For the last few years, when asked “How’s the market?” or “You must be having a rough time”, my response is usually, “The market is unbelievable!”   And who can deny that that is exactly what it has been?

 I am grateful to report that this has been a better year for my business than the previous two.   Some of that has to do with receiving personal referrals, which is always helpful, but also I think because my friends, past clients and others in my “sphere” know that they can trust me to provide the kind of service they expect from a professional.

 This business is never boring, that’s for sure!   There’s always something new to learn.   It can be challenging at times, but mostly it is a very gratifying process.

 Staying positive, and not complying with the negatives of the media, absolutely makes a difference!

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  Negotiate Your Best House Buy

  Keep your emotions in check and your eyes on the goal, and you’ll pay less when purchasing a home. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®

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  Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home

  Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®

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  Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

  If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®

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  (New!)

  How to Assess the Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper House

  When you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®

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  Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

  Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read

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  The Value of Home Maintenance

  Regular home maintenance is key to preserving the value of your house and property. Read

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  Essential Heating System Maintenance

  Getting your home’s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control. Read

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  8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House

  For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks-about $350-you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Read

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  Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety

  Chimney maintenance and a fireplace inspection can make the difference between warm safety and drafty danger. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®

When you first buy a house, there are bound to be some small repairs and issues to fix. Hopefully, these will be minimal if the house had a good inspection and/or if the sellers were willing to fix any issues that arose during that initial inspection. That being said, part of  home ownership  will no doubt include repairs.  Many homeowners prefer to get a home protection plan, as it is an affordable way to cover the expenses involved with repairs.

œHome protection plans are popular in the real estate industry because they provide a relatively inexpensive way to take care of home defects that develop soon after the home sale closes.

Some sellers offer to pay for a home protection plan to cover the home for the buyer for one year. If problems arise during that year, the buyers simply call the warranty company and pay the service charge.

A home protection plan is definitely something to consider when it comes to buying your home, and perhaps even better if you can convince the seller to pay for the first year. And even if you have lived in the same house for years, but have no current coverage for general repairs, a home protection plan just may be the way to go.

Contact me for more information on how you can get a home warranty included with the purchase of your home.

www.PaulDake.com

www.HomeOwnerWorkshop.org

It’s becoming common knowledge that 90% of home buyers begin their home search on the internet.   It is increasingly important for we Realtors to utilize this amazing marketing tool to it’s fullest advantage.   Social media is helping us connect with each other worldwide and fast, fast, fast!  

I can now list homes on my Facebook profile with links to the property specific websites.   These sites provide great exposure for my clients since they are spread out through the web to many other real estate related sites.   Here’s one example:

www.4457GlenwoodDr.canByours.com

Photos, Virtual Tour, Community Info, School Info, Payment & Loan Amounts, etc., all at one source.   Here is a flipbook that shows just one of the great internet marketing tools I provide to my clients:

www.daddyman.mymarketingbook.com

Contact me with your questions!

The Homes for Heroes program
provides extraordinary  savings to local heroes
who   provide extraordinary services
to our community every day.

25% of the gross commission paid to our office,
whether the Hero buys, sells or both.

1/2% maximum orgination fee
charged by Homes for Heroes
lender affiliates

Title closing fee discounts where allowed by law

If you plan to buy or sell a home,  
give me a  call  and we’ll get started!

Cell:   610-496-4642
daddyman1@comcast.net
www.HomesforHeroes.com

Most have  heard the terms: short sales, foreclosures, and REO,  which are no doubt the buzz words of the real estate industry these days. They are the processes you hope  you don™t have to go  through as a homeowner. However, these are also the factors that are, in part, making this a buyer™s market.What exactly are the differences between each situation? Each process is complicated and complex, and as always, your best bet is to get yourself situated with a trusted and experienced REALTOR ®. It also helps if you understand, at least to a certain extent, the processes yourself.

Natascha Tello clears up the confusion and clearly defines short sales, foreclosures and REO.

œShort sales, in most circumstances, are the first step to avoid foreclosure. Although the lender(s) will recover less than the total loan amount in a short sale, they may prefer this in lieu of foreclosure. The costs of foreclosing on a property may be more than the bank™s loss by taking a short sale.

Also, the property may not sell at auction and then the bank would be forced to take it back as an REO (Real Estate Owned) property, which then they would have to maintain, list and sell themselves.

Short sales, foreclosures and REO are all feasible options if a homeowner is unable to make their monthly mortgage payments. But before you jump in and decide which is the best option for you, be sure to talk to your Realtor. The same applies for potential homebuyers looking for a great deal.