Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Getting Organized

From the Lowe's "News You Can Use" newsletter. Studies say that getting organized is one of the top resolutions that people make, along with exercising more, getting out of debt and spending more time with family. I could definitely benefit from all three, but I think if I focus on getting organized, it will help create the time for the others to fall in place as well. Especially when I think about the upcoming events in our household and the 101 virtual tours that people have ordered from me recently, my booming real estate business, dad's bookkeeping, and balancing the daily household and two active kids too boot! On top of that, we've decided to host a small Super Bowl party on Sunday, Bunco the following Sunday, Anthony's birthday on Valentine's Day with a party at school and parent teacher conferences that afternoon and a trip to Iowa for a pool party celebration that weekend!! I'm sure you're probably just as busy and I hope we can all truly benefit with some of these great tips and ideas! And when better to get started then today? Just click on the following link to see what it's all about!

https://www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com/newsletter/pdf/012008.pdf

And as my way of saying "Thanks" and with my partnership with Lowe's Realtor program I can save you 5% on your gift card purchases, so email me now and let me know what you need! karisma@reeceandnichols.com

Monday, January 21, 2008

The Amazing Banana

Did you know that bananas are the number one fruit among the world's leading athletes? It's no surprise when you hear what they're full of and all the good they do! Because of the fiber bananas contain, when combined with their 3 natural sugars- glucose, fructose adn sucrose; they give instant, sustained and substantial boosts of energy! They also help prevent and overcome many illnesses and conditions such as: depression, anemia, blood pressure, brain power, constipation, morning sickness, nerves, heartburn and ulcers, smoking ceasation (sp?) and strokes. When compared to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It's also rich in potassium and one of the best value foods around.

-Sources: Mother & Child Reunion and http://www.inspirationline.com/

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Major change for rental property in KCMO-please read!

That is a newly effective program for dwellings in Kansas City, Missouri. Below is the information from the City’s homepage.


Rental dwelling registration program

Neighborhood and Community Services Department

Registration
In October 2007, ordinance No. 071046 was passed requiring that all rental housing units within the City limits of Kansas City, Mo., be registered with the City starting Jan. 1, 2008. You may register your units anytime during January 2008 without penalty. A $50 per month fine for failure to register will begin Feb. 1, 2008.

A rental dwelling is any property that contains a dwelling or rooming unit that is being offered for rent or is being rented or occupied by any person who is not the owner of the premises. However, property occupied by a child, grandchild, mother, father, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law or grandparent of the owner is not considered rental property. In addition, duplex dwellings in which one of the units is owner-occupied are not considered rental dwellings for the purposes of this program.

Beginning Jan. 1, online registration became available (please read the application instructions prior to online registration). Applications can also be printed from this site and submitted by mail or in person. Applications are available at the Neighborhood Preservation Division office at 4900 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130. Registration of rental properties is keyed to the ownership of each property. You may register several properties on one application as long as they are under one ownership.

Registration is required on a calendar year basis and will expire each Dec. 31. Applications for renewal will be accepted beginning each Jan. 1.

Inspection
Rental dwellings located in designated target areas must also be inspected for compliance with the City’s nuisance and property maintenance codes. The target neighborhoods have not yet been designated by the City Council. Inspections will begin May 1, 2008.

If your property is located in one of the target neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Preservation Division will contact you to schedule an exterior inspection of the building and grounds, and an interior inspection of any vacant units.

For more information about the Rental Registration and Inspection Program, call the Neighborhood Preservation Division, (816) 513-9010.

Online· Online registration · Application instructions (pdf) · Print application (pdf) · FAQs

Sunday, January 06, 2008

184 Things That REALTORS Do:

This past summer, NAR President-Elect Pat Vredevoogd Combs testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Housing to help blunt government complaints about industry pricing and derail speculation that a federal real estate oversight commission should be created. As part of her testimony she submitted the following list of 184 things that listing agents do in every real estate transaction. "By all accounts," she said, "the general public is not aware of all the services that agents provide to sellers and buyers during the course of the transaction, probably because most of the important services are performed behind the scenes."
Transaction List

Pre-listing activities:
___ 1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation.
___ 2. Send a written or e-mail confirmation of appointment and call to confirm.
___ 3. Review appointment questions.
___ 4. Research all comparable currently listed properties.
___ 5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public databases.
___ 6. Research “average days on market” for properties similar in type, price and location.
___ 7. Download and review property tax roll information.
___ 8. Prepare “comparable market analysis” (CMA) to establish market value.
___ 9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.
___ 10. Research property’s ownership and deed type.
___ 11. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.
___ 12. Verify legal description.
___ 13. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions.
___ 14. Research property’s current use and zoning.
___ 15. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records.
___ 16. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials.
___ 17. Perform exterior “curb appeal assessment” of subject property.
___ 18. Compile and assemble formal file on property.
___ 19. Confirm current public schools and explain their impact on market value.
___ 20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure completion of all steps.

Listing appointment presentation:
___ 21. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.
___ 22. Review agent and company credentials and accomplishments.
___ 23. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace.
___ 24. Present CMA results, including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds.
___ 25. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions.
___ 26. Discuss goals to market effectively.
___ 27. Explain market power and benefits of multiple listing service.
___ 28. Explain market power of Web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com.
___ 29. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends.
___ 30. Explain agent’s role in screening qualified buyers to protect against curiosity seekers.
___ 31. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.
___ 32. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference.
___ 33. Review all clauses in listing contract and obtain seller’s signature.

After listing agreement is signed:
___ 34. Review current title information.
___ 35. Measure overall and heated square footage.
___ 36. Measure interior room sizes.
___ 37. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.
___ 38. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements.
___ 39. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.
___ 40. Review house plans, make copy.
___ 41. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.
___ 42. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller.
___ 43. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and account numbers.
___ 44. Verify current loan information with lender(s).
___ 45. Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements.
___ 46. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller.
___ 47. Review current appraisal if available.
___ 48. Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable.
___ 49. Verify Home Owner Association fees with manager — mandatory or optional and current annual fee.
___ 50. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable.
___ 51. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number.
___ 52. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills.
___ 53. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system.
___ 54. Calculate average water system fees or rates from last 12 months of bills.
___ 55. Or confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report.
___ 56. Research/verify natural gas availability, supplier’s name & phone number.
___ 57. Verify security system, term of service and whether owned or leased.
___ 58. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond.
___ 59. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
___ 60. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.
___ 61. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale .”
___ 62. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items.
___ 63. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant.
___ 64. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller.
___ 65. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty application.
___ 66. When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.
___ 67. Have extra key made for lockbox.
___ 68. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
___ 69. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.
___ 70. Verify all rents and deposits.
___ 71. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.
___ 72. Arrange for yard sign installation.
___ 73. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form.
___ 74. Complete “new listing checklist.”
___ 75. Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability.
___ 76. Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market.
___ 77. Load listing into transaction management software program.

Entering property in MLS database:
___ 78. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet — agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data.
___ 79. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS listing database.
___ 80. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including proper placement in mapping function.
___ 81. Add property to company’s Active Listings list.
___ 82. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours.
___ 83. Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography.

Marketing the listing:
___ 84. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input.
___ 85. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls — weekends included.
___ 86. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows.
___ 87. Prepare mailing and contact list.
___ 88. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.
___ 89. Order “Just Listed” labels and reports.
___ 90. Prepare flyers and feedback faxes.
___ 91. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability.
___ 92. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review.
___ 93. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers.
___ 94. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes.
___ 95. Upload listing to company and agent Internet sites, if applicable.
___ 96. Mail “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.
___ 97. Advise Network Referral Program of listing.
___ 98. Provide marketing data to buyers from international relocation networks.
___ 99. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.
___ 100. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.
___ 101. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.
___ 102. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.
___ 103. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.
___ 104. Review and update loan information in MLS as required.
___ 105. Send feedback e-mails/faxes to buyers’ agents after showings.
___ 106. Review weekly Market Study.
___ 107. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.
___ 108. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing.
___ 109. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listings database.

The offer and contract:
___ 110. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
___ 111. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare “net sheet” on each for owner to compare.
___ 112. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.
___ 113. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer.
___ 114. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible.
___ 115. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling loan officer.
___ 116. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from loan officer.
___ 117. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.
___ 118. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.
___ 119. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company.
___ 120. When Offer-to-Purchase contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent.
___ 121. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money into escrow account.
___ 122. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests.
___ 123. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller.
___ 124. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent.
___ 125. Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender.
___ 126. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file.
___ 127. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing.
___ 128. Change MLS status to “Sale Pending.”
___ 129. Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending.”
___ 130. Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios.
___ 131. Provide credit report information to seller if property to be seller-financed.
___ 132. Assist buyer with obtaining financing and follow up as necessary.
___ 133. Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.
___ 134. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer.
___ 135. Order septic system inspection, if applicable.
___ 136. Receive and review septic system report and assess any impact on sale.
___ 137. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to lender and buyer.
___ 138. Deliver well flow test report copies to lender, buyer and listing file.
___ 139. Verify termite inspection ordered.
___ 140. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required.

Tracking the loan process:
___ 141. Confirm return of verifications of deposit and buyer’s employment.
___ 142. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.
___ 143. Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale.
___ 144. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.
___ 145. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.

Home inspection:
___ 146. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.
___ 147. Review home inspector’s report.
___ 148. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program.
___ 149. Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.
___ 150. Ensure seller’s compliance with home inspection clause requirements.
___ 151. Recommend/assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors for required repairs.
___ 152. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed.

The appraisal:
___ 153. Schedule appraisal.
___ 154. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.
___ 155. Follow up on appraisal.
___ 156. Enter completion into transaction management program.
___ 157. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low.

Closing preparations and duties:
___ 158. Make sure contract is signed by all parties.
___ 159. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.
___ 160. Update closing forms and files.
___ 161. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
___ 162. Select location for closing.
___ 163. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.
___ 164. Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining death certificates.
___ 165. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-through prior to closing.
___ 166. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations.
___ 167. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).
___ 168. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy.
___ 169. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.
___ 170. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.
___ 171. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent received title insurance commitment.
___ 172. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing.
___ 173. Review all closing documents carefully for errors.
___ 174. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested.
___ 175. Review documents with closing agent (attorney).
___ 176. Provide earnest money deposit from escrow account to closing agent.
___ 177. Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase, resolving timing issues.
___ 178. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing.
___ 179. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable.
___ 180. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
___ 181. Close out listing in transaction management program.

Follow up after closing:
___ 182. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested.
___ 183. Attempt to clarify and resolve any repair conflicts if buyer is dissatisfied.
___ 184. Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.

A New Year's Resolution?!

'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Christmas Updates...

Better late than never, I guess!
Enjoy a short clip from Anthony's school Christmas program:
(It was so sweet and he was so tired.... sorry about the "shakey" video, but Bella just insisted on sitting perfectly still on my lap like a lady the whole time! And no, I have no idea who's phone that was that rang?! Just push play and enjoy!)


A few more Christmas favorites- just for fun!

Christmas cookies!! Yummm!

Daddy helped make the Gingerbread house while they decorated! YUM!


I just loved this picture of my tired little Princess who got all "dressed up," literally, for Christmas Eve Services.

Our cute little Elf on Christmas morning!

Elf #2 on "Santa daddy's" lap and posing for the camera Christmas morning?! I know that couldn't be Bella?!

Some of our favorite gifts:

Me: a GPS- finally!!! Now, if I could just work out all the kinks... :O)


Tony: probably just a whole day off without any "honey-do's" and I think the "family gift" that Santa brought, that fills our entire play room- An Official ESPN Air Hockey Table! (As if he'll ever actually have or take the time to play it.)


Anthony: Darth Vader to Death Star Transformer and other various Star Wars Transformers


Bella: Emma- her new baby that responds to "mommy" and reacts w/ her bottle, blanket and bear, plus the other four babies she got- especially baby "Princess Leah" that came with a walker with a feeding table and her own plush carrier, which she bought after Christmas with her own Christmas money!


Speaking of which- who would have ever thought that a 4 and 5 year old could have so much fun spending "their own" money! Mom had to pick up the tax of course, but they really had fun shopping and budgeting for their own thing. But come on, they just got like a hundred new toys, I would have thought it should have been harder to find something that they didn't already have?! But no, it's just amazing how that list goes on and on.