Thinking about 2009.

Real Estate Information is the name of this blog. I guess we all have a place to lay our head at night so we all have some need for information.

While we were in Michigan, spending time with the kin folks, I got to thinking about all the people in that state that are recently out of work. All of the economic turmoil happening right before Christmas. It just breaks my heart to know that in the greatest country in the world that our elected officials are giving money in "bail out plans" to executives who are responsible for not keeping their companies profitable. Then those executives secure their financial future (Golden Parachutes) and run their companies with what's left over. I pray that the "Change" that we want as a country doesn't push us backwards toward the Carter Administration days, or worse.

Now is the time to learn about the Technology that we have and are so slow to adopt. The Internet is a powerful tool. I don't believe the majority of the world's people can fathom the power that the internet brings into our homes, businesses and our hands through cell phones.

There was a time when people thought that they wouldn't need indoor plumbing, cars, color TV, home computers, cell phones... and now Social Media. Just 10 days ago a Continental Airlines 737 veered off the runway on take-off and burst into flames. From the instant this was happening there was a passenger on board broadcasting LIVE the news about what was happening on Twtter. Hurricane Ike and the Mumbai terrorists attacks were all reported in real time on Twitter.

Yes, Social Media has it's problems, but so does the internet as a whole. We just have to learn to program safeguards in the system where the freaks of the world will use it to get their kicks.

With that said, there are always going to be Pros and Cons to any type of technology that is developed. We, as an educated generation, have to learn to use the technology for the good of mankind. We have to learn to use the Internet to help our daily lives. Now is a great time for people to learn how and start a home based internet business. You don't have to try all the get rich quick scheems. What if you made an extra $500 per month. Wouldn't that help out? There are all kinds of things to learn about. The easiest of which is ebay. How much stuff is in the garage or attic or better yet in that mini storage building that has a monthly fee? Do some Spring cleaning often and find things you don't want anymore and sell them on ebay.

Another learning avenue is through Rhea Perry. Rhea hosts events throughout the year teaching people different ways to work from home using the Internet. On of those events is Entrepreneur Days is held in the Fall. You can check out her blog at RheaPerry.com. Money can be made by Blogging, writing e-books, Affiliate Marketing (selling someone else's product for a fee) etc.

2009 is going to a year of change. The only question I have is: Who will be able to change with it? I will and I hope you will be able to follow that change right here at www.Educating4Wealth.info.

May you have a Prosperous and Happy New Year.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Adam

Identity Theft - Greater during Christmas

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, victimizing over 10 million people a year and costing billions of dollars. Identity theft can happen anywhere to anyone. In line at the store, online at home or when you're buying your morning coffee. If your identity is stolen, you can spend hundreds of hours cleaning up your credit and struggling to get back your good name.

A friend of mine, Rhea Perry, had her debit card stolen in September 2008. Before Rhea even realized the card was gone, the damage had already been done. Read her story and what she learned about Identity Theft here www.RheaPerry.com. Scroll to the Sept 28, 2008 Blog Entry "My debit card # was stolen; is yours safe?"

Below is a great article by Wade Knoxville about Identity Theft.

Identity theft is the ongoing scare of our generation. Every day, we see commercials and hear warning about all the different ways our identities could be stolen. However, it may not be very clear to you what can actually happen if you are victimized. Below is a list of the five most common frustrating annoyances that immediately follow getting your identity stolen.

1. An untold number of credit lines opened in your name.

Having a great number of credit cards opened in your name is one of the first things that commonly happens to those who get their identity stolen. If you think you may be victim of ID theft, you might want to check your credit score. You will likely notice many new cards, mortgages, loans and the like in your name. This is the number one sign that you have been taken for the ride. Contact the creditors immediately before it gets out of hand.

2. A fast-draining bank account.

If you check your bank account one day and find that all your money is gone, there is a very good chance that your identity has been stolen. If your spouse has access to your bank account, you may want to check with them to make sure they didn't spend the last couple nights at the casino or anything like that. Assuming of course that neither you nor your partner drained your account, it is most likely that you have been victimized. Contact your bank and notify them of your concern. Most will be very happy to work with you.

3. Bills of staggering amounts for things you did not buy.

Receiving massive bills in your name for things you would never even think to buy is a sure fire sign that someone has boosted your identity. Commonly, the bills will be for extravagances that should make your case easy to prove to the creditors. As an example, why would you buy eight crystal chandeliers, six flat screen televisions and a Porsche unless you were going through a manic episode? This may sound over the top, but purchases that far out are common to ID theft victims.

4. Elicit use of your driver's license.

Your driver's license has the power to acquire all sorts of financial gains in your name. Bank accounts to conceal stolen money, hotel and vehicle rentals that will likely wind up trashed, and airfare to exotic locations to avoid the criminal justice system are just a few of the many unauthorized uses of your driver's license that the thief may take part in. Nobody likes this kind of hassle, so be careful!

5. Criminal accusations for crimes you did not commit.

In the worst of cases, having your identity stolen by a crafty outlaw could result in the police tracking you down for crimes he committed! These cases are slightly less common but happen frequently enough to warrant mention. Generally speaking, after a lot of unnecessary bureaucratic hassling from the legal authorities, it should become quite obvious that you had nothing to do with these crimes and will usually be let go. Even still, this is an extremely unfortunate consequence of being victimized by ID thieves.

Be Proactive about protecting your Identity. Go to LifeLock today to protect your identity and personal information for only $10 a month.

Increase the Value of your home with Kitchen Renovations

The Front Porch, the Kitchen and the Master bath. The 3 rooms to make perfect before selling your house.

Have you ever thought about the Front Door area of your house? As a Realtor that is going to show your house my Buyer clients are going to make a decision if they like your house or not in the first three minutes.

Making a good first impression is crucial in this market. Is your Front Porch freshly painted and the landscaping colorful for the season or were there spider webs in the corners and weeds in the flowerbeds? That's what my Buyers noticed while I was opening the door.

The next decision making room is the Kitchen. Whether you’ve been trying to sell your home for months or you’ve been thinking about putting your house on the market, a kitchen remodel is a fail-safe way to add value to your home and decrease selling time.

The appearance of your kitchen is crucial to selling your home. Out of your entire house, the kitchen is likely the only single room that can make or break a sale. As California real estate agent Sherry Lee Cox stated in an article on the Real Estate Network, “Buyers are usually passionate about the kitchen in any home they are considering buying.” So, especially if you have worn linoleum or tired-looking Formica countertops, it makes sense to refresh your kitchen a bit if you’re trying to sell.

Now, just to be clear, we’re not talking about a complete top-to-bottom kitchen remodel. According to the Wall Street Journal, a full kitchen remodel (with appliances) cost over $54,000 in 2006, and sellers only recouped 80% of that cost! A small scale renovation is more cost effective and doesn’t drain as much capital from your pocket. The same Wall Street Journal article pointed out, “Less drastic jobs, such as changing out countertops and refinishing existing cabinets, bring better returns…”

There are a number of small changes you can make to bring out the best in your kitchen, from replacing an old porcelain sink to adding cheerful new curtains. The two best improvements you can make are replacing the flooring and installing new countertops; not only are these remodeling jobs relatively affordable, they also give you the most bang for your buck. That’s because in the last five or ten years, market standards for kitchens have shifted away from synthetic materials like vinyl flooring and laminate counters to hardwood floors and stone countertops. For your home to be competitive in the housing market, your kitchen needs to live up to these standards.

The most desirable kitchens today feature hardwood flooring and solid surface stone countertops. Depending on your budget, it’s best to remodel both areas of your kitchen in order to keep the overall look coherent; replacing your laminate counters with granite slabs only does so much good if your floor is still 20-year-old vinyl! The good news is that with all of the different stone countertop and wood flooring materials available today you’re sure to be able to find quality products that fit within your price range.

Remember, it’s best not to go overboard when you’re making small improvements as an investment. In order to recoup as much of your initial outlay as possible, you need to keep spending in check. Focus on the areas of your kitchen that would most benefit from an update and shop around for budget-priced materials. For example, imported granite countertops are gorgeous, but so are the less-expensive engineered quartz counters.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that even if you don’t recover 100% of your investment, remodeling your kitchen is worth it in the end. Home buyers will fall in love with your fresh, modern kitchen, whereas a dated, tired, or nondescript kitchen might turn them off. The improvements you make to your kitchen will invariably be what sell the house: real estate broker Daniel Johnson of Colorado tells of two comparable homes in his area, one “with a refurbished kitchen, listed at $710,000, [that] recently sold, while an identical unit without the new kitchen, listed at $699,000, has had no takers.” So, even if your investment isn’t completely recouped, the kitchen renovations will attract buyers and produce results. As Johnson says, “Upgraded kitchens sell units.”

by Matt Gallo
12/04/2008

Forbes.com names Madison County, AL Top 10 places to weather the economic downturn

Helen Coster, 11.12.08

Affordable Places To Weather The Downturn

Well-priced homes, enviable job growth and proximity to vibrant cities make these top 10 spots good choices in recessionary times.

Last week, unemployment hit a 20-year high, rising to 6.5% over the month before.
Folks in Denver-area Adams County may fare better than others nationwide. Year-over-year job growth is 3.4%, thanks to a diversified local economy that includes aerospace, aviation and bioscience jobs. Homeowners pay a scant $1,536 in property taxes and enjoy some of the most affordable properties in the country.

Residents in Madison County, Ala., Pulaski County, Ark., Hamilton County, Ohio, and Greenville County, S.C. have a similar story. They're within commuting distance to Huntsville, Little Rock, Cincinnati and Greenville, respectively, boast enviable job growth figures and round out our list of the top five spots to live affordably during an economic downturn.
Behind The Numbers In compiling our list, we looked at three factors: affordability, property taxes and job growth. Moody's Economy.com provided us with an affordability index for each county. A score of 100 indicates that a family earning the median income in the surrounding metropolitan area can afford to buy a median-priced home. The higher the score, the higher the affordability.

In Pictures: Affordable Places To Weather the Downturn
The U.S. Census Bureau provided information on 2007 property taxes, and year-over-year job growth data came from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
We cut out counties that don't include distinct townships that are within an hour's drive from an urban area.
Lone Star SpotsSeveral counties in Texas appear on our list. This is because homes statewide are relatively affordable thanks to low fees for building permits and liberal zoning policies. Property taxes, however, zing homeowners; Texas has neither state nor city income taxes, so local governments rely on property taxes as their main source of funding.

Read the whole story at http://tinyurl.com/5tr2xo

3 People You Should and Should Not Give Christmas Cards To

by Wade Knoxville

With Thanksgiving in the books and Christmas less than a month away, everyone's turning their attention to an inescapable obligation of the holidays: buying Christmas cards. While few enjoy this task, it is simply assumed that you will both receive greeting cards from others and buy your own for them. Especially if you work at a large organization or in a big, friendly office; there's just no way around it. However, this doesn't mean you need to buy Christmas cards for everyone. Here's the scoop:

You should buy Christmas cards for...

Your boss!

That's right - call it brown-nosing, or call it sucking up, but it's just plain courteous to buy your boss a Christmas card. When you work side-by-side with someone all year, day in and day out, how could you not? Plus, let's not forget - he or she is probably the one signing your paychecks, so it never hurts to show some appreciation during the Holiday months. A sincerely worded Christmas card can go a long way toward demonstrating your loyalty toward the organization and good will toward him/her.

Your cubicle mate/closest co-worker!

Everybody has a cubicle mate or close co-worker without whom the day would be a total, insufferable drag. The least you can do is give that person a heartfelt and sincere Christmas card during the frosty holiday season. After all, they probably hate coming in to work as much as you do, and the fact that you gave them the card will brighten their day all the more.

The office flirt (see below)

This one depends on your marital status and intentions. As you well know, every office or workplace has an "office flirt" - ie, a woman who seems hell-bent on making passes at every man working there at some point or another. Now, when it comes to giving this person a Christmas card, you have a decision to make. Giving her a card will be seen as you "flirting back" with her, which could in turn drive her to flirt harder with you. If this is what you want, go ahead and get her a card!

You should not buy Christmas cards for...

The office gossip hound

Another common fixture at workplaces everywhere is the gossip hound. The person who seems more concerned with spreading and inventing gossip than with eating or breathing. Unless you happen to be close friends with the gossip hound (like if he or she is your cubicle mate), you probably shouldn't give her a Christmas card. Doing so implies that you are okay with her gossiping ways when in all actuality you probably aren't. Not giving her a card, on the other hand, is a small but much-needed reminder that her pettiness is unappreciated.

That pesky middle manager who's always on your case

Everybody's got a pesky, buzzword-spouting, haughty middle manager whose job description seems to be lecturing you about how the company is "moving forward." Few office personalities are more grating and irritating than this guy, and as such, rewarding them with a sincere Christmas card is simply unadvisable. Even if everyone else gives this person a card, you should resist, for it is only once people stop treating Christmas cards as mindless 'gotta give 'em to everybody regardless of liking them or not" traditions that their true dignity will be restored. Take a stand!

The office flirt (see below again)

Earlier we advised that you should give the office flirt a Christmas card if you're interested in her. But what if you're not - say, because you're already married? In this case, giving the office flirt a card is a recipe for disaster in the form of horassing text-messages, voicemails, or potentially even ugly in-public encounters with her while you are out with your significant other. Unless these are your ideas of fun and laughs, it's probably best to cross the office flirt off your Christmas card list.

Home insurance cover over Christmas

by Seamus Swords

As Christmas fast approaches, more and more of us are out shopping buying expensive gifts for loved ones, but unfortunately for some people it’s not just Santa that might be paying an unexpected visit. It is sad to say but thieves are hard at work at Christmas time, full in the knowledge that many homes will be full of expensive presents which are easy to steal. Many insurers are now warning that homeowners need to check the fine print of their home insurance policy to make sure that if thieves where to strike the people who matter most don’t lose out in the long run.

Norwich and Peterborough spokesman Steve Kendall said: "It's an important time of year to check the small print of your insurance policy. The key to a successful Christmas is preparation. Accidents happen, but it's having the right measures in place to deal with them that counts." Click Here! to Protect your home and assets from Fire, Theft and Natural Disaster. An absolute must for Estate Planning!

In addition to the added threat of thieves some insurers are also pointing out that your fridge and freezer will be full of expensive food brought for the holiday season and if that was to break down hundreds of pounds worth of food could be ruined. So what do homeowners have to look out for, so you can have a Christmas where all you have to worry about id the turkey in the oven?

To avoid losing out on all your present’s it is important to check that your home has contents cover against theft. This is a standard cover for most home insurance policies but it is doubly important to check this over the Christmas period. If you do discover that you don’t have theft contents cover it is worth getting it not just for the holiday season, as your home can be burgled any time of the year not just at Christmas. Many reports have been suggesting of late that people are forgoing home insurance to save money (possibly for Christmas), yet the simple fact is if your home is broken into the cost to replace the items will far outweigh any insurance premiums.

Now you are safe in the knowledge that your contents are covered in your home insurance policy, it is also important to make sure you have any breakdown cover for any appliances which are essential for the Christmas period. Some home insurance policies will include break down cover for certain appliances which is brilliant if the oven was to stop working a week before Christmas. Admittedly this kind of cover is not deemed ‘essential’ but it can be extremely valuable to have. If your Christmas hinges on how well the turkey is cooked, then just for peace of mind it might be well worth it to looking into getting some form of breakdown cover.

So with Christmas fast approaching and a million and one things to do before the big day arrives, certain types of home insurance cover can often be forgotten. A simple check can help insure that if the worst was to happen you can still have a merry Christmas with the ones you love.

Click Here! to Protect your home and assets from Fire, Theft and Natural Disaster. An absolute must for Estate Planning!

Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Historic Five Points

by Adam Morien
11/27/2008

Historic Five Points is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Huntsville Alabama real estate. Located northeast of downtown, this area encompasses East Huntsville, Old Town and Twickenham, where artists, families and retirees live in equal numbers. One-of-a-kind shops, trendy art galleries, and restaurants featuring delicious Southern cuisine make this historic district worth living in. All the amenities are within walking distance – supermarkets, dry cleaners, painting studios, hardware stores, restaurants, cafes and transit lines. In fact, Five Points is considered the first Huntsville "suburb."

Nearly destroyed during the Civil War era, the East Huntsville AL real estate quadrant of Five Points marked the beginning of a new, industrial society, rather than an old-fashioned agricultural community. Active recruiting of jobs and local businesses brought the city to life. Streetcars made the area even more accessible. Community planners designed narrower lots, rear service entries, more green-space and grid-like streets, which some say is a prototype of today's "New Urbanism" development movement.

The most remarkable feature of Five Points, Huntsville AL real estate can be seen by walking down the tree-lined, grid-patterned streets and gazing up at the exquisite architecture representing more than 100 years of architectural evolution. The neighborhood proudly displays one and two-story turn-of-the-century Victorians, with their majestic turrets, bold colors and dramatic ornamentation. Arts and Crafts Bungalows and English Cottage Bungalows from the roaring 20s and 1930s can also be viewed with their low-pitched roofs, stick brackets beneath the eaves, spacious front porches, front dormers and distinctive entryways. By the 1950s, Cape Cods and Ranches had dominated Huntsville Alabama real estate to maximize space by filling up small, empty lots.

Historic Five Points, Huntsville AL real estate is surprisingly affordable, although this could very well change, given that the brand new Lee High School is scheduled to open in fall 2010 and that hordes of young professionals are competing for properties here. The historic bungalow architecture, the proximity to downtown amenities and the distinctiveness of the area are all big draws. Additionally, property values have risen steadily each year, which is just another reason for homebuyers to consider this top-notch neighborhood. With tree-lined streets, deep property lots, sidewalks, special street sign markers and close-knit community centers, they just don't make them like this anymore!

Huntsville AL Real Estate Values Up 5.8%

By Adam Morien
11/25/08

According to the Huntsville Times, median home values are up 5.8% to $185,000 in Huntsville Alabama real estate. The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors said that 454 homes were sold in August, which is 15.8% down from July and 17.9% down from 2007. While housing sales are slowing a little, the prices are rising.

"Any time you see that opposite movement, that means it's a desirable place to live and buy a house, despite the economic conditions," explains HAAR director Oscar Gonzales.

Even though nationwide sales have dropped 13% and median sale prices have dropped over 7%, Huntsville AL real estate seems to be a little sluggish compare to the dynamic 2006-2007 year (which was the third-highest of all time); but the homes are certainly retaining their values. According to local real estate expert John Allen, house prices are selling at 98% of their list price, with most homes selling in the $200's. Over all, Madison County homes saw a 28% increase in home values from 2007-2008, which is a much better return than the stock market! He added that a lot of the house-flippers and speculators appear to have dropped out of the market, leaving fair and affordable prices. Additionally, 30-year fixed interest rate mortgages are at a 40-year low for those who have the credit to qualify.

Increased employment opportunities, resulting in 16,000 new high-tech jobs, has fueled a lot of the steady Huntsville Alabama real estate growth. Since 2000, the population has increased by 44,000 people and is expected to grow another 2% each year. The city has attracted much attention in recent years, receiving prestigious distinctions such as: Milken Institute's "Fifth-Best Performing City," one of the Wall Street Journal's "Top Ten Metros for Business Vitality," one of the "Forbes Leading Cities for Business," one of MSN/Sperling's "Top Ten Cities for Job Growth and Affordability" and Coldwell Banker's "Most Affordable Residential Real Estate Market."

"I think that we have a very healthy economy in Huntsville," said Huntsville AL real estate broker Tommy Adams. "A year or two ago, they had looser guidelines and people were buying homes who should not have been. Incomes here are good, and there's a lot of selection. It is harder to get someone to qualify, but people with high credit scores are getting good interest rates."

"The local numbers show that we are still in a growth market," said John Allen, president of the Madison County Builders Association. "When you put this year's numbers next to last year's, it's important to remember that last year gave us record numbers. Our market remains healthy."

Mortgage News worth reporting

The mortgage industry just received a nice boost!
The Fed is going to purchase mortgage bonds. The Federal Reserve just announced that it would purchase $600 billion worth of Mortgage Backed Securities backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae. This move by the Fed is designed to help increase the availability of credit while lowering fixed rate mortgages. And this move is already lowering mortgage rates so far today as mortgage bonds are up a whopping 128bp and appear to be destined to retest the price highs of 2008. In addition to purchasing debt backed by Fannie and Freddie, the Fed will set up a $200 billion program to support consumer and small business loans. The Fed looks for the plan to create liquidity in the auto, student and small business loan market.

30 year Conventional rate/over $100k 5.375%

30 year FHA loan/over $100k 5.500%

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Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Decorating

by Clint Johnson

Christmas customs are not homogenous all over the world, but among the most popular ones we can surely find exchanging of gifts, kissing under the mistletoe, decorating the Christmas tree and other indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations and Christmas ornaments. But while preparing your house for the holiday season you should not forget to pay attention to the basic idea of Christmas: spending quality time with your families and friends and thinking about the baby Jesus’ birth. Your soul must be prepared too for holidays!

All your Christmas decorations must have a magical spirit and must reflect your warm and tender feelings about this holy time of the year. You should search for new ideas every year so your Christmas ornaments will get the maximum appreciation, as many of your relatives and friends will visit you during this white season.

In order to create an intimate and warm atmosphere in your house, you can place colourful ribbons or bows on your curtains, chairs or door handles. You can add a touch of joy by using different colours instead of the usual green, red and white. But you can also choose a theme for your Christmas decorations, using only a colour or two. For a better effect, the tableware can follow the same pattern. The holiday garlands, the window candles and the lights on the front windows can also contribute to the charm of the decoration. You may be sure that your children will feel very enthusiastic about creating Christmas ornaments from coloured paper or other materials and this will stimulate their creativity.

The Christmas tree is perhaps the most important of all Christmas decorations. It can be real or made of plastic; it can be in miniature or tall. All that matters is what it stands for: a celebration of God and Jesus, a manifestation of joy and appreciation, a period when everyone tries to be a better person. The way one chooses Christmas ornaments is rather important for everyone because they can show the large variety of feelings related to this magic time. Children are the ones that dream most about the candy canes, stars, bells, toys, socks, little snowmen, Santa Clause hats hung in the Christmas tree. They dream more than adults and they probably even feel more during this period. So pay special attention to the star or the fairy on the top of the tree: it will be noticed (by everyone, not just your children) for sure! And do not forget to buy electric flashing lights, white or coloured, to make your tree look more animated!

Your children and the carol singers will love some suitable for eating Christmas ornaments. Chocolate coins or homemade cookies with a coloured, silver or gold wrapping will look delicious while sparkling in the tree and will tempt the guests of all ages! The same effect will be produced by other important Christmas ornaments - of the table - : the Christmas cakes, which you can cook and even decorate according to your imagination.

You should also think about some interesting and elegant Christmas decorations for your living room table: white glittery pinecones, little snowmen, white doves, white or coloured berries and flowers, silver bells, angels and anything that makes you feel happy. Everything can be sprayed with snow, giving only a little light dusting or making it look like a heavy snowfall, upon your personal taste.

Speaking about outdoor Christmas decorations, you might even enjoy a banner to tell everybody how happy you are about the holiday season, to wish them ‘Merry Christmas!’ or to make sure that Santa will not pass by your house. For many families it is very important to decorate their homes with strings of lights, which can have many shapes and sizes and seem to be the most popular outdoor Christmas ornaments. There are also dangling lights which resemble Santa Claus, snowmen, angels or icicles. There’s no limit to how you can show your joy regarding the Christmas time.

In the past, all that people used was a wreath of holly on the door, but now we can see Santa climbing up the roofs, fake snow on all the windows or even a pre-made figure or statue with lighting capabilities. (This can take the shape of Santa, a cartoon character, a religious figure or can even represent a biblical scene.) Many people manufacture their own decorations instead of buying them or look for exclusive products to make their house the most admired in the neighbourhood. For them as well as for us, the spirit of Christmas has to light everyone’s hearts and they do the best they can to bring a smile on their neighbour’s faces.

There is nothing lovelier or more inspiring than seeing or entering a house filled with nice and elegant Christmas decorations , reflecting the family’s love for the values of the season. Christmas is about renewing memories, telling stories, singing carols, sharing gifts and all the Christmas ornaments should be chosen with enthusiasm and joy.

How Realtors Can Use Online Marketing SEO to Become Experts in Their Industry

by Adam Morien

The first step for any successful realtor is to use web design and search engine optimization to create a traffic-magnet website. Once these online marketing SEO techniques have been employed, the audience will arrive with high expectations and very short attention spans. There are many ways to establish oneself as an expert within a field, but Adam J. Morien, founder of OptiTrex Internet marketing SEO company, says the best way is by providing in-depth information that is useful and dynamically written.

"The old saying is very true – 'Content is king.' You need the content to professionally portray a successful, conversion-centric website," Morien states matter-of-factly. There are many ways to add internet marketing SEO content – rewrite the homepage, add more portal pages, publish articles and press releases on third party sites, or start a blog.

"Blogging allows you to increase the ability of your voice to reach people and the number of people you can contact to establish relationship," added Daniel Rothamel, a member of Strong Team Realtors in Charlottesville, Virginia. "You can be constantly creating your own content and greatly increase your ability to educate people."

Blogs are especially important resources for out-of-state homebuyers and foreign home buyers – and therefore, make great online marketing SEO tools for realtors. This year, the National Association of Realtors found that, on average, 15% of a realtor's business comes from a foreigner purchasing a second home in America – notably Florida, Southern California and Texas (where half of all expats buy their US homes).

Additionally, a 2008 Mayflower Transit study interviewed more than 15,000 people about relocating from state to state for work – and they found that 50% of all respondents had moved in the last year for employment reasons! The most popular destinations were: Washington DC, Kentucky, Vermont, Nevada, South Carolina and North Carolina. Realtors in these particular markets need to be cognizant of these relocating audiences and provide more in-depth coverage of the distinctive neighborhoods, employment information and regional flavor of their areas. However, providing this information in any area is a great way to get ahead of the competition since most real estate websites are stingy with their information and overwhelmingly full of generalizations. It's a simple formula: the more specific the online marketing SEO information is, the more knowledgeable the real estate agent will sound.

"Blogging and social media online marketing are the latest and greatest strategies we use to increase quality traffic, leads and exposure of our clients' businesses," Morien explains. He adds that search engine optimization and blogging particularly go hand-in-hand because search engine spiders at Google and Yahoo are looking for certain things while ranking pages. The more pages of useful, keyword-rich content a website has, the more favorable that page will fare in the search engine results. Since most consumers never make it past the second page, Internet marketing SEO strategies need to focus on getting the client's site within the top 20 listings.

Another online marketing SEO strategy that ranks well in search engines is social media content – particularly Myspace blogs, pages and images (which is more open than, say, Facebook.) Social media marketing can be linked to a realtor's website and blog to create online chatter and inspire word-of-mouth marketing. "Think about social marketing like the chat room of consumer reports," Morien says. "We leverage our clients by setting them up as the authority resources in their industry – and the 'buzz' of social marketing and blogging has successfully contributed to this strategy."

Crafting press releases to market on third party sites and exchanging links with other industry leaders (like builders, housing organizations, etc) are other invaluable Internet marketing SEO techniques. These methods are like testimonials, votes of confidence and vouches for a realtor's trustworthiness. Not only does this resound favorably with audiences, but also with search engines which are scouring the Internet for the "best of the best," the most highly recommended and the most popular.

It's safe to say that most realtors don't have the time to maintain a daily blog, craft in-depth press releases or keep up with social media traffic. However, hiring a professional Internet marketing SEO copywriter for a few hundred a month can have a major impact. These trained writers can not only do all the research about neighborhoods, events, properties for sale and the local real estate market trends, but they can also write in an engaging, intelligent manner that will keep readers coming back for more.

"Home sellers and buyers are in the driver's seat today when it comes to finding real estate services on attractive terms," said the National Association of Realtors Chief Economist David Lereah. "This is a great time to look for a realtor who will deliver the best service and the best price."

Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Thawing

by Matt Gallo 11/21/2008

The cold temperatures of winter bring with them the chilly fun of snowmen and sledding, but they also bring the danger of frozen pipes. When it’s cold outside, it’s important to take preventative measures to keep your pipes from freezing. And, if they’ve frozen already, you need to get them thawed quickly, before they burst and ruin your wintry fun!

Especially if you have outside pipes, plumbing located in external walls, or pipes in unheated spaces, you need to be extra careful. Several simple steps can help prevent frozen pipes. First, if you have vulnerable plumbing, just leave the faucet dripping at a slight trickle. The moving water won’t be able to freeze solid, negating the danger of burst pipes. The second basic precaution is simply to keep your pipes warm. This can be achieved in many different ways, from installing a portable heater near problem pipes or in unheated areas like crawlspaces to wrapping pipes in insulation.

Once you’ve put precautions in place, be sure to routinely inspect your plumbing. A frozen pipe is obvious if no water comes out of the faucet, but they can also be detected visually. Pipes with frost on the outside, those covered in ice, and ones that are bulging or appear to have small fissures are frozen. Once the plumbing begins to bulge, it is critical that the pipe be defrosted immediately, as bursting is imminent.

Things get trickier once a pipe is frozen. Frozen pipes must be thawed as soon as they are discovered. Waiting only increases the likelihood of a cracked pipe and the ensuing flood. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe. While this technique has been used in the past, it is extremely dangerous. You are far more likely to start a house fire than defrost your pipes. There are several safe do-it-yourself techniques, including infrared heat lamps and specialized electric heat tape that you wrap around the pipe. However, if you don’t have these specialized tools on hand, your best bet is to contact a pipe thawing professional. They will be able to efficiently and safely thaw your pipes.

It’s best to avoid frozen pipes by taking precautionary measures, but if you do end up with iced up plumbing, it doesn’t have to be a disaster. Whether you choose the DIY method or a plumber with pipe thawing expertise, your pipes can be safely defrosted so you can enjoy the rest of the winter.

10 Tips For First Time Home Buyers

Buying a home for the first time is a huge step forward in life. Unlike buying a laptop, stereo, or car buying a home is an investment towards a settled life and future. Although advertisements make buying a home seem simple it is not so unless you have money saved up, have won a lottery, or inherited a huge sum of money.

When you decide to invest in a home you need to:

1. Sit down and think what you want in a home and where you want to live. Decide on whether you want a flat, a suburban home, or a row house. Think not just of the present but future needs like a growing family and expanding space needs. Find out about schools, colleges, libraries, playgrounds, doctors, hospitals and grocery stores in the neighborhood.

2. Nearly 80% of home searches are done today on the World Wide Web, you can browse through real estate listings and view photographs of available homes and neighborhoods. Make a short list of possible buys and then set out to view the properties armed with a note book and camera. Take along a family member or friend as two sets of eyes are better than one.

3. Think about a down payment, this can be between 3-20% depending on the bank you are availing a home loan from. Ads that indicate a 100% financing are not applicable for everyone. In general, the higher the cost of the home the larger the down payment required.

4. In addition to a down payment you will need funds for: closing costs; insurance; taxes; home inspection and appraisal; utility deposits; advance mortgage payments; and moving expenses.

5. Plan your finances and figure out what amounts you can afford to pay towards mortgages. Create a earning and expense spread sheet. Analyze your lifestyle and determine where you can cut back and save money that can go towards a fabulous home. Think about shopping around for more affordable car and health insurance; cutting back on eating out, unnecessary shopping, and travel; trim everyday costs by buying groceries at places that offer competitive prices and carrying coffee and lunch from home instead of buying lunch each day.

6. Create a monthly savings target and put the money away in a separate account.

7. Make investments that are likely to provide high returns with low risk. Learn how to make money grow steadily.

8. Try not to run up bills on credit or debit cards. Lock up the cards and only use them in an emergency.

9. When shopping for a mortgage do a comparison of different finance options; get a loan with the best possible terms. If you maintain a good credit report and score you will reap many benefits.

10. Surf the net and read the many articles and tips n purchasing a home written by experts in finance and real estate. Knowledge is always a good partner in any venture.

Buying a home must be done with care. Always choose a home that fits within your budget. This decision will help you manage your finances without going bankrupt. Even if loans are easily available remember you need to pay it back with interest so always settle for comfort rather that choose a prohibitively expensive property that becomes a huge financial burden.

You can search for homes in North Alabama at www.Find-Huntsville-Homes.com

Home Tip of the Month

By: David Arrington

Sell Your Home Sooner with Basic Home Improvements

by Matt Gallo

In today’s sluggish real estate market, selling your home can be a nightmare. Months or even years can drag by with your house on the market. But there is hope. Despite the slow economy, there are a number of ways you can boost your home’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Your house will increase in value and sell faster, even in today’s market! The importance of curb appeal can never be overestimated when discussing home sales. The external appearance of your home frequently makes the difference between a buyer coming in to see the rest of the house and a buyer driving on by. Small changes like cutting back overgrown shrubs, weeding, and planting seasonal flowers cost little to nothing, but can make your home more attractive. However, major outdoor improvements can really make your house look fabulous and sell fast. For instance, did you know that landscaping frequently provides up to 200% return on investment. So if you spend $5,000 on a new stone walkway and retaining wall, you can increase the value of your home up to $10,000! Not only will your house look great, it will make a stronger impression from the street, inviting potential buyers to come in, look around, and make an offer. Other external upgrades to consider include new siding or fresh paint. Especially if the old paint is chipped and peeling, a new professional paint job can make all the difference in the world. Inside your home, there are also several options for sprucing things up to make the house sell fast. Many homeowners immediately turn to a kitchen remodel, but with the price of new appliances, this investment is often too large to recoup. Bathroom renovation, on the other hand, makes a big impact and costs much less. Updating an old-fashioned powder room or creating a luxurious master bath suite will give you the most bang for your buck; by concentrating on these key spaces instead of less significant areas like a kid’s bathroom, you’ll optimize your investment. Another fantastic way to enhance the interior look of your home is to install new flooring. Especially if a central part of your house, such as the entryway or kitchen, has dated, worn, or blasé flooring, you can make a huge impact by changing it out for a fresh floor. There are a number of economical flooring options on the market today to make a beautiful impression without breaking the bank. With laminates and prefinished wood flooring costing as little as $7 a square foot, you can create the glowing warmth of a hardwood floor at a fraction of the price. And, real estate research has shown that buyers heavily prefer wood floors to almost any other material. These changes may seem like an excessively large investment to make in a house you’re trying to sell, but they’re actually quite cost-effective. Because they enhance your home’s appeal, they decrease selling time exponentially: meaning, that even if you don’t recoup 100% of the investment, you’re still coming out ahead. You’ve saved yourself the time, hassle, stress, and, yes, money of having your home on the market long term. Even if you don’t have the capital to invest in major home improvements, you can still influence how fast your home sells. Some of the tiniest changes can increase your home’s appeal and make the difference between a potential buyer making an offer or walking away. For starters, keep your home neat and tidy, so buyers aren’t assailed with dirty dishes and piles of laundry when they tour your house. Have your carpets professionally cleaned to make them look fresh and fluffy. Place fresh flowers on your table or create a seasonal decorative arrangement. Essentially, use your common sense to make your home as inviting as possible. Whether you choose to make a major home improvement investment or a minor one, you can influence how fast your home sells.

Retire in Huntsville Alabama Real Estate

by Adam Morien

Huntsville Alabama real estate has attracted a number of aging Baby Boomers who wish to find a comfortable place to invest and enjoy all the free time they've never had. "Our area offers a great playground for Baby Boomers," says real estate specialist Jimmy Hill. "From fishing, hiking, hunting, golfing, spectator sports to the arts and fine dining, we have a lot to enjoy." Located in the northern Alabama, sandwiched between Nashville and Birmingham, the 160,000 residents of Huntsville Alabama real estate love the surrounding mountains, valleys and 1,897 acres of parkland. The weather is agreeable, with an January temperatures averaging around 48 degrees and the summer months climbing up to 89. Compared to other cities in the state, Huntsville AL real estate is filled with eclectic residents, primarily because the NASA Marshall Flight Center, US Army Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park have attracted the best and the brightest to the region. A lot of people who work at these facilities retire and remain in the area to work as private contractors. On their off-time there's no shortage of things to do; residents can enjoy the Madison County Botanical Gardens, the US Space & Rocket Center, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Monte Sano State Park and the Alabama Constitution Village. Hill says retirees can enjoy a more urban life, while also indulging in luxuries like the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail facilities. Resident Mel Fisher said of Huntsville Alabama real estate: "There is a great four-season climate, no recession, lots of job openings, very little crime, a very high percentage of professional people, the latest and best in shopping and entertainment, and very good schools – all in a beautiful area in the Smoky Mountain foothills." In fact, for all these reasons, US News World & Report has deemed Huntsville one of the "Best, Healthy Places to Retire in 2008." John Allen, president of Southern Construction and Design of Huntsville AL real estate, says that Boomers make up a substantial segment of the local market. Often, those approaching retirement seek out territory in older subdivisions close to shopping and entertainment, but they're also snapping up investment properties. The area's low housing cost and property taxes, coupled with the rising Huntsville Alabama real estate values, is something even less risky investors can feel good about. Over the years, the median house value has appreciated from $100,000 to $175,000, even in lieu of the nationwide housing crisis.

Tips for Selling a home

Choosing your real estate professional is, perhaps, the most important decision you will make when selling property. There are many facets in the selling transaction and it only makes sense to hire someone who is unemotional about the sale of your home to make sure you have everything covered.

However, no matter whom you choose, these simple tips will help you sell your home more quickly and efficiently.

Make first impressions count. Without a doubt, a visually appealing house will attract buyers, who can't help but respond to the look and "feel" of a home. Take time to carefully prepare for showings. Don't forget the following:

• Cut the grass
• Remove any clutter from the yard
• Trim hedges
• Weed gardens
• Wash steps, windows, railings, doors, etc
• Paint if needed
• Remove unnecessary clutter from garages

Scrub, dust and fix up the works. Buyers will notice details. Get rid of the clutter, repair leaky faucets, wage war on dust and clean until your home shines. Small things can make a potential buyer walk away. When you prepare your house for showing, remember to:

• Shampoo carpets
• Clean tubs, toilets and showers and hang fresh towels
• Oil squeaky doors
• Fix things like broken hinges and light switches

Listen to suggestions. As you prepare your home, don't rely solely on your own judgement. It's hard to be objective when you're the owner. Your realtor will have helpful, professional tips on how to make your home more marketable.

Take a whiff. Nothing will turn a buyer away faster than an odd smell. Try to eliminate smoking, food and pet odors. And don't leave any clues. If potential buyers see a dog or an ashtray, they'll be on the lookout for smells and stains.

Turn on the lights. Open shades and draperies before a viewing. Open all doors inside home. Turn on inside and outside lights.

Let potential buyers "see" themselves in your home. Too many personal items can make viewers feel like they're intruding in someone's home. Keep things clean and simple. Decorate in neutral colors.

Get out of the house. When buyers view your home, they'll be more comfortable and spend more time if you're not there. If you must be present, be as unobtrusive as possible. Let your agent do the work.

Offer a Home Warranty. Homes with warranties sell up to 15% faster and sell for a price 2.2% higher than a comparable home without a warranty. Plus you and the potential buyer will be protected from unexpected, covered home repairs.

Stay unemotional during negotiations. Selling your home can be emotionally charged, but don't let that stand in the way of making a deal. Have a business-like attitude during the process.

Choose a Real Estate Professional you like and trust.

	Selling Your Home Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about its most appealing features? Now that you're selling your home, you'll need to look at it as if you were buying it all over again.
	Surviving the Sale Getting a good price for your home is important, but minimizing stress and simplifying the selling process can be just as essential.
	The Right Selling Price When you’re selling your home, the price you set is a critical factor in the return you’ll receive. Learn several factors to base the assessment of your home.

Thank you to all the vetrans who made this the free country it is. The USA is the greatest country in the world. I am blessed to live here.

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Limits http://ping.fm/SuUeb

Fannie and Freddie Limits

FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Corinne Russell
(202) 414-6921
Stefanie Mullin
(202) 414-6376
For Immediate Release

November 7, 2008
CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT FOR U.S.
TO REMAIN $417,000 IN 2009;
DIFFERENT LIMITS IN SOME AREAS

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced the conforming loan limit will remain $417,000 for 2009 for most areas in the U.S. but specified higher limits in certain cities and counties. The conforming loan limit is the maximum size of loans that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase in 2009.
According to provisions of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), the national loan limit is set based on changes in average home prices over the previous year, but cannot decline from year to year. Loan limits for two-, three-, and four-unit properties in 2009 will remain at 2008 levels as well: $533,850, $645,300, and $801,950 respectively, for homes in the continental U.S.

The national limit was left unchanged at $417,000 based on declines in FHFA’s monthly and quarterly house price indexes over the past year. The monthly purchase-only index declined 5.9 percent over the 12 months ending August 2008, and the quarterly all-transactions index dropped 1.7 percent from second quarter 2007 to second quarter 2008. Virtually every other measure of house prices has also fallen, with many showing even larger declines. FHFA has not yet determined whether it will continue to use a currently existing FHFA price index to gauge price movements in future years. For this year, however, all reliable metrics point to lower prices, and a price decline of any size is sufficient to determine that the national limit will not change.

Following the provisions of HERA, FHFA has set loan limits for “high-cost” areas in 2009. These limits are set equal to 115 percent of local median house prices and cannot exceed 150 percent of the standard limit, which is $625,500 for one-unit homes in the continental U.S. The new limits affect loans purchased by an Enterprise in 2009, unless the loans were
made permanently eligible for purchase under the Economic Stimulus Act enacted earlier in 2008 and has generally higher limits.

Under rules set forth in the Stimulus Act, loans originated in 2008 and the second half of 2007 are subject to limits of 125 percent of local price medians up to a maximum of $729,750. As a result of the difference in the formula for determining high-cost area limits, many of the high-cost area loan limits are different for 2009 than they were for 2008. They are generally lower because of the lower median price multiplier in HERA (i.e., loan limits are 115 percent rather than 125 percent of median prices) and the lower ceiling ($625,500 rather than $729,570). For loans originated during the period covered by the Stimulus Act, the higher of those limits and the 2009 limits will apply.

In calculating loan limits, FHFA used median house price estimates calculated by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Those values have been estimated in a manner consistent with requirements of the National Housing Act, which requires that median prices for all counties in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) be set equal to the median price for the highest-cost county. FHA has estimated median house prices for the purpose of setting its own loan limits and has used data from a number of sources, including aggregated county recorder data (supplied by Radar Logic), the American Community Survey, and the National Association of Realtors.

HUD will allow a 30-day appeals period for those wishing to contest its median price estimates. Appeals are to be based upon data suggesting a potentially higher price median for a given area. Details concerning the appeals process will be released today in an FHA mortgagee letter. To the extent that appeals are deemed valid and HUD’s median price estimates change in response to the one-time appeals process, the FHFA loan limits will be changed to reflect the updated data.
While FHFA has used median house prices estimated by FHA for 2009 loan limits, it may choose alternative methods in future years. FHFA will be seeking public comment on a forthcoming proposal concerning the best approach to measuring price medians for this application.
As in previous years, the 2009 maximum conforming limits are higher in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands than in the contiguous U.S. In those areas, as delineated in the attached list, loan limits vary from $625,500 to $721,050 for one-unit properties.
In addition to a table containing a list of all conforming loan limits for all U.S. counties and statistically equivalent areas, also attached is a list showing only those areas where 2009 loan limits are set by the high-cost area provisions in HERA. These areas have loan limits above $417,000 for one-unit properties in the continental U.S. and above $625,500 for properties in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Link to 2009 High-Cost Area Loan Limits (PDF)
Link to 2009 Loan Limits for All Counties (XLS format)

### The Federal Housing Finance Agency regulates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks. These government-sponsored enterprises provide more than $6.2 trillion in funding for the U.S. mortgage markets and financial institutions.

http://ping.fm/8lHN8

Financial Matters

Who will originate mortgages?

News analysis: Risk profile of real estate has changed
By Inman News

The risk profile of what was once considered the safest investment in the land has taken a dramatic swing in the last 18 months. During the peak of the U.S. housing market between 2002 and 2005, bullish forecasters and industry boosters promised that the most prudent investment in the world was U.S. home buyers. Investors from around the globe agreed, investing wildly in the residential mortgage market.

What investors did not realize is that while the housing market had performed magically for decades, lenders were underwriting crazy loans to borrowers who often did not understand what they were getting into and whose financial security depended on home-price appreciation.

A loan is only as good as the borrower and the underlying asset, which in this case is the value of the real estate. Both have wreaked havoc for investors in the last two years.

When the market began to collapse in 2006, investors discovered a dirty little secret that local real estate agents and mortgage brokers had known about for a couple of years. Loans were being made to unqualified borrowers on property that was rising too rapidly and could not hold its value.

Trillions of dollars in losses have quickly turned the tables on the perception of the safety and security of U.S. home loans.

So who will lend to future home buyers? The options are shrinking for four specific reasons:

• The secondary mortgage market for nonconforming and subprime loans has collapsed, so those who do underwrite these loans have fewer options for selling them. Discouraged by the risk, lenders are squeezing their loan volume.

• The wholesale lending market has disappeared: Big wholesale shops have gotten out of the business with the decline in the private secondary market (MBS), which was the golden goose for large loan aggregators.

• Without liquidity, mortgage brokers and originators have fewer sources of capital, so they are originating fewer loans.

• The number of traditional originators has declined dramatically. For example, Countrywide has been sold to Bank of America and WaMu is hanging on for its life. Other big lenders such as Wells Fargo are narrowing their lending band and taking fewer risks in this ugly market downturn.

These trends add up to a major credit squeeze for home buyers, shrinking the overall size of the pool of borrowers as the supply of listings grows dramatically. This supply-demand imbalance puts greater downward pressure on home prices, aggravating the cycle.

Where does the housing market find relief?

The Federal Housing Administration has seen a dramatic rise in demand for its loan guarantees, thanks to higher loan limits and relatively low down-payment requirements. HUD reports that in May, FHA was guaranteeing loans at the rate of 818,000 a year -- a nearly 15 percent share of the market. That compares with 289,000 mortgages guaranteed in 2007, or 4 percent of the market.

But FHA cannot fill the void.

The enactment of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's bailout plan could help. Once bankers are relieved of their "bad" home loans, they will have more leeway to boost lending. But the volume of these loans may ramp up very slowly as lenders cautiously return to the market -- making very conservative mortgages to borrowers who have perfect credit and large down payments.

You can imagine a geographically bifurcated housing market in which lenders will redline troubled areas where foreclosures are high and prices continue to tumble at double-digit rates. The hardest-hit areas will get worse.

Oddly, the bright spot in this mess is declining home values, making housing more affordable as mortgage rates remain low and government subsidies like the newly enacted $7,500 tax credit for new buyers attempts to prop up the market.

Ironically, subprime loans momentarily solved the affordable housing problem that festered after 10 years of price appreciation.

All of this portends a very slow recovery as the market continues to search for a bottom.

Article reprinted with the permission of Inman News.