Happy Holidays

I find that Thanksgiving has come and gone without my making mention of it. Obviously the holidays are here and I again find myself feeling behind on all of it.

While the holidays can be hectic with feeling there is so much to do with so little time, the key I am told is to limit your activities. Pick a couple of parties to attend, instead of all, cook a few less items, drink a little less and enjoy the season while it is here.

I know that the economy has affected most all of us and of course limiting one's budget for gifts is a smart thing. I'd like to recommend that if you are considering gifts for friends and family this season, consider a charitable gift of some kind. Many of the local United Way agencies are staging some type of event to garner funds for their respective charities. One opportunity for you to obtain a gift and do some good for the community is the Alternative Christmas Markets.

Shop the Alternative Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at John Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1689 Old St. Augustine Road.

If you are unavailable that weekend, check out the Market at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road, which will be held the following weekend.

Tis the season. May you all be healthy, happy and stress free during this time.

Continuing Education

As a Realtor, besides staying up to date with the local market, I strive to learn more and keep up with my real estate education. Times change, the market changes, and taking classes to stay up on the latest changes is vital to helping my customers. I took a CRS Staging class this week to help me help my sellers to position their homes for sale. The class was taught by Martha Webb, author of Dress Your House for Success.

I learned techniques and skills that will add value to my ability to position my sellers homes in the marketplace. The class has helped me to look at my sellers property in a different way, the buyer's way, to best help the seller.

I look forward to increased sales due to this class.

First Time Homebuyers

I mentioned in an earlier post about my upcoming First Time Homebuyers Class. I thought I'd clarify for some folks what a first time home buyer is. True, if you've never owned a home and want to buy one, that would make you a first time homebuyer. You'd also be classified a first time homebuyer if you have not owned a home for more than 3 years. So let's say you owned a home 5 years ago, but your situation changed, got a divorce, moved and were unstable as to where you were going to live and decided to rent, then you'd still be considered a first time homebuyer if you have not owned for 3 years.

The advantage for some first time homebuyers are the programs available to assist in closing costs and down payment, although down payments guidelines have changed with the mortgage meltdown and in fact, mortgage guidelines are frequently changing.

There will be an experienced Wells Fargo lender available at the class to answer those questions about financing.

Tell everyone you know about this class and call me, Angie Goodman at Keller Williams at 850-321-4666 to join us on November 8, 2008.

SILVER ALERT

Governor Crist signed into law a new program to help older individuals with dementia disorders. Similar to the Amber Alert, this helps notify law enforcement officials and citizens of missing senior citizens. To learn more about the program, visit the FLDE site at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/press_releases/20081008_Silver_Alert.html
Let's hope this saves lives.

First Time Homebuyers Class

Since the FHA down payment guidelines are changing the first of the year, I thought a First Time Homebuyer Class would be appropriate before then for those wanting to save some money.

The class will be held at Keller Williams Realty, 1520 Killearn Center Blvd. Tallahassee, on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP to me, Angie Goodman, at 850-321-4666.

Buy now-January, 2009 changes things

FHA homebuyers now have to come to the closing table with 3% down payment in order to get an FHA loan. Sellers can pay for some closing costs, but the buyers still have to provide their own 3% to purchase. As of January, 2009 this 3% changes to 3.5% so if you know buyers who have been sitting and thinking things will change, they will, but not necessarily to the buyers advantage.

Knowing the real estate market is vital for selling and buying today. Call me if you know someone considering buying or selling.

Senior discounts-right!

I'm not 55 yet, but my brother turned 55 last month. As an early AARP member and an individual involved with the mature population I've seen the discount cards that some restaurants give, some retailers touting the Tuesday 5% discount to those over 55 and more. I'm thinking allright! this crowd gets some freebies and they all seem to love it, but I'm learning probably why they deserve discounts and need them. My brother has a life insurance policy that doubled, doubled in premiums for the same coverage just because he turned 55.

My hairdresser was complaining the last time I was getting a haircut how she dreaded turning 55 because her health insurance would go up. She said it has to pay more in premiums because of her age. I did not know that.

So much for discounts and freebies when insurance (health, life, and does car too?) goes up double what it was just the year before? Just because I turn 55 doesn't mean I automatically get sick. I know, I know, it's not unlike targeting the younger drivers, but with changing longevity, perhaps the amounts should not be increased arbitrarily. Then again, maybe they should. I find myself having to look up the spelling for more words than I used to, such as arbitrarily.

The thing is those 5% off and small time freebies don't make up the difference for a double jump in the necessities of life. Guess I best start coupon clipping early.