Friday, December 14, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
View Know the Positions of the Presidential Candidates
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops aims to provide opportunities and resources for Catholics in Florida to carry out their responsibility to participate in political life. To help inform voters before casting their ballots, the positions of the presidential candidates on a broad range of issues have been compiled from policies, public statements, official and campaign websites, and other resources.
View Know the Positions of the Presidential Candidates in English or Spanish.
English: http://www.flaccb.org/
Spanish: http://www.votervoice.net/
View Know the Positions of the Presidential Candidates in English or Spanish.
English: http://www.flaccb.org/
Spanish: http://www.votervoice.net/
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Energy Efficient Homes
http://rrein.rismedia.com/items/view/9407/1021982/39717
Central Florida buyers are loving the energy efficiency home builder options.
Central Florida buyers are loving the energy efficiency home builder options.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Your Moving Checklist
Your Moving Checklist
Moving to a new home requires a lot of preparation. To make sure you get it all done and have a smooth transition into your new address, begin planning months in advance, pace yourself and follow our handy moving checklist.
Two months before moving
It's really never too early to start getting things done for your big move. The first step is determining whether or not you'll do it yourself or have a professional mover do it for you. Check rates, get quotes and, if it's a work-related move, find out what expenses your employer may cover. This is also the time to start alerting the people and businesses in your life that need to know about your move and begin dealing with the stuff that will go with you or stay behind.
Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Start pulling together medical and dental records, including prescriptions and immunization dates. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city or area.
Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
Contact member organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.
Clear out your household clutter. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities to make donations.
Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that need to be notified of your move.
Plan to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods and harsh chemicals and cleaners.
Purchase or collect boxes and other packing supplies.
Two to four weeks before moving
Time to start fine-tuning your moving process, making plans to disconnect or transfer all of your services and wrapping up loose ends at local businesses, if you're moving out of the area.
Begin packing and finish dealing with the items you won't be taking with you.
Get an itemized list of all moving related costs and review with mover, including packing, loading, special charges, insurance, vehicles (if needed), etc.
File a change of address with the post office.
Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. This can also be done online. Do not have your telephone disconnected until the day after your move. You may need it for last-minute emergencies.
Call your newspaper courier, lawn services and others and set a date to cancel your subscription.
Start packing items you don't use often. Also start disposing of the items you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junk yard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
Inventory all items to be moved.
Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Plants cannot be loaded with your other household goods.
Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
Have your automobile(s) serviced.
Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses. Close any accounts you will not be transferring.
Confirm travel arrangements.
Confirm movers or truck rental reservation.
One week before moving
You're almost there. Now it's time to make final preparations by completing your packing, except for what you'll need till the last minute at your old home and as soon as you reach your new home. These items can go into a suitcase and several "essentials" boxes, consisting of cleaning supplies, linens and non-perishable food.
Make sure all library books have been returned and that all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up.
Finish packing and prepare an "essentials" containers. Designate items as "last load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
Drain gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.
Prepare all appliances for loading.
Fill any necessary prescriptions needed for the next two weeks.
If you're moving out of a building with elevators, arrange with management for use of elevators on move day.
Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company (drivers), including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers.
Check to ensure that closets, cupboards, attics and basements are empty.
If you have pets or children, make arrangements for someone to watch them while the moving truck is being loaded.
The day of the move
Here we go! Moving day is exciting and usually fast-paced, but if you've working steadily up to this point, it doesn't need to be stressful. Your most important tasks are to make sure that you and your movers have no uncertainties about the load, the destination or how to reach each other in transit and that you close down your house properly.
If you are using a moving company, go with the driver as he/she inspects what will be taken and confirms the inventory list. You'll want to be sure that the true condition of furniture is taken down, in case something gets damaged in the move. Now is the time to iron out any differences in load estimates and pricing from what you were originally quoted.
Make sure you have the name and telephone number of the moving company's crew chief and that he or she has yours.
If you are moving yourself, take extra care in securing your load. Make sure the truck is locked and not parked in a vulnerable location.
Be sure that your essential items are set aside, so they don't accidentally get loaded on the truck.
Do a final check of the entire house, closets, cupboards, basement, attic, shed and yard to be sure that nothing was left behind.
Shut off all lights and faucets and turn down the thermostat.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
Leave keys, garage door opener, appliance manuals and any important instructions for the new owners.
Congratulations! You are on the road and on your way to your new home. Now you can enjoy your trip, with the peace of mind that you've made all your preparations on both ends of your big move.
For more helpful moving resources check out Vanlines.com. Also, Relocation.com has tips to help you through the moving process.
Courtesy of NewHomeGuide
Moving to a new home requires a lot of preparation. To make sure you get it all done and have a smooth transition into your new address, begin planning months in advance, pace yourself and follow our handy moving checklist.
Two months before moving
It's really never too early to start getting things done for your big move. The first step is determining whether or not you'll do it yourself or have a professional mover do it for you. Check rates, get quotes and, if it's a work-related move, find out what expenses your employer may cover. This is also the time to start alerting the people and businesses in your life that need to know about your move and begin dealing with the stuff that will go with you or stay behind.
Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Start pulling together medical and dental records, including prescriptions and immunization dates. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city or area.
Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
Contact member organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.
Clear out your household clutter. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities to make donations.
Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that need to be notified of your move.
Plan to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods and harsh chemicals and cleaners.
Purchase or collect boxes and other packing supplies.
Two to four weeks before moving
Time to start fine-tuning your moving process, making plans to disconnect or transfer all of your services and wrapping up loose ends at local businesses, if you're moving out of the area.
Begin packing and finish dealing with the items you won't be taking with you.
Get an itemized list of all moving related costs and review with mover, including packing, loading, special charges, insurance, vehicles (if needed), etc.
File a change of address with the post office.
Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. This can also be done online. Do not have your telephone disconnected until the day after your move. You may need it for last-minute emergencies.
Call your newspaper courier, lawn services and others and set a date to cancel your subscription.
Start packing items you don't use often. Also start disposing of the items you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junk yard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
Inventory all items to be moved.
Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Plants cannot be loaded with your other household goods.
Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
Have your automobile(s) serviced.
Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses. Close any accounts you will not be transferring.
Confirm travel arrangements.
Confirm movers or truck rental reservation.
One week before moving
You're almost there. Now it's time to make final preparations by completing your packing, except for what you'll need till the last minute at your old home and as soon as you reach your new home. These items can go into a suitcase and several "essentials" boxes, consisting of cleaning supplies, linens and non-perishable food.
Make sure all library books have been returned and that all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up.
Finish packing and prepare an "essentials" containers. Designate items as "last load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
Drain gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.
Prepare all appliances for loading.
Fill any necessary prescriptions needed for the next two weeks.
If you're moving out of a building with elevators, arrange with management for use of elevators on move day.
Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company (drivers), including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers.
Check to ensure that closets, cupboards, attics and basements are empty.
If you have pets or children, make arrangements for someone to watch them while the moving truck is being loaded.
The day of the move
Here we go! Moving day is exciting and usually fast-paced, but if you've working steadily up to this point, it doesn't need to be stressful. Your most important tasks are to make sure that you and your movers have no uncertainties about the load, the destination or how to reach each other in transit and that you close down your house properly.
If you are using a moving company, go with the driver as he/she inspects what will be taken and confirms the inventory list. You'll want to be sure that the true condition of furniture is taken down, in case something gets damaged in the move. Now is the time to iron out any differences in load estimates and pricing from what you were originally quoted.
Make sure you have the name and telephone number of the moving company's crew chief and that he or she has yours.
If you are moving yourself, take extra care in securing your load. Make sure the truck is locked and not parked in a vulnerable location.
Be sure that your essential items are set aside, so they don't accidentally get loaded on the truck.
Do a final check of the entire house, closets, cupboards, basement, attic, shed and yard to be sure that nothing was left behind.
Shut off all lights and faucets and turn down the thermostat.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
Leave keys, garage door opener, appliance manuals and any important instructions for the new owners.
Congratulations! You are on the road and on your way to your new home. Now you can enjoy your trip, with the peace of mind that you've made all your preparations on both ends of your big move.
For more helpful moving resources check out Vanlines.com. Also, Relocation.com has tips to help you through the moving process.
Courtesy of NewHomeGuide
Moving Day Dos and Don'ts
Moving Day Dos and Don'ts
The day you move into a new house can be the most wonderful day of your life. It can also create a tremendous amount of stress. To make sure your moving day is as pleasant as possible, just follow these simple tips.
DO organize each room's contents separately, to insure an orderly method of unpacking.
DON'T use the "Eeenie-Meenie-Minee-Moe" technique to choose which items get packed.
DO mark each box with a specifically colored sticker to indicate which room the box's contents belong.
DON'T let your artistic 3-year-old near said stickers. "Look, mommy, I made a rainbow on this box!"
DO pack items carefully, so that nothing is damaged.
DON'T pack the bowling balls in the same box with your snow globe collection.
DO pack any perishable food items carefully, to preserve their freshness.
DON'T leave a food box unlabeled, or else you'll have an unpleasant surprise a month from now when you finally unpack that collection of cheeses that somehow made its way to the basement.
DO carefully handle delicate electronic devices.
DON'T let your brother, the guy who dropped the game-deciding pass at the homecoming game, anywhere near your new HDTV.
DO hire a reputable, bonded, insured moving company.
DON'T hire a moving company whose slogan is, "Oops! Accidents Will Happen."
DO involve the whole family in the move, making it a real family event.
DON'T lose track of the smaller members of the family. "Honey, did we leave Billy at the old house?"
Courtesy of NewHomeGuide
The day you move into a new house can be the most wonderful day of your life. It can also create a tremendous amount of stress. To make sure your moving day is as pleasant as possible, just follow these simple tips.
DO organize each room's contents separately, to insure an orderly method of unpacking.
DON'T use the "Eeenie-Meenie-Minee-Moe" technique to choose which items get packed.
DO mark each box with a specifically colored sticker to indicate which room the box's contents belong.
DON'T let your artistic 3-year-old near said stickers. "Look, mommy, I made a rainbow on this box!"
DO pack items carefully, so that nothing is damaged.
DON'T pack the bowling balls in the same box with your snow globe collection.
DO pack any perishable food items carefully, to preserve their freshness.
DON'T leave a food box unlabeled, or else you'll have an unpleasant surprise a month from now when you finally unpack that collection of cheeses that somehow made its way to the basement.
DO carefully handle delicate electronic devices.
DON'T let your brother, the guy who dropped the game-deciding pass at the homecoming game, anywhere near your new HDTV.
DO hire a reputable, bonded, insured moving company.
DON'T hire a moving company whose slogan is, "Oops! Accidents Will Happen."
DO involve the whole family in the move, making it a real family event.
DON'T lose track of the smaller members of the family. "Honey, did we leave Billy at the old house?"
Courtesy of NewHomeGuide
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Working with VA Loans
The Richter Team has the privilege work with our military men and women when it comes to their real estate needs. Feel free to contact us with any real estate question at
monica.richter@floridamoves.com
monica.richter@floridamoves.com
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Early Warning Signs of Foreclosures
Early Warning Signs of Foreclosures
Homeownership is a cornerstone of America that is protected, promoted and cherished. To lose a home
for any reason is devastating, but to lose it through foreclosure can also be embarrassing and
demeaning. When you are having conversations with homeowners that have mentioned foreclosure,
revisit the warning signs here.
• Credit card debt out of control. (Maxed out cards). Paying the minimum amount due.
• Paying for necessities with credit cards (groceries, utilities, etc).
• Cannot meet monthly financial obligations (choosing which bills to pay).
• Borrowing from friends and family.
• Loss of employment, or reduction in hours or wages.
• Major illness which can cause loss of work and an increase in health expenses.
• Divorce, separation or other traumatic family or personal situations.
• Death of a spouse or significant other.
• Cannot pay the new Adjusted Payment on the ARM mortgage loan.
• Major unbudgeted maintenance expense.
• Excessive debt is the number-one cause of financial collapse and foreclosure.
If you detect any of these warnings, early intervention could help save a home.
Homeownership is a cornerstone of America that is protected, promoted and cherished. To lose a home
for any reason is devastating, but to lose it through foreclosure can also be embarrassing and
demeaning. When you are having conversations with homeowners that have mentioned foreclosure,
revisit the warning signs here.
• Credit card debt out of control. (Maxed out cards). Paying the minimum amount due.
• Paying for necessities with credit cards (groceries, utilities, etc).
• Cannot meet monthly financial obligations (choosing which bills to pay).
• Borrowing from friends and family.
• Loss of employment, or reduction in hours or wages.
• Major illness which can cause loss of work and an increase in health expenses.
• Divorce, separation or other traumatic family or personal situations.
• Death of a spouse or significant other.
• Cannot pay the new Adjusted Payment on the ARM mortgage loan.
• Major unbudgeted maintenance expense.
• Excessive debt is the number-one cause of financial collapse and foreclosure.
If you detect any of these warnings, early intervention could help save a home.
Foreclosure and Link between a Homeowner's Credit and Foreclosure
A foreclosure is a huge mark to a credit score. Under Fannie Mae guidelines, a borrower will not qualify for a loan for at least five years, and probably seven years. FICO is an abbreviation for Fair Isaac Corporation and refers to a person’s credit score based on credit history. Lenders use the number to decide if the person is likely to pay his or her bills. A credit score is usually between 300 and 850. A credit rating where the FICO score is 660 or above means there have been no late mortgage payments within a 12-month period. This is the best credit rating to have when entering into a new loan.
Avoid a Foreclosure --- A foreclosure is a catastrophic event for any property owner and has serious legal, credit and tax implications. Working with homeowners on the verge of foreclosure or in the foreclosure process is challenging for all parties involved. However, as REALTORS® we can provide expert assistance during this difficult time.
Avoid a Foreclosure --- A foreclosure is a catastrophic event for any property owner and has serious legal, credit and tax implications. Working with homeowners on the verge of foreclosure or in the foreclosure process is challenging for all parties involved. However, as REALTORS® we can provide expert assistance during this difficult time.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Real Estate Contract and Financing
Here are some things to look out for when preparing and reviewing contracts and considering buyer's financing…
1. Furniture included on a contract
If ANY Furniture is included on a contract(even though it states it has no value in the contract) the loan-to-value will be reduced by the value of the furniture. The furniture will have to be appraised and the amount of that appraisal will be reduced from the purchase price which may result in a buyer having to come to closing with additional funds. The best thing to do, is to have it removed from the contract.
2. Leasebacks
If a buyer is purchasing a home as a primary residence or a second home, the seller cannot lease the property back for more than 60 days. If this occurs, the buyer must purchase the property as an investment property which will result in a higher interest rate and possibly more of a down payment.
3. Seller Contributions
A seller can only pay for closing costs and/ or pre-paids. The buyer cannot receive any credits for repairs. If the seller is crediting for repairs, the addendum to the contract must be a contribution to the buyer for “closing costs” and not “repairs.” The seller cannot contribute anything toward buyers down payment.
4. Financing Contingencies
Understand Loan commitments. If a loan commitment requires documentation from the buyer and the buyer cannot supply what is asked for, your buyers escrow is in jeopardy. Once a loan commitment is issued, the only condition that can “save” your buyers escrow deposit is a property condition( i.e. appraisal, repairs, etc…) if a condition on the loan commitment has anything else other than a “property” condition and the buyer cannot meet the condition, the buyer could lose their escrow deposit. It is very important that the agent follow up on the appraisal. The appraisal should not take long than two weeks from the time of application. if more than two weeks have gone by, the agent needs to follow up immediately.
5. The contract musts be READABLE. If it has been faxed several times and the final contract cannot be read, you will need to get all parties to sign a new and CLEAR contract. Lenders will not accept unreadable contracts. You can send a contract that is not fully executed, but readable and we can marry that with the illegible contract that is fully executed.
6. “Owner of Record” is not an acceptable seller. You must have the actual sellers name on the contract.
7. Be sure to know your seller contribution limits for closing costs on your contract. 6% of the purchase price on FHA and Conventional loans at a 90% or less loan-to-value. Any conventional loans over 90% only allow 3% seller contribution. If the buyer is purchasing the property as an investment property, they are limited to 2% seller contribution.
Courtesy of Jonathan Smith, Coldwell Banker Home Loans
If ANY Furniture is included on a contract(even though it states it has no value in the contract) the loan-to-value will be reduced by the value of the furniture. The furniture will have to be appraised and the amount of that appraisal will be reduced from the purchase price which may result in a buyer having to come to closing with additional funds. The best thing to do, is to have it removed from the contract.
2. Leasebacks
If a buyer is purchasing a home as a primary residence or a second home, the seller cannot lease the property back for more than 60 days. If this occurs, the buyer must purchase the property as an investment property which will result in a higher interest rate and possibly more of a down payment.
3. Seller Contributions
A seller can only pay for closing costs and/ or pre-paids. The buyer cannot receive any credits for repairs. If the seller is crediting for repairs, the addendum to the contract must be a contribution to the buyer for “closing costs” and not “repairs.” The seller cannot contribute anything toward buyers down payment.
4. Financing Contingencies
Understand Loan commitments. If a loan commitment requires documentation from the buyer and the buyer cannot supply what is asked for, your buyers escrow is in jeopardy. Once a loan commitment is issued, the only condition that can “save” your buyers escrow deposit is a property condition( i.e. appraisal, repairs, etc…) if a condition on the loan commitment has anything else other than a “property” condition and the buyer cannot meet the condition, the buyer could lose their escrow deposit. It is very important that the agent follow up on the appraisal. The appraisal should not take long than two weeks from the time of application. if more than two weeks have gone by, the agent needs to follow up immediately.
5. The contract musts be READABLE. If it has been faxed several times and the final contract cannot be read, you will need to get all parties to sign a new and CLEAR contract. Lenders will not accept unreadable contracts. You can send a contract that is not fully executed, but readable and we can marry that with the illegible contract that is fully executed.
6. “Owner of Record” is not an acceptable seller. You must have the actual sellers name on the contract.
7. Be sure to know your seller contribution limits for closing costs on your contract. 6% of the purchase price on FHA and Conventional loans at a 90% or less loan-to-value. Any conventional loans over 90% only allow 3% seller contribution. If the buyer is purchasing the property as an investment property, they are limited to 2% seller contribution.
Courtesy of Jonathan Smith, Coldwell Banker Home Loans
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Richter Team is proud to be associated with Coldwell Banker and we look forward to working with you in 2012.
Coldwell Banker is your best real estate partner to sell or buy real estate. Our experience and results speaks for itself.
In Florida, we had 33,067 transaction units closed (without REO) with over $7.6 billion in sales during a challenging 2011 market, as of 11/30/11. Our listings are translated into 13 languages to reach buyers. Our online presence is unparalleled.
Real estate agents also recognized the power of the brand, a great business model, and outstanding company support - 1,034 sales associates joined the company in 2011 of which 728 are experienced agents, as of 10/31/11.
Real Trends 500 ranked NRT as the nation's tops real estate brokerage in 2010 for both sales volume and closed transactions sides for 14th consecutive year. Through our online partners, our properties are now exposed to over 15 million visitors on over 550 websites everyday.
Reach out to us, you have questions, we have answers. Our Priorities are Simple, They're Yours.
Contact us at 321-277-7100
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