Kathy Hyatt

Is Saving Money, Worth the Risk?

Is Saving Money, Worth the Risk?

I'll be the first to admit it.  It seems like a really good idea, trying to sell your house by yourself.  As the Homeowner, who knows your house better than you?  The Layout, what Improvements you have completed and how Great  the  Neighbors are and in the process save yourself from having to pay anywhere from 6% to 8% commission.  So, Who needs a Realtor??   YOU DO!!

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It’s a known and downright scary fact. Thieves love “For Sale by Owner” signs. It gives them the chance to look around, freely, to see where your doors are, what kinds of locks you have, Where your electronics are, where the jewelry is, what they can take, quickly and easily. Oh, they certainly look legitimate. They know what they are doing. They won’t come in Looking like Thieves with stockings on their heads. They want you to suspect nothing. Just “respectable people looking to buy your home”…They’ve done this before, and know exactly what to do.

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How about the Reality of "Child Predators" entering your house?  AS they walk around the inside of your house they are really checking out the Children's Rooms and trying to figure out what their names are or what they like. So here are 2 words.            BE CAREFUL!

There are just too many tragic stories, so what can a FSBO do to stay safe?  An idea that I would suggest would be to request to see potential Visitors Driver’s Licenses and tell them you are going to record the information. It may be a hassle and make you seem pushy, but it may help prevent this risk, at least somewhat.

·       There are also other things to consider, like what kind of impression do you think Buyers have when they see a FSBO sign in your yard?  Your typical Buyer will figure right off the bat that they can cut 6% off the Sales Price before they even walk in the door and start negotiating downward from that point on. 

·       Most Homeowners will only sell 3 or maybe 4 houses in their lifetime.  Realtors are trained in the fine of art of negotiating and are Experts at regularly selling Real Estate.  Realtors are familiar with Neighborhood and the Current Market Conditions. Realtors must meet education requirements, be licensed by the State and pass a background check.

·       FSBO’s run the risk, of potentially having their property tied up for months.  It has happened so many times… The buyer ties up the home for three to six months trying to get financing. Contracts are signed, you don’t show the home to others, you think it’s a done deal…and then – well, sorry. All the time, all the money, all the potential wasted…  A Realtor will make sure your Buyer is Pre-Approved for a Mortgage, not just pre-qualified before you ever sign a contract.

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·       When you sell your house by yourself, you make yourself really vulnerable to other People’s whims. You are not only showing your home, but you have to be the scheduler, The gracious host, whether you really want to or not… And people can be pushy, rude and demanding.  A Realtor are good Screeners, and are also good Hosts...they know how to schedule, and to stick to their guns and and still accommodate boht the Buyer and the Seller, to make this a fair and appropriate process. 

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There are many more pitfalls to be wary of when selling your house by yourself.  As the Homeowner can try to sell, but, considering the many risks involved, not to mention the hassles, or the diminished likelihood of success, it makes sense to hire a Real Estate Professional. 

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Have a Real Estate Question, give Kathy a Call at 954-347-0244 or visit my website of:  www.KathyHyatt.com

They are here! Major Changes to FHA Just Announced

3/2 Townhome in "Waterford Crossings" of Sunrise Florida

Fabulous Townhome in Western Sunrise

• 1,368 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS®$230,000 - Beautiful Townhome

Waterford Crossings, Sunrise  -  Call Kathy at 954-347-0244 or email me at: Kathy@KathyHyatt.com

Welcome Home! This is a Fabulous 3 Bedroom Townhome located in the highly desirable Community of “Waterford Crossings” located in Western Sunrise. Conveniently located and walking distance to “A” Rated Schools and close to the Very Popular Sunrise Athletic Complex, Tennis Club and Soccer Club Park.

Buyers will love this Townhome the moment they enter. As you enter the Living Room you will find that the entire first and second floor features Warm and Inviting Wood Laminate Flooring thru the 1st & 2nd Floor with ceramic Tile in all of the Bathrooms. The Walls and Ceilings have “Knock Down Texturing” on them & Buyers will love the Crown Molding along with custom Raised Baseboards. All of the Window features Custom Plantation Shutters and are just Fabulous!

The Kitchen is a Cook’s Dream with Maple Cabinets and wonderful Granite Countertops that also include a Breakfast Bar. Kitchen is well lit with Recessed Lighting and Buyers will Love the Beautiful Ceramic and Glass Tile backsplash and appreciate the High Efficiency Appliances as well as the Custom Water Purification system. Plenty of Cabinets and separate pantry allows for easy storage for all your cooking and entertaining needs.

Family Room is adjoined to the Formal Dining Room and has Large Glass Doors the lead you to a Large Patio that features custom pavers for added entertaining outdoors or simply enjoy your morning coffee. Downstairs also has a separate Office/Media Room with its own closet for added storage along with a separate 10 foot storage workshop area big enough to accommodate bicycles and such. Buyers will appreciate the Indoor Laundry Room.

Call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244 and visit my website of:  www.KathyHyatt.com 

Property information

Why You Need a Realtor

WHY YOU NEED A REALTOR®

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A licensed Real Estate Professional provides much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home.   Realtors® are expert negotiators with other agents, seasoned financial advisors with customers, and superb navigators around the local neighborhood. They are members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and must abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by the NAR. A professional Realtor is your best resource when purchasing your home.

Benefits of working with a Realtor®

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• A knowledgeable Realtor can save you endless amounts of time, money, and frustration.

• A knowledgeable Realtor knows the housing market inside and out and can help you avoid the “wild goose chase.”

• A knowledgeable Realtor can help you with any home, even if it is listed elsewhere or if it is being sold

by the owner directly.

• A knowledgeable Realtor knows the best lenders in the area and can help you understand the importance of being preapproved for a mortgage. He or she can also discuss down payments, closing costs, and monthly payment options that suit you.

• A knowledgeable Realtor is an excellent source for both general and specific information about the community such as schools, churches, shopping, and transportation—plus tips on home inspections and pricing.

• A knowledgeable Realtor is experienced at presenting your offer to the seller and can help you through the process of negotiating the best price. By bring objectivity to the buying transaction, he or she can point out the advantages and the disadvantages of a particular property.

And the best thing about your Realtor is that all this help normally won’t cost you a cent. Generally speaking, the seller pays the commission to the Realtor (but this may vary from province to province and state to state.

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Have a Real Estate Question, give Kathy a call at 954-347-0244 or visit my website of:  www.KathyHyatt.com

Most Frequently Asked Questions on 1st Time Home Buyer Credit

Most Frequently Asked Questions on 1st Time Home Buyer Credit

The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit that has been Extended andExpanded allows up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing aprincipal residence. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or afterJanuary 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where abinding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completedby June 30, 2010 will qualify.

For sales occurring after November 6, 2009, the Act establishes income limitsof $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing jointreturns.

The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on orbefore November 6, 2009, are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 formarried taxpayers filing joint returns.

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the taxcredit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you toconsult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your uniquesituation.

1.      Who is eligible to claim the $8,000 Tax Credit?
First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligiblefor the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occuron or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. For the purposesof the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and thetitle to the property transfers to the home owner. A limited exception existsfor certain contract for deed purchases and installment sale purchases.

However, the law also allows home sales occurring by June 30, 2010 to qualify, providedthey are due to a binding sales contract in force on or before April 30, 2010.

Persons who are claimed as dependents by other taxpayers or who are under age18 are not qualified for the tax credit program.

2.      What is the definition of a first-time homebuyer?
The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned aprincipal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. Formarried taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the homebuyer and his/her spouse.

For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but yourspouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifiesfor the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, IRS Notice 2009-12 allowsunmarried joint purchasers to allocate the credit amount to any buyer whoqualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointlypurchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rentalproperty not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as afirst-time home buyer.

3.      How is the amount of the Tax Credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to amaximum of $8,000.

4.      Are there any income limits for claiming the Tax Credit?
Yes. For sales occurring after November 6, 2009, the income limit for singletaxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing ajoint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modifiedadjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $125,000 for single taxpayers and$225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phase-out range forthe tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount isreduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or$245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIsbetween these amounts.

5.      The income limits for claiming the Tax Credit were raised when the Tax Credit was extended. Are the higher limitsretroactive?
No. The new income limits are only applicable to purchases occurring afterNovember 6, 2009.

The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on orbefore November 6, 2009 are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 formarried couples filing jointly.

6.      How is this home buyer tax credit differentfrom the Tax Credit that Congress enacted in early 2009?
The tax credit’s income limits were increased, the documentation requirementswere tightened, and the program's deadlines were extended.

7.      How do I claim the Tax credit?  Do I need to complete a form or application? Are there documentation requirements?
You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, homebuyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, andthen claim this amount on line 67 of the 1040 income tax form for 2009 returns(line 69 of the 1040 income tax form for 2008 returns). No other applicationsare required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to besure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-timehome buyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for anintended purchase for some future date; it must be a completed purchase. Homebuyers must attach a copy of their HUD-1 settlement form (closing statement) toForm 5405 as proof of the completed home purchase.

8.      What types of homes will qualify for the Tax Credit?
Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for thecredit, provided the home is purchased for a price less than or equal to$800,000. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes liketownhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes)and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the oneused to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capitalgain tax exclusion for principal residences.

It is important to note that you cannot purchase a home from, among otherfamily members, your ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.), your linealdescendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse or your spouse’sfamily members. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information. 

9.      I read that the tax credit is “refundable” What does that mean?
The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can beclaimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability tooffset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check fora portion or even the entire amount of the refundable tax credit.

For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the taxcredit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of$4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS$1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for$7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed).

10.   Instead of buying a new home from a homebuilder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence thatis constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been“purchased” on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation,the date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and on orbefore April 30, 2010 (or by June 30, 2010, provided a binding sales contractwas in force by April, 30, 2010).

In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder,eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.

11.   I am not a U.S. Ctizen. Can I claim the Tax Credit?
Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who hasnot owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets theincome limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. TheIRS provides a definition of “nonresident alien” in IRS Publication 519.

12.   Is a Tax Credit the same as a Tax Deduction?
No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes.That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an$8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Usingthe same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes$8,000 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, thetaxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), orlowered from $8,000 to $6,800.

13.   I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?
No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1,2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit. Please consult with your taxadvisor for more information.

14.   Is there a way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 or2010 tax return?
Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit arepermitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (upto the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash byraising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.

Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employeror through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 containsrules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers shouldnote that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualifiedpurchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment tothe IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.

HUD is now allowing"monetization" of the tax credit. What does that mean?
It means that HUD allows buyers using FHA-insured mortgages to apply theiranticipated tax credit toward their home purchase immediately rather thanwaiting until they file their 2009 or 2010 income taxes to receive a refund.These funds may be used for certain down payment and closing cost expenses.

Under HUD’s guidelines, non-profits and FHA-approved lenders are allowed togive home buyers short-term loans of up to $8,000. The guidelines also allowgovernment agencies, such as state housing finance agencies, to facilitate homesales by providing longer term loans secured by second mortgages.

Housing finance agencies and other government entities may also issue taxcredit loans, which home buyers may use to satisfy the FHA 3.5 percent downpayment requirement. In addition, approved FHA lenders can purchase a homebuyer’s anticipated tax credit to pay closing costs and down payment costsabove the 3.5 percent down payment that is required for FHA-insured homes.

15.   If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buya home in 2009 (or 2010), can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 (or 2009) tax return?
Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified homepurchases in 2009 (or 2010) as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008(or if in 2010, December 31, 2009). This means that the previous year’s incomelimit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can beclaimed. A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 or 2010 willknow their prior year MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer knowwhether the income limits will reduce their credit amount.

Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their prior year tax return, butwho have already submitted their tax return to the IRS, may file an amendedreturn claiming the tax credit using Form 1040X. You should consult with a taxprofessional to determine how to arrange this.

16.   For a home purchase in 2009 or 2010, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in the prior or present year, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
Yes. If the applicable income phase-out would reduce your home buyer tax creditamount in the present year and a larger credit would be available using theprior year MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

Have a Question, call Kathy @ 954-347-0244 or visit my Website of: www.KathyHyatt.com

2 Story For Sale in Central Park

Great Central Park Neighborhood

Call Kathy Hyatt Fabulous 3/2 Home can be yours!

• 1,620 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $190,000 - Fabulous 3/2 Home

Central Park, Plantation  -  Call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244 to be the First to see this Highly Desirable 3/2 Home located in the Popular Central Park Neighorborhood "Quatraine V" of Plantation.

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Buyers will love the Fantastic Skyhigh Cathedral Ceilings upon entering the Home. Beautiful 17' Ceramic Tile Flooring thru out the Living Room, Kitchen and Spacious Family Room.

Buyers will love the Beautiful and Spacious Kitchen featuring fabulous Granite Countertops and New Stainless Steel Applicances. The Kitchen has a Large Pantry and lots of cabinets for storage.
Buyers will especially love that the Laundry Room is located inside the Home next to the Family Room.

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Next to the Dining Area with Glass Doors leading to the Domed Screened Patio and the Yard is fully fenced for privacy. Upstairs you will find all of the Bedrooms that all have nice large windows and the Master Bedroom is a very Good Size with a Huge Walk In Closet. The Master Bathroom has a seperate are for the Sink that has a Marble Top.

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Best of All, Custom Financing has been provided for all types of Buyers. Call Mark with Gulf Atlantic Funding for complete details at 954-658-7893 or you can email Mark at mtgmoney@comcast.net

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YES, you can own this great Home, Call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244 or visit my website at www.KathyHyatt.com

Property information

Homeowners Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

Homeowners Tax Credit Extrended and Expanded

The (Not Just) First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, Expanded & Explained

After much speculation by the general populace (and the real estate industry) and much consternation by Congress, the much-anticipated extension of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has been passed.

Passed, not to mention greatly expanded.

The original tax credit, which was a part of the economic stimulus package put into effect in February 2009, was made available to first-time homebuyers (people who hadn't owned a home for three or more years) and applied to home purchases that closed on or before November 30, 2009. With the passage of the expansion bill into law, that credit has been extended to purchases made by May 1, 2010 and that are closed prior to July 1, 2010.

For first-time homebuyers, the credit amount, as it was in the original plan, remains at 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum credit of $8,000. Originally, to be eligible for the credit, single (not married) purchasers could have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of no more than $75,000/year; married couples with an AGI of $150,000 or less were eligible. Under the new plan, singles with an AGI of up to $125,000 and married couples with an AGI of up to $225,000 are eligible.

For many of the homeowners who had previously been ineligible to claim the credit at all because they already owned a home, there is good news for them. Under the new plan, homeowners who have lived in their homes for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 years are eligible to receive a credit toward a new home purchase. Meant to give a boost to "move-up" buyers, this credit amount can be 10% of the purchase price, up to $6,500. The income caps referenced above are the same.

The members of the Armed Services and who were/will be deployed outside the United States for at least 90 days between December 31, 2008 - May 1, 2010, may claim the credit until May 1, 2011 (with settlement all wrapped up before July 1, 2011).

One peculiarity of which it's important to take note: even if one purchases a new home in 2010, they can claim the credit on their 2009 tax return. If they file for an extension of time to file their income taxes, or if they amend their already-filed 2009 tax return, they may include the tax credit (this would put the cash in their pocket much sooner than if they were to claim the credit on their 2010 tax return). Be sure, however, to take heed of the income limitations, as they apply to the year in which they claim the credit.

Finally, it's important that you understand that if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000, no tax credit may be claimed, regardless of the income levels. The credit only applies to primary residences. Investment properties or vacation homes don't qualify.

Single Story For Sale in Lauderdale West

Desirable 55 and over Neighborhood

• 1,018 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $100,000 - Great 55+ Neighborhood

Lauderdale West, Plantation  -  First Time Homebuyers are Eligible for a Tax Credit up to $8,000.00 on the purchase of this Home. Call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244 for Details or email Kathy at: kathy@kathyhyatt.com

BEST PRICED 2/2 House in Desirable 55 and over Neighborhood in Plantation. This is the home for People 55 and over who want to enjoy life in Beautiful South Florida. This Community has Full Amenties from Pool & Tennis and also Active Classes and Workshops for all ages to Participate In. This Magnificent Home has 2 Super Large Bedrooms and all the closet space a Person could wish for!! There is even a linen closet in the Master Bathroom and the Walk-In Closet is 8x5!! The Second Bedroom has direct access to the second Bathroom thus making two Master Suites in this Great Home.

Buyers will love the Wonderful Galley Style Kitchen which has lots of cabinets and overlooks the Spacious Family Room. This Fabulous Home has a 1 Car Garage and also full Size Washer and Dryer. Buyers will love the newly installed Berber Carpeting and Freshly painted walls, This Home is in "Move in Condition", just bring your toothbrush!!

Custom Financing provided for all types of Buyers. 20% Downpayment required and YES you can own this Great Home!! For complete details call Mark Hyatt with Gulf Atlantic Funding 954-658-7893 or email Mark at: mtgmoney@comcast.net

Property information

First Day of Autumn 2009

How to Spice up your Kitchen for a Big Sale

SPICE UP THE KITCHEN

As a Real Estate Professional for the Keyes Company I am constantly advising my Clients on how to prepare their house to look its best in order to achieve the highest net sale.  Often lack of monies is to blame for many homes selling under market value simply because they were not "Dressed to Sell".

Most often, Monies are better spent in the heart of the Home which is the Kitchen.  For Clients on a budget or who need a little help visualizing how they could revitalize an older kitchen? Here are five inexpensive tips that will make a Significant Difference:

     Replace the flooring. Install laminate floor over old linoleum, vinyl or chipped tile. It costs just $1 to $5 a square foot and resembles wood, stone or tile.

     Replace the lighting. A new ceiling fixture costs less than $100 and will brighten up the place. Adding some under-the-cabinet lights illuminates work surfaces.

     Give the cabinets a new life. A coat of paint and new knobs is the cheapest way to go. If you're able to spend $2,000 to $3,000 on the project, hire a refacing company to replace the doors and drawer fronts. 

     Refinish the appliances. For a few hundred dollars, use an appliance paint refinisher to re-enamel your stove, refrigerator and dishwasher door in the color of your choice, including a stainless steel look-alike.

     Update the backsplash. Replace the space between your cabinets and the countertop with fashionable stone or inexpensive wallpaper.

For more information on Tips and Ideas on how to improve your Home call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244.

CLUE Reports~ Know the Facts of the House Before you Buy

As a Real Estate Professional, I have always advised my clients of the hazards of "Lead-Based Paint" and more recently, "Mold". While these issues continue to be potential deal-breakers that must be dealt with, We now have another big issue that has recently entered the scene: CLUE Reports. If you aren't familiar with these reports or how they can throw a deal off track, here is the scoop.

CLUE - Is an acronym for "Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange" - Which is a National Insurance industry database with more than 40 million personal property claims. A CLUE report is the equivalent of a credit report for a house, (Yes that is right) and this examines all claims reported to the insurance company for a given property over a five-year period, including Water Damage, Fires, and the scary "M" Word which is MOLD. Reports show the date of loss, type of loss, and amounts paid out.

Traditionally, the insurability of a property was a topic left to the insurance company. But now real estate practitioners and their clients also must pay close attention to a home's record of insurance claims to make sure secrets of the property's past won't come back to haunt them.

Insurance Risks Uncovered

CLUE reports also let potential buyers know about Water Damage, Mold, and other Issues that can make it difficult or even prohibitively expensive to insure the home. Without viewing the report, big trouble may be brewing for buyers who wait until the day before closing - or even the day of closing - to get a paid insurance receipt.

Let's say the property closes, ownership is transferred, the buyers get the keys, and the real estate practitioner gets paid. Life is good. But then in about two weeks, the Transaction turns nasty, if the buyers get a letter from their insurance company rescinding the policy due to a previous claim. Most mortgage documents implicitly state that a property must remain insured. If homeowners can't find insurance elsewhere, they can be forced into paying the mortgage company's premium insurance rates, or worse, foreclosing on the home because they can't afford the hefty payments.  Then of course the law suits soon follow. Buyers will sue the Sellers for non-disclosure, then The Home Inspection Company and even the Realtor is he or she did not insist upon obtaining an inspection or report for their client. 

I believe it's only a matter of time before every state will have included CLUE reports as a mandatory part of their seller disclosure documents. Mortgage companies already are starting to order these reports as standard procedure because they don't want to be stuck with an uninsurable property and so many deals are blowing up over insurance issues.

How to Help Your Clients:   Until CLUE reports become a standard Disclosure in any home sale, you don't want your clients to become a test case. Kathy Hyatt explains how you can help:

When Working With Sellers:  Ask sellers to order their home's CLUE report before listing the property. This will make them aware of potential problems in selling the home and will give them a chance to correct any wrong information in the report. You can order a report online through ChoiceTrust, a unit of Alpharetta, Ga.-based data provider ChoicePoint Asset Co.

• Educate buyers by providing them with a CLUE Home Seller's Disclosure Report from ChoiceTrust, available online at no charge.

• A clean CLUE report can be used as a selling point. Make sure potential buyers know that it's available for them to view.

• Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, property owners can order one free report every year.

When Working With Buyers:

• Ask the seller to present you with the home's CLUE report. Like a credit report, CLUE reports only may be obtained by the current property owner.

• Make the purchase contingent on viewing a CLUE report, or on the buyer obtaining affordable insurance. Check with your state REALTOR® association or real estate commission to see if it offers a rider or an addendum that you can include with the contract.

• Ask the buyer to apply for insurance immediately after a signed contract.

• Educate yourself and your clients. Go to ChoiceTrust's CLUE Reports page to view a sample CLUE report, to learn how to read reports, and to download a brochure for homebuyers or call Kathy Hyatt at ERA Ace Realty.

Real estate practitioners should take CLUE reports very seriously, especially at a time when insurability issues are so often snagging sales. Make it a habit to tell buyers to view the CLUE report for the homes they're interested in buying, and educate them about the risks of not doing so. It will reduce your liability as the real estate salesperson and help to avoid property or insurance problems down the road and isn't that what we all want!!   Have a Real Estate question; call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244

Moving With our Four Legged Friends

As a Pet Lover who has also recently moved into a new Home, here are some useful Tips to make the Move easier for everyone.

What to do before the Move:    Dogs or cats may become distressed or anxious during the upheaval of packing, so confine them to a quiet room where they can rest and be safe. The kitchen is often a good place as this will be the room the moving team will probably empty last, and where you'll find yourself doing some last minute packing.  Be sure you have current tags on your Dog or Cat.

Be sure to leave packing his/her toys, bedding and other equipment to the last moment so that he/she is comforted by the presence of familiar things. Do not wash bedding until a couple of weeks after the move, so that they will have something familiar smelling in the new house.

If possible speak to your vet about obtaining a DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) plug-in device to use before, during and after moving. The DAP emits a scent into the home which mimics the calming scent released by a mother to her puppies. The DAP will relax your dog and make them able to cope more easily with the changes that come with moving house. This can be purchased at a minimal cost. 

When traveling a long way prevent travel sickness by not feeding your dog or cat for approximately 12 hours before the journey. If you know your pet suffers from travel sickness, ask your veterinary surgeon about anti-sickness pills. Yes you can get these for animals!

Make sure that your dog or cat is safely secured in the car or vehicle that they are being transported in to the new house with a dog guard, travel crate or car harness on the back seat. If it is a long journey, make sure that they get regular toilet and water breaks. **Remember the temperature in a parked car can rise rapidly and your pets could die from the heat**.

Once you are in your new Home:  Check your boundary fencing to make sure that it is secure and sufficient height and 'hole-free' before letting your dog run free in the garden. If your dog is able to escape then take him out on a lead until you are able to do the necessary improvements.   Try to unpack the essentials before introducing your dog to the new house so that he can see familiar items within the unfamiliar house. If possible place furniture and items in similar places to those in the old house.

Continue to use the DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) in your new home, particularly in the room that your dog will spend most of his or her time in.

If your dog is micro-chipped, call the Agency he is registered with so you may update the information they have on file.

Always be patient with your beloved pet in their new home and make allowances for 'Accidents' on the carpet if they should happen. Don't make a fuss or punish your pet as this may make the problem worse. Quietly just pick up the mess and clean the area with a biological solution, or special cleaner from your vet or local pet shop to properly remove the smell. Once your dog has settled in,  this should stop. Always praise him when he goes outside.

Make sure that you stick to your usual routine, and feed him  and walk him at the usual times. Don't give him more or less attention than he is used to having from you, this may cause him to become anxious or over dependent on you and lead to behavior problems.

For more helpful information regarding Real Estate, Call Kathy Hyatt @ The Keyes Company 954-347-0244

2 Story For Sale in Viewpoint

Margate's Best Kept Secret

• 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $85,000 - Margate Best Kept Secret!

Viewpoint, Margate  -  First Time Homebuyers are Eligible for a Tax Credit up to $7,500.00 on the purchase of this Home. Call Kathy Hyatt at 954-347-0244 for Details or email Kathy at: kathy@kathyhyatt.com

This is Margate's Best Kept Secret!
Best Priced 2/2 in an Awesome Upscale Gated Lake Front Community of "Viewpointe". This Wonderful Community welcomes People of all Ages and your Small Pets too.!

This Home is a Premium End Unit which means that Lots of Light streams in through the Double Windows in both Bedrooms. The Kitchen is spacious with it's own Breakfast area and Buyers will love enjoying their coffee on their screened in Patio. Buyers will also enjoy having the convenience of a Washer and Dryer inside their Home.

This Home is Freshly Painted in Neutral Colors and is Move In Ready. Buyers will love the
Peaceful & Quiet Neighborhood ~ Beautiful Clubhouse & Heated Pool. This Community is Well Managed and the Common Areas are Meticulously Maintained.

The Association requires Buyers to invest a 5% Down Payment in order to purchase in this Great Community. Special Financing has been provided for all Types of Buyers. For Complete details call Mark Hyatt with Platinum Home Mortgage at 954-658-7893 or email Mark at mhyatt@ephmc.com

YES, You can own this Great Home!

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Griffing Biscayne Park

• 1,627 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $285,000 - Desirable "Biscayne Park"

Griffing Biscayne Park, Miami  -  First Time Homebuyers will receive $8,000 to purchase this Home! Call Kathy Hyatt for complete details at 954-347-0244 or email me at Kathy@KathyHyatt.com

Buyers will Love this completely renovated Home which is located in the Desirable “Biscayne Park” neighborhoods and is located on one of the Most Beautiful Tree Lined Streets in this highly sought after Community.

Buyers will love everything about this Home from the Brand New Kitchen featuring Magnificent Maple Cabinets to the Fabulous Granite Countertops, White Appliances and Great Recessed Lighting. The Living Room features an awesome Wood Burning Fireplace and the whole home has brand new 16 inch Ceramic Tile Flooring and all the Walls are freshly painted. Buyers will also Love the Brand New Bathroom.
All Three Bedrooms have double Windows which let’s in plenty of light and every room in the Home has New Ceiling Fans. This Home has a Brand New $25k Barrel Tile Roof and Buyers will keep nice and Cool with the Brand New 3 ton A/C . A lot of money was spent installing the Updated Electrical System and there is also a Brand New Water Heater. This home sits on a Huge Double Lot that is fully fenced in with plenty of Room for a Pool.

Best of all the Seller will pay 3% of Buyers Closing Costs.
Custom Financing has been provided for all types of Buyers. Call Mark Hyatt with Gulf Atlantic Mortgage at 954-658-7893 or email Mark at Mtgmoney@comcast.net

Property information