Today the nation's leading customer satisfaction tracker announced that Coldwell Banker has received top honors in it's 2009 Home Sellers Survey.  Read the details and official press release here.  We're proud to be associated with such a progressive, dominant real estate brand as Coldwell Banker and would love the opportunity to show you some of the service that has won us this coveted award!

Do you worry about the security of your home whether you’re home alone or away for an extended period of time?  If so, there are lots of ways in which you can be proactive and burglar-proof your residence.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has compiled the following list of suggestions to help you improve your home's safety.

1. Use Automatic Timers: Connect some of your lights, a radio or TV to automatic timers so they come on periodically when you’re not home. 
2. Use Call-Forwarding: When you’re gone for the day or for an extended period o time, have your phone calls forward to your cell.  Some burglars will call ahead to determine whether or not anyone is home.
3. Don’t Let the Mail Pile Up or Grass get Long: If you will be away for a while, make sure you have arrangements with a neighbor or friend who will be able to cut your grass and collect your mail/newspapers. 
4. Don’t Leave Empty Boxes on the Curb: Make sure you break down the box from that expensive new plasma TV you bought and hide it within your trash. 
5. Always Lock Doors, Windows and use a Peephole: It may be a hassle, but you should always take these precautions, even if you are just working in the back yard.
6. Lighting is Crucial: Nothing helps prevent a potential burglary like proper illumination of your home—especially around doors, windows, and parking areas.
7. Prune Low Branches and Plant Thorny Shrubs: Make sure you get rid of any branches that would give easy access to second floor windows.  Also, if you want shrubs against your home, plant ones with thorns to deter anyone from looking in or breaking windows. 
8. Ensure the Security of the Door Leading to Your Garage: Many times, burglars can gain easy access to your garage, so make sure the door that connects your home to the garage is heavy duty with a tight seal.  Of course, it should always be locked.

Hopefully, these tips will help you better secure your home.  You should attempt to make your home appear the same whether you are there or not.  There is no way to guarantee your home will not be targeted, but there certainly are ways to make your property less attractive for break-ins. 

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgage lenders who make FHA loans.  The FHA is part of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Here's some details on how to buy a HUD home (HUD foreclosure) in Lancaster County, Lebanon County, Dauphin County, York County and Cumberland County PA.

What happens when a homeowner defaults on an FHA mortgage?  The home, after going through a foreclosure procedure, reverts to HUD, where it will eventually be resold.

How do I buy a HUD repossessed home?  In Pennsylvania, including Lancaster County, HUD properties are administered by Hooks Van Holm, Inc.  The first thing to do is locate a REALTOR who is certified to work with HUD properties.  Hooks Van Holm displays available properties online at www.hooksvanholm.com/ .  A HUD-certified REALTOR can show these properties.

All HUD repossessed properties must be bid for online.  There is a very detailed process which must be followed precisely, or the bid will be rejected.  Most residential properties start out for a short period being only available to owner occupants.  If not sold in the initial period, the properties then become available to any owner, including investors.

How credit worthy do I have to be?  You must be preapproved BEFORE you make your bid.  You must already have a preapproval letter on your lender's letterhead.  There are specific instructions as to what information must be on the preapproval letter.

Can I have a home inspection?  Yes.  However, all HUD propertis are sold as is, with no warranties.  The only way an owner-occupant can be released from a HUD contract is if there is a serious occurrence, such as a death in the family or a loss of job.  Investors will not be released for any reason.

If your bid is accepted, the settlement generally must take place within 30 to 60 days, usually less than 45 days.  There is a daily penalty if the settlement goes past 45 days.  Your paperwork has just begun!  HUD's form 9548 must be filled out exactly according to instructions, in addition to up to 17 required addenda.  Detailed instructions for brokers are on the website, but it pays to speak with someone who has been through the process before.

Have you ever completed a project at home only to think afterwards there must be ways to make such endeavors less risky?  There are lots of simple precautions you can take that will create a safer environment within your home.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has compiled the following list of suggestions to help you improve your home’s safety.

1. Read Directions: Before using a product or tool be sure to thoroughly read the instructions.  While it may be a bit time consuming, it could save you a lot of headache and wasted time down the line.
2. Get a Fire Extinguisher: At the very least, you should have an extinguisher in your kitchen and garage, and you need to make sure you know how to operate it.
3. List Emergency Numbers: You should have a list of important numbers next to all your phones so they’re available for easy access.
4. Don’t Overload Outlets: This is a quick way to start a fire.  Also, avoid overloading extension cords.
5. Handle Cookware Safely: When cooking on the stove, make sure all the handles are turned toward the center of the stove.  A handle turned out is easy caught and spilled by someone passing by.
6. First Aid Kits are Important: Make sure you keep a nicely stocked first aid kit in your home and car.
7. Keep Original Containers: Make sure your medicines and household products remain in the original containers so you can avoid confusion and possible health risks.
8. Store Gasoline Away from Your Home: You should never keep gasoline inside your house or even in the garage because the tiniest spark can ignite it.  Make every attempt to store gas in a shed separate from your home.

These are some simple ideas that will help you maintain a safe home for you and your family.  Please contact Coldwell Banker Select Professionals if your looking for personal service and have questions regarding buying a home in Lancaster PA, York PA, Harrisburg PA, Lebanon PA, Hershey PA and Cumberland County.  Be sure to connect with one of our agents at www.cbselectpros.com. 

Wondering about the detais behind the 2009 "Stimulus" Law and what affects the real estate market in Central Pennsylvania?  Here's a summary of the details:

BACKGROUND

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1) was approved and signed into law on February 17, 2009.  The Act is a $780 billion package.

Many elements of the National Association of Realtors® legislative housing agenda were incorporated into the Act.  The President and congressional leaders have indicated that housing issues will be further addressed in upcoming legislation.

DETAILS

Homebuyer Tax Credit – The Act provides an $8,000 tax credit available to Lancaster County first-time homebuyers for the purchase of a principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.  This credit does not need to be repaid and may be claimed on a consumers 2008 or 2009 tax return.  If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount is refunded as a check to the purchaser. 

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits – The Act reinstates the 2008 loan limits for FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  These limits were equal to the greater of 125 percent of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750.  In 2008, the median sale price for homes in Lancaster County was $173,000.

Neighborhood Stabilization – The Act provides $2 billion in funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which funnels grants to local and state governments to assist neighborhoods facing a large number of foreclosures.  The funds may be used to purchase, manage, repair and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties.  After purchase, the homes must be used to assist individuals and families with incomes at or below 120 percent of the area’s median income.  25 percent of funds must be used for households with incomes at or below 50 percent of area median income. 

Commercial Real Estate – The Act provides funding for state energy programs used to support commercial property owners’ investments in energy efficiency upgrades.  Commercial property owners seeking to invest in alternate energy systems for onsite power generation will benefit from the U.S. Department of Energy Renewable Energy Loan Guarantees Program.  Small businesses receive tax relief in the area of bonus depreciation and capital expenditures as well as the five-year carry back of net operating losses.

Rural Housing Service – The Act provides $500 million to existing USDA rural housing programs.  The RHS maintains a guaranteed loan program and a direct housing loan program for those meeting the eligibility criteria.  $270 million is allocated to the direct loan program and $230 million is allocated for unsubsidized guaranteed loans.  This level of funding will provide for 192,000 additional homeowners.

Low Income Housing Grants – The Act allows states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing.

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits and Grants – The Act provides $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants to local and state governments.  Through 2010 homeowners will be able to claim a 30 percent tax credit for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation.  The Act provides an additional $5 billion to modernize America’s electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help save consumers money.  The Act also provides $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low-income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (Section 8) efficiency programs.

Transportation Investments – The Act provides $46.7 billion to local and state governments for surface transportation projects such as highways, bridges, transit and rail.  The Lancaster County Planning Commission estimates $34 million in funding for bridges and highways and $21 million for transit programs will be directed to projects in Lancaster County.  LCAR supports increased spending on transportation infrastructure as a means of promoting smart growth, lessening traffic congestion and improving the quality of life, and thus the value of real estate, in Lancaster County.

Do you have a child who is about to become more mobile and you want to make sure your home is safe for him?  Perhaps you already have a toddler wandering around and have had some close calls, so you’re ready to make some changes.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has compiled the following list of suggestions to help you childproof your home.

1. Cover any unused electrical outlets.
2. Remove the rubber knob on doorstops (they’re a choking hazard) or replace them with one-piece stops.
3. Use stair gates and window guards without exception.
4. Tie cords and blinds out of reach of children and remove loops from the ends.
5. Remove furniture with sharp edges or use soft guards.
6. Keep house plants out of reach of children—some plants are poisonous and soil can be a choking hazard.
7. Remove mobiles from cribs once a child can stand.
8. Make sure your home is free from radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos and mercury by performing the proper tests.
9. Use a lid lock on the toilet or be diligent about always shutting the bathroom door. 
10. Ensure that all hazardous chemicals and cleaners are out of reach of curious hands.

While the above are some quick and easy steps to take in order to ensure your home is more childproof, accidents can still happen.  Make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected by having a well-stocked first aid kit and emergency numbers easily accessible.  After you’ve done all your childproofing, get down on all fours and make sure there aren’t any dangers you missed—your child will thank you.

Is your home currently on the market, and are you looking for an edge to make your home more appealing to buyers?  Having your realtor host an open house is a good way to advertise, but only if you take the necessary steps to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has created the following list of tips to help you create a positive impression during your open house.

1. Clean Diligently: Your home must be spotless, so if you do not think you’re up to the task of cleaning, hire a service to do it for you.
2. Create a Pleasant Smell:  When people walk in the door, make sure they experience a welcoming smell.  You can bake cookies right before the open house, put out potpourri, or even simmer some vanilla extract on the stove for the right effect.
3. Create Brightness:  Make sure you turn on all the lights, even if it's during the day.  Open the blinds and drapes to make your home as light and cheery as possible.
4. Utilize the Fireplace: If your home has one, consider laying a fire.  If it is too much of a hassle to tend a fire, then arrange an attractive grouping of lit candles instead.
5. Wash Windows and Mirrors: Make sure your windows are crystal clear and your mirrors are free from any splashes from the sink.
6. Get Rid of Clutter: You need to get rid of unnecessary items from all counter tops in order to create the illusion of more space.  Put small appliances away, shampoo bottles, soap and toothbrushes need to be out of sight, and eliminate your personal touches (including family photos).  Additionally, you need to de-clutter your closets so they appear as roomy as possible.
7. Freshen up the Bathroom: Make sure the shower curtain is spotless—buy a new one if necessary.  Thoroughly clean the toilet and put the lid down.  You should also hang some fresh, fluffy towels.
8. Empty all Trash Cans: It may seem like a minor detail and one easily overlooked, but it is an important touch.  Remember, people will be looking closely at every aspect of your home, and having to look at someone else’s trash is definitely disgusting. 
9. Freshen up the Exterior: Mow the grass, weed the beds, and add some potted plants if the time of year allows.  Also, make sure the entryway is in the best shape possible.  This means adding a fresh coat of paint to the door, polishing the hardware, and adding a new doormat. 
10. Everyone Out: The quickest way to alienate potential buyers is to hang over their shoulder while they’re looking through your house or having your kids and pets underfoot.  Make every effort to leave your home—taking kids and pets with you—during the open house.

An open house is a golden opportunity to showcase your home to the public, so make sure you take the time to make the proper impression.  The more attentive you are to the details, the better your chances for selling your home quickly.

If your looking for personal service and have questions regarding homes and loans in Lancaster PA, York PA, Harrisburg PA, Lebanon PA, Hershey PA and Cumberland County, be sure to connect with one of our agents at www.cbselectpros.com or one of our mortgage specialists at www.homenat.com.  Home National Mortgage and Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has local offices serving all of Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Cumberland County PA.

COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE SURVEYS 1,000 MEN AND WOMEN TO DISCOVER GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE HOME-BUYING PROCESS

Survey Finds that While Couples Make Real Estate Buying Decisions Together, Women Make Up Their Minds Significantly Faster than Men
           
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (August 17, 2009) –   It often seems as though men and women are from different planets, but every day millions of couples navigate through day-to-day and even life-altering decisions. Because a home is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC surveyed 1,000 individuals to discover how much men and women differ in the home-buying process.

The real estate company engaged a third-party research firm, International Communications Research (ICR), to delve into the innerpsyche of men and women, asking questions such as “How long did it take for you to know that the last home you purchased was right for you?” and “If you found the home of your dreams but had concerns about its security, would you still be interested?” Coldwell Banker Real Estate also surveyed couples on additional topics, such as “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” when it comes to making major financial decisions.

“The results were surprising,” said Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker consumer real estate expert. “Not only did we uncover some of the inherent differences between men and women, but we also pinpointed a number of ways that the two genders are actually the same. For example, both men and women are increasingly concerned with having a space to work in their homes – something we would not have seen 40 years ago.” She continued, “We also found that feeling insecure about a home’s safety is a deal-breaker for most people, regardless of gender.”

Patton noted this topic is particularly timely given that many first-time homebuyers are hoping to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires on December 1, 2009.

Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study:

Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men …

• When asked how long it took before they knew their home was “right” for them, almost 70 percent of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62 percent of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent of women).

Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job …

• 55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37 percent of men.

A home’s security is a deal-breaker for both men and women …

• 64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51 percent).

Couples say that no one “wears the pants in the relationship” in terms of major financial decisions …

• When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70 percent of respondents living with their significant other said it’s actually mutual.
• However, 23 percent think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26 percent vs. 20 percent, respectively).

Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part …
When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12 x 12 room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses:

• Bedroom: 25 percent
• Office/Study: 15 percent
• Family Room / Den: 11 percent

However, men really do want a “Man Cave”…

• Interestingly, out of the 8 percent who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge.  In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation / entertainment.

In addition to providing background on the survey results, Patton is able to offer tips for couples who are currently going through the process of buying a home.  “These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other’s differences and work together, from deciding a neighborhood to how to use a spare room,” she said. “Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way.”

Methodology: Coldwell Banker Real Estate engaged ICR to conduct an omnibus survey via telephone in May 2009, among more than 1,000 respondents.

Pet Parent Tips for From Petfinder.com

 Over 50 percent of Americans have pets, and many consider their animal companions an integral part of the family. However, sometimes pets get lost in the shuffle during the home buying and selling process.

To help real estate professionals better serve their clients, Petfinder.com pet transition tips to share with home buyers and sellers.

TIP #1:            Move the entire family

Even in times of hardship, encourage clients to take their pets with them when they vacate their home instead of abandoning them or letting them loose. The comfort and companionship of pets can actually provide therapeutic benefits to family members by easing the strain of moving to a new residence.

·         Owners should remind themselves to:

o        Make sure the pet always wears a collar with ID and rabies tags are firmly attached.

o         Refrain from feeding their pet too much before traveling, in case they get motion sickness.

o        If they’re moving to another state, find out what documents, if any, they'll need for their pet.

o        Bring the pet’s bed and favorite toys so he'll have familiar items in the new home.

TIP #2:            If needed, find a temporary solution during the move

For home buyers / sellers who need to place their pets temporarily while they move, the best recommendations are to:

·         Ask family, friends and co-workers if they will care for pets while they relocate.

·         Ask the veterinarian if they can receive low-cost boarding for their pets, or set up a payment plan for boarding costs while they relocate.

·         Investigate shelters and organizations that offer to house pets for a period of time (60 days, for example) for free or at a reduced cost until the family can be reunited with their pets.  It’s important to note however, that if a home owner does not reclaim their pets within the time period, they may be placed for adoption.

TIP #3:            Find a loving, new home for “Fido” if all other options have been explored

For home buyers / sellers that cannot find temporary placement for their pets or are unable to move with their pets altogether, the best recommendations are to:

·         Visit www.Petfinder.com to search for animal shelters and rescue organizations in their area that do not euthanize adoptable animals.

·         Remind the homeowner to never leave their pet behind, even if faced with a foreclosure. It's inhumane and may be illegal in some states.

o        If homeowners vacate their homes but leave pets indoors or release them outside , state criminal animal-cruelty laws may apply (e.g., abandoning or neglecting pets), regardless if they believe they have left sufficient food and water for the animals.

o        Even if they leave pets behind and have arranged for someone to periodically check on them, they may still be in violation of criminal animal-cruelty laws. In addition, when a mortgage lender takes possession of a home, pets will be removed by the local animal control agency, which will leave pets at risk of an uncertain future that may include euthanasia.

Homebuyers often forget one of the most important steps in the home buying process: arming themselves with a pre-approved mortgage loan before they begin their house hunting.

A pre-approved mortgage loan is a lender’s commitment to lend to the homebuyer, with specifications on the exact loan amount. To get pre-approved, homebuyers need to provide personal financial information -- such as income, debts and assets -- to a lender. Applications are usually approved with certain caveats. However, with the lender committing to the loan amount and interest rate up front, buyers can have confidence that adequate financing is in place before they start shopping for a home.

Coldwell Banker cites numerous advantages of having a pre-approved mortgage loan, which include the following:

• Establishing an advantage in a competitive market: Having a pre-approval letter provides the homebuyer with an edge in a multi-offer situation. Sellers prefer working with potential buyers who are pre-approved in order to avoid the threat of a deal falling through because the purchaser cannot get sufficient financing.  An offer with a mortgage pre-approval letter carries far more weight than an offer with only a pre-qualification letter or no letter at all. In fact, sellers often accept offers from pre-approved buyers over buyers with higher dollar offers who have not been pre-approved. 

• Finding the best possible type of loan: Working with a mortgage lender before looking at houses allows the homebuyer plenty of time to evaluate what mortgage product works best for their financial goals. Once they decide upon the kind of loan that they want and are pre-approved, homebuyers can then focus on finding their dream home.

• Establishing the price range: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage enables homebuyers to determine, prior to house hunting, how much money they qualify for, and how much they can afford to spend. The real estate sales associate and homebuyers can then focus on finding homes in the established price range.

• Seeking comfort with the loan amount: By taking the time to seek pre-approval, the homebuyer can select a comfortable loan amount.  In many cases, buyers can qualify for mortgages that are more expensive than what they feel comfortable committing to for the long-term.  Buyers often end up acquiring a more expensive home than they want merely because it works on paper. It’s important for a buyer to purchase a home that they can afford.