ve heard it said often, right? Well, it may be only partially true. In our economy today, people all over the country view the Real Estate market as going through one of the toughest times in many years - and we have certainly had our bumps. Overall, home prices have dropped over the last five to six years across most of the country, BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS! Interest rates remain at record lows! And MORE GOOD NEWS is that the current rates make it more affordable to purchase real estate - so I would say that NOW is one of the best times to invest in real estate, NOW is the best of times - and I will show you why.

According to Cendera Funding DFW Regional Manager, Jill Clifton, “the Federal Reserve's highly unusual promise — to keep interest rates low for "at least" the next two years — should assuage fears of a rising rate environment. The positive effect that has on real estate is that flat or declining values offer additional affordability, allowing many more buyers the ability to qualify for a home mortgage loan. There has been some recent credit softening that will allow consumers with lower than 600 credit scores the ability to qualify under certain conditions.”

Here is an illustration of a comparison of rate and purchase price history (taxes and insurance have been taken out of the equation).

Loan Amount	Rate	Principle and Interest*	30 Years of Payments
$200,000	Today @4.5%	$1,013.37 a month	$ 364,813
$200,000	In 2008 @6%	$1,199.10 a month	$ 431.676
$200,000	in 1983 @13%	$2,213.40 a month	$ 796,824
$100,000	in 1983 @13%	$1,106.20 a month	$ 398,232

*These payments do not include Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

The chart illustrates that today you are able to borrow double the amount of money someone could 28 years ago and pay less principal and interest! Real Estate is not a get rich quick investment but over the years it has always been a solid investment!

So, the question is – what do you want to do with your MONEY?

Article Contributors:

Brian Tarbet
Cendera Funding
817-219-5555 cell
btarbet@cenderafunding.com
www.cenderalo.com/btarbet

Jill Clifton, Regional Manager
214-232-0979 cell
www.jillclifton.com

Contact Jill or Brian to see if you qualify for a low-interest loan and to get started with your smart real estate investment.

NMLS # 237394

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Real Estate 411 - Stay COOL in your next Real Estate Transaction with these practical tips!

2011-07-26T16:14:00.000-05:00

Things can HEAT up in the midst of a Real Estate transaction. Being prepared and having the right REALTOR can help keep you stay cool !

Finding the right home, getting to the closing table successfully, and settling into your new environment is the result of good preparation and research.

Things may get stressful during the home buying/selling process but two important keys for avoiding the "hot buttons" are knowledge and experience. Your preparation and research combined with the expertise and training/experience of your real estate professional can be the essential ingredients to your success!

One of the keys to making the process easier and more understandable is planning and preparation. Being prepared, you will be able to anticipate requests from lenders, lawyers, and a host of other professionals. Your preparation will be your backup in the heat of the moment when things get stressful and the pressure is on. Furthermore, planning will help you discover valuable shortcuts for the process! Here are a few of our suggested tips to help you in your research and planning for your next real estate transaction.

COOL TIP #1: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Location is a huge factor to consider when buying a home as it affects:
● Purchase Price ● Drive-time/Commute
● Resale Price ● Entertainment/Shopping
● School System
You are buying more than a home – you are buying a lifestyle! Start thinking about your likes and dislikes. Do your own research and “due diligence” regarding the neighborhood, schools, places of worship, city leadership and the general “feel” of the community. Buying a new home is not just an economic investment, it is an investment in your life and the life of your family. Nobody really knows what return you expect from that investment except you.

Take stock of yourself and what you are looking for in a home – and write it down. Do you need to be close to work or school? Do you like taking care of a yard or not? Do you want to be near shopping areas, or do you want to be out in the country? Do you have (or want) pets? Do you work on cars? Do you need to be near medical facilities? Thinking about your lifestyle will help you focus on the home that is right for you. Know the difference between needs and wants, your ultimate “dream home” may not be the home you can buy today.

COOL TIP #2: Know how much you can afford?

Consult with a mortgage professional and be knowledgeable about your income, your credit score, and what you owe. Armed with this information, you can make an informed decision about how much house payment you can handle and how much money you will need up front to purchase a home.

Buy what you can afford or even a little less than what you can afford. You might qualify for a higher payment only to find out later that you have to change your lifestyle in order to handle that payment. It is a good idea to get approved for your loan in advance. Obtain a letter from the lender that says “John and Mary Jones are approved for a loan of X-thousand dollars at Y-percent for Z-years SUBJECT ONLY TO THE APPRAISAL OF THE PROPERTY.” This way, you will not be tempted to buy more house than you can afford, or waste your time (and disappoint yourself) if you don’t qualify for that dream home.

Know how much you can afford and stay within your budget - this will help you avoid the HEAT of financial stress and possible disaster!

One last tip on this subject to keep in mind: Do not spend any money once you are under contract on anything other than normal household expenses and bills. That means don't make a large purchase on a credit card, or take out any loans for large items, don't buy boats or cars, or new furniture for the house. Until the closing process has been completed, DON'T SPEND ANY MONEY!

COOL TIP #3: Choose a real estate agent that is knowledgeable about the real estate market and the area you are interested in

Get a good real estate agent...and this is not just me singing the company tune! A buyer needs to know what the contract means! Is my earnest money at risk? Is my option money refundable? Did the Seller really agree to make all the repairs at no cost to me? When can I really move in? These are just a few potential “bumps” that can turn in to heated, stressful issues! You can avoid the heat and stay COOL by hiring a real estate professional to represent you and ONLY you. This advice applies equally to the purchase of a new home, too. New home contracts tend to favor the builder, not the buyer.

When selecting the real estate agent you want to work with, start online. When you are looking at homes that interest you, check out the listing agent, look at their website and read their profiles or blog.

Choose a real estate agent that you can communicate with and one that freely communicates with you.
Does the agent have knowledge of the neighborhoods and different types of homes in the area you are interested in?
Is the agent knowledgeable about the mortgage process? This is one area that can cause the most issues. Your Realtor needs to be able to effectively understand and communicate with you and the lender on all things financial. The agent should be able to help you choose a reputable mortgage loan officer. You will be sharing a great deal of important information with this individual (the loan officer AND the agent too), you need to be confident that they are professional and reputable.

When you hire a Realtor - sign a buyer representation agreement; demand a consultation where the entire process is clearly explained PRIOR to getting into the car. This will eliminate confusion and anxiety and help you stay COOL throughout the transaction - giving you a sense of trust and calm! An educated buyer is a more powerful buyer. Listen to the advice of the Real Estate Professional you choose. Their duty is to you and if you have chosen well they will guide you through the process and help you avoid the heat that comes from potential pitfalls in the home buying process. And keep in mind they may not tell you what you want to hear but they will tell you what you need to hear!

Real Estate 411 - Our Diversity is YOUR Advantage

2011-07-26T15:33:00.002-05:00

A diversified group of people working for you

At CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company we recognize the diverse needs of our thriving Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex – from Sanger to Waxahachie, Fort Worth to Weatherford, or Frisco to Dallas, our vision is to serve your real estate needs – regardless of where you are from, or where you are going! We operate from this culture statement: “CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is a diversified group of people who work together as a family and operate like a business.” That diversity is your advantage when it comes to buying and selling real estate in North Texas!

The CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Professional is trained in all real estate property types, speaks multiple languages, and hails from cultures all over the world. So whether you speak English or Spanish, or you’re buying or selling a home in the suburbs, a condo in Dallas, or a ranch in Fort Worth, our experience and diversity will be your advantage in getting what you want.

Our position in the real estate industry is unprecedented. With the global recognition of the Century 21 International brand, your property listing will have instant recognition in the market. Not to mention that we can tap into a global network of over 120,000 agents, who like the CENTURY 21 Judge Fite real estate professional, are SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. – for you!

The diverse tools we make available to our real estate professionals are the key to YOUR success when it comes to buying and selling real estate. At their fingertips are online marketing tools that will provide more exposure, more possibilities, for your real estate needs. From social media to video marketing, to enhanced listings on the top performing real estate search engines AND a web presence on hundreds of strategic websites, we cannot be overlooked online! We are there to give you the best exposure when selling your property, and the best user experience when searching for a home!

So what about money? We offer diversity there as well. If you are looking for a luxury estate or you are a single college student needing an affordable, modest dwelling, our experience in all property types will find you the best property and the best way to finance it. Through our mortgage partner, Cendera Funding, we offer an in-house solution that puts the diverse experience of seasoned mortgage professionals at your disposal. They will be available to assist you in your financing needs from start to finish.

In addition to Cendera Funding, we have a full suite of core service companies designed to provide a diverse range of homeowner services to our clients: property management, home and auto insurance, moving services, utility hookups, global relocation services, commercial real estate services, PLUS an additional 150 local vendors ready to go to work for you – from carpet cleaning to roof repair!

In our real estate market today, it is good to know that you are in the hands of someone who cares about YOU. We care about you. Our diversity is your advantage – whether you are leasing a home, or buying the home of your dreams. We are ready to make your transaction the best ever through our in-house programs and cultural diversity that brings understanding and savvy to you regardless of what language you speak or where you are from. At CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, we consider you family!

2011-05-20T23:58:00.002-05:00

Our lives are a series of changes, many that we initiate and many that are out of our control. We reinvent ourselves, our children grow up and leave home, we get divorced or struggle through personal loss of a loved one. Whatever it may be, we find ourselves with choices. One of those choices is where to live and HOW to live.

Possibilities for Empty Nesters

For many people, being an "EMPTY NESTER" offers seemingly unlimited possibilities. Some of the most popular choices include:

Move to the mountains, lake or ocean to enjoy resort-style living: This is a great option for the over 65 crowd, or for those who are ready and willing to pull up your roots and relocate to a more desireable area to live and play!
Pay off your mortgage and stay put: You may be perfectly happy as an empty nester and ready to settle into the peace and quiet of your home. Consider planting that garden you have always wanted or build a workshop for your hobby. Who knows there may be a new business in the making!
Downsizing: Selling a large house and opting to move into a smaller house, apartment, condo or retirement housing is often a good decision, especially if the mortgage on your existing house is paid off.
Going into business: If you have a large house (or the money to invest in one) and a flair for hospitality, you may wish to consider running a bed-and-breakfast out of your home. This can be a great source of income, particularly if you live in a touristy or urban area, or near a college - these areas have lots of travelers arriving at various times during the year.
Hosting an exchange student: Providing a temporary home for a foreign-exchange student can be a rewarding experience. Empty nesters who miss having children and teenagers around often enjoy having a young person in the house again, and they get the opportunity to learn about other cultures from the students they host.

The Emotional Factor

Transitioning from an active household to an empty nester can be an emotionally troubling time. Some people lose their sense of purpose when their children leave home or when they find themselves alone from divorce or death. Others are reluctant to sell the house in which they watched their children grow up and where so many memories have been made. But staying in a house that's too big for your needs can create an unnecessary tax burden. It's always better, from a strict financial standpoint, to downsize or use your larger home to generate income. But take the time to make sure it's the best decision for you emotionally.

Real Estate Diversity offers Options

Whether you are living in Dallas Fort Worth, Austin, Portland, San Diego or Boston, the diversity in real estate offers generous opportunities for the empty nester. Finding the type of home that fits your needs is key. Here's our list of options that match the statement for your lifestyle choice. What would you choose?

Luxury, downtown or historic lofts - I like open space and want to be around people and the buzz of activity. I am an artist and want lots of open space and light.

Luxury high-rise - I want something with a fabulous view of the city and concierge services.

Townhomes and condominiums - I like living around a lot of people but I'm done with yard work!

Mixed-use Development living - I want to be close to shopping and food, no more commuting for me!

Suburban homes - The kids and grandkids are around the corner and I want to stay active in the grandkids school activities.

Luxury homes - I have worked hard to get to my position and with the money I have saved and earned from my investments, I intend to live in style!

Farm and Ranch - I hate traffic and the city, I want land and space to breathe and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Mobile and modular homes - I am on a limited income now and just need to get into something that will be easy on my pocketbook.

Lake homes - I'm ready to retire and fish and play!

Duplexes - It would be nice to have rental income to help on my house payment.

Garden/zero lot homes - I want a real house but since the kids are gone, I don't need a big yard, besides, I hate to do yard work!

Vacation homes - I need a small place I can escape to but don't want to give up my home and all it's memories.

Gated communities - I want a place to feel safe and secure.

Remember, when you decide to make a move, don't do it alone. Contact a real estate professional that will be there for you every step of the way!

CENTURY21JudgeFite.com
800-451-8055

Planning a move?

2011-04-27T09:37:00.004-05:00

Here are some useful tips to reduce the stress of a move!

Spring and Summer in North Texas is the time when many families and individuals plan to move. The house has sold, or you’ve just purchased your first, the weather is warmer, graduation is on the horizon, and the kids are getting close to the end of this school term, it is the best time to start packing!

If you are planning to take that step and move into a new dwelling, or perhaps to a new city or community, here are some moving tips that will help you get through it as easy as possible. Keep in mind that getting organized FIRST and staying organized is the secret to a reduced-stress-move!

You may want to consider having a professional organizer handle your relocation. There are local organizers who will provide on-site energy, motivation, and fun – giving expert guidance for those tuff decisions you will have to make on what to keep and what to throw out!

If you have ever moved before, you will probably agree that it is best to let a professional moving company help you with your move including doing the packing. If you are moving long-distance, their packers are trained to do the job efficiently, guarding against breakage and loss. Plus, your household items will be insured by the company. It is a general rule that items labeled "packed by owner" (meaning anyone other than the mover) are not insured during the move.

As always, when considering a company to hire to assist with jobs such as moving or organizing, do your research. Comparing costs is one thing, but most importantly would be to make sure the company is a professional and responsible one. A business that provides moving services should only have bonded employees working for them, and an insurance policy that will cover damages to any items they transport. Checking customer and business reviews is a good way to better know who the company really is. It is not hard to check out service companies today on the Internet or Facebook – ask for recommendations from your friends on who they have successfully used.

When it comes to unpacking, it's time to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. Keep in mind that when you pay movers to unpack, they don't put anything away. So everything you own ends up on all surfaces, including the floor. Be sure to label the boxes with the content and location they belong to so the movers can place them in the appropriate place, then you go to work room by room, unpacking and placing the contents.

With so many things to consider in the process of a move, here are some helpful ideas:

1 - Create a moving notebook or folder or use our MOVING CHECKLIST. Keep all of the paperwork related to your move in one place. Make notes, keep your checklist current, and keep receipts and documents.

2 – Log on to www.UtilityHelper.com to shop and set up your utilities and complete your change of address notification. UtilityHelper.com is an online utility connect company that allows you to search for and connect to the services you need in your new area including: electricity, water, gas, cable/satellite TV, Internet/phone. It also has Home Services to help organize your move: change of address notification, appliance rental, insurance, newspaper services and more.

3 - Create a moving calendar to schedule and track all aspects and tasks required for a successful move, such as changing utilities, change of address notification, make hotel reservations, defrost the refrigerator, order storage container, pet lodging, etc.

4 - Do your research about resources such as housekeepers who clean empty homes, carpet cleaners, reputable van lines and technology specialists. Visit www.JudgeFiteConnections.com to shop the home service vendors available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

5 - It's time for the “great-give-away”. Why move things you no longer need or use? Find another home for them: favorite charities, recycling centers, family members, and garage or estate sales. People want what you don't need.

6 - Don't forget that all-important survival box packed with your bed linens, coffee pot and other must-have items. This box should be last-on and first-off the moving van.

7 - Cash for tipping the packers, loaders, and driver for superior service. You want them to take good care of your belongings.

Congratulations! You and your stuff made it to your new digs. Now, save your back by using furniture moving pads to slide heavy furniture around - it's a cinch and doesn't scratch the flooring.

Resources:
Click here for Moving Checklist
Professional Organizer: www.AplaceforEverythingLLC.com
Local Home Service Companies: www.JudgeFiteConnections.com
Utility Services: www.Utilityhelper.com
Real Estate Services: www.C21jfc.com

Some of the Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

2011-04-05T11:52:00.002-05:00

Here are 13 lucky breaks that could be yours.

Every year, the IRS reports the most common blunders that taxpayers make on their returns. Every year, at or near the top of the “oops” list is forgetting to enter their Social Security number correctly on the tax form, or forgetting it entirely!

No doubt about it: The opportunity to make mistakes is almost unlimited, and missed deductions can be the most costly. Tax time is a dangerous time and it can be easy to miss a trick and pay too much. In the IRS and professional tax auditing circles, it is a known fact that millions of taxpayers overpay their taxes every year by overlooking just one of the money-savers listed below:

1. State sales taxes. Although all taxpayers have a shot at this write-off, which has recently been extended through 2011, it makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state and local income taxes or state and local sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income tax is a bigger burden than the sales tax, so the income-tax deduction is a better deal.

The IRS has tables that show how much residents of various states can deduct. But the tables aren’t the last word. If you purchased a vehicle, boat or airplane, you get to add the state sales tax you paid to the amount shown in the IRS tables for your state, to the extent that the sales-tax rate you paid doesn’t exceed the state’s general sales-tax rate.

The same goes for any home building materials you purchased. These add-on items are easy to overlook, but they could make the sales-tax deduction a better deal even if you live in a state with an income tax. The IRS even has a calculator on its Web site to help you figure the deduction, which varies depending on the state where you live and your income level.

2. Reinvested dividends. This isn't really a tax deduction, but it is an important subtraction that can save you a bundle. And this is the break that a lot of taxpayers miss.

If, like most investors, your mutual fund dividends are automatically used to buy extra shares, remember that each reinvestment increases your tax basis in the fund. That, in turn, reduces the taxable capital gain (or increases the tax-saving loss) when you redeem shares. Forgetting to include the reinvested dividends in your basis results in double taxation of the dividends -- once when you receive them and later when they’re included in the proceeds of the sale. Don’t make that costly mistake. If you’re not sure what your basis is, ask the fund for help.

3. Out-of-pocket charitable contributions. It’s hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year, by check or payroll deduction (check your December pay stub). But the little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs incurred while doing good works. For example, ingredients for casseroles you prepare for a nonprofit organization’s soup kitchen and stamps you buy for your school’s fund raising mailing count as a charitable
contribution. Keep your receipts and if your contribution totals more than $250, you’ll need an acknowledgment from the charity documenting the services you provided. If you drove your car for charity in 2010, remember to deduct 14 cents per mile.

4. Student-loan interest paid by Mom and Dad. Generally, you can only deduct mortgage or student-loan interest if you are legally required to repay the debt. But if parents pay back a child’s student loans, the IRS treats the money as if it was given to the child, who then paid the debt. So, a child who’s not claimed as a dependent can qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of student-loan interest paid by Mom and Dad. And he or she doesn’t have to itemize to use this money-saver. Mom and Dad also don’t get the interest deduction since they were not liable on the debt.

5. Job-hunting costs. If you’re among the millions of unemployed Americans who were looking for a job in 2010, keep track of your job-search expenses. If you’re looking for a position in the same line of work, you can deduct job-hunting costs as miscellaneous expenses if you itemize, but only to the extent that the total of your total miscellaneous itemized deductions exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income. Job-hunting expenses incurred while looking for your first job don’t qualify. Deductible job-search costs include, but aren’t limited to --
• Food, lodging and transportation if your search takes you away from home overnight
• Cab fares
• Employment agency fees
• Costs of printing resumes, business cards, postage, and advertising

6. Moving expenses to take your first job. As we just mentioned, job-hunting expenses incurred while looking for your first job are not deductible. But, moving expenses to get to that position are. And you get this write-off even if you don't itemize.

To qualify for the deduction, your first job must be at least 50 miles away from your old home. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of getting yourself and your household goods to the new area, including 16 ½ cents per mile for driving your own vehicle for a 2010 move, plus parking fees and tolls.

7. Health insurance deduction to reduce self-employment tax. Business owners have always been allowed to deduct health insurance premiums for themselves and their family in computing adjusted gross income on the front page of Form 1040. For 2010, they can also deduct the cost of those health insurance premiums in calculating self-employment tax on Schedule SE.

The IRS has hidden this write-off on line 3 of Schedule SE. On that line, you are told to add your self-employment income from lines 1 and 2, subtract the amount claimed on line 29 of Form 1040 (your health insurance premiums) and enter the net amount on line 3. Since the write-off is not on a separate line and is not clearly identified, it will be far too easy for many self-employed persons to miss unless you are fully aware of this tax break and are looking for it.

8. Child-care credit. A credit is so much better than a deduction; it reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar. So missing one is even more painful than missing a deduction that simply reduces the amount of income that’s subject to tax.

If you pay your child-care bills through a reimbursement account at work, it's easy to overlook the child-care credit. Although only $5,000 in expenses can be paid through a tax-favored reimbursement account, up to $6,000 (for the care of two or more children) can qualify for the credit. So, if you run the maximum through a plan at work but spend even more for work-related child care, you can claim the credit on as much as $1,000 of additional expenses. That would cut your tax bill by at least $200.

9. State tax paid last spring. Did you owe tax when you filed your 2009 state income tax return in the spring of 2010? Then, for goodness’ sake, remember to include that amount in your state-tax deduction on your 2010 return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid via quarterly estimated payments.

10. Refinancing points. When you buy a house, you get to deduct in one fell swoop the points paid to get your mortgage. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means you can deduct but don’t throw it away.

Even more important, in the year you pay off the loan -- because you sell the house or refinance again -- you get to deduct in one fell swoop all of the as-yet-undeducted points. There’s one exception to this sweet rule: If you refinance a refinanced loan with the same lender, you add the points paid on the latest deal to the leftovers from the previous refinancing -- and deduct that amount gradually over the life of the new loan.

11. American Opportunity Credit. This tax credit, which has been extended through 2012, is available for up to $2,500 of college tuition and related expenses paid during the year. The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return). The credit is phased out for taxpayers
with incomes above those levels. This credit is juicier than the old Hope credit – it has higher income limits and bigger tax breaks, and it covers all four years of college. And if the credit exceeds your tax liability (regular and AMT), it is partially refundable.

12. Making Work Pay credit. You’ve probably been enjoying the fruits of this credit via reduced payroll tax withholding throughout the year. But to lock in your savings–by reducing your tax bill by $400 if you’re single or $800 if you’re married and file a joint return–you’ll need to actually claim the credit on your 2010 tax return—and you’ll use Schedule M to do so. The credit is equal to 6.2% of your earned income, capped at $400 or $800. For single filers, it starts phasing out at $75,000 of adjusted gross income and dries up at $95,000. The phase-out zone for couples is $150,000 to $190,000.

13. Credit for energy-saving home improvements. You can claim a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of energy-saving home improvements up to a maximum of $1,500. This cap applies to both 2009 and 2010 combined, so if you claimed the maximum $1,500 in 2009, you don’t get another crack at it for 2010. The credit applies to biomass fuel stoves, qualifying skylights, windows and outside doors, and high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters and central air conditioners. For 2011, this credit goes back to pre-2009 limits (for example, $500 maximum credit for all years with no more than $200 for windows).

There’s also no dollar limit on the separate credit for homeowners who install qualified residential alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. Your credit can be 30% of the total cost (including labor) of such systems installed through 2016.

Be informed and ready this year when you file your taxes and do check with a tax professional on your status before you get started. For more information on current tax credits and allowable deductions visit www.irs.gov.

When you are in the market for a new home, contact www.Century21judgefite.com - 800-451-8055 to get assistance from one of our qualified Real Estate Professionals. CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is Smarter. BOLDER. Faster.

What is a QR Code?

2011-03-28T12:22:00.004-05:00

Wonder what all the fuss is about this strange little code? Here is a basic explanation of the QR Code and how to use it in your business.

Would you like information on how to have a prosperous career in real estate? Email your questions or to set up an interview to recruiting@judgefite.com. Or call 800-451-8055.

How will you spend your tax refund?

2011-03-16T12:20:00.003-05:00

The average tax refund has risen to almost $3,000 - what will you do with yours?

Join us in the discussion on Facebook!

The IRS reports that the average tax refund has risen to around $3000, pumping $328 Billion dollars into American pockets--that’s no small chunk of change. Not surprisingly, consumers are already planning how to spend that extra money!

Just for fun, we have come up with our top 10 list of ways to spend your tax refund - we believe these suggestions are financially responsible AND will put a little KICK back into your lives this year!

1. Use as a downpayment on a new home
2. Pay off your credit cards and restore your credit
3. Plan a Spring/Summer vacation
4. Open or boost a retirement savings account
5. Use the cash to start an emergency fund
6. Start a college savings plan for your kids
7. Improve your home's energy efficiency
8. Find a charity and give to others
9. Spruce up your outdoor living areas
10. Hardwire your living/media room

If you are expecting a sizable return this year, how do you plan to spend it? We would love to hear from you! Please join us in the discussion on Facebook.

Read the entire Real Estate 411 this month on TAXES!!! How to save money on your deductions and how to spend your refund! CLICK HERE

Why Choose CENTURY 21 Judge Fite for your Real Estate Career?

2011-02-23T14:50:00.002-06:00

Click Here to see what are agents and staff are saying

State of the art web marketing to get your home maximum visibility

We are a full-service brokerage, equipped with the tools you need to succeed

Professionally trained agents and staff

Reliable and timely support

Over 70 years experience in real estate

Part of Century 21® Real Estate, LLC, the most recognized real estate brand in the world

A dynamic network of over 600 agents and 20 offices throughout Dallas/Fort Worth

A web network of the most popular websites to get your home seen by millions

#1 Century 21 company in Texas

One of the “Best” companies to work for in Texas (Texas Monthly Magazine)

One of the top 25 real estate companies in the west for new home sales (BuilderNEWS Magazine)

Family owned and managed for over 70 years

Company paid enhanced listings on Realtor.com

In-house Marketing Department

Non-competing management

Customized compensation plans

Global relocation services

Contact us for more information on a real estate career with CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

MAKE THE MOVE TODAY!

If you're looking to be part of a locally-owned real family-oriented team who wants to grow your business, be independent, and have a quality of life that achieves both business and personal success, call us, we've got what it takes to launch your real estate career into a successful future!

I have multiple properties that need to be insured, what's the best type of coverage to get?

2011-02-07T16:06:00.002-06:00

Real Estate 411 - Protecting Your Property through Diversity in Insurance Coverage

Protection for your real estate comes in as many packages as your properties. Townhomes, farms and ranches, condos, single residential homes, duplexes - you name it, the diversity of properties in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex and North Texas farms and ranches require diversity in insurance coverage as well!

Diversity is one of the things that make us thrive as a society. However, being a diverse society means that our “needs and wants” also vary greatly from person to person, and this shapes the lifestyles that we pursue. In pursuing these lifestyles, people’s exposure to risk also differs from person to person.

The person who lives downtown in a high-rise condo needs different coverage than a person who lives on a farm. The person who lives next to a golf course needs different coverage than someone who lives on lake-front property. New homes need different coverage than older homes. And when you get in to the world of commercial insurance, exposures get ever more diverse! Think about all of the exposures of a construction company versus the exposures of a hair salon.

Because of all of these differing exposures that the public faces, many insurance companies have decided to specialize in certain niches, and have subsequently designed policies specifically created with a certain group in mind. For instance, some carriers specialize in farm and ranch insurance. Their underwriters know all about insuring livestock, crops, farm equipment, structures on the property, and other exposures that may be specific to a person living or working on a farm. Their policy is specific as to the needs of the insured and provides better coverage than a standard policy.

When selecting coverage for your real property, be very careful about the limits you insure it for. It may appear to make good economic sense, but in reality your purchase price does not reflect the replacement cost for damages or total replacement of your home, business, and/or personal property. Always make sure to have the correct limits in place to cover you in the event of a total loss.

There are two types of insurance agencies in the marketplace today.

Direct writers are agents that work directly for the insurance carrier, and they only quote and issue for that one carrier. Independent agents are those that do not work directly with one particular carrier, but instead choose to represent multiple carriers. This gives them the flexibility to be able to shop the market for the right product that meets a client’s needs. If multiple carriers are a good fit for a certain risk, then the agent can shop for the best priced policy. Also, if one carrier says they do not want a certain risk, independent agents can shop for another carrier. When it comes time for renewal, if the renewal rate increases too much, an independent agent can move the policy to another carrier that may have better rates that year.

Independent agents can offer a wider variety of products and therefore can entertain a wider diversity of clientele than a direct writer. At Judge Fite Insurance Agency, we know that our clientele is a diverse group. We are confident that we have better solutions for you that will meet your needs at the best possible price in the marketplace. Judge Fite Insurance Agency works with over 40 insurance carriers to offer a variety of products to fit everyone’s lifestyle. Now that's diversity in coverage!

To get a quote on your home, auto, or business, or if you would like to have your existing coverage reviewed, please contact Judge Fite Insurance at 214-446-2572 and ask for Linda!

What is Homestead Exemption?

2011-01-10T11:39:00.003-06:00

Real Estate 411 - What is "Homestead Exemption"?

As you are clearing the clutter and getting your finances and tax information in order. One very important "to do" NOT to forget is the Texas Homestead Exemption. If you have not previously filed your homestead exemption, now is the time!

Although you have probably heard the term "homestead exemption" you may be a bit confused about what it is and how to take advantage of it. Here is some information that is sure to help:

Important note: Do not confuse the Texas Homestead Law with the Homestead Tax Law. The Homestead Law is created by the Texas Constitution, and no filing is required for it. It cannot be waived by contract or even a change in the state law. Every property owner and leasee has homestead protection (with certain restrictions, of course). For information on the Texas Homestead Law visit www.bit.ly/txhomestead.

The Texas Homestead Tax Law - or "homestead exemption", allows a homeowner to apply for homestead tax exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, your home is appraised at $100,000, and you qualify for a $15,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $85,000.

To qualify for the homestead TAX exemption, the homeowner must own and live in the property as a principle residence on January 1st of the tax year. And, the homeowner must submit a homestead exemption application to the appropriate appraisal district between January 1 and April 30. The law now says that if this was overlooked, the homeowner can file in any year of ownership, and the exemption will revert back one year.

You may be wondering "do all homes qualify for homestead exemptions?" No, only a homeowner's principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: A separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land. The home's owner must be an individual (for example: not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. (If you are age 65 or older, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 homestead exemption.)

There are several types of exemptions you may receive (for the details be sure to check out the offical site here):

* School taxes (this is the "general homestead exemption"): All residence homestead owners may receive a $15,000 homestead exemption from their home's value for school taxes.
* County taxes
* Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions
* Optional percentage exemptions
* Optional 65 or older or disabled exemptions

Filing your Homestead Exemption

You can file an Application for Residential Homestead Exemption with your appraisal district for the $15,000 homestead exemption up to one year after the taxes on the homestead are due. Click here for the form. Once you receive the exemption, you do not need to reapply unless the chief appraiser sends you a new application.

Filing Deadline

You can file any homestead exemption up to one year after the delinquency date. The delinquency date is normally February 1st. If you are 65 or older or disabled, you qualify for the exemption on the date you become 65 or become disabled. To receive the exemption for that year, 65 or older or disabled homeowners must apply for the exemption no later than one year from the date you qualify or one year after the delinquency date, whichever is later. If you miss the deadline you may apply for the following year.

If you need help or clarification on how to file, or if you quailify for a homestead exemption, consult with your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite REALTOR.

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Reduce the stress - choose a REALTOR!

2010-12-15T15:39:00.003-06:00

Real Estate 411 - Reduce the stress, choose a REALTOR!

From analyzing all the information to staging your home for sale to negotiating the best terms for your contract, a REALTOR has the training and the expertise to remove the stress from your real estate transaction to make your buying or selling experience a positive one.

Why choose a REALTOR? With all the information and connectivity at our fingertips, we are all more inclined to do things for ourselves these days. But think about this: when you have a health need and need an operation, you seek a professional – a doctor. When you have a legal issue, you seek an attorney. When you have a real estate need, the most effective way to handle all the details and bring you to a successful closing is to choose a professional - a REALTOR.

Transaction details, negotiations, contract errors, stress and worry, short sales, foreclosure, relocating, market knowledge, staging your home, legal issues, online marketing, networking – these are just a few of the things that a REALTOR will take off your shoulders – but don’t take our word for it, see what our clients say about the REALTORS who recently helped them with their real estate transaction:

“I cannot tell you how impressed we were with Becky Hopkins. She was great! We had a very difficult loan process and then a very difficult seller and we both agree that we're not sure this house would have ever closed without all of her hard work, attention to detail and persistence!”
A.B. of Dallas, Texas

“Our experience with the company and especially our Agent, Serena Mar was wonderful! We couldn't have asked for a better person to navigate us through the sometimes stressful process of selling and buying a house. Serena was so knowledgeable and reassuring every step of the way. She was so delightful as a person, showing good understanding of our needs as well as protecting those needs with true professionalism.”
G.C. of Coppell, Texas

“We had a situation (Foreclosure) that had to be handled as a SHORT SELL, but our agent Karen Smith always treated us with kindness and respect throughout this difficult time for our family and made the transition smooth, considering the situation. We would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who needs a real estate agent.”
G. D. of Duncanville, Texas

“David Beer and his assistant, Amber, were amazing! I could always reach someone when I had a question or concern--even on holidays and weekends. This was our first time buying property, and it was really wonderful to work with such an outstanding office.”
J.M. of Richardson, Texas

“Liz Witte is a kind, caring person who takes her profession as much more than just a job. She went way above and beyond the call of duty many times in the almost six months that it took us to find a house in Denton. That included putting in an offer on three houses and having that offer accepted on two of those houses. I don't see how Liz could have done any better a job for us. I consider her a friend and I miss the daily interactions with her now that we have bought a house.”
M.M. of Denton, Texas

“Jamie is a one in a million agent. If only all agents were like her. Her passion, knowledge and experience is second to none. On top of that, she is a wonderful, warm, genuine, and caring person who is Weatherford's best promoter and their best asset!”
S.C. of Weatherford, Texas

“Our agent Victor Malone was super fantastic. He took the time to explain key concepts and market lingo terms that I was unfamiliar with. Victor made purchasing my home effortless and very stress free. His wealth of knowledge about the different types of loans and insurances was extremely helpful and needed.”
E.W. of Heartland, Texas

“I found Judge Fite Company via the internet and called the general number. By fate, Roger answered the phone. I had a difficult short sale to make. Based on my experience with Real Estate Agents in the past, I asked Roger a few questions and I liked the answers. Hired him on the phone, drove from Austin to Dallas to meet, see house, sign papers... on Father's Day Sunday, 2010! He had 2 contracts in 2-3 weeks. He suffered through the difficult closing while we dealt with the old mortgage company and the new lender... He was great. Highly recommend.”

L.C. of Dallas, Texas

Let us help you with all the many facets of your next real estate transaction - we want to be your REALTOR for life!

101 Reasons to Choose a REALTOR - read it here.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite REALTOR today to help you with your next real estate transaction.

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

5 BIG Trends in New Home Building

2010-11-11T11:21:00.003-06:00

Technology, the new green initiative, convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency are shaping the new home market.

What’s new in the new home market? Here are 5 Significant Trends:

1. Lighting – Traditional incandescents may be a thing of the past.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 directed the Department of Energy to set performance standards for general-service incandescent light bulbs to perform 25 to 35% more efficiently than current incandescent bulbs by 2012-14. Although the Act does not dictate what technologies can be used to meet its requirements, lighting professionals predict that only halogen, CFL, LEDs or some other new technology will be able to meet the standards.

To ready us for the changes ahead, ENERGY STAR’s Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) requirements encourage the use of the new lighting technologies. In order to sport the ALP designation, 60% of the fixtures used throughout the house and all ceiling fans must be ENERGY Star qualified.

New types of light bulbs are 75% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

2. Life Simplifying Solutions

In this day and age, we crave anything that simplifies our life (provided we can quickly learn how to operate it). Our job is to know that whatever our buyer’s desire to automate or remote control, there is quite likely some technology out there that will allow them to accomplish their goal. Having a reliable and customer-friendly home electronics professional on your team of subcontractors is important in today’s rapidly changing world.

Z-Wave equipped door locks can now be remotely and wirelessly controlled.

3. “Home Synthetic Home”

Manmade products that emulate wood, stone, slate, clay tile, natural stucco and other materials are primarily to thank for making it possible to have a Cape Cod in California, a Tuscan in Texas or a Pueblo in Pennsylvania. During the past decade, “Home Sweet Home” has quickly turned into “Home Synthetic Home”.

DaVinci Roofscapes products are fire-retardant and able to weather tough conditions from all climates throughout the year. They are made of 100% virgin resin and are 100% recyclable.

4. The Modern Movement

One way to gage what’s hot in home design is to look at the products being introduced by the lighting and hardware industries. A few years ago, when rustic designs were all the rage, everything was all about oil-rubbed bronze. Today, sleek, modern, minimalistic designs in chrome finishes complement the move toward contemporary design. Photo courtesy of Lee Lighting.

5. Cutting-edge Energy Efficiency

We’ve come far in recent years when it comes to advancements in energy efficiency, and we’ll go even further in 2010 and beyond. In particular, technology is under development to deliver solar power at prices competitive with coal-fired electricity.

The 2010 New American Home, built in Las Vegas for the International Builder’s Show, features a proprietary gas-powered heating and cooling system with a SEER rating of 18 combined with other energy-efficient features such as low-E windows, advanced insulation, vertical and horizontal solar overhangs and window louvers.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Agent to help you with your real estate needs.

CENTURY21JudgeFite.com - 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

6 real estate marketing trends that work!

2010-11-04T09:12:00.002-05:00

6 Real Estate Marketing Trends that WORK!

In an overly saturated "marketing" business climate, how do you cut through the clutter and get your property in front of the buyer?

There are many choices available to market real estate today, so many in fact it can be confusing. We have put together a list of six marketing trends that we have seen be successful in getting more exposure to your property. Although there are tried and true methods that have worked for years, today's marketing climate demands that we stay up with where and how people get their information. The six trends we will look at are:

Mobile technology
Web marketing
Email marketing
Social media marketing
Flyers in front of house
Just listed postcards

Number one on our list is MOBILE TECHNOLOGY. Since over 75% of America is receiving information on some type of mobile device, this is our first pick in getting information out to the consumer about your property. For buyer's, it makes it easy to find a home that fits your needs in the location your desire.

From Century 21 to Realtor.com to many hundreds of other mobile applications, there are apps tailored to the consumers needs, phone technology, and technology level. A consumer can choose the app that fits their mobile phone brand and technology platform, and that has all the bells and whistles they want to help them in their home search.

For example, the Century 21 mobile app for the iPhone is a user friendly and simple application. Just open the app and the GPS will find your location and bring up a list of homes in that area. Or, you can be more specific and choose a city or zip, set your pricing and other criteria, and up pops the properties that fit your search - either in list form or on a map.

Other real estate mobile apps to check out are Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and Zillow.com. Many companies are now adding applications that you can use on other Smart Phones other than just the iPhone.

Why is mobile technology important and how does it work?

Mobile technology simply "feeds" information from the Web to your Smartphone in various programs or applications (apps). For the consumer on the go armed with a smart phone that has a real estate app, it's as easy as pulling up in front of the home you like and with a few clicks on the phone look at photos of the interior and view the price and other important details. If you want to set an appointment to view the home, just click on a button and you can instantly be connected to the agent's phone number, or contact them via email or text.

The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information
The advantage to the seller: Information to the buyer 24/7

Number two on our list is WEB MARKETING. We all know where we go these days for information and help - and looking for a house is no exception. We go online to our favorite websites, or we go to Google or another search engine. Recent estimates say that over 84% of people looking for a home start their search online. So, your property MUST be viewable on the World Wide Web (www) if you want to reach the multitude of homebuyers!

Real Estate search engines like Realtor.com and Trulia.com provide INSTANT information to the consumer, helping them make a more informed decision. In today's web marketing you also have what we call "syndication" which means the real estate search engines send out their information to other thrird party websites, increasing exposure and views of the properties. What used to be a simple weekly ad in a newspaper with a limited readership is now a real estate ad that provides information to potential millions of interested viewers 24/7! School, community, and neighborhood specifics - and much more are also included on a listing that is marketed correctly on the Web. Mix that with a REALTOR that understands the market and can act as a guide and a negotiator along the way, and you have a WIN WIN for all parties!

The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information
The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people

Number three is EMAIL MARKETING. If you are like 98% of the country, you are using email as a means of communication. Email marketing, just like Web marketing, broadens the potential exposure of your property.

A REALTOR with an extensive network of local real estate professionals and sphere of influence (SOI) can reach potentially thousands of interested parties with a simple email "blast" announcing their new listing. It is no secret that email is a preferred method of marketing in today's world. And now with mobile technology bringing our emails to our phones, we can view these anytime, anywhere!

The advantage to the buyer: Information delivered from a trusted source even BEFORE it is available anywhere else
The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people

Number four is SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING. Facebook.com has over 500 millions users and other popular networks like Twitter.com and YouTube.com have hundreds of millions of active participants as well. Through social media, people can "connect" to savvy real estate professionals they trust and like and likewise Realtors can find qualified buyers using their social media networks. The Realtor that employs social media in their real estate marketing can expose your property to potentially thousands of interested prospects. One friend tells another that tells another and before long your property lands in the right buyer's account. It broadens the possiblities, and that's just good marketing!

YouTube.com is the #2 search engine in the world next to Google.com. More and more savvy marketers are turning to YouTube to feature videos of properties that give a personal and up-close, realistic view of the house. When the time comes for you to list your home, be sure you ask your Realtor to shoot a video of the home - and if you're game, put on your camera face and join in the fun of making the video. Who knows, your video might go "viral" and get a million views!

The advantage to the buyer: An on-demand review of a property from the comfort of their home
The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people

Going back to tried and true basics, number five is FLYERS IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. As we can see, marketing that works is marketing that gives INFORMATION on demand, when the consumer wants it. Instead of dialing a number, viewing the info on a smartphone, or emailing the agent for information, when driving around looking for homes (which is a favorite past time for many prospective homebuyers), information available at the property is a no-brainer. A box or tube with flyers that give basic facts about the house like price, number of bedrooms, and a photo of the kitchen, simply works.

The advantage to the buyer: Instant gratification by providing key facts about the property when they are there looking
The advantage to the seller: Providing key facts that qualifiy your property to interested prospects

The last real estate marketing trend on our list is another method that has been used for years and is still successful even in this digital age. Number six is JUST LISTED POSTCARDS that announce to your neighborhood or area that your house is for sale. (Statistics show that most people moved only 12 miles away from their previous home.) When a Realtor expands that distribution to their sphere of influence (SOI), the message reaches even more real state professionals and interested parties who might be looking for what your home offers.

The advantage to the buyer: They receive information on a home that is available in their selected neighborhood or area
The advantage to the seller: Exposing your property to potential buyers in your direct area

So that completes our list of SIX REAL ESTATE MARKETING TRENDS that are proven to provide better exposure of your property when the homebuyer wants it.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor today to find out how they plan to market your property to get the best price in the shortest amount of time!

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

ATTENTION AGENTS: FREE MCE Classes to cover new changes in HUD

2010-11-01T11:53:00.004-05:00

HUD has changed procedures! Get 2 hours of MCE FREE!
Space is limited, email today to reserve your seat!

Date	Time	Location	# Seats	Reservation Link/email
Tuesday 11/02	1:30-3:30	Richardson - MetroTex Assn of REALTORS - 1701 N. Collins Blvd. #1400, Richardson 75080	30	SOLD OUT
Tuesday 11/09	1:30-3:30	Garland - Lake Cities Assn of REALTORS 911 Main St. Garland 75040	40	HUDlc1109
Tuesday 11/16	1:30-3:30	Duncanville - MetroTex Assn of REALTORS 407 N. Cedar Ridge #110, Duncanviile 75116	30	HUDdv1116
Tuesday 11/30	1:30-3:30	Dallas MetroTex Association of REALTORS 8201 N. Stemmons, Dallas 75247	120	HUDdal1012
Tuesday 12/07	1:30-3:30	Arlington Board of REALTORS 3916 West I-20, Ste 160, Arlington 76017	100	HUDarl1026

	Sponsored by:

Pemco, Ltd.	CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company	Lake Cities Association of REALTORS
Matt Martin Real Estate Management	Arlington Board of REALTORS	MetroTex Association of REALTORS

5 Tips for Successful Real Estate Investing

2010-10-06T09:29:00.002-05:00

In today’s real estate market good deals are abundant for those ready to invest.

In fact, today a buyer can buy real estate and have a better cash flow than in years past. Two years ago an investor would be happy with buying an investment property that could cash flow $200.00 a month over the mortgage payment. That was figured on a 20-year mortgage including taxes and insurance. Today you can buy rentals that will cash flow up to $400.00-$500.00 or more per month.

TODAY’S OPORTUNITY IS BETTER THAN EVER.

Plan your future with rental houses in it. Buying investment property today comes with low interest rates and lower taxes due to the lower sales prices - resulting in lower payments than just two years ago. Rent prices are stable and we continue to see a growth in the rental market due to our economic times.

Once you buy an investment property, follow the model of successful investors and hire a professional management company to handle the day to day minutia. Spend your time locating those real buys and let a property management company do the management.

Be sure to look at homes that need work. Mortgage companies are not generally interested in spending more funds repairing them, resulting in you getting a lower price. All sounds real simple, right? It doesn’t have to be complicated, following a few simple steps will help you get started. The following tips will keep you on track as you grow into a real estate mogul with successful investing!

5 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE INVESTING

1. Make a plan – Determine how many houses you want to purchase per quarter, per year, and know how much cash-flow you want each property to produce for you over and above mortgage, insurance and expenses. Other items to plan for are:

a. What areas do you want to target? Look for properties that meet your criteria in the areas that you choose.
b. Look for a win/win in every purchase; it needs to work for you, the bank and the owner.
c. Don’t get emotional, learn to negotiate – this is a business purchase.
d. Remember that ugly ducklings can be made beautiful. Look for properties you can fix up to increase the value of the neighborhood – which in turn increases your investment.

2. Know your objectives - Write out your objectives for investing. Do you want to

a. build future wealth on investments that will cash-flow itself while building a retirement income on a 20-year note,
b. build short-term wealth that provides a monthly income from the cash-flow on a 30-year note,
c. or, get immediate cash by buying low and flipping (fixing up and selling for a profit)?

3. Set your Parameters – Determine the parameters in advance, i.e. what type of house will you buy? What type of lease will you take? What can you afford to buy?

a. Go for the lower maintenance, more popular styled home for your area: i.e. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage, central heat and air, with brick exterior. Remember, the better quality home the better quality tenant/lease you will be able to secure. Stay away from homes that require continuous maintenance and upkeep (i.e. homes with wood siding).
b. Go with a minimum 2-year lease. A tenant who signs a 2-year lease will most likely sign for another 2 years, and another 2 years – you are already 6 years, into paying off your investment!
c. Know how much money you can invest in a property without breaking YOUR bank! Look for REO’s and houses that have been on the market for a very long time (180 days +).

4. Get your $$$$$ in order – Of course you will have to get your credit in order and have a good relationship with your lender. Here are a few “secrets” from the experts to continue your success:

a. Have a 6 month “emergency” fund put back to protect you and your investments.
b. Save money to take care of your future. No one else can do this for you.
c. Pay attention to your business, your assets, what you are spending and what you are saving.
d. Learn to GIVE. It will come back to you.

5. Use a property management company – One of the biggest mistakes and “time guzzlers” is in trying to manage your investment properties yourself. Experts advise you NOT to manage your properties yourself...”don’t worry about the $45 and $50 items that need to be fixed at your property, instead focus on the $40,000 equities that are out there!” A property management company will take care of these things for you, freeing your time and resources to develop your investment portfolio:

a. advertising your vacant property
b. thoroughly screening a prospective tenant
c. performing move-in, move-out and periodic inspections
d. expediting emergency repairs
e. handling regular maintenance and upkeep of your property
f. overseeing any legal or collection issues

Real estate investing is a proven way to build wealth, and anyone can start! Use these simple tips to get started then contact a trusted real estate professional to help you with your first purchase.

Happy investing!

To find a real estate professional, contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, a locally owned DFW real estate brokerage with over 70 years of real estate, mortgage and insurance experience. Call 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Find out how to make your property management worries disappear. Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management today! Call 972-780-5380 or email propertymanagement@judgefite.com.

When is the best time to buy and sell real estate?

2010-09-22T10:42:00.001-05:00

It's always a good market for real estate, the timing is up to YOU!

If you are a homeowner who is ready to sell your home - or a homebuyer who is ready to purchase your dream home, the good news is that anytime is a good time to buy or sell real estate – YOU are the deciding factor! The best time is when YOU are ready.

Now for the really good news

There are factors in our market right now that make it easy to decide to buy or sell real estate. With interest rates at historical lows, you can get more for your money, and even free up some of your cash flow with lower payments and have money to spend on other necessities.

Here’s an interesting scenario:

A 30-year loan of $250,000 at an interest rate of 4.5% in comparison to 6.5% will save you $113,051.70 over 30 years! And yes, right now 4.5% is readily available on most loan products.

Your monthly payment on a 4.5% loan (P&I) would be $1,266.71; the payment on the 6.5% loan (P&I) would be $1,580.17 - the difference in the monthly payment is $313.46. The monies saved on the mortgage could give you some financial breathing room, or be utilized for other household needs. Mortgage rates are low now, but they won’t stay there forever. NOT buying now, could have a financial impact on your future.

You’re ready, so where do you start?

First, call your real estate agent, or consult with a mortgage professional – they can give you specific information based on your personal situation. Here are 3 key things you will need to start working on and be aware of as you move toward a real estate transaction:

Down payment - 3.5% down payment is required on an FHA loan - Max FHA loan is $271,050
Credit Score - Minimum of 620 (FHA & VA loans) - In general, lenders are requiring borrowers have a minimum 620 Credit Score. There are higher requirements on conventional loans.
Documentation. Borrowers are asked for much more documentation to verify income, assets, and other items necessary to meet investor guidelines. Speak with your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Agent or a recommended Cendera Funding Loan Officer and begin collecting the documentation early (even before you have found a property)...it will simplify and expedite the process!

Buying and selling real estate is about YOU – your desires and your life needs. When you are ready to make the move, that’s the best time - and we will be here to help every step of the way!

Real Estate is Great in Plano

2010-08-13T13:09:00.000-05:00

What matters most to YOU when buying and selling real estate?

2010-08-09T11:42:00.003-05:00

Whether you are listing your home to sell or looking for your dream home, three things matter most - price, convenience, and time.

If you are a seller, you want to get the best price, you want a hassle-free transaction, and you want it to happen fast, right? If you are a buyer, you want to get the best value on a home, you want a hassle-free transaction too, AND you don’t want it to take forever! As I see it, in a market like we have here in Texas in 2010, you can accomplish all these things with KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, and the right TOOLS – here are my definitions as they relate to real estate:

KNOWLEDGE - acquainted with the real estate facts, truths, and/or principles, trained, studied, and investigated, general knowledge to help you along your real estate path, familiarity with the market, the industry, and the transactional process.

EXPERIENCE - a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing the real estate process, the process or fact of personally observing, managing, encountering, or undergoing a real estate sale or listing (been there done that!) and the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from it.

TOOLS - anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose. In the case of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, the tools used to give your listing the best possible exposure and bring you the best price, or to help you conveniently find your dream home, and bring it all to a successful close in the shortest amount of time!

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company has the knowledge, experience and the tools to give you the real estate results you are looking for. But that’s just THREE GREAT reasons, read here for more!

Why go GREEN?

2010-08-05T12:24:00.001-05:00

Real Estate 411 - Top 5 Residential GREEN Remodeling Projects

What are the benefits of green remodeling? Green homes are healthier places to live, are better for the environment and can save money. They have better air quality than non-green homes, cost less to operate and significantly decrease the negative impact of the home on the environment. Green homes are also an immediate and measurable way individuals can make a difference in the environment.

As summer draws to a close and the kids go back to school, you may be thinking about taking on a new fall home project. Whether you are a homeowner, wishful homeowner, or real estate investor, here are our TOP 5 REGreen projects that not only will provide you an opportunity to refresh and restore your living environment, but will also improve your home’s value and get you started going GREEN! Together we can all make a difference in our environment!

REGreen Kitchen Opportunities:

Today’s kitchens are often the most active and multipurpose rooms in the home. This can mean that the kitchen provides the most opportunities for “greening” the home. From lighting and appliances to plumbing fixtures and interior finishes, the kitchen is packed with ways to optimize form and function while minimizing environmental impact.

• Upgrade or replace existing windows and doors
• Install low water-use kitchen faucet
• Install effective kitchen ventilation
• Install energy-efficient electric lighting
• Install energy-efficient refrigerator, dishwasher, and cooking
appliances
• Consider flooring made from natural or rapidly renewable materials
• Select cabinets made from greener materials
• Install environmentally preferable countertops
• Set water temperature no higher than necessary
• Use environmentally preferable cleaning materials and strategies

REGreen BATH Opportunities:

The greatest opportunities for greening a bathroom remodel come from managing water, but in two very different ways: managing incoming use (in pipes) and outgoing flows (both liquid and vapor). Green bathrooms need the highest performing faucets, showerheads, and toilets. But they also need walls designed and constructed to handle both liquid water and high humidity, and exhaust fans that efficiently and quietly move water vapor out of the space. The bathroom is also a good place to invest in durable surfaces, ones that stand the test of time both aesthetically and functionally.

• Properly detail windowsills in wet areas
• Ensure that window and skylight installation includes proper air
sealing and flashing
• Install energy-efficient electric lighting
• Replace toilets with high-efficiency toilets
• Install low water-use showerheads
• Install water-conserving bathroom faucet aerator
• Choose high-efficiency water heater and set water temperature no
higher than necessary
• Consider environmental preferability of piping material
• Limit use of wall coverings in high moisture areas
• Choose hard-surface flooring

REGreen BEDROOM Opportunities:

Most of us spend more time in our bedroom than in any other room in our home, so it makes sense that the materials installed and the resulting air quality in these spaces should be the cleanest and healthiest possible.

The eight or so hours that we spend asleep each day should be restorative for our bodies and our spirits. Healthy air, confidence about freedom from potential hazards, such as electromagnetic fields, and relaxing aesthetics all contribute to the sense of well-being found in bedrooms. The bedroom may be the only place a homeowner can find a quiet, private respite from a hectic lifestyle. And when we are ill, the bedroom needs to be a space that supports healing.

• Provide fresh air as part of ventilation system
• Make sure ducting is clean
• Use low or zero-VOC interior paints and finishes
• Select wood subflooring that is FSC-certified and low/no-
formaldehyde
• Choose environmentally preferable carpet and rug products
• Select carpet cushion that does not contain brominated flame-
retardants
• Select solid furniture made from green and safe sources
• Minimize use of plush and porous materials
• Choose environmentally preferable fabrics
• Choose furniture finished with least-toxic products

REGreen LIVING and WORKING Opportunities:

In most homes, the traditional living space configuration—kitchen, dining room, living room, den—has been reconfigured for lifestyles that are more contemporary and shared rather than separate functions: workspaces in the kitchen or living room, entertainment in the den, dining in the kitchen. When remodeling green, the goal is to rework existing spaces for new or combined functions rather than add new spaces.

• Provide for additional ventilation and air-conditioning needs in
certain activity areas
• Provide adaptable lighting for multiuse spaces
• Select energy-efficient Energy Star–rated office equipment
• Consider flooring made from certified or reclaimed wood
• Choose environmentally preferable carpet and rug products
• Select ergonomic furniture and office equipment
• Select furniture from suppliers that practice fair and safe
manufacturing processes
• Choose furniture finished with least-toxic products
• Support local artisans as well as indigenous people
• Provide for paper recycling

REGreen OUTDOOR Opportunities:

Outdoor living space can range from a wood-framed deck to a stone patio to a trellised outdoor kitchen. A green outdoor living space expands the square footage of the home with the least amount of materials, connects the home and its occupants to the outdoors and to nature, and can involve landscaping that improves site drainage and reduces outdoor water consumption. Outdoor living space improvements can be a great do-it-yourself project. Although we tend to think of this space as private and backyard focused, front space and wraparound front porches that can create a sense of neighborhood are important to consider as well.

• Maintain adequate slope and drainage away from house when
creating outdoor living areas
• Make use of trees and landscaping to reduce cooling loads
• Provide rainwater collection system
• Provide for edible plants in landscape design
• Use environmentally preferable patio materials
• Use naturally rot-resistant, responsibly produced wood for decks
• Use recycled-content plastic or composite decking boards
• Install energy-efficient electric lighting
• Choose efficient hot tub or spa
• Choose environmentally friendly outdoor furniture and accessories

To learn more about REGREEN and download the complete REGreen project guidelines, visit www.regreenprogram.org.

To find a GREEN Designated real estate agent to help you start your GREEN project, contact www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com or call 800-451-8055.

Are you ready to get off the fence?

2010-08-05T11:51:00.002-05:00

Property Management with William Ferguson, President of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management Company.

Buy Low Sell High, is the Strategy of most investors. Why not do the same thing when you buy your homestead?.

Your home is typically your most valuable asset you will ever own. It goes to reason that buyers should use the same mantra to buy their home that investors use to get rich on. Due to the increased number of foreclosures in today’s sales market it is the perfect opportunity to buy low. There is an added benefit to buying today and that is the interest rates are also at an all time low. Interest Rates will not stay low for long with the projected economy.

If you have to sell your home at a discount you may be able to justify this action if the home you are buying has more equity than you have to give up to make the deal. I listed a home for sale in Kessler Park many years ago. I was the twelfth agent the owners interviewed to sell their home. When I asked the sellers to tell me about the home they were on contract to buy they lit up. It did not take long to realize that their new home had $50,000.00 equity and we were at a stale mate on a $10,000.00 reduction of their present home. They wanted to sell their home for $10,000.00 more than the market was paying. I simply asked, why gamble loosing the $50,000.00 equity for $10,000.00 that does not exist? The husband and wife looked at each other and proceeded to sign my listing agreement. They saw clearly that the $50,000.00 equity was more valuable to them than the $10,000.00 that did not exist at that time.

You can use this process to improve your equity in your homestead or buying and selling investment properties. We at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management Company consider it a pleasure to service your Property Management needs.

Reduce your RISK with BEST practice

2010-08-05T10:28:00.002-05:00

This month I have been collecting requests to be sent to you to keep you out of trouble.

CMA's: The first came from one of our Cendera Loan Officers, Brian Tarbet, who strongly suggested a reminder to all of you that your CMA, Comparative/competitive Market Analysis, be updated at least every 60 days. Why should we do this? In service to our Seller, we need to make sure that the property is competitive so that it will continue to be shown. What new closings have occurred? Have the prices taken a drastic turn for the worse or maybe it was an increase-it happens both ways. If we have a current CMA, then we don't have to worry about the appraiser finding comps. WE can again, at the least, supply to him what we have and what we used when we meet him/her for the appraisal. I also suggest strongly that you, the listing agent, physically meet the appraiser, so that you can give him/her your comps and hopefully he/she will agree with your figures.

FILE DOCUMENTATION: It is more important than ever. I had warned you months ago that in a rough economic time, humans start playing the blame game and lawsuits or just gripes against REALTORS become more prevalent. It is happening and that is how I find out that the condition of our files is BAD. There is a minimal checklist at the bottom of every sales control sheet. The completed checklist should be the fewest items in a file that the office will keep for 7 years. Our attorney wants more -- from your post-it-notes to the survey. Would you believe that we have a lawsuit to defend with no signed Seller Disclosure? Do you think we can win that one? How about another with no IABS? That is state law; where is it? PLEASE, put everything related to the property IN the file. Turn in your file promptly so that manager and staff can help keep YOU out of trouble. I don't want a CDA produced until everything applicable on the checklist is in the file.

IABS and SUB-AGENCY: Somehow this has become a question lately. I ask in the MCE Legal & Ethics classes if anyone sees sub-agency anymore and all have said no, but it still evidently needs to be addressed. We, as a company, are hired by Sellers to sell properties. I do not feel that any Buyer should be ignored, even if their agent is doing a poor job, so we have never turned away or refused to pay a "sub-agent." However, I am not condoning our agents ever being sub-agents. When you have the IABS signed at your first face to face meeting and you explain agency, you should offer the potential client their own representation and educate them of the benefits to them. I would then encourage you to treat this customer as a client until you have him/her agree to that representation in writing with signatures on either the listing agreement or the buyer rep agreement. We may occasionally receive an offer from a sub-agent. Our job is to present the offer and make it work. If we do, we will pay that sub-agent. If the other agent is a sub-agent, you should be able to get more detailed information about his/her client because his/her loyalty is actually to our Seller. C21 Judge Fite agents should ALWAYS represent fully their own clients.

INSPECTORS: Some of the inspectors are creating some national unrest in their relationships with REALTORS accusing us of steering. For your own protection, hand a C21JF HOME GUIDE to your Buyers so that they have several, not just 3, inspectors to choose. Suggest strongly that they call several and talk to them individually so that the Buyers can feel comfortable with their choice. Please and...

Be careful out there and sell lots of real estate.

Jan Fite Miller
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company
www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com

If you are interested in a career in real estate, email recruiting@judgefite.com for details on how to get started!

Why I Choose? Judge Fite helps you stay ahead of the curve

2010-07-27T00:05:00.001-05:00

Dene McFerren of the Cedar Hill office shares her thoughts about training in a fast changing business.

Before I decided to get my real estate license, I knew I wanted to work for Century21 Judge Fite, if they would have me. As a life long citizen of Dallas, I grew up hearing the Judge Fite name associated with words like integrity, value, service, and longevity. When they added Century21 to their title, they became a a formidable force with a national presence.

Now that I have been a part of the Judge Fite team for almost ten years, I can honestly tell you that their impeccable reputation pales in comparison to the true integrity of this organization. They believe in supporting their agents and staff to a level I have never experienced before in my professional life. Recently it became necessary for some agents to have additional training for a particular facet of this business. Instead of making it a negative, or punitive situation, Judge Fite created a training session that was not only extremely informative and easily accessible, but also provided all of the agents with FREE MCE hours as a result of completing the training. When you make a mistake, as we all do, the management and executives at Judge Fite not only stand by you, they help you correct the problem and then find a way to improve your ability to deal with whatever may come your way.

Real estate is a fast changing business with a myriad of moving parts. Judge Fite stays ahead of the curve and provides training throughout your career at every level of success you achieve. They support you when you are in need, appreciate you in your successes, reward your achievements, and they provide all the training and education that make everything possible. They really have no equal in my opinion.

Dena McFerren
Cedar Hill
469-879-6178