The LATEST News from A Better Idea!

THE LATEST NEWS from A Better Idea!

A Better Idea!
Real Estate Services & more
CALL OR TEXT 321.243.2493
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Hello BLOG,

Some general information & interesting topics we thought might interest you.

Steps to conquering your debt

Today, the average American household carries about $9,000 in debt, which can hinder their ability to qualify for a mortgage or any other type of loan. Many people try to pay down some of their debt prior to applying for a loan – a task that’s easier said than done. However, American Express offers four easy steps that you can do to help manage your debt:

Know what you owe. Make a list of all the credit cards, student loans and other debts you have and the monthly payments required for each. It's important to know how much money you have to pay out each month so that you can budget accurately. A solid budget is key to your get-out-of-debt strategy. It's easy to find budgeting planners and software online - or consider meeting with a financial advisor.

Set smaller, more realistic goals. Instead of trying to reinvent your budget, look for practical ways to cut costs and get great value for your money. For example, cutting back on spending for clothes and dining out can be a more effective tactic than eliminating them altogether.

Commit to saving money. One of the best ways to save more money is to have your contributions automatically deducted each month. You don't see the money, so you don't miss it. Commit yourself to a savings plan like a 401K or an IRA where you can arrange to have your contributions deducted automatically.

Use a charge card - or cash - instead of a credit card to pay for purchases. Charge cards are payable in full each month and they have no interest payments or finance charges. Plus, charge cards can offer a number of valuable benefit and services, such as rewards and travel and retail protections, at no extra cost.

Trying to avoid getting sick? Keep your hands clean

With flu season upon us, many of us start running when we hear a sneeze and avoid sitting next to anyone with a sniffle. But germs are lurking in far more places than many of us realize and touching everyday objects or even just shaking hands can make us sick. In fact, 80 percent of the germs that cause illness are spread by contact. These germs are spread directly - by shaking hands, for example - or indirectly, when we touch an object that has been touched by other people's "germy" hands.

According to Dr. Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and diagnostic immunology at the New York University Medical Center, just about every place - in the home or outside the home - has illness-causing germs because germs are a normal part of our world. “Being aware of how we make each other sick by transmitting germs through hand contact is the first step toward preventing the illnesses that germs cause."

The answer isn't to stop touching, rather, you should kill potential disease-causing germs on hands by keeping them clean. When possible, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Be sure to rub your hands vigorously together for 15 to 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. When hand washing isn’t an option, use an alcohol-based instant hand sanitizer or wipes.

You should also clean your hands after using public restrooms, ATM machines, and escalator handrails as well as before preparing and serving meals at home; before eating in restaurants; after riding on public transportation such as trains, buses, and planes; and after coming home from being outside.

It’s also important to keep your desk, or work area, counter tops, doorknobs, phones, faucets, and other commonly touched areas clean by wiping them down frequently with a product that says “sanitizing” or “disinfectant” on the label. Antibacterial products are meant to be used on the body and only kill a portion of the spectrum of bacteria that can make you sick.

And if you do get sick, despite your best efforts, do everyone a favor around you – stay home and rest.

Are seniors more active and tech savvy homebuyers than expected?

It is often assumed that senior citizens lack the tech-savvy skills of their younger counterparts. Not so, according to survey by ERA Real Estate. The survey of more than 1,500 people, age 50 and older, has revealed changing attitudes about real estate that contradict some long-held assumptions about seniors and technology. The study reported that seniors considering moving in the next five years chose the Internet as the most popular home buying research method.

That’s good news for a REALTOR® with a penchant for e-mail marketing, especially when you consider the size of this market segment. Think of it this way, the oldest Baby Boomers (the largest demographic in the U.S.) are turning 58 this year. That’s a large chunk of today’s “senior citizen” crowd. In fact, last year, 41 percent of all home sellers were 55 years old or older. That number is expected to increase as more boomer homeowners become empty nesters, according to the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC®).

Because it has become vital for REALTORS® to understand the many different concerns, wants and needs of these mature consumers to ensure they provide resources and services that are relevant to this growing market segment. "Intelligent real estate planning can be one of the most important issues impacting boomers' financial security," Booth said. "In addition to meeting their own real estate requirements, baby boomers also are in need of identifying a REALTOR® who can provide their parents with appropriate living options. For seniors who have not bought or sold a home in many years, the real estate transaction process can be overwhelming."

However, while mature consumers showed an increased propensity for the Internet to search for real estate information, nearly 92 percent said they were only somewhat to not at all likely to choose a REALTOR® based on Internet research. This may be due in large part because the survey showed an existing relationship with a
broker or REALTOR® was still the second most popular method for researching real estate.

"These survey results show that as more and more baby boomers turn 50, it is becoming harder to define the increasingly diverse mature consumer," said Brenda W. Casserly, president and COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.

It was often believed that the typical aging homeowner was looking to move to an active adult community and downsize, but survey results show otherwise.

-- Only 8 percent of those considering a move in the next five years indicated that they might consider purchasing a home in an active adult community
-- More than 61 percent consider purchasing a single-family home
-- The average senior lives in a house with three or more bedrooms and two or more baths
-- Only 11 percent felt their current home is too big
-- Nearly 25 percent of respondents thought their home was too small
-- Respondents cited better home or living conditions as the second most popular reason for buying a new residence

Seniors also proved to be more savvy and demanding when it comes to technology. In fact, those considering moving in the next five years chose the Internet as the most popular home buying research method, up from the second most common choice mentioned in study the previous year. However, while mature consumers showed an increased propensity for the Internet to search for real estate information, nearly 92 percent said they were only somewhat to not at all likely to choose a REALTOR® based on Internet research. This may be due in large part because the survey showed an existing relationship with a broker or REALTOR® was still the second most popular method for researching real estate.

"These survey results show that as more and more baby boomers turn 50, it is becoming harder to define the increasingly diverse mature consumer," said Brenda W. Casserly, president and COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. "Marketers today need to recognize the importance of understanding the many different concerns, wants and needs of these mature consumers to ensure they provide resources and services that are relevant and valuable to this growing market segment. At ERA Real Estate, we have set out to be the real estate brokerage of choice for this powerful and under-served consumer."

The ERA Real Estate survey also showed some interesting findings regarding mature consumers' level of concern for some common economic costs. Despite a historically strong real estate market that has seen continued price increases, more respondents expressed greater concern over prescription drug costs (62 percent), hospital-related costs (60 percent), income and other taxes (59 percent) and gas prices (56 percent) than they did over the price of houses (43 percent). This survey represents the latest in an ongoing series of initiatives by ERA Real Estate to monitor and address the concerns of the growing mature consumer market. These efforts include the ERA(R) Sellers Security(R) Plan, a sales program that offers sellers a guaranteed sale price and closing date, a customized and personalized marketing approach that meets the needs of mature consumers as well as a variety of targeted services, resources and financing options. As the first global real estate franchise to deliver the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES(R)) designation to its affiliates online, the ERA system is also committed to educating its sales professionals about the specific needs and concerns of mature buyers and sellers.

Other interesting findings revealed from the ERA survey of mature consumers included:

-- Respondents named "one point of contact" during the transaction process as the service they are most looking for from a REALTOR®
-- Nearly three out of four respondents own their own home
-- Nine out of 10 have owned at least one home in their lifetime, while nearly two-thirds have owned two or more homes
-- The majority (53 percent) of respondents have lived in their current residence for 10+ years
-- 57 percent of respondents would prefer to stay within 50 miles of their family during their next move, while a surprising 16 percent would consider a move of 1,000 miles or more
-- Nearly one quarter of respondents have children living with them or who are receiving financial support
-- Virtually all respondents (96 percent) own a personal computer
-- Three out of four respondents own a DVD player and a cell phone
-- Respondents ranked both in-depth property descriptions and photos or virtual tours as the most important factors when searching for real estate online

InsightExpress, a professional market research firm headquartered in Stamford, Conn., conducted the survey on behalf of ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.

More than 1,500 consumers, age 50 and older, were polled online for the survey.

SELLERS: Why Being Present at a Showing Can Hamper Your Sale

By Keith Loria

RISMEDIA, Friday, February 10, 2012— If your home is on the market, you know just how important it is to keep it clean and tidy in case your agent calls with a last-minute showing. While piling in the car each time a showing rolls around can feel like a chore, real estate professionals across the board agree that it’s best to be out of sight when a potential buyer comes to view your home.

When buyers walk into a home and see the owners present, they become uncomfortable and feel as if they’re intruding, which may cause them to race through the home without getting a real feel as to whether or not they like it.

One rationale for staying behind is that the sellers often think those looking at the home won’t be able to find everything and they must be there to point out the important features. Another reason homeowners think it’s necessary to be present during a showing is because they feel they can better “sell” the property by talking about the positives.

Truth be told, that’s rarely the case. Your real estate agent is trained in providing all the details related to the home, the property and its surroundings, and they also know how to read prospective buyers so they can relay the information at an appropriate time. In fact, if you bombard a seller with too much information all at once, you’re going to leave a less-than-favorable impression.

Let the buyer discover the wonderful things about your home on their own. If you have a nice home with all of the features they’re looking for, they don’t need you pointing things out. You may even hurt your chances of getting the home sold by calling attention to something they aren’t looking for.

When prospective buyers know you’re there —or following them around room to room—they are less likely to open closets or doors because they feel as though they’re intruding. This keeps them from viewing everything the home has to offer, making it less likely that they’ll be interested in putting an offer on the home.

While some sellers choose to wait outside in their car or on the patio during a showing, a better alternative than taking the tour with a prospective buyer, it’s still not ideal. Again, if prospective buyers feel like they’re being rushed, they aren’t going to spend an adequate amount of time viewing your home. Instead, they’ll rush through the home and move on to the next property on their list.

It’s understandable that sellers don’t always want to leave—especially when several showings are scheduled for one day. Plus, with little ones, dinners to cook and work to be done, it’s not always feasible to get up at a moment’s notice to leave. This is especially true during the cold winter months, when you can’t simply take a walk around the block or head to the park and read for an hour.

Remember, you want buyers to spend as much time as they want in your home, envisioning the possibility of living there. While getting out of the house may not always be convenient, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

For a FREE Neighborhood Comparison on your property, visit our website to sign up for monthly email updates.

www.321HomeStore.com CALL or TEXT 321.243.2493

Copyright © 2012 A Better Idea!
PO Box 361295
Melbourne/ Palm Bay, FL 32936
(321) 243-2493 All Rights Reserved.

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Just Listed

Hi BLOG,

I thought you might be interested in this new listing. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Microsoft bing™ maps satellite images, and much more.

Feel free to call me at (321) 243-2493 or e-mail me at info@321HomeStore.com.

Leslie Purdy, Broker

MLS#: 635049 $140,000	approx $651.00/mo based on 3.50% down
270 NE Naylor St Palm Bay, Florida 32907
Beds: 4 Garage:	Baths: 2 Rooms: 7 Sq. Ft.: 2448 Built: 1992
Go to this listing on my website.

For more photos click here.

Presented by

LOCKMAR ESTATES! 4 bedroom + office, 2 bath, 2 car garage with plenty of room for a pool, block construction, pickled oak kitchen cabinets with granite tile countertops, BIG back porch, city water + vaulted ceilings. Melbourne/ Palm Bay has plenty of shopping, A-rated Schools, well maintained roads and little traffic. 15 minutes to the Beach & about 1 hour to Disney or Orlando Airport (MCO). Convenient to shopping and many restaurants. PRIVATE LENDER MAY BE AVAILABLE with 50% down.

Leslie Purdy, Broker
(321) 243-2493
info@321HomeStore.com

Other Details
Fireplace(s): 1
Roof: Shingle-Asphalt
County: Brevard
Country: United States
Exterior: Concrete Block
Floor: Carpet,Tile
Listing Area: 341 NE Palm Bay

Copyright © 2012 A Better Idea!
PO Box 361295
Melbourne/ Palm Bay, FL 32936
(321) 243-2493 All Rights Reserved.

This message contains advertising material. To discontinue receiving our e-mails, please click here.

Hi BLOG,

I thought you might be interested in this new listing. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Microsoft bing™ maps satellite images, and much more.

Feel free to call me at 321.243.2493 or e-mail me at info@321HomeStore.com.

Leslie Purdy

MLS#: 635688 $30,000	approx $136.00/mo based on 3.50% down
118 San Juan Circle 118 Melbourne, Florida 32935
Beds: 2 Garage:	Baths: Rooms: Sq. Ft.: 955 Built: 1979
Go to this listing on my website.

For more photos click here.

Presented by

Great Location! Close to schools!

Leslie Purdy
321.243.2493
info@321HomeStore.com

Other Details
Level(s): 1
Heating/Cooling: Central He
Elementary School: Croton
Jr High/Middle School: Johnson
High School: Eau Gallie
County: Brevard
Country: United States

Copyright © 2012 A Better Idea!
PO Box 361295
Melbourne/ Palm Bay, FL 32936
321.243.2493 All Rights Reserved.

This message contains advertising material. To discontinue receiving our e-mails, please click here.

Just Listed

Hi BLOG,

I thought you might be interested in this new listing. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Microsoft bing™ maps satellite images, and much more.

Feel free to call me at 321.243.2493 or e-mail me at info@321HomeStore.com.

Leslie Purdy

MLS#: 635688 $30,000	approx $136.00/mo based on 3.50% down
118 San Juan Circle 118 Melbourne, Florida 32935
Beds: 2 Garage:	Baths: Rooms: Sq. Ft.: 955 Built: 1979
Go to this listing on my website.

For more photos click here.

Presented by

Great Location! Close to schools!

Leslie Purdy
321.243.2493
info@321HomeStore.com

Other Details
Level(s): 1
Heating/Cooling: Central He
Elementary School: Croton
Jr High/Middle School: Johnson
High School: Eau Gallie
County: Brevard
Country: United States

Copyright © 2012 A Better Idea!
PO Box 361295
Melbourne/ Palm Bay, FL 32936
321.243.2493 All Rights Reserved.

This message contains advertising material. To discontinue receiving our e-mails, please click here.

Great News for Renters!

Rental history: More important in getting a mortgage

NEW YORK – Jan. 11, 2012 – Borrowers who have a history of paying rent on time may see a boost to their credit score.

Experian, a leading credit report company, added a section to its credit reports last year that reflected on-time rent payments, which helped give a boost in the credit scores to some on-time rent payers. Now the two other major credit-reporting companies are following suit.

CoreLogic and FICO recently announced that they’re also adding a score that reflects payment histories from landlords, The New York Times reports.

“Evidence of positive rental payments could be a plus for consumers,” Joanne Gaskin, FICO’s director of product management global scoring said.

Nearly half of high-risk consumers saw an increase of 100 points or more after their rental history was added to their credit report, says Brannan Johnston, the managing director of Experian’s rent bureau. Consumers with average or higher credit scores, on the other hand, did not see any major difference.

The change also benefits former homeowners who went through a foreclosure. They may be able to rebuild their credit histories quicker now by showing they are “very responsible renters,” according to Tim Grace, senior vice president of CoreLogic.

Source: “A Good Rental History Can Help Borrowers,” The New York Times (Jan. 5, 2012) © Copyright 2012 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688 Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved.

With prices, interest rates & down payments so low, you can BUY a home for less than you pay for renting!

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We are not just about Real Estate – we are a FULL Service firm and we’ve been in the Melbourne / Palm Bay area over 30 years. We can help you with just about anything, from Buying & Selling houses to improving your social life and more! J

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Short Sale Forgiveness WILL be taxed in 2013

You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure

WASHINGTON – Jan. 9, 2012 – You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure after this year. Now is the time to make the hard decision: Are you going to walk away from your underwater home?

Uncle Sam is still giving homeowners until Dec. 31, 2012, to go through a short sale or foreclosure without tax consequences – as long as the lender officially releases the debt.

But on Jan. 1, 2013, the rules change: The amount a lender forgives, ether in a short sale or foreclosure, on a primary residence will be taxable on federal income taxes.

So if a house sold $50,000 short of what is owed on the mortgage, then the selling homeowners will owe federal income taxes on that $50,000. Homeowners would owe $12,500 if they’re in the 25 percent bracket; $7,500 if in the 15 percent tax section.

Homeowners would be on the hook even if the house sold but the bank had not formally forgiven the loan in a letter: The banks must officially sign off in writing before Dec. 31.

“It’s a huge issue – it will be a shock to many taxpayers after 2012,” said Mark Steber, the Florida-based chief tax officer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

The law first came into affect five years ago as the housing market went bust nationwide.

The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 “generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence,” according to the Internal Revenue Service. “Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure, qualifies for the relief.”

Up to $2 million of forgiven debt can be forgiven this year, $1 million if married and filing separately, according to the IRS.

Homeowners declaring bankruptcy could escape paying income taxes on any cancellation of debt income if the debt is forgiven in the bankruptcy even if the debtor is solvent, said Nick Jovanovich, a board-certified tax attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“Bankruptcy trumps everything,” he said.

Or homeowners might not have to pay income taxes on any cancellation of debt income to the extent that they are insolvent immediately before the cancellation – that is, their debts exceed the value of their assets, Jovanovich added.

Steber and Jovanovich said homeowners should decide now what they are going to do – to give themselves time.

Short sales can take a long time, said Timothy Singer of Coldwell Banker in Fort Lauderdale.

He said he knows of one that had been pending for three years.

But lenders “have been gearing up” and speeding up the process, Singer added.

But even if banks quickly approve a short sale, the would-be buyer may get cold feet and the deal fall through, Singer said.

Then the sellers have to begin again, he said.

Copyright © 2012 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Donna Gehrke-White. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune News Service.Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved.

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Short Sales are SHORT on $$$ (to the lender) and LONG on time.

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