Benefits of Changing the Heating and Air-Conditioning Filters

The benefits of regularly changing the heating and air-conditioning filters are obvious to homeowners; the real challenge is creating a system to make sure it gets done.

A reasonable schedule would be to replace it with a new one-inch pleated filter every 60-90 days. Households with shedding pets should consider replacing them every month. Some people change their filters every month when they pay their electric bills. A simple system would be to set a recurring appointment on your calendar like Outlook or Google.

Filters trap dust, mold and bacteria which can directly affect the air quality and play havoc with your allergies. When a filter is dirty, it prevents proper airflow and allows dust, dirt and allergens to blow through your home. Changing your filter regularly helps to avoid maintenance, improves equipment life and produces increased energy savings.

When shopping for filters, it’s understandable to look for the best bargain but the cheapest price may not be the best choice. When purchasing, recognize that HEPA-rated and HEPA-type filters are not the same thing. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter meets or exceeds standards for efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Most HVAC contractors recommend HEPA filters.

Some filters need to be changed monthly and other types have manufacturer recommendations of every three months. An alternative to disposable filters are the permanent, washable types. These will cost more initially but because you can clean them and re-use them, eventually, you’ll recapture the cost and realize savings.

Effective Hardship Letter for Loan Modification -

LETTER THAT WORKS

 This is an actual letter of a modification that was APPROVED...

The outcome 1st Mortgage was reduced to $325k @ a 4.1% interest rate for the next 3 years, if the homeowner refinances they will have to payback the part of the loan written off, and the loan cannot be paid off, or extra payments.

The outcome of the 2nd Mortgage was written off except for 10% which was paid to release the deed, the homeowner will have to pay what was written off as income and it was reported to the IRS.

The Line of Credit is still in process of being modified.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

 

Loan Number xxxxxxxx9925

Address

 Dear Bank:

My husband and I are seeking a loan modification because my salary was recently significantly reduced due to the decline in the Real Estate Market and the significant decline in the value of our home.

We currently owe approximately $494,000.00 on a home that is worth $360,000.00 and our adjustable rate mortgage is due to adjust. We own $408,000.00 to Ocwen at a 7% interest rate, $50k to XXX at a 8% interest rate, and $36K to XX Bank who has reduced our interest rate to 3.5% (we are current on these payments).

My husband and I are still currently working and making a good income and would like to stay in our home if we could get the payment reduced to its current value of $360k and the interest rate of our payments to today's current interest rate of around 4% we could make the payments and continue to live in our home.

We would also like the payments we arrears on to be reduced to the modification rate and added to the back of the loan.

We are hoping that XXX Bank will work with us to help us save our home, and we can get back on track making payments as soon as possible.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The names of the banks have been XXX out, you can use the letter to modify your own loan if you find it useful.

Whose commission is it?

One of the most common reasons buyers want to deal directly with the seller is because they feel they can save the commission. It’s a valid consideration but interestingly, it’s the same reason the seller isn't employing an agent.

Both parties cannot save the commission. The buyer feels they have earned it because they've had to find the home, determine its value and negotiate with the seller. They had to arrange their own financing, title and inspections.

The seller equally feels that they have earned the commission because they too have had to research value, financing and title work.  They have incurred all of the marketing expenses and have invested hours upon hours to be available to show the property, hold open houses and answer inquiries. 

There is certainly value in all of the things that buyers and sellers are willing to do.  However, only one person can save the commission assuming the buyer and seller can reach a written agreement. The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey reports that 14% of sales were For-Sale-by-Owners in 2003 and 2004 compared to just 9% in 2012. The trend shows that agent-assisted sales rose to 88% in 2012 from 82% in 2004.

The three most difficult tasks identified by for-sale-by-owners is attracting potential buyers, getting the price right and understanding and performing the paperwork. When surveyed, sellers most value the home selling in an anticipated time frame and for an expected amount. Experienced, third-party advocates helping buyers and sellers is a valuable contribution to the transaction which may determine whose commission it is.

"Please Take our Offer"

"Please Take Our Offer"


It’s interesting that the housing climate has changed so quickly. Some buyers, who think they’re still in the driver’s seat, find the market is now going up and they’re losing the home that they really want.
Multiple offers are increasingly more common and buyers are frustrated because even full-price offers don’t guarantee that they’re going to get the home. In an effort to personify a contract offer and add emotional appeal, buyers are including a personal letter to the seller.  

In most cases, the seller wants to maximize the net proceeds from the sale by getting the highest price with the least expenses and an assurance that the home will actually close on time without surprises. When a seller is faced with multiple offers that may be close to the same net, an emotional appeal might make the difference in them accepting a particular offer. That’s where the letter comes in play.
It should be a relatively short letter that gets to the point. The tone of the letter should be humble while positive and definitely, shouldn’t mention that you may have lost other homes due to multiple offers.

1. Try to identify a common feature or characteristic of the home that is important to the seller and you.
2. Don’t criticize the home or tell them about all of the improvements you need to make to justify your offer.
3. Do verbalize why living in this home is important to you and your family.
4. Assure the seller that you can indeed qualify for the home and that if they accept your offer, the sale will be consummated.

After writing the letter and eliminating the non-essential parts, read the letter a few times to your spouse or friend. Polish the verbiage and check the spelling and grammar. If your handwriting isn’t attractive and easy to read, print it. Use nice paper to appeal to the tactile senses. Attach the letter to the offer so they’re considered simultaneously.
Being pre-approved with good credit, adequate financial resources, good employment, sufficient earnest money and a reasonable offer with minimum contingencies will favorably position you. A personal letter might be the deciding factor in your favor.

New Weekly Article - Breakfast in Bed || Home By Design Weekly Article

New Weekly Article - Breakfast in Bed || Home By Design Weekly Article

9900 Lamott Ct. Ellicott city, MD 21042 Listing For Sale

Beautiful home at 9900 Lamott Ct. Ellicott City, MD is FOR SALE for information please contact me at 240-483-7556. This house is 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main level and 2 rooms that could be used as an in-law-suite or a den and a bedroom with a large open area. This house is a must see... The owner has kept this house is in great shape! Come take a look.

 

 

 

 

 

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