Sandy Aichner's Lake Norman Blog

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sandyisyouragent — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:46:21 PDT

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View from Spinnaker Point

Lake Norman in Troutman [Flickr]

sandyisyouragent — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:48:33 PDT

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Rates - APR - Points - Fees - GFE's: How the Playing Field is Still "Crooked"

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:49:55 -0500

This is a great blog post about lending practices and if you want to be treated fairly, then call one of my lenders. I use them personally and they will give you the real scoop!

Via Steve Kappre, Gloucester County, NJ Loan Officer/Mortgage Planner - 856.419.3561 (Treasury Mortgage):

Rates - APR - Points - Fees: How the Playing Field is Still "Crooked"

I talked to a client today who was shopping me against some other lenders. I don't blame people, and frankly if I think someone else has a better offer and they are legit, I advise "my client" so and have no hard feelings.

In the scenario today, said client was offered 4.5% with no points. I told him it wasn't possible, but lest I be ignorant, I dropped by this other lender's website. Indeed, the lenders website quoted 4.5% with no points and an APR of 4.878%. The website gave the assumed loan amount and purchase price. So I went and did the math. What did I find out? To make the rate and APR accurate, I had to add 2.25% in points ON TOP OF all of the regular fees (title, appraisal, etc.).

In other words, even though the quote was 4.5% with zero points, the TRUE cost was 4.5%, plus typical closing costs, PLUS 2.25% in additional fees/costs.

Please send me your Goofy Good Fake Faith Estimate!

There are several issues with this scenario

APR is supposed to HELP consumers, not confuse them. Clearly this bank (a large bank at that) is charging hefty fees instead of points. This brings us to our next point ...

Points are tax deductible costs - most other fees are not. Charging high fees in lieu of points is an injustice to the consumer. We see rates quoted with NO POINTS to make them look better to consumers. However the total cost is ultimately higher than a lender that is straight forward, charging the same dollar amount but in the form of points. A loan with the same cost in points (versus fees) is a far better deal, saving a consumer hundreds or thousands in tax deductible costs.

APR is "pliable" - Certain fees are calculated into the APR calculation, others are not. Do not assume lenders don't play with the "names" of fees to artificially lower their APR's. That doesn't seem to be the case in the above example, nonetheless keep this in mind.

Lastly, said bank WOULD NOT give the buyer a good faith estimate without having him apply for a mortgage. OK, not so crazy, but the good faith estimate would not be given for 3 days. And if the bank charged an application fee? That would just be another deceptive way to lure a consumer in and tie them to the bank.

Any lender should be able to offer you a good faith estimate (GFE) in a fairly short amount of time, 24 hours or less, allowing some time for when a lender is very busy. Assuming the lender is honest and accurate with their fees, you should be able to see the true cost of their offered rate. You should be able to see, as in the above scenario, that their rate of 4.5% with no points really has a lender fee of $4,119 (Actual additional cost based on their APR). This same week I had another rate shopper send me a goof good faith estimate with 1% in points and $2,100 in application fees. THIS IS NOT NORMAL or fair to you as a consumer, especially on a purchase loan.

I am not angry for losing business, because I didn't lose business. I am however angry because of the lenders and loan officers that mislead and decieve consumers who are just looking out for themselves by rate shopping. What we often see, is that many consumers that search the world over for the lowest rate, actually end up paying much higher costs via deceptive lenders. Consumers can be blinded by a low rate, not allowing them to see the true cost.

Steve Kappre is a Mortgage Planner with Treasury Mortgage. Steve specializes in;

• All areas concerning NJ First-Time Home Buyer Mortgages, grants, down payment assistance, tax credits, and more.

• Reverse Mortgages

• Equity Management strategies for high-end homes and high net worth individuals.

Contact Steve Kappre directly at 856-419-3561 or at www.stevekappre.com

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Sandy Aichner, GRI, ABR, Broker,REALTOR Licensed in NC and SC
RE/MAX Executive Realty
(704) 746-7513
Lake Norman Homes
Copyright 2008-2009, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, by the Author - Sandy Aichner
Please call me If you have interest in purchasing or selling a home in Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman, Denver, Sherrill's Ford, Catawba, Davidson, or Statesville, North Carolina!

Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells a house?

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:54:21 -0500

So TRUE! Sellers need to understand #1 is PRICE! Marketing is after all the other 4 things are set right.

Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Carra Riley Inc.- Real Estate Consultant, Author, Speaker ):

Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells a house?

There are four varibles that sell a house.

1. Price

2. Terms

3. Condition

4. Location

All four of the variables go together to create the "perfect sale." Each aspect must be taken into consideration if you want a property to sell.

1. Price fixes everything! Don't let anyone tell you different. When the buyer perceives there is a value because of the price, they will buy the home.

The other three varibles always can effect the price.

There are circumstances where a buyer has lost the ability to qualify for a traditional loan because of a foreclosure or bankruptcy and the buyer needs owner financing. With Owner carry Terms that particular buyer may be willing to pay more because they have ownership with possibly a small down payment.

Conversely, if the Condition is bad the price will have to be reduced to reflect a value in the home where a buyer will have to come in and do repairs or cosmetic updates.

Location is the toughest variable in the sale to compensate for. Most people have heard about in Real Estate the terms Location, Location, Location. If the location is bad.. ONLY price will sell the property possibly combined with terms so exciting that a buyer will not be able to pass up the deal.

2. Terms. If the Terms are attractive, sometimes a seller can get more money for the home. For example: a home with a value of $325,000 listed with owner carry terms of $25,000 down and no bank qualifing might be able to sell at $350,000 because of the terms.

Under any owner carry situation, it is important the seller speak with their accountant and attorney before accepting any contract and agreement to finance. The seller should be completely aware of the liability and consequences in owner financing. This is just an example how price can increase with the right terms.

3. Condition is a key factor in selling a home. When the property is in top condition, looking like a show home the seller may get top market value for the property. In times where homes are selling at a slow pace, in order to procur a sale, the home should be the BEST property at the Lowest price to get to the closing table.

Taking a seller on a preview tour of the homes in the area similar to their property can save months of discouragement with a home not selling. When a seller can see the competition and accepts the fact their home needs to be the Best house at the lowest price to sell, the home will sell and the seller will see what they are up against in comparison.

Carpet or paint allowance does NOT work in selling a home. If the home needs carpet, put it in. If the home needs painting, get it painted. Many times this can cost a seller $5,000 to $8,000 to do those upgrades. Investing, yes, investing is the correct term, for getting the house sold. The money invested will come back in the form or a quick sale at full market value.

A picture is worth a thousand words so think about how the property looks and even take some pictures to see what a buyer is looking at. Sellers should look at the pictures like they were a buyer and ask, "would I buy this house in this condition for this price?" Are the kitchen counters cluttered? Are the closets a mess? What does the front door look like and the yard when people drive up to the house?

A seller has 8 seconds for a buyer looking at a home to decide if they really like the house and if it will go on the A list. The buyer starts the decision making process when driving up to the home while looking at the surrounding properties and the entrance to the home.

There are many agents are trained in "staging" a home and there are "staging services" which help a seller to understand what needs to be done to create a "marketable product." Listen to these people if you want to get the house sold.

The seller needs to separate from the house and see it as an investment or product that needs to be sold. The seller needs to take all the emotions out of the happy memories in the home if they are serious about selling.

4. Location is the only variable which cannot be changed. A bad location, is a bad location so only price and terms are going to help this situation.

It does not matter that the same model home across the street sold for thousands more, because it was ACROSS THE STREET and did not back to the highway. A seller needs to get a reality check on location and think about when they purchased. If the seller got a good deal when they bought because it had a bad location then they have to give the new buyer the same good deal to sell.

Sellers should take all the emotion out of the business of selling a home and treat the transaction as an investment decision.

If the goal is to get the home sold then listen to the professionals and let them do their job.

As Donald Trump would say, "It's only business."

Cosmic Cow Pie

Carra Riley

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In losing a house, they found a home.

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:33:56 -0500

I love these stories!

Via Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker (FHA-VA-USDA-Conventional-Pennsylvania Loans):

A faded bush did appear, thick in foliage to any seer. It won't quite disappear, that foliage that I no longer fear.

      ~Gunther Moses~

If you think buying a home can be scary, try renting a house. We hear stories daily on the obstacles present when buying and then closing on a home. The fact is that once you own it, you freaking own it. You own its troubles, its grace, its everything... for the most part, it's your place. But if you are renting it ...

There's a little story I'd like to share. The participants are Lee & Shannon. They rented their house for five years. During that time, their Landlord seemed difficult, if not totally obnoxious. If something went wrong with the house, phone calls went ignored and any communication from said party seemed obsolete. However, when the rent was due, that Landlord was always available. And 'he would get back to them in a few days' concerning any problems with the house. Of course that 'few days' turned into the next month when rent was due. Yet again, the rent would be paid and the landlord skated around handling any problem with the living conditions.

Patterns persist.

Leaky facets, clogged drains, faulty electrical outlets, and a lack of hot water were only minor areas of inconvenience. Luckily, Lee knew how to deal with most of that type of stuff. But when the basement was flooded by a particularly feeble bout of rain and phone call after email after phone call to the Landlord went unanswered, the floodgates of change called their name. When they got a letter from the Mortgage Company to start making their payments directly to them, that calling started to scream.

Home-ownership had been a dirty word to Lee & Shannon for quite sometime. They had been content with renting. Truth be told, they had owned one over 5 years back and were put into an adjustable rate mortgage at the time. While a nice option for some people, it didn't turn out that way for them. It happened to be a treatment for buying over their heads. Lee & Shannon got out and thankfully suffered no severe credit ramifications from the experience. But they did suffer a very bad taste of what owning a home is all about.

With their rental situation in limbo, they opened all doors to make sure a roof was above their head.

From this front, they found a Mortgage Guy and I forget his name... though I remember the last name rhymed with 'Party'. ;)  They compared the cost to rent vs. the cost to own in the price range of their particular area and financial ability to afford such. Not surprisingly, the numbers weren't so different. In fact, with lower home prices and interest rates to write your Aunt Susie about, it turned out that buying a home would be a cheaper expedition... at least in regards to monthly payment. Sure, leaky facets, clogged drains, faulty electrical outlets, and a lack of hot water could become an issue down the road, yet a Home Inspection intertwined with Lee's ability to deal with such things left a better taste of what owning a home could become.

They closed on their home on November 30th, 2009.

Oh the glory, the romance of that day. A fear arrived and was dead upon display. It didn't take a smile, nor new-born tear, yet for the rest of the story... you may want to click here.

      ~Gunther Moses~

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Incompetent, Lazy and 1/2 Baked Realtors Are Awesome! Here's Why...

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:54:22 -0500

I can't believe I didn't write this!! This post outlines the different "types" in the business! ha

Via Greg Nino Houston Texas (RE/MAX West Houston Professionals):

Incompetent, Lazy & 1/2 Baked Realtors:

1. Don't make flyers. When they do, they print them in black & white on cheap paper and roll them up in an Info Tube. Usually the flyer is riddled with errors and words like "Nice Listing & Big Rooms." These flyers make better fireplace starters or barnyard torches than they do marketing tools.

2. Nothing makes a seller cringe more than to find out that their listing agent is always unavailable. When they do get a hold of their agent they answer the phone.. "Thank you for calling Wackenhut Lumber, this is Debbie." Ahhhhh, the sensational feeling of the part-time agent trying to survive is like a beautiful symphony with shouts of ahhhhhh, so annoying, ahhhhhh so irritating!

3. What about the buyer's agent whose been licensed for 9 years but has closed 10 transactions? These types love to trick prospects into believing that they have "years of experience." I love pulling their stats and sinking their battleship when competing, especially listings.

4. The "I don't work weekends Realtor" is probably my favorite. They treat our business as if it's a "hobby" instead a profession. I love these guys!

5. Then of course we have the one stop shop team of so called professionals. They salivate at the opportunity to originate your loan, find you a home, inspect it, and then close it at their title company. If they're lucky, you'll use their insurance company as they also have an Insurance license. Need a an A/C? No problem, they do that too. Just hand them the inspection report after they inspect it.

6. BAM! let's not forget about the super Realtor who promises to buy your home if they don't sell it. These guys really have devised a clever way to make more money off of ROPING in the listing leads! Let's think about this for a second....

A Listing Agent's NUMBER ONE JOB is to represent YOUR best interest - AT ALL TIMES! Not just "some" of the time.

Most, if not all of the time this tactic is by design created to reel you in and provide a FALSE sense of security. When you sit down with the listing agent to divulge your payoff, financial snapshot and personal goals it should be done with the understanding that it is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION THAT NO BUYER SHOULD BE AWARE OF! Lots of times these sneaky Listing Agents use this information AGAINST YOU if you consent to letting them buy your home. Furthermore, they conduct an appraisal (usually by somebody they know) that provides a "sales price." Often the Liting Agent has you agree to sell your home for 90% of this value. Don't forget about the 6% commission you get to pay. What about inspections you say? You likely will agree "in advance" to pay for ALL repairs as the listing agent will suggest that he or she cannot sell the home otherwise. In the end the only person that usually loses IS THE SELLER! The sad part is that it is 100% legal. Many greedy agents will use this tactic to obtain more listings over their competitors. The truth is that they rarely buy the listing. Often "you don't qualify" for one reason or another.

7. Discount Firms will always, always be here. Some of these agents that work for these companies are an interesting and fascinating breed to say the least. Many of them will sing that full time agents are not worth the money they're paid. Those that preach this, in my opinion, were not able to survive as a "full-service" Realtor. Instead of getting out of the business, they unite with other bottom feeders to trash those who have worked for years and years expanding their knowledge, experience and expertise. ANYONE can stab your yard with a sign, then disappear afterwards. Do it right, or don't do it at all. They don't care if they make $4.00 per listing as they work VOLUME, sort of like Fried Chicken and french fries.

8. Aunt Griselda who has a license, but rarely uses it is not worth splitting her commission with. The money you'll "get at closing" most likely will fail in comparison by the service, knowledge, experience that you DESERVE when buying or selling a home. Tell Aunt Griselda that you LOVE her cookies & pies, but you are about to make the LARGEST investment decision of your natural born life and you don't want to make any FINANCIAL MISTAKES THAT MIGHT RUIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HER.

9. AHHHHHHH The 61 year old agent who just retired from AT&T. This guy is pretty slick if you ask me. If he plays his cards right, you just might "ASSUME" he's been in business for a LONG, LONG time. In reality, he's got his IPHONE on his lap while your talking. (He's googling..... "HOW TO GET THE SELLER TO SIGN AGREEMENT") as you are talking about your home. You assume, he assumes, everybody assumes. YIPPEE!!

10. I really love the agents that over glamorize themselves. They advertise in "look at me" places like grocery stores & mall bathrooms. The results from these efforts is so tiny that it's considered nothing more than branding. The thing you should know is that these tactics are designed to GET LISTINGS, not buyers. Who do you want to hire as your listing agent again?

As an industry we have to appreciate these types, we really do. They're so easy to spot & point out. They make me, you and other worthy agents simply ... look better. All we have to do is ....not do what they do.

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"I Hate to Be the Bearer of Bad News, But...." - Delivering the Truth to Our Seller Clients

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:43:38 -0500

WELL SAID!

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):

Over the course of my career, I have been the bearer of tough news for my listing clients many times. I don't ever relish the thought of sharing bad news with anyone, but I must admit that my skills in this area have improved dramatically with experience.

I have a few tips to share that might help you if you are faced with delivering undesirable news to your own clients.

1. Just say it. Sometimes, it's best to just spit it out, then deal with the explanation. If you're at a listing appointment, and you know that the home is worth substantially less than they were hoping for, you don't have anything to gain by beating around the bush. Get it out on the table. In fact, it might just save you some time if they are unwilling to listen to the facts, because you can make a quicker exit.

2. You might consider prefacing your statement with, "I fully realize that this is not what you were hoping to hear", or something similar. It may or may not soften the blow very much, but at least you tried, right?

3. If they question your valuation of their home, tell them that you are forced to look at things as an appraiser would. I have said things like this, "I think your home shows really well, and you have a ton of nice upgrades. I think we could actually find a buyer that will pay the price you want, but I really don't think it will appraise, then you have a new set of issues to deal with."

4. Another good quote (feel free to steal it from me): "You might get an agent to agree to list the home for that price, but it won't change the market value. Don't ever choose an agent based exclusively on the price."

I hope that this is helpful for you. I am known with my past clients as being direct and honest, without being blunt. There is a fine art to communicating effectively. Hopefully, these tips will give you a leg up on your competition.

Thanks for reading!

Image courtesy of B℮n on Flickr.com.

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me in these other communities?

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. Thanks!

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Do You Want to Know How Connected I Am? Retagger!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:40:00 -0500

I was reading Brad's blog about the newest tools in Technology. He mentioned many tools that I already use, except for two: the PDF maker that is FREE! and also the Retaggr. I didn't actually know what the latter was and so I went to check it out. It is also FREE and fun. I am going to figure out how I can use it in my blogs and such.

I wanted to put the spotlight on this tool because I thought it was so neat and easy to do. This tool called "Retaggr" is great for keeping your networks and online activity organized. It took about 10 minutes to fill out my profile and Voila! I had a profile badge with all my networks! It's so easy and you can include (or not include) as many networks as you use. The profile page is awesome too.

Check out my embed here:

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How to keep that pesky home inspector at bay.....

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:59:53 -0500

GREAT checklist for sellers out there to get their home ready on the market

Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant):

Since home sales seem to be picking up around the nation, following are some helpful hints if you're a Seller, and some helpful hints for your Seller if you're the agent.

This list is San Diego specific, so modify as necessary for your area. Don't do something that you're not comfortable doing; hire a professional do to it.

Added with edit: All readers should feel free to take this list, modify it for your local and state needs, put your name and logo on it, and pass it around as your own. If you want to credit me as the source, fine, but it's more important that we try to get everyone to play nicely in the same sandbox together, and that includes Realtors, Home Inspectors, Buyers, AND Sellers.

OUTSIDE

_____Check that doorbells work.

_____Check for missing roof shingles.

_____Check for loose/damaged/clogged gutters/downspouts.

_____Check attic ventilation and condition of vent screens.

_____Check to see if there is standing water, especially near the foundation, after irrigation or rainfall.

_____Check for cracks in foundation walls.

_____Check structure (including attic and foundation crawl space) for pests (termites, wasps, spiders, nests, etc.).

_____Check exterior weatherproofing (stain, paint, etc.).

_____Check for any wood in direct contact with soil, including fences and gates.

_____Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.

_____Check for holes and damage to siding, doors, windows, and trim so that structure is weatherproof.

_____Check condition of fences or gates (leaning, damaged).

_____Check that any exterior outlets are weatherproofed and not in permanent use for any landscape lighting.

_____Check condition of landscape components (retaining walls, landscaper timbers, etc.).

_____Check for overgrown vegetation, especially in walkways; growing on siding, roof, chimney, fences, or in gutters; or too close to utility lines.

_____Check for trip hazards in walkways, driveways, and stairways (deterioration, vegetation, etc.)

_____Check for loose, missing, or rusted guardrails and handrails at stairways, decks, balconies, and porches.

_____Check that landscape lighting/irrigation systems work, and that sprinklers don't spray on fences or buildings.

_____Check condition of pool and spa, and related equipment and utilities.

_____Check that ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, and related utilities, work properly and are protected from children.

PLUMBING

_____Check that seismic straps are on the water heater.

_____Check that stoppers work in bathtubs and sinks.

_____Check for clogged drains.

_____Check that toilet seat bolts and screws are tight.

_____Check that faucets don't drip or leak around the base.

_____Check stop action on faucet handles.

_____Check condition of caulk/grout in bathtubs/showers.

_____Check insulation on water pipes in foundation crawl space and attic.

_____Check for safe and easy access to water shutoff valves (street curb, water heater, sinks, toilets, etc.).

_____Check for safe and easy access to any gas shutoff valves (meter, furnace, water heater, etc.).

_____Check for loose toilets and loose toilet tanks.

ELECTRICAL

_____Check for safe and easy access to electric panels and main circuit breaker.

_____Check that ceiling fans work on all speeds.

_____Check for burned out lights, including ceiling fans.

_____Check for damaged or loose outlets and light switches, including covers for outlets and switches.

_____Check for unplugged appliances, and unplug anything that is unnecessary to facilitate outlet testing by the Buyer's property inspector.

_____Remove extension cords and outlet multipliers.

_____Check that outlets work.

_____Check for outdated two-prong outlets and upgrade them to three-prong outlets.

_____Check for properly working GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and exterior.

_____Check that exhaust fans work in kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.

_____Check that any electrical junction boxes have covers.

INSIDE

_____Check condition of towel holders and bathroom tissue holders.

_____Check condition of bathtubs, showers, and shower doors, and replace old shower curtains.

_____Check that safety seal shows on floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors.

_____Check that carbon monoxide alarms work.

_____Check that smoke alarms work, and that they are present on each floor of multi-story houses.

_____Check for loose kitchen and bathroom countertops.

_____Check ease of operation for doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows, including windows nailed or painted shut.

_____Check for missing, loose, or damaged hardware on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers (stops and guides), and windows.

_____Check for loose glass panes in windows and doors, as well as glass with holes or cracks in them.

_____Check that latches/locks work on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows.

_____Check for damage to screen windows.

_____Remove excessive storage (closets, attic, garage).

_____Check for damage to walls and ceilings that need to be patched and painted.

_____Check for moisture stains on ceilings and walls; around doors and windows; near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers; and near the dishwasher.

_____Check for loose, missing, or damaged guardrails and handrails in stairways.

_____Check for loose, broken or missing baseboards and door and window moldings.

_____Check for cracked tiles or deteriorated grouting in kitchen and bathrooms.

_____Check that kitchen appliances work.

_____Check that an anti-tip device is installed on the range.

MISCELLANEOUS

_____Let dogs and cats vacation for a few hours with a family member, friend, or at a pet spa. Check that other pets (birds, snakes, rodents, etc.) are caged.

_____Certain items should be inspected annually due to their inherently dangerous nature. These include gas-using appliances, pool/spa equipment, roof, and the fireplace and chimney. If they have not been inspected within the last 12 months, having it done now can make escrow go more smoothly.

_____Check that filters are in place and clean (kitchen range hood, heating/cooling, bathroom fans, etc.)

_____Check for soot, cobwebs, and wildlife in the fireplace and lower areas of the chimney.

_____The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that the fireplace and chimney undergo a Level II inspection any time real estate ownership is transferred, and I recommend having that done prior to the Buyer's inspection.

_____Check that the fireplace damper opens/closes easily.

_____Check for manufacturer installation guides, operating instructions, or user guides that you can provide to the buyer, especially for kitchen appliances; heating and cooling system; water heater; security, irrigation, fire suppression, central cleaning, and water modification systems; water well; and septic system.

_____Many property inspectors exclude inspection and testing of some specialized systems, such as security and irrigation systems. Once you get the Buyer's inspection report, note what the Inspector did and did not do or could and could not do. Offer to meet with the Buyer to demonstrate how those systems are operated and maintained, and provide the contact information for any companies that regularly service the systems.

_____Check for receipts and warranty papers for any work done on the property, particularly for inspections and work done to prepare the property for sale.

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SPOT ~ A Cool Gadget For Agents & People Out of Range of Cell Service!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:58:53 -0500

SPOT the World's only Satellite Messenger.

Sends messages to your contacts or emergency services with the push of a button.

We have quite a few areas in Lake Norman and in the foothills of North Carolina where cell service is spotty or non-existent. What do you do? Get one of these!!

WHO NEEDS IT

-Real Estate Agents, Drivers, Boaters, Fishermen, Hunters, Hikers, Campers, Travelers, Kayakers, White Water Rafters, Snow Skiers, Rock Climbers, Mountain Bikers, and more...

-Businesses want employees to be in contact and have access to emergency services even when cell service is not available. Services on call.

-Anyone who drives in areas without cell phone service.

FEATURES

-Send a text or email to your family and friends to let them know you are OK. They can see your exact location via Google Maps.

-Send a Help message to your friends and family in case you need help but it is not an emergency.

-Most importantly send a 911 message to local authorities in case of emergency, which gives them your GPS location and keeps sending until it is turned off.

-Use it on the Road like On-Star to call emergency services where you have no cell signal.

-Add Tracking for $49.99 a year and your contacts can see your location in real time on Google Maps, or Track yourself to see your trip route after you get home.

Why you need it even if you carry a cell phone.

-It works wherever you have a clear view of the sky so you are virtually never out of service.

- Its Waterproof

-It Floats

-Uses AA Batteries, so it easy to carry spares.

With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location with a link to Google Maps™ and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works where cell phones won’t.

More info at www.findmespot.com

HOW MUCH?

Regularly $149.99, but your local West Marine has it for $79.99 + you get a $30 West Marine Gift Card. So you are getting it for $49.99, 100 bucks OFF! Basic Service is only $99.99 a YEAR less than 10 bucks a month. Great Christmas gift!

LAKE NORMAN'S West Marine is at 20420 W Catawba Ave in Cornelius, off I-77 exit 28 behind Wendy's and next to Peak Fitness

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10 Commandments Home Buyers Must Follow

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:47:22 -0500

Funny post but so true because any of these situations can hurt your closing!!

Via Dr. Chantal Saucier (Keller Williams Realty Acadiana):

These 10 Commandments home buyers must follow may seem like common sense to many. Buyers, however, can sometimes forget with all the excitement surrounding the buying of their new home. In the past couple of weeks, I have heard of two separate buyers who saw their home loan turned down, and their dream shattered, a few days before closing because they had bought furniture for their new home before it actually became their home. Both of them now have beautiful furniture with no home to put them in.

These two buyers were not my clients but it always hurts when I hear of transactions falling apart for reasons that could have been avoided. These 10 commandments are part of the buyer packet I give all my clients when we first meet and I always stress that once they get pre-approved and the process is started, they can't do anything that might affect their credit.

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use credit cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.

If you are in the process of buying a home, remember that your credit must not change or be affected in any way until you actually sign the paperwork and get possession of your new home. Lenders will not only look into your credit when you first get pre-approved, they will check it again (and sometimes again and again) before they let you sign the mortgage. If you want to buy new furniture for your home or change jobs, just be patient. There will always be time to do it after the closing.

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Mooresville NC Duplex For Sale - 140-42 Double Eagle Dr.

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:07:21 -0500

Gorgeous Duplex (Remodeled) on Golf Course in Mooresville, NC MLS# 891612 $229,000

Looking for multi-family or duplexes in the Lake Norman area? This one is ready to move into now!

Have both units for only $229,000. Live in one side, rent the other!

Located on Mallard Head Golf Course
2 Br, and 2 Bths in each unit
1893 total Square footage
Seller has a possible one year lease for one unit available for purchaser if wanting to rent one side!

see this flyer Mooresville Duplex for Sale for more details

Presented for sale by Jake at the Lake Services by owner/broker Jake Jakaitis (704) 236-3574

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9424 Shepparton Dr, Huntersville, NC - Melbourne - Huntersville Home For Sale

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:22:20 -0500

Huntersville NC Home For Sale

Melbourne Subdivision - Price Recently Reduced!

9424 Shepparton Drive
Type: Residential Property - Single Family

Location: 9424 Shepparton Drive, HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078

Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half, 0 3/4 bath
Description: Newly Remodeled & Home Warranty Included!

Totally remodeled with fixtures and features that you would see in some 500K custom homes!Must see to believe!Custom Designed Ceramic tile floors,Tile Backsplash in kitchen, NEW Stainless appliances, Custom curtains & rods,Brand new carpet & paint,2 Car Garage is HEATED & Cooled too! Irrigation, Bonus Room, Fireplace in Living Room,Open Kitchen/Living area.Pool & Tennis across street! 1YR Warranty

Visit http://www.sandyisyouragent.com for more information.

Huntersville NC Homes

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Live like you are dying and list like you're bank owned.

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:09:56 -0500

He has some great advice! Think about it sellers.....

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

Live like you are dying, the lyrics of this Tim McGraw song speaks volumes to many different people.

As I listened to what this song is advocating, It occurred to me many sellers should heed this lesson. They put a price on a property that they think "someday" it may sell for. If moving on with your life requires the sale of a property you own...there is not an infinite amount of time to accomplish this sale. Life is Short.

What got me thinking about this, is I have several short sales a bank owned sale and a probate property that are pending. With these sales the process to close will be longer (in some cases much longer) than the time it took to find a buyer. The price was right, the buyers where motivated and the sellers showed their willingness to sell, by pricing the property to sell.

List like the market is dying. Life is Short.

#1 If you are going to buy after this sale...the sooner you sell the sooner you are in the buyers shoes (you are merely trading equity...if you buy a replacement property).

#2 Moving on is far less painful than hanging on (how many months of mortgages, taxes, insurance utilities will be spend holding...after you admit you want to sell).

#3 You may be better off renting for a time (dropping the major maintenance costs and healing your credit may put you in a better place in the long run than draining your savings, while waiting to score on unrealistic re-sales).

My Bucket list doesn't include living in a home I can't afford...and waiting for someone to over pay me for the same privileges. Life is Short.

                                                                                                                      Steve Loynd, White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

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Seven Ways to Use a Home Inspection Report

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:49:57 -0600

Some tips for buyers and sellers on the use of the inspection report

Via Jim Bushart (Home Inspection Services of Missouri):

In random order, I present to you seven different ways in which a home inspection report can be used by parties to a real estate transaction for advantage and benefit.

1. Buyers can consider the reported conditions of the home's systems to determine their ability to afford to maintain the property. A home with a 12 year old water heater, an 18 year old furnace and a 25 year old composite shingled roof is going to need some costly investments in the near future.

2. Buyers can sometimes use information regarding undisclosed defects to negotiate the seller's action to repair the defect(s) or adjust the asking price for the home.

3. Sellers can obtain a home inspection and use the report to disclose known defects to potential buyers.

4. Sellers can obtain a home inspection and use the report to identify and correct significant defects that could interfere with a buyer's desire to submit a contract to buy the property.

5. Buyers can use the inspection report as a "punch list" or "to do list" for maintaining the property after purchase.

6. Buyers/Sellers can use the report to communicate to contractors the nature of the defect(s) to obtain estimates for repair or to arrange for repairs or replacements.

7. Buyers can sometimes use the inspection report as a means to withdraw from the contracted agreement to purchase the home when certain types of undisclosed defects are reported.

Buyers and sellers should consider obtaining inspection reports only from professional full-time home inspectors. Inspection reports generated by builders or contractors are often used by them as marketing tools and a means to generate business for maintenance and repairs and do not always represent the actual conditions of the property.

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Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying Lake Norman Waterfront Homes

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:34:23 -0600

Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying Lake Norman Waterfront Homes

Does it have a dock? Some shoreline areas of Lake Norman are environmentally protected or do not have enough shoreline footage, and therefore cannot ever have a dock built. This is good to know when buying property, as the value of the home or lot is sometimes higher if you can have your own dock.
Is it on a well and septic tank or City water/sewer? If you find a home on a septic system with it's own well or community well, then the lot size is usually larger to accomodate the system, lines, and repair areas (usually over .5 acres). Often times, homes that are on city utilities don't have as much land, but not always.
Is the lot big enough to have a pool or detached garage if it is on a septic system? Buyers often ask me this question when looking at property with land and the answer is: as long as there is an area that is not above the septic tank, lines, too close to well, or in the "repair area" designated by the Health Department, AND as long as you can get an improvement permit from the county. We can usually obtain a copy (drawing) of the improvement permit where the septic system, lines, and repair area are located. Also to note: in most subdivisions, you need prior approval from the architectural review committee.
Is it located in a cove or on main channel? Look the address up on Google Maps if you are unsure. Some buyers see "deals" on the internet and don't realize they are located in shallow coves or across from busy, noisy marinas.
How deep is the water at the dock (if it has one)? Lake levels vary during the year and are sometimes lower during the winter. Some docks are in shallow water. Will your dock need a lift?
Does it have a big water view or small water view? Some buyers are concerned with the view and less with the house features. What's important to you? To be brutally honest, it always seems like you get one or the other, but not both; unless you're over 1 million price range. But let me cover myself here, that's not always the case!
Is the home located on Lake Norman, Lake Cornelius, or Lake Davidson? The Carolina MLS covers all these areas and sometimes the property is located in Davidson or Cornelius and listed as "waterfront" but you need to check the address on Google Maps because it's not guaranteed to be on Lake Norman. This is important to know because the lakes are not accessible to each other by boat.
Is it located within city limits or in county and fire tax bracket only? Buyers from other parts of the country ask me about taxes. Some homes are taxed by city and county and include city water and sewer, and others are only taxed by county and fire. Also note, the tax values are very different here than other areas and are not directly related to market value and/or sales price. Ask me about it.
Is it located in a subdivision? If so, what amenities are available? Dry boat storage, day docks, or pump out facilities? Are there HOA fees? What about Boat Slip fees or Lease boat slip fees?
How big is your boat? Some community "slips" are only 10 feet wide at the beam. If your boat is bigger than that, then it's important to measure the slip width. Also, there are some coves located on Lake Norman that have low bridges, so if your boat has a good height or double-decker, you may want to consider location of home so that you can access most main channel areas of the lake.

Lake Norman Facts Guide

Lake Norman Map

Lake Norman Levels

When in doubt about a piece of property or dock, please contact Duke Energy Lake Services at 800-443-5193

with any questions. You would need to contact them, as a Lakefront property owner, before doing any shoreline work or dock work and to apply for permits to do so!

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Be Careful What You Write ~ Social Networking Is Becoming A Ripe Plum For Lawsuits !

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:35:29 -0600

Be careful what you say out there folks!

Via Bonnie Vaughan, CNE (Century 21 Sherlock Homes,Inc):

The Internet and social networking concept is constantly changing. Various venues like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Active Rain have grown in leaps and bounds. Hundreds of thousands of users posting millions and millions of words a day.

Some are humorous. Some are trivial. Some are damaging and in some instances are intended to do harm to an individual or business.

The issue of Freedom of Speech is often bandied about and used as justification for saying the most uncomplimentary things. The First Amendment does not protect tabloids when they write scathing stories about public figures. Why would an individual believe they are insulated when the press is not?

People feel that they are stealth and protected behind their keyboards. They post things that are libelous, defaming and potentially destructive to ones livelihood.

They post under the assumption that they are immune to any prosecution or responsibility for their words. They feel because they are not "in a public setting" no one can make them accountable for their words.

Recently two lawsuits have set a precedence which should be reviewed by anyone who is tempted to write a negative review of a person or business.

Horizon Realty Group in Chicago, Ill sued a former tenant for $50,000.00 over her comments on Twitter concerning mold in her apt.

"According to the complaint filed in Cook County court today, Bonnen "maliciously and wrongfully published the false and defamatory Tweet on Twitter, thereby allowing the Tweet to be distributed throughout the world." (source)

Courtney Love was recently sued by a fashion designer for her outrageous rants made on Twitter and My Space.

"According to a libel claim filed by Simorangkir in Los Angeles Superior Court March 26, Love used Twitter to disseminate "an obsessive and delusional crusade" of malicious libel against her. Simorangkir, who's based in Austin, Texas, also claims Love slandered her on MySpace." (source)

Lawsuits resulting from social networking are the new frontier for lawyers. Surely more and more of these suits will crop up when social networking sites are misused by members who lash out provocatively.

When a business or profession is involved, those who can allege potential damage can win hefty awards. Individuals who deliberately attempt to adversely impact another persons professional or personal reputation will find the folly may cost them much more than they bargained for.

_________________________________________________
Bonnie and Jayne Vaughan - Driven and Dedicated Realtors

A Real Estate partnership dedicated to our clients ~ driven by their desires

Lackawanna County and surrounding areas -

Scranton and Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

VISIT THE SISTERS ON THE WEB

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Lake Norman in Troutman [Flickr]

sandyisyouragent — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:26:13 PDT

sandyisyouragent posted a photo:

Hannah can ski! [Flickr]

sandyisyouragent — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:59 PDT

sandyisyouragent posted a photo:

www.sandyisyouragent.com

Plane landing on Lake Norman -Tony [Flickr]

sandyisyouragent — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:51 PDT

sandyisyouragent posted a photo:

www.sandyisyouragent.com

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Custom Race Jet Ski Sea Doo XP 1996 Jetski

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YouTube - SuperMac on Jims f15x - high speed 75+mph pass
WWW.MACSBOOST.com MACSBOOST ECU and INTERCOOLER Equipped Honda F15X. See www.MACSBOOST.com for more information.

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http://www.andydenton.com

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Wine Tasting @ The Wine Loft Mooresville - Lake Norman Wine Enthusiasts (Huntersville, NC) - Meetup.com
Meet fellow Wine Enthusiasts near you! Come to a local Wine Meetup to taste new wines; learn about noses and legs; and discuss great vintages and estates. Everyone's welcome, from new bouquet-sniffers to educated connoisseurs.

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CHARLOTTE TWESTIVAL
this is a great 100% charity event at Cans in Charlotte to give CLEAN water to undeveloped areas. It will be a GREAT party!
Adler Interactive

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

wordle tag cloud sandy aichner
this is very cool! try it on your site!
Woot Wine
one day, one deal on wine