REMEMBERING OUR MILITARY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Trying to take care of those at home may be hard this year when it comes to buying gifts. Finding inexpensive ways to celebrate your holidays can still make the most for your family and friends because the thought in putting the gift together should be what matters. Unfortunately, we have many families that will be apart for the holidays. Our Military. And we should not forget the sacrifices they are making for those of us at home that will have the chance to see family for the holidays.

If you can not afford to assist one of the many military programs in sending care packages, etc. Xerox Corporation has a program where you can thank a soldier. You can go to www.LetsSayThanks.com and pick out a card to send. Xerox will print the card for you and mail it to a soldier currently serving in Iraq. You will not be able to select the soldier recipient, but it will go to a member of the armed forces.

If you would like to help out a soldier’s platoon or send a care package, you can visit www.AnySoldier.com or contact me for a list of different military assistance programs or you can go to www.uso.org.

As a sponsor and entertainer for our Armed Forces and the USO, I can tell you from personal experience, that these men and women are very appreciative of what they receive. They experience some of the worst conditions that you or I probably would never imagine and having a touch from home helps the time pass so they can think of coming home. It only takes a second to help out. There are many ways to help out, so please put our military on your list this year During the Holidays.

GIVE BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

How can you Help?

Soldiers Far Away From Home

Any Soldier Inc
Any Soldier Inc. started by the family of Army Sergeant Brian Horn as an effort to help him. Horn "was one of the 1,000 soldiers who parachuted into Northern Iraq on March 26th, 2003."Horn's family "knew his unit, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was living under very rough conditions", and they were "sending Brian care packages as often as we could."Then, thinking about the other soldiers in his unit, Horn's father, an Army veteran, started a web site offering ideas and practical links that help make contacting military personnel much easier. Learn about what's needed by and how you can help our troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Serbia, Uzbekistan, or at Sea. Information on sending packages, contacting soldiers by email and much more. This site works year-round, so don't limit your efforts to the December holiday time - no matter when you are reading this - drop by Any Soldier Inc. and reach out to a soldier.cite: anysoldier.com.

A Million Thanks

A Million Thanks "is a year-round campaign to show our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, our appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, prayers, and thoughts.". cite: amillionthanks.orgSend your letter, cards and emails to A Million Thanks and they'll deliver them to military personnel, past and present, in the US and abroad.cite: amillionthanks.org

Military Care Packages
Military Care Packages. "Whether your soldier is learning the ropes at boot camp, or out and about in a foreign land, getting a care package from home gives them the knowledge that people are thinking about them - that's a huge pick-me-up. Military Care Packages orders are shipped in white boxes, have colorful fill to brighten their day and include a card personalized with a note from you. Our top priorities are quality of food and products that go into our care packages, fantastic presentation and top value for your dollar."militarycarepackages.net

Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards. The Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell the following prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these [lower rate] cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi, freedom.thor.milexch.com

Operation Hero Miles

Operation Hero Miles allows troops stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan to fly home on leave for free. It also gives family members of wounded servicemen and women free plane tickets to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country. Donations are currently being accepted from the following airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Air Lines and US Airways.cite: heromiles.org.

Soldiers' Angels

Soldiers' Angels currently supports thousands of American Service Members and the number is growing daily. Work to support wounded soldiers, with transitional backpacks, personal visits, phone calls, etc. They also send thanks via letters and email to the military of Great Britain, Poland and Australia who serve by US soldiers side in Iraq.soldiersangels.com.

Stars and Stripes Holiday Message Program

Stars and Stripes Holiday Message program: Let Stars and Stripes deliver a holiday message from you to your loved one deployed downrange or stationed in Europe or the Pacific. Messages submitted by Nov. 30 will be printed in Stars and Stripes editions around the world in time for the holidays. (Learn more) messages.stripes.osd.mil

USO Operation Phone Home

USO Operation Phone Home makes it possible for the men and women of our armed forces to stay connected to their loved ones. Our troops need phone cards. Your donations will help buy 100-, 300- and 500-minute international long distance calling cards for troops around the world. Please help deployed service members call home by donating to USO Operation Phone Home.uso.org

Wounded & Hospitalized Soldiers

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes
Coalition to Salute America's Heroes was created to provide an easy and meaningful way for individuals, corporations and others to help our severely wounded and disabled veterans and their families rebuild their lives. Your gift will be distributed in Coalition programs that provide emergency financial support to wounded heroes and the families in need, create job conferences, build handicapped-accessible homes, as well as many other initiatives.certifichecks.com

Road to Recovery
Road to Recovery was created to provide an easy and meaningful way for individuals, corporations and others to help our severely wounded and disabled veterans and their families rebuild their lives. Your gift will be distributed in Coalition programs that provide emergency financial support to wounded heroes and the families in need, create job conferences, build handicapped-accessible homes, as well as many other initiatives.saluteheroes.org

For the Families of Soldiers

Family Support Network
Family Support Network resources that will provide housing in private homes and hotels for free or significantly discounted costs. Reduced cost meals and airline flights are also available to assist with traveling expenses; provided hundreds of computers to service members and their families to make sure that they can communicate with each other, network, and have access to all the opportunities that being "online" affords.; experienced individuals who will work one-on-one with wounded veterans to provide you the counseling, encouragement and everyday life-coaching you need to figure things out. They're right there with you to make sure you aren't just settling for "getting by."saluteheroes.org

Homes for Wounded Heroes
Homes for Wounded Heroes forges a partnership between the wounded veteran, government agencies, manufacturers, businesses, and individuals in order to provide new or renovated housing at little or no cost. By connecting all of these various resources, the Homes for Wounded Heroes Coalition is looking to lessen the financial burden these heroes must endure in addition to the physical changes that they must deal with daily.saluteheroes.org

VETERANS DAY 2008

We thank and honor all who have given selflessly to serve our country in times of peace and war. Throughout history, as men and women have been sent to war, the USO has been there to provide them with a cup of coffee, a smile, a kind word, entertainment, an occasional dance or two and most of all a "touch of home" in a far-off place. The USO began providing service to military members during World War II and continues today for service members supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and at other duty stations worldwide. Please show your support to our servicemen and women and their families. Go to www.uso.com. See how you can help now, for the holidays and until every last soldier comes home.

message sponsored by Chanssonnier Entertainment and Dawnmarie/HatfieldHomes of Keller Williams Realty @ 2008

Citigroup to help at-risk borrowers stay in homes

Published - Nov 11 2008 08:50AM EST AP
By SARA LEPRO - AP Business Writer

Citigroup is imposing a moratorium on most foreclosures as part of a series of initiatives aimed at helping at-risk borrowers remain in their homes making Citi the latest big bank to announce sweeping efforts to try to curtail losses from souring mortgages.

Citi said late Monday it won't initiate a foreclosure or complete a foreclosure sale on any eligible borrower who seeks to stay in a home if it is the borrower's principal residence, the homeowner is working in good faith with Citi and has sufficient income to make affordable mortgage payments. Citi said it is also working to expand the program to include mortgages the bank services but does not own. Additionally, over the next six months, Citi plans to reach out to 500,000 homeowners who are not currently behind on their mortgage payments, but who are deemed as potentially needing assistance to keep current with their payments. This represents about one-third of all the mortgages that Citigroup owns, the bank said.

Of the four biggest U.S. banks _ Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co. _ Citi has been on the shakiest footing as a result of the mortgage crisis, reporting losses in the past four consecutive quarters while its rivals have managed to post profits. The steps announced Monday are designed to stem those losses.

"Typically the lender loses the most money when a house goes into foreclosure," said Barry Zigas, director of housing policy at the Consumer Federation of America. "(The lender) takes some kind of loss that's usually much greater than what they sacrificed through some kind of workout."

Sanjiv Das, chief executive of CitiMortgage, said, "It is in our interest that borrowers stay in their homes and actually make the payments."

Citi is targeting homeowners in geographic areas with higher-than-average unemployment and foreclosure rates, primarily in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, Das said. The program is expected to affect about $20 billion in mortgages.

"As the unemployment rate is starting to creep up on us, there is going to be increasing distress in the marketplace," Das said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It's not going to distinguish between what type of mortgage they have."

Why I like Working for Keller Williams Realty

As a Realtor, for the last year I have seen many, many short sales and foreclosures come about. It's the housing frenzy that everyone has been speaking about which has resulted in our economic decline. The unfortunate is that many realtors and housing gurus have been thriving on the idea of a short sale - hoping to get more homes moving off the inventory and more homebuyers to assist in the economic situation. The only concern that arrives is that not ALL homes are short sale qualified. Not all homeowners in short sales were the "investor" who bought with an ARM financing product that had hoped to turn that property around for a profit before the ARM came due. Many of those homeowners in short sale or foreclosure, were middle class families whom either lost their jobs, had trouble making ends meet and could no longer keep up the payments on the home while fending for their families.

I can't tell you how many companies I have seen, even real estate related, that are taking advantage of this.

What happened to the Realtor that works for you and assists you. Not ever transaction should be about the money. It should be about building relationships and assisting those in need during hard times so that somewhere down the line that homeowner you helped will either refer your services or ask for your services again. I'm not saying Realtors should not get paid for their efforts. Remember I am one. But I am saying that if you receive a client that wants to sell their home because they can no longer afford it, think about their situation before your pocket. Our housing inventory is not moving and as a Realtor you can not guarantee how long it will stay on the market or how quickly it will sell. You just have to offer the best services you can provide and aggressively market their property. In the meantime realize, that homeowner who is in financial trouble still has to pay their bills and if they couldn't pay them when they first signed with you, maybe you need to offer them another approach so the home does not go into foreclosure before you get the opportunity of a buyer. ANd if the sale is a short sale, that sale can take longer than an average sale largely because the lender holds the cards on deciding who will be accepted to purchase that home.

Helping your client by discussing their options to work with their lender is the first step. No bank wants to acquire a home. They want their loan money returned and if they short sale they will receive a loss. They would rather work with the homeowner to keep the home rather than buy it back. The Lender provides Loan modification options - all the customer has to do is contact the lender and ask for help. The lender may require a hardship letter, or other information, but it is really the first step before the family you are working for ends up without a home.

Subscribe to this feed for future information on upcoming programs that you can provide to your clients in this situation.

As a Keller Williams Agent, we learn not to just be a realtor, but a consultant. And in being a consultant to someone who really needs your help, you may just end up their Realtor for Life.

Wishing you all the best.
Dawnmarie Hatfield, TRC Realtor
Keller Williams Realty, Palm Harbor

What is Happening to Down Payment Assistance?

You may have heard that the FHA seller funded down payment assistance may be going away. What is Really going on?

On July 30, 2008 President Bush signed into effect the bill, H.R. 3221, The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizing the Federal Housing Administration to refinance loans for up to 90 percent of a home's appraised value, which would help homeowners who owe more than their home is worth. Leaving Lenders with second-home loans to be wiped out and who may not agree to the FHA loan arrangements if they don't also hold the first mortgage on a home. To take advantage of the new program, a homeowner or his mortgage broker would need to convince the lender to write off the amount that the original loan exceeds on the home's market value, plus 10 percent. Lenders would need to write off tens of thousands of dollars on each of the FHA refinanced loans, and the lenders may not be able to take a financial hit of that size, leaving the FHA refinance option to probably work for only a small percentage of financially struggling home owners.

Then on August 1, 2008, a new bill H.R. 6694, The FHA Seller Financed Down payment Reform and Risk Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 was proposed by U.S. Representative Al Green (from Texas) and co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Gary Miller (of California), Maxine Waters (also of California) and Christopher Shays (Connecticut).

This is a new bill that might bring life back to down payment assistance and non-profit companies such as Nehemiah and Ameridream. The bill currently looks like the only hope to keep down payment assistance around after October 1st, 2008 as it would again allow Down Payment Assistance (a.k.a. DPA) to be an allowable gift source for FHA loans. Currently, the recent passing of H.R. 3221 has left down payment assistance discontinued as of October 1, 2008.

Due to the vast amount of foreclosures down payment assistance was included in the recent housing bill and ironically loans with down payment assistance were the majority, not including the loans originated after the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs ended.

How does this new Bill Differ from H.R. 3221?

In order to qualify:

• FICO Scores over 680 get a 'free pass' to use Down Payment Assistance.
  
• FICO Scores between 620-680 may require mortgage insurance
  
• They would like to allow borrowers with less than 620 FICO score, but they have to determine the mortgage can be insured without 'resulting in need for an appropriation for a credit subsidy'

Pricing Difference:

• The bill requests authorization for risk-based pricing, which is similar to the risk-based pricing that Fannie Mae implemented in the first quarter of this year. If a borrower has less than a 680 FICO score (or 720 in some cases), you will pay a higher interest rate.
  

Interpretation of the proposed bill

As this bill was just released over the weekend and it has raised a lot of discussion in the mortgage industry, I wanted to share it with those of you in my database. I'm interpreting the bill verbiage and information to the best of my knowledge and as I am not an attorney, would be happy to recommend one to you for a legal determination . There may be some changes needed to this proposed legislation, which I am sure we will see coming.

Who Does this really Affect?

You and those you may know who have been looking at buying a home and cannot come up with the 3% required down payment. Many Americans that are still managing to make their house payments have to purchase their home with little to no money down. So if programs like the seller down payment assistance are taken away, you're going to scare alot of potential buyers right out of the market.

Over the past year, over 32,000 Americans have called on Congress and the Bush Administration to keep down payment assistance around. Some of the large supporters include:

• National Association of Homebuilders
  
• Labor Council for Latin American Advancement
  
• U.S. Conference of Mayors
  
• Congressional Black Caucus
  
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus

Talk about a diverse group of supporters. It's obvious that this impacts many Americans and I encourage YOU to take action and do what you can to support this bill. It's a very big deal.

Want To Help Keep Down payment Assistance Around?

Contact your local state representatives! Let them know why you feel Down Payment Assistance is important for Americans.

In the Meantime, if you or someone you know is looking at purchasing a home, let them know that they have until October 1st to close on a loan with down payment assistance. If they need help in getting qualified, let me know. I would be glad to help!

Wishing you all the very best.
Dawnmarie Hatfield, Realtor ®, TRC

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Copyright (C) 2008 *Keller Williams Realty* All rights reserved.

DISCLAIMER: You are receiving this email solely on the basis that you requested to be placed on our list to receive information in regards to our properties, programs and/or products. Our lists are used solely by our organization and not sold to any outside vendor. To be removed from this e-mail list, either reply to this message with the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject line and your full name, or choose the UnSubscribe option above. Dawnmarie Hatfield and Keller Williams Realty does not exist to render, and does not give legal, tax, economic, or investment advice. Furthermore, Dawnmarie Hatfield and Keller Williams Realty disclaims all liability for the actions or inactions taken or not taken as a result of communications from or to its officers, directors, members, employees, and contractors. Legal advice should be obtained through a qualified real estate attorney. Each individual should consult his/her own legal counsel, accountant and other advisors as to legal, tax, investment, economic, and other related matters concerning real estate and other investments. This email in no way solicits your business if you are currently working with a Realtor. You may unsubscribe from further email contact by clicking the unsubscribe button above.

My Real Estate Credentials on a New Level

As of July 19th, 2008 I will now be able to assist buyers and sellers on a national basis through my designation as a Transnational Referral Agent. With this designation I will be able to list a local seller's home in a national database seen by over 8 million people through out the continent with other transnational agents that are members of the International Consortium of Real Estate Association.(ICREA). If you know of anyone selling in the Florida Counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando & Pasco that could benefit with national exposure in selling their properties, please do not hesitate to refer them to me.

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If you are a Florida Buyer in these counties, that is interested in purchasing property in a country outside the United States, please contact me and I will be happy to put you in touch with an ICREA TRC agent in that country to help you.

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It's another way to stand out above the rest in real estate in the area and I am excited to be able to present this to our community.

NEW FORECLOSURE LAW
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2008

Effective October 1, 2008 a new foreclosure law will go into effect in Florida. This new law will eliminate “subject to” on a primary residence in foreclosure and a person in foreclosure on their primary residence will have 3 days to change their mind when selling their house. This is similar to a refinance of a mortgage where the Seller can decide whether or not to keep the new mortgage on the property.

In addition, Real Estate Agents could be responsible for knowing the status of the Seller's mortgage as well as whether or not they are in foreclosure. As a result of this new law, many Real Estate agents and investors may just choose not to help people in foreclosure because of all the extra potential liability and as this new law will limit the ability to collect any up front fees, as some short sale negotiation companies do and the seller will be restricted from paying them.

For more information the new law can be reviewed by going to MyFloridaHouse.gov. If you are a seller or a buyer/investor and would like more information on how this new law will affect you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dawnmarie Hatfield, Realtor ®, TRC

TOP STORY - Rates Creep Up

A recent survey and a rate increase could mean more competition for homes

Recent indication is that first time home buyers are getting tired of sitting on the sidelines. According to a recent online poll taken by the National Apartment Association, 17 percent of renters plan to make the jump to home ownership in the next year; 41 percent of the 2,041 respondents planned to be home owners within two years. Only 31 percent planned to still be paying rent five years from now.

Another factor that could very soon contribute to an increase in home buying could be rising mortgage costs. Fixed-rate mortgage rates rose to 6.32 percent, the highest it has been since October. After months of aggressively dropping interest rates, many lenders are worried that the Fed will be forced to raise rates back up. As interest rates rise, so do mortgage rates. According to a press release on freddiemac.com, Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist said that, "Mortgage rates jumped this week after a number of Federal Reserve officials, most notably Chairman [Ben] Bernanke and Vice Chair [Donald] Kohn, expressed concern over a threat of inflation." We may very well be seeing the beginning of the end of the super-low mortgage and potential buyers may realize that with rising rates, now may be the time to jump in. Nothaft added, "Moreover, pending home sales for April unexpectedly rose by 6.3% and mortgage applications for home purchases ... were also up last week."

* www.kw.com

Will Outdoor Home Improvements Increase your Home's Value?

Thinking about making outdoor improvements to your home to increase your home's value? Before you do, you may want to take a look at this Video to make sure the improvements you are suggesting will actually make a difference.

Wedding Registry FHA Programs

In Florida, April through June and October through December are the busiest months for weddings. Newlyweds find the beach, the beautiful blue-green water and the area's weather to play a big factor in their decision for a destination wedding and that means many family, friends and guests are traveling to join in the big occasion. With that in mind, many of the newlyweds select to set up wedding registries so their guests have a convenient way for wedding gifts, so they are not having to be mailed, toted on airlines or possibly lost during travel.

Many of the popular registries are through specialty department stores like Dillards, Macy's, Waterford, etc., while others are through Home Depot, Lowes, Target, etc.

But what about a registry that is for a particular purpose. Like an account for monetary gifts to allow the newlyweds to put a down payment on a new home. After all, they are getting married to start a new life together, and with a buyer's market being in play, what better idea than an FHA bridal registry account. Lending options vary and with prices rapidly increasing many couples need help.

Many wedding ettiquite books shun away from requesting money at a wedding, while others provide formal and informal ways to politely ask.

SO HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH SUCH AN ACCOUNT:

Just as you might register at a department store for wedding gifts, the Bridal Registry program allows couples to register with a lender and open up an interest-bearing account. Family and friends can deposit wedding gifts of cash into this account and then these gifts can then be applied toward a down payment on a home.

One such lender is SunTrust Mortgage, a subsidiary of SunTrust Banks. Through SunTrust Mortgage, you can open a bridal registry savings or checking account at SunTrust Bank. When a wedding guest makes a deposit, the bank sends a card to the bride and groom to let them know. If you do not have a SunTrust Mortgage in your area, you can ask your lender for details.

WHAT MAKES THIS ACCOUNT DIFFERENT THAN FROM JUST OPENING A REGULAR SAVINGS ACCOUNT?

By using the FHA Bridal Registry-type account, it saves from the couple having to keep track or document where the monies come from. You can always open a regular old savings or money market account to hold your down payment fund, but you might need to document where the money came from. That's easy enough when the money comes from your paycheck, but if some of the money comes from gifts, be prepared to document the source. So if you choose this option, it is best to encourage gift-givers to give checks from their personal accounts so the monies can be traced.

In a nut-shell, an FHA Bridal Registry is a great option when thinking about choosing a registry for a wedding and it provides a way for the couple to establish a savings to make a payment on a house. Visit your lender and ask them about the FHA bridal registry progam. You'll be so glad you did.

* Information obtained from SunTrust Mortgage Programs, and US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development.

RENTING YOUR HOME

The market is ever changing and in our current market, many homeowners have chosen to rent out their properties rather than sell.

The business of renting out your real estate properties is often confused as simply being an aspect of the business of investing in real estate. But make no mistake, when you buy a property and rent it out you are now effectively running a business and in order to protect you and your asset you'd better know the law.

Treating rental property, especially residential, on your own as an investment is like handling your own stocks and bonds. You really run a huge risk for liability that could cost you your entire investment.

Landlords frequently ask about the best way to screen tenants. Any legal expert will warn you that this is an area that is fraught with potential liability because on top of having to watch out for violating federal laws, every state also has regulations that apply to screening tenants.

There are three basic areas that landlords need to check: credit history, past tenant behavior and criminal history. But there are federal acts and various state laws that protect the person being investigated, without having this knowledge, a landlord could easily violate them and end up owing a lot of money. Fines and Penalties that could be as high as $10,000 per incident for some violations.

Some of the greatest risks involve violating federal acts such as the Federal Fair Housing Act which identifies seven protected classes: religion, national origin, race, ancestry, sex, familial status and disability. There is also the Federal Credit Reporting Act which states things such as if you turn potential tenants down you must give notice in writing to them explaining why they were turned down if it was fully or partially based on their credit report. You must also let them know that they can dispute the information that is on the report with the credit reporting company that produced the report and you must provide name, address and phone number of the credit reporting agency.

Violating the Federal Fair Housing Act could happen with just a tenant claiming that you're using different standards for them from those for someone else.

Let's say, that you bring in a tenant who is not a member of a protected class, but the one you turned down is a member of a protected class and is also just as qualified, on paper, as the person you accepted. The one you turned down may claim illegal discrimination as the reason for not being accepted.

The best way to get good tenants for your property and protect your assets is to use a property management company. But if you not interested in doing that, at least, hire an objective, third party to handle the screening of your tenants. This way when a credit check is being done you have a standard already in place.

The [screening companies] that work best are the ones that actually give you a credit score. So you decide what level [score] you want to qualify and if the [prospective tenants] score above that level, then you accept them. If they don't [score above that level] then you don't accept them.

The bottom line, is that in order to protect your bottom line you'd better hire professionals who know the laws to handle this area of your business.

Copyright © 2006 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.

MSFH Program to Cease Accepting Grants on May 31, 2008

Florida’s mitigation grants for homeowners to end soon
“How Fast Can You Save Money?”

The Florida Department of Financial Services launched two 30-second TV commercials, in which viewers compare, in a funny way, the ease of applying for a free Florida wind inspection to some outlandish alternatives.

To view the commercials and learn more, click here.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – May 14, 2008 – The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program will achieve its goal of 35,000 grants to homeowners by the end of this month, and the first-come, first-served program will stop accepting grant applications. The MSFH program will transition to an inspection-focused program beginning June 2008, offering free wind inspections for eligible homeowners until it reaches the Legislature’s goal of performing 400,000 inspections or until the program sunsets in June 2009.

“With hurricane season less than one month away, I encourage Floridians to sign up for a free wind inspection to learn how to harden their homes against hurricane damage,” says Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services.

“The response from homeowners has been overwhelming, and I thank the Legislature for creating this program and allowing us to enable more than 35,000 Floridians to make their homes more storm-resistant.”

The MSFH program will provide home inspections for at least 400,000 site-built, single-family residential properties, and provide grants to at least 35,000 applicants. To date, the MSFH program has approved approximately 32,292 homeowners for mitigation grants, paid 6,930 grants totaling more than $22.4 million, and provided more than 222,981 free wind inspections. Participating homeowners receive a wind inspection report, which suggests ways they can harden their homes against storm damage.

Many homeowners save money on insurance premiums immediately. Since insurers generally offer discounts for certain hurricane-resistant features in homes, the independent inspection confirms existing structural components worthy of a discount. Homeowners may not know their home has the protection or that their insurer offers a discount for it. In some cases, the insurer requires an inspection before it offers the discount and the homeowner cannot afford the cost of a private inspection.

According to Sink, 59 percent of the homeowners who have received a free wind inspection so far were eligible for a discount that averaged $217 statewide.

Grant application deadlines Online: Saturday, May 31, 2008

Over the phone: Friday, May 30, 2008

Proof of homestead and insurance and/or income: Postmarked no later than June 13, 2008

For additional information, log on to www.MySafeFloridaHome.com.

All information within this post was provided from the Florida Association of Realtors as of May 14, 2008.

Buy or Sell?
Published on 08/23/04By Lewis J. Corcoran - Realtor-Associate - Weichert, Realtors

The classic dilemma for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first? If you sell first, you may find yourself faced with a tight deadline, or you may even need to find a short-term rental.

If you buy first, you may be saddled with two mortgage payments. Or, you may need the cash from the sale of your home in order to qualify for the loan on your new home.

There is no "right" answer. It depends on your specific circumstances. Most homeowners agree that it is more prudent and less stressful if you sell your existing home before you buy a new one. You can often get top dollar for your home if you are not under pressure to sell. And you are in a better position to negotiate on the buying side of the transaction. If you have to make an offer contingent on the sale of your home, you often lose negotiating leverage.

If you sell your current home and the home you select isn't available when you are ready to move, you may end up with cash in hand in a short term rental. No one wants to move twice, but it may be well worth it to eliminate risk and have more money to work with.

Owner's Tip: Before you make the "buy or sell first" decision, get some professional advice.

Owner's Tip: In some active markets, sellers will not even entertain a contingent offer.

If you would like help coordinating your next move, please don't hesitate to call or email.