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Alternative Credit Reporting for Consumers - Anthem Scoring
2007-05-05 17:38:00
What is Anthem Scoring and why should you know about it? It's an alternative to "No Credit " or Low FICO scores.If you have a small amount of traditional credit information, such as credit cards and loans, you have what the industry refers to as a "thin" credit file. In the past, this would have prevented you from getting a loan, even if you paid all your bills on time and had a substantial amount of money in savings. Today, there are more options for people who do not have traditional credit files, so they too can enjoy all the benefits of homeownership.These are the 3 commonly used National Credit Bureaus:Equifax Information Service Center - http://www.equifax.com/800-685-1111P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241Trans Union Corporation - http://www.tuc.com/800-888-4213Post Office Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022 Experian Information Solutions, Inc. - http://www.experian.com/888-397-3742P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX, 75013You are entitled to a free copy of your credi...
More About: Alternative , Repo , Cons , Consumers

Computers and your HEALTH!
2007-05-02 09:01:00
 Did you know that there can be Heal th hazards from computer use?  We use computers so much these days.  Booking trips, buying cars, researching certain subjects and websites, uploading listings, creating contracts, managing our websites, reading and replying to emails, uploading photos and now you're Blogging too?!?  I did some research and found some great sites and tips to share with all of you!  Your Health is #1!  I hope you'll take a moment to review this, then take the necessary steps to ensure your continued healthy Blogging and computer habits. If you type "Computers and Health" in google.com, you will find over 226,000,000 pages related to the subject, these are the ones that I found, researched, and wanted to share.  There are some things you can do and should know to reduce your risk of injury.  This is not to alarm you, only to help educate you.   The U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA - Computer Ergo...

TAKE A VACATION!!!
2007-05-01 17:12:00
Are you due?  I know I was!!  How can you tell if you are?  Just go on one and you'll know.  You Are Due!!I just spent the last 5 days with my Family at Disneyland (the happiest place on earth besides AR) We hadn't been there in almost 10 years.  WOW!  What a change!  The trip was unlike any other vacation we'd ever had before. This one was "THE BEST EVER!"  It went like this, if you're interested in knowing why our vacation, made us feel that life is definitely worth living.The 6 hour drive to Anaheim, CA. - (long, but worth it)A day at Newport Beach enjoying the surfChicken Dinner at Knott's Berry FarmSwimming at the Desert Inn with the kidsThe drive to Hollywood (never made it all the way...have you seen traffic in LA?)A drive to the (John Wayne) airport to pickup the oldest sonA full day at Disneyland 10:00am - 12:00 midnightThe Disney Fireworks and Music Show (like nothing we've ever seen)&...
More About: Vacation

100th Member was Invited and Joined Today!!!
2007-04-18 09:41:00
Today, at 3:15 pm, I had my 100th member sign up on Active Rain.  His name is Zack.  He and his wife Christine are an awesome couple who do very well in the Real Estate Business.  He mentioned a couple of keywords today that made me think of Active Rain, and why I should invite him on board. He talked about referrals, networking and marketing.  I told him and his wife about "The Network", and he signed right up.  I really like this couple, they were warm, welcoming, very professional, successful, and they called "out of the blue" to meet with me today.  I was honored to be the one to introduce this to them, and now, I am honored to introduce them to you.Please join me in welcoming my 100th guest, Mr and Mrs. Zack and Christine Childress.  (the crowd roars) I didn't even realize until I got home this evening and started responding to comments, that they were number 100.  Where has the time gone, it wa...
More About: Today , Invite

The Real Estate Market - Have you hugged yours today?
2007-04-15 22:35:00
  Do we know where our markets are today?  Can you tell where it is going tomorrow?  Are we ready to accept the challenges we face in any market?  Should we determine what's driving the market and it's destinations?  Do you feel that sometimes you're just hanging out there on a rope?   I have good news.  In my experience, the market tends to change based on a variety of issues, and has a track record of being cyclical.  However, If we focus too much on what is driving the market, we might miss it's destination.  I'm not saying "don't be in the moment", just that I'd rather be there to meet it, rather than chase it.  I am no expert in market predictions, nor can I tell you where this market is going, but projections I can give.    When the tax season passes (traditionally), I believe it will spark the market again...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real Estate Market , Market , Today

A Post Title, About Post Coverage...Post!
2007-04-15 20:14:00
Eagle Policy Coverage I was asked to do a post explaining what our "Eagle Policy" Covers and what the difference is between the ALTA Residential and CLTA Standard Policies.  Letting your buyers know what they are getting when it comes to title insurance coverage is important.  You may not realize, but title companies do issue different types of policies.  This may seem like major boring stuff, but your insured clients will thank you for being informed and for helping them make the right choice when it comes to selecting a title insurance policy.To see the differences between the three, click here for a comparison.Here is what's exciting about the Eagle Policy....POST-POLICY PROTECTION FOR COVERED RISKSSeveral important new risks are now covered on a post-policy basis. This means that some defects in title that did not exist at the time the insured purchased the property, but are now asserted by others, are covered.These post-policy covered risks involve ...
More About: Post , Vera , Title

The Short Sale - Can be a Long Sail...
2007-04-15 08:38:00
What is it and how can it work for you?In a Short Sale , you have to negotiate with the bank holding the mortgage, and get them to accept less than what the seller owes.  We are seeing a lot of transactions like this in the current market.  Your buyers and sellers may have questions regarding the advantages and dis-advantages of the Short Sale.  One thing for sure, you might have to be in it for the long sail.In my humble opinion, I think it's better to do a Short Sale, than a foreclosure or bancruptcy.  I feel that the advantages of the Short Sale far out-weigh the advantages of a foreclosue or bancruptcy on your record.  A foreclosure does affect your credit and the ability to purchase another home anytime in the near future.  I'd like to share some notes I took from last weeks seminar regarding these transaction types.  You can also go see the short sales expert.Why do banks negotiate and accept &nb...
More About: Sail , Long

Save $$$ On Your Property Taxes
2007-04-14 17:14:00
Claim your homeowner's exemption.  What is the homeowners' exemption?  Prop erty taxes are based on the assessed value of your home, which is determined by the County Assessor's Office.  In this post, I am referring to Solano County in California.  If the home is your primary residence and you are not receiving another property tax exemption of greater value, you may qualify for a homeowners exemption which will reduce the tax you pay.  Once granted, the exemption continues from year to year.To obtain the full exemption you must make a timely filing (usually by February 15) of a simple form with the County Assessor.  A partial (80%) exemption may be granted for homeowners who file a late affidavit and claim for exemption with the assessor between February 16th and December 10th.  To find out more information, contact the Solano County Assessors Office at (707) 784-6210. Or write: Assessor Recorder675 Texas Street. Suite 2700Fairfield, CA...
More About: Taxes , Save , Pert

Thinking OUTSIDE the box... you're welcome to come IN
2007-04-06 08:33:00
A "Virtual Office" Just Point and Click! It's Not just the next best thing to being there, It's BETTER!I got this idea from Craig and his "new door" idea for the Active Rain Network.  I've often dreamed ofan office that was equipped with everything I would need to do business, yet not have to be there physically.  This is a photo of my office (and desk), that used to be located in Benicia.  When I moved to a new location in Vallejo, some clients were worried about not having access to me or my office.   Hmmmm....... Well.....here was my solution.  You know what they say, "Take a picture, it lasts' a lot Longer!" and today...I'm still only a click away!
More About: Side , Thinking

Purchasing Investment Property Married - Does Spouse Need To Sign?
2007-04-04 20:16:00
This question comes up more often then you think.  This applies to California Real Estate purchases. I recieved this email from a fellow member of the Active Rain Network last night and wanted to share.QUESTION?Greetings Mr. Andersohn,   I hope this message reaches you doing well.  I came across your Blog on Active Rain, great info - thank you!   Recently a borrower called asking me if she could buy an investment property in her own name.  Sure, I said...asking if she was married.  She said she is married, then I proceded to say that her husband would sign the interspousal transfer deed, thus removing his interest in the property since he is not going to be a party to the mortgage.  She then advised that her 'attorney' said she could own this investment property as her own, without having him sign anything since the "funds" for the down payment, etc are from non-comingled funds.  WOW!.  I advised that I had not...
More About: Property , Investment , Investment Property , Sign , Invest

Safety and Security in our Industry
2007-03-31 20:50:00
 This is NOT to scare or alarm anyone, but it is rated PG. Yesterday was another great class put on by First American Tile - in Vallejo, CA.  This class focused on Realtor Safe ty and Security Awareness.  There were quite a few things that were shared, and some of them may help you from becoming a victim or target of a crime.The reason we sponsored and put this event together, was partially because of an article I received.  A Realtor in Texas assaulted and robbed.  Two days later, an email came from a client in Vacaville, who had just experienced a setup, and almost became a victim herself.  Mornings on 2, (a local news station) announced, a person (offender) was targeting the Real Estate Community in Pleasanton.  This was all the inspiration and motivation I needed!   Safety should always come first!  "The best way to avoid a crime or prevent yourse...
More About: Industry

The Gathering Place - The Farmers Market in Benicia, CA
2007-03-30 08:35:00
The Benicia Farm ers Mark et will begin on the Last Thursday of April , and go trough the end of October. The hours open to the public are 4-8 p.m. (October hours 4-7p.m.)  This is one of the largest and funnest events you will ever attend.  The Farmers Market is put on by the Benicia Main Street group and they do a fantastic job!  You have to come by and see why the Benicia Farmers Markethas established the reputation that they have, as being one of the "BEST" in Northern California.              ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;      & nbsp;         The Farmers Market takes place at the end of First Street. The road is closed to all vehicles and the whole end oftown is dedicated to this spectacular event. Hundreds of locals and visitors flock ...
More About: Place , Gather

The Benicia Spotlight - What A City!!
2007-03-30 08:13:00
Benicia, CA., once known as the State Capitol of California, is a very quaint and beautiful town!  The spirit of community and brotherhood abounds.  Benicia offers many historic landmarks that make up it's unique geography. Downtown Benicia Landmarks include the Historic Clocktower, The Camel Barn and the Train Depot, which is one of my favorite places to chill and enjoy the cool breeze from the straits, and smell that fresh salt air!Benicia has a great harbor loaded with vessels, bayliners and yachts.  The ambiance in downtown is like no other.  The local people and businesses are the most friendly people on earth. You feel a real sense of "pride of ownership" when you're visiting the downtown.There are good schools, great shopping, historical landmarks, plenty of antique and specialty stores, great restaurants, and even a new Starbucks down by the pier.  Benicia is a town that you feel right at home when passing t...
More About: City , Spotlight , Beni