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	<title>Real Estate Central</title>
	<atom:link href="http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com</link>
	<description>A blog about real estate. We will cover financing your purchase, maintaining the purchase, and selling the purchase plus more. Watch our videos and check out our resources to help you get started.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:32:41 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	
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		<title>Sale Negotiation</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6301/sale-negotiation/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6301/sale-negotiation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:32:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda O'Brien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home and family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6301/sale-negotiation/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you've found a buyer, the realtor can be the go between.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you&#8217;ve found a buyer, the realtor can be the go between.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to complete the sale, so you can&#8217;t wait to consider it. To market and sell your home, financial negotiation should be a part of the plan.</p>
<p>One of the best points to have on hand, and something that will be useful when pricing your home, is an appraisal of the property. Although that may be costly, it&#8217;s something the buyer will need to secure a loan and can be included as part of the sales price, if the lender is agreeable. It&#8217;s a good investment either way.</p>
<p>If the appraisal tells you about any flaws, fix them and try to get a higher price. Needing repairs will make the buyer haggle the price.</p>
<p>When pricing your home, you may need to set the figure at the appraised value if the housing market is particularly weak. With the market recovering in most areas, you should be able to set your price slightly above the appraisal. Take notes on the benefits and features overlooked by the appraisal. You can mention the good neighborhood, the school district, and the landscaping.</p>
<p>Try to find out the buyer&#8217;s motivation. Do not share yours. You can emphasize their needs if you know their motivation.</p>
<p>Have your side ready. Practice presentation. These include saying they&#8217;ll need their attorney, parent, etc., to look over the property/agreement, constant picking for details, and trial offers such as &#8220;Would you take&#8230;&#8221; You should be better prepared than the buyer or his/her agent because you know your property. They will be probably making assumptions and talking about other homes.</p>
<p>The hardest part may be walking away. If you&#8217;ve done your preparation, you know what your home is worth and what price you can accept. Be prepared to turn down some offers. You should be prepared for compromise, but make sure there are adjustments that you can tolerate. If they are serious, they should change their mind, so don&#8217;t feel bad for turning down offers.</p>
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		<title>Fix Those Plumbing Problems Easily</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6300/fix-those-plumbing-problems-easily/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6300/fix-those-plumbing-problems-easily/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:20:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Solomon Arceo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plumbing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plumbing problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plumbing service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plumbing services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[services]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6300/fix-those-plumbing-problems-easily/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not everyone is an emergency plumber, but many plumbing problems are actually preventable and avoidable if you just do simple fool-proof steps. For those whose homes were built strictly adhering to prescribed building codes, then be assured that your plumbing is relatively sturdy and in good shape. However, there are just some plumbing concerns that will spring up on you over time. Plumbing issues do not only involve money flowing out of your pockets. At its worst, it could also affect or disrupt your family's routine and lifestyle, even as far as ruining the value of your investment.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not everyone is an emergency plumber, but many plumbing problems are actually preventable and avoidable if you just do simple fool-proof steps. For those whose homes were built strictly adhering to prescribed building codes, then be assured that your plumbing is relatively sturdy and in good shape. However, there are just some plumbing concerns that will spring up on you over time. Plumbing issues do not only involve money flowing out of your pockets. At its worst, it could also affect or disrupt your family&#8217;s routine and lifestyle, even as far as ruining the value of your investment.</p>
<p>Conduct Spot Checks</p>
<p>Doing a weekly check on your pipes can help you identify potential plumbing problems early on. A leaky toilet, for instance, can be tested by putting in a few drops of coloring into your tank and leaving it until the morning. If the water gets discolored, then you may need to replace a valve. In time, the hoses connected to the washer will deteriorate so if you can see them worn out, it&#8217;s better to replace them than wait for a bursting. Faucets and pipes should also be checked for leaks, condensation, cracked caulking, and others. Even staining and warping on walls and ceilings can be your warning signs of some trouble behind them.</p>
<p>Start with Yourself</p>
<p>The pouring of used cooking oil down the drain can cause it to later harden and clog the pipes. Bits and pieces of leftover food, ground coffee, and small items like your jewelry, can also accumulate at the elbow pipe below your sink and contribute to the clogging. Hair can also create the same problem in your tub&#8217;s drain. While the water going to your faucet flows by means of pressure, the water going down your drain depends only on gravity. The buildup at the drain trap will eventually cause a slower or no draining, at all. Aside from making the family be aware of this, you can put in a drain strainer to catch the scraps. Frequent cleaning of the hair and residue in the tub would also go a long way. Choosing the safe declogging chemical solution can help.</p>
<p>Winter-proof your House</p>
<p>Going away for a vacation at wintertime without taking the necessary precautions to your plumbing can give you unpleasant surprises when you get back. Preparing your home for winter should be easy enough. Applying the proper insulation on all exposed pipes would prevent the water from freezing in them. Outdoor faucets should also be turned off, and water flowing towards them should be cut off at the valve. Check your basement for possible holes or cracks where cold air can enter and plug these. Remember also to keep your home heated even if you put the thermostat on low, before you leave for your vacation.</p>
<p>In the event that you need an immediate repair on your pipes, contact an emergency plumber. Never attempt to fix a major problem on your own. These professionals can diagnose the real cause of the problem and would target that. In the long run, you may save the headaches of going through trial-and-error fixes or worse, aggravating the problem.</p>
<p>You don&#8217;t deserve one bit of a plumbing disaster. Good thing a <a href="http://tinyurl.com/27tazwc">Professional Plumber</a>knows what a real professional should do for all your<a href="http://tinyurl.com/27tazwc">Plumbing Service</a>. Get in touch with one now in your area. This article, <a href="http://www.uberarticles.com/home.php?id=3451726&amp;p=39546">Fix Those Plumbing Problems Easily</a> is released under a creative commons attribution licence.</p>
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		<title>Moving To A Brand New Property? Discover How Best To Pack Your Fragile Belongings Prior For Your Transfer</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6299/moving-to-a-brand-new-property-discover-how-best-to-pack-your-fragile-belongings-prior-for-your-transfer/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6299/moving-to-a-brand-new-property-discover-how-best-to-pack-your-fragile-belongings-prior-for-your-transfer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:03:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mary Removals</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Removalists]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6299/moving-to-a-brand-new-property-discover-how-best-to-pack-your-fragile-belongings-prior-for-your-transfer/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Deciding to manoeuvre to a new location is 1 factor, but really doing so is quite demanding, especially if you've got a lot of stuff to manoeuvre out and transfer in to your new home.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Deciding to manoeuvre to a new location is 1 factor, but really doing so is quite demanding, especially if you&#8217;ve got a lot of stuff to manoeuvre out and transfer in to your new home.</p>
<p>The question that repeatedly pops into your head is: how in heaven&#8217;s title do I get to ensure all of my valuable things remain intact after removing all of them to a new place? What occurs to my sofa? My kitchen set? My entertainment gear? Will all these be handled with care and be as it is in my new home?</p>
<p>Boxes are needless to say the most apparent item you will require to move. A number of businesses promote containers of all sizes and shapes if you prefer to have new boxes. Or, if you&#8217;re on a spending budget, you can verify Craigslist.com for individuals who have recently moved and are both selling their boxes at a reduced charge or giving them away for free. Bookstores, liquor shops, and grocery shops are an additional possible supply of totally free containers. Bookstore containers are typically smaller, sturdier, and also have easily accessible handles simply because they&#8217;re designed for holding heavy supplies. Liquor store containers frequently have dividers which make them perfect for packing glasses or other breakable knick knacks. Grocery store containers, particularly the kind used by the produce and meat division are strengthened and also have handles to create them simpler to carry.</p>
<p>Regardless of whether you&#8217;re relocating locally or at far distance, you need to use the moving blankets or shifting pads. These blankets are quilted and stuffed with polyester or cotton and can be utilized for packing furniture. To reduce collision throughout the move, place the shifting blankets below and in in between the furniture. Therefore the products would be protected from scratches. Cover the items completely with moving blankets and wrap them properly in order that it wouldn&#8217;t get lose.</p>
<p>Another important entity you would like to think about when getting rid of your furniture will be the necessary means of transporting big furniture from your previous home to your new home; indicates which will maintain your useful things from being broken, scratched or destroyed. Would you would like a large container van? Would a simple pick-up truck deal with it? What would be the cheapest method to transport your furnishings for your new house? These queries may pop into your heads when thinking about to get a removalist company.</p>
<p>Want to find out more about <a href='http://www.homeremovalservices.com'>removal companies</a>, then visit Mary Removals&#8217;s site on how to choose the best <a href='http://www.removalservicessurrey.co.uk'>removal companies surrey</a> for your needs.</p>
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		<title>Exclusive Buyer Agents Go Above And Beyond</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6297/exclusive-buyer-agents-go-above-and-beyond/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6297/exclusive-buyer-agents-go-above-and-beyond/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:49:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kathleen Chiras</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buyer's agent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying a home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exclusive buyer agent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buying]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[What is the value of using an Exclusive Buyer Agent? What makes them different than other real estate agents?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is the value of using an Exclusive Buyer Agent? What makes them different than other <a href="http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/"target="_parent"rel="external"title="" >real estate</a> agents?</p>
<p>Rich who is an Exclusive Buyer Agent in Chicago, IL has worked in the construction industry. He has spent over 30 years building his professional expertise in this area. Having this professional history adds to his value as an Exclusive Buyer Agent.</p>
<p>From his viewpoint as a skilled construction tradesman, he is able to expose possible problems to a buyer viewing a home. He holds value to the home buyer being aware of all aspects of the home, good and not so good.</p>
<p>Most Exclusive Buyer Agents are paid out of the commission at closing. Basically, they don&#8217;t get paid if the home buyer does not find a house to buy. It is in the buyer agent&#8217;s best interest to expose every aspect of a home so the deal does not fall through later. Good Exclusive Buyer Agents will also counsel when to walk away from a deal.</p>
<p>Rich will point out flaws such as paint that is peeling, windows that are old or need replacement, places where water is or has been leaking into the home, etc. He has the advantage of being able to estimate general repair costs for the home buyer from his history in construction.</p>
<p>Having an idea of the cost of repairs can be invaluable at the time of closing negotiations. Along with a detailed professional home inspection report, an agent who is familiar with this type of knowledge will be educated enough to make negotiations that are repair related.</p>
<p>According to Money Magazine Joseph Eamon Cummings, a study done by US Sprint found that over 200 of their employees who relocated using buyer&#8217;s brokers paid on average 91% of the listing price on their homes.</p>
<p>Buyers who use a traditional real estate agent normally pay around 96% of the listed price. So by buying a $200,000 house, the buyer would end up saving somewhere around $10,000 with a buyer&#8217;s agent!</p>
<p>In addition to Rich&#8217;s work history in construction, he also belongs to the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. This ensures to anyone who works with him that he does not have any listings in his entire office. He is under no motivation to sell a buyer a specific property. He is there to protect the interests of the buyer and the buyer alone. As an Exclusive Buyer Agent, he has access to all MLS listings, foreclosures, and for sale by owner properties.</p>
<p>Home buyers who have used Rich&#8217;s services before have stated that his work was above and beyond what they expected to receive from a buyer&#8217;s agent. The buyers have loved him and boasted about their home buying experiences.</p>
<p>It may be a smart decision to work with an Exclusive Buyer Agent out of the huge group of &#8220;buyer agents&#8221; in the real estate field. Many Exclusive Buyer Agents have hidden talents and backgrounds in professions that aid in their ability to assist buyers.</p>
<p>Looking to find the best deal on buying a home with a <a href='http://www.buyeragentsearch.com/susan.htm'>buyer&#8217;s agent</a>, then visit www.buyeragentsearch.com/findanagent.php to find the best advice on getting an<a href='http://www.buyeragentsearch.com/findanagent.php'>exclusive buyer agent</a> for you.</p>
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		<title>The Advantages Of Vinyl Flooring</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6296/the-advantages-of-vinyl-flooring/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6296/the-advantages-of-vinyl-flooring/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:48:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Ferguson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flooring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home decoration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vinyl floors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6296/the-advantages-of-vinyl-flooring/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Usually a very common sight in many bathrooms and kitchens, vinyl flooring has come a long way. Today, vinyl has many beautiful designs and one of the main reasons for buying them is to accent the home to match furniture or other types of decorations.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Usually a very common sight in many bathrooms and kitchens, vinyl flooring has come a long way. Today, vinyl has many beautiful designs and one of the main reasons for buying them is to accent the home to match furniture or other types of decorations.</p>
<p>Bathrooms and kitchens have benefited from vinyl sheets for many years as these prove to be effectively moisture resistant, ideal for these areas where spills and splashes are common. When vinyl sheets are installed properly with the proper sealants along the sides they can be virtually impervious to water and they need minimal maintenance.</p>
<p>Vinyl tiles can range from the popularly inexpensive to the relatively costly depending upon one&#8217;s tastes, needs, and budget. Vinyl tiles are more popular for the main parts of any home as the overall purpose is aesthetic effect for others to appreciate the beauty of the floor area.</p>
<p>Aside from being inexpensive, vinyl is also very easy to maintain every day, making this a very good option for many busy individuals who just want to be able to come home to a fresh looking, spotless floor area. Simple sweeping and mopping over the area is all that is needed in order to keep the area looking clean and beautiful.</p>
<p>Vinyl products vary in thickness and design, and this is the basis for pricing. Regardless of price, however, vinyl always maintains long term quality that can be taken advantage of for a long time before needing replacement.</p>
<p>The high quality vinyl products are still more or less affordable for people who are on a budget but are serious about getting the best options for their homes. Professional installation may be needed for some of the vinyl products but, once installation is done, these products can actually last for a very long time.</p>
<p>For a huge range of vinyl flooring from a reputable online retailer check out the <a href="http://www.wilsonsflooringdirect.co.uk/flooring.asp?cat=5">vinyl flooring</a> from Wilsons Flooring Direct.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Using Real Estate To Make Extra Income</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6295/using-real-estate-to-make-extra-income/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6295/using-real-estate-to-make-extra-income/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:46:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shaun Rosenberg</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[invest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate - investment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax liens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6295/using-real-estate-to-make-extra-income/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One way of making some <a href="http://www.extra-income-simplified.com">extra income</a> is through investing into real estate. It can take time and work to do it, but if you put the effort in it really can pay off pretty nicely. Here are three different ways that you can use real estate in order to make some extra income.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One way of making some <a target='_blank' href="http://www.extra-income-simplified.com">extra income</a> is through investing into <a href="http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/"target="_parent"rel="external"title="" >real estate</a>. It can take time and work to do it, but if you put the effort in it really can pay off pretty nicely. Here are three different ways that you can use real estate in order to make some extra income.</p>
<p>1. Buying Rental Houses or Apartments</p>
<p>The most common way of investing into the stock market is to buy a house or apartment building and rent it out to another person. Whatever you collect from the rent minus what you pay for your mortgage or other expenses is your profit.</p>
<p>And that difference is only going to keep getting bigger as the house starts to get paid off. So, it kind of is a longer term investment approach.</p>
<p>2. Buying and Then Flipping Houses</p>
<p>This is a simply strategy that is based on the strategy &#8220;buy low sell high&#8221;. What you do is find someone who is in a house and is willing to leave their house for less then its value. Then fix up the house and sell it for more then you put into it.</p>
<p>3. Investing Into Tax Liens</p>
<p>Finally you can invest your money into real estate and make an income for yourself by <a target='_blank' href="http://www.extra-income-simplified.com/Buying-Tax-Liens.html">buying tax liens</a>. Tax liens are a little different than other investment options.</p>
<p>When someone else does not pay their taxes the government still needs that money. So, they auction off those taxes in the forum of tax liens. Investors can then buy those tax liens and when the original tax payer pays off their taxes plus the late penalty you make money plus interest.</p>
<p>If the tax payer doesn&#8217;t pay their taxes by a certain point in time the IRS will take their property and give it to the investor that did pay the taxes.</p>
<p>So, if you only buy tax liens from people who own properties worth more than their taxes then either way you are going to make money. If you do your research it is a no risk way of making some extra money.</p>
<p>For more on ways to invest your money visit this page on different <a href="http://www.extra-income-simplified.com/Real-Estate-Investment-Strategies.html">Real Estate Investing Strategies</a></p>
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		<title>Can Deck Maintenance Help Me Save Money In The Long Run?</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6294/can-deck-maintenance-help-me-save-money-in-the-long-run/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6294/can-deck-maintenance-help-me-save-money-in-the-long-run/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:28:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Adam Ciboch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deck maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deck repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home - household]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home repairs]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[A beautiful wood deck is a gorgeous addition to every home. Once it is completed, enjoying it in summer weather conditions is simple to do. Keeping your deck beautifully well maintained is inexpensive, easy, and will save you money over time.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A beautiful wood deck is a gorgeous addition to every home. Once it is completed, enjoying it in summer weather conditions is simple to do. Keeping your deck beautifully well maintained is inexpensive, easy, and will save you money over time.</p>
<p>If you are like most people, you only utilize your deck during the hot months. Your deck ought to be incorporated in the Spring-cleaning of your house.  When the weather conditions begin to get hotter, you should examine the shape of your deck. Keep your eye on loose boards and cracked steps or railings; make certain that all boards are safe. After the safety issues are taken care of, seriously examine the overall appearance of your deck and determine if it&#8217;s time for a cleaning.  If it&#8217;s been several years since you had it cleaned up, then do yourself a favor and clean it right away; you will save cash in the future with some low-cost maintenance now.</p>
<p>You cannot wash your deck without a power sprayer, so leasing or buying one is the initial thing you need to do. Utilizing a pressure washer on a wood deck can be a touchy job. Make sure you understand how much pressure to utilize on your deck, and keep the pressure nozzle at a safe distance; holding it too close to the deck could destroy the wood. Because of the sensitive nature of power washing a wood surface, many homeowners decide to employ experts. </p>
<p>After pressure washing the wood surface of your deck, you will also need to stain it and seal it against the weather. After the power cleaning is complete, the next step is to apply your stain. Don&#8217;t stain and seal your deck while it&#8217;s still soiled, it won&#8217;t be protected against the weather if you forgo the cleaning process.  In this case, a small amount of hard work will go a long way, and your deck will seem as good as new.</p>
<p>Even those homeowners who don&#8217;t especially like such tasks find the monetary benefits of deck upkeep to be worth it. Depending on the size, the majority of professionally manufactured decks cost, generally, 14 thousand dollars! A d.i.y. cleaning and resealing will cost the homeowner between 150-300 dollars for the materials. An experienced deck maintenance company will charge much more for this process, however a homeowner is still likely to save cash in the end by having it done. The price of professional deck maintenance is dependent on the size of the deck, but most companies cost under 2 dollars per square foot.</p>
<p>Get the list of <a href="http://www.denvercorealestate.org" target="_blank">Denver CO real estate</a> and read more about great cities in beautiful Colorado.  Finding a home can be tough, and even tougher if you don&#8217;t know the area it is located in.  These sites are very informative and have made it easy to locate <a href="http://www.longmontcorealestate.org" target="_blank">Longmont CO real estate</a> and other properties in CO.</p>
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		<title>Can My Lender Pursue A Deficiency Judgment After A Short Sale?</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6292/can-my-lender-pursue-a-deficiency-judgment-after-a-short-sale/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:53:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeffrey Fisher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[foreclosure]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[As horrible it is to lose your home to foreclosure, ex-homeowners may still be on the bait for the deficiency amount. This is simply the difference of what is owed on the mortgage and what the bank could sell at an auction. "Deficiency judgments" can haunt borrowers, years after they have lost their home.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
</p><div style='float:left;padding-right:10px;;width:200px;'>       
					<embed src="http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/wp-content/plugins/unique_articles/flashaudioplayer.swf?audio=http://mortgage-foreclosure.org/news/podcast/how-to-avoid-a-deficiency-judgment-after-a-short-sale-feb3-2010.mp3&amp;autoplay=false" id="audiohttp://mortgage-foreclosure.org/news/podcast/how-to-avoid-a-deficiency-judgment-after-a-short-sale-feb3-2010.mp3" name="audiohttp://mortgage-foreclosure.org/news/podcast/how-to-avoid-a-deficiency-judgment-after-a-short-sale-feb3-2010.mp3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="tl" height="35" width="200"></embed><div style='font-size:0.8em;color:#000080;text-align:left;width:200px;'>How To Avoid A Deficiency Judgment After A Short Sale?	</div>
			        </div><p>As horrible it is to lose your home to foreclosure, ex-homeowners may still be on the bait for the deficiency amount. This is simply the difference of what is owed on the mortgage and what the bank could sell at an auction. &#8220;Deficiency judgments&#8221; can haunt borrowers, years after they have lost their home.</p>
<p>It can happen to homeowners who have achieved short-sales where the bank had approved selling the home for less than what it was worth.</p>
<p>Vanessa Corey who performed a short-sale on her Fredericksburg, VA home in Apr of 2008 is a genuine illustration. After remodeling her place in 2004, unexpected events which led straight to a sour divorce and the burst of the housing bubble, compelled her to sell her home via a short-sale.</p>
<p>As a <a href="http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/"target="_parent"rel="external"title="" >real estate</a> agent, she thought that the deficiency amount was negotiated away. In other words, she thought that the difference was forgiven by the bank. Last November, she received a letter from her lawyer indicating that she owed her lender $65,000. She was forced into bankruptcy as she had no means of settling the payment.</p>
<p>Numerous banks choose not to make statement about the subject of &#8216;deficiency judgments&#8217;. Corey&#8217;s bank, BT&amp;T confessed that they were going after more borrowers with deficiencies.</p>
<p>Are You Protected From A Deficiency Judgment? Whether banks can pursue such a feat depends on several factors including what state the borrower lives in. Other factors include whether there is a second mortgage or other liens involved. It can certainly haunt borrowers if they chose to ignore the possibilities of deficiencies.</p>
<p>According to Richard Zaretsky, a certified real estate attorney in West Palm Beach, Fla, once your lender has a judgment on you, they can come after you irrespective of where you live. They can request for your financial records, have your wages garnished and place you in jail if you fail to respond.</p>
<p>Banks can go after deficiency judgments in more than thirty states. The U.S. Foreclosure Network states that Florida, New York and Texas are among these states.</p>
<p>Luckily they do not allow &#8216;deficiency judgments&#8217; in California and Arizona. Other states that prohibit these judgments include Wisconsin, South Carolina, Washington, Pennsylvania, Oregon, N. Dakota, Alaska, Iowa and Montana.</p>
<p>As financial institutions are likely to agree in forgiving the deficiency amount, many ex-homeowners do not know that they are needed to opt for a release. This can be done by having your legal representative demand a release from your financial lender.</p>
<p>Zaretsky says that homeowners should not take things for granted assuming that a deficiency judgment will not return and hit them. He believes that many of these judgments will be pursued over several years to come. It is important to note that these accounts were sold at a loss to various collection firms and third-party investors. These firms would not have purchased these loans if they weren&#8217;t eager in recovering the amount they paid for them.</p>
<p>Financial institutions or debt collection companies may sit and wait for borrowers to cure themselves from their financial woes before filing for a judgment. Take for instance in Florida state, financial institutions and debt collection companies can wait up to five years to file. Once judgment is received, the organizations will be granted a time span of up to 2 decades to collect the debt with interest.</p>
<p>Lenders and collection agencies can come after borrowers regardless of how small the debt. Case in point, Richard Varno and his wife short-sold their Nashville house in 2004 when he became unemployed. Four years later in 2008, the second lien holder was after him for $25,000. He argued by informing them that they had released the title and he was no longer liable.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, that was not the case. The release of the title does not mean that the debt will be extinguished. Due to the diverse variations in state laws, in general, a mortgage responsibility consists of 2 parts. The first part is the collateral in which the pledge is the asset or house. The second part is the promise and agreement to pay back the loan.</p>
<p>Financial institutions may drop the liens to help allow a short-sale. This however does mean that they will terminate the original contractual agreement for the borrower to repay the loan as stated in the promissory notes. After selling the house, the secured debt can evolve into an unsecured debt.</p>
<p>Zaretsky claimed that one of his clients&#8217; who was so excited in obtaining a short-sale, carelessly signed all the documents that his real estate agent provided him including a confession that clearly made him still legally liable for the debt.</p>
<p>He was unaware that the financial institution could take that document and transform it into a deficiency judgment through the legal system.</p>
<p>Banks are not always on your side. Zaretsky mentioned of another customer who was wealthy enough to pay off the difference but the lender didn&#8217;t care as they had the power to target you for the debt in the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>Mr. Tolchinsky, a Florida state realtor claimed that financial institutions may pursue borrowers who walk-away if they suspect that they may have other listed assets.</p>
<p>Banks will research to see if it was a pure walking-away attempt where the borrower truly could not afford to make his or her mortgage payments. If they find out that the borrower has been making timely payments and is in financially sound status, he or she maybe targeted for the deficiency.</p>
<p>If you are unsure, it is recommendable to obtain the services of an attorney to make sure that the debt in the short-sale or deed-in-lieu agreement is negotiated away.</p>
<p>Learn how to <a href='http://www.mortgage-foreclosure.org'>stop foreclosure</a> by keeping informed on the latest government assisted programs. Download the Free Podcast about <a href='http://www.mortgage-foreclosure.org/news/how-to-avoid-a-deficiency-judgment-after-a-short-sale.html'>How To Prevent Deficiency Judgments After A Short-Sale</a> for your own use, blog or website.</p>
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		<title>Tips On Choosing A Realtor</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6291/tips-on-choosing-a-realtor/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:38:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mike Vail</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[A realtor is a must when you are selling your house. If you are planning to buy real estate then you also need a realtor. You will benefit much from your realtor whether you are buying or selling. Some people are lucky enough to know close friends and family who are Realtors . But what about the rest of us who have to find our own realtors? Here are some tips on what to look for in a realtor.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you need to sell a house you need to find yourself a trusted realtor. You will also need a realtor when you are interested in buying properties. It dies not matter if you are a buyer or a seller because you will be benefiting from your realtor. There are a few people out there who are close to realtors which is well and good for them. What to do then if you are not among these few blessed individuals? Here are some tips on what to look for in a realtor.</p>
<p>First, you need to find a realtor that will be easy to reach. You will need someone that you can talk to any hour of the day. The <a href="http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/"target="_parent"rel="external"title="" >real estate</a> industry is still a very personal industry where people close deals face to face and needs a personal touch for the deal to succeed. This is the reason why you have to be able to contact your realtor any hour of the day.</p>
<p>Second, check with your friends and family whether the said realtor is reputable. There is no other best recommendation than that from your trusted circle of people. Make sure that you also do your own research about the realtor. Do make sure that the realtor is duly licensed to do business in the real estate industry.</p>
<p>Third, check the trustworthiness of the realtor. It is important that your realtor does not come off like a braggart who cannot deliver. A great idea that you can practice is to find time to spend with the person so you can get a hint of his or her attitude. Sometimes even if the person is bragging you have people who do not come off like a hustler at all. Make it a point to really check on the realtor first.</p>
<p>These are some of the important things that you need to look for in your realtor. It does not matter whether you are selling or buying a house because you will be needing a realtor for successful deals. Be sure that you select only the best realtor in your area. It is a fact that having an excellent realtor will enable you to close deals successfully at an easier pace.</p>
<p>If you need help in purchasing a home in Utah see this <a href="http://www.premierhomesofutah.com">Utah County realtor</a>. His knowledge of the Utah market will be of great value so call this <a href="http://www.premierhomesofutah.com/fine/real/estate/newsearch/lndgname/BUTTON5">American Fork, Utah realtor</a>.</p>
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		<title>Getting Home Insurance Quotes Online Is Simple</title>
		<link>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6290/getting-home-insurance-quotes-online-is-simple/</link>
		<comments>http://michaelandcarolfagan.com/6290/getting-home-insurance-quotes-online-is-simple/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:09:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janeth Derwitsch</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[It isn't unknown to you that the process to purchase a new home is a challenging task as you have to take into account not only the money you'll have to spend but additionally comply with the legal formalities. One more thing that you're going to also to take into consideration is the home insurance plan. To make certain that you are protecting your home the perfect way, you ought to obtain Home Insurance plan Quotes.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s not unknown to you that the method to get a new home is a difficult task as you have to take into consideration not only the money you&#8217;ll have to spend but in addition comply with all the current legal formalities. One more thing that you&#8217;re going to also to take into account is the home insurance plans. To ensure that you are protecting your home the ideal way, you need to obtain Home Insurance plan Quotes.</p>
<p>I know you know you will find distinct insurance companies that provide home insurance plans to individuals and if you are searching for Quotes, you should compare the quotes of these companies. At one time when individuals had to attend one insurance firm completely to another to discover more on the Home Insurance plans Quotes but this has changed in the past few years because of the emergence of internet.</p>
<p>Nowadays, those people who are searching for Quotes look online for them and they can certainly obtain the information they require in the comfort of their own home. The best thing about searching for the Home Insurance plan Quotes on the web is that you&#8217;ll be able to get the quotes in little or no time and you&#8217;ll be also saving your time and energy.</p>
<p>To obtain a great and valuable home insurance plans, it is necessary for you to discover more on the deals provided by the various insurance companies and until and unless you know about the rates offered by these companies, you will not know which company to opt for. This is the reason why it&#8217;s important for you to try to find the Home Insurance plans Quotes of numerous companies.</p>
<p>You might have to spend time trying to find these quotes online but trust me when I say that it is simple enough at all to discover the rates. The internet has created things easier for us and it will be possible to look for the Home Insurance plans quotes over the internet easily and in very little time.</p>
<p>Want to find out more about <a href="http://home-owners-insurance-quotes.com/aa-home-insurance">aa home insurance</a>, then visit our site on how to choose the best <a href="http://home-owners-insurance-quotes.com/vacant-home-insurance">vacant home insurance</a> for your needs.</p>
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