Fending Off Foreclosure

It is no secret that foreclosures have increased drastically this year as a result of the subprime lending disaster and a lot of people are wondering if they will be next. For many homeowners there may be options, if they know what to look for and where to look.

In the event that you find yourself struggling to make your mortgage payments, and you fear foreclosure may be in your future, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has suggested a few possible alternatives. These options to fend off foreclosure include:

* Repayment Plan
* Reinstatement
* Forbearance
* Loan Modification

The Federal Trade Commission wants people to know that these alternatives may not work for everyone especially if you are already three or four mortgage payments behind.

For more information regarding the above alternatives visit the NFCC’s Homeowners Crisis Resource Center website. They can also assist you in locating a certified housing counselor to explore your options in an effort to fend off foreclosure.

Moving With Chidlren

Moving can be extremely stressful especially if you have children. It is important to be aware of the things that may be a concern to your children when making a move.

A few areas of concern for children when making a move may include:

• Preschool children tend to worry about being left behind or separated from their parents.
• Kids aged 6 to 12 can be concerned with how their daily routines will be affected.
• Teenagers are concerned primarily with fitting in and having their social life disrupted.

A way to ease these concerns may include:

• Communicating with your child about what the new house will be like.
• Take them on a visit of the new home and neighborhood (if possible)
• If you can, visit the school with your child and meet some of the teachers.

Involving your children in the move can help make the transition easier. Your kids can be a great help to you and the move if you involve them such things as:

• Packing some of their own special belongings, and decorate the box with stickers and markers.
• Make plans together on how to decorate their new room.

There is a lot to consider during a move and by involving your children you just may relieve the stress your children are feeling, reduce your own stress and be able to focus more on other aspects of your move!

12 Hours of Sebring

The 2008 12 Hours of Sebring officially started on Wednesday morning.  Race fans in campers and motorhomes started lining up weeks ago to be the first to enter the track and claim a great spot to camp for the race.  The COOL Camp has rented spaces so we do not wait in line.  Our spaces are on the Hairpin at the Sebring International Raceway.  Every year my family and I set up on Wednesday, watch racing, party and have a great time leading up to the at 10 a.m. race start of the 12 Hours of Sebring on the third Saturday of March every year.  The Cool Camp and RE/MAX Realty Plus host our little hospitality camp.  With three space in what I call the Boardwalk of the race track in the high rent district,  we arrive with two motorhomes, an observation trailer, complete with three days of tailgating.  The drinks are flowing and nobody leaves hungry.  The true fans hold their post on top of the observation trailer – this would be my husband Carl and son Danny and most of the guys.  Me — I am more of a social fan — I sit back in a lounge chair under the awning and people watch….oh the sights you will see.  Stay tuned for more about the sights over the next couple of days.  When you are walking around at the race, stop by and say hello.  We are in spots 16, 17 and 18.
 
The population at the Sebring Raceway is actually more than Highlands County — Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid combined during the race.  Hotels, condos, villas and any rental are filled.  I doubt there is a vacancy  anywhere to be found.  Motor car executives, race teams and fans pay top dollar to rent a place for the two weeks leading up to the race.  I think this would be the perfect time to call the “Coolest Realtor in Highlands County” and purchase one of the great deals on Condos in Spring Lake which is close to the race track.  Use your condo when you are attending races at the track and rent it out as a resort rental the rest of the year.  A condo will more than pay for itself between the rental income and what you will pay for a rental during the race.  If you are an investor, Spring Lake would also be a great place to purchase for an investment.  These race fan renters could be paying their top dollar rents to you!  If you would like to explore this idea — give Maureen Cool, your Number 1 Expert on investment property, a call at 1-888-243-2665 — after the race of course!!!!!

2008 RE/MAX International Convention – Day 2

Welcome to day two of the RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas.   My group and I from RE/MAX Realty Plus in Sebring, Florida had a great opening general session with Dave Liniger the founder of RE/MAX International as the keynote speaker.  Listening to Dave Liniger confirmed that I am working for the greatest real estate organization in the world.  Mr. Liniger talked about our tough market ahead and how RE/MAX provides the best tools for all it’s agents and makes us stand out as the best in the world.  Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX — but I already knew this.  Just as nobody sells more real estate in Highlands County – Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid than RE/MAX Realty Plus.  We also previewed some of the new T.V. commercials that will soon be release.  Since this is the 35th anniversary of RE/MAX we all enjoyed a step back in time watching commercials from the past and watching to dancers and listening to music from the past 35 years.  This brought back a lot of memories since I graduated the same year RE/MAX was founded in 1973!

I made new friends from around the world today — a nice group from Santo Domingo that was sitting in front and behind us…Wilton Muese, Roberto Abreu, Paola Ridriguez, and Linabel Martinez of RE/MAX Metropolitiana.  From Switzerland in the lobby I met Bernard Stauffer of RE/MAX La Cote from Switzerland who flew 20 hours to attend the convention.  Tonight at the ice cream social we met a fun group of guys from Germany.  Sven Gartner and his friends from RE/MAX  Immobilien Concept  were having too much fun!  We first noticed them at the convention walking around in native dress.  I think they stood out as having the best time of all.  At one point we saw them all in the spa out by the pool having a great time.  Later we exchanged business cards and converstation and took our photo together.  Hopefully, when European buyers decide that Florida will be a great place to find a second home, they will send referrals to me in Sebring!
 
Today was work too.  I continue to confirm my internet marketing is second to none in Highlands County.  I have pick up some great marketing ideas that I cannot wait to put into place once I return home on Friday!