August
2006
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August
2006
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Ocala
Dream Living Featured Homes MLS Search Email Home Search Price My Home Free Home Reports Links and Info FSBO Homes Out of State Realtors About Us In
This Issue:
Ocala Dream Living Links The Importance of a Home Inspection Don't Depend on "Do it Yourself" Approach Adjustable Rate Mortgages with
Caution
To Buy or Not to Buy Visit the Funny Farm Mortgage Calculators Local Information In My Garden Lupo's Pet News New York Times Books Contact Carol A Note from Patti July 2006 Newsletter Subscribe to Our Newsletter Just click here, hit send and start receiving the Ocala Dream Living Newsletter in your email every month. An email address is all that is required.  Ocala
Star Banner
Carol J. Van
Wagner
GRI, E-Pro
Coldwell
Banker Ellison
352-572-4259
 Hi,
my name is Patti, I am Carol's Virtual Assistant. If you have
information related to Ocala or Real Estate please email it to me, and
I will try and include it in the newsletter.
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by
Carol Van Wagner
Never underestimate the importance of a home inspection when you are seriously considering a piece of real estate. Hiring a licensed home inspector will relieve you of much anxiety further down the road. Your inspector will alert you to any potential problems now, saving you from unexpected expenses later. He can help you gauge the future costs of maintaining the house. The inspector will provide a consummate survey from top to bottom. The report will cover all fundamental components of a structure including construction, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems, roofing, floors and foundation. A thorough inspection will alert you to the areas that need attention prior to the sale. Following a visual examination of the property, an inspector will identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the infrastructure. A professional inspector can interpret details that often go undetected by the current occupants. An independent inspection also provides the added advantage of professional objectivity and allows you to know exactly what you are getting into when purchasing a home. ___________________________________________________________________ APPROACH
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES WITH CAUTION
by Carol Van Wagner
Keep in mind that the guaranteed low rate offered on ARMs usually applies only for the first few years. This may be an advantage for buyers who plan to keep a home for only two or three years. The lower monthly payments offered by an Adjustable Rate Mortgage make it possible for such buyers to purchase a more expensive home than they would otherwise be able to afford with a fixed-rate loan. But longer term, the buyer assumes much higher risk. Lenders factor in this risk. For example, some lenders may require marginal borrowers to qualify for a loan that is several percentage points above the initial rate of the ARM, or the lenders may charge special fees or “caps:” that increase the cost of the loan. If you are shopping for an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), you can get a measure of protection against rate increases by ensuring that your contract includes a limit on your future liability. Some ARMs put a cap on the payment, so that it will rise no higher that the maximum rate permitted by your contract. ____________________________________________________________________
 Gardening
Tips ___________________________________________
Coastal
and
Tropical South
In My Garden
by
Nellie Neal, Baton Rouge, LA
Cool Blues
On a hot
afternoon the colors in your garden can make the difference between it
feeling like an oasis or a mirage. For flowers, hardscape, and
furniture -- think blue! |
DON’T
DEPEND ON “DO-IT-YOURSELF”
by Carol Van Wagner While the American “do-it-yourself” approach has its advantages in many endeavors, it can cost you unnecessary time and money if you try to sell your home without professional assistance. The overwhelming majority of homes that sell, are listed with a real estate sales professional. In most markets, real estate agents are responsible for over 90 percent of successful real estate transactions. Rarely does anyone actually save money by selling their own home. By listing your home with a Realtor you are relieved of the costs of advertising your home, the inconvenience of showing your home to prospective buyers, and the time you might spend in talking to potential buyers who do not qualify to buy your home. In addition, your Realtor can help you realize the best price for your home and guide you through the complex legal process of transferring the title. ________________________________________
To Buy Or Not To
Buy; NAR Consumer Brochure Answers The Question
WASHINGTON (July 19, 2006) – Renting can cost
more
than seven times annually than owning, according to a newly revised
consumer education brochure from the National Association of
Realtors®.
The brochure, “Why rent when you can buy?” challenges certain
assumptions about renting versus buying and helps Realtors®
evaluate
with their clients and customers whether homeownership is right for
them.by realtor.org “Housing is a good investment, and owning a home makes sense
for a lot
of current renters, but many would-be homeowners are reluctant to take
those first steps,” said 2006 NAR President Thomas M. Stevens, senior
vice president of NRT Inc., from Vienna, Va. “Given their experience
with homebuyer concerns and insight into local markets, Realtors®
can
counsel consumers about their options and provide the information and
support people need to begin their journey toward homeownership.”
_____________________________________________Book News
 ___________________________________
New
York Times Book
Feed
Stay current on your reading. Winter is here, time to curl up under a blanket with a good book. This feed automatically updates, so check it often.
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Featured
Property $149,999 Visit the Funny Farm Our
fun page - featuring jokes, cartoons, puzzles, great funny pictures and
more. Laughter is truly the best medicine. So take a break,
have a laugh, and enjoy.
 How much will my mortgage be? To
calculate your monthly mortgage payments
quickly and easily, enter the loan amount, the interest rate and the
length of the loan. In seconds, you'll have an
estimate of your monthly house payment.
 For more calculators Try here 
LUPO'S NEWS Smelly Cat July 18, 2006 by Cat Age Companion Notice a persistent odor
coming from your kitty? It may be a sign of an underlying health
condition.
When a cat is ill, he often stops grooming himself. This can lead to infected ears, a matted appearance, bad breath, and other odors. For example, arthritis is one condition that can keep him from properly grooming himself. Obesity is another. If your kitty has an odor that is not helped by regular bathing with cat shampoo, visit your vet for a checkup.  Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler
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