Lancaster PA Real Estate Blog

Long & Foster Real Estate ranked #1 Privately-Owned Real Estate Residential Company

Sun, 24 May 2009 10:34:19 -0400

This press release was just announced by Long & Foster, and i am proud to be a part of the Lancaster County, PA, Long & Foster office located at 108 Foxshire Drive in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.

The Long & Foster®Companies Ranked
as No. 1 Privately-Owned Residential Real Estate Company in America

Chantilly, Va. May 19, 2009 –The Long & Foster® Companies announced today that it was ranked as
the No. 1 privately-owned residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States in the REAL Trends 500
Survey of the 500 mega-brokers in the U.S for residential sales transactions in 2008. Long & Foster was also
named by REAL Trends in their REAL Trends 25 research report which lists the 25 largest housing services
firms in the United States selected from a survey of over 800 leading residential brokerage firms reporting at
least one settlement service in addition to brokerage — Long & Foster had 48,890.

Long & Foster retained its top spot as the largest privately-owned real estate company in the United
States on The REAL Trends 500, the survey of the largest residential real estate brokerage firms for closed
transaction sides. REAL Trends is a leading publisher of trends and analysis on the residential brokerage
industry. In 2008, Long & Foster recorded $48.9 billion in closed sales volume and 72,302 closed transaction
sides.*

Of all types of real estate companies nationwide — conglomerates, franchisers, and privately-owned — Long &
Foster ranked third nationwide.

*Transaction Sides: Every real estate transaction involves both a “buy” side and a “sell” side. Brokerage
companies like Long & Foster may receive commissions from their representation of either one-or both-sides of a
transaction.

About The Long & Foster Companies
Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. is the largest privately held residential real estate company in the United States. The
company is part of The Long & Foster® Companies, which also includes Prosperity Mortgage® Company; Long & Foster
Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. represents more than
13,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic states, plus the District of Columbia. The company sold more than $26.4 billion
worth of homes and helped people buy and sell homes 76,714 times in 2008. The Long & Foster Companies 2008
combined sales for the year were in excess of $48.9 billion.

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For more information on Homes for Sale in Lancaster, or questions and/or concerns about buying or selling a home in Lancaster County PA, please contact Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137 or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.

All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

Homes for Sale in Lancaster PA -- Lancaster County Real Estate -- Not so cunning after all - Foxtons discount broker laying low

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:51:53 -0400

Well, here's a news story that didn't surprise me!

Foxtons, the discount brokerage servicing New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, is just about shutting its doors. It is sending home 350 out of 380 employees, and is contemplating filing for bankruptcy. I say "employees" because as a personal opinion (and I can have these here because it's "my" blog!) I don't consider these discount agents as true "Realtors" who represent their client's best needs. Foxtons business model include such services as sellers showing their own homes and buyers attending inspections by themselves, among other nightmares that we all try hard to avoid. Well folks, this is what you get when you take a "gamble" for that 2%-3% listing fee! These "employees" did not work on commission, but rather on salary - so have had no real commitment to getting these listings sold.

While in the process of this major business overhaul and reduction in staff, they still have over 4,000 active listings to sell! What will become of these sellers who are hoping to get their homes sold? Of the 30 employees left, how many of them are sales agents who can take care of these sellers' needs? I guess this is a true example of getting what you pay for and taking such a gamble.

I had an opportunity to speak with a true-blue Foxtons "sales person" when my parents were considering selling an investment property in New York City last year. She kept bragging to me about how she has over 130 listings throughout New York -- and I kept asking her how can she possibly look after each of these listings' best interests? She never had an answer for me and just couldn't grasp what I was asking her! No, I didn't recommend this person to my parents, but they somehow found her on their own and were intrigued by the cheap listing fee -- I told them to run! Luckily they listened to me and didn't take the "gamble" by listing their property with her.

I guess this gal with the "over 130" listings will be looking for a job now, which is unfortunate for her. I heard that these employees were let go via email with no notice. I also wonder if most of these sales agents will look for more traditional brokers to take them in, and if so, do they really have the negotiating skills to do well as a traditional, professional Realtor? I'd love to hear from any Foxtons sales agents if there are any on AR, just to see their viewpoint on all of this.

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For Sellers and Buyers of homes in the Lancaster County Real Estate market -- speak with a professional, full-service Realtor who will do what it takes to negotiate on your behalf and who will always keep your best interests in mind.

Homes for Sale in Lancaster PA -- Lancaster County Real Estate

Autism Awareness Month

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:04:12 -0400

Do you know someone with Autism? This is Autism Awareness Month. Let's all become aware!

Via Melina Tomson, M.S. Salem Oregon Real Estate Specialist (Tomson Burnham, llc):

The other day my daughter's kindergarten teacher and I were chatting as I was picking up my son from Chess Club.

She had to send my daughter to the library. My daughter wasn't in trouble, but her class was. See...my daughter has ASD, that is Autistic Spectrum Disorder. While much improved, she tends to repeat questions that are asked of her as her brain tries to process what people are saying. It gets a lot worse when she is anxious, and school makes her very anxious.

The problem in her kindergarten class that day...kids were giggling and laughing because she was repeating the teacher's question as she desperately tried to figure out what the teacher was asking her. The teacher had my daughter leave the classroom so she could talk with the children about differences in people. That we are all different, and that we don't laugh or giggle when we see our peers struggle.

My daughter is a "cupcake" as stated by some of the professionals at her school. She rocks. I agree.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders include Aspergers, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified), and Autism.

I won't go into all the details about the differences in diagnoses, but needless to say it can make life a little challenging for some people. The world of Autism is filled with controversy. I am of the personal opinion that we as a nation are toxifying ourselves and our children. No matter what you think about Autism...allergies, childhood cancers, etc are also on the rise.

The Department of Defense reports that 1 in 88 dependents are diagnosed with an ASD and the UK (United Kingdom) just annouced their numbers...

1 in 60 children

1 in 34 boys

are diagnosed with an ASD.

I would love to tell you that all kids diagnosed with ASD's will be okay, but that is not true. Some people with ASD's head off to college, get married, and have kids. Some have trouble maintaining work. Some live in group homes or with parents. Just as there is a spectrum of functioning as young children, the same is true for our ASD adults.

I encourage all of you to learn a little bit about the toxins that we put into our bodies and our environment, and the impact that it can have on the neurological/immunological development of our children.

There are many great resources and social networking groups on twitter and facebook for ASD families.

Being a blogger and social networking chick here are some ASD related blogs and networks online.

Wrong Planet

Translating Autism Blog

Autism Blog

#asd on twitter

Model Me Kids

Age of Autism

Advertures in Autism (she has a great blogroll of other Autism blogs to read).

Clipart was provided courtesty of Design By Cher

Realtors® Win! No Banks In Real Estate!

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:34:45 -0400

Courtesy of Katerina Gasset, who we all know along with Nestor Gasset as the short-sale specialists in Florida. Great news for consumers and the real estate industry in general:

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Realtors® just won the long fought battle to keep banks out of Real Estate. It certainly has been a no brainer to prove that banks just don't have what it takes to be in the people business after all the short sale fiascoes and foreclosures problems.

While I have no clue why this bill was placed in the H.R. 1105 Omnibus Appropriations Bill because it really has nothing to do with all the spending and I am totally against the massive spending- at least I can say that one good thing was in the bill!

Now large banks are PERMANENTLY banned from entering into the real estate business. The new law bans the Treasury and the Federal Reserve from creating or making any rules, passing on any orders or doing anything else that would open the door to allow the large banks from doing real estate.

NAR has fought for many years to get this passed since the banks lobbying to get this on the books. If you contribute to RPAC you can be happy that your money was well spent and as Realtors ® you have a victory in these economic times.

The reason that NAR was fighting to keep big banks out of the real estate business is because it could have created an anti competitive and anti consumer concentrations of power within the financial sector. This would increase the cost to buyers. Banks in real estate is inconsistent with the banking laws and is bad for consumers and bad for banking.

It is obvious that large banks in the real estate business would not be good for Realtors®, especially those that own and operate small indepenent companies. It gives the banks an unfair advantage over real estate companies because banks can get cheap capital from the Federal Home Banking System and from Federal Deposit Insurance.

It would create a conflict of interest for the consumer. Here is a post I wrote about what it may be like if you had to list your house with a bank!

I am sure that the complaints about how bad the banks handle short sales have something to do with getting this passed!

Contact Nestor Gasset and Katerina Gasset, CIPS, Realtors®, International Properties and Investments, Inc. Licensed Realtors® in Florida at 561-753-0135 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Wellington, Boynton Beach, Manalapan, Manalapan Point, Lake Worth, Hypoluxo Island, Lantana, West Palm Beach and the rest of Palm Beach County Florida and Port St Lucie Florida. We are accepting referrals.

To view all Florida short sales For Sale Click here and then click on Search For Homes We know Palm Beach County and Port St Lucie Florida and will help you get your home Sold if you need to Sell your home and help you buy your home in Palm Beach County Florida : Call us today.

By TwitterButton

Realtors ® Win! No Banks In Real Estate! was first published on South- Florida-Luxury-Living.com.

Lancaster Real Estate -- Hempfield Says "NO" to TND Plans!

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:01:38 -0500

Residents of East Hempfield Township have been placing "NO to TND" signs in their front yards for months now. And they're concerns have been heard!

Kudos to the East Hempfield Township supervisors, who voted unanimously to discontinue any further studies for the TND (Traditional Neighborhood Development) that builder & developer Charter Homes & Neighborhoods was hoping to build. The plan was for Charter Homes to build more than 3,000 homes and a large commercial center on 309 acres in East Hempfield. What they considered to be a "neighborhood" development, many residents feared would actually turn into a logistical nightmare.

Some of the concerns also centered around how the Hempfield School District would accomodate such a large influx of students -- understandably a major concern for what is considered to be one of Lancaster County's finest school districts.

Of course, this is not to say that the township does not need to implement better use of their land to control sprawl, but it appears that this project, a neighborhood named Independence, would have been far too large for the township to support.

You can read more about the East Hempfield supervisor's decision in the Lancaster Newspaper.

Contact Jeannie Kontis at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com for Hempfield Homes for Sale and Hempfield Real Estate or call direct at 717-330-5137

Lancaster Real Estate - $5000 Assistance for Lancaster City Home Buyers, First Time Buyers

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:06:29 -0400

First Time Homebuyers purchasing in Lancaster City can now look in to qualifying for up to $5,000 down payment assistance through the LHOP program. These funds were initially set up for purchases outside of the city, but a portion of the funds are now available for home purchases in Lancaster City. This is a great boost for many first time buyers! Contact LHOP for information - as there may be income and other requirements necessary to qualify.

From the Lancaster Newspaper:

"Buying a first city home just got a little easier for low- to moderate-income residents.

First-time homebuyers in the city will now have access to a pool of $350,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs through the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership.

Previously the aid, which comes in the form of a $5,000 interest-free loan for those who complete an LHOP housing class, was available only to Lancaster County residents who purchase county homes outside the city.

But a new arrangement between the county and city makes it possible for the entities to share the federal housing funds that bankroll the LHOP loans."

You can read the rest of the article and information on this First Time Buyer's Assistance Program here.

You can reach me directly at 717-330-5137.

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Rolling Hills of Historic Southern Lancaster County

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:49:45 -0400

I wrote this post about two years ago. Today, I spent most of the day with some of the local Amish community, which reminded me about this post and a gentler way of living. I thought I would share it again.

- Jeannie

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I was fortunate enough to take a drive through Pequea Township yesterday in Lancaster County PA.

Pequea Township is located in the Penn Manor School District, and is located south of Lancaster City.

I forget how much I love this rural area of beautiful Lancaster County. Travelling south on Route 272 (Willow Street Pike) , I turned west onto Truce Road. I know there were quicker ways to get to the address I was visiting, but to me this was the more direct route. By the way, watch out for the road construction on 272. What is normally a pleasant drive turned out to be a bit of a knuckle-clencher, as the lanes are narrowed down thus forcing you to drive half on the road and half on the shoulder! Still, once I turned off of 272 onto Truce Road I was able to relax and enjoy the "show".

The "show" consisted of the road opening up to the beautiful farmland fields before me. The rolling countryside held views of the spring lambs frolicking in a field -- I had to slow down to enjoy those a bit. The dairy cows were basking in the sun and I witnessed a number of people out farming their land or working on their gardens. It was really a beautiful day for a drive in the Lancaster Countryside, and I forget just how rich our beautiful Lancaster County is with views such as this. I can literally feel the tension fade from my shoulders as I enjoyed the scenery of this lush countryside.

After my visit with the owners of this adorable little Lancaster County farmhouse, I decided to take another route home to avoid the construction heading back towards Lancaster City. The scenery changes while traveling north on Marticville Road, trading farmland pastures for thick wooded areas and hairpin turns, then opening to a clearing of farmland views again. It's difficult trying to keep my eyes on the road, fearing I'd miss another beautiful vista before me! Having been raised in New York City, and now living in suburban Manheim Township, I've always wondered what it would be like to live in such open, fresh-air country. I would love to wake up, pour a mug of coffee, and sit on a wide front porch with views of the Susquehanna River off to the distance, my view interrupted only by the green hills spotted by the occasional farm animals as they grazed.

Until 1853, Pequea Township was part of Conestoga Township, and is located between the Pequea Creek and Conestoga Creek. It is bordered by West Lampeter Township on the northeast, Providence Township to the southeast, Martic Township to the south, and Conestoga Township to the southwestern. The northern and northwestern areas are bordered by Lancaster.

Pequea Township farmland holds one of Lancaster County's most prized glories -- rich, fertile soil -- and is among the best in Lancaster County for agricultural use. Some interesting demographic information of the area can be found HERE. Over 300 homes in the township have been built prior to 1935. I'm sure several of those are pushing 100 years old by now, as is the Lancaster historic farmhouse I was visiting yesterday.

GOOGLE MAP of Pequea Township.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Lancaster County PA area, or Penn Manor School District, please feel free to contact me directly for information. There are many charming, historic homes for sale in Lancaster PA, as well as beautiful new homes for sale. These Lancaster countryside views are priceless, and are included with your purchase!

For Lancaster Real Estate Information, visit Homes for Sale in Lancaster PA -- Lancaster County Real Estate

You can reach me directly at 717-330-5137.

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Happy New Year Crossville. 2009

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:56:29 -0400

Christina Williams, a fellow AR member from Crossville, TN passed away last night.

Just a few short weeks ago at the beginning of 2009 she posted the following poem. I thought it would be fitting to reblog in her memory.

We should all remember to live life to the fullest, to tell our loved ones what they mean to us, to laugh, and to take the time to care for one another. Life is far too short to do otherwise.

Via Christina Williams. REALTOR® TN property search & local insights (First Realty Company):

First Realty Company Crossville, TN. Would like to wish Cumberland county a very Happy New Year.

LIFE I AM THE NEW YEAR

Life I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve
is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have --
these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "behold, I make all things new."
I am the new year.
-- Author Unknown

Finding a Door to Walk Through and moving on

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:58:48 -0400

I have a recent deal that is hanging on by a thread. I've written about it several weeks ago in I Now Pronouce You Seller and Husband, and while we thought we had ironed out the problems it seems that more have surfaced.

A seller getting cold feet and changing her mind is one thing.

... Refusing to sign a release is another.

Luckily, my buyers are very reasonable people, and we've just found another home for them which we put under agreement this weekend. Still, it would be nice to have their escrow deposit returned from the "Let's Not Make a Deal" seller behind curtain #1.

I believe the seller would have signed the release of escrow, if the broker had not tossed in a letter telling her that they are suing her for their comission because she refuses to sell the house. Granted, they have every right to do so, but it should be done AFTER the release and termination forms are signed. So, now she is refusing to sign anything.

We'll go to court if we have to, but before we get that far we thought we'd try something a little different. My buyers, not hearing any updates from the listing office for weeks, decided (with my and my broker's encouragement) to write the seller a letter directly. And, it worked! They wrote a heartfelt letter about how they understand her circumstances (which I won't go into here) and how they would really like to work with her but at this point they need to move on. They asked her to please sign the escrow release, and included a copy of the document. They also included a self-addressed stamped envelope.

As a last minute thought, they added their cell phone number in the letter just in case she decided she wanted to talk to them. And guess what? She called them the next day. Receiving the letter was appreciated, and she explained to them (just as I suspected) that the listing broker is threatening to sue for commission. She understands now that the buyers have nothing to do with that, as it is between her and her agent and broker. She agreed to sign the release and will mail it to them.

We did let her know, of course, that we would take her to court if necessary -- hey, I'm no pushover -- but it seems that won't be the road we'll be needing to take. Whatever happens now is between her and her broker, who should have done a better job of trying to keep the lines of communication open for all parties.

They shut the door on her, she shut the door on them, and the buyer and I were left standing outside on our own.

Luckily, we found another doorway to enter, and it seems things will work out.

And, we are in escrow for another home - so all is good!

I admit that I have a gripe about how this was handled, and the broker was far more interested in his comission than in getting a release signed and communicating to all parties. Not my problem, as long as my buyers are free to move on.

I Now Pronounce You "Seller and Husband"...

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:19:09 -0500

I've always been told, since attending those first real estate licensing classes 3 nights a week years ago, that it is important to make sure that all of the decision makers are gathered together during a listing appointment.

So what happens when a homeowner does not reveal to the listing agent that somewhere between her purchase of the home, and her decision to sell the home, she's danced to the tune of the Wedding march? In other words, the homeowner is now married, but was not when she purchased the home.

I guess after the belated congratulatory remarks, we're now left with some glitches in the transaction.

It is the listing agent's responsibility when doing an initial interview (after all, you MUST interview your potential sellers and buyers) to ASK ... among other questions ...

             "is there another individual who might hold an interest in the property?" .

Go ahead and ask if the log sitting on the living room sofa is a spouse, and please don't assume he is just the deadbeat boyfriend.

             "Mrs. Homeowner, thank you for asking me to list your home for sale... is there a Mr. Homeowner involved as well?"

A transaction I am currently involved in (I am representing the buyer) hit a glitch when it was announced by the seller that she no longer wants to sell because she is getting divorced.      What??       Nobody knew she was married, let alone the listing agent, who apparently never noticed the shiny band on the third finger. She thought the guy sitting at the kitchen table with them was "just the deadbeat boyfriend".

In this case the seller wants to keep the home -- but ditch the significant other that we never knew existed in the first place. Yes, the happy couple is now getting a divorce, decided some time between her accepting our offer and our nearing settlement date.

But what to do when we are already under an agreement of sale with a ready, willing and able buyer? It leaves the buyer standing at the altar.

Luckily for me, my buyers are playing the field and not emotionally attached to the property. But, this Lovers Lane quarrel could have turned out much worse if the buyers were prepared to walk down the aisle and into their new home. We could have a "shot-gun" wedding and hold the seller to her binding agreement or sue for specific performance.

Some clever negotiating is in the works, and I'm sure I'll have an update soon on this War of the Roses transaction.

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For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate in Lancaster County PA,
please contact
Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137
or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

Wordless Wednesday - "Thrill Ride"

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:10:19 -0500

Deflation Nation: How to Be A Seller When No One Wants to Buy

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:35:43 -0400

I have to admit that I have been enjoying the falling prices on some shopping that I've been doing lately. Although I never like to see a business fail or suffer, I've picked up furniture at a steal and am looking forward to some specials on a few spring wardrobe pieces. We're even running some great deals at the business my husband and I own, Fox's Country Sheds (a quick plug for my favorite shed builder!)

But, where does this leave the home seller who is clinging to the value of their home from a year ago, or even longer?

Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert puts it all into a great perspective in her post below:

Via Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert (Banker/Broker with RPM Mortgage, FHA Certified):

Have you noticed????? Just about everything out there is, well,...... a whole lot cheaper.

Sure, the focus is on real estate and the the stock market. But "declining values" have impacted almost everything we buy. What we learned in Econ 101 still holds true: Lower the demand and you are going to lower the price, every single time.

And that thing called DEMAND? The best way to describe that right now is IN THE TOILET.

Who can "demand" anything when you are busy just trying to keep your head above water?

Dog paddle or die. That's the mantra of most consumers these days. Wallets are closed and shopping for sport is nearly dead.

And let's be honest. We can stimulate real estate buyers all we want, but until people start spending money on all the rest of the stuff out there, the economy will continue to tank.

Even those consumers who are swimming along with no problem are too afraid to take advantage of all the cheap, cheap stuff and bargain prices.

Has fear of drowning become a national obsession?

Cheap stocks. Cheap real estate. Going out of business sales. Cars sitting with thousands in rebates AND 0% financing.

We used to say cars that wouldn't sell "grew whiskers". Now there are cars with full beards sitting on dealership lots.

Your favorite restaurant sends you a "free lunch" coupon, but when you get there, they are out of business.

And 75% off is the new 25% off when it comes to buying clothes.

Still, we don't buy. It is called market mentality, and whether it is justified or not, you must understand it if you intend to be a seller in this economy.

If you are a seller of ANYTHING in this environment, what do you do?

You don't "start high"

You don't try to sell something that is dirty or needs repair

You don't expect to "sell quickly"

You understand that if you hold on for too long to get the "better price", you can shoot yourself in the foot.

You don't try to "do it yourself". You need professional help and marketing NOW more than you ever did before.

You don't take offense when your buyers low ball, or ask for a discount.

You don't cling to the idea that the price 6 months ago has anything to do with the price today.

You understand you must get over your emotional attachments to the thing you want to sell.

You make it EASY for a buyer to buy.

You show compassion.

Someday, sellers will rise up and once again, make all the rules. Until then, sellers must understand this: It is exhausting for buyers to constantly dog paddle. And scary. Even if it is in a sea of ridiculously low prices.

The water still seems awfully cold, and those lifeboats are taking FOREVER to arrive.

Written by Janet Guilbault, Mortgage Lending Expert Based Out of the San Francisco Bay Area

This Is You. This Is You On Paper (And You Just Got Shredded)

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:24:46 -0500

Great post that I'd like to share. I know far too many people with similar issues.

Via Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert (RPM Mortgage):

Remember the old TV commercial that went like this:

This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs.

For those of you too young to remember this anti-drug TV spot, your brain on drugs is supposed to look like a fried egg on the sidewalk (not so subtle message of "you can fry your brains out if you take drugs").

But here's a newer version for you:

This is YOU: Good person. Good credit. Hard worker. Pays the bills. Pays taxes. Contributing member of society. Needs a mortgage.

This is YOU ON PAPER: Loser. Application declined. Next stop? Paper shredder.

How can you NOT take this personally?

Sometimes we forget this important fact: When the lender looks at your credit application, he only sees the PAPER YOU.

Not the REAL YOU.

It is distressing to me, that increasingly, the 2 "YOU's" are miles apart. Once stated income went away, all those holes in the lending world that stated income supposedly plugged, are gaping open again.

YOU: Are a respected, self employed business owner for 20 years. You make plenty of money to pay your bills and pay your mortgage. Your credit has been perfect your entire adult life. You are able to write off business expenses and losses against your business.

YOU ON PAPER: Don't show enough income to qualify.

YOU: Always have plenty of cash on hand to buy your friends a round of drinks. That's because you get much of your income from TIPS, and very little from your wages.

YOU ON PAPER: Have an income way too low to qualify.

YOU: Are the savior of your family. You take care of grandpa and in exchange, he makes your house payment and writes you a check for a small salary. You don't work because you take care of Grandpa.

YOU ON PAPER: Are unemployed.

YOU: Are a caring parent who lovingly co-signed to get your kid a car. Johnny was too embarrassed to tell you he was late on his payments 6 out of 12 months last year.

YOU ON PAPER: Have bad credit.

There is zero tolerance for lack of income and poor credit when making an application for a mortgage. As you do your taxes, and make financial decisions, remember this:

This is YOU. But the bank only cares about the YOU ON PAPER.

You don't want to fry your brains out just trying to get a mortgage.

Or in the shredder because you can't.

Written by Janet Guilbault, Mortgage Lending Specialist Based Out of the San Francisco Bay Area

Moving with a "CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS " - Things to think about!

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:45:17 -0500

Families have different needs to consider when relocating, whether it is to or from Lancaster County. Some families have the added stress of finding just the right environment for their child with special needs. Here is some handy information to keep in mind, via Bridget Cella, e-Pro Realtor.

~ Jeannie Kontis, Lancaster Real Estate

Via Bridget Cella, e-Pro Realtor (Weichert Realtors):

Having children whith special needs is overwhelming in itself, now imaging moving them! Here is my first installation of advice for those who are helping these families!

Although, I think you will find that most families that have children with special needs do not take the thought of moving lightly. It can be a very long and drawn out process. There are so many things to consider and here are just a few:

Schools for "Special Needs" - or for older children and young adults with special needs "Medical Day Care" it is one of the most important components to consider.

When you are the guardian for a person with special needs you have many responsibilities, working is most likely still one of them. So who will care for your special someone when you are making the big bucks? Rest assured that most families have already done their homework in this area.

Even if the child or young adult is attending a "typical (public) school" as opposed to a Private Special Education Facility they all vary greatly from district to district. Much diligence is required to research each individual district and each individual school to find out their policies.

Family or Support - Moving towards family members or people who will be supporting them is very important.

Although you will find that most families are moving towards their support system, you will also find that Relocation will sometimes present the opposite for these families. Honestly, knowing many families who have children with special needs it would have to be a pretty darn good career move to uproot their child. Consistence is the key for all children with special needs. If a family has made the decision to make a move it came with many sleepless nights.

Medical Needs - There are many great hospitals in the United States today and most of them have specialties that draw people from all over the world to them.

With many diagnosis comes the need for constant medical follow up. Hospitals and medical professionals will be very high on the priority list when choosing a new home town.

People first language - This is very important!!!! Please take the time to read up on the proper use of language when you are speaking about a person with disabilities.

Here is a great website to reference

I currently have two children with unique or "special needs". One in each setting private and public schools. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the prospect of moving a family that includes a person with "special needs"

This lady's got herself a MAC! Now what?

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:08:38 -0400

Not too long ago, I posted a blog about MAC OS and the use of Electronic Signagures.

Well, I got a MAC! Now I'm spending way more time than I have in learning how to use it. There are definitely features that I absolutely love, though, and I'll have to work around the features that I'm just not crazy about.

So, now I'm dealing with some compatibility issues, and I've realized that I really do need to get Windows installed.
Is Parallels best, or is Boot Camp best? Any pros and cons for each as far as real estate work is concerned?

Also, does anyone have any trouble being able to connect to their office Network on a MAC? Will I need Windows to do this? I'm sure our IT guy would be best to ask, but I'm just trying to plan ahead since he's not always easy to track down at a moment's notice.

And - most importantly for now -- What do I do with TOP PRODUCER?? Will my TP work if I get the Windows software installed? They don't support MAC OS, unfortunately. I know, I know -- I hate TP also, but it's one of those things. I have it, so I might as well use it. How can I make it compatible?

Also, I can't work on my Point2 site too well, since it runs on Explorer. I have the "switcher" for Firefox, and that let's met log in. But, I can't edit much. Will it work if I install Windows?

Any help for this new MAC user would be appreciated!