Owning a library card important during these economic times

The tough economic times have resulted in an increase in library usage according to a news release from the American Library Association. With people struggling to make ends meet, the library offers a solution for those who need a computer and internet access.

According to ALA President Jim Rettig, “Library staff report a surge in use of library computers and Internet access to find work, apply for jobs online, type resumes and cover letters, open e-mail accounts and further their education in a competitive labor market." News Release

Here is a link to Florida libraries. NBC News reports on the increased use of our nation’s libraries in this video.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library

Are you interested in working in a Florida library?

We have the Kissimmee real estate market covered!

I am proud of the way our office covers the Kissimmee real estate market. Our signs are everywhere. We list and sell bank owned property, short sale property, property that is not in a distressed condition.

Our marketing & prospecting includes print media, mobile search, signs, postcards, flyers and of course the internet. Recently we have gained some online exposure that is exciting. Both my personal website and that of one of our top agents are being listed on the first page of Google for the term, Kissimmee real estate. The following screen shot shows the results as of today.

I am confident that anyone looking for Kissimmee real estate and clicks thru to either website, will find all of the information they could possibly want!


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Florida residents can take advantage of NOKR, Next of Kin Registry

One of the links on MyFlorida.com is NOKR which is a non profit website where anyone can register themselves and the person that they want notified in case of an emergency. This free emergency contact system is designed to help local and state authorities should you or your family member become injured, missing, or deceased. The registration page allows those who are homeless to list homeless as the address in order to complete registration. The video is from a Detroit news station discussing the benefits of NOKR for law enforcement and emergency personnel.

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Stay alert, be alert.

Wildfire is a year-round risk in Florida

Online tool helps you build an environmentally friendly yard

This is a screenshot of a pretty cool tool I discovered while surfing for Florida information during today’s lunch break.

This tool allows you to play around with and learn how to make your yard more environmentally friendly by using Florida friendly plants that require less irrigation and fertilizer.

This interactive tool allows you to drag and drop planting beds into the virtual yard. Once you have the planting beds in place the site offers suggestions on the best plants for this area of the yard. You are provided a list of suggested plants that you might want to consider. After you are through you will be able to see images of what the yard will look like with your changes.

To view this tool visit Floridayards.org.


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Home sellers are only going to get one chance to make a good first impression.

Search for earth friendly homes.

Luxury condo Orlando

Buyers looking to purchase a luxury condo in Orlando have several condos to select from.

Luxury condo Orlando

Persons interested in a luxury Orlando condo have several options. Condo communities include Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Sanctuary Downtown, Vizcaya, Eola South, Star Tower and Park Lake Towers. Asking prices range from $1.5 to 3.7 million.

If I restructure my mortgage will I be required to report the debt as income?

You should consult with a tax professional or attorney regarding your personal situation. Generally speaking the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 allows you to exclude the income from discharged debt on a principal residence as a result of a mortgage restructure or foreclosure. This act covers debt forgiven from 2007-2012. You can visit the IRS for additional details.


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The President's housing plan

Are you involved in mortgage foreclosure? Task force would like you to complete a borrower survey.

Completing a survey may seem like the last thing you want to do right now if you are facing foreclosure. But that is exactly what the Florida Supreme Court Task Force on Residential Mortgage Foreclosures would like for you to do. The task force has the authority to recommend changes to the methods and policies surrounding mortgage foreclosures so your participation could work for the greater good of all.

There are 37 questions listed on this survey for borrowers. There is also a separate survey for lenders/mortgage holders and one for attorneys. You can visit the Florida State Courts website to take the survey.


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The goal is to keep Florida's homeowners from losing their homes

Is it a fixture or personal property?

Sellers will often leave items in the home for the convenience of a buyer. Refrigerators, ranges and window coverings are three common items that a seller will sometimes leave in the home. A fixture might be described as something firmly or permanently fixed into place.

However there are times when a buyer and seller disagree on what is a fixture and what is personal property. The best solution is to make sure the contract between the buyer and seller specifically mentions items to be included or excluded from the sale of the home. As a real estate agent I can assist you with making sure the contract contains all the information and details important to you.


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Orlando foreclosure help

There are counselors in Orlando approved by HUD that may help you avoid foreclosure and provide help. These counseling services are provided free and address foreclosure prevention, loan modification and refinancing. Don’t give up without making a call to one of these organizations. You do not have to pay for this help, these are nonprofit organizations.

Orlando agencies listed on HUD’s site as of 7-1-2009:

• Acorn Housing - 407-254-5974
• CCCS - 800-741-7040
• H.A.N.D.S. Inc. - 407-447-5686
• Metropolitan Orlando Urban League - 407-841-7654 X-334
• Reliable Business Solutions Inc. - 407-482-2908

HUD

Don't make a common home buying mistake that could cost you thousands!

What is one common home buying mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars as a homeowner? If one of your guesses is failing to have the home inspected by qualified home inspectors, you would be correct. Failing to have the major components of the home inspected for electrical, heating & cooling, roof, plumbing, wood destroying pests and other mechanical issues could cost you thousands after you have purchased the home.

I cannot think of a good reason to forgo a home inspection. As a real estate agent I certainly would not allow my parents buy a home without having the home inspected. Reasons buyers have decided not to have a home inspection have included time constraints, the cost of the inspection or someone they trusted gave them wrong advice. None of these reasons are valid. Taking the time, spending the money and ignoring bad advice now could prevent you from spending hours and thousands of dollars dealing with problems that could have been discovered and avoided.


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