What are the best tips for selling your house during the holidays?

You may think that the holiday season from November through January may not be the best time of year for putting your home on the market. The thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, you’d rather be out shopping or curled up in front of the fire with a hot cup of chocolate, right?! HOWEVER, the season does have its advantages when it comes to buying and selling real estate: holiday buyers tend to be more serious, and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. So, first, decide if you really need to sell and then once you've committed to the challenge, roll out the festive spirit and follow these tips to make it the best holiday experience yet!

1. Light the house and put out your best decorations
   
   Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. Adornments that are too large or too many can crowd your home and distract buyers. Keep these simple staging tips in mind:
   

• Clean and stage appropriately BEFORE you put out your holiday decorations.
• Create a cozy vibe with a few subtle touches like a wreath or a bowl of pinecones
• Complement your palette, make sure your holiday collection matches your current décor
• Accentuate the positive and don’t block details with too many trimmings
• Use lights to accentuate your home’s architecture not take away from it
• Stay diverse in your decorations and keep the overtly religious décor in storage this year
• Keep the size of the tree proportionate with your space
• Clear the clutter – as always, the easiest and best staging tip anytime of the year!

2. Hire a reliable real estate agent
   
   That means someone who will work hard for you and won't disappear during Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas or New Year's. At CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company our real estate professionals are dedicated in going above and beyond what is expected to get your home sold – any time of the year. The right agent will ease your stress and give you more time to enjoy the season. Visit www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com and search the Realtors in your area to find the perfect match, or call us at 800-451-8055 and ask for a referral from our staff.
   
   
3. Seek out motivated buyers
   
   Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Work with a CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor to target buyers on a deadline, including people relocating for jobs in your area, investors on tax deadlines, college students and staff, and military personnel, if you live near a military base.
   
   
4. Price it to sell
   
   No matter what time of year, a home that's priced low for the market will make buyers feel merry. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, many real estate agents advise sellers to slash their prices before putting a home on the market.
   
   
5. Make curb appeal a top priority
   
   When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. Bare trees equal a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers' safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves. And then of course there is all that beautiful holiday garland that can add an inviting atmosphere to your front porch!
   
   
6. Take top-notch real estate photos
   
   When the weather outside is frightful, homebuyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of flattering, high-quality photos of your home. If possible, have a summer or spring photo of your home available so buyers can see how it looks year-round. Need help? Consult with a CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Professional on how to take the best photos – they will even offer their help!
   
   
7. Create a video tour for the Web
   
   You'll get less foot traffic during the holidays, thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm. Need help shooting a video? Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor for help, or ask them if they plan to provide a video as part of the marketing of your home during the holidays.
   
   
8. Give house hunters a place to escape from the cold
   
   Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing soft classical music and offering homemade holiday treats. When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.
   
   
9. Be flexible in negotiations
   
   You needn't give away the farm by any means; just be willing to give and take. Your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor will guide you through this with your best interests at heart.
   
   
10. Relax! The new year is just around the corner
    
    The holidays are stressful enough, with gifts to buy, dinners to prepare and relatives to entertain. Take a moment to remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next year, which luckily is only a few days away.

Real Estate 411 - Stay COOL in your next Real Estate Transaction with these practical tips!

Things can HEAT up in the midst of a Real Estate transaction. Being prepared and having the right REALTOR can help keep you stay cool !

Finding the right home, getting to the closing table successfully, and settling into your new environment is the result of good preparation and research.

Things may get stressful during the home buying/selling process but two important keys for avoiding the "hot buttons" are knowledge and experience. Your preparation and research combined with the expertise and training/experience of your real estate professional can be the essential ingredients to your success!

One of the keys to making the process easier and more understandable is planning and preparation. Being prepared, you will be able to anticipate requests from lenders, lawyers, and a host of other professionals. Your preparation will be your backup in the heat of the moment when things get stressful and the pressure is on. Furthermore, planning will help you discover valuable shortcuts for the process! Here are a few of our suggested tips to help you in your research and planning for your next real estate transaction.

COOL TIP #1: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Location is a huge factor to consider when buying a home as it affects:
● Purchase Price ● Drive-time/Commute
● Resale Price ● Entertainment/Shopping
● School System
You are buying more than a home – you are buying a lifestyle! Start thinking about your likes and dislikes. Do your own research and “due diligence” regarding the neighborhood, schools, places of worship, city leadership and the general “feel” of the community. Buying a new home is not just an economic investment, it is an investment in your life and the life of your family. Nobody really knows what return you expect from that investment except you.

Take stock of yourself and what you are looking for in a home – and write it down. Do you need to be close to work or school? Do you like taking care of a yard or not? Do you want to be near shopping areas, or do you want to be out in the country? Do you have (or want) pets? Do you work on cars? Do you need to be near medical facilities? Thinking about your lifestyle will help you focus on the home that is right for you. Know the difference between needs and wants, your ultimate “dream home” may not be the home you can buy today.

COOL TIP #2: Know how much you can afford?

Consult with a mortgage professional and be knowledgeable about your income, your credit score, and what you owe. Armed with this information, you can make an informed decision about how much house payment you can handle and how much money you will need up front to purchase a home.

Buy what you can afford or even a little less than what you can afford. You might qualify for a higher payment only to find out later that you have to change your lifestyle in order to handle that payment. It is a good idea to get approved for your loan in advance. Obtain a letter from the lender that says “John and Mary Jones are approved for a loan of X-thousand dollars at Y-percent for Z-years SUBJECT ONLY TO THE APPRAISAL OF THE PROPERTY.” This way, you will not be tempted to buy more house than you can afford, or waste your time (and disappoint yourself) if you don’t qualify for that dream home.

Know how much you can afford and stay within your budget - this will help you avoid the HEAT of financial stress and possible disaster!

One last tip on this subject to keep in mind: Do not spend any money once you are under contract on anything other than normal household expenses and bills. That means don't make a large purchase on a credit card, or take out any loans for large items, don't buy boats or cars, or new furniture for the house. Until the closing process has been completed, DON'T SPEND ANY MONEY!

COOL TIP #3: Choose a real estate agent that is knowledgeable about the real estate market and the area you are interested in

Get a good real estate agent...and this is not just me singing the company tune! A buyer needs to know what the contract means! Is my earnest money at risk? Is my option money refundable? Did the Seller really agree to make all the repairs at no cost to me? When can I really move in? These are just a few potential “bumps” that can turn in to heated, stressful issues! You can avoid the heat and stay COOL by hiring a real estate professional to represent you and ONLY you. This advice applies equally to the purchase of a new home, too. New home contracts tend to favor the builder, not the buyer.

When selecting the real estate agent you want to work with, start online. When you are looking at homes that interest you, check out the listing agent, look at their website and read their profiles or blog.

• Choose a real estate agent that you can communicate with and one that freely communicates with you.
• Does the agent have knowledge of the neighborhoods and different types of homes in the area you are interested in?
• Is the agent knowledgeable about the mortgage process? This is one area that can cause the most issues. Your Realtor needs to be able to effectively understand and communicate with you and the lender on all things financial. The agent should be able to help you choose a reputable mortgage loan officer. You will be sharing a great deal of important information with this individual (the loan officer AND the agent too), you need to be confident that they are professional and reputable.

When you hire a Realtor - sign a buyer representation agreement; demand a consultation where the entire process is clearly explained PRIOR to getting into the car. This will eliminate confusion and anxiety and help you stay COOL throughout the transaction - giving you a sense of trust and calm! An educated buyer is a more powerful buyer. Listen to the advice of the Real Estate Professional you choose. Their duty is to you and if you have chosen well they will guide you through the process and help you avoid the heat that comes from potential pitfalls in the home buying process. And keep in mind they may not tell you what you want to hear but they will tell you what you need to hear!

Real Estate 411 - Our Diversity is YOUR Advantage

A diversified group of people working for you

At CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company we recognize the diverse needs of our thriving Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex – from Sanger to Waxahachie, Fort Worth to Weatherford, or Frisco to Dallas, our vision is to serve your real estate needs – regardless of where you are from, or where you are going! We operate from this culture statement: “CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is a diversified group of people who work together as a family and operate like a business.” That diversity is your advantage when it comes to buying and selling real estate in North Texas!

The CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Professional is trained in all real estate property types, speaks multiple languages, and hails from cultures all over the world. So whether you speak English or Spanish, or you’re buying or selling a home in the suburbs, a condo in Dallas, or a ranch in Fort Worth, our experience and diversity will be your advantage in getting what you want.

Our position in the real estate industry is unprecedented. With the global recognition of the Century 21 International brand, your property listing will have instant recognition in the market. Not to mention that we can tap into a global network of over 120,000 agents, who like the CENTURY 21 Judge Fite real estate professional, are SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. – for you!

The diverse tools we make available to our real estate professionals are the key to YOUR success when it comes to buying and selling real estate. At their fingertips are online marketing tools that will provide more exposure, more possibilities, for your real estate needs. From social media to video marketing, to enhanced listings on the top performing real estate search engines AND a web presence on hundreds of strategic websites, we cannot be overlooked online! We are there to give you the best exposure when selling your property, and the best user experience when searching for a home!

So what about money? We offer diversity there as well. If you are looking for a luxury estate or you are a single college student needing an affordable, modest dwelling, our experience in all property types will find you the best property and the best way to finance it. Through our mortgage partner, Cendera Funding, we offer an in-house solution that puts the diverse experience of seasoned mortgage professionals at your disposal. They will be available to assist you in your financing needs from start to finish.

In addition to Cendera Funding, we have a full suite of core service companies designed to provide a diverse range of homeowner services to our clients: property management, home and auto insurance, moving services, utility hookups, global relocation services, commercial real estate services, PLUS an additional 150 local vendors ready to go to work for you – from carpet cleaning to roof repair!

In our real estate market today, it is good to know that you are in the hands of someone who cares about YOU. We care about you. Our diversity is your advantage – whether you are leasing a home, or buying the home of your dreams. We are ready to make your transaction the best ever through our in-house programs and cultural diversity that brings understanding and savvy to you regardless of what language you speak or where you are from. At CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, we consider you family!

5 BIG Trends in New Home Building

Technology, the new green initiative, convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency are shaping the new home market.

What’s new in the new home market? Here are 5 Significant Trends:

1. Lighting – Traditional incandescents may be a thing of the past.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 directed the Department of Energy to set performance standards for general-service incandescent light bulbs to perform 25 to 35% more efficiently than current incandescent bulbs by 2012-14. Although the Act does not dictate what technologies can be used to meet its requirements, lighting professionals predict that only halogen, CFL, LEDs or some other new technology will be able to meet the standards.

To ready us for the changes ahead, ENERGY STAR’s Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) requirements encourage the use of the new lighting technologies. In order to sport the ALP designation, 60% of the fixtures used throughout the house and all ceiling fans must be ENERGY Star qualified.

New types of light bulbs are 75% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

2. Life Simplifying Solutions

In this day and age, we crave anything that simplifies our life (provided we can quickly learn how to operate it). Our job is to know that whatever our buyer’s desire to automate or remote control, there is quite likely some technology out there that will allow them to accomplish their goal. Having a reliable and customer-friendly home electronics professional on your team of subcontractors is important in today’s rapidly changing world.

Z-Wave equipped door locks can now be remotely and wirelessly controlled.

3. “Home Synthetic Home”

Manmade products that emulate wood, stone, slate, clay tile, natural stucco and other materials are primarily to thank for making it possible to have a Cape Cod in California, a Tuscan in Texas or a Pueblo in Pennsylvania. During the past decade, “Home Sweet Home” has quickly turned into “Home Synthetic Home”.

DaVinci Roofscapes products are fire-retardant and able to weather tough conditions from all climates throughout the year. They are made of 100% virgin resin and are 100% recyclable.

4. The Modern Movement

One way to gage what’s hot in home design is to look at the products being introduced by the lighting and hardware industries. A few years ago, when rustic designs were all the rage, everything was all about oil-rubbed bronze. Today, sleek, modern, minimalistic designs in chrome finishes complement the move toward contemporary design. Photo courtesy of Lee Lighting.

5. Cutting-edge Energy Efficiency

We’ve come far in recent years when it comes to advancements in energy efficiency, and we’ll go even further in 2010 and beyond. In particular, technology is under development to deliver solar power at prices competitive with coal-fired electricity.

The 2010 New American Home, built in Las Vegas for the International Builder’s Show, features a proprietary gas-powered heating and cooling system with a SEER rating of 18 combined with other energy-efficient features such as low-E windows, advanced insulation, vertical and horizontal solar overhangs and window louvers.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Agent to help you with your real estate needs.

CENTURY21JudgeFite.com - 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

When is the best time to buy and sell real estate?

It's always a good market for real estate, the timing is up to YOU!

If you are a homeowner who is ready to sell your home - or a homebuyer who is ready to purchase your dream home, the good news is that anytime is a good time to buy or sell real estate – YOU are the deciding factor! The best time is when YOU are ready.

Now for the really good news

There are factors in our market right now that make it easy to decide to buy or sell real estate. With interest rates at historical lows, you can get more for your money, and even free up some of your cash flow with lower payments and have money to spend on other necessities.

Here’s an interesting scenario:

A 30-year loan of $250,000 at an interest rate of 4.5% in comparison to 6.5% will save you $113,051.70 over 30 years! And yes, right now 4.5% is readily available on most loan products.

Your monthly payment on a 4.5% loan (P&I) would be $1,266.71; the payment on the 6.5% loan (P&I) would be $1,580.17 - the difference in the monthly payment is $313.46. The monies saved on the mortgage could give you some financial breathing room, or be utilized for other household needs. Mortgage rates are low now, but they won’t stay there forever. NOT buying now, could have a financial impact on your future.

You’re ready, so where do you start?

First, call your real estate agent, or consult with a mortgage professional – they can give you specific information based on your personal situation. Here are 3 key things you will need to start working on and be aware of as you move toward a real estate transaction:

1. Down payment - 3.5% down payment is required on an FHA loan - Max FHA loan is $271,050
2. Credit Score - Minimum of 620 (FHA & VA loans) - In general, lenders are requiring borrowers have a minimum 620 Credit Score. There are higher requirements on conventional loans.
3. Documentation. Borrowers are asked for much more documentation to verify income, assets, and other items necessary to meet investor guidelines. Speak with your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Agent or a recommended Cendera Funding Loan Officer and begin collecting the documentation early (even before you have found a property)...it will simplify and expedite the process!

Buying and selling real estate is about YOU – your desires and your life needs. When you are ready to make the move, that’s the best time - and we will be here to help every step of the way!

What matters most to YOU when buying and selling real estate?

Whether you are listing your home to sell or looking for your dream home, three things matter most - price, convenience, and time.

If you are a seller, you want to get the best price, you want a hassle-free transaction, and you want it to happen fast, right? If you are a buyer, you want to get the best value on a home, you want a hassle-free transaction too, AND you don’t want it to take forever! As I see it, in a market like we have here in Texas in 2010, you can accomplish all these things with KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, and the right TOOLS – here are my definitions as they relate to real estate:

KNOWLEDGE - acquainted with the real estate facts, truths, and/or principles, trained, studied, and investigated, general knowledge to help you along your real estate path, familiarity with the market, the industry, and the transactional process.

EXPERIENCE - a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing the real estate process, the process or fact of personally observing, managing, encountering, or undergoing a real estate sale or listing (been there done that!) and the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from it.

TOOLS - anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose. In the case of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, the tools used to give your listing the best possible exposure and bring you the best price, or to help you conveniently find your dream home, and bring it all to a successful close in the shortest amount of time!

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company has the knowledge, experience and the tools to give you the real estate results you are looking for. But that’s just THREE GREAT reasons, read here for more!

Understanding the new FHA Loan changes

FHA Loan Changes - NOTE: NOW is the time to ACT on buying and/or selling real property!

In an effort to shore up its flailing balance sheet and dwindling capital reserves, the Federal Housing Authority is rolling out sweeping financial changes. FHA borrowers have to look better on paper and be better credit risks.

Mortgage insurance premiums are rising, too.

FHA Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premiums have increased from 1.75% to 2.25%. This translates to .50% added to the borrower’s loan amount. This change goes into effect for FHA Case Numbers ordered on or after 4/5/2010. FHA Case Numbers are ordered once the borrower has an executed Sales Contract and are ready to move forward w/the appraisal order. To put this into perspective, the increase shouldn’t affect a borrowers payment too much since it’s financed over 30 years like the following possible scenarios.

Assuming a $150,000 sales price
Old UFMIP 2533
after April 5th 3256
Difference $4/month

Assuming a $250,000 sales price
Old UFMIP 4221
after April 5th 5428
Difference $7/month

*assumption (5.25% rate, rounded #’s for simplicity, 3.5% down payment)

In its official announcement, the FHA said its trying to better position itself to "manage its risk while continuing to support the nation’s housing market".

The changes are effective with case numbers assigned starting April 5, 2010.

To find out how these changes may affect your real estate purchase or sell, contact a CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company real estate professional today - 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Are you Ready to get off the Fence?

TaxCreditFacts

The Homebuyer's extended tax credit is about to come to an end - are you ready to get off the fence?

There hasn't been a time like this to buy a home in 40 years.

Interest rates are at historic lows but cyclical trends suggest they will soon rise. Home buyers may never see such a chance again

If you want to buy a house, now is the time, and if you don't act soon, you will regret it. Here's why: historically low interest rates!

The average 30-year fixed-rate loan with no points or fees is around 5.5%. That is the lowest the rate has been in nearly 40 years. In fact, rates are so well below historic averages that it should make all current and prospective homeowners take notice of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

You can see how the trend upward began in the 70’s and peaked in the eighties. There has been a slow downward trend and we are now at the bottom. Experts agree that rates will begin to climb back up in the very near future.

What I'm trying to impress upon everyone is that if you are planning on being a homeowner now and/or in the foreseeable future, or if you are looking to move your family into a bigger home, then pay more attention to the interest rates than the price of the home. If you have a steady job, good credit, and the down payment, then you really are being offered the gift of a lifetime.

There is still time to get in on the Extended Homebuyer’s Tax Credit.

Now is the perfect time to revisit the extended and expanded Home Buyer's Tax Credit.

Why? Because now, as you calculate your tax bill or your tax refund, you can finally see in real terms just how beneficial a tax credit of up to $8,000 can be to your bottom line.

Here's the basics:

Qualified 2009 and 2010 first-time home buyers can get up to 10% of the home's purchase price or a maximum of $8,000. In November 2009, legislation extended a tax credit of up to $6,500 (or up 10% of the home's purchase price) to long-time residents of the same primary residence if they purchase a new main home. To qualify, eligible taxpayers must show that they lived in their previous homes for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period ending on the closing date of the new home.

Important details to remember:

1) You don't have to pay it back (as long as you stay in your qualified home for at least 36 months).

2) If you qualify for the credit, you can still apply it to this year's taxes, even if you've already filed your returns, or save it for your 2010 returns.

3) This is a true tax credit, not a deduction. If you qualify for the full credit, there will be an actual dollar-for-dollar reduction of up to $8,000 (or up to $6,500 for qualified repeat buyers) on your tax bill now or in 2010.

4) New income qualification limits have been put in place that expanded the pool of qualified buyers.

5) If you purchased a qualified home or plan to after reading this article, you must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 (with closing to take place by June 30, 2010), so don't wait!

There are, of course, other details and qualification requirements and restrictions that you'll need to consider – so please contact one of our real estate professionals or one of our in-house Loan Officers to find out if you are ready to get off the fence! Call 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

SHORT SALE - you're hearing it a lot but what is it?

Real Estate 411 – What is a Short Sale?

What you need to know about a Short Sale

#1 A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property's loan. It often occurs when a borrower cannot pay the mortgage loan on their property, but the lender decides that selling the property at a moderate loss is better than pressing the current debtor. Both parties consent to the short sale process, because it allows them to avoid foreclosure, which involves hefty fees for the bank and poorer credit report outcomes for the borrowers.

#2 Before you eagerly climb aboard the short sale bandwagon, consider these four statements that determine whether you may qualify for a short sale. If you cannot answer TRUE to all four statements, you may not qualify for a short sale.

· The home’s market value has dropped.

· The mortgage is in or near default status.

· The seller has fallen on hard times.

· The seller has no assets.

#3 The seller must submit a letter of hardship that explains why the seller can not pay the difference due upon sale, including why the seller has or will stop making the monthly payments. Examples of hardship are: unemployment, divorce, medical emergency / sudden illness, bankruptcy, and death

The hardship letter is the beginning of the financial documents process in a short sale package. The items you attach to that letter will ultimately have a great deal of influence on the decision of the lender about whether to approve a short sale or not, and for the amount of the offer they'll accept.

Whether you're the borrower, a real estate agent, or an investor trying to purchase the home in a short sale, everyone involved should be concerned about providing all the documentation that will sway the decision of the lender.

· Financial statements

· Pay stubs

· Bank statements

· Hospital bills

· Divorce decrees

· Credit reports

· Tax returns

It's a game of adding up numbers to show that the borrower is in an impossible situation leading to foreclosure or bankruptcy. It's the opposite of the process to get a loan. Then you're trying to prove you don't need it and that you're prosperous. Now the goal is to prove a hopeless payment situation.

#4 A short sale is dependent on a buyer making an offer to purchase. If you do not receive an offer, you will not qualify for a short sale. So even if you meet all the other criteria, it is possible that no one will buy the short sale. It is also dependent on the lender accepting the buyer's offer. If the lender rejects the offer, a short sale will not take place.

#5 There are tax consequences to a Short Sale. If the lender agrees to the short sale, the lender may possess the right to issue you a 1099 for the shorted difference, due to a provision in the IRS code about debt forgiveness. Many situations are exempt from debt forgiveness, according to the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. You should speak to a real estate lawyer and a tax accountant to determine the amount of short sale tax consequences, and whether you can afford to pay those taxes, if any.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Associate to get started with your real estate transaction.

Call 800-451-8055, or email 411@judgfite.com.

A Legacy of Service

When real estate pioneer Judge B. Fite founded his real estate, mortgage and insurance company in 1937, he launched a tradition that spans over 73 years of service and commitment to the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Throughout its rich history of growth, expansion, mergers and acquisitions, the Judge Fite Company has remained consistently true to its founding ideals. Today, at the helm of the company are Judge Fite’s children, Jim Fite, President, and Jan Fite Miller, Executive Vice President, both who are equally committed to the legacy of service and integrity that was established 73 years ago by Dene and Judge Fite.

Jan Fite Miller has been compelled to leave her mark on the industry and to support and encourage higher ethical standards in every real estate transaction since she first joined the company in 1969. From the marketing of the property to closing the loan, Jan will insist on the proper handling of every aspect of the real estate transaction from the company’s many associates as well as its partners. This is part of the edge that CENTURY 21 Judge Fite offers its clients and the communities it serves. “We train our associates to carefully perform their duties being fair and honest with all parties, giving full disclosure of all pertinent facts, and strict adherence to agency guidelines. It is in this manner that I work to maintain a continual improvement of professional standards in the real estate industry.”

Serving as the spokesperson for CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company since 1977, Jim Fite has seen his father’s company grow from one office with eight associates to a diversified firm of 21 offices and more than 800 associates and staff. Like his sister, Jim Fite is passionate about his responsibility to not only his clients, but the real estate industry as a whole. His high profile in professional leadership through the years has held his company in good standing by providing
an opportunity to develop leaders and successful systems during some of real estate’s toughest times. Still, his motivation comes from serving people.

“What wakes me up every morning and gets me going is the responsibility to the thousands of people who depend on us to provide an environment for them to flourish and succeed”, states Fite. “And not just the people who are part of our organization, but the individuals in our industry – from the buyer’s agent to the escrow officer; the appraiser to the mortgage counselor, I want to make a difference. Judge Fite has the opportunity to be a catalyst for success at the center of every real estate transaction we are a part of, and I don’t take that lightly.”

With an unparalleled commitment to heart-driven service, this first family of DFW real estate has continued to thrive and expand when many others failed, and continued in its tireless dedication to serve the Metroplex real estate market with new products, technology, and services. The success attitude of its leadership, shored up by unmatched business acumen, has propelled CENTURY 21 Judge Fite to continue broadening its horizons, both geographically and with the kinds of products and services it incorporates to meet the needs of a continually changing marketplace.

http://www.century21judgefite.com/

Working with Mobile Real Estate Technology

Going online for real estate information is a fun and new way to go house hunting and locate information about neighborhoods, school, parks, communities…and more! Just imagine putting that information into the palm of your hands via your BlackBerry, iPhone or other “smart” phone? It’s possible now with the new mobile technologies that are available in the real estate market.

The purpose of all these gadgets, when it comes to real estate, is to provide the customer with streamlined information so that you can make a more informed decision. It also enables your real estate agent to provide you with almost immediate service and answers to questions, before and throughout the transaction. Here are a few helpful hints to get you started using mobile technology.

• Buy the perfect phone – choose the phone that has all the options you want and more
• Get connected – make sure your mobile service has a broad network with GPS
• Learn to text – subscribe to a generous “texting” package with your mobile network provider
• Visit iTunes.com to browse, purchase and download real estate applications from the “Apps” store
• Set up accounts for your real estate apps so you can easily log in, browse homes, save them, and make notations
• Trulia’s iPhone app is a great real estate application where you will quickly learn how to “house hunt” using your iPhone

When you are ready to buy or sell your property, engage a mobile real estate agent who is connected through a lead router service and will be able to receive your online inquiries and emails instantly and respond with the answers you need!

The GREEN Home - What is SEER? EER? and HSPF?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is most commonly used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. SEER measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season. In technical terms, SEER is a measure of equipment the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95oF). The higher the EER, the more efficient the system. In technical terms, EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (i.e. cooling capacity) by the product measured in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the product measured in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh/watt.

Both SEER and EER are included in the ENERGY STAR specification because each rating indicates the energy efficiency of the product under different operating modes. SEER rating more accurately reflects overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the system’s energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing a product.

Heat Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is the most commonly used measure of a heat pumps heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump.In technical term, HSPF represents the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. HSPF is based on tests performed in accordance with AHRI 210/240 (formerly ARI Standard 210/240)1.

*Source energystar.gov/taxcredits

For more information on going GREEN, visit the Green Home Guide.

Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company to find your GREEN agent! 800-451-8055, or visit www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com.

The GREEN Home - 6 Things You Can Do NOW!

"Going Green" is no longer just a slogan, it's becoming a strategic imperative for those who are concerned about what energy means for our future and our environment. Most companies and households are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption, while seeking suppliers/products that offer energy-efficient solutions to the environmental impact of their energy needs.

Too often we think that it is too expensive, but going green doesn't have to break the bank! There are baby-steps you can take in your existing home that will make a difference. Here are 6 AFFORDABLE things you can do NOW to reduce your energy consumption starting at home:

1 - Change your air filter – A clogged filter blocks airflow, preventing the air you’ve already paid to heat or cool from reaching you, which means your system must work harder to reach your desired temperature. Replace your filters monthly during peak seasons.

2 - Check for leaks – You could be losing 25% of your homes air through leaks and holes. Why spend money heating or cooling your attic? In the summer, check for leaks by feeling around ductwork with you’re A/C on. If you feel cold air, seal the leak with aluminum tape (not fabric duct tape, which will rot). Pay special attention to duct connections around junctions and any dampers installed by previous homeowners.

3 - Dial it up or down a few degrees – Each degree you raise your thermostat above 78º in the summer or below 70º in the winter can make a difference in your energy bill. To dial in the perfect temp, try placing a piece of tape over the temperature readout on your thermostat, then keep adjusting until you’re comfortable. You’ll likely find you can stand it a few degrees warmer or cooler than you thought. (Fix any leaks in your home first so you’re not wasting air.)

4 - Install a ceiling fan – A ceiling fan doesn’t actually change the temperature of a room, but it does make it feel hotter or cooler by moving the air around, creating a windchill effect in the summer and circulating rising warm air in the winter.

5 - Balance your airflow – If one room seems consistently warmer or cooler than others, try keeping all your interior doors open so air can move freely around rather than constantly adjusting your thermostat. If you want an advanced project, install manual duct dampers to change the airflow to certain rooms. Just cut the duct, insert the damper, and tape it in place. Put them close to junctions and in easy-to-access locations.

6 - Manage your windows – Close curtains or blinds of south-and west-facing windows in the summer to reduce solar heating and keep your home cooler. Open them in the winter for the opposite effect. For windows without curtains or blinds, consider installing sunshades or reflective film to achieve a similar effect. And check your windows for leaks: missing or damaged weather-stripping can have you air-conditioning the countryside!

For help on "going GREEN" in your home, contact a real estate professional at http://www.century21judgefite.com/.

Everything but skiing in Dallas/Fort Worth!

Jim Fite talks about the diverse real estate market and the many property types available - just about everything you could want...except skiing!

Finding the right house is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about choosing a lifestyle!

A home and a neighborhood tailored to your personality
One of the joys of owning a home is the creative aspect of tailoring your new environment to your personality, your lifestyle, and your needs. From decorating and painting to landscaping to location, your home tells a story about you! The variety of home types in Dallas Fort Worth supports a highly diverse Metroplex of retail and business professionals, craftsman and artisans, teachers, health professionals and civil servants. There is not just one housing answer! Maybe that’s why DFW is one of the most sought after markets and job growth centers in the nation – there is something here for everyone.

Here is a list of things to think about when choosing your DFW real estate lifestyle:

Personality type – City-goer or country lover? Quiet or party lover?
Work requirements – work in an office downtown? From your home? What is the commute?
Family – Do you have kids? Is your family active in sports? Weekend activities? Weeknight activities?
Entertainment – love the movies? Like to listen to live music? How far are you willing to drive for your fun needs?
Hobbies – Do you need a hobby room? Place for a garden? Pool or gym access? Golf?
Physical limitations – are you physically limited? Do you want stairs? Need easy access?
Schools/Church/Shopping – Involved in PTA? Teach Sunday School? Do you want shopping easily assessable?
Time Management – How much driving do you want to do? Can you handle traffic? Do you have daycare time requirements?
Budget – what can you afford? What area can you afford? How dependable is your car? Gas mileage? School? Taxes?

Think about these things, discuss them with your partner if you are buying a home with someone else. Write down the answers and use this as a guide to start your search for the perfect real estate lifestyle you will enjoy for years!

To find a real estate professional who can help you get started with your real estate transaction, contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company today! Call 800-451-8055, or email 411@judgfite.com.