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Toledo, OH Real Estate News

By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Denied for Federal Mortgage Aid, Homeowners Seek Alternatives  By Stella M. HopkinsRISMEDIA, June 18, 2010--(MCT)--Allison Rinehart's best hope for saving her home isn't the massive federal effort to stem foreclosures.She's been denied, possibly in error, for that plan so she's banking on an alternative mortgage modification to keep her Charlotte townhouse."This is the only thing my daughter and I have," said Rinehart, who is 45. "I am a single parent, no child support, working as many jobs as I can take on."The taxpayer-funded Home Affordable Modification Program, or HAMP, is the centerpiece of the nation's foreclosure prevention effort. But it doesn't work for many people.For example, Bank of America estimated in April that more than half its 1.44 million delinquent mortgage customers...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Stephanie AndreRISMEDIA, June 19, 2010-Are you as efficient as you could be? Staying organized is an important key to managing your time well. Tons of time is wasted on poor time management and bad organizational skills.Here are five tips on how to be more efficient, courtesy of Score.org: 1. Don't start your office organizing by shopping for containers. Survey what files and books you need to store, measure them, then go to the store.2. File, Act or Toss papers and emails instead of letting them pile high on your desk. You should be able to make a decision immediately as papers cross your desk.3. Take advantage of electronic devices such as smartphones, email and database file management to categorize work.4. Choose the calendar system that's best for your organizational style, and sti...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Banishing Self-Doubt Can Be As Simple as Thinking Positive  By Liz ReyerRISMEDIA, June 19, 2010--(MCT)--Question: I know I'm good at what I do, but sometimes I just feel over my head. How can I maintain my self-confidence?Answer: No matter how good you are, nagging self-doubt can haunt you. But you can take steps to keep it at bay or defuse it.THE INNER GAMEStart by addressing negative inner messages. Perhaps they once served a purpose, preventing unsafe risks. Or they may be echoes from your upbringing. No matter how benign they once were, now they're out of date. Thoughts that hold you back need to be released so you can move forward. But don't beat yourself up. Thinking "I'm so stupid for doubting myself" isn't going to help.Pay attention, too, to whether your diminished confidence e...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
5 Tips on Effective News Releases   By Stephanie AndreRISMEDIA, June 19, 2010-Do you know how to advertise yourself and what you do in the best, possible way? There are tons of great agents doing tons of great things but not telling consumers about it...or at least not getting the word out in the right way.Here are five great tips from score.org on how you can maximize using press releases to get the word out on what you're doing in your local community: 1. Make sure they're newsworthy. Good topics include the announcement of a major new client, a celebrity appearance at your store, and community service performed by your company.2. Create news and put out a press release about it. Speak at a seminar, for example, or provide expert comment on a trend.3. Get your releases to the right p...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
6 Habits of Highly Successful Real Estate Agents  By Paige TeppingRISMEDIA, June 19, 2010--All successful real estate agents/brokers share many common attributes and this is what makes them successful. While the industry continues to test the patience of real estate professionals across the country, it is important to remember that successful agents are those who focus on the things that need to be done in order to get business. While this may be easier said than done at times, in order to find success in today's market, agents must do the things they don't like to do such as, cold call, seek out people whose house has recently expired in the MLS, talk to FSBOs and convert them to listings. Raymond Modglin, the face behind RealEstateMonkey.com offers the following habits that all succes...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Suppliers Offer Discounts, Giveaways      Three RE/MAX Approved Suppliers - Teldon Marketing, Homes.com and TransUnion SmartMove - are offering special discounts and giveaways for a limited time. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of these offers: Teldon Marketing: Win a Getaway, Flip CamerasYou could win a well-deserved getaway for two at any one of over 100 select Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in Canada or the United States, courtesy of Teldon Marketing. Whether it's a golf vacation in the sun, a weekend in the city, or an escape to a spa, you can customize your getaway however you'd like. In addition to the grand prize, enter to win one of five Flip HD video cameras. Enter online today.  Check Out Homes.com's New Website The Homes.com website has been updated with your clients in m...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
RealtyTrac: Foreclosure Filings Down in May    Foreclosure filings, including default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions - dropped by 3 percent in May compared to the previous month, according to the monthly RealtyTrac U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. The report, released this week, found that there were foreclosure filings on 322,920 properties - or one in every 400 U.S. homes - in May. Filings were up 1 percent compared with May 2009. Nevada, Arizona and Florida posted the top state foreclosure rates during the month, and 10 states accounted for more than 70 percent of the national total. "The numbers in May continued and confirmed the trends we noticed in April: Overall foreclosure activity leveling off while lenders work through the backlog of distressed properties t...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
5 Steps for Getting Ready to Buy    ESCUE Do you want to provide your buyers with a step-by-step list of ways that can help them get ready for their house search? In a recent remax.com consumer article, Lisa Escue (CDPE), with RE/MAX Masters II in Grapevine, Texas, outlines five steps buyers should take before buying a home. Share the article with your buyers (click on "Send to a Friend"), or print a few copies to keep handy when you meet with new clients for the first time. Here are Escue's five steps for buyers: Step 1. Find a Local Lender You Can Talk To in PersonLocal lenders understand your market and know of loan programs that might be beneficial to you. Check with your lender on any local programs that might help with closing costs or in other ways. Even though the media have pr...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Simple Tools to Do a Home-Energy Audit, and Save  By Liana B. BakerRISMEDIA, June 16, 2010--(MCT)--For many homeowners, electricity use is highest during the summer - that means steeper energy bills are just around the corner.But a lot of the energy you're paying for is squandered through air leaks around doors and windows, or through cable boxes and appliances that sap energy when no one is around. Before you shell out the cash for a professional home-energy audit, however, here are some do-it-yourself ways to measure - and then curb - your energy use.MEASURE ITThe average household will spend about $2,140 on residential energy consumption in 2010, according to the Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy. What's running up that bill? A home power monitor is one way to find out, said T...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
For Your Family: 5 Tips for Teen Job-Seekers   By Heidi StevensRISMEDIA, June 16, 2010--(MCT)--Finding a summer job can be a full-time job, but with the right tools and the right attitude, teens can land one."The landscape has definitely improved since last summer," says Steve Kimball, acting senior vice president of marketing for SnagAJob.com. "But it's still a tough market out there for these teens."A new survey, commissioned by Kimball's group, found that 29 percent of managers say a teen's stiffest competition comes from adults who've re-entered the seasonal or hourly work force because of economic pressures. But 6 percent of hiring managers intend to hire more workers than they did last summer."In the fast-food industry, the grocery world and the entertainment world - movie theate...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
For Your Clients: Summer Remodeling Ideas  By Paige TeppingRISMEDIA, June 16, 2010--Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great time to work on repairs and renovations without much of the hassles and delays that rain and other elements bring. For this reason and more, a good number of homeowners undertake home improvement projects during the summer. Eugene Makeev, a home improvement expert offers the following tips for homeowners who are looking to spruce their homes up this summer. Patios and DecksWhat better way to enjoy the warm days than by creating an outdoor living space for the family to enjoy. Decks and patios are among the most popular summer remodeling ideas. There are various facto...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
For Your Clients: Renting Your Home in 5 Easy Steps   By Paige TeppingRISMEDIA, June 15, 2010--A homeowner who is able to sell a property at the asking price has the potential to reap a profit, but what happens when you are having trouble getting your home sold? In today's difficult market, many homeowners are taking advantage of renting out their homes, or individual rooms, in order to cover the bills. According to Glenn Curtis, freelance financial writer and analyst, here are five easy steps that will help make the renting process easier and more profitable. Study the market: Check local newspapers and with local Realtors to see what comparable homes/properties are renting for in the neighborhood. This should help you establish a fair rental price.Prep the home: Renters may not take c...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Real Estate Marketing Strategies: How to Make Sure You Get the Money You've Earned   By Maya Bailey, Ph.D.RISMEDIA, June 15, 2010--In the past 14 years of coaching real estate agents to market themselves, I've noticed some simple mistakes that can cost you a transaction.Imagine you're working with a prospective buyer, what is the first thing you make sure to do? Follow these simple steps that can save you thousands.Step 1: Invite the prospective buyer into your officeWhy is this important? You need to establish a working relationship with this buyer. They need to know that this is a business relationship, not a friendship and how you work.Step 2: Ask them detailed and specific questions about what they are looking forTake notes and don't be afraid to delve. You need to know their specif...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
WA Veteran's 10 Sure-fire Listing Tips    WEITZEL By Deborah Ball Kearns, RE/MAX Times Online Associate Editor Platinum Club member Chris Weitzel (CDPE, CRS) has learned a lot about pricing, listing presentations, marketing and negotiating during his 35-year career. He doesn't go into listing presentations with dollar signs and an air of self-importance. After all, it's a job interview. "When you're trying to get a listing, you have to be honest," says the Lifetime Achievement Award winner with RE/MAX Whatcom County in Bellingham, Wash. "People will see right through you if you use smoke and mirrors." Here are 10 of Weitzel's best tips to successfully gain, market and sell listings: Impress at the listing presentation. Before I meet with new clients, I send a pre-listing package to mar...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
'Just-In-Time Hiring' Good News For College Graduates Still Looking For Jobs   RISMEDIA, June 10, 2010--Because companies and organizations are making more "just-in-time" hiring decisions, the summer hiring season looks brighter for new college graduates who are still looking for a job.Instead of hiring for what they think they will need in the future, employers are hiring more for what they need right now, says Ladd Flock, Director of Career Services at Wake Forest University. That means two things for job-seekers: they need to keep in close touch with their college career centers this summer to be aware of new openings and they need to respond immediately when a job is posted.More hiring is likely to take place outside the traditional fall and spring recruiting cycles, he adds. And, n...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Keeping Customers With Good Customer Service   RISMEDIA, June 10, 2010--Successful companies provide proactive customer service. Proactive customers service leads to increased business and loyalty. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. Be a double checkerCustomers appreciate it when a sales representative takes a minute to check on an item they've asked for. It lets them know they're being listened to and cared for. Do something extraAverage service is about meeting the customer's expectations. Great customer service is exceeding it. Give your customers more than they expect, and they'll return to do business with you. Take the initiativeOffer several solutions to the customer's predicament. If one doesn't work, make sure you have multiple avenues to resolve their problems. This way, th...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
For Your Clients: 10 Tips for Garage Door Safety RISMEDIA, June 14, 2010-- There's good reason to keep the home's largest moving object in proper order. The garage door is often the largest entry point in the home. Consumers can bring garage door and opener safety awareness to the home front this summer--the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) have designated June as Garage Door Safety Month. Overhead Door Corporation, one of the nation's leading manufacturer of overhead garage doors and openers under well-known brands like Overhead Door, Genie® and Wayne-Dalton, is offering consumers 10 safety and security tips to be protected throughout the year. 1. Make sure the garage door opener control button is out of the reach of s...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Top 5 'Must Do' iPad Security Checks   RISMEDIA, June 14, 2010--Recently, AT&T's 3G network servicing the Apple iPad was breached. To help protect you from any possible breach, here are five tips to product your personal data: 1. Turn off the 3G Network: AT&T has stated that there is no more threat to customers. However, turning off 3G wireless Internet service, at least temporarily, will protect an individual's personal data from any further attack.2. Request a new SIM from AT&T: The ICC-ID number that the hackers breached is attached to each user's SIM, the card linking an individual iPad to its user. Changing the SIM card would change the ICC-ID as well, rendering that information useless.3. Confirm any email from Apple or AT&T: The most likely threat to iPad users comes from what ar...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
For Your Clients: In 2010: Rent or Buy A Home?   RISMEDIA, June 14, 2010-- First time home buyers have a lot to consider this summer when making the decision to rent or buy a home: interest rates are at all-time lows, there's still plenty of housing stock and prices are at or near their lowest in years. Still, deciding whether to buy a home or rent an apartment can be a complicated decision. How do you know what's right for you? Potential buyers should ask themselves several key questions before making this important decision.1. What will monthly costs be, and can I afford the payments?Keeping mortgage payments under 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb. If you can't keep mortgage payments below that, you may be better off renting for awhile.2. What other debt do I ...
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By LINDA SABO, Use my years of EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
(Re/Max Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH)
Around the Home - Easy Ways to Conserve Water By Terri Bennett Print Article RISMEDIA, March 20, 2010-(MCT)-Water is our planet's most valuable resource. Providing enough clean water for every person will be one of the biggest challenges we face in the coming decades.A low-flow showerhead Americans use more water per person than any other country. On average, each one of us uses about 100 gallons of drinking water a day, and almost half of that is in the bathroom. For many of us, the toilet is where we flush away most of our water. Toilets made before 1992 use more than 3 gallons of water with every flush. New, improved low-flow toilets use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Making the switch can save 4,000 gallons of water every year. If you're not quite ready to make the upgrade, th...
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