Painting is a quick and easy way to liven up a listing. But some smart prep work can make a huge difference in the quality of the results. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready to list.
1.Get the surface ready.
You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you start painting. Remove any handprints, dirt, or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks.
2. Select a paint sheen and color.
Ah, the choices! Many paint stores are making it easier to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you can test the color at home and look for any variations in daylight and night. Lighting has a big effect on the way color appears. Remember: Higher sheen paints tend to offer more durability than flat paints, so use them in high-traffic areas. Stain or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth and depth than a flat paint. Consider a high sheen paint on the ceiling, which offers good reflection in the room.
3. Don’t go cheap on the paint.
It’s always tempting to save a buck, but it might not be worth it on paint. Painting is a big job, so you want the expense and quality to show. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a national painting education group, recommends purchasing top-quality acrylic latex interior paint, which will go on smoothly and allow for easy soap and water cleanups.
4. Choose the right paint tools.
If you’re using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap cover for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter the nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water-based paints.
Source: The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
How To Buy An Energy Efficient Home Appliance
You go shopping for a new refrigerator, and you’re on a budget. The best buy is the ’fridge with the lowest sales price, right? Not necessarily. If you buy the lowest-priced refrigerator, you may end up spending more than if you buy a more expensive one. The reason? The cost of owning a home appliance has three components: the initial purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it.
To figure out how much you’ll spend over the lifetime of the appliance, you have to look at all these costs. The appliance with the lowest initial purchase price, or even the one with the best repair record, isn’t necessarily the one that costs the least to operate. Here’s an example of how an appliance’s energy consumption can affect your out-of-pocket costs.
Suppose you’re in the market for a new refrigerator-freezer. Different models of refrigerators with the same capacity can vary dramatically in the amount of electricity they use. For one popular size and configuration, for example, the annual electricity consumption varies across models from a low of about 600 kilowatt-hours a year to a high of more than 800 kilowatt-hours a year. Based on national average electricity prices, that means the annual cost to operate this refrigerator can range from about $50 to $70, depending on which model you buy. A $20 difference in annual operating costs might not sound like much, but remember that you will enjoy these savings year after year for the life of the appliance, while you must pay any difference in purchase price only once. As a result, you may actually save money by buying the more expensive, more energy-efficient model.
You can learn about the energy efficiency of an appliance that you’re thinking about buying through the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label it displays. The Federal Trade Commission’s Appliance Labeling Rule requires appliance manufacturers to put these labels on:
• Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers
• Water heaters, furnaces, boilers
• Central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps
• Pool heaters
When you shop for one of these appliances in a dealer’s showroom, you should find the labels hanging on the inside of an appliance or secured to the outside. The law requires that the labels specify:
• The capacity of the particular model
• For refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters, the estimated annual energy consumption of the model
• For air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and pool heaters, the energy efficiency rating
• The range of estimated annual energy consumption, or energy efficiency ratings, of comparable appliances.
Some appliances also may feature the EnergyStar logo, which means that the appliance is significantly more energy efficient than the average comparable model. For more information on the EnergyStar program, operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, visit the EnergyStar website at www.energystar.gov
Source: Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Division of Consumer and Business Education
To figure out how much you’ll spend over the lifetime of the appliance, you have to look at all these costs. The appliance with the lowest initial purchase price, or even the one with the best repair record, isn’t necessarily the one that costs the least to operate. Here’s an example of how an appliance’s energy consumption can affect your out-of-pocket costs.
Suppose you’re in the market for a new refrigerator-freezer. Different models of refrigerators with the same capacity can vary dramatically in the amount of electricity they use. For one popular size and configuration, for example, the annual electricity consumption varies across models from a low of about 600 kilowatt-hours a year to a high of more than 800 kilowatt-hours a year. Based on national average electricity prices, that means the annual cost to operate this refrigerator can range from about $50 to $70, depending on which model you buy. A $20 difference in annual operating costs might not sound like much, but remember that you will enjoy these savings year after year for the life of the appliance, while you must pay any difference in purchase price only once. As a result, you may actually save money by buying the more expensive, more energy-efficient model.
You can learn about the energy efficiency of an appliance that you’re thinking about buying through the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label it displays. The Federal Trade Commission’s Appliance Labeling Rule requires appliance manufacturers to put these labels on:
• Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers
• Water heaters, furnaces, boilers
• Central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps
• Pool heaters
When you shop for one of these appliances in a dealer’s showroom, you should find the labels hanging on the inside of an appliance or secured to the outside. The law requires that the labels specify:
• The capacity of the particular model
• For refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters, the estimated annual energy consumption of the model
• For air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and pool heaters, the energy efficiency rating
• The range of estimated annual energy consumption, or energy efficiency ratings, of comparable appliances.
Some appliances also may feature the EnergyStar logo, which means that the appliance is significantly more energy efficient than the average comparable model. For more information on the EnergyStar program, operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, visit the EnergyStar website at www.energystar.gov
Source: Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Division of Consumer and Business Education
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tips to Lower Your Monthly Energy Bill
Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the energy you use. Here’s how you can cut energy waste without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
• Move your refrigerator if it’s near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents. Vacuum the coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that reduces efficiency. Check the door gaskets for air leaks. Defrost the freezer when more than a quarter-inch of ice builds up.
• Scrape but don’t pre-rinse dishes by hand if you have a dishwasher that automatically pre-rinses or has a rinse/hold cycle. Use the “energy saver” option found on many machines.
• Use pots that fit the size of your stove-top burners. Use lids on your pots and pans so you can cook at a lower burner setting.
• Match the water level and temperature settings on your clothes washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the whole tub for a few small items.
• Clean your clothes dryer filters after each use or as necessary.
• Ensure that the temperature on your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Some thermostats are preset at the factory to 140 degrees.
Source: Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Division of Consumer and Business Education
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Lighting Energy Saving Tips
We should all be concerned about saving energy as it benefits everyone in many ways. So start saving your share of energy by utilizing these great lighting tips.
Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates 10% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used.
Indoor Lighting
Use linear fluorescent tubes and energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last about 6 to 12 times longer. Today’s CFLs offer brightness and color rendition that is comparable to incandescent bulbs. Although linear fluorescent and CFLs cost a bit more than incandescent bulbs initially, over their lifetime they are cheaper because of how little electricity they use. CFL lighting fixtures are now available that are compatible with dimmers and operate like incandescent fixtures.
Indoor Lighting Tips
• Be sure to buy ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs.
- They will save you about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime.
- Producing about 75% less heat, they are safer to operate and can cut home cooling costs.
- Visit www.energystar.gov to find the right light bulbs for your fixtures. They are available in sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture.
- They provide the greatest savings in fixtures that are on for a long time each day. The best fixtures to use qualified CFLs in are usually found in your family and living rooms, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and outdoors.
• Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures. They are available in many styles including table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options for front porches, dining rooms, bathroom vanity fixtures, and more.
• ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures distribute light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures and they deliver convenient features such as dimming on some indoor models. • Controls such as timers and photo cells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with CFL bulbs; not all products work with CFLs.
• When remodeling, look for recessed downlights, or “cans”, that are rated for contact with insulation (IC rated).
• Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.
• If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, consider replacing them with compact fluorescent torchieres. Compact fluorescent torchieres use 60% to 80% less energy and do not get as hot as halogen torchieres.
Outdoor Lighting
Many homeowners use outdoor lighting for decoration and security. When shopping for outdoor lights, you will find a variety of products, from low-voltage pathway lighting to motion-detector floodlights. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, thrive in outdoor environments because of their durability and performance in cold weather. Look for ENERGY STAR LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, and porch lights for outdoor use.
Outdoor Lighting Tips
• Because outdoor lights are usually left on a long time, using CFLs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Most bare spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather.
• CFLs are also available as flood lights. These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures. Most though, cannot be used with motion detectors.
• Look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors.
LED – A New Kind of Light
Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, offer better light quality than incandescent bulbs, last 25 times as long, and use even less energy than CFLs. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified LED products at home improvement centers and lighting showrooms.
Source: NAR Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home
Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates 10% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used.
Indoor Lighting
Use linear fluorescent tubes and energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last about 6 to 12 times longer. Today’s CFLs offer brightness and color rendition that is comparable to incandescent bulbs. Although linear fluorescent and CFLs cost a bit more than incandescent bulbs initially, over their lifetime they are cheaper because of how little electricity they use. CFL lighting fixtures are now available that are compatible with dimmers and operate like incandescent fixtures.
Indoor Lighting Tips
• Be sure to buy ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs.
- They will save you about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime.
- Producing about 75% less heat, they are safer to operate and can cut home cooling costs.
- Visit www.energystar.gov to find the right light bulbs for your fixtures. They are available in sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture.
- They provide the greatest savings in fixtures that are on for a long time each day. The best fixtures to use qualified CFLs in are usually found in your family and living rooms, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and outdoors.
• Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures. They are available in many styles including table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options for front porches, dining rooms, bathroom vanity fixtures, and more.
• ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures distribute light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures and they deliver convenient features such as dimming on some indoor models. • Controls such as timers and photo cells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with CFL bulbs; not all products work with CFLs.
• When remodeling, look for recessed downlights, or “cans”, that are rated for contact with insulation (IC rated).
• Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.
• If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, consider replacing them with compact fluorescent torchieres. Compact fluorescent torchieres use 60% to 80% less energy and do not get as hot as halogen torchieres.
Outdoor Lighting
Many homeowners use outdoor lighting for decoration and security. When shopping for outdoor lights, you will find a variety of products, from low-voltage pathway lighting to motion-detector floodlights. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, thrive in outdoor environments because of their durability and performance in cold weather. Look for ENERGY STAR LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, and porch lights for outdoor use.
Outdoor Lighting Tips
• Because outdoor lights are usually left on a long time, using CFLs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Most bare spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather.
• CFLs are also available as flood lights. These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures. Most though, cannot be used with motion detectors.
• Look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors.
LED – A New Kind of Light
Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, offer better light quality than incandescent bulbs, last 25 times as long, and use even less energy than CFLs. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified LED products at home improvement centers and lighting showrooms.
Source: NAR Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Some Simple Tips to Help Build Your Confidence
1. Stop worrying and take action on the things you have control over and the confidence will come.
2. Find a mentor who is already a confident person and model them.
3. Act “as if” you already were confident and before long it will become a habit.
4. To get want you want, many times you have to ask for it. So believe in yourself and that people truly do want to help you with your goals and your confidence will grow.
5. When doing something for the first time, just imagine that you have already done it by thinking it, feeling it and seeing it happen in your mind’s eye. Your confidence will increase.
6. Get rid of that negative internal voice of fear with help through meditation. Tell yourself to allow only positive thoughts to enter and form a positive internal voice. Your confidence level will soar.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Las Vegas Economy: When Will It Bounce Back?
Las Vegas Economy: When Will It Bounce Back? This is the big question that everyone who lives, works, does business or invests in Las Vegas wants a difinitive answer to. Many different experts have many different opinions as to the future of Las Vegas. We have to look for the good in every situation. So, I tend to lean on the more positive side and agree with the expert in this article, that we will see it bounce back sooner rather than later.
LAS VEGAS, NV -- The recent spike in homeowners foreclosing on their properties, businesses closing their doors, and people losing their jobs has us all wondering when things will turn around. One expert thinks it will be sooner rather than later.
Don Burnham flies around the country buying up bargain properties. He lives in Florida and has his sights set on Las Vegas. He says our market has reached bottom and believes it will bounce up by the beginning of next year. When Burnham looks at Las Vegas, he sees a sure bet.
"When do you want to get involved, you want to get involved when it hits the bottom and comes up," Burnham said. He says there is no question Las Vegas housing and the economy has hit the bottom. In fact, he feels so strongly that he says if you buy real estate in Las Vegas right now, you cannot lose.
"When do you want to get involved, you want to get involved when it hits the bottom and comes up," Burnham said. He says there is no question Las Vegas housing and the economy has hit the bottom. In fact, he feels so strongly that he says if you buy real estate in Las Vegas right now, you cannot lose.
The demand for homes is a big reason why he says home values will shoot up at the beginning of next year. He also feels the Las Vegas economy will surge too. "Remember you had a pent up demand, there were a ton of people in Vegas who rented because they could not afford it during the boom. Now they can afford it," Burnham.
Applied Analysis Principal Jeremy Aguero looks at the local economy for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority. He's a little more cautious. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that we have a 13% unemployment rate. How many people are near foreclosure in this valley? We estimate that at about 100,000 people," Aguero said. Aguero admits some positive financial signs are starting to show like the number of home sales increasing each of the last three months. "Right now what is encouraging is that we have two offsetting factors, where six months ago we had one factor, down," Aguero added. Aguero says in the second half of 2010 we will start to see increases in home values as well as the economy. Both Aguero and Burnham agree it will happen; it's a matter of when.
So, the real estate investor says home prices and our economy will significantly increase in the beginning of next year. The analyst says the end of next year. In this case the million dollar question is -- who do you believe?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
All Homes Aren't Created Equal - What's Your Architectural Style?
There are many different kinds of architectural home styles. Like people, architectural styles have a personality all their own. So if possible and depending the stage of life and affordability we are in, we are more likely to pick a style home that either compliments or is much like our personality style. There are so many styles of homes to suit the needs and wants of everyone in every country. For example: Some architectural style homes are more popular then others and some styles are only found in one country or a specific part or region of a country. Certain architectural style homes require more maintenance then others, while other styles are more suited for children and families. Some styles are flat, plain or curved and some have ornate designs. Although I have lived in several different architectural style homes, the style that most compliments my personality is more Victorian, French Provincial or Neo-Classical. Here are just a few of the more common architectural home styles. Which one do you think is most suited to your personality?
Colonial (1700-1850) This period style features a rectangular, symmetrical design and a simple formality.
Contemporary (1965-present) "Contemporary architecture" refers to today's diverse building types.
Cape Cod (1600's - 1930-1950) Early American settlers developed this northeastern U.S. style, which is known for its gabled roof and plain front.
Victorian (1840-1910) "Victorian" refers to several ornate architectural styles that developed during the Victorian era.
Art Deco (1925-1940) A mix of smooth swirls, curves and high-gloss finishes, Art Deco style evokes 1930s movie-star glamour.
Spanish Colonial (1890-1930) This style shows strong Latin influences and fosters a connection to nature.
Modern (1905-1965) The broad term "modern" includes several mid-20th-century architectural styles.
Neo-Classical (1885-1925) Recalling the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassical homes are formal and timeless.
Tudor Revival (1890-1950) Half-timbered exteriors, steep roofs and gables mark the Tudor Revival style.
Ranch (1930-1980) Single-story, open ranch homes are modeled after the casual style of true Western homes.
Picture above is from www.frontdoor.com and is Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia, the most famous neo-classical architectural style home. You can find more information on the different architectual style homes on www.frontdoor.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Future is Looking Grand in the Desert
The City Center project, specifically Aria Resort & Casino is due to be revealed in December 2009. In the midst of all the negative publicity, this is very positive news for the future of Las Vegas as it brings revenue, jobs and investors. So, I thought that it was necessary to share the following more positive Las Vegas article:
Gambling casino’s are loosing money from Atlantic City to Vegas and every where in between. Gaming Centers Nationwide are tightening up on their budgets to get through the next year or so of tough economic times. It’s no surprise with the economy in the state that it is in; budget tightening is hurting not only the gambling industry but also in the towns where they are located.
Leave it up to MGM to bring not only revenue to Vegas but also jobs. MGM is spending around $9.1 billion for the massive City Center project which is due to go live by the end of 2009. This city within a city has anything and everything do whether it is shopping, gambling, lodging, golf, sports, dining, you name it, and the City Center has it, a city with in a city that sustains itself with no help from the outside.
Analysts are predicting that the economical recession will more than likely subside in 2010 and right in that time frame city center will have brought at least 12,000 new jobs into Las Vegas, bringing the city back on track and enjoying the economic booms that it had before the recession happened.
Some say that, believe it or not, this is the time to be investing into Las Vegas. Las Vegas homes are very cheap at this time and realtors can’t even give the houses away. The new project will more than likely bring more upscale gamblers and visitors back into Las Vegas. The future is looking just grand in the desert.
Source - EarlyVegas.com/citycenter
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Buyers Rush to Beat the Tax Credit Deadline
Update on the federal goverment's $8,000 tax credit as the deadline approaches:
Buyers Rush to Beat Tax Credit Deadline
Real estate professionals report that first-time home buyers are flooding the sale market, pressed to finalize a deal before the federal government's $8,000 tax credit offer expires on Nov. 30. Because mortgage approvals, residential inspections, and other steps in the buying process typically take about two months, buyers hoping to take advantage of the incentive will need to have a contract by the end of September. The new flurry of activity now as house-hunters try to meet the deadline is triggering bidding wars and energizing the property market, which historically is slow at the end of summer. As a result, more homes are getting their full asking price.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Kathleen Lynn (08/14/09)
Buyers Rush to Beat Tax Credit Deadline
Real estate professionals report that first-time home buyers are flooding the sale market, pressed to finalize a deal before the federal government's $8,000 tax credit offer expires on Nov. 30. Because mortgage approvals, residential inspections, and other steps in the buying process typically take about two months, buyers hoping to take advantage of the incentive will need to have a contract by the end of September. The new flurry of activity now as house-hunters try to meet the deadline is triggering bidding wars and energizing the property market, which historically is slow at the end of summer. As a result, more homes are getting their full asking price.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Kathleen Lynn (08/14/09)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Experts Say Now Is The Time To Buy
Many investment experts advise it's time to buy. With prices falling, it is a once-in-a-generation chance to load up on property, they say. How much of an investment portfolio should be devoted to real estate? David Swensen, who manages Yale University's endowment, says 20 percent is a smart number. One possibility is real estate investment trusts (REITs), which, despite the fact that they are slashing dividends to conserve cash, are still paying average yields of 7.3 percent. That’s double the yield on Treasurys. Should a home be part of the equation? Michael Kirby, founder of Green Street Advisors, says no. "You should own a house to provide shelter," says Kirby. "In a way, it's not an investment, and it's not part of your investment portfolio. It's really just a living expense. By owning a house you are prepaying rent."
Source: Forbes (08/03/2009)
*With homes at their lowest price in years in Las Vegas, now is definitely the time to buy and I can help! www.jennenesvegasrealestate.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Warning! Fraudulant Property Tax Reduction Service
I am in the business of buying and selling real estate and I am also a homeowner in Las Vegas, Nevada. Therefore I have an interest in and a concern for, keeping myself and others informed about information relating to real estate. So, I wanted to post on my blog some important information regarding the surfacing of some recent fraudulant activity, relating to property taxes for homeowners.
I recently received a document in the mail that immediately became a red flag for me. I did some research and found out that it was a scam. Later I also received a notice from the GLVAR stating that it was confirmed by the Nevada Attorney General's office that it was indeed a FRAUD. It is important to me that I share this information in an effort to forewarn others not only within the Clark County region, but with everyone everywhere. Apparently these types of letters are surfacing in other states across the country too. Therefore, the following is more detailed information regarding the letter that I received and that was confirmed to be a FRAUD SERVICE:
The document states it is a: 2009 Property Tax Reduction Form -It states it was sent from: PROPERTY TAX REVIEW BOARD - Not a Government Agency - REGIONAL PROCESSING CENTER - PO BOX 98258 LAS VEGAS, NV 89193-8258 - (800) 581-0628
The form states in bold boxed letters "Notice for Clark County Property Owners" and it is designed to appear legitimite and to create a sense of urgency. There is an "estimated savings" box in the top right hand corner of the form, along with a due date. The service claims to be able to reduce your Annual Property Tax bill by a huge savings. An upfront fee of $189.00 is required and stated on the form. There is a frequently asked questions section on the back of the letter. There is also a deadline date and return envelope included for the fee.
Again, the Nevada Attorney General's Office states that this service is a FRAUD and has surfaced in numerous states. So please warn your family, friends, colleagues and clients about this document form.
I recently received a document in the mail that immediately became a red flag for me. I did some research and found out that it was a scam. Later I also received a notice from the GLVAR stating that it was confirmed by the Nevada Attorney General's office that it was indeed a FRAUD. It is important to me that I share this information in an effort to forewarn others not only within the Clark County region, but with everyone everywhere. Apparently these types of letters are surfacing in other states across the country too. Therefore, the following is more detailed information regarding the letter that I received and that was confirmed to be a FRAUD SERVICE:
The document states it is a: 2009 Property Tax Reduction Form -It states it was sent from: PROPERTY TAX REVIEW BOARD - Not a Government Agency - REGIONAL PROCESSING CENTER - PO BOX 98258 LAS VEGAS, NV 89193-8258 - (800) 581-0628
The form states in bold boxed letters "Notice for Clark County Property Owners" and it is designed to appear legitimite and to create a sense of urgency. There is an "estimated savings" box in the top right hand corner of the form, along with a due date. The service claims to be able to reduce your Annual Property Tax bill by a huge savings. An upfront fee of $189.00 is required and stated on the form. There is a frequently asked questions section on the back of the letter. There is also a deadline date and return envelope included for the fee.
Again, the Nevada Attorney General's Office states that this service is a FRAUD and has surfaced in numerous states. So please warn your family, friends, colleagues and clients about this document form.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
House Extends High Limits for Federal Loans
Here is some good news worth sharing for prospecitive home buyers and families facing foreclosure:The House Appropriations Committee approved an extension of the $729,750 loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal Housing Administration financing in high-cost areas through September 2010. Without this extension, the loan limits revert at the end of the year to $417,000 in the highest-cost areas. The spending bill also would extend FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage reverse mortgage program for seniors. And it provides $70 million to continue pre-purchase counseling for prospective home buyers and counseling for families facing foreclosure.
Source: Inman News (07/21/2009)© Copyright 2009 Information Inc.
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