THINGS TO DO: It’s National Night Out Next Week!

Richland, activity, fun, home, home owner, law, lexington, things to do No Comments

What is National Night Out?

It’s America’s Night Out Against Crime!

The “26th Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2008. Read the rest…

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Avoiding Foreclosure Scams

Debt Free Living, government, home, home owner, housing market, law, problems, real estate No Comments

With all of the talk of homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure, it’s no wonder so many con artists have now figured out how to use this angle to prey upon those who are vulnerable.  Don’t become a victim to one of these “Foreclosure Rescue” scams.  If any organization finds you to help, it’s a scam.  Only those who need help will seek out assistance.  Federal agencies who assist homeowners NEVER seek them out. Read the rest…

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What is the Foreclosure Process?

government, home, home owner, housing market, law, money, problems, real estate No Comments

With much ado from Washington, D.C. and our Congress, the talk of “helping homeowners stay in their homes” is a hot topic these days. However, when it comes down to it, the homeowner is the only person who can save their own place when facing foreclosure. This informative video tells us about the process, what’s involved and how you can keep your home from being taken back by the bank.

Click here to see the Foreclosure Process Video

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Time to Speak Against the Appraisal Law that Could Affect YOU!

FSBO, activity, bank of america, buying, credit, first time buyer, government, home owner, housing market, law, prices, problems, real estate, selling, things to do No Comments

How much is that house worth?  The new appraisal law could hurt you.Well, here I go again, on another political rant.  (At least I warned you.)  As a result of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac fiasco, there has been a lawsuit settlement reached between the NY Attorney General, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  While the proposed law seems good on the surface (it’s meant to protect us, right?), there are some serious flaws that will hurt borrowers, sellers, lenders and real estate agents.  It will most likely hinder efforts to sell property in the future. Read the rest…

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HUD Secretary Announces the First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Can be Used at Closing

Savings, buying, first time buyer, government, home, home owner, housing market, law, prices, real estate, realtor, selling, south carolina No Comments

First Time Buyer Credit Rules can be Taxing!It’s official, folks!  First time buyers can use the $8,000 tax credit on closing costs or down payment on FHA loans!  There must be a catch, as it sounds too good to be true.  You’re right.  Read the rest…

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Why the Bailout Bill Will Never Work – A View from the REAL Main Street

Debt Free Living, buying, credit, government, home, home owner, housing market, law, money, mortgage, problems, real estate No Comments

Kitchen PhotoOne can say that Realtors step into people’s lives, one story at a time.  Many of my clients say I should write a book someday of the experiences I’ve had and the families I’ve met over the years.  Perhaps someday I will, but a tale that involves real estate and a woman that could be anyone’s Grandmother has captured my fascination this week.  It is the story of 90 year-old Addie Polk from Akron, Ohio.  She is someone I will never meet, but in knowing her story it has changed my perspective on big business, Congress and those in foreclosure forever. Read the rest…

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FREE Money From the Government! Really!

Lake Murray, Richland, ballentine, bank of america, blythewood, buying, chapin, columbia, credit, event, first time buyer, government, home, home owner, housing market, irmo, law, lexington, mortgage, real estate, realtor, selling, south carolina No Comments

kathy smith, realtor, free money, stimulus package, housing, house, economy, seller, buyer, buying, selling, real estate, columbia, sc, south carolinaIt is absolutely amazing the stories and headlines that have been in the press lately.  They are screaming about the economy heading into a recession and are finding new and innovative ways to help out ‘the common man’.  Granted, the Columbia, South Carolina  economy is doing very well, thank you…but who am I to turn down free money like this?

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Breed Specific Legislation in Richland County, SC Bans Dogs as Human Companions

Lake Murray, Richland, activity, ballentine, blythewood, columbia, event, irmo, law, lexington, problems, realtor, relocation, south carolina, things to do 1 Comment

dogAll right, so maybe we won’t be seeing the headline that ALL dogs are banned as a companion in Columbia, South Carolina right away.  However, if the current Breed Specific Legislation that is being worked on currently in Richland County goes through as planned, it could become a reality for some dog owners of specific breeds identified as having “vicious” tendencies.  I was shocked to see in the recent Richland County Council minutes that Councilwoman Valerie Hutchinson is working on such laws as I write this.  As many of you know, I am passionate about animals and especially the rights to have a canine companion.  Read the rest…

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Homeowners Up in ARMs Finally Get a Break!

Lake Murray, Richland, bank of america, blythewood, buying, columbia, credit, first time buyer, home, home owner, housing market, irmo, law, lexington, prices, problems, real estate, realtor, selling, south carolina No Comments

Please forgive the pun, but for once homeowners in Columbia, South Carolina now can breathe a little easier. Announcing a five year freeze on mortages with “teaser” rates, President Bush unveiled a plan today that keeps rates locked in for those who need it most. Read the rest…

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Freeze Your Credit Report – Well, Voluntarily in South Carolina

Lake Murray, Richland, activity, buying, columbia, credit, first time buyer, home, home owner, housing market, identity theft, irmo, law, lexington, mortgage, problems, real estate, realtor, relocation, selling, south carolina No Comments

iciclesThere has been a lot of commotion about the new “Credit Freeze” laws that have been enacted as of November 1, 2007 that give consumers more control over who views their credit reports and why.  However, the state of South Carolina is not one of the states in compliance with these laws which are mandated on a state-by-state basis.    The states that have adopted a consumer credit freeze law allow you the right to completely freeze all activity on your credit report, for a fee.  South Carolina residents are getting freezes from credit reporting agencies on a “voluntary” basis.  Read the rest…

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