West Broward Real Estate Watch

To make things just a bit EASIER!

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:44:31 -0500

If you are like me, I carry my camera everywhere. Pictures for my listings, pictures of the neighborhood, or like what I am also doing, LOTS of BPO's.

Here is the problem I run into several times maybe a week. I take my pictures and have to wait till I get to a computer to upload my pictures. I have run into problems where I forget my card reader for the camera card. Would have to run home to get the card or just wait till I got home. Which would slow me down, and if you are like me are always on the go. So having to stop to go back home to get it is no use to me.

So my husband got me this great Christmas gift to make things just a bit easier for me. Its a wifi camera card called the EyeFi. Basically how it works, if you are near a wireless network and if your camera is on, it will automatically upload your pictures to where you have it assigned to. You can have it upload to your home computer or sites like FLickr. It is the coolest thing. I was at home and the computer was on, I had my son taking pictures around the house and you would see within seconds the picture uploading to the computer.

Now there are several cards to the EyeFi, there is a 2Gb card that only does pictures and there is a 4Gb card that does video and pictures. Now the video will upload as well with the 4Gb card not the 2Gb.

I had to share this with all of you. Just to make things just a bit easier for you as my husband did for me. Leave it up to him to find something like this. When he went to go buy it at Best Buy, they looked at him like he was crazy. But he managed to find it there.

Hope this helps you! Have a Great New Year everyone!

Jeannette Neerpat

Big Update - Want to Endorse Active Rain in the Shine A Light Contest?

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:25:28 -0400

Via Judy Jennings - Realtor® Serving Plymouth & Barnstable Counties (Cedrone and MacDonald Real Estate):

BIG UPDATE

to

"Want to Turn Your 1000 Active Rain Points into $3,000?"

I had an email conversation with Bob Stewart and as a result, I have nominated Active Rain for the Shine A Light Contest! At first I did not believe that they would qualify, but Bob has assured me that they do! For all that Active Rain has done for us, perhaps we can help them earn some marketing dollars and a little extra exposure as a token of our appreciation.

If you do not know what I am talking about, click on the link Want to Turn Your 1,000 Active Rain Points into $3,000? We should at least qualify providing we have at least 50 members endorse the nomination. With over 158,000 members, we should be able to scrape up a minimum of 50 members. So, please click on the widget below at "endorse this story now."

Check out the prizes:

The businesses featured in the three (3) Finalists will each receive a $10,000 grant.

The business featured in one (1) Winner, chosen from among the three (3) Finalists, will receive $50,000 grant and $50,000 worth of marketing support.

The submitters of the three (3) Finalists will each receive an American Express Gift Card valued at $3,000.

I hope you will endorse
Active Rain

It would be great if Active Rain wins!

Meanwhile, I hope you are all still nominating your favorite business.

Let's show Amex & NBC Universal what a talented group of professionals belong to this community.

Good Luck Active Rain!

This is an ideal time to start your search and realize your dream of purchasing a home in Bourne, Duxbury, Kingston, Lakeville, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Pinehills, Wareham or Cape Cod - call me 508-947-2295, ext 210. I can help you find the property that best suits your individual needs.

For a list of properties for sale in Plymouth or Barnstable counties, please visit my website FocusedonRealEstate.com or contact me directly Judy Jennings - Realtor® Serving Plymouth & Barnstable Counties for a free consultation.

You can also click on the link below and sign up to receive property listings in Massachusetts immediately.

Running out of Time.....

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:19:26 -0400

Time is running out.... I have been getting lots of calls from 1st Time Home buyers. You see now they are realizing that time is running short if they are going to use the $8,000 Tax Credit.

I got a call the other day from someone who found me from a blog post I wrote about the buyers seminar. She had the print out from here ActiveRain and one from Trulia. She told me that she really wants to buy now but didn't know what steps to take.

She thought I was going to do another seminar, but I did something better.. Met her one on one. We covered all the bases. She filled out what she was looking for and she signed the Buyer's Brokerage Agreement.

I gave her the number to the Mortgage broker to get her Qualified and as soon as we know what she qualifies for we will start her search..

So if you are looking to buy your first home, time is running short if you want to get your Tax Credit. You need to close on your home by December 1st.

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.BrowardCountyReview.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-667-7653(SOLD).

Why Do Some Real Estate Agents Short Change Buyers?

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:14:48 -0400

Via Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Trainer (CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty):

An agent works with a buyer for days...they get the buyer pre-qualifed for a loan and off they go in the car. What is wrong with this picture?

Why do some real estate agents short change buyers?

I say this because we take the time to sit with a seller...we prepare to meet with the seller..we provide a consultation..we have them sign documents before we market their property and then market the property.

Too many times I hear agents who discuss buyer loyalty but when I ask questions this is what I get:

Did you sit with the buyer and explain the process? Well I had them meet me in the office and off we went or they called on a particular house so I met them there!

Did you discuss the steps in buying a home? No we just took off

Did you see their approval letter? No they told me they were approved

Did you prequalify them based on their wants and needs? I know they are looking for a 2 bedroom home.

WOW, OK..lets think about this...think about the way you treat a real estate seller..do you believe in your heart a seller would list with you because they just called you..no you must show your value right? Why not think along the same lines when working with a buyer.

What if you were to spend some time getting to know the buyer's wants and needs.

How about a true consultation..meaning taking the time to get all of your ducks in a row and their ducks in a row with the understanding of their wants and needs and they with the real estate buying process.

BUYERS DESERVE THAT AND MORE!

Many times if you are showing many many homes to one buyer there is a good chance you have no idea what they are looking for and sometimes neither do they.

How about having a buyer sign a buyer broker agreement for the homes you show..for for a day..month or 3 months?

Get to know your buyer and what their wants and needs are. Protect yourself with a buyer broker agreement but more importantly take the time so that the buyer will feel good working with you!

About the Author: Midori Miller is licensed in the State of Florida, BK645709 and currently hangs her real estate license with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori is also a real estate trainer and an Activerain Ambassador and specializes in short sales for Daytona Beach real estate sellers. If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida..please contact us!

Hope you had a wonderful 4th of JULY~

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:14:27 -0400

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. Here is a glispe of my evening spent at the Tamarac Sports Complex, which had a wonderful turn out since we didn't get rained out! It happens every year and this year it didn't. Cars were lined up on every street, dancing, face painting.

Here are 2 videos of our evening......

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

What Would I Do If I Were Buying a Home Today?

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:15:23 -0400

Via Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Trainer (CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty):

How do I get started in purchasing a home? If I were personally look for a home today...I would do the following things before contacting a real estate professional:

Before I would pick up magazines and start looking at houses regardless of my income, my employment record regardless of how much cash I am working with..

I would not assume anything..because I know guidelines have changed..

First things first, I would contact a mortgage professional that I trust and would find out what I qualify for in order to buy a home.

Because if I don't qualify..I'm not buying!

I would gather docs because I know you will need them...

I would start with the following items: 2 years tax returns, 3 months bank statements, 1 year's worth of rent checks.

I would let my employer know I are buying a house and to expect a letter or phone call of employment verification. It may hold true for a landlord as well so prepare to discuss this with your landlord.

If you are in a lease read through your lease agreement and your lease there may be a chance you can break your lease if you purchase a home. If it is not clearly stated in your documents go to your landlord or property manager and ask what are the consequences in breaking the lease now may be the time to buy a home but it may also prove it's not!

One thing I believe..you have a better chance in buying a home if you are prepared..if you do some homework in advance..and if you keep control in what is going on around you! Don't be the buyer who said they did it to me!

That means trust the professional you are working with, plan on cooperation and make sure and make good sound decisions...understand the documents...read the fine print but most of all pay attention to the numbers...after all its You and only you paying for that mortgage!

These are things I would certainly do!

SEARCH Property Listings

It would be my pleasure to help you!

Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Broker Associate. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me! All calls and inquiries are confidential. CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach and Ormond by the Sea. midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

Remember MakeOver 2 TakeOver Contest?

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:58:15 -0400

Do you remember last summer the M2T contest? Where there were a bunch of teams of Appertence and Mentor? Well Midori and I were part of that contest and made it to the top 3. Brian and Desiree came in first and Missy and Kim came in second.

Well a year has gone by and a lot came from that contest. Friendship, business and of course we put in place business plans, pre listing packages, listing contracts and so on.

Till this day I still get comments on the pre - listing package Midori and I came up with and she is still ask for a copy of it. Well she called me the other day saying she got an email from someone who was looking to write about our Listing Checklist. So she called me and asked if I was ok with someone writing about it. I was more than ok I was flattered actually.

Someone from outside of AR took noticed of our work we put into this check list. I wasn't sure when the blog post was going to come out when I got a tweet today from @candylynn about getting organized with my name in it. Huh? organized what is she talking about. Well when I click on the link sure and behold there was the post. It blew me away, it was already up....

Can you believe a year has gone by? Wow times have changed!! I owe a lot to ActiveRain. I have gone so far in this business because of the site and I am so happy I found you by chance 2 years ago.

So a BIG THANK YOU!!!

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Florida is Set to help with Down Payments!

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:17:57 -0400

Florida is Set to help with Down Payments!

The state is looking to help with the Down Payments assistance. Which helps you with the purchase of your First Home. How much better can this get. So now instead of having to wait for the tax credit, you can use it as a Down Payment.

So with an FHA loan on a $250,000 you need 3.5%, that means you need $8750. So if you get the $8,000 then you are looking at bringing $750.00, plus your closing cost.

So what the government is trying to do, is lend you the $8,000. You still file it on your tax return for next year. Then when you get the return you payback the state. So you are not using your out of pocket money. Makes sense to me.

This article is out of the Sun-Sentinel.

“Here in Florida, rather than qualified buyers waiting to get the tax credit on the tail end of the process, in the form of a credit after they have filed the tax returns, it will allow them to get it upfront and let them use it for down-payment assistance and fees,” said David Hart, vice president of legislative and government affairs for the Florida Home Builders Association. He estimated that about five states are taking a similar approach.

The state’s program takes effect Wednesday, though the money isn’t expected to be available until later in July or August. The funds are being distributed through local government and nonprofit agencies that already provide down-payment help through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership, known as SHIP. Qualified homebuyers are entitled to $8,000 or 10percent of the property’s purchase price, whichever is less.

18 months to repay

Buyers who receive a down payment must file for the tax credit on their federal tax return next year and then repay the agency that lent them the assistance, according to the program, which was proposed by state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey. The program gives buyers who qualify and get funds 18 months in which to repay the state, which allows them plenty of time to realize the benefits of the tax credit, part of the federal government’s massive stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

To receive the state’s down-payment assistance, the buyer must close on a property by the end of November. Housing agencies are still working out the details of how to distribute the funds, and state officials caution that four or five months is a relatively short time in which to qualify, find a home, obtain a mortgage, close on the property — and use the money. Qualified buyers who do not take advantage of the state program may still take the federal tax credit, which is currently set to expire in December.

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Broward County Property Appraisars going to the Business!

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:36:07 -0400

So I was reading the paper today and came across an article that Broward County Property Appraisers are going to business that owe in back taxes. The county is looking to collect around $8 million in back taxes.

FORT LAUDERDALE - Tax collectors hit the streets Wednesday in a sweep of hundreds of business -- demanding they pay delinquent bills or have their equipment and furnishings sold at auction.

Customers were exercising at a downtown Fort Lauderdale gym when collection agents posted a lien for $9,900 in back taxes on its doors in the morning. Workers at a Quizno's sandwich shop on nearby Las Olas Boulevard were preparing for the midday rush when the agents arrived there moments later to tape a lien for $3,400 to its front door.

Broward County hopes to collect up to $8 million in past-due personal property taxes in the three-day push. Auctioneers are on standby to begin selling the property of any businesses that don't pay up within 30 days.

So now my question is, If the businesses pay up, and now the county has that money, will they still be layiing off the 400 plus teachers they plan to let go?

I mean come on $8 million dollars is alot of money!!!

FORT LAUDERDALE - The Broward School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to lay off almost 400 teachers, despite pleas from more than 150 parents, teachers and students -- mostly from West Broward High School -- to keep them in their jobs.

Board members said they had little choice but to lay off the teachers, citing three years of state budget cuts and declining student enrollment. And they were angry, urging the audience to call and write state leaders to protest.

This is the first time in more than two decades that the Broward School District has laid off teachers, though officials said they hoped all the teachers would be back at work with the district by Aug. 24, the first day of school.

Both of these articles are in todays paper. We have 2 different things going on. I hope that the county looks to see if they can hold on to these teachers. I really don't want to see my kids in bigger class rooms and not get the proper teachings they need. To many students in each class takes away from individual times with the teacher.

I am not trying to be selfish in anyway, but I am looking for the best option for my kids!

Am I wrong? I don't think so, but you chime in and tell me if you have a better idea. Not like the government will listen to us. But you never know!

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

ReBarCamp coming to Miami!! Are you Ready??

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:07:26 -0400

So have you heard?? ReBarCamp is coming to Miami. This is the first time ever its been here and I am so excited about it!!! I have not been able to make it to any of the other BarCamps due to having young children.

What makes me so happy is I will be able to see all my ActiveRain friends there!! Oh to go through the list of people I will be so happy to finally meet there. Its like we have this family that has grown from blogging. Never in a million years did I ever think the day I started blogging here would I have thought of the friendships I have gained.

So I look forward to Sept 14 and see all of you there!!! I'm ready, are you??

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Rentvine Creates Rental Scam Detection Tool

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:44:55 -0400

Great info for those who have rental properties!

Via Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Trainer (CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty):

Most people laugh when they hear about the scams that are taking place all over the net. These scammers are hitting...Craigslist...Facebook...and even Flickr and today...I got one from one of my Careerbuilder alerts. I've personally had several through all of these sources...fortunately I spend a lot of time on line...but what about those that do not?

I truly do not find it funny.....because so many fall victim.....we have to understand not everyone is a genius or have the basic understanding that most real estate industry professionals have when it comes to buying a home, selling a property or even requesting information on a rental.

A few statistics you should think about before making prejudgments on those who fall for these schemes...I live in an area...where many homeowners do not use the Internet at all!

Did you know only 74.4 % of North America uses the Internet? That means there is a good chance some who search for properties on line...may do very little searching...as a matter of fact...they may use the Internet rarely and may not be aware of these schemes.

12 million people in the U.S. still use dial up according to www.rlslog.net! Have you tried to use dial up recently? Its hard to get information and really truly does not work well nor give a great experience on line.

According to Pew..its 9% who use dial up last year!

In many rural areas...broadband is not available still!

Today while going through my comments I found something quite interesting and thanks to Dave Dugdale...there is a software to detect whether you might be falling for a scheme...The Rental Scam Detection Tool! I went ahead and tested and I think it is a fabulous tool for those who might fall prey.

Very basic and very easy to use but specifics to look for when the schemers come scheming!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

For Rent~~4999 SW 165th St, Miramar, Fl Riviera Isles

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:21:54 -0400

Jeannette Neerpat | London Realty Corp | 954-993-4104

4999 SW 165th St, Pembroke Pines, FL

Riviera Isles.... Miramar, Fl

5BR/3BA Single Family House

$2,850/month

Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 4,311 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy Small dogs (< 25lbs) Deposit $5,700

DESCRIPTION

: Beautiful open home, Lavish Rivera Isles, with lake view, balcony from master bedroom overlooks the lake view. Freshly painted, wood floors and more. Convientely located to shopping plazas and local highways.

Re BarCamp Miami Coming Soon!

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:16:58 -0400

Yeah Baby ReBarCamp is coming to MIAMI!!! Are you? I will be there and it will be my first one. Anyone else care to join?

Via Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Trainer (CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty):

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Please R.S.V.P and visit the blog...rebarcamp.com/miami for additional details. Oh and maybe we can test on line marketing...

Anyone care to sponsor and gain additional notoriety and familiarity of your company and products to a bunch of real estate technology enthusiasts? Sponsorship $250.00

How about sponsoring a great facility that would house around 200 people? Or maybe you know someone in the Miami Beach area who would allow us to use their facility for one day FREE? Imagine the exposure...the recognition and the appreciation! Contact Ines, the Mojito Critic and author of Miamism.com.

WE hope to see you there!

I invite you to reblog...we need a facility! :)

$8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Will it be going to $15,000???

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:59:14 -0400

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

Tax Credit Alert - $8,000 to $15,000??

Will the flood gates open for home sales? Through some news reports such as Bloomberg and other media outlets, those lawmakers in Congress are looking to change up the current $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit that ends on November 31st, 2009. The new bill was introduced on June 10th, 2009, but pending. This could be some good news for more than just first time homebuyers. But I have a different opinion on just the basics, from raising the tax credit from $8,000 to $15,000. But what are the changes that are being talked about?

New Tax Credit changes ....

The tax credit of $8,000 would be raised to $15,000

They would take away the income restrictions. The current income caps are : Single - $75,000 and Joint return - $150,000.

Making this available to anyone, even if you aren't a first time homebuyer.

Extending this for 1 year after the new bill becomes active.

Let's talk about this now..... I will agree that this could even help those that aren't first time homebuyers. It would help those that owned a home, that are upside down, who sell their home, yet have no money now.

Now, here is my problem about the current first time homebuyers tax credit or even if this is revived shortly. Yes, we will be printing more money then ever before, even from the last stimulus bill. Want I would like to see is the government and HUD put their heads together to come up with a plan to allow the homebuyer to use this money even for their initial 3.5% down payment. If you aren't sure what I am talking about, please read this. First time homebuyer tax credit approved by HUD to get the monies before settlement.

Conclusion: There are some that have argued with me that this new change, that HUD will allow you to get the monies before closing, to be used for part of your down payment and closing costs, will help a lot. I have been arguing this point 2 months after the $7,500 tax credit was approved in early 2008. My argument is that this will help some, a few, but not as many as the government projects or hopes that it will help. My argument? You need some of your own money first to be able to buy. Yes, you still would need 3.5% of your own money and in this economy, not everyone can save this in a timely manner. And many of these people that can't save adequately would still be good to excellent buyers... at least in my opinion, from 16 + years of lending.

Overall, if we could come up with a comprimise to allow all buyers to use this money even for their initial down payment, then that would open up the flood gates. People, keep in mind that we have the USDA loans and VA loans that allow 100% financing. This shouldn't be about having skin in the game, because these 2 programs have a good success rate. I will be writing about this over the weekend, my thoughts on what we can do, so please stay tuned for this. Thoughts? Opinions? thanks

PS..... UPDATE.... Per Lenn Harley's comment & Pat Kennedy's, don't get me wrong, I am not a big fan of printing all of this money. I have talked about this in such blogs as :

I need my quick fix now, please pass me that 4.5% rate now. - why we can't afford to keep lowering the interest rates, thinking that this will help now. This kind of thinking is just for consumer confidence, but will bury us in the very near future, which is mentioned in the next link below, inflation vs deflation.

Inflation vs deflation - Is it criminal? -

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

Our New Turtle..

Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:04:16 -0400

We found a Turtle in front of my house the other day. We got a tank for it and we named him Prince Comit.

The kids are so happy about it, they won't leave him alone. I am happy to see it. It is a baby turtle and they will be able to watch him grow.

So here is a short clip of the kids putting the turtle in his new HOME (tank).