Crime Reports

New to the area?  Looking for a home in a safe neighborhood but you don't know where to start?  Try www.crimereports.com.  CrimeReports works with thousands of law-enforcement agencies to help reduce, prevent and solve crime by enabling officials to easily open and manage a controlled dialog with citizens. They offer online crime fighting tools including a public crime map, alert messaging, anonymous tipping and data analytics.  At the top left corner of the screen you can enter any address.  A map of the area pops up and the location of crimes are displayed with symbols that code the criminal activity.  You can see thefts, assaults, breaking and entering, robberies, etc.  You will also the locations of registered sexual offenders.  There is even an iPhone application!  I think you'll find CrimeReports.com an effective tool for understanding crime in any area.

Is finding a house like finding a spouse?

Is finding a house like finding a spouse?

1. Is it available when you are?
2. Is it attractive or with a little work, could it be?
3. Is it geographically desirable?
4. Does it make you feel comfortable?
5. Is it strong?  Can it weather the storms?
6. What does it's foundation look like?  Was it built on solid ground?
7. Is it a money pit?  Will your finances be safe?
8. Can you see your life within it's walls?
9. What does your family think about it?
10. It may not be perfect but does it suit your needs?   Do you love it?

Appraisal Challenges

The residential real estate market is getting better but there are still a few challenges. Quality inventory, inspections, financing, property insurance and appraisals are some of our current issues. Yesterday's concern was appraisal.


Yesterday morning I met the second appraiser for the second appraisal of significant lakefront home. (Two appraisals are now standard at some lending institutions when dealing with properties and/or loans of this value.) The appraiser was polite, thorough and very kind. Unfortunately, he didn't know the name of the lake in the back yard or recognize any of the streets I was referring to when we discussed comparables. The alarm in my head began to sound as I realized this appraiser was clearly not local.


This morning I read an article in a special issue of FLORIDA Realtor magazine. Geoff Sugden who is an appraiser in Bradenton, Florida came up with an interesting suggestion. He makes the point that as Realtors, we write into the contract who pays for title insurance, in what county the property should be closed and often times that the appraised value must meet or exceed the contract price. Then he asks a very good question. He asks, "Why not add the requirement that the appraiser must be assigned from the subject county or an adjacent one?"


Thanks to Mr. Sugden for his question. I can see some minor issues, especially concerning quick closings but I think it's possible that this could help. It will be something new to consider when I write my next offer.

Hawksdene House

Scott's 48th birthday trip started at 3am Thursday morning, March 3rd. I threw a bunch of things in an embarrassingly large bag, packed Samantha and sent a few final work e-mails before heading out the door. The flight was easy and got us there in just over an hour. While caravaning down the highway we made the decision to stop in Sylva for lunch, the last town before Andrews, North Carolina. We chose to eat at a surprisingly good restaurant called Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company. After lunch we stopped for "supplies" at Papou's Wine Shop and ABC. Roughly forty-five minutes later and now fit for fourteen people and four days at a mountain retreat we arrived at the Hawksdene House.

Greeting us upon arrival were Gracie the fearless mut, Heffner the almost famous ottoman guarding Yorkie and our fabulous hosts, Phil Rampy and Rob Scheiwiller. The adventure began as we unpacked the cars and got settled into our long weekend nestled warmly in the lap of luxury with good friends to keep us company.

I would like to refer to myself as a domestic goddess in the kitchen but sadly, that would be more than a slight exaggeration. I would not however be embellishing if I described Phil and Rob as the domestic gods of their kitchen. Words do not do them justice. In and out of the kitchen these two men are simply amazing. Their warm reception of our guests, their attention to every detail and a weekend full of their legendary culinary creations only begin to account for the many reasons we cannot wait to return.

Even while the weather was wet and cold, our weekend was full of activities like hikes to the waterfall, walks around town with the dogs, Backgammon, Scrabble, Catch Phrase and the 1st Annual Birthday Table Tennis Open. Most of all it was filled with fellowship and celebration. Scott and I will forever cherish the memories of this trip which far exceeded our expectations thanks to the friends that joined us and the two that hosted us there.

To find more information on the Hawksdene House, please visit: http://hawkesdene.com/

Location:Andrews, North Carolina

Chicken Florentine Soup

Isn't this cool, crisp weather fabulous? I believe soup suits this weather perfectly. I recently made some that was super easy and very tasty. Thought I would share...

Chicken Florentine Soup
by Cooking Light (small changes by me)
Makes 4-6 Servings

1/2 C Ditalini or Whole Wheat Orzo
1 T EVOO
4 Cloves Garlic
1 Rotisserie Chicken (no skin, meat chopped)
3 C Swanson's FF Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 C Water
3/4 of a 28 oz Can Diced Tomatoes (W/ Herbs)
1 (6 oz) Pkg Fresh Baby Spinach
2 T Pesto
Black Pepper and Fresh Grated Parm to Taste
Ciabatta

1. Cook pasta
2. While pasta cooks add EVOO and quickly saute garlic in pan. Add chopped chicken, broth and water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Add tomatoes until heated through. Add spinach until wilted. Add cooked pasta and pesto. Season with black pepper and parm to taste. Serve with lightly toasted Ciabatta bread.

Enjoy!

Homeowner's Insurance

Property insurance can be tough for a variety of reasons. During your inspection period, consider having the inspector complete a 4-point inspection along with the general home inspection. If the roof was installed after 2001, you may want to consider a wind mitigation inspection also as this could save you money. Look into obtaining insurance for your new home during the inspection period. We have found it particularly difficult when an inspector finds polybutylene plumbing, a Federal Pacific Panel, asbestos shingles, a roof with an active leak or one nearing the end of its life expectancy. In order to avoid any last minute hurdles, alert your insurance broker immediately to ascertain whether or not there is a good provider (A rated) available. Below are a few insurance agencies/brokerages who have successfully helped our clients recently.

Sihle Insurance
1021 Douglas Avenue
Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714
407.869.0962 - o

Rob Owen Insurance
2221 Lee Road
Suite 12
Winter Park, Florida 32789
407.644.1615 - o

Cooper, Simms, Nelson & Mosely
271 W Canton Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789
407.644.8689 - o

The Green Acres

It starts like this...

Scott: Hey, Padg. I have good news. I just checked online and The Green Acres Motel and ...

Padgett: (Interupts) Spa! The Green Acres has a spa!?!

Scott: (Erupts in laughter) No, The Green Acres Motel and RV PARK has Internet access.

Padgett: (Sad face) Ohhhhh.

FAST FORWARD >>> We got back from Red Cloud, Nebraska late Sunday night. Like you, Red Cloud was not on my "Top 10 Places to Visit" list. I was less than thrilled about traveling 13 hours each way to spend three nights at The Green Acres Motel. The trip however turned out to be wonderful and well worth the travel! I was reminded during my time there that the most amazing part of any town or trip are the people you encounter. The people of Red Cloud are dynamic and entertaining. I am grateful to have experienced them and their lovely town. Long live the G.A.!