Your Local Real Estate Agent & Foreclosure Specialist

 

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING MORE THAN EVER!

    

So everyone had a fit when Bush wanted to monitor phone calls of noted terrorists operatives and heavy anti-America political figures…but where is the outrage for Obama’s latest power grab via Homeland Security?

 

It seems that he has given Janet Napolitano written permission to hand-pick computer specialists to monitor all that we do on social networks including Face book, Twitter and many more. They claim (as Bush did) that they are doing it with the intent to look for possible threats against our country. But if you read the language used, it allows them to report any political comments or activity. Even Craig’s list is vulnerable.

 

So for those who worried about giving up personal freedom during the Bush years, you can REALLY start to worry now. And I just marvel how RIGHT is now determined by the media according to the political party involved, not truthful values that has made this country great in the past.

 

If this blog disturbs you, READ UP about this issue. Then if you agree with my assessment, CALL or EMAIL your senator and congressman. There is also a petition being circulated telling Congress to do something.

 

Meanwhile, I need to stop. They are probably already making note of my blog… 

★ ☆ ★ Tell Congress you OPPOSE H.R. 3261 "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA) and S. 968 "Protect IP Act" (PIPA) ★ ☆ ★

• Reverse Robocall ALL pro-SOPA MOC + Key Lobbyists (Genius! More info on Ars Technica)
• Phone your Member of Congress via nifty Progressive Change app
• Contact Senators who are refusing to meet with constituents about SOPA/PIPA.
• EFF Congressional Emailer - Oppose Internet Blacklisting (SOPA & PIPA)
• ECA Congressional Emailer - Don't Censor Our Internet!
• OpenCongress Congressional Emailer - Oppose SOPA
• Generic Congressional Emailer (You'll need your Zip+4)
• Petition Congress - Protect Innovation, Dump SOPA (Progressive Change )
• Outside the US? Sign Petition Opposing US Censorship of Global Sites (EFF)

Link:  http://www.craigslist.org/about/SOPA

About the Home:

Custom Built and 3 years Young! Owner with style and attention to detail has to move! Large kitchen with keeping room is perfect for the family! Vaulted Great Room lends volume to an already open and flowing floor plan. All bedrooms are adequate in size. Great backyard with full privacy fencing. Great walk-in storage under the house!

 

About the Community:

The Lansdowne Community is located in the fast growing northeast region of Richland County on the northern outskirts of Columbia, South Carolina. K - 12 students attend schools in the acclaimed Richland Two school district, and there are many colleges within a 30 minute drive. The community features a large swimming pool; tennis and basketball courts; a children’s playground and two recreational areas, one of which is next to a small a lake. With the Village at Sandhills less than a mile away, shopping and entertainment are conveniently close, but distant enough to not disrupt the peace and quiet that Lansdowne home owners enjoy so much. Meeting new neighbors is easy as so many families enjoy taking walks and stopping to chat with both old and new friends along the way. Lansdowne offers houses for all tastes. The community is divided into villages, the oldest of which is Pine Crest, started in 1995. Heises Pond followed, and Palmetto Place and Anden Hall are the most recent additions, with new construction continuing.

 

 

 

 

My Marketing Action Plan

My strategy for getting your property sold for top market value is a simple but effective one: I will maximize its market exposure so you attract as many qualified, motivated buyers as possible. I will also keep you fully informed of all my activities, as well as all developments related to the listing.

 

Specifically, I will market your property through:

-Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

-www.isellthistown.com

-www.re/Max.com

-www.realtor.com

-www.(your property address url).com

-Direct mail and email campaigns

-Direct email notices

-For Sale signage

-Notifying all potential buyers in my database

-Advertising your home in "The Real Estate Guide"

 

In addition, I will:

-Help you determine the best asking price

-Offer proven advice on how to prepare your property for showings

-Call you regularly and also provide you with a Customer Service Web Page so you stay fully informed of everything I do to sell your home

-Provide feedback from all showings and open houses

-Update you on money market changes that could affect your property's sale

-Pre-qualify motivate, potential buyers

-Present and discuss each offer with you and provide a "cash in pocket" statement

-Negotiate the highest possible price and best terms for you

-Manage all contractual, title and transaction details and keep you informed

-Ensure you check is delivered at closing

-Arrange for a relocation agent, if required.

405 Garden Arbor Lane Has Been Sold!

 

Call to Action: You Can Help the Housing Market!

Marianne Hatton Hatton Realty Inc. Re/Max Advantage Group Cell: 803-413-9986 Office: 803-771-9999 ext. 3008 Fax: 855-308-9263 hattonm1@aol.com

 

About Me Featured Listings Search Homes Website About RE/MAX

I received this from our Board of Realtors and this may be something you could do to help the housing market. Marianne Hatton Limited Call for Action: Calls to Congress Needed on Restoring Loan Limits NAR issued a limited Call for Action this week asking members in a handful of specific states and selected House districts to call their elected officials regarding the restoration of the loan limits. Some members will be asked to call their Representative, some members will be asked to call their Senator, and some members will be asked to make two calls as their state has both a House member and a Senator that serve on key the conference committee that will decide the fate of restoring the loan limits. If you get one of these emails, please make the call(s). The link to our Click to Call Congress system are included in the emails that were sent. If you did not receive an email do not worry. It is likely you did not have a targeted elected official that needed to hear from you. Thank you REALTOR® Party! Hit those phones! Senate Votes To Restore Higher Loan Limits. Flood Insurance Receives Extention Through November 18 The Senate voted 60-38 to approve an amendment to restore higher limits on FHA backed home loans. NAR leadership and Government Affairs have been working tirelessly to press Congress to restore the former caps by arguing that lower limits will further harm the housing market. The bipartisan amendment introduced by Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Isakson (R-GA) restores the 125% of median area price loan limit and the cap reverts to $729,750 through December 2013. The measure still faces tough opposition in the House. NAR will continue to press Congress to restore the higher limits as quickly as possible. Congress extended flood insurance until November 18. The Senate still must pass the 5-year reform bill (H.R. 1309) and resolve any differences with the House before this latest extension ends. Now is not the time to let up. Now that we are closer than ever, we need everyone who has not already done so to respond to the Call for Action to push the 5-year bill over the finish line. Without the NFIP, there would no longer be access to affordable insurance to protect against flooding, the most pervasive and extensive natural disaster in the U.S. In the interim, we are asking members who have not already done so to please continue to take action on both of these items: Take Action to Reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program Take Action to extend the FHA Loan Limits Article provided by: National Association of Realtors More articles: http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/ http://www.facebook.com/isellthistown www.facebook.com/marianne.hatton1 www.isellthistown.com

 

The Home Buying Process   

The job of finding a home that meets all your needs and wants can be difficult if you don't have all the available resources at hand or the time required to make complete use of them.

I specialize in helping buyers find the homes they're looking for, and one benefit of using my services is that I hear about the listings right when they come on the market-in fact, often even before they're on the market. And that's just the first step. When I work for you I will:

You get pre-qualified for the amount of house you can afford.
You find the house you want to buy.
You make an offer.
Your offer is accepted.
10-day inspection period begins.
Apply for a mortgage loan.
Lender begins processing your application.
You get results of all inspections and address any needed repairs.
Lender evaluates your application and approves the loan.
Lender forwards the loan package to the closing attorney.
You sign closing documents and your loan is funded.
The sales transaction is completed. The Home Is Yours!

1. Educate you about Buyer Agency and reputation, outlining my fiduciary responsibilities to you, which include: Complete Disclosure, Loyalty, Confidentiality, Obedience and Accountability.

2. Save you time by regularly searching the market for an affordable home that meets your criteria.

3. View homes with you and analyze their condition, potential problems, or compatability to your criteria.

4. Help you explore your financing options. If required, refer you to some excellent mortgage professionals so you can make the best possible mortgage decision.

5. Provide a written estimate of cost to purchase the home you are considering.

6. Provide a consultation in relation to your written offer to purchase a home with all terms approved by you.

7. Negotiate the best possible price and terms for you, take care of all the documentation details, and keep you fully informed about all activities that lead to the transaction closing.

8. Assist you, if necessary, in finding any home-related services you need, including home inspections, termite companies, and HVAC companies.

9. Physically meet appraisers and any inspectors required for closing the loan.

10. Ensure that all contract requirements have been met prior to closing. This includes any necessary or negotiated repairs or other conditions. 

 

47 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Sell Faster

Throughout the House

 

1. Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight.

2. Create a positive mood. Turn on all lights, day or night, and install higher wattage light bulbs to show your home brightly.

3. Remove clutter from each room to visually enlarge them.

4. If you have a fireplace, highlight in in your decorating.

5. Keep your home dusted and vacuumed at all times.

6. Replace the carpet if it does not clean up well.

7. Have a family "game plan" to get the home in order quickly if necessary.

8. Air out your home for one-half hour before showings, if possible.

9. Lightly spray the house with air freshener so that it has a chance to diffuse before the buyer arrives.

10. Put family photos in storage. Buyer has to be able to see themselves in the home.

11. Improve traffic flow through every room by removing unnecessary furniture. Have at least 3 feet of walkway available around areas.

12. Create the feeling of a spacious entry area by using decorative accents and removing unnecessary furniture.

13. Putty over and paint any nail holes or other mishaps in the walls.

14. Paint all interior walls a neutral color to brighten the home and make it look bigger.

15. Repair or replace any loose or damaged wallpaper.

16. Clean all light bulbs and light fixtures to brighten the home.

17. Wash all windows inside and out.

18. Use plants in transitional areas of your home.

19. Make the most of your attics' potential.

20. Remove and/or hide excess extension cords and exposed wires.

21. Open all doors to areas you want potential buyers to see such as walk-in closets, pantries, attics, etc.

22. Remove all smoke and pet odors.

23. Repair or replace banisters and handrails.

In the Kitchen

1. Microwave a small dish of vanilla twenty minutes before a showing place it in an out-of-the-way place.
2. Highlight an eat-in area in your kitchen with a table set for dinner.
3. The kitchen and bathrooms should always be spotlessly clean.
4. Expand your counter space by removing small appliances. Minimum of 2 at the most.

In the Bedrooms

1. Create a master suite effect in your decorating.
2. Depersonalize bedrooms and decorate in a neutral scheme.
3. Make sure that the beds are made and linens clean.
4. Organize your closets, remove unnecessary items and put them in storage. Keep it minimum and clean.

In the Bathrooms 

1. Do not leave towels around and wipe down the sinks and shower areas after each use.
2. Re-caulk the tub if not white.
3. Repair or replace broken tiles in the shower/tub/floor.
4. Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.
5. Put out fresh towels and decorative soaps.

Outside

1. Keep the yard mowed and raked at all times.
2. Use flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkway, and patio.
3. Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, and trash from the yard.
4. Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept, and in good condition.
5. Paint all entrance doors.
6. Make sure the garage door opens easily. Fix and paint the garage door if necessary.
7. Clean and shine all hardware and accessories indoors and out (door knobs, knockers, lamps, mail box, address numbers, etc.)
8. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed and pruned.
9. Use a new doormat.
10. Be sure the front doorbell is in good working order.
11. Be sure the front door and screen door works perfectly.

 

Posted by Marianne Hatton at 1:03 PM , Monday, September 26, 2011

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Location: Columbia, SC, USA

 

TWO GREAT LOAN PROGRAMS WITH 100% FINANCING!

It's been HARD out there in the real estate world this year! There are far fewer buyers looking to buy, and when you finally have a willing buyer…THEY CAN’T GET A LOAN!

But there are two programs that are still helpful to willing buyers who have no down payment! And one of these will even accept less than 620 credit score! Neither of these programs have monthly PMI (private mortgage insurance) which makes it very consumer friendly!

1. CHIP Program with BB&T

This is the Community Homebuyer Incentive Program. It allows for 100% financing if credit scores are 620 or better. If a little less than that, it will allow a 3% down payment which can even be a gift. Must pay all judgments, but if there is an old collection, you do not always have to settle that. You cannot have any derogatory credit issues within the last 12 months. NO PMI!!!

Benefits

CHIP loans offer home buyers the following benefits:

• Up to 100% financing on the majority of allowed property types
• First-time home buyers and previous homeowners eligible
• Private mortgage insurance waived

Recommended For

A CHIP loan may be right for you if you:

• Are unsure about qualifying income*
• Are concerned about funding a large down payment
• Lack of credit history

Property Types

The following types of property are eligible for CHIP loans:

• Single family homes
• Townhomes
• Condos
• Doublewide manufactured homes on permanent foundations

Maximum loan amount varies depending on property location and is subject to change without notice.

*Income cannot exceed 80% of your county median income. Consult your BB&T Mortgage Professional for details.

2. RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM

This program is financed through the Agricultural Department. Thus, it targets “rural areas” in the surrounding Columbia suburbs. Surprisingly, there are many new developments in some great neighborhoods that qualify. Again, this loan is 100% financing and is funded through many different lenders. It is income driven for qualification, and you must have credit scores of 620 or better.

Benefits

Rural Housing Loans offer the following features to home owners:

• 102% financing options
• First-time home buyers and previous homeowners eligible

Recommended For

A Rural Housing Loan may be right for you if you are:

• Purchasing a residence located in a qualifying rural area that may be attached to limited multiple acreage
• Concerned about qualifying income*
• Concerned about funding a down payment

Property Types

The following types of property are eligible for Rural Housing Loans:

• Single family homes
• Townhomes
• Condos
• Doublewide manufactured homes on permanent foundations

*Income cannot exceed 115% of your county median income. Consult a BB&T Mortgage Professional for details.

For more details visit: http://www.bbt.com/bbt/mortgage/first-time-home-buyer-loans.html

There are some other details to both programs that would affect qualification, but in the last month I have been able to put THREE buyers on the CHIP program and they are scheduled to CLOSE on their new home within the next 45 days!