Cape Coral Police have a website where you can map criminal incidents.

Check out www.CapeCops.com

The Cape Coral Police Department says the map is updated in real time and includes assaults, homicides, thefts, robberies & burglaries, and other misc crimes.

Thanks Cape Coral Police for doing a fantastic job of keeping our City safe and keeping us informed.

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA)

Wow!  New Housing Guidelines announced yesterday by the Obama Administration….
–Allows borrowers to receive pre-approved short sale terms before they list the property
-Prohibits servicers from requiring a reduction in commission (up to a certain percent)
-Requires borrowers to be fully released from future liability for the 1st mtg debt
-Provided financial incentives: 1,500 for borrower relocation assistance, 1,000 for servicers to cover admin and processing costs, and $1,000 for investors.
Program does not take effect until 4/5/10 but servicers may implement it before then if they meet certain requirements.  Program expires 12/31/12
What do you think about them apples?…

Next, choose the right professional. A Realtor can help you better understand the selling process. My job is to handle all the details and ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly. Then, as you prepare to sell your property there are usually some simple improvements that can be done which will help you get the most for your house and help it sell quickly. I will help you focus on the things that buyers are looking for. Of course, Marketing and Networking.

It’s all about getting the best price. A combination of a solid marketing plan, targeted media exposure, and networking (getting the buzz out there) will bring in the right buyers.I use my local knowledge of home values and my expertise in pricing, negotiation, and marketing to help you with these steps and get you the right price for your property.

2. Date of possession. See if the date the buyer wants to move in is reasonable for you.

3. The earnest money. Look for the largest earnest-money deposit possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out, a large deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.

4. Fixtures and personal property. Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it’s acceptable.

5. Repairs. Determine what the requested repairs will cost and whether you’re willing to do the work or would rather lower the price by that amount.

6. Contingencies. See what other factors the buyer wants met before the contract is final—inspections, selling a home, obtaining a mortgage, review of the contract by an attorney. Set time limits on contingencies so that they won’t drag on and keep your sale from becoming final.

7. The contract expiration date. See how long you have to make a decision on the offer.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Warranties for any items left in the house.

A list of local service providers—the best dry cleaner, yard service, etc.

Garage door opener.

Extra sets of house keys.

Code to burglar alarm and phone number of monitoring service if not discontinued.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2. Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.

3. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.

4. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.

5. Cancel the newspaper.

6. Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.

7. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

8. Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.

9. Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.

10. Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most—toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you’re moving out of town:

1. Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.

2. Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.

3. Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.

4. Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.

5. Let a friend or relative know your route.

6. Carry traveler’s checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.

7. Empty your safety deposit box.

8. Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold weather.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath.

Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell.

Set the table with pretty dishes and candles.

Buy a fresh doormat with a clever saying.

Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.

Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.

Lay a fire in the fireplace. Or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

Depersonalize the rooms by putting away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork.

Turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes to make the lawn sparkle.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesn’t fill up.

Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.

Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let the salesperson know where to find them.

Leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2. Get your house market-ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller.

4. Be ready for the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.

5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

Clean your gutters.

Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

1. Check with your city government to see if you need a permit or license.

2. See if neighbors want to participate and have a “block” sale to attract more visitors.

3. Advertise. Put an ad in free classified papers, and put up signs and balloons at major intersections and in stores near your home.

4. Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, yard sales are supposed to be bargains, so don’t try to sell anything of significant value this way.

5. Check items before the sale to be sure you haven’t including something you want by mistake. 6. Keep pets away from the sale.

7. Display everything neatly and individually so customers don’t have to dig through boxes. 8. Have an electrical outlet so buyers can test appliances.

9. Have plenty of bags and newspaper for wrapping fragile items.

10. Get enough change, and keep a close eye on your cash.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2. Have a termite inspection to prove to buyers that the property is not infested.

3. Get a pre-sale home inspection so you’ll be able to make repairs before buyers become concerned and cancel a contract.

4. Gather together warranties and guarantees on the furnace, appliances, and other items that will remain with the house.

5. Fill out a disclosure form provided by your sales associate. Take the time to be sure that you don’t forget problems, however minor, that might create liability.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows and cut down on light.

2. Buy a new doormat.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Put new doorknobs on your doors.

5. Put a fresh coating on your driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walks and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools out of site.

8. Be sure kids put away their toys.

9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade the outside lighting.

11. Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.

12. Polish or replace your house numbers.

13. Clean your gutters.

14. Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.

15. Buy new pillows for the sofa.

16. Buy a flowering plant and put it in a window you pass by frequently.

17. Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.

18. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.

19. Buy new towels.

20. Put a seasonal wreath on your door.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®