Facebook’s New Toy

Recently Facebook added a new feature called “Places”.  Its’ similar in principal to FourSquare and allows users to post their location, so that their friends can know where you are.  In the past, I’ve used FourSquare very judiciously.  For example, I don’t post my location when I’m on travel without  my family, I don’t share when I’m in a private meeting, etc…  Essentially, I want to be social, but not at the expense of it being a safety risk. 

Here is Facebook’s introductory video on “Places” - 

How to Set Your Facebook Privacy Settings to secure “Places”

Awhile back I did a video tutorial on how to set your security settings on Facebook.  Whereas I think ‘Places” can be fun, I think that Facebook jumped the shark when they added this feature and allowed other Facebook friends to update your location.  There are a number of reasons why I think this is a bad feature.  As a professional who has my clients as friends on Facebook, I don’t want people to know where I am socially. I certainly don’t want friends updating my location, when I may not really be at a given location.  For these reasons and many more, I’ve turned off the ability for others to set my location.

Here are the steps to updating your security settings to limit who can update your location, and who can see your updates.

1.  Login to Facebook and go to “Account” and then click on “Privacy Settings”

2.  Click on “Customized Settings”

3.  Disable “Friends can check me in to Places”

4.  Based on  your Group Settings, choose who can and cannot see your personal updates to “Places”.

I think that “Places” can be a fun way to share in the future, so long as we all use a little commonsense in what we update.  If you’re sensitive to people knowing where you are and what you’re doing, make sure you’ve updated your settings.

When you’re reading our descriptions about our listings we try to describe the uniqueness of each home. Sometime we have a brain freeze and then we ask the home owner for ideas since they were the ones living there. But we’ll try to stay away from comments like this…

Old World charm – No bath
Tropical – Rainy
Majestic setting – A long way from town
Secluded hideaway – Impossible to find
Gentle breezes – Occasional gale-force winds
Light and airy – No air conditioning
Picturesque – Theme park nearby

- Adapted from Dr. Bob Griffin’s free daily humor e-mail (www.grif.net)

From RIS MEdia. I know I need to get to work on these too! The summer was so hot or wet, we did not get too many projects done this summer. Here’s hoping for some wonderful fall weather to finish the summer maintenance and also the winter prep!

For Your Clients: Last-Minute Summer Home Maintenance Tips

By Stephanie Andre

RISMEDIA, August 26, 2010–The summer’s not over yet. And while there’s still time for some fun in the sun, this is also a good time to think about some last-minute maintenance that is sure to help you increase the longevity of your home and reduce energy costs.
Here are some tips from Andy Rathke, a former commercial and residential real estate and construction executive who now runs a HandyPro handyman franchise in Charlotte, NC.

Roof and Attic Ventilation and Insulation:
Make sure attic, soffit and roof vents are running, open and clear of debris to allow proper ventilation. Properly ventilated and insulated attics reduce heating and cooling costs.

Gutters and Downspouts:
Loose, leaking or clogged gutters can cause water damage on soffits or basement leaks. Before this happens inspect, clean and if necessary repair or replace.

Caulking and Grout:
Inspect caulking and grout around tubs, showers, sinks, windows and door. Replace if deteriorating to protect material behind the walls, avoid water damage and mold growth.

Air Conditioning System Inspection and Filter Change:
Have your air conditioning system checked by a licensed HVAC mechanic semi-annually to ensure top efficiency. Replace filters monthly to improve air quality and reduce energy costs.

Dryer Vents
If your dryer is taking more than one cycle to dry a load, there’s likely lint accumulation in the dryer vent. Annual maintenance prevents dryer fires, keeps dryers running efficiently and saves money on energy bills.
"Consumers who follow these guidelines," says Rathke, "will increase the longevity of their homes and save money in the long run."

http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/9880

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 12. See more city of Spotsylvania real estate.
(all data current as of 9/2/2010)

1. $99,900 : MLS # SP7382829 in Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 1,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 23,958 sq ft

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
2. $99,000 : 10432 Catharpin Rd, Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: 35,284 sq ft

   Year built: 1972

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
3. $89,900 : 11621 Post Oak Rd, Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,224 sq ft

   Lot size: 43,560 sq ft

   Year built: 1978

   Parking spots: 1

   Walk Score™: 3
4. $89,000 : 7915 Kerrydale Ct, Spotsylvania
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: 5.00 ac

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
5. $89,000 : 10746 Robert E Lee Dr, Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 920 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.31 ac

   Year built: 1970

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
6. $84,900 : 10328 Catharpin Rd, Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 912 sq ft

   Lot size: 43,560 sq ft

   Year built: 1969

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
7. $84,000 : 6512 Grand Brooks Rd, Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,344 sq ft

   Lot size: 5.00 ac

   Year built: 1984

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 6
8. $81,000 : 6936 Grand Brooks Dr, Spotsylvania
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 1,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 43,560 sq ft

   Year built: 1972

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
9. $79,900 : 9718 Herricks Ford Rd, Spotsylvania
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,461 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.50 ac

   Year built: 2000

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
10. $79,900 : 15800 Orange Springs Rd, Spotsylvania
    
    2 beds, 1 full bath

    Size: n/a

    Lot size: 1.72 ac

    Year built: 1961

    Parking spots: n/a

    Walk Score™: 0

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 36. See more city of Ruther Glen real estate.
(all data current as of 9/2/2010)

1. $94,900 : 19365 Monroeville Rd, Ruther Glen
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,136 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.92 ac

   Year built: 1993

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 6
2. $67,000 : 18104 Vip Jon Rd, Ruther Glen
   
   4 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 1,104 sq ft

   Lot size: 25,265 sq ft

   Year built: 1975

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
3. $99,900 : 2518 Oak Cir, Ruther Glen
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 1,008 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1979

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 9
4. $80,000 : 205 Hollyside Dr, Ruther Glen
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 2
5. $98,900 : 997 Swan Ln, Ruther Glen
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1977

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 6
6. $39,658 : 701 Glen Cove Dr, Ruther Glen
   
   1 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1700

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 6
7. $100,000 : 5006 Pine Tree Dr, Ruther Glen
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1980

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 8
8. $79,000 : 26968 Slash Pine Cir, Ruther Glen
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1985

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
9. $99,000 : 22130 Landora Bridge Rd, Ruther Glen
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: n/a

   Lot size: 3.00 ac

   Year built: 1977

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score™: 0
10. $78,000 : 22174 Cammack Dr, Ruther Glen
    
    3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Size: 1,008 sq ft

    Lot size: 43,560 sq ft

    Year built: 1984

    Parking spots: n/a

    Walk Score™: 0

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Portsia Smith of The Free Lane Star posted the following report on Caroline Va’s decision to move to a permanent county sticker.

BY PORTSIA SMITH

After next April, Caroline County residents won’t have to stand in line to buy decals for their vehicle windshields.

But they will need to scrape those old decals off just one more time–replacing the current stickers with the new ones by April 2011.

Those decals then become permanent.

Tuesday night, the Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to join many other counties and make motor vehicle decals permanent.

The change is expected to generate an estimated $806,385 in revenue, said County Administrator Percy Ashcraft.

The amended ordinance requires all motorized vehicles currently licensed in Caroline as of Jan. 1, 2011, to require permanent decals. The decal sales will begin in early 2011, with a deadline to display of April 1, 2011.

Once permanent decals have been sold for all vehicles for calendar year 2011, no additional decal will be required unless a new or used vehicle is purchased.

Once a permanent decal has been established in 2011, a license registration fee will be assessed annually on all motor vehicles, Ashcraft said.

The annual fee will be payable June 5 with the collection of the first half of the individual’s property taxes.

The fees are $30 for all vehicles, with the exception of a $25 fee for motorcycles and similar two-wheel vehicles.

Purchasers of new or used vehicles and/or new residents during calendar 2012 and thereafter will be required to file with the commissioner of the revenue within 10 days of the purchase date or date of residence, Ashcraft said.

After filing with the commissioner, the treasurer will issue a permanent decal for the new vehicle or resident.

You can find more information about taxes and county fees at the Treasurer’s webpage

The current information from that site has the following important dates on tax payments:

Here is the current information of county vehicle / car taxes for Caroline:

And finally the Caroline County Real Estate Tax Rates:

I wish that was an easy question to answer. Unfortunately it’s not.

We all know it’s a buyer’s market. We know that sellers have to compete with short sales and foreclosures.

If you’re in Caroline, your home is listed under $150K and it is unique, it moves pretty fast. If there are 20 homes like it, it will take longer. Once you reach the $200s, it almost does not matter how great your deal is, it’s going to take longer.

Hopefully the chart below will help sellers with understanding how long it make take for their home to sell…

In my personal experience from the last few months, buyers are concerned about more than just the house itself. They look at road maintenance, HOAs, internet, alternative septic systems, location, types of trees on the property, etc… We try to help purchasers weigh their pros and cons practically from an investment standpoint, but also personal. It used to be about what would work for the time being. Now purchasers are thinking long term. Will the home accommodate the changes in a family over the next 10 years? Will they be able to sell it easily when they are ready to move on? When a home caters to the larger populace, it sells faster.

Caroline County Sales Stats for July 2010

In Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties, our experiences have led us to believe that families want to know how quickly it take to get off I95 and to the home they are considering. They still want space – either inside or outside, and frequently both. I thought utility costs would make a bigger impact, but it does not seem to. I guess if you can purchase a home for almost half of what you could a few years ago, then it’s still considered a great deal.

Spotsylvania County Housing Stats for July 2010

What has your experience been?

Running

Ok, so I typically only believe in running if someone is chasing me, but that doesn’t stop me from being excited about a community event with food and a concert!

Some folks have gotten together to host a 5K marathon in Ladysmith Village on September 18th, 2010.  The even tat 5:00 pm with the kids “running” a 1k (I’ll be with them) and everyone running the 5K at 5:30 pm.  Then off to food and a concert.

It sounds like a lot of fun!

Here’s the flyer for the event:

For Sale By Owner in Caroline and Spotsylvania Virginia: Seller’s Resource

While traveling in Caroline and Spotsylvania, Jennifer and I notice that people are in process of selling their own homes. We not only live in Lake Land’or, but routinely represent clients and wanted to give you some tools in case we have a buyer who is interested in your home. We like making sure that our client has access to all listings in the area that we serve.

We’d like to reach out to you to see if you would be willing to provide us with some information. We’d like to know:

Please don’t click “Submit” until you’ve finished reading the page…

Since only 14%* of homes purchased nationwide are sold from a For Sale sign, we understand the limitations of selling a home, moreso if you’re in a Homeowners Association.

We’d like to provide you with a few tools to help you understand the sales process. Of course if you’d like to discuss our successful Listing and Marketing plan, we’d be happy to discuss options with you.

If you’d like to find competing homes for sale or market statistics you can visit our webpage and found homes for sale in Lake Land’or.

Forms You May Need to Sell Your Home

1. Property disclosure form. This form is required by Virginia law for all residential sales. There are a few exceptions, but Unrepresented sellers are not exempt.

2. Purchasers access to premises agreement. This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities such as measuring for draperies before you move.

3. Sales contract. The agreement between you and the seller on terms and conditions of sale. Again, check with your state real estate department to see if there is a required form.

4. Sales contract contingency clauses. In addition to the contract, you may need to add one or more attachments to the contract to address special contingencies — such as the buyer’s need to sell a home before purchasing yours.

5. Pre- and post-occupancy agreements. Unless you’re planning on moving out and the buyer moving in on the day of closing, you’ll need an agreement on the terms and costs of occupancy once the sale closes. Make sure you review the Virginia Wet Settlement Act to better understand recordation issues, when the buyer gets keys and when you may get money from your home (traditionally not on the day of closing)

6. Lead-based paint disclosure pamphlet. If your home was built, in the year of or before 1978, you must provide the pamphlet to all sellers. You must also have buyers a statement indicating they received the pamphlet.

17 Service Providers You May Need When You Sell

Real estate attorney
Appraiser
Home inspector
Mortgage loan officer
Environmental specialist
Lead paint inspector
Radon inspector
Tax adviser
Sanitary systems expert
Occupancy permit inspector
Zoning inspector
Survey company
Flood plain inspector
Termite inspector
Title company
Insurance consultant
Moving company

Is Your Buyer Qualified?

Unless the buyer who makes an offer on your home has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may not really have a sale. If possible, try to determine a buyer’s financial status before signing the contract. Ask the following:

1. Has the buyer been prequalified or preapproved (even better) for a mortgage? Such buyers will be in a much better position to obtain a mortgage promptly.

2. Does the buyer have enough money to make a downpayment and cover closing costs? Ideally, a buyer should have 20 percent of the home’s price as a downpayment and between 2 and 7 percent of the price to cover closing costs.

3. Is the buyer’s income sufficient to afford your home? Ideally, buyers should spend no more than 28 percent of total income to cover PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance).

4. Does your buyer have good credit? Ask if he or she has reviewed and corrected a credit report.

5. Does the buyer have too much debt? If a buyer owes a great deal on car payments, credit cards, etc., he or she may not qualify for a mortgage.

Tips for Pricing Your Home

Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?

Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against new homes?

Consider your contingencies. Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you’ll receive? For example, do you want to be able to move in four months?

Get an appraisal. Realtors typically perform a Comparative Market Analysis to give you an opinion for asking price. Absent a CMA, you should consider an Appraiser for a asking price. For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home’s value. Be sure to ask for a market-value appraisal. To locate appraisers in your area, contact The Appraisal Institute or ask your REALTOR® for some recommendations.

Ask a lender. Since most buyers will need a mortgage, it’s important that a home’s sale price be in line with a lender’s estimate of its value.

Be accurate. Studies show that homes priced more than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell.

Know what you’ll take. It’s critical to know what price you’ll accept before beginning a negotiation with a buyer.

Distressed Sellers

Often we find that Sellers in this market try to sell their own home in order to save commissions because they owe more on their home than they can sell it for. Jennifer and I are Short Sale Foreclosure Representatives (SFR) and I’m a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE).
There are a number of programs available to provide options other than foreclosure or selling. We’re willing to meet and discuss those options.

In Closing
I want to thank you for your time and interest in assisting us to sell your home as a Buyer Agent or talk to you in the future about assisting you as a Listing Agent. Should you have any questions you can feel free to contact me by any means listed herein.

Regards,

Matthew Rathbun, Associate Broker
ABR, ABRM, AHWD, CDPE, CSP, e-PRO, GREEN, GRI, SFR, SRS, SRES
EarthCraft and Eco-Broker Certified

*NAR Profile of Buyers and Sellers

I’ve actually wanted to write an article lately about why we ask for buyer agency agreements.

Just like any business, you want someone that is looking out for your best interest. The buyer’s agency agreement helps us to do just that.

This page in the "Today’s Buyer Rep" newsletter from February 2010 gives a great little chart showing the differences in being a customer and being a client.

Customer or Client – What’s the Difference?

And here is a sample of standard buyer agency agreement forms that you may be requested to sign so that your agent may work in your best interest.

Buyer Agency Agreement Form –

A few point I would like to mention in relation to Matthew and I.

Paragraph 3: We do not charge retainer fees.  We feel that getting the job done is when we earn our fee. 

Paragraph 9 : We do not practice “Dual Agency”.  This perfectly legal form of agency relationship is one by which a Realtor can represent both a buyer and seller.  We feel that this is an unfair level of service and deprives clients from full protection.  We represent only one side of the transaction at any given time.

Paragraph 11: Equal Opportunity. You tell us your requirements for a home based on price, location, needs. We never choose or exclude homes based on any of the federally protected classes.

If you have specific questions about any of the paragraphs, please feel free to ask.