Key West

Cheating on my Key West Hair Stylist

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:47:23 -0500

I have the best hair stylist. She's not the best just because she's talented. I like her. I love her! I have had 10 solid years of compliments on my hair to prove her value. She's been there by my side through broken hearts and job changes. We've sipped cocktails and been to baby showers. I went to her baby's baby shower! We have the same friends and I adore her, her daughter and her grand daughter.

My stylist is STELLAR! An old salon owner she worked with years ago let me come to a hair show with thousands of sylists in Orlando a few times. I pretended to be the receptionist. The smell of delicious hair products and 10 foot slick ads for hair products made me want everything that was there. There were stages with incredible hair stylists cutting hair. I raised my hand and volunteered to get a new do. I bought $18 bottles of conditioner at cost. I bought boxes of OPI nail polish at cost. I got a $120 hair flat iron at cost. It was SO exciting!

My wonderful stylist didn't hate me... she still kept making me gorgeous...

My husband would cut his own hair if I let him. I want him to have cool edgy hair so he goes to cool edgy hair guys. This cool guy did such an incredible job with my husband that I let him do my hair. It turned out beautiful. I felt like a Victoria's Secret super model for the first 8 weeks. I've gone to him a few times.

The last time I got my hair done I went to a salon that my same smart chic client friend gets her hair done at. Her hair is perfect. That's not easy to achieve in Key West's 90% humidity and 90 degree weather. I thought it must be her hair stylist that made her and her hair so pretty. After I got my hair done I did not suddenly have perfect frizz-free hair. My style was not suddenly super trendy. WHY? I don't get it! My hair is anti-trendy. It doesn't hold a cool style. It always goes back to where it started. It's thick and heavy. Even when they thin it it's THICK.

Now I'm fixated on this male sylist that the same same pretty, fun. smart friend recommended. I've seen him do his magic... It's not the first time I've been unfaithful to my lovely hair sylist. She has been there for me through thick and thin. After the euphoria fades the itch for something new and cool comes back. Later I go back to her and she gives me a new, dramatic, incredible sytle and I wonder why I ever went to anyone else.

For 2 weeks I've been picking up the phone and hanging it up. Yesteday I called Blown Away 2 times and got voice mail. I called the salon again today. MY stylist answered the phone. They have caller ID. I couldn't hang up. I had to tell her I was calling to make an appointment with Hays. She gave me an appointment on August 18th. That's a long time from now. I could hear her hurt on the other side of the phone. I didn't know what to say to make it better because there was simply nothing I could say... Will she take me back if Hays isn't everything my friend says he is?

Maya Thomas
Realtor®
Exit Realty Old Island Key West
1511 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398
MyRealPro@gmail.com
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com

31079 Avenue E, Big Pine Key, FL 33042

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:35:18 -0500

31079 Avenue E, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
$325,000
3/2
Built in 2003
5,000 sf lot
Sands Subdivision
Asphalt Shingle Roof
Vinyl Siding

This lovingly cared for home was built to be lived in by local builder for his family. This home is perfect for get togethers with friends and family. Warm, inviting interior paint colors put you at ease. Chefs kitchen has plenty of space, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a 'must have' bar. You won't miss a minute of the movie when you go to fill up the pop corn bowl and will never feel left out when you are cooking in this lovely kitchen that connects to the living room in one great room. 1,200 square foot 2003 home on a 5,000 square foot corner lot in beautiful Sands Subdivision is tranquil Big Pine Key. This pristine immaculate home should be on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens magazine! This clearly cherished and well cared for home does not come with a "honey do" list inside or out. Shipping, dining, bars and all the character and fun that Big Pine Key has to offer are a bike ride away from this pretty home.

Don't Get Scammed and Be a Good Samaritan

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:34:18 -0500

If you think you are being price gouged there is a hotline you can call to turn in the evil doer or cheater business. Call the Attorney Generals hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

It is illegal to raise the price of gas, ice, water or other needed hurricane supplies when a storm is approaching. The best thing that you can do is be prepared so that you don't need to buy these items at the last minute.

Make a list of the items that you will need for hurricane season and go buy them. Then make a hurricane evacuation plan. Exchange phone numbers and addresses with family members. Come up with a method to communicate effectively such as Facebook or MySpace.

Your pets may not be welcome everywhere so if you are going to be staying in a hotel make sure you start making calls early and find a hotel on each side of Florida and in 2 or 3 central locations that fit your budget and allow pets.

Be sure to take a moment to think about the people who live on your block. Are there elderly people or people with ailments or injuries that need help? Stop by and ask them what you can do to help them prepare. Share your emergency plan and encourage them to make a plan and let them know that you would be honored to help them if you are needed. Be a Good Samaritan. It's so important that we all help each other in times of need.

If you are taken advantage be sure to make a complaint. If enough people stand up for themselves then things are going to change and people will be punished and the world will be a better place and it will all be because of you! Be safe!

Maya Thomas
Realtor®
Exit Realty Old Island Key West
1511 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398
MyRealPro@gmail.com
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com

1707 Von Phister Street Key West Florida 33040

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:20:17 -0500

MLS 109444
Price $384,000
Address 1797 Von Phister Street, Key West, FL 33040
Bed rooms 3
Bath rooms 3
Sf Home 1,900
SF Lot 4,862
Pool yes
Built 2007

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=13&T=1673945 TO SEE the VIRTUAL TOUR! 3/2.5 BRAND NEW (built 2007). P-O-O-L! $30,000 of beautifully polished vanilla swirl 24 X 24 dense limestone Travertine stone floors, bay window, grand lv rm, 2 central a/c units, crown molding, LG Stainless steel appliances, oak cabinets, double convection ovens, Sile Stone counters kitchen and baths, Jacuzzi bath tubs, 10 X 20 concrete pool, breakfast room, formal dining room. Low E double pane insulated break away energy efficient windows, Chandelier, oak staircase, laundry room on 2nd floor, extra outlets in every room, pre-wired internet, Hardi Board siding. $220 electric per month!

906 Southard Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, $1,795,000

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:03:05 -0500

MLS                  110390
Price                  $1,795,000
Bed/Bath          3/3
Square Feet       2,224
Lot Square Feet 4,596
Year Built           1943
Zoning                HHDR
Flood Zone          AE
Construction       Frame
Roof                 Hip / Gable
Roof Type          Metal
Floor                 Dade Co Pine
Interior Walls     Dade Co Pine
Ceiling              Dade Co Pine
Subdivision       Old Town Unlisted
Taxes,             $8,112, Year 2008
Pool                 In-ground
Central Air        3 Units
Off Street Parking Yes
Appliances Viking, Bosch, Kitchenaid
Area Old Town

SEE the Virtual Tour! http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=13&T=1885118 2009 winner Old Island Restoration Foundation Tour of Homes, gas lamps, opulent turn of the century eyebrow home, Dade Co pine floors, ceiling, walls, Statuary Carrera marble slab countertops w/ Blanco sink, antique turn of the century push button light switches w/ dimmers, 6 burner Viking gas range w/ double ovens, dual refrigerators, ice machine, wine cooler, DW, WD, cherry wood cabinets. Carrera marble tile baths. Pre-wired wrap around covered porches. Heated pool, river rock waterfall, flagstone river rock deck, bamboo, Royal Cuban palms. Gated OSP with XL carport w/ storage. Rear storage bldgs. Sec. system, new 3 zone a/c system, zoned irrigation system.

C 44 Tenth Avenue Key West Florida 33040

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:00:27 -0500

MLS 110638
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Square Feet 1274
Lot Square Feet 3570
Virtual Tour go to: tiny.cc/C44Tenth

SEE the VIRTUAL TOUR at www.tiny.cc/C44Tenth or click the link to Virtual Media! 2004 1,200 sf 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Large living room, roomy deck for grilling dinner, enjoying soft breezes and shimmering gold sunsets and close to Bernstein Park. Lemon yellow hardi board siding, lovely landscaping with avocado, papaya, banana, lemon and lime trees. This may be the prettiest street on the island. Huge master bath, 2 walk in closets. Inexpensive insurance. Easy to use accordian hurricane shutters. Ample storage in the attic. Attractive and easy to maintain p-rock driveway. Well maintained and neat as can be. Proof of funds or pre-approval letter rqd. to submit offer. Washer and dryer do not convey.

Judge Lee Haworth to the Rescue!

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:34:40 -0500

Judge Lee Haworth has seen a 600% increase in foreclosures in the 12th circuit court which covers Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. 500 families are having their homes taken away by foreclosure every month. The 12^th circuit court has the 2^nd greatest number of foreclosure cases behind Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

To slow the tsunami Judge Haworth made some changes in December that are just now beginning to sprout. The new procedures require lenders to talk to homeowners and explore options to help them stay in their homes. The judge is convinced that there are people abandoning their homes who can afford them.

Judge Haworth gave a 4 page memo to lenders outlining his plan to open communication and seek a solution to the flood of foreclosures. Some lender law firms are on board and some aren't. The law firms that are ignoring the Judge's memo are not getting a hearing date.

This ‘tough love' is designed to stabilize the Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties and stream line the foreclosure process. All foreclosure filings are now electronic. This increases efficiency and saves trees.

Maya Thomas
Realtor®
Exit Realty Old Island Key West
1511 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398
MyRealPro@gmail.com
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com

728 Love Lane, Key West, FL 33040

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:58:17 -0600

VIRTUAL MEDIA http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1754591
MLS # 109880, Key West Association of Realtors, Key West, FL 33040
Maya Thomas, (305) 522-1398
2,100 square feet
4,508 square foot lot
3/3
$1,895,000

Antique brick, heart pine wood floors from 100 year old New Hampshire textile factory, antique forged square nails from 1800's. Bronze door hinges and hardware. Antique reproduction craftsman from Ohio built all cabinetry. Recessed lighting, skylights. In kitchen, hand puttied iridescent antique glass, Rocky Mountain bronze finishes, slate and bronze tiles, bronze sink, SubZero/Wolf/Bosch appliances, Ceasar quarts counters. In baths, floor to ceiling slate tiles or Carrera marble w/ iridescent beach glass. 2 lofts, heated reverse infinity pool, Ipe deck, veranda w/ wet bar, security, 2 a/c systems, whole house generator, on demand water heater, OSP, X Zone, $1,600 wind ins

Antique reclaimed brick designed and installed by expert brick layer. The self testing whole house back up generator will make your home the only home on the island thriving during a hurricane. 728 Love Lane is in an X Flood Zone, has never flooded, and flood insurance is not mandatory in an X Zone. Security system, Bose stereo system inside and out, irrigation system, copper landscape lighting. Master contractor, Bird Construction, completed this home in October 2006. New windows are not usually allowed in the historic district even if they are a perfect recreation of the original windows. The new windows contribute to the energy efficiency of this home that enjoys a monthly electric bill in the 200's. All of the door hinges and door hardware are bronze, utdoor gas lamps, meandering antique brick path in front yard. 2 giant self contained propane, 2 central a/c systems, pool heater and pump tanks neatly tucked away from view.

Security system, Bose stereo system inside and out. 2 blocks to Duval Street, lively entertainment, restaurants, bars, galleries, cafes and Earnest Hemingway's home. Love Lane is an tranquil oasis. The enormous glass pocket doors tuck neatly inside the walls to allow the interior to blend seamlessly with nature. The iron sculpture on the wall is from Europe. It is one-half of a giant clock face that was bombed by Hitler's army during World War II. The clock was partially buried on a farm. The antique dealer owners traveled to Europe to have the piece unearthed and shipped back to the United States. The original clock was a splendid piece of art that had stained glass behind the iron. The other half of the clock face was sold in their antique art gallery to be used as an enormous head board. An interior designer in Ft. Lauderdale commissioned the solid iron chandelier from Spain. When the owners discovered the piece they immediately purchased it and shipped to 728 Love Lane.

Custom cabinets designed, created and fabricated by an antique reproduction furniture maker in Ohio. Dove tailed wooden dowels. The drawers close silently. The square wooded dowels perfectly replicate the historic cabinets that would have come in an elegant home a century ago. Hand puttied iridescent antique glass. Poured bronze Rocky Mountain Poured architetural hardware. Bronze sink. The back splash tiles are slate with custom bronze tiles. The tiles behind the Wolf range are bronze. Paneled Sub Zero refrigerator and dishwasher blend into cabinetry. Wolf gas range and hood. Throughout home more than $4,000 in recessed lighting, all on dimmers. Hidden security cabinet. On demand propane water heater. Ceasar stone quarts counter tops. The pale green cabinet hue and cream quarts blend beautifully with the pale latte walls and honey caramel Hart pine floors. Nearly all of the latches, fixtures and faucets throughout the home are bronze.

Crown molding and generous natural light. Recessed lighting on dimmer. Custom built cabinets by antique reproduction craftsman in Ohio who has invested a lifetime honing the artistry of his creations skill. Poured bronze architectural hardware. The built in cabinetry expertly uses the space keeping your valuables safely tucked away while preserving the generous open living areas. All of the door hinges are bronze.

Open your eyes in the morning and you'll see this view. The enormous glass doors tuck away inside the walls and out of your way. Coffee and conversation in the morning, or do you prefer the paper? Functional space and a pretty view in the morning. The Epay deck begs to be walked on with your bare feet. Curl up on the enormous outdoor furniture in your private garden. Slip into the pool and let the sound of the water gliding over the slate tiles sooth, renew and refresh you. It's a Spa Day everyday at 728 Love Lane.

It feels like vacation at the 4 Seasons... Extraordinary floor to ceiling earthly slate tile design. Massive slate slab rests on the strong custom built cabinetry. Quiet close drawers. Poured bronze architectural hardware. Recessed lighting on dimmer. Lovely space. Rain shower. On demand propane water heater guarantees unlimited hot water. Live beautifully!

Grand ceiling height allows room for a second loft! This is much more than just another bedroom... it's a second Master Suite. Beautiful natural light. Exquisite architecture. The walk in closet has 2 windows.

Floor to ceiling Carrera marble and iridescent beach glass tiles. Bronze hardware on pocket door. Recessed lighting on dimmer. The owners love both art and the artistry of beautiful living. Nothing is better than sharing glorious discoveries from around the globe and pampering cherished house guests with the simple earthly pleasures of food, drink and entertainment. Not to be left out is the joy heavenly rest and a spa experience. The one simple joy they can't let their guests live without is a limitless hot shower. Whole house on demand propane water heater.

Spacious guest quarters. Crown molding. Generous natural light. Huge furniture fits comfortably. Guest quarters easily cradles the massive bed and furniture. Pull down stairs lead to enormous storage space that is the width of 728 Love Lane.

Floor to ceiling slate tiles. Recessed lighting on dimmer. On demand propane water heater insures an endless supply of hot water.

A ship builder designed and crafted the loft stairs especially for this Love Lane home. The massive reinforced beams and tremendously ceiling height add romance and glamour. Love nature? The skylights will elevate your mood as they welcome in the morning sun and peek at the midnight stars. This birds eye tree top loft is perched high above the living room. This loft has been both a wonderful study and lovely guest quarters for the owners who love to entertain almost as much as they love to travel the globe and search for antique treasures. The quiet air handler is hidden away in the loft. Remember hide and seek when you were a child? Your dream come true hiding spot is disguised as a built in book case. Now you have a place to tuck away private things or a sneaky hideaway. The loft was designed with special care. There is plentiful storage and insightful use of space, texture and design. Ever dreamed of having your own private space to paint and sculpt?

Heated reverse infinity edge pool. Perimeter landscaping. Epay deck artfully nestled with palm trees. The canvas awning was carefully designed and constructed so that rain water flows into the pool. The covered veranda off of the living room can be tightly closed with hurricane shutters. Outdoor furniture easily fits inside the hurricane proof area. The Sunbrella outdoor curtains hang neatly inside the shutters and create a private cabana. Leave for the season or prepare for a hurricane and rest assured that your cherished valuables are protected. The owners have hosted parties for as many as 80 friends with the help of a catering company. You MUST see this home at night. Up-lighting out the natural beauty of the palms and foliage. The current owners strategically place antique cherished candle holders around the pool and seating, pop the cork on the champagne and exhale a big breath in anticipation of the relaxation and serenity they are about to experience.

Custom made outdoor wet bar by the same antique reproduction furniture maker in Ohio. Outdoor ice machine, bar refrigerator and television. The fun never ends no matter what happens! 728 Love Lane has a self testing whole house generator that will, when full, support the entire house for a week or more off the electrical grid of Key West. You may need to plan for a house full of grateful friends and neighbors if the power goes out. 2 giant self contained propane tanks provide all the power you need to cook, wash and dry clothes, bath and sit in cool comfort while you watch movies and sip a cool drink. With so many tall trees surrounding 728 Love Lane it is comfortable with the doors and windows open.

The landscaping company makes 2 visits a year to maintain this yard at a cost of about $200 annually. Security system. Bose stereo system inside and out. Irrigation system. Copper landscape lighting. The subtle sound of water flowing over slate tiles creates a rain forest effect and tiny ripples in the crystal clear water. Swim year around in this heated pool. The pool pump and heater are close to Love Lane so they are far from you and loved ones enjoying the pool and rear living space. Epay deck hugs the edge of your yard so that the palm trees and vegetation can shade you this immaculate green garden. The outdoor garden glows golden bronze from the gas lamps.

Maya M. Thomas
REALTOR®
(305) 522-1398
MayaMarieThomas@Hotmail.com
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com

Tom Tom vs Garmin

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:40:26 -0600

This is our unscientific test of the Tom Tom and the Garmin. We took 5 trips across Florida by SUV with friends. To make our "control" group we decided to go with the Tom Tom directions if the Garmin and Tom Tom were to disagree. Then to simplify it further we named Tom Tom "Suzy" and Garmin "Sally."

In every single instance the Suzy was right (Tom Tom). This made about a dozen Sally (Garmin) directions incorrect. There was only one instance when Suzy failed us and took us to a steak house that turned into a Hooters. The error was corrected the next time we took a trip less than a month later.

So my choice for accuracy and ease of use is the Tom Tom!

Maya Thomas
REALTOR®
MayaMarieThomas@Hotmail.com
http://www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com
(305) 522-1398

1.2 Trillion in Fed Money Could Push 30 Year Fixed Mortgages Under 5%

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:17:31 -0500

The Federal Reserve will buy 300 billion in bonds and 750 billion in mortgage backed securities by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to fund the liquidity. The 1.2 trillion dollar surge available money will lower interest rates and credit card interest rates, There has never in the history of our country been a better time to invest in real estate. If you have reservations about buying now because you are worried about the price of real estate declining then you should read my article about EquityLock Financial.

Maya Thomas

Realtor

Exit Realty Old Island Key West

1511 Truman Avenue

Key West, FL 33040

(305) 522-1398

www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com

Top 5 Staging Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:49:25 -0500

Via Teresa Meyer-Home Staging Cincinnati-OH. Stage a Star: Home Stager Cincinnati (Stage a Star Staging & Consulting Services):

You've heard the saying "You never have a second chance to make a great first impression" right? If you are selling your home or will be shortly, you need to take that little saying to heart. I'm going to share with you my top staging mistakes to avoid and hope that you'll apply what you've read today and be on your way to a successful sale.

Staging Mistake #1: BAD MLS Photos

Did you know that over 85% of buyers are looking on the Internet first to find a house to buy? First Impressions start here folks! How do your photos look? I am amazed a lot of times when working with sellers that currently have their house on the market that they have not even bothered to take a look at their pictures online. I think it didn't even occur to them that this is a critical marketing tool that pulls those buyers in. GREAT PHOTOS are a must! Professional Photography makes all the difference in capturing buyers attention and getting them in the door. Great photos capture ALL of the room, have good color and clarity and show interesting angles of each room. I see bad photos all the time. Blurry. Dark. Boring. And the worst is when you can only see a small portion of the room. I don't know about you but I could care less what the sellers BED looks like...what about the room? Potential buyers want to see everything in the room in one shot. Do make sure you have at least 15 pictures advertising your house on the Internet/MLS. Buyer's really want to see as much of the house as possible.

Staging Mistake #2: Disappointing Curb Appeal

Ever get fixed up on a blind date? Remember the anxiousness you felt as you anticipated meeting this person for the first time? If your date went anything like mine, I was REALLY disappointed with my first impression of him and wasn't even sure I wanted to proceed with the date. When selling your home, don't disappoint your buyer! When they pull up to the front of your house, they carry with them their hopes and dreams that this home could be the one! Shouldn't you do whatever you can to impress those buyers so they will want to come in for a closer look? It's amazing how a green, freshly cut lawn, new mulch, shiny new fixtures and a fresh paint job on the front door can sing "Welcome Home" to your potential buyers. Doing these basic items make all the difference! And don't forget a new welcome mat and doorbell too. Believe it or not, these are the 2 items that get overlooked all the time.

Staging Mistake #3: A Dirty, Cluttered House

Have you heard this one before? "The way you live in your house and the way you sell your house are two completely different things." Sellers can throw up their hands and say, "But I have to still live here!" so remember...you're house is not YOUR home anymore. When you put it up for sale, it became a PRODUCT. In order to sell a product, it has to be packaged beautifully so it sells! Your buyers expect to see an immaculate house with no visible signs of dirt, dust and hair. It's no different when you go on vacation and you've decided to stay at a very nice hotel. You expect that when you walk into your room that the bed is made to perfection, everything is sparkling clean and they've even left you a little something that says "Welcome", right? What if you walked into the bathroom and you spotted hair in the sink and you couldn't tell if the towels were used or not? If that were me, I'd be calling the front desk and demanding a new room! Your buyers are really no different either. Dazzle them with a sparkling clean and clutter free house to buy! Clear away all your clutter so that the selling features in each room are highlighted and your house becomes the STAR, not the people that currently live there.

Staging Mistake #4: Making Your Buyers Feel Like A Guest

Ever walk into someone else's home and as you look around at their family photos and decor, it is apparent that this is "their" home. Their personality is in every room and even if you squeezed your eyes shut and tried really hard to imagine living there, you just couldn't do it. Trying to imagine your stuff over top of all of their stuff is just impossible to do. This is how potential buyers feel when they walk into a home that is full of family photos and taste specfic decor. Those buyers immediately feel like a GUEST in your house and this is one mistake you don't want to make! That is why it is so important to pack away your family photos and neutralize each room to appeal to a broad range of buyers. That also includes your collections, religious items, personal awards and trophies, your family calendar and those fifty million magnets, invitations and "TO DO" lists from the refrigerator. Don't forget your taste specfic decor as well. You may LOVE your kitchen bright yellow because it goes so well with your sunflower collection but its got to be neutralized so buyers can SEE your kitchen with its 42" cabinets and corian countertops. They need to be able to visualize themselves cooking and entertaining in there! See what I mean?

Staging Mistake #5: Decor That Fails To Impress Your Buyers

I see this one a lot. A homeowner has lived in their home for the past 15 years and the last time it was decorated was when they first moved in 1994. Lots of oak furniture and dried flower arrangements. Dated decor, empty rooms and random furniture pieces scattered throughout can make any house no matter how nice the selling features feel TIRED, DATED and OLD. Think about it this way. You know how it feels when you get your hair done? Not just a trim but when you go all out and get a new hair color and a trendy haircut? When your hair designer is done, YOU look and feel like a million bucks, right? You look YOUNGER and FRESH and everyone you see that day smiles and their eyes light up as they take in the NEW YOU!

You know, you're house is really no different. It is amazing what a few key decorative items can do for a room too. You want your buyers to have that same reaction...their eyes lighting up as they view the room becoming more impressed as they tour your house.

One of the biggest misconceptions about staging your house is that you need tons of new furniture and decorative items to make your house look like a model home. You can relax now when I tell you that it isn't true.

If you are living in your home while it is for sale, working with what you have plus maybe a few new items with a minimum investment is all you need. Consider working with a professional Stager that are experts at working with what you have using their creativity to re-purpose it and sometimes blending it with a few newer items. This gives older furniture and decor a fresh new look and feel. I am always amazed at how a few key accessories can make all the difference in highlighting a selling feature and breathing new life into a room! Slipcovers, new pillows that pop color, updated lamps, a rug or some inexpensive window panels might be all that is needed to turn unimpressive decor into a fabulous new room that your buyers will love and connect to!

Of course, I will say that if your house is vacant or you have empty rooms because you never got around to buying that dining or living room set, you will want to consider options like renting furniture. Most professional Stagers carry beautiful furnishings you can rent and will work with your budget.

Stage For A Successful Sale

Selling your home and getting it ready can be a pretty overwhelming task that is stressful to say the least. Did you know that working with a professional Home Stager can take that stress away and let you focus on the other important things about your move like finding YOUR dream home? They can create a staging plan for you that is unique to your property. You can have complete confidence in knowing that you will not be making any major staging mistakes with a Stager on your team while you sell your home!

Happy Staging!

Bank of America Will Pay $35 Million Dollar Settlement

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:58:01 -0500

A class action law suit was filed against Bank of America for creating over draft situations with customers by debit card charges and deposits in a manner that encouraged over draft fees. The class action suit is Closson vs Bank of America. The plaintiff's were awarded $35 million dollars.

On the heels of the Bank of America news The Consumer Overdraft Protection Fair Practices Act H.R.1456 just passed. Banks are no longer permitted to automatically enroll customers in fee based over draft protection. Americans have paid $17.5 billion in overdraft fees. If you paid Bank of America an overdraft fee between 2000 and 2007 you may be eligible to receive $78.

Maya Thomas
REALTOR®
Exit Realty Old Island Key West
1511 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com
MyRealPro@gmail.com

Homes and Great Deals Lost By Slow Moving Buyers!

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:46:21 -0500

This is from the incredible Sannon LeFavre in Naples. It's such a useful article that I got Shannon's permission to re-blog it.

THANKS SHANNON!

Via Shannon Lefevre Naples, Florida CRS (John R. Wood REALTORS Inc.):

It's hard to believe it's possible to miss out on a Naples property you have your eye on in a real estate market that barely seems to be moving but it is in fact happening. The last couple of days I've heard a few stories about how a slow moving buyer has missed out on a fabulous opportunity and has been left with a feeling of serious rage and disgust for just about anyone else but themselves for missing out. My how the allegations can fly.

Let me tell you a secret...that old cliche, "you snooze, you lose" still means something even in the slowest of markets!

Here are a few tips you can use to prevent from being one of the select few who are running around Naples Florida inwardly thinking, shoulda, coulda, woulda and outwardly spewing: I got screwed.

1. Once you've identified a great "deal" that fits your personal needs...do something. Consider whether the property is that great of deal. If it is, guess what...it's high season. Chances are it will probably sell this season so you need to be prepared to do something fast (yes, even in this market).

2. Doing something and doing something smart are not the same thing. If you want the property. GO GET IT. That means have your Realtor write up a real honest to goodness contract with all of the specified terms and conditions that are acceptable to you, sign it and have it presented. Verbal offers, napkin offers, partial email offers and smoke signals are rarely if ever taken seriously over real paper contracts should you find yourself in a competing position....even if the terms are what you consider better.

3. Fooling around with terms will probably help you lose the property. A few of us around here use the term "intelligent offer". For example, if you come in at a ridiculous price expecting the seller to negotiate respectfully, you're probably going to get your feelings hurt when they do one of two things. The seller may choose to respond back with a counter that is equally unintelligent or they may choose to not respond at all. Despite our encouragement to get them to do something amicable sometimes these sellers have seen and heard enough from people just like you...who came in before you and they simply don't have the strength or stomach to respond better. Offer a fair price...something you can explain on paper INTELLIGENTLY and chances are you'll get an intelligent response and even a response that will result in an effective contract.

4. Just because it's listed for a certain price doesn't mean it's going to sell for a certain price.If you're one of those people who have kept your eye on a property only to see it sell and then only to be sickened more after finding out what it sold for...shame on you. Just teasin...but seriously, get on the horn and ask your Realtor to do a little research for you. Some sellers...not all sellers...but some are in fact negotiating. There in fact have been times when sellers have turned down offers, contemplate for a week or two and gone back to those original buyers and said, "ya know...we've thought about it...and we'd like to take you're offer". You'd be amazed at how many times those deals don't work out for various reasons but every once in awhile they do. It's kind of like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play. I want to follow this up with a word of caution though...be prepared to pull the trigger if you should be so fortunate for this to happen to you. Don't expect this to work if your original offer was really stupid...for lack of a better word. It really only works for those lower but still intelligent offers.

5. So you're paying cash...that's great! So are alot of other people. For some crazy reason many people coming down here to purchase seem to think they're the only cash buyers in town and that term alone will win them the deal of their dreams with little respect to the other terms on the contract. We average about 50% cash and 50% loans in our market and for our more prestigious locations it's probably closer to 85% cash, 15% loans or higher. I can't remember the last time I was able to refer a lender. Many people end up doing a loan throughout the escrow period but few are concerned about qualifying and if at worst case scenario are prepared to pay cash anyway. This term should not be considered your only "ace in the hole" here. It's actually quite common.

6. If you're hearing there's alot of traffic on a property, it might be true. Oh, I wish I could say that it's always true but we know there are some agents who are anxious to see a deal. I've learned that after I ask, "how has your traffic been", and I'm told that a property has been really active, to ask more probing questions to see if they can confirm their answers. I might follow up with, "Great! How many offers have you seen"? or, "is that open house traffic or real showing traffic"? I also might say, "what's the most common feedback you've heard so far". You can learn alot with additional probing questions and of course, if you know the people you're talking to, that certainly helps. We have a great deal of straight shooting Realtors around here and we have a few agents who like to stretch the facts a little. A great Realtor will usually be able to determine quickly who they're dealing with.

7. The last tip I can give you today isn't really a tip at all but more like a check. If by chance you do lose that deal of the decade...it simply wasn't meant to be. Not that I'm too much of the "If you love something let it free" kind of person but a few times I've seen people really turmoil over missing out on a property only to find a better house or a better deal or sometimes both in a pretty short time frame later. Give it your best shot and if you still miss it, you'll get one. Keep at it! Naples is well worth it anyway!

Best Regards,

Your Naples Smart Girl!

Homeowners Guide to Saving Time in Short Sales and then Making it to the Closing Table

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:28:02 -0500

It's easy to get wound up and in a big hurry when a homeowner needs our help. We can't be any good to any of our clients if we don't have a system and a schedule to manage our day. The phone rings all day. The computer work piles up quick. The daily To Do list needs attention! Get the new listings in the MLS, change the status on the deals that went under contract or fell out of contract, get the buyer to the bank, web site updates and new listings, checking and returning emails, contacting new clients, fielding calls from new clients, making brochures and listing packages and printing listing agreements, writing contracts and delivering contracts, checking the HUD for tomorrows closing, sending the title commitment to the listing agent for our buyer. Our days are slammed start to finish.

We take the best care of all of our clients by having good systems in place. When a homeowner calls and has decided to let go of a house that is killing them and giving them sleepless nights the first reaction for many of us is to drop everything and run out the door.

When you call a Realtor® this is an example of what you can expect to hear.

"Hello Michelle!

There will be a few papers you'll need to gather before we meet. Do you have a pen handy or would you prefer that I e-mail you the 5 things?"

The Realtor® will then go step by step on the phone over the short list: "We'll need...

• A Hardship Letter

• 2 pay stubs from each borrower

• 2 months bank statements, all pages, for every borrower

• 2 years of W2's for all of the people on the mortgage

• An authorization letter so that their lender can talk to me.

When you have all the papers ready call your Realtor®.

She'll say, "Hi Michelle, That was fast. I thought it would take you a day or two!"

I ask whether the morning or afternoon is usually easier for you to meet for an appointment and if you know where my office is. Then we'll make an appointment to meet.

It could take 90 days or 9 months to get to the closing table. Depending upon the situation you may decide to move out of the home, stay in the home and make the payments or stay in the home and not make the payments. I'll ask what you intend to do and answer your questions. I'll recommend that you talk to an attorney and an accountant and explain the over all idea of what will happen in the process so you understand.

Be prepared to set some money aside if you have a 2^nd mortgage. Many 1^st mortgages ask for money too. The lender will call it a "cash contribution" and may attempt to refuse to close the transaction if you won't kick in some cash. The cash can come from you, the buyer, a family member or a combination. This will depend upon your circumstances and your ability. We'll talk about what's going on in your life that brought you to this spot.

If you are considering a short sale call a Realtor® and find out what your options are. The longer you wait the fewer options you will have and the less likely that the Realtor will be able to help you. After you take that first step you'll feel so light and free like the world has been lifted off of your shoulders.

Maya Thomas
REALTOR®
Exit Realty Old Island Key West
1511 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com
MyRealPro@gmail.com

If You Bought Your Home More Than 5 Years Ago Citizens Insurance May Raise Your Premium

Maya Thomas (Exit Realty Old Island Key West) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:27:08 -0500

As if it weren't bad enough that we've already been through this. I bought during the bubble and saw my insurance nearly doubled every year for the first 3 years. That was back when I had a HORRENDOUS insurance agent and Citizens was trying to make everyone go bankrupt or force them into foreclosure. Back before we all knew exactly what a short sale what and what to do with it. I'm happy as peach pie with my current agent Sue Cherrybon with Johnson's Insurance on Big Pine Key.

If only I was a buyer today! That's what everyone will be saying 5 years from now. People will cry, "I could I have NOT known prices would go back up!?"

There are 1,066,304 Citizens insurance policies in effect. If everyone paid $1,000 per policy that would be $1,066,304,000. That is a billion dollars. In Monroe County I don't think anyone pays less than $2,500 a policy. There are people paying $17,000 annual policies.

Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe County (FIRM) fought hard to reduce insurance premiums in Monroe County. Heather Carruthers and Teri Johnston are amazing women. They keep us informed.

The state run Citizens Insurance is feeling needy and underpaid again. This could cause a few more people into short sale or foreclosure. Citizens is claiming that Wilma losses are the cause. Citizens refused to pay on my hurricane damages and dozens of people I know. What has happened to premiums homeowners paid for the multiple decades with virtually no big payouts in Monroe County? Where did those billions go. Uh O, I probably shouldn't have asked that question.

Citizens wants to adjust the replacement values on homes. The amount my home was insured for doubled the 2^nd year and then went up at a good clip every year after that. I had my builder give me a replacement estimate and my value was far less than I had been paying for during the last 4 years. If you bought your home more than 5 years ago you may need to get a replacement value appraisal if you think you are being over charge for insurance to dispute the bill. You could consider talking to a builder in your area and paying them for an hour of their time to write you an estimate for your insurance agent.

Maya Thomas
REALTOR®
Exit Realty Old Island Key West
1511 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398
www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com
MyRealPro@gmail.com