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GNAR or the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors reported 3,079 home closings were turned in by local Nashville Realtors in May 2014. This is up .6% over May 2013. This is good news because Nashville home sales were actually down 1.2% in March and .5% in April which shows we are definitely trending upwards in time for the summer selling cycle. Keep in mind, before March this year, Nashville home sales hadn’t seen a down month all the way back to June 2011.

The really good news for homeowners is that year to date, home sales of Nashville are up 1.6% during this same period in 2013.
Of course, with sales like this, we should expect to see prices increase and we are. It’s slight increase in prices for both single family and condo sales yet, it’s still affordable for many potential home buyers. On average, a single family home cost $209,900.00 in May which is up from May 2013 where a single family Nashville home would cost you $174,000.00. As for condos, they sold in May for an average of $174,000 which is up from $166,900 in May 2013.
By the time May ended, the MLS saw 3,108 pending sales which is a great sign that June’s numbers will be just as good as May, if not better.

Nashville’s total inventory of homes, condos and lost was at 15,926 for sale by end of May and that’s down from last year where we had 16,760. This means competition for good quality homes is increasing and as the summer season is only starting, we expect summer 2014 to be good for homeowners seeking to sale their Nashville Home

Get your homes value at www.MyNashvilleHomeValues.com

DSNews ran an article this morning with results from a recent survey revealing over half of the country still believes we are in a housing crisis.

Although it is true that some areas in the country are still struggling to put the crisis behind them, markets from Florida to California and everywhere in between are experiencing a robust recovery and many submarkets have been realizing year-over-year double digit appreciation since 2012.

So why do some people still think the housing market is underperforming?
3 Reasons—Uninformed. Underinformed. Misinformed.

The reality is, real estate data is at least 3-6 months old by the time the mainstream media gets their hands on it before reporting it back to the public. Keep in mind, the sale of a home and it's selling price is recorded after the transaction closes. The time lapse between contract and closing averages 90-120 days.

Also real estate statistics are released on a month-end/end-of-quarter and year-end basis. If you're not paying close attention you could be a year behind on your outlook of the housing market. I suspect this is why more than two and five adults believe the housing market today continues to be a serious problem.

Example: A house that sells on Jan 1 and closes on April 1 doesn't show up in the data mix until the end of May when the month end reports are released. Worse yet, it won't count as a statistic in the quarterly analysis until the end of July. This is especially problematic in a fast moving market.

By the time the general public get's in the loop it's old news. Armed with old information when selling your home or buying a new one can be dangerous and could cost you thousands of dollars.

How can you get reliable and up-to-date information?

To start you can visit the County Records/Tax Assessor website in the area to search sale prices, closing dates and property details. You can also check out Trulia, Zillow and Realtor.com to browse through homes for sale and obtain information on closed homes. These sources will give you a general idea of what homes have been selling for and the current asking prices in a given market.

Your best source for real estate trends has always been a good local agent. Most real estate agents are more than willing to share their knowledge. They are the experts and can easily provide you with a current market analysis summarizing for sale, sold and pending activity in the area.

Everything about the real estate industry is time sensitive, the old saying "no news is good news" doesn't apply.

Keeping your ion REAL ESTATE.
Michael Humphries, designated broker for Compass Roads Realty, Inc. and real estate author covers local and national real estate news, industry trends and market analytics. Read more of his work here.

follow Michael:

Search for thousands of homes in South Florida with direct access to the MLS.

http://compassroadsrealty.com/

Are you having a problem with a neighbor's dog? Did their dogs making noise or that dogs are causing problem in your yard? 

Remember, a simple and nice talk into your neighbors is a way to get along with them. Then you can give an advice; if having a dog they have to put or fix their backyard fence to keep the dog indoors or keep them in the owner’s area. 

If the dogs are keep on barking call or inform the neighbor. But if the discussions don't do it, call for a help of an experienced local mediator or local animal control agency regards handling a pets especially involving dogs. Also, police may be able to help. 

Finally, if your neighbors still neglect your concern and nothing else works, you can sue the owner of a nuisance dog in small claims court. It will be better way to get the attention of the dog’s owner who won't keep their pet behave.

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

A plant or tree planted by your neighbors well within the bounds of their area, but sometimes, some of the branches can extend beyond the line and into your yard. 

If this will happen, know your rights and discuss a way with your neighbors and to ensure both sides a positive results when it comes the time to trim those branches hang over your yard. In this simple act, it can reduce conflicts between parties. If you have to inform the neighbor and they will be aware of your concern, he/ she may trim the parts of the tree by themselves in the future, before branches damage on your property.

But if your neighbors neglect your concern, the question is; can I trim the branches of the neighbor's tree that hang over my yard? 

Answer: If limbs or the branches belonging to a neighbor's tree extend over your property line, yes, by the law you are legally allowed to trim branches that extend past the property line. To trim them, you must stay on your own property and not going over to the neighbor's yard. 

And remember; take care on cutting those limbs or branches, for your own safe and also for the safe of the tree. If you do harm the tree, you could be a liable for up to three times the value of the tree. So use extreme caution when tree trimming!

 Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

Are you having a problem with a neighbor's dog? Did their dogs making noise or that dogs are causing problem in your yard?

Remember, a simple and nice talk into your neighbors is a way to get along with them. Then you can give an advice; if having a dog they have to put or fix their backyard fence to keep the dog indoors or keep them in the owner’s area.

If the dogs are keep on barking call or inform the neighbor. But if the discussions don't do it, call for a help of an experienced local mediator or local animal control agency regards handling a pets especially involving dogs. Also, police may be able to help.

Finally, if your neighbors still neglect your concern and nothing else works, you can sue the owner of a nuisance dog in small claims court. It will be better way to get the attention of the dog’s owner who won't keep their pet behave.

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, . If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

ion REAL ESTATE | by Michael Humphries | Compass Roads Realty, Inc

A Short Sale is defined as any sale of real estate that generates proceeds that are less than the amount owed on the property. A real estate short sale occurs when the lender and borrower decide that selling the property and absorbing a moderate loss is preferable to having the borrower default on the loan. It is therefore an alternative to foreclosure. Lenders try to recoup as much money from the sale as possible because they must also pay settlement fees, including agent commissions, at closing.

Who Can Do a Short Sale?

There are two basic qualifiers for a short sale. While these two qualifiers do not cover every conceivable type of short sale, they are pretty standard for about 90% of the short sales. They are:

• Zero or Negative Equity
• Seller Hardship

With a few exceptions, if you've got those two qualifiers going for you, you are likely to get a short sale approval. There are a few banks who will not do a short sale under normal circumstances. Most banks aggressively pursue short sales and want to approve them. There are nearly twenty thousand short sales currently For Sale in South Florida.

Who Pays the Commission?

In a traditional sale, where the transaction results in net proceeds to the homeowner, agent commissions are the responsibility of the seller. In rare markets, a buyer may also pay agent commissions. In a short sale, the commission technically remains the responsibility of the seller, but the lender covers it with part of the sale proceeds. Because short sales are designed for financially-distressed homeowners, sellers seldom can afford to contribute money to close the deal. The lender effectively plays the role of seller in decision-making and bearing the expenses of selling.

Are There Any Cost to the Seller?

In addition to the commission, the lender typically also pays for all closing costs, including title insurance, taxes and document stamps. Other than being responsible for past due utility payments, the seller usually pays $0 at closing. The federal government has streamlined the short sale process for more than 100 lenders participating in its Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA. The lender can pay up to 6 percent of the sale price in agent commissions on a HAFA short sale transaction. In general, lenders base the maximum commission fee allowed in a short sale on what is "reasonable and customary" for the market

Do You Need to Use A Realtor?

Most lenders require that the sellers hire a real estate agent to represent them in a short sale. Although in some states a seller may initiate a short sale request directly with his lender and even market the home and receive an offer on his own, it is likely that at least one agent will be involved -- either representing the buyer, the seller or both. A short sale is one of the most complex sales in today's market and requires a tremendous amount of time and experience to successfully close the deal. There have been over 21,000 short sales completed by realtors over the past 6 months within Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Michael Humphries, designated broker for Compass Roads Realty, Inc. and real estate author covers local and national real estate news, industry trends and market analytics. Read more of his work here.

follow Michael:

Search for thousands of homes in South Florida with direct access to the MLS.

http://compassroadsrealty.com/

Prevent Your Home from Burglary

Burglary or other called breaking and entering or housebreaking. This act is an illegal entry into a building or house and usually the offence is will be theft. Housebreaking is a case forcing open other door.

Tips that can help prevent a break-in from ever happening in your home:

Lock Your Doors and Windows

This is an obvious tip, but surely any of us have sometimes neglected to do this.

The thieves can enter the house easily without breaking doors or windows because owner hadn’t locked. Make sure before leaving your home all your doors, from front door, back doors until patio doors and all your windows, from first floor until to the high level of your home are always locked. Remember secure the garage doors as well.

Install Double Key Deadbolts

Double key deadbolts are very helpful that thieves cannot enter easily, but remember double key deadbolts may be dangerous in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, storm, etc. Educate yourself and to your house members before installing one. Keep the key very close to the door in a hiding place that’s easy to remember and easy access to everyone.

Also the door lock must far away from any windows, because if someone breaks through your window glass, they can easily turn a regular indoor deadbolt. Have another lock at the top or bottom of your door that’s out of reach from broken window.

Hide Valuables

Make sure your valuable items are hidden from passer-bys, such as television, computer, gadgets, etc. Use curtains that let in light but block the view so people can’t see from outside.

Remember; don’t let your money, jewelries, gadgets, or any handy items just set in the table or counters, keep it in the hidden areas, boxes or cabinets.

Use Safe Landscaping

Keep your bushes to a minimum, don’t block large plants on your door; don’t give thieves a chance to hide a place while they scope out your place.

And make sure your yard is well-lit during the night! Or put light outside of your home, front and back.

Put your pet Dog Indoor

If you have a pet, such as dog, use it as your security. But dogs are unpredictable – they may bite, they may not but mostly thieves will pick a house that’s dog-free rather than take the risk.

Remember, get a dog not only to be your guard but if you’re truly going to care for it as you’re dogs guard your home.

Be Private

If you’re going away for the whole day, a week or a month, don’t leave your answering machine that you’re out of town. Thieves may call you and will find you’re not at home. Don’t put on social network that your away from your home as well.

Purchase a timer lamp that will automatically turn on when gets dark.

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane

Right now is the time to make your plans for contending with a storm. Your main objective, of course, is to make sure you and your family are as safe as possible. Your second aim should be to protect your property. Here's how you can prepare.

Hurricane preparation and survival tips

Make plans early to harbor boat

There are lots of ways to protect your boat from a hurricane. Advice varies greatly, depending on the size of your vessel, availability of dock space, marina rules and local laws. That makes planning now for a hurricane all the more essential.

Safeguard your car

"Comprehensive" auto coverage should protect your car from damage caused by a hurricane, including flood damage.

Hurricane shutter guide: Compare types, calculate costs

Hurricane shutters are the most important protection for your home. Our guide helps you compare the pros and cons of various hurricane shutter types.

Shutters are first line of defense

No matter how well-constructed, a house without shutters or hurricane glass is not a smart place to stay in a storm. Without protection, windows can be smashed by flying debris. And once the wind gets inside the house, it can quickly splinter or tear off the roof.

Make plans now to protect your family

Your hurricane plan should be detailed and cover not just what to do now, but also what to do as the storm threatens and as it hits -- and what you should do afterward, when you could be on your own without help for weeks.

Protect your pets and animals

To keep your pet safe in the event of a hurricane, your choices are to keep the pet with you at home, take it with you if you evacuate, leave it with a friend or board it at a kennel.

Find the safest place in your home

Finding a strong refuge in your home and keeping it stocked with the right supplies can mean the difference between life and death during a hurricane. Here's how to stay safe during a storm.

Go early if you plan to leave

If you are absolutely determined to leave town before the hurricane comes, experts have two pieces of advice: 1. Don't do it. 2. If you still insist on leaving, do it early. Very early.

Go to shelters only if there is no place else

A hurricane shelter should always be considered a last option, a place to go if you can't stay at home or with a relative or friend.

Finding shelter for your family

Where will you go during a storm? It's a decision best made now, when you're calm, long before a storm hits. But in some cases, the choice may not be yours.

Extra precautions focus on students

If a hurricane turns toward South Florida, safety officials say they'll still have plenty of warning to make sure children aren't in school.

Talk to kids, but don't scare them

Long before the season begins, parents should begin explaining to children what hurricanes are, the dangers they pose and the safety measures to take against them.

A safe home is as easy as ABC

Whether you're inland or on the coast, you can do a lot to safeguard your home against harmful hurricane winds.

Is your house strong enough?

If you think you have a poorly designed home, it's critical to have it inspected for hurricane readiness -- before a storm. That way, you can find out what's wrong -- if anything -- and get it fixed.

Doorway to disaster: Garage door is where a storm's danger comes home

We know you'd rather forget the trauma of last year's hurricane season and pray we never have another one like it.

Is your house up to code? Permits help ensure quality work

The statewide Uniform Building Code that went into effect in January 2002 was designed to make our homes safer from hurricane damage.

Preparing condos and apartments

Here are some tips to help you prepare your apartment or condominium.

Taking care of business

Here are some tips to help you prepare your business for a hurricane.

Keep an inventory of possessions

To help speed payment of an insurance claim, videotape or photograph your belongings before a hurricane. Business owners should do the same.

Get important papers in order

Long before a storm threatens, collect your important documents and items.

Preparing your pool for hurricanes

There are several steps you can take to prepare and protect your swimming pool during hurricane season.

Review your insurance policy before a storm

Most homeowners wait until a hurricane is bearing down on them before they start wondering what kinds of damage are covered by their insurance policies.

Floodwaters and vehicles

After the storm, avoid driving through puddled rainwater. Here's why:

Securely anchor your mobile home

If you live in a mobile home, you probably already know the routine when a hurricane is headed your way: Pack up and head to safer quarters before the wind starts howling.

Take steps to protect computers, electronics

For all the advantages one has with personal computers or a high-tech home office setup, there are huge disadvantages to being plugged in during the approach of a serious storm: the loss of data can be devastating. While it's simple enough to log off, shut down and unplug at the first warning signs, you might want to take a few extra steps to preserve information that is vital to a home-based business or the family archives.

Creative food ideas to weather the storm

Getting through the hurricane might be the hard part, but the days and weeks that follow the storm can be nearly as challenging.

Predictions for the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season indicate the likelihood of a slow season, with NOAA projecting a normal-to-below-normal activity this year. Eight to 13 tropical storms are predicted, with three to six of them expected to become hurricanes. As many as two of them could be major hurricanes.

Despite that prediction, no one should be complacent. 1992 was projected to be a slow year, but Hurricane Andrew roared ashore proving it only takes one storm to severely impact our state.

Compass Roads Realty, Inc

South Florida

Home Search made easy! Thousands of listings in
Broward/Miami-Dade. Direct access to MLS.

Visit our Website: http://compassroadsrealty.com/

It's true, when you think about getting a mortgage for that condo or getting an offer put together for that speed boat on credit, we are upset when the credit company or the mortgage lender turns us down. This is all despite the fact that we have a good salary, a steady job and always pay off our credit card bills on time.

It's a fact that millions of Americans have absolutely no idea how their credit score is calculated. There have been at least four surveys that have taken place in America that ask us what it is we think affects our credit score. In some of the surveys, well over 20 questions have been posed. But while the majority of us know that mortgage lenders and those dishing out credit cards definitely use them to check on us if we submit an application – there are huge gaps in the knowledge surrounding the other factors that could directly help or hinder our credit score.

Generic Scoring

Less than half of all Americans are aware of the three key points where lenders and banks use generic scores. This is where you find your score start to go down just for applying for another credit card, making an application for a mortgage or applying to buy that Harley Davidson Fat Bob on credit. It does not matter if your creditors approved those mortgages, credit card applications or a chance for you to cruise down Route 66 on credit or not – your credit score will be affected by the application process alone.

If there is a risk that you may not be able to pay off that loan, then your credit score will be affected; not a lot of Americans knew that. This could be due to something as simple as being in a job that has some form of instability associated to its industry. But Americans can do something to improve their credit rating and paying all your bills, loans and credit cards on time does go a long way to help.

Many young Americans seem to be less savvy when it comes to understanding what pushes our credit score up or down, particularly the age group between 18 and 32. There are however several online websites that mimic the factors that determine our credit score and it would be prudent to those of us that do not know how our credit score is defined, to pay attentions to it.

Keep your eyes on that credit score and do your research before applying for a loan, credit card or mortgage.

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The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for April of 2014. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin existing home sales fell in April even as median prices continued to rise according to the most recent analysis of the state housing market released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). Home sales declined 11.6 percent in April compared to the same month last year due to a combination of higher home mortgage rates, higher prices and harsh winter temperatures. Median prices rose over that same period, increasing 1.4 percent to $139,900.

“As we enter the second quarter of the year, we have been expecting some improvement in home sales, but it’s important to remember that April sales are still impacted by the February weather given the 6 to 8 week lag between the time an offer is accepted and a closing takes place,” said Steve Lane, chairman of the WRA board of directors. He also noted that there were heavy snows in the northern part of the state as late as mid-April 2014. Every region of the state experienced a decline in April sales. The Central region fared the best, falling just 3.8 percent over the April 2013 to April 2014 period, followed by the Northeast region which dropped 8.5 percent over the period. The South central region fell 9.6 percent and the Southeast region saw a decline of 10.1 percent. Finally, the North region dropped 17.4 percent and the West fell 25.5 percent. Interestingly, home sales fell more substantially in the metropolitan counties which averaged a 13 percent reduction in sales in April compared to rural counties which declined 7 percent between April 2013 and April 2014. “This may be due in part to much tighter inventories in the urban counties compared to rural counties,” Lane said. Rural counties had just over 14 months of available inventory in April compared to just 6.9 months for metropolitan counties.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, overall home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. This month however showed a decrease of home sales statewide, but an increase in home prices.

Thinking of purchasing a home before prices or rates rise any further?! I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit Home Listings in Rock County to search for current Rock County properties or visit Home Listings in Dane County for homes in Dane County Wisconsin.

Now might be the right time to sell your Wisconsin home. Feel free to take a look at our cutting edge Rock Realty Marketing Plan! If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Click below:

What's My Wisconsin Home Worth?

Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? Have you experienced a hardship like divorce or job loss? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit our page on Wisconsin Short Sales for more information.

Call 911

It’s really important that you report crimes to the police to help you to solve the problem, and you should help prevent it from happening to your neighbors.

Don’t Go In and Don’t Touch Anything

There’s a chance that the burglars are still inside in your home. Keep away from your home or ask help from your neighbors. If they’re gone, don’t do cleaning, the police probably find fingerprints of burglars.

Make Lists, Draw or Put Out Pictures

Keep finding things that are missing. Keep a list and make sure to note any identifying characteristics of items lost. Make sure to note that in the police report and together the drawing or pictures.

Claims Insurance Immediately

Once you have your police report, take it to your insurance company (and if you don't already have either renters or homeowner's insurance, get some now).

Give Yourself Time to Handle the Emotions

Once you've done the police report, filed your insurance claims, and secured your home, it's time to rest. Being robbed is an emotional situation, take time to handle it carefully and surely.

 Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

Importance of Landscaping

Many benefits may gain by using landscaping either front yard or backyard. Landscaping can make dull and solid areas pleasing to the eyes. Landscaping can make an ordinary home into spectacular ones.

When you add a beautiful landscaping in your yard it can increase the property value of the home. This investment in your property's appearance can add up to 20 percent to your homes estimated value. Don’t neglect in this nice idea!

Many ideas are available anywhere, many websites and articles that may can help you.   If you are more hands on and desire to do a project on your own, be sure to do research in advance on what types of plants will be best suited for your needs. You can also visit to a flower store to get some advice.

Make sure that the most important of these is the protection of your home. Sometimes due to improper drainage can lead to damage of your home, which may cost you more in repairs needed. If you cannot do it by yourself in staring planting in your yard hire a professional landscaping company to do the work for you.

Remember a well planned landscape design is pleasing to the eyes and enhances the value of your property. However, it’s not easy planning a landscape or arranging trees, plants, and shrubs on your property. To start your landscaping project you must first have a plan, do a sketch of what will be placed in the yard.

Don’t be afraid to do some experiment and have fun creating your own design. After you have a design for what you would like in your yard, it is time to implement the plan you have!

 Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

In this post, we wanted to distinguish probate leads from other types of lists that are similar to probate leads, but not the same product. Diamonds and cubic zirconium may look the same, but there’s a vast difference in worth between the real gem and a lollypop ring.

The main difference is that probate leads contain the information of the executor of the estate, while inheritance lists do not. When an estate goes into probate, the executor is the decision maker who has been awarded the absolute authority to divvy up the estate and sell the real property attached to that estate.

Contrast this with inheritance lists, which provides information on heirs. The heirs may or may not have an influence in how the property is handled. You can easily build a list of hundreds of people that have passed and when you add a couple heirs to the list, you have an enormously large list of people that may not even care about the property or have any say so as to how the property is dealt with. In a hurry, you can get a list in which 2/3 of the recipients are useless.

At probateleads.net, we specialize in matching REALTORS and investors with the executors of an estate that have been assigned by the Court to step into the shoes of the deceased and have the ability to make a decision. They are the go-to person to liquidate the estate and distribute the proceeds, but with an inheritance list, the executor’s information is conspicuously absent.

Another drawback of inheritance lists is the staggering amount of return mail you stand to get back. At least one prominent supplier in this space concedes that when marketing to their inheritance list, there will be a considerable amount of undelivered mail, to which they will give you credit.

At first, it may be tempting to invest in an inheritance list that seemingly has a lower cost per unit. Yet when you factor in the fact that you are not reaching the decision maker that has any say so in the estate, and even then have returned mail because of bad addresses, the cost is much higher than using authentic probate leads.

Using probate leads, you will lower your cost per acquisition and increase your return on investment. To get started, give us a call at 800-307-9124.

When is the Best Time to Move?

Ideal Time

Most suggested time for moving is spring or late fall. It is easier to find and hire movers and when rental companies are not charging the highest rates. The times to avoid are weekends when moving are at its peak. But most of us will have to consider in moving weekends such as kids is in school, due to jobs.

School Calendar

Summer is most ideal time, as children have completed the school year and have said their goodbyes to school and to the neighbor’s friends and the weather is almost guaranteed to be perfect and friends are available to help. If you already set the time of the moving, allow a few weeks or days at the new destination for children to unpack and meet new neighborhood friends. It will be better prepared for their new home.

Also take a time or few days for you and your child to get around to the new school, have them meet some teachers and find appropriate transportation for both you and your child will be better prepared for your new environment.

Holidays and Special Occasions

Avoid moving before major holidays as possible, such as Christmas or New Year since part of such holidays is being with family and friends. Also family events can also be difficult like birthdays or anniversaries. Better for you and to your family before to leaving, save your move after the holidays to provide a perfect opportunity for goodbyes.

 Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

Falls or accidents are often due to hazards from the stairs and steps that overlook. Making changes in your home style to prevent falls is beneficial both for you and your family members, especially for your children and for elderly people, as well as for guests and visitors to your home.

Here some list to avoid fall from stairs or steps:

• Install lights and switches to the top and bottom of the stairs to ensure all your stairways are well lit.

• Make sure there are no uneven surfaces or cracks. Let the carpenter check and repair is there is something      wrong in your stairs.

• Make your stairs to be free of clutter and avoid storing things on your stairs, toys of kids or garment. Before you walk up or down, check the stairs first.

• Add paint color to enhance the visibility of each step.

• Stair carpeting can cause slips or fall. Consider removing carpet or runner mats. Making sure to secure a rubber or cover the stair well fastened. 

• Handrails or banisters on both sides of the stairway make sure to well attach that you can get full hand around it.

• Be sure to remove your reading glasses when walking or climbing up or down stairs or adjust your glasses so you can see the stairs clearly. Make sure if you’re carrying something it cannot blocked your vision, and your one hand is free to grasp the handrail.

• Rushing is a major cause of falls and accidents. Step slowly with your hand on the handrail.

Remember, don’t let your small children playing alone near the stairs or to make sure, put something your child cannot go to the steps. Also help elderly people to go down or up in the stairs… or better let elderly stay at the low level or stage that they can make comfortable without using stairs. 

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423.

In the last post, we explained that even in densely populated areas, there is not a profusion of probate filings on a weekly basis. The only way to generate a meaningful amount of probate leads is to extract the most recent filings, and go back in time to find the probate filings that were entered within the past 30, 60, or 90+ days, whatever it takes to reach a predetermined level of probate leads. It begs the question, are these archived probate leads still receptive to your marketing? Do they become stale at some point? 

The reality is, each executor of an estate has a different time frame when selling the home makes sense. Sure, in some cases, the executor is ready to sell immediately and the deal nearly falls in your lap, as if the executor was waiting for your call. These type of deals will put easy cash in your pocket after your initial contact. But we know that it’s not so easy in most cases. If only it were!

Just because a property goes into probate doesn’t mean that the executor of the state wants to sell RIGHT NOW. Say, for example, a living spouse is in the home and has no intention to sell today. Contact that same person within 2, 3, 4, even 6 months or more, and maybe they are emotionally ready to move onto another house and get closer to the kids.

There are some “gurus” in the probate marketing space that advocate contacting the executor as soon as possible because the executor purportedly will want to sell the estate immediately. In reality, each case is different, and no one has a crystal ball. 

You should find our candor and realistic approach to be refreshing. The only thing we can say with certainty is that among the entire universe of probate leads,

• Some probates will be sold immediately.
• Sometimes, the estate will hold onto the property and sell it after some period of time.
• Sometimes, the property will be left to the surviving spouse or other family member
• Sometimes, the spouse or family member will want to sell the house after living in it for a short period of time.
• Whatever the time frame, once the executor does in fact make an affirmative decision to sell the property, they will want to sell it as soon as possible.

Don’t get us wrong. We furnish the most recent, up-to-date list of probate filings. Our only caveat is that there won’t be a sizable amount on a daily/weekly basis, so to make it worthwhile for you, we will normally have to pull an “X Dated” list of probate filings to populate a meaningful amount of leads for you to work. These leads are still good, based on the reasons cited above.

While we are on this topic, we’d like to give you some food for thought if you are considering partner with another provider of probate leads.

There are some competitors that offer a subscription service whereby each week, you get a fresh, updated list of probate filings for the past week. You will pay a fixed fee for this service, normally hundreds of dollars for a 12-week or annual subscription, regardless of how many leads you get throughout this period. After you get a relatively small amount of leads, you do the math, and the cost per lead is astronomical – up to $50 per lead or more!

That’s it for now. To bounce some ideas around, give us a call at 800-307-9124. Till next time, A-B-C… Always Be Closing.

Tree Trimming and Pruning Services

Trees are what make your property beautiful. But, trimming your trees is an important step to protect your home as well.

Tree pruning services performed by a certified arborist enhance the natural beauty of your trees and shrubs and help you preserve the strength, stature and seasonal character they add to your property.

Benefits of Tree Pruning

• Health

In tree pruning or trimming services include the removal of diseased, broken, or dead branches on mature trees and young trees alike for tree protection. Also it can prevent decay-producing fungi and infecting other areas of your tree. The removal of live branches is occasionally necessary to allow increased exposure to sunlight and circulation of air within the canopy.

• Appearance and Restoration

The appearance and restoration is essential for the beauty of formal plantings and to assist with landscape maintenance.

• Visual Access

It can increase your landscape's value, and enhance its beauty of the whole property.

• Safety

Tree pruning can protect against storm damage and the danger of falling limbs. Particularly it is a concern from the falling tress debris along, driveways and surrounding. Also, it is recommend pruning trees with low-hanging branches in certain areas in order to eliminate interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Once if you have any doubt of your ability to conduct the pruning, call a professional arborist. These companies have many years of experience and they can do the task completely in a safe and fast manner. It's simply too risky for a homeowner to take on this task except in the most simple of circumstances. Always remember: Safety first.

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423

Mostly weeds ruin your garden or yard, so get rid those weeds but don’t use harmful chemicals that can harm you, to the lawn or to the other plants. Look for a safe way to keep away weeds.

Bleach

Try pouring a bit of undiluted bleach over them. After two days, you can simply pull them out, but be careful avoid not to get bleach on the plants.

Salt

Salt can do the job to get rid weeds. Mix about 1 cup salt in 2 cups water to a boil. Pour solution directly on the weeds to kill them. Also it is effective method is to spread salt directly uninvited grass.

Spray Vinegar

Spray vinegar to get rid of the weeds and or unwanted grass, as well as ants and other insects can keep away to your plants, but be careful not to spray it on your plants.

Carpet Scraps or Newspapers

Place a series of scraps or paper upside down and cover them. Use smaller scraps as mulch around your vegetable garden.

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423. 

Mostly plants and pets aren't always a perfect combination. This isn't to say that these plants and your pets can't coexist. Many pets like dogs and cats won’t give these plants a second look and the most problem is maybe poisonous part of the plant your pets can be eaten.

Keep an eye on your pet away to your plants. Try to spray to your plants especially inner plants some bitter apple or bitter orange spray to discourage leaf chomping and place houseplants out of reach. And if you suspect you pet has gotten into something it shouldn't have, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

Keep in mind that some plants toxic to your pets and also to humans; it's wise to keep an eye on small children, especially if they explore the world by putting everything in their mouths.

Download my app today! Text RE911 to 87778 to get my free real estate app, .  If you need help downloading my app, please call my Smarter Agent support team at 856-614-5423