Joe Prunty Cheyenne Real Estate

THERE IS A LOT OF COMPETITION IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET:

Joe Prunty — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:48:00 GMT

Whether you are buying or selling a home, a Real Estate Agent will negotiate his/her commission with you. It is the same as hiring an attorney or accountant. They can save you money. A professional agent can guide you through the pitfalls of the home market. There are two ways one can sell a home. You can try and sell the home as a “For Sale by Owner” or hire the services of a Real Estate Agent. In the unpredictable Real Estate market it is highly recommended to obtain the services of a professional. Not only will an experienced Real Estate Agent save you a lot of money, he/she can see that the deal closes successfully.

When selling a home you compete against many foreclosures and short sales available on the market. To find a buyer that is willing to pay the fair market value for your home can be easier said than done. The services of a professional Real Estate Agent are needed in today’s volatile market.

When buying a home you need a true expert that can negotiate on your behalf. First you have to make an offer and after the home inspection you may have to re-negotiate. The lender wants to protect the investment by making sure the mortgagor can repay the money. The lender also wants to make sure the property has sufficient value. The lender will request an appraisal. Deals often get cancelled after appraisal. According to the National Association of Realtors 11% of deals are cancelled from an appraisal coming in below the price negotiated between buyer and seller. 14% of successful deals are renegotiated to a lower sales price. You need an expert to keep the deal together until it closes.

Hire a Real Estate Agent and negotiate the commission. In this maze of Real Estate complexities your agent will be worth it.

HOW TO LIVE GREEN:

Joe Prunty — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:03:00 GMT

The items that homeowners use the most are energy and cleaning products. We are spending so much time on how to survive and fix the economy that we tend to forget about other important things. We have a responsibility in doing our share to make the earth a healthier place. Here are some great tips on how to contribute:

· We use a lot of cleaning products. You can buy earth-friendly cleaning products. You can also use baking soda, vinegar and lemon to clean tiles and other surfaces;

· Do not leave lights on if not necessary. You can help to save energy;

· Do not let the water run for longer as what is necessary. Preserve water;

· Save money by insulating you home. It keeps hot air in when cold and the cold air in when hot;

· Make sure there are no cracks and openings by the window frames and doors’

· A laptop uses less energy than a desktop and it also saves you space;

· Some paints are toxic. Zero-voc paints are safe and cost a little bit more than the traditional paints;

· If you are not using an appliance then leave it unplugged;

· Use free and clear laundry detergent;

· Energy Star rated appliances meet a strict standard of energy usage;

· Use CFL light bulbs. They last longer and cost a little bit more initially, but can save money on the long run.

· Wash in cold water and save energy;

· Most cities have recycling centers and bins. Here you can dump metal, glass, and paper, cardboard and plastic. Do your recycling and save the environment.

With a little extra trouble we can all contribute in order to keep the world safe and clean. Every bit helps.

HAPPY NEW 2012

Joe Prunty — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

To all my clients, friends and family: I wish you a happy and prosperous 2012!

A good score to buy a home:

To buy a home and borrow money, one has to be credit worthy. It is necessary to have a good understanding about the credit score. A credit score reflects how you pay your debts. If indicates how you make your payments every month. The credit score is the judge of your credibility and also shows your affordability when opening new accounts. The lower your credit score, the higher is the interest rate the lender will charge you.

How does the score count work?

A credit score ranges from 300 to 900. The score count given to you can be either good or bad. Above 700 is excellent; from 500 – 699 is average and below 500 is poor. If you are in the last category, you can start to change your score.

How do you obtain a sound financial status?

It is easy to maintain a good credit score. You have to be careful with your finances and control it. Here are some guidelines:

· Avoid opening short term accounts;

· Pay your accounts every month on time;

· Check your financial status on the credit report regular and sort out any errors that might occur on you credit report;

· Multiple credit cards may result into confusion. This can lead to missing a payment.

· Avoid too much of debts. Keep your debts to a balanced limit.

· If you paid an account in full, avoid closing the account. This account can add to you credit worthiness.

· Bankruptcy can harm your credit score tremendously. Avoid this option as far as possible.

Money is an essential point in your daily life and it is crucial to have a good credit score when you plan on buying a home. By monitoring your financial status and being careful not to misbehave when paying your every month installments, you can maintain a sound financial status.

KEEP MONITORING YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS

Joe Prunty — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:57:00 GMT

To all my friends and clients:

Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season and a most prosperous and healthy New Year.

How does the score count work?

How do you obtain a sound financial status?

It is easy to maintain a good credit score. You have to be careful with your finances and control it. Here are some guidelines:

· Avoid opening short term accounts;

· Pay your accounts every month on time;

· Check your financial status on the credit report regular and sort out any errors that might occur on you credit report;

· Multiple credit cards may result into confusion. This can lead to missing a payment.

· Avoid too much of debts. Keep your debts to a balanced limit.

· If you paid an account in full, avoid closing the account. This account can add to your credit worthiness.

· Bankruptcy can harm your credit score tremendously. Avoid this option as far as possible.

YOU HAVE TO DO THOROUGH MARKET ANALYSIS

Joe Prunty — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:33:00 GMT

High cost of living, being over indebted or losses of income can worsen the default on mortgage payments. A short sale deals with the lender when the mortgagor can no longer keep up with the payments and the outstanding mortgage is higher than the property market value of the specific area. A short sale must be well explained for the benefit of the seller and the buyer. This process takes longer and is not the same as buying a marketable home.

When investing in a short sale thorough market analyzes and calculations are recommended. The property can be in a condition where renovations and reconstructions are required or hidden defects that will impact the repair budget. A contractor is usually of great help to estimate costs. These costs, together with the cost of maintaining the property, are an expense one should spread over a reasonable period. Maintenance, renovations and reconstruction is used to generate sales and can be seen as an expense. Over capitalizing happens when what one indebted costs more than the original value of the home.

Each short sale is different and has its own merits. A lot depends on the lender and on the listing agent. This is a time consuming process. Banks request a broker price opinion which takes a while. To convince the bank to accept your offer, the comparable sales have to support the sales price. The market value is determined by comparable sales of the same area similar to the home in question and with a similar floor plan.

The expertise of a real estate agent is essential when buying a short sale property. This is not a process that you would undertake without being educated, having sufficient knowledge about. For the best professional assistance we encourage you to contact us.

FOR HOW MUCH CAN YOU SELL OR BUY A HOME:

Joe Prunty — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:36:00 GMT

To understand “fair market value” one has to look into the meaning of comparable prices. Comparable prices are the major factor that determines the market value. When buying a home in a neighborhood the value is determined by recent sales of homes in the same area. Houses that are similar in size (floor plan) and with similar rooms e.g. a dining room, a kitchen, two bathrooms, a lounge and four bedrooms. The most important factor of the comparable prices is the current market. The market is found to be able to change over a short period of time. The value of a property can not be based on historical data.

There are more aspects that can influence the market value such as the condition and the location of the property. To get an idea of what to consider, the following list can be of help:

· The proximity to amenities;

· A home with an obstructed view is worth less than a home with a view of mountains, the ocean or a lake.

· Noise polluted area;

· Is the property situated close to busy roads where heavy, continues streams of motor vehicle traffic occur;

· The condition of the roof and the exterior of the house;

· The interior condition of the walls, window frames, doors, ceiling and plumbing;

· The condition of the electrical compliance;

· The size or square footage of the home;

· The security systems installed;

· A well established garden and swimming pool will add to the value of the property.

Your Real Estate Agent is fully equipped to calculate the fair market value of a home. Your agent will guide and assist you to price your home correctly when selling. When buying a home your Real Estate Agent will help you to make the right offer.

FORECLOSURE VERSUS SHORT SALE:

Joe Prunty — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:15:00 GMT

If life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. Moving away from the place you called home for so long can be a sad experience. Your financial situation deteriorated and you are forced to take corrective action. This can be a positive experience by demonstrating the right attitude. By making decisions in the right direction, you can become stress free. If your mortgage payment became a burden and you can no longer keep up with the increase of living costs, get professional help, guidance and assistance from your real estate agent.

Definition (Thesaurus) of Foreclosure: to deprive (a mortgagor) of the right to redeem mortgaged property, as when payments have not been made and to bar an equity or a right to redeem (a mortgage).

Definition (Thesaurus) of a Short Sale: occurs when a property is sold and the lender agrees to accept a discounted payoff, meaning the lender will release the lien that is secured to the property upon receipt of less money than is actually owed.

In the process of foreclosure the bank now owns the property. This is usually caused by default on mortgage payments and ends up in a forced sale at a public auction. With short sales, the bank does not own the property, as is the case with foreclosures. However, the bank does need to approve the sale since the bank, and not the seller, incurs a loss on the property (which is usually sold below market value).

According to a cover story in the Washington Times some time ago Zillow reported that more than one-fifth of Americans owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth. For homeowners who can not pay their monthly debts, being underwater is unpleasant and worrisome. Contact your lender as soon as you recognize you will have a problem paying your mortgage and continue to pay your mortgage as long as you can; even partial payments are better than no payment at all. Get in touch with your Realtor who can do an accurate market analysis and price your home according to its true market value. A short sale can be a better solution because the long-term consequences are less painful than a foreclosure

TRUST YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT

Joe Prunty — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:24:00 GMT

For first time home buyers the home market can be confusing and overwhelming under the best conditions. Endless tips on "not make an offer to purchase too high or too low"; "how to buy"; "how to sell"; "now is a good time to sell"; "now is a good time to buy"; complicated market indications of current market trends and surveys are scattered all over the net. To add to this "do" and "do not" list there are many warnings about crime rates that needs to be investigated and proximity to amenities that has to be checked. Then there are the different mortgage options to lead to more confusion, especially for first time home buyers. Trying to understand all the legal terms when signing documents at the attorney's offices often adds to this bewilderment. The truth is you do not have to do the market research and most certainly do not have to stare at graphics that makes no sense. This saying explains it best: no one can whistle a symphony: it takes an orchestra to play it.

Real Estate Agents are trained to give you all information you will require to make an educated decision on buying a home. They know the area of interest best. Discuss and explain all your specific needs with your agent.

Real Estate predictions for 2012:

According to the NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, the housing market is slowly recovering with a predicted 4% increase in sales for 2012. Celia Chen of Moody's Analytics projected sales to increase over 20% in 2012. The next six months will reflect if the rumors about the possibility of a loss of consumer confidence hold water. Consumer confidence, as measured by the University of Michigan, has seen modest improvement in the last few months after taking a dip over the previous months. A hit in consumer confidence can have an impact on the Real Estate rebound.

Prices are predicted to decrease through the first two quarters of 2012. Decreased prices will force more homeowners into a position of negative equity. Being underwater is one of the reasons that cause people to strategically default on their mortgage payments. If this continues, there will be an increase in the number of foreclosures and cause a setback in consumer confidence

IMPROVE YOUR HOME

Joe Prunty — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:07:00 GMT

Celebrate Christmas and join us for refreshments, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and much more! Saturday, December 10th, 2011 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Open to the public. For additional details, please contact Kimberly Rais at (970) 674-5517. Contact Information: Kimberly Rais (970) 674-5517 send an email (read more)

MIL MAC is the advocacy group of the Military Affairs Committee. Members work on promoting new and expanding missions for the Cheyenne military. MAC membership is required. Call 638-3388 for more information. Location: Chamber Offices 2nd Floor Board Room Contact Information: Dale G. Steenbergendales@cheyennechamber.org (read more)

About Laramie County: Laramie County is located in the southeast corner of Wyoming and shares a border with Nebraska to the east and Colorado to the south. It is at the crossroads of two major interstate highways and two major railroads. Residents enjoy a stable, growing economy, a high-quality of life, excellent educational system and a low tax structure. Laramie County ranks first in population and fifteenth in area when compared to the other twenty-two counties in Wyoming.

Improve the marketability of your home:

As with structure, making major changes to the interior of a home can be costly, but there are some cheap projects that can really change the perceived value and quality of a home. A few weekends spent on the following projects can not only improve the marketability of your home, but make it much more enjoyable for you to live in. Look for a house that will allow you to do most of the following, as one with all of them done already will probably be selling for a premium:

Add nice, modern-looking light fixtures
Add fresh earth-tone paint
Replace beat-up light switch covers
Re-finish hardwood floors
Replace linoleum with tile
Add a backsplash in the kitchen

Here are some of the features most people want, but won't be cost effective for you to add:

Central air conditioning
Nice kitchen cabinets (or cabinets that will be nice when refinished)
Fireplace
Garage
Energy-efficient windows

For expert advice on buying or selling your home, we encourage you to contact us.

IT IS CHEAPER TO BUY A HOME

Joe Prunty — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:17:00 GMT

Financial advisers are all saying that it makes perfect sense to buy a home now. Trustworthy and educated sources of information like: Forbes Magazine (The Next Mortgage Crisis); Wall Street Journal (It's time to buy that house); Market Watch.com (Now might be the best time ever to buy a home) and JP Morgan Market Insights (Housing: a time to buy) suggest that now is one of the best times ever in history to buy a home.

Home ownership is better than renting. According to Zillow.com information provided, the median home price is $121,700. With a 20% down payment at 4.12% mortgage rate, the monthly installment is $470 per month. To rent the house could be $1,100 per month. According to The Federal Reserve's recent "Operation Twist" the average 30-year mortgage rate hit record lows down to 4.01%. The difference between a 4% rate and a 5.5% rate on a home of $200,000 is $200 per month and can save a homeowner about $60,000 on the entire loan for the loan period. Case Shiller recently announced that real Estate values have returned to 2003 prices. In 2003 a 30 year mortgage stood at 5.88%. Today it stands at 4%. On a home purchased for $250,000 the difference in monthly costs is: in 2003 an interest rate of 5.88% calculated a monthly payment of $1,478.84 and today an interest rate of 4.00% calculates a monthly payment of $1,193.54. You buy the home for the same price today, but with the cost of $100,000 less.

HOME OWNERSHIP IS BETTER THAN RENTING

Joe Prunty — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:02:00 GMT

Home ownership is better than renting. By owning a home one invests into the property, so the money that you would normally use towards rent now goes into ownership. Once you know which home you want to buy, you should make an offer. Your real estate agent can assist you with the offer. Factors to consider are: The price should be in line with prices of similar homes in the area; the condition of the home (will it cost you a substantial amount of money to refurbish); has the home been on the market for some time now (the seller may be eager to accept a lower offer); make sure you can afford the offer. The closer your offer is to the asking price, the more likely your offer will be accepted. Offers often get rejected. The real estate agent will negotiate on your behalf.

When families enter into a contract to buy or sell a house, two things are true:

The buyer wants to own the home.
The seller wants to sell the home.

In order for both these things to take place, the transaction must be completed. That is not an easy task in the current market. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Homes Sales Report yesterday. In the report, NAR announced that one out of every three contracts to purchase a home in October never made it to a closing table. How does that ratio stack up against previous numbers? Cancellations have more than quadrupled in the last 14 months! According to NAR, cancellations are caused by: "declined mortgage applications, failures in loan underwriting from appraised values coming in below the negotiated price, or other problems including home inspections and employment losses."

Having someone who truly knows the market is crucial if you are planning to buy or sell a home. This expert should know what is happening in real estate, understand why it is happening and be able to simply and effectively explain each point to you and your family. There can be consequences if you don't have a true industry professional on your side.

No one can guarantee you won't face challenges. However, the best agents and mortgage professionals know how to manage the expectations of all the parties involved thus dramatically increasing the chances your deal will close and you and your family will be able to move on with your lives.

LEARNING SOMETHING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME

Joe Prunty — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:09:00 GMT

Welcome to the new economy. In the modern world of real estate, words like "foreclosure" and housing crisis are all too common. You hear about them every time you turn on the TV. A lot has changed over the last couple of years. That is exactly why Modern Real Estate Guide created this website - to provide current real estate information for home buyers and sellers.

To understand something about Real Estate when you want to buy or sell a home, can be overwhelming. On this website, you will find modern real estate advice to help you make sense of the current housing market. They tackle the tough questions that consumers are asking these days: What kind of credit score do you need to buy a home these days? Which types of mortgage loans is the safest option these days? How can you avoid becoming another foreclosure statistic down the road? How can you reduce your debt to increase your chances of getting a mortgage loan?

You'll find answers to these questions and more as you travel throughout this website. Whether you're buying a home, selling a home, or just trying to improve your financial situation, the real estate tips and financial advice collected here will help you succeed.

Helpful Real Estate Tools: In addition to the real estate information and advice provided through this site, you'll also find a variety of helpful real estate and financial tools. For example, you can use the convenient web-based tools provided below to order your credit information, get mortgage quotes and more.

A great Realtor is reputable, honest, transparent and reliable and acquires an overall positive friendly attitude. Here we hold these qualities in high regard and encourage you to contact us

THE FESTIVE SEASON IS HERE!

Joe Prunty — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:37:00 GMT

Mark your calendar for the 26^th of November 2011: This is the event not to miss! Cheyenne Christmas Parade begins at 5pm at Carey Ave and 17th. Ends at the Depot on Capitol Avenue (approximately 1.5 hours) Christmas tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and the Mayor, Plus Awesome Music and an Entertainment Surprise! Directly after the parade: Santa and Mayor Kaysen will be there! Bring your cameras.... This will be a time to remember!

Where can you find the perfect Christmas tree?

Murdoch's Ranch & Homes Supply 3773 East Lincoln way, Cheyenne, WY 82001

River Bend Nursery & Landscaping 8908 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009-1130

Real Estate Agents are trained to give you all information you will require to make an educated decision on buying a home. We know the area of interest best. Discuss and explain all your specific needs with us.

This is a good time to buy a home:

A matter of interest: the Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts mortgage rates will be close to 6 percent by the end of 2012. Home prices can decrease, but with increased mortgage rates the mortgagor can pay more for a home. Jed Smith (managing director of quantitative research for the National Association of Realtors) said: "In terms of affordability, now is definitely a good time. Prices are fairly low and interest rates are hovering at historic lows. Real Estate is very local. It is not just a question of state or city, but ZIP code." The best option is to obtain assistance from our professional Real Estate agents who are knowledgeable in regards to the specific area.

SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE FESTIVE SEASON:

Joe Prunty — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMT

Typically spring and summer are the active months for selling your home. It shows the best with all the plants and trees in full bloom and really showcases your landscape. Getting into late fall and winter is a whole new game. Those lush beautiful trees are bare, the plants have all turned brown and the grass is just dried out and brown. Here are some thoughts, tips and recommendations for Selling in the Off-Season:

For Thought:

Chances are that folks who are looking in this time-frame are serious buyers.
Less competition during this time. There are fewer homes on the market.
Tech Savvy Buyers are on the lookout for homes year-round
New Tech-Tools allow the buyer to receive emails automatically when new homes go on the market. Yours could be one of them!!

To Help:

Provide summer photos of your home as well so buyers can see the full picture.
Decorate inside for the seasons (autumn - winter).
Take the time you used to spend outside and ORGANIZE for maximum appeal.
Showcase winter warmth with a fire, scented candles and warm decorations.

When it snows:

Be sure you shovel all walks and paths
De-ice paths and the driveway
Plow or snow blow the entire driveway to showcase the amount of parking space available
Make sure outside lights work.

We care about you. With the Festive Season around the corner: please drive safely. A road tip to our readers who sometimes have to drive during bad weather conditions:

Make sure you can see.Replace windshield wiper blades. Clean the inside of your windows thoroughly. Apply a water-shedding material (such as Rain-X) to the outside of all windows, including the mirrors. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. Drain older fluid by running the washers until new fluid appears: Switching fluid colors makes this easy.

HERE WE CARE ABOUT YOU

Joe Prunty — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:35:00 GMT

If you are among the millions of Americans who are drowning in credit card debt or facing foreclosure, there is one thing you need to know.....there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can rebuild you credit and get back on your feet!

Newspapers, radio, TV and the internet are filled with ads that promise to erase all negative information in your credit report in exchange, of course, for a fee. Companies, marketers, attorney affiliated individuals, attorneys, books, etc., boast about their savvy or legal credit repair services.

However, the truth is the scam artists who run these ads not only don't deliver, they can't deliver. Moreover, the law prohibits credit repair companies from charging up-front fees before performing the promised services.

Credit repair companies normally advertise something like:

"We work with specialized companies that will repair your credit"

"We can increase your credit score in 30 days - guaranteed!"

"Credit problems? No problem!"

"We can erase your bad credit - 100% guaranteed"

"Create a new credit identity - Legally"

"We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!"

Once you contact them, they normally:

Want you to pay for their credit repair services before any services are rendered (under the "Credit Repair Organization Act", a credit repair company cannot charge you until they have completed the promised services)

Don't tell you your legal rights and what you can do yourself - for free

Suggest that you try to invent a "new" credit report by applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of your Social Security Number (SSN)

Advice you to dispute all negative information in your credit report

Regardless of what these individuals tell you, it is a federal crime to make false statements on a loan or credit application, to misrepresent your SSN, and to obtain an EIN from the IRS under false pretenses. If you follow illegal advice and commit fraud, you may be subject to prosecution. You could be charged and prosecuted for mail or wire fraud.

So, you can do either one of two things: you can throw away your money and be scammed by a credit repair company or you can learn how to repair your own credit. Understand, however, raising your credit score is a bit like losing weight. Only time, a deliberate effort, a plan to repay your bills, and the steps shown here will improve your credit. There are no quick fixes. In fact, quick-fixes offered by credit repair companies can backfire.

CREDIT REPORT vs. CREDIT SCORE:

Although many people often interchange these terms, credit reports and credit scores are not the same thing:

Credit report:It shows a detailed description of your credit history including your identification, employment information, open and closed accounts, existing debts you need to satisfy, accounts in positive and negative standing, inquiries, public records (e.g.: bankruptcies, foreclosures, tax liens, etc) and more.
Credit Score:It is the actual number calculated from your credit history. Your credit score is your financial GPA. The details from your credit report are used as data points in a mathematical equation; the resulting score is primarily used to help lenders determine how much interest to charge you.

USING YOUR CREDIT SCORE:

The higher your credit score is; the more financially responsible you appear to lenders; thus, making you eligible for a low interest rate.

Moreover, credit reporting companies also sell the information in your report to insurance companies, employers, and other businesses with a legitimate need for it. For example, employers can use the information to evaluate your application employment or a promotion; a landlord can use it to consider you as a tenant; and insurance companies can use it to determine on what terms they will approve your insurance policy.

As you can see, a good credit score is very important to get ahead in life but be cautious not to let the obsession of always having a high credit score ruin your life.

We care about you. To all our readers and clients who need to drive in bad weather conditions:

Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, and turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

PROFESSIONAL HELP DURING THE GOOD AND THE BAD TIMES

Joe Prunty — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:06:00 GMT

Moving away from the place you called home for so long can be a sad experience. Your financial situation deteriorated and you are forced to take corrective action. This can be a positive experience by demonstrating the right attitude. By making decisions in the right direction, you can become stress free. If your mortgage payment became a burden and you can no longer keep up with the increase of living costs, contact your Realtor for professional help, guidance and assistance.

Definition (Thesaurus) of Foreclosure: to deprive (a mortgagor) of the right to redeem mortgaged property, as when payments have not been made and to bar an equity or a right to redeem (a mortgage).

Mark your calendar for these great Christmas events coming soon:

The Plaza in downtown Cheyenne sets the stage for more than a month of Christmas and Holiday Celebration when the oversized cowboy boots that have graced the area are ornamented by holiday decorations and a Christmas tree that will be lit during a ceremony Nov. 18. That same day, the Depot Museum, housed in the historical Union Pacific Railroad depot, holds a gingerbread house contest with categories for amateur and professional bakers of all ages.
The Depot will be decked in holiday decor in late November, when the Festival of Trees opens just in time for Christkindlemart, a vendor fair of homemade arts and crafts, plus fine gifts. The Christkindlemart runs Nov. 24 - 26 with a special Children's Tea on Nov. 25 that is geared toward youngsters ages 3 to 10. An adult tea is also available on Nov. 25 amidst the fun and glamour of the Festival of Trees. The children bring small gifts and decorate a tree before partaking in their special tea time. The fully laden tree then becomes part of the Festival of Trees, which concludes on Nov. 30 with an auction of the decorated trees.

For expertise assistance on buying or selling your home, we encourage you to contact us.

REFINANCE YOUR HOME:

Joe Prunty — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:27:00 GMT

Even if you are positive that you want to refinance your home you still have to take time and make the most of the process. The first thing you should do here is get to identify what the present refinance rates are, in order that you can decide whether or not it is going to even be worth it for you to refinance your mortgage.

Mortgagerefinancing involves paying off your previousmortgagedebts with a new loan, even though you usually only do this if you are going to be offered a lower interest rate than the one you started with the intention that you will be saving money, both initially and long-term.
This is the vital advantage of home refinance, and themortgageloans come with two types of interest rates: fixed rate and changeable rate. If you refinance your home, you also comprise the option of switching from a fixed rate to an adjustable rate of interest; either is going to result in being more profitable for you.
If you are in search of a quick low interest refinancemortgageinterest rate, the Quicken Loans Company is absolutely one to check out. They are indeed recognized as being the nation's largestonline mortgage lenderand they recommend mortgages in all 50 states. They at the moment have more than 4,000 passionatehome loanexperts working for them, all who are devoted to getting you into the home of your dreams. They have over 22 years ofmortgagelending experience so you be acquainted with they have the expertise and knowledge that you are looking for, and they are accepted as being the preferredmortgagelender for several of America's top companies including AT&T, Google, Yahoo!, Compuware, EDS and more.

You have a handful options when you want to find out refinance rates, and the two best resources that are going to be accessible to you here are the Internet and your bank. The Internet offers an assortment of different companies that help you to find the lowest refinance rates on the market, and generally for free. The goal of these companies is to assist borrowers find the best mortgages or loans to suit their individual needs. Refinancing your home can be an extremely beneficial and financially rewarding option.

SAVE MONEY!

Joe Prunty — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:15:00 GMT

One important way to cut down on your expenses is to take care of your stuff and yourself. The more quickly you wear your possessions out, the more money you'll spend replacing them. Similarly, if you take care of your body's health, you won't wear out or get sick as quickly. Fewer visits to the doctor are always good for the wallet. So follow these guidelines to curb your spending.

Big Purchases:

Buy used. Talk to your friends, scourCraigslistoreBay, and explore a few thrift shops.
Pay with cashwhen you can to avoid paying interest on big purchases.
A bank likeSmarty Pigcanhelp motivate you to save up enoughto buy something outright, instead of on credit.
Shop online. You might be able to get a better deal on purchases from a company that doesn't have to pay the overhead associated with a brick-and-mortar storefront. You'll also save on the gas it would take to go to the store.

Clothes:

Discoverthrift shopsand the thrill of a great find.
Buy during sales- but only buy what's on your must-have list. Don't buy something only because it's cheap.
Stick to machine-washable clothesto avoid dry cleaning expenses.

No Impulse Buys:

When you think you need something,put it on a listand let it sit a while. If you still need it after a month or so, go ahead and buy.
Don't make shopping a recreational activity. Go to a storeknowing exactly what you need, and head for the door as soon as you have it.
Get rid of credit cards. Some people may use credit cards wisely, butothers spend electronic money more easily than cash. If you're one of the latter, think about cutting up the Visa.

Be sure to look at Events Calendar for the most exciting upcoming events. Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce can provide you with all Cheyenne events and hot deals.

MAKE THE MOST PROFIT POSSIBLE:

Joe Prunty — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:47:00 GMT

For many empty nesters, the decision to make a move from the place they have called home for so many years is a difficult one. After years of living in a house full of the noises and chatter of children, suddenly all that you can hear is the quiet hum of the refrigerator. There are pictures all over the house with fond memories associated with them but then there are many empty rooms also. These are rooms where your children used to live until it was time for them to move onto the next stage of your life and now the items in the rooms are only gathering dust.

Maybe it is now time even for you to move on to something better and downsize to a place that is more suitable for your retirement years. However, before you make the move, it is very important that you understand the most common and the most costly mistakes that most empty nesters make. Here are nine tips that can help you avoid these mistakes, make the most profit possible, and keep the home selling process under your own control and stress-free.

Probably the first thing that you should know is why you are actually selling the house. This will decide the price that you set and also how much time and money you are willing to spend on getting your house ready for a sale. However, although it is important that you are clear about your objectives, don't make the mistake of telling others about it or they would use it against you on the negotiating table. Instead, just say that your housing needs have changed.
Make sure to research properly before setting a price for the property. By setting the price, you let the buyers know the maximum amount they will have to pay for the house, but don't make the mistake of pricing it too low or too high. This is because, most buyers will look at around 20 houses and they know how to compare them. So, if your house does not compare well with others in your price range, you will not be able to turn any prospect into a buyer. This means that your house will be in the market for a long time and new buyers will start to wonder why your house hasn't sold for so long.
Your agent should be able to find out what other comparable homes are selling for in your own neighborhood. Get information about homes sold in the last 6 months and the homes that are currently listed. Remember, this is how your prospects will compare your house.
Your real estate agent should be a good one. Good communication, good feedback, good pricing, and good relations with the agent are necessary for the success of any real estate deal.
Make sure to make your house presentable. How the property looks on the outside and the inside is necessary to get a good offer. Clean up your house, remove the clutter, and fix everything that matters. Don't go around pointing to prospective buyers how they can make improvements.
Your prospects should be able to get any information about your house as easily as possible. It may surprise you but things such as traditional open houses are not always that effective.
Your Real Estate Agent will negotiate on your behalf.
As a seller, your Real Estate Agent will disclose everything. Any flaws present in the house should be disclosed to the buyer in writing so that later when a problem comes up, you don't get slapped with a lawsuit. All terms, costs, and responsibilities should be clearly spelled out in the contract. Don't deviate from what is listed in the contract. So, if the buyer asks for making the move before the closing, just say no. Don't take any risks that can potentially prove to be a deal breaker.
Don't make the mistake of selling the house before you make the move. A vacant house does not give a very good appearance to the house and you could lose thousands of dollars in the process. This is because this tells the buyer that you have a new home and you would want to get rid of this one as soon as possible which gives them a upper hand during the negotiation process.

LOCAL NEWS:

On the Border grill still on the table:

By Becky Orr borr@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE -- Construction of an On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina in Cheyenne should start by June. Original plans indicated the restaurant would open in the summer of 2010.
"Because of the economy, we slowed everything down," said James Yates, owner and operating partner."We extended our franchise agreement," he said. "We have an agreement. We will have some kind of shovel in the ground by June 2012."

Yates and his partners from Rapid City, S.D., are looking for a site for the restaurant. They will continue the search this winter."We're very excited about getting it ready in Cheyenne. The market is definitely ready," he said."We are very committed to Cheyenne," Yates said. "It's been a long haul. We're extremely excited about getting it in Cheyenne."

Yates also owns the Sanford's restaurant in Cheyenne. He said he has lived here for 19 years.
The partners have a franchise agreement to build On the Border restaurants in Casper and Sioux Falls, S.D., too.

On the Border is a chain of Texmex restaurants. The casual dining restaurants are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Dubai, Egypt, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, according to the company's website.

In September 2009, an article in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle said crews would build the restaurant at Meadowland Drive across from Old Chicago. However, construction crews are building a kidney dialysis center there now.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SCORE TO BUY A HOME:

Joe Prunty — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:10:00 GMT

Your credit rating is a score calculated by the lender based on your credit file, the amount you want to borrow, existing borrowings and the security you can put up. Your credit file is reviewed when applying for a homeowner loan, mortgage, and car finance and sometimes when applying for a job. Your credit rating can be considered your trustworthiness to repay the amount borrowed. It's important that you know what your credit rating is and how to maintain it.

Good, Bad or Wrong?

A bad credit rating can be repaired and is not something to worry about long-term. However, if you are looking for a loan quickly, you will find fewer lending institutions willing to lend you money. Lenders that are willing to consider a consumer with an adverse credit history will charge greater interest rates.

A good credit rating will attract more loan companies offering larger amounts of money, more competitive interest rates and more flexible payment agreements.

Research states that around 80% of the credit files maintained by credit agencies contain outdated or incorrect information.

How do I Access my Credit File?

The first step to maintaining a healthy credit rating is to request your credit file from Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. You are entitled to one free report per year, however, you should request a report from all three because the files that they hold maybe different.

Review your Credit File:

Following is some of the most common errors and problems to look for when reviewing your credit file. If you notice any inaccuracies contact the credit agencies immediately. Keep copies of any correspondence and log all phone calls. Send copies of any documentation that supports you claim - do not send originals.

Basic Inaccuracies:Look for payments or accounts that are incorrectly recorded as late or unpaid. This can happen through no fault of your own when checks are late arriving or go missing in the post.
Identity Theft:This is a major concern of today and is one of the fastest growing crimes worldwide. Look for accounts that have been opened in your name without your knowledge or consent.
Credit File Requests:When you apply for a loan the lender will request your credit file. Each request is logged; carefully check for any fraudulent activates that could indicate an attempt at identity theft. Too many requests can be seen as detrimental by some lenders making it difficult to secure a loan.
Credit Fraud - Unauthorized Charges:Unauthorized use of your Credit Cards to purchase goods or services may go unnoticed, particularly if the fraud is through an account that you do not use regularly.

Manage your credit worthiness:

Credit agencies do not check the correctness of any information that is passed to them from your creditors; it is your responsibility to ensure that your credit file is correctly maintained. Requesting your credit report once per year regardless of wither there is a problem obtaining credit or not is the best way to ensure the credit files held with the agencies are accurate.

GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER AND BUY THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

Joe Prunty — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:51:00 GMT

BUDGETING: A DIY SOLUTION:

Are you one of the millions whose ‘paper' salary and ‘real' salary don't match up? Do you earn enough in theory but not in practice? As a result, are your monthly debt repayments stretching your finances to the limit - or beyond, forcing you to take out more credit? The good news is this: there is a solution to the problem - budgeting. The bad news is this: it can take quite a lot of self-discipline. Budgeting is all about income, expenditure, and closing the gap between the two.

Step 1 - theory

Write down everything you expect to earn / receive in a month. For most people, that's the easy it. Now, write down everything you think you'll spend in a month. This is where it gets tricky.

First of all, there are some bills you don't pay every month. You'll need to track down all the paperwork, find the bills you pay every year or quarter and divide the numbers by 12 or 4 as appropriate.
Second, some expenses are hard to track - particularly discretionary spending such as eating out, drinks, cigarettes, snacks, etc. This is why Step 2 is so important: keeping track of the dollars is relatively easy, but the cents really add up.

(If you're not sure how to get started, it might be a good idea to get some professional debt help. There are plenty of organizations that offer free debt advice and help, whether you're looking for in-depth financial guidance or just a bit of help drawing up an ‘Income & Expenditure' table.)

Step 2 - practice

Spend a whole month writing down everything you spend. Tracking the 101 small expenses is critical - after all, you probably already know (more or less) what you spend on expensive things.

Step 3 - reflection

After the first month, take a good look at your notes. Go through your spending with a highlighter and mark all the expenses you could have avoided. Most people find they add up to a lot more than they thought. On the one hand, it's depressing to see how money gets ‘wasted'; on the other hand, it's encouraging to see how much you could save if you really put your mind to it. Hopefully, this should give you the incentive you need to keep going.

Step 4 - calculation

Figure out how much you could save every month if you cut out everything you don't need.

Could you walk instead of driving / taking public transport?
Could you stop (or cut down on) smoking and socializing?
Could you stop buying luxury items (fashionable clothes, CDs, etc.) for a while?

Next, figure out how far you want to take your economy drive. This is a decision only you can make, based on what you know about your debts, your income and - perhaps most important - yourself. Obviously, the more you cut back, the more progress you'll make in paying off your debts. If you don't think you could cut your discretionary spending by 100%, you can always reduce it by 75% or 50%, but of course you'll have to do it for longer to get the same results. If you're looking for motivation, find a reputable online ‘repayment calculator' and see how much you could save by overpaying your debt repayments every month. (There are some kinds of debt that you can't overpay, but it's probably a good idea to focus on debts like store cards, credit cards and overdrafts anyway, as these tend to be high-interest debts which you can overpay.)

Step 5 - perseverance

Keep it up. Nobody likes economizing, so focus on the good points:

Make a chart of your debts so you can see how fast they're going down.
Set yourself targets (10% paid off, only $500 left, one debt paid off, etc.)
When you hit a target, celebrate!

Most of all, remember: however much money you're putting towards your debts today will one day be yours to spend or save as you see fit. Think about what you'll do with your income once it's entirely yours again.

EMPTY NESTERS

Joe Prunty — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:29:00 GMT

Probably the first thing that you should know is why you are actually selling the house. This will decide the price that you set and also how much time and money you are willing to spend on getting your house ready for a sale. However, although it is important that you are clear about your objectives, don't make the mistake of telling others about it or they would use it against you on the negotiating table. Instead, just say that your housing needs have changed.
Make sure to research properly before setting a price for the property. By setting the price, you let the buyers know the maximum amount they will have to pay for the house, but don't make the mistake of pricing it too low or too high. This is because, most buyers will look at around 20 houses and they know how to compare them. So, if your house does not compare well with others in your price range, you will not be able to turn any prospect into a buyer. This means that your house will be in the market for a long time and new buyers will start to wonder why your house hasn't sold for so long.
Your agent should be able to find out what other comparable homes are selling for in your own neighborhood. Get information about homes sold in the last 6 months and the homes that are currently listed. Remember, this is how your prospects will compare your house.
Your real estate agent should be a good one. Good communication, good feedback, good pricing, and good relations with the agent are necessary for the success of any real estate deal.
Make sure to make your house presentable. How the property looks on the outside and the inside is necessary to get a good offer. Clean up your house, remove the clutter, and fix everything that matters. Don't go around pointing to prospective buyers how they can make improvements.
Your prospects should be able to get any information about your house as easily as possible. It may surprise you but things such as traditional open houses are not always that effective.
Your Real Estate Agent will negotiate on your behalf.
As a seller, your Real Estate Agent will disclose everything. Any flaws present in the house should be disclosed to the buyer in writing so that later when a problem comes up, you don't get slapped with a lawsuit. All terms, costs, and responsibilities should be clearly spelled out in the contract. Don't deviate from what is listed in the contract. So, if the buyer asks for making the move before the closing, just say no. Don't take any risks that can potentially prove to be a deal breaker.

PUT YOUR MONEY TO WORK FOR YOU

Joe Prunty — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:40:00 GMT

If your college student is getting ready to live off campus, buying a rental property or condo may be an option worth considering. Of course, with high rental costs and the opportunity to create a tax shelter for your hard earned money, this is a strategy many parents have found to be beneficial.

An investment property is an excellent opportunity to put your money to work for you, and may even help offset some of the income invested into your child's education. However, there are various factors you should consider before making any final decisions.

Long term goals - Although appreciation rates may be favorable, it is important to discern how long you intend to keep the property. Within a few years your son or daughter will be finished with their education, and you will still be left with a property to care for.

Some individuals would rather keep the home as an investment and continue to rent the property out to new students. Additionally, this may be a place that you will plan to use for future visits or football games long after your child is done with school.

The problem with solely relying on strong appreciation rates is that you may not be able to command the price you desire a few years from now. So unless you are prepared to hold onto the property for a longer time period to make the investment worthwhile, this may be something worth reconsidering.

Maintenance & management - Next, purchasing a rental property is a big investment, so you want to ensure that your property is kept in good condition. Although your son or daughter may be extremely reliable, you may need to consider other friends or roommates that will have to share in on the rent.

Are you comfortable with trusting in 2 or more college students to watch after your property? Also, it may be required to pay a property manager (especially once your child graduates) to help manage the home if you live at a distance.

Finally, it will be important that you can find reliable contractors to take care of any maintenance hassles and ensure that the property remains in tip top shape.

Cash flow & taxes - After carefully reviewing the first 2 points, you may still feel that a rental property for your student is well worth the investment. If this is the case, then there are a few things you must know about finances.

First of all, be sure that you are buying smart. Work with a qualified agent who knows the area and can help direct you to the best deals. They will be able to help you figure out projected rental income and appreciation rates as well.

After factoring in taxes, insurance, maintenance, associate fees, your mortgage, etc. you will want to make sure that you have some cash flow for extra profit and to cover unexpected problems that may arise down the road.

This will also make your investment pay off more in the long run and can free you up to invest in future properties as well. For those who are married, you must be aware that there is a limit to how many itemized deductions you can write off if your gross income exceeds approximately $240K.

Therefore, though it is possible that you can include the taxes and mortgage interest as deductions on your second property, this is something you will still need to review with a tax professional.

Finally, be aware that the property can also be susceptible to capital gains tax once you are ready to sell. Either way, you will still be eligible for some depreciation on your home and to write off a portion of your maintenance and utilities, so there are always good reasons to buy.

All in all, buying a rental property for your college student can be a wise investment for you and your family. We strongly advise that you take time to sit down with your financial advisor and/or tax pro to discuss the options available to you. For further guidance on locating a property, please contact us using the information listed above.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH CHEYENNE:

Joe Prunty — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:04:00 GMT

Events to mark on your calendar:

11^th of October 2011: Bunco with the Cheyenne Lady Newcomers and Friends.

13^th of October 2011: Exec. Board Meeting: 4.30p.m.

When you think of making and starting a new home, you would not want to miss to take into consideration the property location. What are the pros and cons about the place? How are the education, facilities and security system? Is the neighborhood the one you would like to live in? Is the place free from any disturbances? Would you be able to get around easily? Is the place easily accessible?

Careful Consideration:

After you've visited a property or home, you could rate the home from 1 to 10.

What are the strong and negative points?
What are the important parameters missing?
What is the home made of?
What is the other future maintenance especially when it involves cost?
What are the added features on the housing package that you don't actually need?
Would you be willing to pay more and charge it on your card than saving it for future monthly payment?
Is the nearest school nearby? Is it a good and reputable school?
Is the nearest grocery or hospital or church accessible? Where are the recreational areas?
How about train or bus stations in case of car repair?

Before deciding on buying a new home, visit the property twice before deciding on getting and actually paying for it. Your Real Estate Agent will assist you to ensure that you buy the right home. You will fall in love with Cheyenne. This warm, friendly city welcomes you.

Realtor’s Guide to Using Photos in Real Estate Marketing

Joe Prunty — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:08:00 GMT

This is a download page for the free Realtor’s Guide to Using Photos in Real Estate Marketing. This guide is intended to help Realtors and home sellers understand the basic aspects of using photos in real estate marketing.

The posts where these documents are discussed are:

· First post

Version 1.1 update post

· Feel free to redistribute these documents. If you translate this into other languages please send me a copy of the translation and I will add it to the download list below.

· Realtor’s Guide to Using Photos In Real Estate Marketing Downloads:

NEW–> Photo Guide version 3.0 March 28, 2011 (2.1MB)
Small English PDF version 1.4 Oct 10, 2009 (1M) – Best for using web distribution.
Large English PDF version 1.4 Oct 10, 2009 (2.6M) – Best for printing
Russian PDF - Version 1.4 guide translated to Russian by Andrey Khrolenok
English .doc file – version 1.2 July 10, 2009 (24K) – Text only without photos
Zip file with all the photos in the guide (5.3 Meg) – Just the photos as JPGs

Note: This guide is free and published as Creative Commons. Please use it to promote real estate photography. Feel free to modify it, extend it give it away on your site. I simply ask that if you use it, use it to promote real estate photography. And if you see fit give PhotographyForRealEstate.net credit with a link.