As recently as a few months ago, if you would have told a real estate agent who specialized in short sales that they’d be raving about a lender’s stellar service and rapid approval times—not to mention significant cash incentives for financially strapped homeowners for pursuing a short sale—you’d have gotten some strange looks.

That’s all changed.  And it’s changed faster and to a greater extent than most real estate professionals ever could have imagined.

With a glut of bank-owned properties dragging down the recovery of the real estate market, as well as the national economy, major lenders are more eager than ever before to avoid foreclosure. So they’ve sharpened their focus on short sales. Big time.

The biggest lenders in the country have staffed up to ensure rapid processing of short sale applications. They’ve ponied up with cash incentives at closing for homeowners who pursue a short sale. And they’re proactively reaching out to CDPE agents and putting them in touch with delinquent borrowers.

This is big news and the media has not really caught onto it yet. What’s important for you to know is that whatever you’ve read or heard in the past about long lag times and frustrations with short sales is probably no longer the case.

As a member of the CDPEAdvanced community, I’m tapped into major lenders and on top of major developments affecting short sales and bank-owned properties.  I invite you to visit my website at www.straight2help.com to learn more and feel free to contact me any time at 727-216-9441 or email me at straight2sold@kw.com  if you or anyone you know is struggling with an unmanageable mortgage.

*Open House*

Belleair Beach!!!

Date: Sunday, October 2nd

Time: 1pm-4pm

Dennis Straight As Your Host

MLS # U7519417

2 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

1,390 Sq Ft

2900 Gulf Blvd #110 Belleair Beach FL 33786

Linda and Dennis Straight

(Office)727-216-9441

(Cell)727-423-7826

Straight2sold@kw.com

Straight2sold.com

The Straight Team

 Socializing on the web has become a way of life for many older children and teens. 40% of young people visit websites like Facebook or MySpace on a typical day, and those who do hang out for an average of almost 1 hour.

The Potential for Problems

Many kids learn the hard way that over-sharing on the web can lead to real-life ramifications, but parents can suggest that they think carefully before posting personal information about themselves and others. It can even be risky to post certain facts about their families, such as when they will be out of town on vacation. Some teens suffer as a result of harassment by individuals or groups who could be mistreating them both at school and online; parents may want to watch for signs of cyber bullying, which has become more common. Children should also understand the danger that could be involved if they agree to meet a stranger in person. www.facecrooks.com/blog/

 If you have a profile on the same website, consider connecting to your child’s page so you can get a realistic idea of their interactions. If not ask to see their profiles from time to time. Parents who want to employ strict monitoring can rely on software or online services to catch any unacceptable online behavior. www.kidlogger.com

  Teachers, Coaches college admissions officials and potential employers have been known to check out the online profile of students, so teens should remain aware that inappropriate photos, updates and associations could be scrutinized and possibly impact their opportunities in the future.

                                                  Under Watchful Eye-

76% of parents who have Facebook profiles are linked to those of their children – and it’s a non-negotiable rule in 41% of households. Despite their monitoring efforts, 33% of parents said they still worry about what their children might be up to online. Not surprisingly, 30% of kids said they would choose to “unfriend” their parents if they could.

Parents, protect your children by how often they are allowed online and by monitoring what they do on it.

But first:

Get a Budget – Know Where Your Money Is Going

  By analyzing what you spend and how you spend it, you’ll find money that is not being out to good use.

Know where you stand:  A budget helps to identify whether you are living within your means by comparing you’re spending to your income. A budget will show you where you could cut your expenses and where best to relocate that money.

Know where you are going:  Once you know what your lifestyle costs, you can determine how much you will need to save for future events and emergencies. Evaluate you budget often. It will help remind you of your plan keep track of your progress and motivate you to keep working toward reaching your goals.

Research Options- Know What Things Cost

  By becoming informed about the product you want, you will be able to make a more educated purchasing decision.

Purchase with confidence:  Be assured in what you are buying by thoroughly researching how much the product should cost before making the big purchase.

Read product reviews: To make sure that you get a quality product that meets your needs, read what others who own the product have to say. Consider waiting a few weeks to make your purchase until you find a coupon or rebate, or wait until the product goes on sale to get the best deal. 30% of eligible consumers FAILED to apply for product rebates. 21% of those who DID apply never received a rebate (turned down due to technicality or didn’t follow up).

Negotiate – Know How to Make Deals

Negotiating is a great way to save money, as long as you use it to purchase items you truly need. Don’t just buy things because you were able to get a good deal on them. Decide the maximum amount you are willing to pay. If the price, terms or risk is too high, reevaluate. Most salespeople can sense the “got to have it now” buyer.

Talk to the right person: Always make sure the person whom you are negotiating with has to power to bargain. An unqualified person may not know the price is negotiable. Do your research ahead of time and you’ll know what a good deal looks like.

What you pay for homeowners insurance depends on age, location, type of residence, proximity to a fire department, the deductible amount and scope of coverage. Here are some tips to help loosen the squeeze on your wallet while still receiving the best coverage to meet your needs.

Here are some effective ways to lower your insurance premium without lowering your coverage.

• Check out online resources. Go to The Department of Insurance website for your state to make an educated comparison of various insurance companies.
• Compare quotes from at least 3 different insurance companies to determine which one has the best coverage and premium.
• Consider using one insurer for all your needs. Some companies offer a multi policy discount if you buy auto, life and health insurance policies from them as well.
• Consider a higher deductible. Increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your premium.
• Check for Government-backed rates. Some areas at high risk for natural disasters offer Government-backed loans with lower rates.
• Check to see if you belong to any groups or organizations that could get you a lower rate. Common examples include alumni associations and service clubs.

 Homeowners insurance comes in several different forms, depending on the type of residency you occupy. Here are 6 standard policies to choose from.

 Know your options:

HO-1 is very basic coverage, insuring against fire or lightning damage.

HO-2 is called “broad coverage” and includes everything in HO-1 as well as building collapse, falling objects, weight of snow, ice or sleet, rupture or bursting of steam or hot water systems and freezing of or accidental discharge of water or steam within plumbing, heating or air conditioning.

HO-3 is refered to as “special” coverage and is the policy most homeowners purchase: this policy insures your home and detached structures against loss or damage from any peril except for those specifically excluded in the policy.

HO-4 is a tenants policy that insures your household contents and personal belongings against the perils covered in the HO-2 policy, as well as additional living expenses, medical payments and liability protection.

HO-6 covers a condominium unit-owner who wishes to insure items not covered by the association policy, as well as the personal property inside the unit and personal liability protection.

HO-8 is the “older home” policy. Having an older home may preclude you from being able to buy a standard policy: you may have to buy a modified policy instead. This means that the policy will pay for todays standard building materials and processes to replace older period materials that are often found in older homes.

(Dont be afraid to ask questions to ensure that you get the right policy at the best price)

Some tips from,

The Straight Team 

Keller Williams Gulfside Realty

There are many ways your home can save energy. There are inexpensive strategies to help save energy in your home, such as lowering thermostats and replacing air filters. In this article, some of the options to help save energy in your home – such as replacing appliances and lighting – may be more costly initially, but read on. With tax credits, rebate programs, proper operation and the energy saved over time, you’ll find you save money, recouping the costs through the life of your more energy efficient products.

Why all the fuss about Energy Star appliances?

Dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, etc. labeled ôEnergy Starö have met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Energy Star designation was developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. The label also makes it easy for consumers to identify energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features and comfort.

What is energy efficient lighting?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), halogen incandescent and light-emitting diodes comprise energy efficient lighting and light your home for less money. In fact, they can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50 to 75 percent over time. Lighting controls also allow you to use energy more efficiently. You can learn more about energy efficient lighting from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Does dimming save energy?

Yes! Dimmer controls provide variable indoor lighting, reducing wattage and output, which helps save energy. Dimmers for incandescent fixtures are inexpensive and extend their service life.

Can I really save energy at home by turning off unused electronics?

Yes, you can turn off computer to save energy, but you’ll save more energy if you take the extra step of unplugging it completely. Believe it or not, your electronic gadgets, appliances (even the most energy efficient ones), power tools and power adapters continue to use standby power even after you’ve turned them off. On average, they account for five to 10 percent of your home energy use! You’ll save energy in your home – and up to $100 per year on your utility bill – by pulling the plug.

Do I qualify for the energy efficient appliance consumer rebate program?

In 2009 and 2010, rebates were being funded with $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. While your purchase of more efficient appliances may have qualified for a rebate under programs approved by the Department of Energy, a number of states have closed their programs and are no longer accepting applications.

However, there are still programs in place across the country, offering rebates for appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dish washers, air conditioners, water heaters and furnaces. These programs remain open for a variety of reasons, such as funds initially reserved not being processed and, in some instances, additional funding becoming available. Go to appliance rebate programs to see if your state still has a program in place. You’ll save energy and money by participating in an energy efficient appliance consumer rebate program.

Are funds still available through the Energy Star appliance government rebate program?

Yes! Partners of Energy Star, which is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, sometimes have special offers such as tax credits and rebates on qualified products. Go to special offers to see if your Energy Star appliance is eligible for one where you live.

Can I cash in on the federal stimulus for energy saving appliances?

As mentioned earlier, rebate programs in many states have closed. Go to appliance rebate programs to see if your state still has a program in place.

However, federal tax credits are still available if you make energy efficient improvements in your home. Go to tax credits to see if you can receive credits for improvements such as insulation, roofs, doors, air conditioners and water heaters. Restrictions do apply, so carefully read the fine print.

Another excellent resource for federal, state, local and utility incentives is the U.S. Department of Energy’s Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, or DSIRE.

Special incentive and rebate programs change. While some programs no longer have funding, it’s quite possible that more will be found as time goes on and the need for energy efficiency increases. Be sure to check the resources listed frequently to get the latest information. You might find that you will be eligible for an energy efficient appliance consumer rebate program after all.

 We are here to help!

The Straight Team

Linda, Dennis and Ryan Straight

727-216-9441

www.straight2sold.com

Here are a few Tips:

  Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.

  If you are staying locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

  Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.

  Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.

  Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.

  Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

  Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

  Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.

  Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.

  Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes

  Refill your prescriptions. Make sure you have at least a one-week supply.

  Fill your car’s gas tank. Have the oil, water and tires checked. Gas pumps cannot operate during power outages. Place emergency items inside like booster cables, tire repair kit and spare tire, flashlight with extra batteries
and matches.

  If your home may flood, stack valuable items and cover them with plastic.

  Get cash. Credit cards may not work. ATM’s my not be operable.

  Secure your boat and make arrangements for your pets early.When a Hurricane Watch is issued, a storm may affect our area within 36 hours.

  Contact family members to coordinate efforts and exchange plan information.

  Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.

  Freeze drinking water in plastic jugs.

  Stock up on an emergency water supply. Sterilize bathtub, jugs, bottles, utensils and containers.

  Set up 5-gallon buckets with tight-fitting lids for use as emergency toilets. Line each bucket with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.

  Install shutters or precut plywood over windows.

  Drop the water level in your pool by 1 or 2 feet. Shock the pool with extra chlorine to compensate for heavy rains.

  Turn off the pool pump. Put outdoor furniture and pool equipment into the pool, but remove after the storm passes to prevent rusting.

  Listen for weather updates and information on local TV or radio. The NOAA Weather Radio is a reliable source. Turn to PCC-TV, Your County Connection, to receive the latest official Pinellas-specific information. Don’t rely on rumors and speculation.

Remember it is important to be prepared and to have a plan before the hurricane hits!

 We are here to help,

Switch your lightbulbs: This is probably the easiest fix. Simply change your lightbulbs from regular incandescent bulbs to the ones with more ecofriendly fluorescents. While it is true that they cost a little extra to buy initially, they tend to have a longer lifespan than regular bulbs, and they draw less electricity. This makes them not only worth the extra cost at purchase, but saves you money in the long run.

Change your water flow: You would be surprised how many gallons of water you are using during each shower, and each time you flush the toilet. Cut down on both your eco footprint and your utility bill by changing your flow. Switch your toilet to a low flow toilet, and change you shower head to a low flow. Again, extra money right back in your pocket as well as being earth friendly, whats not to like?

Solar Power: This is one of the highest cost options at purchase, but the options are limitless. When you harness solar energy, you can power practically anything. If you are very interested in keeping your bills as low as possible, you have the option to make your entire house run off of solar energy. This is a large task. I suggest starting off with smaller projects such as solar-powered cell phone chargers, pool heaters, hot water tanks ect. All of these cut your budget. If you do feel like going completely solar is the best option for you, once you start to create enough energy that it will power more than just your house the electric company will start to pay you. And that is just a good idea any way you look at it.

                                                                                                                 Dennis Straight

            727-216-9441

                                                                                                  Straight2sold@kw.com

Local Distressed Property Expert Provides Guidance for Homeowners Trying to Avoid Foreclosure

Informative online report details foreclosure alternatives for homeowners facing unaffordable mortgage payments in Tampa Bay, Florida

Largo,  Florida – August 3^rd 2011 – Local CDPE-designated agent, Dennis Straight of Keller Williams Gulfside Realty has released a new report that provides 10 foreclosure solutions that can be used to avoid the costly effects of foreclosure. The report titled “At the End of Your Rope? 10 solutions for alleviating the stress of an unaffordable mortgage!” provides information for homeowners dealing with the stress of possible foreclosure.

“It’s incredibly stressful for homeowners to take action when they are faced with foreclosure,” Straight said.  “The reality is that over 6 million Americans missed a mortgage payment in April, so people should understand they are not alone.”

This community resource is available at www.straight2help.com In addition to providing more information about the alternatives to foreclosure, the report explains ten foreclosure alternatives that a homeowner can take advantage of like a loan modification or short sale.

A short sale occurs when a lender allows a homeowner to sell a property for less than the current mortgage amount owed.

“There are many alternatives to foreclosure that a distressed homeowner can choose from Straight said. “I can help tailor a solution that best fits the needs of distressed homeowners and gets them back on track to financial stability.”

The CDPE Designation that Straight has acquired provides a specific understanding of the complex issues confronting distressed homeowners.  Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPE-designated agents are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing financial hardship in today’s market.

To learn more, visit www.straight2help.com

For more information about the CDPE Designation, visit www.CDPE.com.

Keller Williams Gulfside Realty