Huntley Plantation near Alexandria, VA.

On our way to Mt. Vernon, I spotted out of the corner of my eye a plantation home that I had discovered that morning while researching Mt. Vernon. It was known as Huntley Plantation, and is perched up on a hill tucked off the main road heading to Mt. Vernon; the address now is known as 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA. This little plantation gem is not currently open to the public but will be in the near future. Enjoy the photos I have taken of this property. I plan on returning once it is opened to explore the interior.

Relief for Homeowners Harmed by Improper Foreclosure Procedures!

Written for Mortgage News Daily, by Jann Swanson

Servicers Must Review, Compensate Improper Foreclosure Claims

Nov 1 2011, 11:41AM

Homeowners who believe they were financially harmed by improper foreclosure procedures now have a new avenue for relief. Three major federal regulators, The Federal Reserve Board and the Offices of Thrift Supervision and Comptroller of the Currency announced this morning that servicers under their supervision will be required to provide compensation to borrowers if their foreclosure processes caused financial injury.

As part of their compliance with enforcement actions issued by the three regulators April, a total of fourteen large servicers have been required to retain independent consultants approved by the regulators to conduct reviews when requested by eligible borrowers who were in foreclosure during 2009 or 2010, whether or not the foreclosure was completed. The consultants are charged with evaluating whether borrowers suffered financial injury through errors, misrepresentations, or other deficiencies in foreclosure practices and determining appropriate financial remediation for those customers.

The fourteen servicers (and their affiliates), all of whom have begun mailing letters to eligible borrowers that explain how to request a case review, are:

• America's Servicing Co.
• Aurora Loan Services
• Bank of America
• Beneficial
• Chase
• Citibank
• CitiFinancial
• CitiMortgage
• Countrywide
• EMC
• EverBank/EverHome Mortgage Company
• GMAC Mortgage
• HFC
• HSBC
• IndyMac Mortgage Services
• MetLife Bank
• National City Mortgage
• PNC Mortgage
• Sovereign Bank
• SunTrust Mortgage
• U.S. Bank
• Wachovia Mortgage
• Washington Mutual (WaMu)
• Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Requests for review must be received by April 30, 2012. Regulators are encouraging borrowers to carefully consider the information about the review program to determine if they should participate. There are no costs associated with being included in the review nor do borrowers need an attorney.

In addition to this outreach and claims program, the independent consultants will also review a variety of sample cases from each servicer. Where they identify issues, they will conduct additional secondary reviews to identify as many affected borrowers as possible. The Federal Reserve announcement said that certain categories of foreclosure actions would receive special attention including members of the military who were covered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and borrowers who had previously filed complaints with the services for foreclosure actions pending during the 2009-10 period.

The Federal Reserve said further than it believes monetary sanctions against servicers are appropriate and plans to announce penalties in addition to any compensation provided to borrowers following the reviews.

Some examples of situations that might prompt a request for review were provided in the materials released to the press and public.

• The mortgage balance amount at the time of the foreclosure action was more than the borrower actually owed.
• The borrower was doing everything the modification agreement required or was properly pursuing a modification but the foreclosure sale still happened.

• The foreclosure action occurred while the borrower was protected by bankruptcy.
• Fees charged or mortgage payments were inaccurately calculated, processed, or applied.
• The foreclosure action occurred on a mortgage that was obtained before active duty military service began and while on active duty, or within 9 months after the active duty ended.

"The independent foreclosure review is a significant component of the mortgage servicers' compliance with our enforcement actions," said acting Comptroller of the Currency John Walsh. "These requirements help ensure that the servicers provide appropriate compensation to borrowers who suffered financial harm as a result of improper practices identified in our enforcement actions."

Walsh said the reviews will take several months to complete, considering the large pool of borrowers that could be part of the review.

The enforcement actions issued by the regulators in April also require the servicers to correct other deficiencies in residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure practices going forward, including specifying a single point of contact for certain borrowers who are having difficulty paying their mortgages, ensuring that foreclosures are not pursued when a borrower is performing on a loan modification, and establishing robust controls and oversight over their third-party vendors.

Information on filing a review request is available at www.IndependentForeclosureReview.com.

Happy Halloween! 10 Safety Tips for your Kids!

YEAH!!! Tonights the night every kids lives for! Halloween!!! Here are some tips to help protect your kids as they go out into the big night, to collect their goodies.

1. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children may forget to look out for their younger charges, in the excitement of Halloween fun, opening the door to mishap.

2. Older kids should always “Trick or Treat” in a group, never alone!

3. Feed everyone before going “trick or Treating”. A full belly will hopefully prevent them from gorging on their candies and getting sick from too much sugar.

4. Know the neighborhood! If you are concerned about sexual offenders go to your local police station and ask that the data base be checked for the neighborhood you are “Trick or Treating” in. Or, check the local police website for their data base listing locations of offenders.

5. Be strict about not going into strangers houses. Let your children know it's OK to politely refuse a suggestion to come into the house. Tell them to leave immediately if the stranger becomes insistent. Forget the candy!

6. Remind your children they need to cross the streets at intersections and cross-walks. Explain the dangers of running across the street, especially at night and in costume. Remind them they might not be able to see as well thanks to their mask and costume.

7. Make sure costumes fit right and that the kids can move around and run in them. Make sure the costume does not trip them or obscure vision or breathing. Capes, swords and wands should not be able to cause the kids to trip.

8. See that the costume reflects light so that if the kids are crossing the street and a car comes, the driver has a better chance of seeing them.

9. Make sure the costume is flame retardant, either store-bought or home-made. There may be open flames that could catch the costume and cause burn injury.

10. Lastly, check the candies before the kids eat them. If any wrappers look suspicious throw the candy away. Also with small children, can they eat this candy without danger of choking?

Enjoy the sights tonight and make sure you have enough candy! Happy Halloween!

For your Real Estate needs, in Rochester NY, Call Gini Denninger, Broker GoodmanRealty. 585-760-3880

Attention Rochester Zumba & Pilates Lovers!!

Jamaica's lovely resort Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Spa is hosting a Zumba & Pilates Week! If you don't want to miss this event plan to travel to Jamaica December 2-9. Certified instructor Linda A. Robinson will be leading daily complimentary Zumba and Pilates classes for guests of all activity levels. Robinson, a New York-based Aerobics and Fitness Association of America instructor, will teach beachside Pilates classes and Latin-inspired aerobic classes. The Zumba program features choreographed hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts and Bollywood and belly dancing moves. Nightly rates during the week start at $170 per person for double occupancy, with a three-night minimum stay. For more information, call 877-273-3937 or visit www.breezes.com.

Getting your home ready for the big chill

Well. here we are in the North East. Summer is gone, but not forgotten. Sadly the leaves have turned and we are now facing winter and all that entails. I have brought my house plants in, swept the porch, and turned the heat on. Winter preparations such caulking windows and changing away from my sun loving sheers to the heavy insulating winter curtains have commenced. The quilts are out and decorating the beds. And, there is still more to do. This article by Zillow reminds us of other tasks we might want to consider doing to save energy and still be comfortable in the bone chilling weather ahead!

While September brings the first day of fall, October can be the harbinger of the winter and all of its frigid pitfalls. It's best to be prepared for the frost and snow with a few simple tasks that will prevent drafts, frosty windows and every homeowner's nightmare: Busted pipes.

A good place to start prior to tackling problem areas in your home is a home energy audit. This will pinpoint specific places in your house where heat escapes. The U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself energy assessment, or you can hire someone to do the audit for you.

Weatherstripping

Cold air can seep in through those little gaps between your door and the door frame, quickly reversing any effort you take to heat your home. Weatherstripping covers the sides and top of the door and a sweep fills the space between the threshold and door bottom. Hardware stores and home centers sell numerous products in metal, foam, rubber and plastic for this purpose and many can be installed in an afternoon.

Windows
This may be another area where additional weatherstripping or caulk is needed to fill any visible gaps, though that still might not be enough remediation to prevent drafts. While windows add much needed winter light, they can let out a lot of heat — up to 12 times more than a wall if they're single pane. Blinds can keep a little heat in, but heavier shades or curtains will minimize heat loss.

Fireplace
Fantasizing about a cozy evening in front of the fire? Your romantic night might be cut short if your fireplace hasn't been serviced. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys are swept at least once a year.

Furnace
It's also recommended that furnaces be serviced once a year. A heating system can break down at the most inopportune time is it's not serviced. Worse, it can pump carbon monoxide into a home or eventually stop working. While a furnace service can run up to $100, the cost benefits are undeniable, considering the cost of a major fix or replacement.

Ducts
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose between 10 and 30 percent of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if duct work is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces.

Pipes
Frozen pipes are a royal nuisance, but with a little effort, many instances can be prevented. The best way to tackle these is to wrap pipes that run the exterior of the home with heating tape. Turn off the water and drain the remaining water at the inside valves. You can also purchase insulated covers for additional prevention.

I hope this winter season is not too harsh for my friends in the snow belts!

If you are interested in home ownership, either buying or selling, in Rochester NY and surrounding areas, please call me. I own Goodman Realty, a small boutique realty that does big things!

Gini Denninger
Goodman Realty
585-760-3880

In Need of Refinancing? Have You Heard of HARP? This program might help!

President Barack Obama announced on Monday that the government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program will be changed to allow homeowners with little or no equity to refinance no matter how much their home value has dropped below what they still owe. The program's acronym is HARP

1. What does HARP stand for? Home Affordable Refinance Program.

2. To qualify do I need 20 percent equity, like I currently need when refinancing? Borrowers do NOT need to have 20% equity in their home.

3. Does it matter how much negative equity my home has? Eligibility is not affected by how far the home value has fallen.

4. Refinancing is expensive, there are so many fees. Does HARP help with fees? Making refinancing cheaper, some fees such as closing, title insurance and lien processing will be eliminated or reduced. This also applies to some refinances that become shorter term loans than they originally were, once refinanced.

5. Do I have to pay for another appraisal? Not all refinances will require an appraisal.

6. Are all loans eligible? Eligibility is only for loans backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. The loan must have been acquired by either organization prior to June 2009. To find out if your loan was sold to Freddie Mac go to https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/ or to see if it was acquired by Fannie Mae go to http://fanniemae.com/loanlookup/ .

7. What if I am late or not current with my mortgage? Home owners must be current on their mortgage and one late payment in six months or more than one in the past year allows the bank to determine the owner ineligible.

8. How long do I have to decide to try to refinance? The program is extended through 2013, by 18 months,

9. Does the bank “HAVE TO” refinance my loan if I am eligible? No this program is entirely voluntary on the part of the banks. The bank may refuse to refinance even if the home owner is eligible.

10. When will information be available about the program? Fannie and Freddie will issue the full details of the plan lenders on Nov. 15, 2011. Some lenders may be ready to participate in the program by December.

For more information, contact your lender to see if they will participate in the program. If so, you should consider your options regarding this program, to see if it works for you. You may save significant amounts of money over the years.

Buyers do you have a home buying strategy?

Are you going it alone without a Realtor to assist you?

Have you decided to represent yourself?

Are your family and friends involved, providing you with information you deem factual because a someone said it was?

Do you believe that by dealing directly with the listing agent that:

a) they will represent your interests in the deal?

b) that the agent will reduce their commission, so you don't have to pay as much, just to make the deal happen?

c)The agent will persuade the owner to take your price since the agent wants both sides of the deal, since this represents a higher commission to them?

Are you sure you are aware of all the properties that fit your search parameters?

If you answered yes to most of the above, it is time to rethink your strategy. Seriously!

Do you know that the seller pays the buyers Realtor? You, the buyer, does not usually pay any realtor fees. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to work with a savvy Realtor? Realtors are experts not just in locating homes, but in representing their clients interest. They are taken seriously by the other agent and often have an established working relationship with that agent. They are able to finesse a difficult deal, and bring it to the closing table, because of their experience. It is silly to think that someone that does not deal daily in these activities will be as skilled as one who does. It's sort of like thinking that you can be a talk show host, because you can talk!

The information your family and friends are giving you may be grossly inaccurate, creating confusion and problems with your search. Working with a Realtor opens the door to information you really need to efficiently buy a home, at a realistic price you will be happy with. A Realtor makes it their business to know the market you are searching in and they also have access to tools that you probably do not have access to, tools that will help you successfully close on the house you have always wanted.

By New York State law, a listing agent DOES NOT represent the buyer in a deal, even if the buyer comes without an agent. The listing agent only has the obligation to deal fairly and honestly with the buyer. Their loyalty is to the seller. They are not obligated, and nor do they want to, to help you bring the price down, since this is not synonymous with protecting the sellers interests.

Agents rarely reduce commissions since it is generally against their Broker's or company policies. They rarely have the freedom to do so. We, at Goodman Realty, often will reduce the commission by 1%, if we are on both ends, but we do this for the seller-not the buyer. The buyer is generally unaware that we have done this. Indirectly it may help the buyer that we do this, since it may help make the final take home dollar amount for the seller more palatable, allowing them to accept the deal.

We never try to persuade our sellers to take a bad deal, just so that we can have both ends of the commission. We are aware that by doing so, we would have betrayed the trust our clients put into us. We value our clients and want to work with them again and we also want referrals from them. By not looking out for them, it is a sure thing that they will eventually decide we are not worthy of their loyalty and will no longer recommend us or come back to us. Being on both ends of your deal, no matter how large or small, will not be worth the loss of loyalty.

Working with an agent will ensure that you find all homes that are currently AVAILABLE, that fit your search parameters. A good agent is an expert in locating these homes fast and efficiently. You will often be sent notice of new properties that fit your desires, as soon as they come on the market! No more following false or old leads on properties that were actually sold a year ago but never removed from the search engine you are using. No more having to spend hours searching websites for the newest on the market...of which you are sure to miss 50% or more of houses that actually could work for you.

Do you have other reasons that prevent you from getting good representation? If so, I really want to hear from you so that I can understand the thought process involved. Understanding a situation is always the first step in any relationship!

For all of your real estate needs call me! Gini Denninger, 585-760-3880. Goodman Realty!

Don't be shocked, Your offer was turned down!

Despite the housing woes across the nation, the Rochester NY real estate market actually has retained value. In many parts of the area, home prices rose at pretty much the same rate as always or just under that rate. There are sections that were not as fortunate, most of these areas are located in the city of Rochester proper. Over-all, real estate in Rochester NY and surrounding areas has been pretty stable through out the housing crisis.

Despite this good news, I have found, when working with buyers, that many have developed a perception that sellers would take offers priced so low that they resembled “fire sales”. This is a result of their reading and hearing national news stories describing real estate horrors. I try to educate these buyers that real estate trends are “local”, but some buyers still persist with the mistaken idea that sellers are so desperate they will take anything to sell. This translates into big problems. These buyers will sometimes refuse to believe the facts of the Buyers CMA that I take the time to do, which suggests realistic prices for the home they want to write an offer on.

The buyer reasons with me that the market is a “buyers market”, which it is, but it is not a "Fools Market" either. Sellers in Rochester NY are not foolish or desperate. The buyer often is shocked to find out the seller will not even come back with a counter offer, since the submitted offer was so, so low, there was no middle ground. In this case I try very hard to re-educate the buyer and explain to them they need to offer close to the current market value of similar homes in the area. I try to review, in-depth, the CMA with them to give them an opportunity to rethink their price. Sometimes this works and other times it does not.

If a client persists with the mistaken idea they can force a “fire sale”, I eventually begin to evaluate whether I am wasting my time with the buyer, since it is unlikely they will ever buy anything. By ignoring the information I make available to them, they in essence, are also telling me in a subtle way that they either do not believe the information or they do not trust it. If belief and trust are issues, it becomes clear that we no longer have a working relationship and it is time to end our time together. In most cases, I am happy to say my clients are open and understand the information I have given them and reevaluate their previous beliefs. Once this occurs, they generally become more realistic with their offers and finally are able to close on the house of their dreams at a price they are satisfied with.

For all your real estate needs call me! Gini Denninger 585-760-3880. Goodman Realty.

What Size Electic Service Do you Need In Your Home?

How big should your electric service in the panel box be? Whether you currently own, rent, or are buying; this topic should be of interest to all readers since we all use electricity in our homes. When buying a home, take the time to pay extra attention to the panel box and how big the electric service is. You may have to upgrade the service if it is too old or too small. Fortunately, in the Rochester area, it is rare that electrical services are too small since you will find that most are at least 100 amp.

I was always under the impression that bigger is better, especially with all the electrical appliances we are spoiled with. Imagine my surprise when an electrician told me 100 amps is generally sufficient and often more than necessary for most households. I did not believe him and felt 150 amp service was the minimum a household should have. That was until I researched this information myself. Once I learned how to calculate the needs of an average household, I realized I was operating with erroneous information, bigger is better.

The exception would be if the sole energy source for the house is electric and no gas. In the Rochester area, most homes use several energy sources. The most common a combination is electric and gas, or if not gas, propane. Even homes in municipal electric districts like Fairport or Spencerport often have gas heat as an option.If a home is running solely on electric, its needs are higher and often may call for more amperage than can be provided by a 100 amp service.

You can calculate your (potential) home electrical needs by using the link at the bottom of this article. I did a quick calculation for a 2000 sq. ft. home featuring the following items: 2 small appliance branch circuits (one in kitchen, the other in a bathroom), laundry branch circuit, electrical usage by the following; clothes dryer, disposal, dish washer and garage door, and the heating operations of your furnace system-not actual electric heat or air conditioner. The total needed amperage for this very typical home is a surprising 38 amps!!! So a 100 amp electric service is plenty big enough!

When deciding on updating an electric service, it pays to make the calculations to avoid being talked into a bigger service than you actually need. If you are buying a house, knowing this information will make negotiations easier and more likely successful, should the service be outdated or too small, since you know how much you need and can safely keep costs down, which hopefully makes the needed changes more palatable and agreeable to the seller. Knowledge creates a win-win for all!

To calculate your (potential) homes usage go to:

http://www.electricalknowledge.com/SFDLoadCalc.asp

If the link does not work for you, cut and paste above the link.

For your Real Estate needs call me! Gini Denninger 585-760-3880 Goodman Realty.

Now Is Perfect Time To Buy A Home!

Now is the time to buy your own home rather than rent. If you have ever wanted a part of the “American Dream” of home ownership, NOW is the time. Interest rates and home prices are at an all-time low. It is unlikely home prices will drop much more and it is anticipated that interest rates will begin to slowly rise. "Interest rates are at an historic low”according to Donna Maxwell of Premium Mortgage, which is located here in Rochester NY, she adds:"Why miss out the opportunity to buy a home or refinance while rates continue to be at historical lows?"

When home sales stagnate, rental markets heat up (due to the larger demand for rentals) which pushes rents higher. The rule of thumb here is that when demand is up for rentals, rents go up. We are currently in such a market, where renting is not as beneficial as during the times of lesser demand for rental units. Another reason some people prefer to rent, is that they often reason that renting is economically sound since they do not have to deal with property taxes and insurance. This is actually inaccurate, since housing providers increase rents to cover these costs.

Keep in mind when you pay rent, you will never get a penny back down the road. If you buy your home for a reasonable price, with a mortgage that is equivalent to or less than what your rent fees were, you have reason to believe that you will eventually take back at least a portion of what you laid out to live in your home. There are also tax benefits to owning your own home. Your tax preparer or accountant can explain to you what benefits you have, based on your income and local tax laws.

This is the time to buy since the market is full of home listings. Choice and prices have never been better! Many properties have been reduced in price. In the Rochester area, you definitely are getting a bang for your dollar! Many sellers are motivated, especially as we enter into the winter months and up-coming holiday season. They want to get their properties sold! But, caveat here, be aware this does not translate into sellers giving their properties away. Many sellers who have listed homes properly priced for the local market, are waiting until a buyer comes along that appreciates what they are offering. If you have found a home you like, ask your agent how long the house has been on a market. If it is a recent listing, it is unlikely the owner will budge significantly from the price. If it is over three months, you MAY have a seller willing to deal. The factor coming into play here is, how motivated is the seller? The only way to find out is by putting your offer in!

If you have been thinking about buying, take the time to explore the market with an agent who is looking out for your best interest. This agent will ask that you bring a pre-approval letter to them, since this will outline the parameters the buyer has price-wise, and tells the agent that you are, in fact, a qualified buyer. Having this letter in hand also saves time, when you find the home of your dreams, since it will be submitted with your offer, to show the seller you are a serious buyer, improving the odds that you will get back a signed contract from them!

Happy House Hunting! If your are looking in city and surrounding areas of Rochester NY, call me, Gini Denninger, (585-760-3880) Goodman Realty, to start you on your home selection! For more information on home mortgages call Donna Maxwell at 585-370-4427.

Flood Insurance, what's with that?

What if the home you are considering buying is located in a flood plain? Your future mortgagor may in all likelihood require that flood insurance be bought to protect their investment in your property.

Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program in 1968 to reduce future flood damage through flood plain management and to provide people with flood insurance through individual agents and insurance companies. There are two types of Flood Insurance: 1) residential homes are insured up to $250,000. 2) Personal property (contents) can be insured for up to $100,000. Be advised you have to buy flood insurance separately, it is not automatically included in a normal home owners policy.

Flood damage to your home can be insured only with a flood insurance policy -- no other insurance will cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available through your insurance professional.

To determine if your home is located in a flood plain, contact your county planning office. If you are living in a flood plain, flood insurance may be an excellent purchase.
To be eligible for flood insurance, you must live in a community that participates in the NFIP. In return, communities must implement floodplain-management regulations that minimize future flood losses. To see if your community participates in NFIP, check its Community Status Book.

Reference http://www.nh.gov/insurance/consumers/documents/summary_cov.pdf
Reference http://www.insure.com/articles/floodinsurance/who-needs-flood-insurance.html

Mortgage Eligible?

Before you think of buying a home, take this step first: Consult with a mortgage officer! Why not look for the home of your dreams first, then lock up your mortgage? Here are
some reasons why:
1) An experienced Realtor will take the time out to show you homes only when they are assured that you are actually qualified to buy.
2) If you don't qualify to buy now, the right mortgage officer will show you the steps to take to become mortgageable.
3) Be an educated consumer know, for sure, what price range you can comfortably afford to buy in.
4) Some sellers require that you have a mortgage pre-approval prior to stepping into their home. Why would a seller want go through the work of preparing a house for a showing, if they were not certain the "potential buyer" can really afford their home?
5) Some sellers require an offer be accompanied with a pre-approval from a known bank, before considering accepting an offer. They are afraid to contractually tie up their home if in actuality, the buyer is incapable of getting a mortgage.

I hope you are convinced, before seeing homes, you need to see a mortgage consultant first! If you don't know any, let your Realtor give you a few options! They will recommend mortgage officers they have worked with and trust to get the job done!

Weekend Events found in the Democrat & Chronicle

Rochester, NY has more festivals than any other city! Instead of Flower City, should it be known as Festival City??? It seems there is always something going on in this City!

The Greentopia Festival, the inaugural celebration of the green movement now sweeping the globe, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18 in Rochester’s historic High Falls District, Commercial Street and Brown’s Race. This “World’s Fair” of environmental inspiration will feature authors and guest speakers, displays, how-to workshops and cutting-edge films illustrating green ideas. There also will be family activities, art installations, entertainment, a recycled clothing fashion show, an alternative fuel vehicle exhibition and food. Admission is free. For details, go to greentopiafest.com.

The Artist Row Public Market Art Fair will showcase works by more than 180 regional artists and artisans. The seventh annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. Along with the juried art show will be live entertainment, food and refreshments, and an activity area for kids presented by the YMCA. Admission and parking are free. Call (585) 428-6907 or go to cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket for more information.

The Latino Film Festival, presented by the Puerto Rican Festival, will run from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Little Theatre, 240 East Ave. Highlights include two films for kids: Hansel and Gretel and Robinita Hood, from noon to 1 p.m.; admission is free. There will also be screenings of Pa’lante, Siempre Pa’lante at 2 p.m. (free with the purchase of an all-access pass for $26), From Mambo to Hip Hop at 3:30 p.m. for $8, New Children/New York at 5 p.m. for $8, and Yo Soy Boricua, Pa Que Tu Lo Sepas at 6:30 p.m. for $15. Social networking runs from 9 to 11 p.m. with a live performance by Trio Los Arpegios in the Little Café. An All Access Pass is available for $26. For more information, call (585) 258-0400 or (585) 234-7660, or go to prfestival.com/filmfest.html.

The Grown & Sexy Girls Night Out Cares will be held Sunday, Sept. 18 from 6-10 p.m. at The R.O.A.R. Club, 233 Mill Street, Rochester, to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The night's attractions include unique shopping opportunities, games, giveaways, food and cocktails. Fashions of local designer Rail Siro Ferreira will be showcased. Cost is $20. Call Traci Adedeji at (585) 905-8547 or go to grownandsexygirlsnightout.com for more information.

Do you need a new computer?

Purchasing a New Computer
August/September is the best time of the year to do your shopping when thinking of purchasing a new computer. Major computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Asus, Apple, and Toshiba offer deals on their computers starting as early as mid-summer to entice potential buyers. This coincides with students going back to school in the Fall and results in a large number of laptop and computer sales. There is no doubt that this benefits anyone waiting for the right time to replace their old laptop or aged desktop computer. Click here for more on this topic including a list of options that may help you make the right choice and save you time and money.

NEW YORK RELEASES PROPERTY TAX CAP GUIDELINES

The state Department of Taxation and Finance, in conjunction with the Department of State, released guidelines for the implementation of the property tax cap this week. The document is designed to assist local governments in the proper implementation of the property tax cap.

Under the tax cap enacted earlier this year, the annual increase in county, city, town, village and special district tax levies is limited to the lesser of 2% or the rate of inflation beginning with 2012 fiscal years. School districts are affected starting in their 2012-13 budgets. The cap does not cover additional taxes generated by new construction in the municipality and some pension costs above a certain level.

Tips For Choosing The Best Mortgage Lender

You're shopping for a mortgage and you've received four offers from four lenders. How do you choose? The first factor most people consider is the interest rate and other costs, but that's only the beginning. You'll also want to think about the lenders themselves, not simply the numbers they're tossing your way.

Here are five steps to follow when determining which lender is right for you:

1. Compare fees as well as interest rates

Comparing loans based on their annual percentage rate (APR) is a good place to start, but it's not enough. In the case of a mortgage, to get a more accurate breakdown of costs, ask the various lenders for a formal "good faith estimate" of all the fees you'll incur with your loan -- this is a standard form lenders must provide you that is more detailed than the overview you'll get with an offer. Also, ask about potential charges that may not appear on that list, such as prepayment penalties. You're not just comparing numbers here: determine how honest and upfront you feel the lender is being, and don't use a lender that you feel is evading your questions.

2. Consider your individual circumstances

Bigger lenders aren't necessarily better than smaller ones, especially if you have unusual circumstances. For example, some lenders specialize in loans for people with poor credit, while others may have more options for those with small down payments. If you have special borrowing needs, look for a lender with experience working with people in similar situations.

3. Look at the range of loan types available

There are more loan options available than ever before, so take advantage of all that choice. Look for a lender who offers a wide variety of loan types, from conventional fixed-rate and adjustable-rate to newer ones such as hybrid ARMs and option ARMs. Your lender should be able to match you with a mortgage that's right for your financial situation and risk tolerance.

4. Evaluate the level of customer service

When you're comparing offers, ask each lender about their policy regarding locking in their quoted rates and see whether there is a fee. Also, ask them to amend one of the terms (such as a payment cap) and see how willingly they agree. You're looking for flexibility and responsiveness. And also note how well they listen to you. If you ask for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, they ought to present that as an option, not push you toward something different, such as an interest-only loan. If you're not getting good service from a lender who is competing for your business, you're not likely to get it after you've agreed to work with them.

5. Check out the lender's reputation

Word of mouth is important in every business, including the loan market. If you've never worked with a particular lender, you'll want to find out the opinion of people who have.

This article can be found on Yahoo Real Estate. Here's the link:

http://realestate.yahoo.com/info/guides/choosing-the-best-lender

Maplewood Home Tour

This year's Historic Maplewood Home Tour will feature five historic homes, and Eastman Business Park's (formerly Kodak Park) iconic Building 26, including the area where George Eastman's office and conference room used to be. Building 26 serves as this year's Tour Headquarters. Built in 1902 it will be open to the public for the first time! The tour takes place Saturday, September 17, 11am-4pm. Visit the Maplewood Neighborhood Association website for complete info on tickets and parking.

Call Gini for all your Real Estate Needs!

Easy Ways To Turn Off A Home Buyer!

The current "buyers market" makes selling your home even more difficult. Where in the past buyers were willing to forgive issues with your home, now they are unforgiving. In their minds they believe, often rightly so, there's another house around the corner and they do not have to settle! But despite these difficult times for selling that both buyers and seller have to contend with, you can sell your home! Provided, here's the catch, you make sure that none of the following issues hold back potential buyers!

1. No Curb Appeal. Simple things can make all the difference. Keep the lawns cut and edged. Mulch around the trees and in flower beds if possible. If you have children, put all the toys away. Toys are a real distraction and will not allow the buyer to appreciate your homes outline. If you have dogs, make sure all landmines are picked up. Buyer hate stepping into dog poop! If the house is dirty power-wash it. The porches should be de-cluttered and swept. Arrange your porch furniture in a welcoming manner. Strategically placed plants will create a welcoming feel. Make sure your front door & screen are in good condition. These are the portal into your home. The door will be the first close-up impression the buyer will have of the house. If it is dirty, peeling paint, cracked or has broken window panes, the buyer will instantly get a subconscious feel that you have neglected the home and that there is a large potential for deferred maintenance. They will from that point, on be searching for problems with the house instead of appreciating its positive aspects.

2. Dirt. Plain and simple. Dirt will get a buyer to rush through a house and never give it a second thought. With the large competition of homes for sale, meticulous cleaning is one of the simplest things a seller can do to make sure their home is appealing. All floors must be clean. Counter tops should not have remnants of the last meal cooked in the house. Kitchen cabinets should be clean, inside and out. Tubs, toilets and showers should be sparkling. Grout should be clean and if needed re-grouted. Carpets should be cleaned or replaced if need be. There should be no reason for the buyer to think you have pets, due to pet messes like dirty litter boxes. I recommend a professional cleaning team go through when you first list, if cleaning is not your forte, with a periodic renewal. But no matter what, if the house is being shown you must be sure it is freshly cleaned!!!

3. Odors. I cannot tell you how many times I went through houses with buyers that have strong odors. As soon as my buyers detected an offensive odor, that was it. I could see it in their eyes and voices as we discuss the odors. This house was a no-go. Especially if it was due to cat urine. I cannot stress enough how important it is that the seller be impartial in evaluating their home for odors. I recommend sellers ask an out-spoken friend to go through the house, prior to going on the market to detect possible odors the seller has become immune to. If something is detected, it is very important the problem be addressed and solved. The top odors sure to turn off a buyer? Mold, urine, cigarette smoke, bedroom (!!!) smells, garbage and food related odors. Burning candles will not completely mask odors, so don't try.

4. Clutter. Serious Sellers must begin to box up and remove their belongings. This includes pictures/photos of family and friends, or “kitschy” art in particular. Serious art works can stay, but portraits of Elvis painted on black velvet must go! Box up personal award trophies and plaques. The buyer often becomes distracted by them and loses their concentration on why they are there, to see the house, not to get to know the people living in it. All surfaces should be fairly bare. Kitchen counters should not have groceries stacked up, this indicates to a buyer there is not enough cabinet space. Bathrooms should be neat without too much paraphernalia on the counters, brushes, curlers, make-up all should have a home-out of sight. Childrens' and pet toys should be stashed. Clothes in drawers and closets. Closets should not be filled to the top. Have closets be half empty, indicating there is enough storage space in this home.

5. Dated Fixtures. This is indicated by old fixtures that are no longer in fashion. I do not mean the lovely 60 year old “real” crystal chandelier in the dining room. I mean the florescent pillbox light in the kitchen, or the bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Dated kitchen cabinet knobs and handles which have lost their chrome or are dated looking should be replaced. Faucets and shower heads should be updated especially if they have lost their shine. Taking care of these items is a small investment for the return.
   

6. Old Appliances. If the seller wants to get top dollar they must have newer appliances. This can become expensive so the seller has to weigh in factors such as the benefit of selling faster and for more money versus not replacing the appliances. Homes with new(er) appliances seller easier and faster than those with old old appliances. Rattling kitchen and bathroom fans will be discovered and frowned on. If my seller refuses or can't replace old appliances, I prepare my seller to accept a lesser price, or an eventual price reduction to compensate for old appliances.

7. Wallpaper. If at all possible, take wallpaper down and paint the surface. Wallpaper is generally out of vogue. When my buyers see wallpaper they see work. The work of taking it down. This is actually discussed as we go through the house, how much time and effort taking the wallpaper down, will entail. Or the cost, if my buyer is not a do-it-yourself-er. So if the decision comes down to two houses, yours and one that does not need wallpaper removal, trust me, the buyer will generally pick the house with the least amount of work necessary upon move-in. Do yourself a favor, remove the wall paper and you will get a faster and better sale.

8. Acoustic ceilings, Popcorn ceilings and Icicle ceilings. These ceilings scream OLD! They sometimes scream COVER-UP! Remove these ceilings or prepare for a lower sale price or credit at close for removal.

9. Pushy & Controlling Sellers. This category has nothing to do with the house and everything to do with the seller. Unless a home is “For-Sale-by-Owner”, buyers and their agents do not expect the seller to be there and are irritated when they are. Especially if the seller insists on showing them the home, on telling them all the details of the house-proclaiming the all the while this house is better than every other on the block. Sorry seller, you don't get to decide that, the buyer does. The seller who pushes the agent out of the way or interferes with them doing their job, does not get their home sold easily. Buyers want to talk candidly with their agent as they go through the house. They do not feel they can with the seller standing there, or if sellers are with-in earshot. Another issue buyers sometimes come across, people just lounging around the house as the buyers go through. This really creeps the buyers out and they generally can't get out of the house fast enough. No sale here! Sellers listen to your agent whom you hired to sell your home. If they tell you to leave while it is shown, do so! If you don't, this becomes a signal that you are not a motivated seller, and gives my buyer another reason to not put an offer in.

So there you have it, these are some of the issues that are generally easy to fix, but surprisingly often are not. I have not pushed for big ticket items such as new kitchen and baths, vinyl siding, new windows and such. The reason being, you will not get your full investment back doing these updates. The housing market is very competitive right now. Do yourself and your agent a favor, look at this list and see if there is anything you, the seller, can do to get your home sold. An agent can only work with what they are given. Best Wishes that your home sale is quick,and easy!

The Landmark Society now selling "Inside Downtown" tickets!

Advance sale tickets for Rochesters Landmark Society's 2011 Inside Downtown Tour are now available--only online (http://www.thelandmarkcollection.com) or by calling 585.546.7029 x11. If you are a Landmark Society member you receive a $5.00 discount on all your tickets! Tickets will be mailed out after September 9. This year's Tour returns back to two great neighborhoods--the East End and some special sites in Grove Place.

Now if you are a more interactive type person, you can join in the fun and volunteer for this event. The Landmark Society has openings for tour hosts, headquarters and tour runners. All volunteers receive a complimentary ticket. Email Cindy Boyer with your availability of Friday evening, September 23; or Saturday, September 24 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm.

I and a cadre of friends are hosting a house at Grove Place on Saturday morning between 10:30 and 1:00 PM. Hope to see you there, stop and say hi!

New York State continues uneven housing recovery in July

New York State home sales were up more than 16 percent in July compared to July 2010, but failed to keep pace with the June sales total, according to preliminary single-family sales data accumulated by the New York State Association of REALTORS. The statewide median sales price posted gains compared to both last month and July 2010.

“The July sales total shows us that there is no clear trend to the overall New York State housing market,” said Duncan R. MacKenzie, NYSAR chief executive officer. “However, a third straight month of price appreciation indicates that at least one measure of the market is showing sustained progress.”

“Poor national economic news, including troubling unemployment numbers, continues to undermine consumer confidence in home buying in New York despite a near-perfect storm of historically low interest rates and plentiful inventory across the pricing spectrum.”

New York REALTORS sold 6,838 existing single-family homes in July, an increase of 16.3 percent from the July 2010 total of 5,882. The July 2011 sales total declined by 4.6 percent from the June 2011 total of 7,169.

The July 2011 median sales price of $225,000 represents an increase of 2.3 percent from both the June 2011 and July 2010 median sales prices, which were both $220,000.

Note from Gini: Remember, Real Estate is regional. New York State is still faring better than many states. The Rochester market is consistent. Our houseing prices have been stable and in some areas rising.

Too Many Cooks Spoil The Pot...In Real Estate???

You know the saying? "Too many cooks spoil the pot!" How many times have you used this in your kitchen, when trying to put out the spread for a large party? Everyone wants to help and they do, to the point of disorganized chaos. This can and does apply to Real Estate too, if you are house hunting.

Rochester, NY and the surrounding market are small markets. Our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is available to the public via Homesteadnet.com and Realtor.com. Locally, most real estate companies and agents that have websites also offer search functions that allow buyers to see what is available in their desired areas. By the time a buyer is ready to seriously look for a home, they have been in contact with several agents at the very least.

If buying, logic would seem that if you have two or more realtors working for you, that you will find your desired home faster. In this case, logic is false! The main reason being motivation, on the part of the agents. An experienced agent will ask if the buyer is working with anyone else.

There could be many reasons why a buyer decides to call another agent. One of the most common is the buyer is hoping that they might get different results for their search. In the Rochester market, this is unlikely since it is such a small market. Another reason could be that the buyer is dissatisfied with their agent. If this is the case, the buyer usually articulates the problem if prompted by questions the agent (should be asking). The agent might then ask that the buyer end the unsatisfactory relationship with the other agent, and work exclusively with them. The buyers response in part gauges how serious the buyer is.

A saavy agent wants to determine if working with a buyer is likely to be a positive experience. The agent takes into account the time and money they will expend on helping a buyer find a home. If there is a possibility when working with multiple agents, that agent number two's efforts and money (spent on gas, paying a baby sitter while they show a home etc...,) could be for nothing-should agent number one scoop agent number two on finding a home, agent number two is much less motivated to go out of their way for the client. If a buyer is working with another agent, agent number two might still work with the buyer, but not be as focused on their needs. This buyer will not be a priority client in their book. When this occurs the buyer will not receive the full attention and energy they normally would receive from this agent. In addition, should agent number one find out that the buyer is working with another agent, they too can demote the buyer from being a priority for pretty much the same reasons agent number two does not make them a priority client.

Knowing this, a buyer would be tempted to say that they are working exclusively with which ever agents asks. Since Rochester is a small market, it's only a matter of time before the agents find out this is not the case. Should this happen, the dynamics between the client and agent(s) will change. Once an agent feels they are being deceived, they no longer trust their client. Motivation to do a good job for their client is diminished.

The important point is, while you may work with as many agents as you like, you are better off working with one agent that makes you a priority. Working with multiple agents and not being a priority client with any of them, ensures that you will not get the focused service and advice that you need to be successful in your quest for a new home.