“Spring forward…Fall back”. Does that help you remember when and which direction to set your clocks? On the second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour – Spring Forward – and “lose” and hour. Then, on the first Sunday in November, we set our clocks back one hour – Fall Back – and “gain” and hour. Confused yet? Why do we do this and how did it all start?

According to NASA, Benjamin Franklin has been credited for the concept of Daylight Saving Time which was first implemented in the United States during WWI, to save energy for war production and take advantage of the longer daylight hours in the months of April – October. During WWII the government again required states to observe Daylight Saving Time. Between and the wars and after WWII, the states and communities could chose whether or not to observe the time change. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which subsequently standardized Daylight Saving Time. In 2007, with the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Daylight Saving Time was extend four weeks, with the premise that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day, by reducing the use of power by businesses during daylight hours.

The only states who do not observe Daylight Saving Time are Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. These states are located closer to the equator; therefore the days are more consistent in length throughout the year and does not make sense to adjust. It should also be noted that any state can opt out of Daylight Saving Time by passing a State Law.

So this weekend March 14^th at 2am, is the magic moment. Set your clocks forward one hour and start taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours.

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Age 12

Registered Pet Partner with Delta Society and PAAWS member since January 2004

R.E.A.D dog since 2006

Goldie really is an angel with fur. Through her soft spirit and giant heart, her aura soothes and calms the mood where ever she is.

Goldie loves the kids. She gets a spring in her step and an extra sparkle in her eye when she knows it is time to “READ with the kids.” During the school year, on every other Thursday, I drive Goldie to Holt Elementary School to R.E.A.D with the kids in the After School Program. One girl saw Goldie at the beginning of this year and couldn’t believe Goldie was “still alive”, since she read to Goldie when she was in kindergarten, and now she is in 3rd grade.

During the summers, Goldie and I walk to Morse Ranch Park to R.E.A.D with the kids at the Summer Camp. One autistic child, who couldn’t focus on a single word in a book let alone read, was still able to experience reading time with Goldie. After two summers of R.E.A.D time, my heart melted as I witnessed this child sit by Goldie and read through an entire book. Goldie was very proud of him too, and wagged her tail like it was falling off.

During the months of the Library R.E.A.D program we try to go to the library at least one Saturday. As the kids wait their turn to read, they create artwork which usually gets presented to Goldie as a gift. Goldie has accumulated this art and now has a large collection of colored pages and thank you notes.

When Goldie is not listening during R.E.A.D, she is working hard as the official SpokesDog for Golden Realty. She really is a calming presence in the work place, where she resides by the foot of my desk waiting for the next opportunity to be the stress reliever. And of course Goldie is always on call for visits to those in need of a little therapy.

In her spare time, Goldie loves to go to the trails with her two Golden sisters and explore all of nature. Most of the time she will carry a Kong on a rope in her mouth while she is running around and swimming. I say ‘most of the time’ because the only time she really drops the Kong, her favorite toy, is to chase the squirrels up the trees. THAT, besides R.E.A.D, is by far Goldie’s favorite thing to do. Although she tells me she doesn’t want to hurt the squirrels, she just wants to smell them and be their friend.

Goldie "R.E.A.Ding"

The primary goal of Save the Pets - to eliminate pet over-population in Lane County - is aided by increasing the adoption rates in the community and by educating people on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Save the Pets has helped local shelters and other rescue groups by creating a venue to showcase animals available for adoption at off-site adoption events.

Save the Pets is run solely by volunteers who advocate for the rights of animals to be treated with the respect and kindness they deserve. Since the inception of Save the Pets in April 2007, over 1000 animals have been placed into loving homes.

Now, with the addition of the Save the Pets Adoption Center at Gateway Mall, Save the Pets is averaging one adoption a day. The Adoption Center also serves as a rehabilitation center for the unfortunate animals that have never been inside a home, or are fearful from past experiences or confinement. The safe environment allows the animals to thrive and, in some cases, regain their loss of trust. The center offers a home-like atmosphere where cats are free to roam in a specially equipped “cat room”, and dogs can lounge on soft, warm beds, take a walk and even go home with a volunteer or staff member for “doggy sleepovers”.

Our motto at Golden Realty is Because Everybody Deserves a Good Home…and Save the Pets, is an organization who we believe lives that motto everyday, as they exist for the purpose of finding loving homes for the homeless animals. Golden Realty lends our support to this wonderful organization. If you would like to help you can contact Save the Pets by clicking on the logo below, or visit their new Adoption Center at 3000 Gateway Mall Suite 202, Open Everyday 11am – 5pm.

The proverbial door has been kicked wide open! Potential buyers have their personal invitations in hand. Right now IS the time to walk through the door, come join the party and take advantage of the tremendous opportunities the current market has to offer.

No matter what a blog post says, or the tonality a blog is trying to convey, readers will only be compelled to take action if the action results in a huge benefit to them. To convey this urgency and show the benefits of buying now, we are providing the PROOF. You can draw your own conclusions.

First, take a look at this historical view of interest rates since 1974, signifying that we really are hovering at all time low rates. If the interest rates continue to climb will you be able to afford the house you want?

Secondly, here is a snapshot of the latest Market Trends in the Greater Eugene Area, showing that local inventory is presenting an unprecedented opportunity for buyers RIGHT NOW!

2. Who Qualifies for a Short Sale?

In order to qualify for a short sale, the seller must prove to the lender one or more of the following conditions:

• Loss of job, and difficulty in finding new suitable job
• Job Relocation, when equity is deficient
• High medical expenses due to disability, injury or illness in family 
• Divorce
• Unable to afford the loan from the beginning
• House needs unexpected major repairs
• Overextended Credit
• Changing Economy
• Adjustment in mortgage payment due to interest rate or an unforeseen increase in living expenses 

These are also the most common reasons for foreclosure.

3. What happens to a seller’s credit rating when they short sell their property?
What typically happens is the loan will show up as “paid” on their credit report; however there will be a notation that says “settled for less than originally owed” or something along these lines. It is more favorable for a homeowner to short sell than to have a foreclosure on their credit report.

Foreclosure or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure
Both these solutions affect credit the same. Sellers will take a hit of 250 to 280 points. This means if a seller’s FICO score before foreclosure was 680, it could dip as low as 400.

Short Sale
The affect of a short sale on a seller’s credit report is much less damaging. The ding on credit will show up as a pre-foreclosure in redemption status, which will result in a loss of 80 to 100 points. This means a short sale with a previous FICO of 680 will see it fall to 580 to 600.

4. How long is the waiting period before buying another home?

Foreclosure or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure
A seller who wants to buy another home after foreclosure will end up waiting about 36 months before a lender will offer any kind of interest rate that makes sense.

Short Sale
The good news for short sale sellers is the wait is much shorter before buying another home. They can buy again in about 18 months.

5. Can a seller/borrower negotiate a short sale for themselves?

Yes, but doing it alone and on the phone with the lender leads to inconsistent results that are frequently not acceptable to the seller/borrower. Working with us, we provide written and verbal negotiations, and are experienced in negotiating and navigating successful short sales that yield successful results for the seller/borrower.

6. Can any Real Estate Agent assist me in selling my home in a short sale situation? 
Possibly, but usually you have only one shot to succeed in a short sale transaction. It is therefore highly recommended you choose to work with a REALTOR experienced in short sale negotiations that can properly represent you.

7. What documents do I have to include in a short sale package?
Documents depend on the lender. Each lender has different requirements. It is typical to require hardship letter, purchase and sales contract, Estimated Cost Obligation Reporting (ECOR), settlement statement (HUD 1, net sheet, pay stubs, bank statements, personal financial sheet (monthly budget), amongst other things.

8. Will the lender send someone out for an appraisal on a possible short sale?
All lenders order a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) before making their decision to accept or reject the short sale offer. This is similar to an appraisal except the BPO is done by a real estate Broker while an appraisal is completed by a Certified Appraiser. This is the lenders way of assessing the value of the property.

9. I have 2 or 3 mortgages on my home. Can I still do a short sale?

Yes, each mortgage or line of credit (HELOC) can be negotiated individually. It is important to know which mortgage filed the foreclosure or, if more than one are in foreclosure, which one filed first.

10. What if a property needs work, can I still apply for a Short Sale?

Yes. In fact, lenders are more motivated to do a Short Sale on a property that needs work than on a property that doesn’t. The lender knows the risk of loss goes up when they foreclose on a property that needs lots of work.

Still have questions? We will contact you to discuss your specific questions and concerns.

Today our topic and primary reason to “get hrrr done NOW” is the Home Buyer Tax Credit. I am shocked at how many current homeowners are unaware that this credit will benefit them too and not just first time home buyers. The Federal Government is literally giving consumers a Golden opportunity to buy a home and get a tax break. The short version goes like this…

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress passed legislation that:

1.  Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010  and

2.  Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Click here for more detailed information about the tax credit.

Financially, it makes sense to buy now whether looking to buy your first home, move up or down or just looking for a fresh start. The bottom line with most homeowners is that they will be living in this home. So not only should the timing for buying or selling fit economically, but also the emotions and home should fit the homeowner. Don’t let the fear of the economy scare you away from accomplishing your ultimate dream. We are here for consultations to discuss your specific situation.

The brand new 40,000 square foot academic center for student athletes, named after John Jaqua, a successful attorney, philanthropist and war hero, is an architectural delight oozing with state of the art features, high tech study labs and tributes to former athletes who also excelled at academics.

For a slide show click here

We are proud of our own Kim Heddinger who has been honored as one of those former athletes who has gone onto successful careers beyond sports. Kim is featured among the likes of Phil Knight, Steve Prefontaine and Bev Smith, to name a few. The display, entitled “A Few Who Just Did It”, is a 3 story wall designed with individual 8″ x 8″ etched oak blocks that includes a brief bio and photo burned into the oak plaque.

photo by Randy Rasmussen for The Oregonian 

]]> http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2010/01/a-few-who-just-did-it/feed/ http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2010/01/happy-new-decade/ http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2010/01/happy-new-decade/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:31:11 +0000 Lynell http://www.goldensold.com/blog/?p=141

It’s not only the beginning of a new year, but also the beginning of a new decade and a Golden opportunity for a fresh start. Many have already broke their new year’s resolutions and before month end, many more will inevitably be broken. But don’t let a failed attempt at your new years resolution wait until 2011 to try again, after all a new decade only happens, well, every 10 years. So if you break it – reassess it - and decide how you are going to accomplish your New Decade Resolution. Set a goal that will be realistic for you to achieve and then take baby steps to get there. Resolutions are not just a ‘hope’ it happens statement, rather, one must take some sort of action and be an active participant, just take action and make it happen.

 

But before you decide your resolution will be another cliché, health related resolution…you know — work out more, eat right, stop smoking etc. - why not give your home the same kind of resolve? Work to keep your home healthier this year. Below is a checklist to guide you or inspire you.

 

Spring

• Clean your gutters. Backed-up gutters can wreak havoc on siding and cause flooding. Scoop out leaves and debris with a trowel or hire professionals to do it.
• Check your roof. Wintry weather may have damaged the surface, and the first big rainstorm, left unchecked, could cause significant problems. Replace shingles as needed.
• If your fireplace got a workout during the winter months, give it a clean sweep. Call in the experts to inspect and clean it.

 

Summer

• Walk around your house to check for unsealed spots where squirrels or mice could sneak in. Look carefully for termites or ants, too. Inside, check your attic and make sure egress points are sealed tightly.
• Get ready for the warm season by giving any outdoor equipment (pools, swing sets, etc.) a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning.

 

Fall

• Ensure your furnace is in prime shape for the cold months ahead, and change all the air filters in your home.
• Make sure your house is adequately sealed. Apply weather stripping (such as tape, felt, foam or vinyl tubing) around doors or windows.
• Trim branches near your home or roof to prevent damage when wintry weather hits.

 

Winter

• Drain and insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.
• Check for damaged sidewalk, driveway or stairs, and repair them before the first snow to avoid dangerous mishaps.

 It will be a new decade before we know it, so start today!

]]> http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2010/01/happy-new-decade/feed/ http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2009/12/3-useful-tips-to-help-you-find-the-perfect-holiday-gift/ http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2009/12/3-useful-tips-to-help-you-find-the-perfect-holiday-gift/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:02:20 +0000 Lynell http://www.goldensold.com/blog/?p=136 Here are some tips and suggestions to spark the imagination this Holiday Season.

 

The Best Gift

 

The best gift affirms the recipient. It doesn’t have to be expensive or unusual. On The Waltons, Pa brought tears to the eyes of John Boy, an aspiring writer, with the gift of a Big Chief scribbler.

 

People’s conversations, emails and behavior are full of clues to what affirms them and makes an inspired gift. Almost anything conceivable can be purchased online.

 

The Unusual

 

The internet is a great place to get suggestions for unusual presents. For example, try Googling a friend’s hobby plus the word gift, for example, golf gift. Dig into the results until you find something different, like a golf drink caddy that dispenses cold and hot drinks and looks like a driver. Also consider:

• Something handmade, by you, a craftsperson or an artist
• A service rather than a thing, e.g., massage, pet sitting/grooming, catering
• Something from a vacation to an exotic locale

 

Gag Gifts

 

Starting a gag or funny gift tradition is a good way to make the holidays fun. For example:

• A caricature or personalized cartoon
• A Bug in the Ice Cube or the Sock Monkey Wine Holder

 

]]> http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2009/12/3-useful-tips-to-help-you-find-the-perfect-holiday-gift/feed/ http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2009/11/thank-you-thank-you-thank-you/ http://www.goldensold.com/blog/2009/11/thank-you-thank-you-thank-you/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:14:50 +0000 Lynell http://www.goldensold.com/blog/?p=131

 

It is at this time of year that we look back on the year and give thanks for the many blessings that fill our lives.

 

I would like to thank all of our clients who have given us their confidence in hiring us to either sell their homes or buy a home. We do not take your trust lightly and we are all honored to have helped you out in the past year.

 

I would like to thank an incredible team of professionals, Lynell, Zach and Tami, whom I get to work with on a daily basis and help to make our company “Golden.” Their professionalism is second to none and it is truly an honor to work with each and every one of them.

 

Then there are the four legger’s Crawford, Goldie and Harlie who are truly “Golden” and who always help remind us of what is truly important in life…smiling, wagging their tails, eating, getting their bellies rubbed, chasing balls, sleeping and most of all the wonderful trait of unconditional love.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Kim Heddinger

 

 

This year has been full of challenges in the real estate market and the economy, but through it all I am grateful for the wonderful team that we have here at Golden Realty. Every person on this team always keeps a positive upbeat attitude and always strives to provide the best customer service to our clients and customers. Thank You Golden Gang…you are the best!

 

We do what we do because of our wonderful clients, customers, and service providers, and are grateful for your loyalty, trust and friendship. May everyone have a peaceful and joy filled Thanksgiving with Family, Friends and Loved Ones and “Give Thanks” for the gifts that life brings.

 

Gobble Gobble Gobble

~ Lynell Stokes

 

Thankful, yes I am.

 

I’m thankful for all of the people I have in my life. My Family, Friends, Clients and Colleagues, whom all have helped shape me in some way. I’m thankful for all of the challenges, the grieving, and the pain. Without that, I don’t think I would know the true meaning of being thankful.

 

Golden Realty has given me the opportunity to be thankful for many things. I’m thankful for Kim Heddinger, who’s positive and direct leadership continues to make me want to be the best at anything I do. I am thankful for Lynell Stokes and all that she does. Her knowledge and expertise is such a rarity, especially when you match it with her undying desire to brighten the day, everyday. Tami Chesnut, I cannot think of someone else I would be more thankful to work with. Tami’s positive attitude and motivation are contagious and I enjoy working with her everyday.

 

If I could give everyone a special gift this year, it would be the gift of love. Love has blessed me and shown me what the true meaning of what my life really is. Everything else that has yet to come, the good times and the bad, despite what I will encounter, the one thing I will never have to face, is facing it alone. The gift of Love is what I am most thankful for…

~ Zach Benedict

 

 

There are so many things I am grateful for all year long, however this time of year is a perfect time to reflect and really express gratitude.  Thank you to my family, friends and clients, you bring great joy to my life.  Thank you Golden Realty for the best work environment and team a person could ever ask for.  Thank you to our soldiers serving our country, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily.  I would also like to thank Melody Beattie for her view on Gratitude, these are words I read often. 

 

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

 

Make it a grateful day!

~ Tami Chesnut

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