Builders Scramble to Keep Up with Tax Credit's Backlog

For the entire second week of June, Mary Stranghoener spent every evening painting her soon-to-be-completed house a couple of miles north of House Springs, Mo.

Lindbergh Properties Construction, the home's builder, offers 3 percent off the closing price if the buyer paints the house. It seemed like a good deal, but after painting a house with no air conditioning during a steamy St. Louis June, Stranghoener said she'll hire a painter for her next job.

"I guess they call it sweat equity," Stranghoener said. "They've gotten quite a bit of sweat out of me. What was it, 91 (degrees) that weekend?"

Both she and Lindbergh Properties have been scrambling to finish up work in order to finalize the transaction by June 30. That's the last day buyers can close on their houses and still collect a federal home buyer tax credit.

This is the first time Stranghoener, 41, has bought a house. While she was a little worried about getting work completed in time when she signed the contract in late April, she's confident now the deal will go through without a hitch.

"It's been right down to the wire, but the whole time I just stayed positive and hoped and prayed it would happen and I've just gotten lucky," she said.

In order to qualify for the $8,000 new home buyer credit, or the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit, buyers had to enter a sales contract by April 30 and must close this month.

Concerns about meeting the deadline have prompted a measure in the U.S. Senate to extend it, but it still needs House and presidential approval. The slow construction market hasn't exactly created a frenzy to complete new homes, but it has contributed to some of the strongest months the industry has seen since the real estate crash.

One of the St. Louis area's largest builders, McBride and Son Companies, expects to close on 164 homes in June, the highest one-month number since 2005, Chief Executive John F. Eilermann wrote in an e-mail. While the tax credit "absolutely had an impact," he attributed more of the sales to low interest rates.

Read more HERE at RIS Media

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Summer Recipes

GRILLED VEGGIE SANDWICH

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

4 slices French or sourdough bread

¼ cup Dijon mustard

4 ounces soft goat cheese

¼ cup apricot jam or mango chutney

¼ medium eggplant, cut into slices, grilled, skin removed

½ red pepper, grilled and cut in half

½ yellow pepper, grilled and cut in half

olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

Spread 2 slices of bread with mustard and the other two slices first with goat cheese, then jam or chutney. Layer the grilled eggplant and peppers on each of the bread slices spread with mustard. Top with other bread slices. Brush tops of sandwiches with olive oil. Pour a small amount of olive oil in pan or panini maker. Place sandwiches in pan and top with lid. Cook until sandwiches are heated through and golden brown, flipping halfway through if not using a panini maker. Cut in half and serve.

TWIST: For a more substantial sandwich, add tuna or chicken. Recipe by Laura Swayne.

ASIAN SALAD WITH BERRIES AND GOAT CHEESE

Servings: 4 dinner or 6 side salads

Prep Time: 15 minutes

DRESSING:

½ cup rice wine vinegar

¾ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

½ teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

1 Thai chili, sliced

2 tablespoons maple syrup

salt and pepper to taste

SALAD:

4 cups mixed greens, such as arugula, red leaf lettuce,
butter lettuce, endive, and romaine

½ cucumber, finely diced

1 orange pepper, finely diced

2 cups fresh berries, well rinsed and cut if necessary

6 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled

¼ cup chopped peanuts

Mix all dressing ingredients together in a small jar. Shake until well mixed. Chill until use. Assemble the salad in a large bowl. First mix together the greens, cucumber, and pepper. Gently toss in berries. Toss with dressing and top with goat cheese and chopped peanuts right before serving. Recipe by Laura Swayne.

Originally posted HERE at Your Home and Lifestyle

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Are You Planning a Summer Vacation?

While economic news may still not be great, the hallmark of the season – the summer vacation, may not be completely in jeopardy. Two-thirds (66%) of Americans are planning to take a summer vacation this year. This closely mirrors data from 2009, when 65% were planning a summer vacation.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,503 adults surveyed online between May 10 and 17, 2010 by Harris Interactive.

In addition, roughly one-fifth (19%) of Americans are planning to take at least one business trip this summer, a slight reduction from 2009 when 23% planned one or more business trips.

While they may be on the move, many travelers say that current economic conditions continue to alter how they travel:

* Almost one-quarter (22%) plan to decrease the number of leisure trips they will make by car;
* Nearly three out of ten (28%) say they'll take fewer plane trips for leisure;
* One-quarter (25%) will cut their number of weekend trips;
* Slightly over one-quarter (27%) will reduce the duration of their vacations; and,
* About one-third (32%) plan to reduce the amount of money they will spend on vacation.

Spending on vacations
Those planning at least one trip this summer will spend an average of $1,627 on travel in the coming months. However, those planning to reduce the amount of money they spend this summer aren't necessarily sacrificing their vacations. More specifically:

* More than half are hoping to economize their leisure travel this summer by finding less expensive activities (56%) or meal options (54%)
* Slightly less than half will seek out less expensive accommodations (46%) or will vacation closer to home (46%)
* About two in five are also hoping to reduce travel costs by staying with family and friends instead of at a hotel (41%) or by driving instead of flying (42%).

Some Greenshoots
While the data shows that the economy continues to impact summer travel plans, when compared to the same survey conducted this time in 2009, there are some positive glimmers of recovery:

* This year, 36% report that they are less likely to travel over the summer due to the economy – a larger percentage of consumers (41%) were less likely to travel last summer.
* In 2010, fewer consumers report that they plan to cut back on the number of trips they will take, the duration of their trips, and the amount they will spend.

So What?
According to Allison Powell, Research Director of Harris Interactive's Travel and Tourism practice: "While the economy is clearly continuing to change the way consumers vacation, they are not willing to postpone their summer vacation plans altogether. This is great news for those in the travel industry; it is important to be especially mindful of consumers who are looking to cut costs – offering deals to consumers will be especially important this summer. The glimmer of recovery is also promising – consumers will vacation, the economy will not change this, and things are beginning to improve."

However, Powell continues that "the decision recently made by many major airlines to add surcharges on flights over the summer may not bode well for them given these price-conscious consumers. Surcharges range from $10 to $30 per ticket, depending on the day of travel. Given how quickly this can add up for a family vacation, it will be interesting to see how this will impact actual travel behavior."

Originally posted HERE at RIS Media

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Flowers and Cooling Off in Portland

Karl Switzer Rose Circle in Full Bloom

With a warm spring and early summer, more than six hundred roses are in bloom at the Karl Switzer Rose Circle located in Deering Oaks Park. Located in the section of the park between State Street and Forest Avenue, the Rose Circle is one of one hundred and thirty-four public rose gardens in the US that the American Rose Society (AARS) allows to previews its ‘All American Rose Selections’. Each year three plants each of three different new varieties are released to the Karl Switzer Rose Circle. The nine new AARS All-American Roses are planted in two special sections of the garden reserved for award winning roses. In all, the garden features nearly forty different varieties including grandifloras, floribundas, multifloras, and hybrid tea roses. Each year, members of the Maine Rose Society inspect the rose beds and grade the quality of care. The city’s Public Services horticulture staff take careful care of the roses and have received numerous awards for excellence from the ARS.

When first designed in the 1927 by City of Portland Parks Engineer William Doughtery, the circular garden was used for a floral display. In the late 1930’s Karl Switzer, the city’s Park Superintendent transformed the original floral garden into today’s much loved Rose Circle.

Deering Oaks Ravine Re-opens

Looking for a place to cool off with the kids this weekend? Make a splash at the newly refurbished Deering Oaks Ravine. Last week, the Ravine re-opened to the public after repairs were made to the floor of the structure. The Ravine features underground fountains and a wading pool and is a popular spot for families looking for some relief from the heat. Picnic tables and the William A. Goodwin Playspace are just a short walk away making a trip to Deering Oaks a fun escape for the day.

Families can also enjoy one of three splash pads located throughout the city. The splash pads at Stone Street Playground, Payson Park Playground and Kiwanis Pool offer a fun, free way for the entire family to get wet during hot summer days.

The ravine and splash pads are open daily throughout the summer from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where: Stone Street Playground, Oxford Street and Myrtle Street

Payson Park Playground, near Baxter Boulevard

Kiwanis Pool at Dougherty Field, Douglass Circle and St. James Street

Deering Oaks Ravine, Deering Oaks Park near Tennis Court Road

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

4th of July Stars and Stripes Spectacular

Next Sunday, the annual 4^th of July celebration and fireworks show will be held at the Eastern Promenade Park. This year, in addition to the fireworks show, the celebration will include a free Patriotic Pops concert by the Portland Symphony Orchestra which will feature performances of Sousa, Gershwin, and Tchaikovsky making it a true Stars and Stripes Spectacular. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:40 PM and run throughout the fireworks display, which will begin at 9:20 PM. Spectators not on Munjoy Hill, can enjoy the concert by listening to a live broadcast on Maine Public Radio. A rain date is scheduled for Monday, July 5^th. Call the city’s hotline at 756-8130 if a change seems likely.

The Stars and Stripes Spectacular is supported by private donations from founding members, the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Quirk Chevrolet, Wright Express and the Maine Red Claws. Additional support for this year’s event was provided by Unum, Coca Cola Bottling of Northern New England, PowerPay, Time Warner, Boston Musicians Association, Parallax, Proprietors of Union Wharf, Maine Public Broadcasting Network, Seacoast RVs and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railway. For information about the events scheduled for the day and ways to support the continuation of the city’s 4^th of July celebration in years to come, visitwww.july4thportland.org.

It is estimated that 50,000 people will watch the program throughout the city. A variety of vendors offering 4^th of July souvenirs, food and drink will be located along the Eastern Promenade. Proceeds from the sale of all beverages will support future celebrations. Attendees are reminded to throw their trash away and recycle bottles and cans in appropriate receptacles or take it with them when they leave the park.

Public restrooms will be available at the East End Beach, Turner Street and the top of Cutter Street. Due to the crowds and loud noises, spectators are asked to leave their pets at home.

Per the State Fire Marshal, the tennis courts, playground and ball fields on the Eastern Promenade, are within the fireworks shoot zone and will be closed as of 7:00 AM on July 4^th.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE - The East End Boat launch as well as Cutter Street and all the parking lots at Cutter Street will be closed from10:00 PM July 3^rd to 6:30 AM July 5th. Boaters can access alternate launches nearby including the Falmouth Town Landing on Route 88 ($10.00 for non resident, 207-781-7371), Bug Light Boat Launch in South Portland ($5 for resident, $6 for non resident, 207-767-7591) and Portland Yacht Services ($50 includes parking, $35 no parking, 207-774-167).

People interested in attending the Stars and Stripes Spectacular need to be mindful of the following parking restrictions that go into effect at 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM, July 4^th: Eastern Promenade (both sides) from Vesper to Washington Avenue; Fort Allen Park (both sides); Walnut Street from the Eastern Promenade to Washington Avenue; and Mountfort Street (both sides). Munjoy Hill will be closed to all traffic at 4:00 PM. Handicapped parking is available on a first come first served basis along Cutter Street and Fort Allen Park.

Clearly marked handicapped vehicles will be allowed to pass the barricades until 6:00 PM. Drivers must approach Cutter Street from Fore Street to enter. The East End Trail between the Portland Water District pumping station and the East End Beach bathhouse will be closed to the public at 7:00 AM, July 4^th.

The Portland Fire Department reminds residents that sparklers are legal but are very hot and should be used with extreme caution when around other people. Fireworks are illegal in Maine.

Suggested viewing spots for the Stars and Stripes Spectacular include:

The Eastern Promenade Park – extremely limited parking on Munjoy Hill, attendees are advised to arrive early to ensure seating space (Munjoy Hill is closed to traffic at 4:00 PM). Patriotic Pops begins at 7:40 PM. The Top of the Old Port parking lot will be offering a special $5 rate for the day.

Back Cove/Payson Park – limited parking available at Baxter Boulevard parking lot (across from Hannaford), Payson Park, Baxter Boulevard and the hillside at Cheverus High School

Peaks Island –view the fireworks at the ferry terminal

Casco Bay – boaters should anchor in the northeast section of the bay facing Portland. Boaters are also reminded to adhere to water safety regulations including making sure that each passenger has a floatation device appropriate for the age and size of the passenger; the boat has working lights, and is equipped with a safety kit. Boaters should be mindful of Coast Guard restrictions in the area.

Schedule: Saturday, July 3, 2010

10:00 PM – East End Boat launch, Cutter Street and parking lots closed to the public

Sunday, July 4, 2010

7:00 AM – East End Parking restrictions go into effect; East End Trail between the Portland Water District pumping station and East End Beach bathhouse closed to the public

Noon - Vendors open to the public along the Eastern Promenade

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Munjoy Hill closed to traffic

6:00 PM - Munjoy Hill closed to handicapped parking

7:40 PM - PSO Patriotic Pops Concert

9:20 PM - Fireworks show begins

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

150 Middle St #4, Portland's Old Port - New Listing!

Open floor plan- This recently renovated condo has large custom kitchen w/granite counters, hardwood floors, scenic vews of Old Port & harbor. Rare heated parking spaace. A MUST SEE
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extension: Members of the Military and Certain Other Federal Employees

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was signed into law on Nov. 6, 2009, extends and expands the first-time homebuyer credit allowed by previous Acts. The new law:

• Extends deadlines for purchasing and closing on a home.
• Authorizes the credit for long-time homeowners buying a replacement principal residence.
• Raises the income limitations for homeowners claiming the credit.

Under the new law, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return.

For the first time, long-time homeowners who buy a replacement principal residence may also claim a homebuyer credit of up to $6,500 (up to $3,250 for a married individual filing separately). They must have lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the replacement home is purchased.

People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009. The credit phases out for individual taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) between $125,000 and $145,000 or between $225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers. The existing MAGI phase-outs of $75,000 to $95,000 or $150,000 to $170,000 for joint filers still apply to purchases on or before Nov. 6, 2009.

Several new restrictions apply to homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009.

• Purchasers must attach a properly executed settlement statement to their return.
• No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
• The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement.
• A dependent is not eligible for the credit.
• The new law gives the IRS broader authority to deny first-time homebuyer credit claims, without having to first audit a taxpayer’s return. Known as math error authority, this authority applies, retroactively, to credits claimed on original and amended 2008 returns, as well as to claims yet to be filed.

Read more HERE at the IRS website.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

MAINE HOME SALES CLIMB 24.29 PERCENT IN MAY

Sales of Maine’s single-family existing homes showed no signs of slowing with a double-digit increase in May 2010. According to the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. (MREIS), Realtors reported 1,090 sales last month, an increase of 24.29 percent compared with May 2009. The median sales price rose 6.19 percent to $169,900 in that same time period. The median sales price (MSP) indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports a 17.5 percent increase in the sales of single-family existing homes nationwide. The national median sales price for those homes reached $179,400 in May—2.7 percent higher than last year. In the regional Northeast, sales are up 12.7 percent, while median sales prices dipped 2.2 percent to $240,200.

Juanita Bean Smith of Bean and Smith Real Estate in Farmington relays, “Given that there were nearly twice as many home sales in Franklin County this year as opposed to last year, it seems clear that the Federal stimulus money did have a large impact on buyers.”

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Simple Tools to Do a Home-Energy Audit, and Save

For many homeowners, electricity use is highest during the summer — that means steeper energy bills are just around the corner.

But a lot of the energy you're paying for is squandered through air leaks around doors and windows, or through cable boxes and appliances that sap energy when no one is around. Before you shell out the cash for a professional home-energy audit, however, here are some do-it-yourself ways to measure — and then curb — your energy use.

MEASURE IT
The average household will spend about $2,140 on residential energy consumption in 2010, according to the Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy. What's running up that bill? A home power monitor is one way to find out, said Tom Simchak, a research associate at the Alliance to Save Energy.

Simchak said he purchased one — The Energy Detective, or TED (see the site at TheEnergyDetective.com) — for about $200. It's connected to his circuit-breaker box and to his Internet router. The monitor records and calculates the cost of his electricity use and sends that information (current and projected consumption, plus cost, among other things) to a small box with an LCD display that he keeps in his living room.

The monitor also sends the information to his laptop, where TED's proprietary software lets Simchak assess his energy-use history and projected use in greater detail. In addition, the monitor uploads the data to Google PowerMeter, a free online home-energy monitoring tool.

While the power monitor won't tell you how much energy each separate device is consuming, Simchak said the real-time data makes it easy to figure out. "When you hear the air conditioner click on," he said, "power consumption goes up by seven or eight times."

A cheaper alternative that does give you information on specific devices' energy consumption is a kilowatt meter, which measures the energy use of any device plugged into it. You plug the meter into a wall socket and then plug the device into the meter.

The kilowatt meter can't measure an overhead light or other devices hardwired into your home, but "it's still a useful tool," said Reuven Walder, a professional energy auditor in Rockville, Md. He sells a kilowatt meter for about $30 at his store, Ecobeco (see the site at Ecobeco.com). Walder said it might surprise you, for instance, just how many kilowatts your cable box uses — it can add up to $30 to $50 a year.

Read more HERE at RIS Media.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Actions speak louder than words, or so the popular saying goes. But the words from various Fed members on the actions they feel need to be taken are getting pretty loud. And what could all this potential action mean for home loan rates?

There has been growing debate among Fed members about when to begin raising the Fed Funds Rate. What is the Fed Funds Rate? It's the lending rate banks charge each other for the use of overnight funds, and it is used as a base rate that many other lending rates are based on, for consumer and business loans. A higher Fed Funds Rate tends to slow economic activity, as it means the cost of borrowing to finance a purchase will be higher, while a lower rate helps to stimulate activity, a ripple effect that expands into all sectors of the economy. As you can see in the chart below, the Fed Funds Rate is currently at a range of 0.0-0.25%, and it has been this low for over a year to help stimulate our economy and move us from recession to recovery.

Fed Funds Rate

If the Fed raises the Fed Funds Rate too soon, it could slow economic activity and cause a "double dip" recession. However, if the Fed waits too long to raise the Fed Funds Rate, inflation could result...and inflation concerns were a big reason for all the Fed chatter last week. Remember, inflation is the arch enemy of Bonds and home loan rates.

With mounting debt in the US and concerns that US debt will overtake GDP by 2012 - as well as the problems in Europe - there are many factors the Fed needs to consider before taking action. For instance, last week Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that the Unemployment Rate is likely to remain high for a while and he noted that the Fed "can't wait until unemployment is where we'd like it to be" before tightening credit, or inflation could too easily get out of control. That said, recent reports like May's Jobs Report and Retail Sales Report - which showed the first monthly decline since September 2009 - indicate that our economic recovery is still fragile at the moment. This means the Fed won't want to act too quickly, either.

The next Fed Meeting is June 22-23rd, and while the Fed will most likely not raise the Fed Funds Rate at this time, more and more Fed members are expressing concerns about the current very accommodative monetary policy in place. Although home loan rates are not tied to the Fed Funds Rate, I'll be watching this situation very carefully as it continues to unfold.

In addition, Bonds and home loan rates have benefited lately from the situation in Europe, as global investors have sought the safe haven of our US Bonds. However, as the Euro's freefall is finally showing some signs of stabilization, traders and investors can be very fickle in unwinding or reversing these trades pretty quickly. This could reverse the improvement we've seen in home loan rates, and we saw a sign of that last week. Bonds and home loan rates ended the week a bit off their best levels of the week...but are still incredibly low overall.

There will be plenty of inflation news for the Fed to gather this week, ahead of its meeting later this month. First, there's Wednesday's Producer Price Index, which measures inflation at the wholesale level, which will be followed by Thursday's Consumer Price Index. As mentioned above, inflation is the arch enemy of Bonds and home loan rates, so it will be important to see what these reports reveal.

Housing, manufacturing, and job news are also in store this week, with Wednesday's Housing Starts and Building Permits Reports (which give us an update on the health of the new construction sector of the housing market) and Thursday's Philadelphia Fed Report (which gives us an update on the manufacturing sector).

We'll also have another weekly Initial Jobless Claims Report. Initial Jobless Claims numbers have remained stubbornly high. The most troubling numbers in last week's report are the additional 5.13M people claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation), which are benefits lasting longer than 26 weeks, up to 99 weeks in total.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Summer Remodeling Ideas

Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great time to work on repairs and renovations without much of the hassles and delays that rain and other elements bring. For this reason and more, a good number of homeowners undertake home improvement projects during the summer.

Eugene Makeev, a home improvement expert offers the following tips for homeowners who are looking to spruce their homes up this summer.

Patios and Decks
What better way to enjoy the warm days than by creating an outdoor living space for the family to enjoy. Decks and patios are among the most popular summer remodeling ideas. There are various factors to take into consideration when deciding whether a patio or deck is the most appropriate project to undertake. Such factors include soil condition and consistency, site terrain, use, capacity, privacy as well as the cost and maintenance you are willing to put up with.

Home Maintenance
Throughout the seasons, your home has taken good care of you and your family and now is the best time to give back. Go through your property to evaluate and create a checklist on areas that need mending or replacement. This list is a crucial preparation before calling a contractor or handyman for maintenance and repair services. Some common maintenance and repair include:

-Waterproof the basement
-Re-caulk and replace weatherstrip
-Clean and seal wooden decks
-Trim bushes and trees
-Re-align downspouts and gutters
-Repair roof
-Clean the pool
-Mend the fence
-Seal cracks along driveways, foundation, walkways, etc.
-Maintenance of HVAC systems

Energy Efficient Renovation
When it comes to summer remodeling, there's no better way to invest your hard-earned dollars than by making your home energy efficient. An energy efficient summer remodel is truly a worthwhile endeavor as it will result in years of savings on your energy bills. Some of the common items you can buy and integrate into your energy efficient renovation include:

-Insulation systems and materials
-Roofs that resist heat gain
-Biomass burning stoves
-Energy-efficient windows
-HVAC systems with the highest efficiency tier
-Solar panels
-Fuel cells
-Geothermal heat pumps
-Wind energy systems

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

10 Tips for Garage Door Safety

There's good reason to keep the home's largest moving object in proper order. The garage door is often the largest entry point in the home. Consumers can bring garage door and opener safety awareness to the home front this summer--the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) have designated June as Garage Door Safety Month.

Overhead Door Corporation, one of the nation's leading manufacturer of overhead garage doors and openers under well-known brands like Overhead Door, Genie® and Wayne-Dalton, is offering consumers 10 safety and security tips to be protected throughout the year.

1. Make sure the garage door opener control button is out of the reach of small children. Do not let children play with garage door remote controls.

2. Never place fingers between door sections. Explain the dangers to children and consider pinch-resistant door panels.

3. Consult the owner's manual and learn how to use the garage door's emergency release feature.

4. Visually inspect the garage door each month. Look at springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for signs of wear. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. These parts are under high tension, and should only be fixed by a trained door repairman.

5. Test the garage door opener's reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2x4 board or a roll of paper towels in the door's path. If the door does not reverse after contacting the object, call a qualified garage door professional for repair. If the opener has not been replaced since 1993, seriously consider a new one with auto-reverse as a standard feature.

Read more HERE at RIS Media.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

In 2010: Rent or Buy A Home?

First time home buyers have a lot to consider this summer when making the decision to rent or buy a home: interest rates are at all-time lows, there's still plenty of housing stock and prices are at or near their lowest in years.

Still, deciding whether to buy a home or rent an apartment can be a complicated decision. How do you know what's right for you? Potential buyers should ask themselves several key questions before making this important decision.

1. What will monthly costs be, and can I afford the payments?
Keeping mortgage payments under 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb. If you can't keep mortgage payments below that, you may be better off renting for awhile.

2. What other debt do I have?
Total rent or mortgage payments plus credit obligations should not exceed 35 to 40 percent of monthly income.

3. What is my credit score? Can I qualify for a good interest rate?
A high credit score indicates strong creditworthiness, and that qualifies you for better interest rates on a mortgage. Maxing out on your credit lines and paying bills late will lower your credit score. The impact of a credit score on interest rates can be significant. For instance, a borrower with a score of 760 could pay nearly two percentage points less in interest on a mortgage than someone with a score of 620. Lower interest rates also mean lower monthly payments. If your credit score is low, you may want to delay buying a home until you can improve your score.

4. How much will taxes, monthly maintenance, or other fees cost?
Owning a home means you'll have to pay real estate taxes and other costs like insurance and maintenance. On the other hand, owning a home brings big tax savings at the end of the year. As a renter, the owner pays those costs for you.

5. How many years will I stay here? Generally, the longer you plan to live someplace, the more it makes sense to buy. You'll build equity in your house and its value is likely to increase over the years.

Originally posted HERE at RIS Media.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

New West End Listing - 387 Danforth St, Portland Maine

Historic William Vaughan House-1st home on Western Prom c.1799 has been transformed into magnificent living space with original charm galore. Stunning gardens, patios and glimpse of the water, all make this a singular property.
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

New Listing - 589 Hollis Rd, Hollis Maine

Historic home fully restored to perfection-5 fireplaces, original details in main home blended with newer great room addition over looking fields, perennial gardens, outside living spaces, kitchen with top appliances-newer 3 car garage & barn-see photos.
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

For Your Clients: Make Sense Out of Projects, Clutter

It's not easy to admit that it's our own behavior that sets the tone in our home. We are just as responsible for the mess as we are for the good taste in decor.

SPRAY PAINT FOR FABRICS
We all hate it when mats, lamp shades or throw pillows don't come in the colors we like. Upholstery Fabric Paint by Simply Spray is a non-toxic, non-flammable aerosol spray can that allows you to paint over couches, chairs, pillows, linens, lampshades and more. Eco-friendly and water-based, the paint is an alternative to other harsh-smelling indoor sprays. Another plus is that it remains soft to the touch and is fade resistant. (It won't rub off either.) Cost is $12.99 per can. Details: simplyspray.com.

BAD HABITS LEAD TO CLUTTER
I know it seems that way, but clutter doesn't just happen. Most of the time, it's the direct result of a few bad habits that you may not realize lead to clutter, according to an article in the June edition of Good Housekeeping. The four habits mentioned are "Being afraid to let go of items," (in case you might need them later); "Not stepping up to tasks," (walking right by something that needs your attention); the worst of all, "Procrastination," (delaying a decision about what to do with your things); and "Buying too much stuff," (shocked?). Check out the mag on newstands now for solutions for each of these habits.

HOME REPAIR PROJECTS THAT MAKE SENSE
It is not fun when you realize that a home repair project you just finished — and spent your savings and time on — either isn't going to save you money or wasn't even necessary to begin with. "Green Sense for the Home: Rating the Real Payoff From 50 Green Home Projects" (The Taunton Press; $21.95) by Eric Corey Freed and Kevin Daum examines the issue and helps homeowners determine what projects make financial sense. Covering 16 projects you can do today (changing light bulbs or using less toilet water), 21 you can do tomorrow (adding solar power or installing a whole-house fan) and 13 you can do when building a new home (reclaiming your water and building with reclaimed or recycled materials), the book offers two different and sometimes opposing perspectives on each. An in-depth analysis breaks projects down according to their impact on the environment and, of course, your wallet.

Originally posted HERE at RIS Media.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Have Fun in Your Garden This Summer

Anyone who has ever owned a beautiful garden knows that it doesn’t come without a big price—and I’m not talking about a monetary commitment. Of course, there’s certainly that; the plants and everything required to support this wonderful hobby are expensive, and getting more so, it seems.

The commitment I’m referring to has to do with time—or, more to the point, the lack of it—to just sit down, read a book, or put your feet up in the garden because endless chores await the doing. Added to myriad other obligations in our lives, we can easily become prisoners of our own creations. Who knew when you planted all those blowsy English perennials that a future of indentured servitude was in store?

But there’s hope for us all in the form of a new book by Valerie Easton, a Seattle newspaper columnist and author, who has tackled the subject of less work and more play in the garden space. The NEW Low-Maintenance Garden: How to Have a Beautiful, Productive Garden and the Time to Enjoy It (Timber Press, 2009) is based on decades of her own gardening experiences.

“For many years, my enthusiasm for digging, planting, and caring for all I’d created was boundless,” Easton says. “And then one day it wasn’t.” When Easton’s husband of thirty years resigned as her “yard boy,” she knew she had to make some changes in her own high-maintenance landscape or become resigned to caring for “thousands of plants” totally on her own.

“As middle-age crises go, it wasn’t too bad,” she now says. “He simply told me again and again until I heard him that he was going to spend his weekends bike riding and kayaking rather that hauling buckets of mulch up the stairs, mucking out the pond, and carting away excess biomass.”

About the time she was rethinking her own situation, Easton was hearing similar stories from other gardeners. But it wasn’t just the “longtime, plant-besotted gardeners, the ones with the ‘tired backs,’” Easton says. “New generations of gardeners don’t have the time to spend to devoting their weekends to yard work,” she says. While younger gardeners may appreciate a pretty garden or wish to harvest salads or herbs for dinner, social and family obligations require gardening to fit into a more balanced lifestyle.

Read more HERE at Home By Design.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Poolside Paradise

The blissful freedom of a summer schedule undoubtedly encourages one to defy the structure that applies to the remainder of the year. These are the fleeting months when it is perfectly acceptable to wear jeans dirtied from mountain hikes, eat ice cream bars for breakfast, and spend the extended daylight hours in the cool escape of the swimming pool.

Although public pools are accessible and helpful for occupying a busload of children, having a personal backyard water feature is an ideal way to beat the heat. If you are ready to transform your yard into a tropical oasis, a swimming pool or other water feature will provide you, your family, and your friends with countless hours of memorable enjoyment.

Aboveground pools are simple to set up, inexpensive to purchase, and serve the basic function. Although these appear to be less permanent structures, an elevated deck can make it more accessible and create the illusion of an inground pool. Along the same uncomplicated lines, a blow-up pool accented by an artificial palm tree and a pool float can create a tropical escape on the otherwise simplest lawns.

If you are in the mood to dream or in the market to create a luxury retreat for your summer “staycation,” there are plenty of elaborate pools to dazzle you and your vacation visitors.

A naturalistic pool can transform a yard into a lake, jungle, or island by playing up the landscape or imitating natural formations. These pools can blend with the surroundings or stand out as a whimsical lagoon where mermaids could be lounging. Naturalistic pools are established with a freeform shape, which could be meant to mimic a specific body of water or simply to allow for a more fluid space. Materials such as stone or simulated rock are used to create caves, grottos, waterfalls, tanning spots, or diving ledges.

For a more modern retreat from the heat, consider an Infinity pool. Otherwise known as a negative-edge, disappearing-edge, zero-edge, or vanishing-edge pool, an Infinity pool produces a visual effect and enticing illusion of water extending to the horizon. To create this mystical look, the water cascades down a hidden side into a catch basin that filters it back into the swimming pool. Alternatively, you can create a waterfall effect by facing the “vanishing” edge toward your home.

Read more HERE at Your Home and Lifestyle.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Global Economic News Pushes Up Mortgage Rates

Global economic news was the primary influence on US mortgage markets last week. While the US data released during the week was mixed, an improved economic outlook in many other countries was unfavorable for bond markets. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week a little higher.

In recent weeks, mortgage rates have fallen to the lowest levels in decades. This has occurred, in part, due to the economic troubles in Europe, which reduced the willingness of investors to hold risky assets such as stocks. During periods of uncertainty, it's common for investors to seek a higher level of relatively safer assets, including US mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Last Thursday, however, a series of global headlines from Europe, Asia, and Australia contained positive news for economic growth, which caused investors to move back toward riskier assets and out of bonds. The stock market rallied, and mortgage rates moved higher.

Last Thursday, lawmakers introduced a proposal which, if passed, will extend the "close-by" deadline to receive the homebuyer tax credit from June 30 to September 30. The legislation doesn't affect who may qualify for the tax credit. To qualify, you still must have signed a contract by April 30, but it will relieve some of the pressure to close by June 30. Buyers who had not expected to close by June 30 may now be able to qualify.

Also Notable:

• May Retail Sales fell short of expectations due to a decline in sales of building materials
• The Fed's Beige Book revealed an improvement in economic activity since the last report
• The European Central Bank (ECB) made no change in rates, as expected
• Gold prices rose to a record high during the week

This Week

The most significant economic data this week will be the monthly inflation reports. The Producer Price Index (PPI) focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products and will come out on Wednesday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the most closely watched monthly inflation report, will come out on Thursday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers. In addition, Industrial Production, an important indicator of economic growth, and Housing Starts are scheduled for Wednesday. Empire State, Import Prices, Leading Indicators, and Philly Fed will round out the week.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Make a Splash!

Looking for a place to cool off with the kids? Make a splash at one of three splash pads located throughout the city for play time and getting wet. The splash pads at Stone Street Playground, Payson Park Playground and Kiwanis Pool offer a fun, free way for the entire family to cool off during hot summer days. Kiwanis pool, Portland’s only outdoor public pool, will open June 21^st.

Another popular cooling off spot, the Deering Oaks Ravine, is currently undergoing repairs and should reopen to the public by the end of the month.

When: Daily throughout the summer

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Where: Stone Street Playground, Oxford Street and Myrtle Street

Payson Park Playground, near Baxter Boulevard

Kiwanis Pool at Dougherty Field, Douglass Circle and St. James Street

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

388 Blackstrap Rd, Falmouth

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

32 Moody Rd, Brunswick

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Ninth Annual Women’s Cycling Ride

Ninth Annual Women’s Ride
9 a.m. Sunday, June 13, 2010

This all-women’s ride is suited for all ages and fitness levels, with distances of five, 15, 25 and 50 miles. The ride offers beautiful views of the countryside and coast. Proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s safety education programs. Preregistration is encouraged.
For more information, please visit http://www.bikemaine.org/events/womensrideindex.
Where: L.L. Bean's Casco Conference Center, Casco Street Freeport
Phone: (207) 623-4511

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Take a tour of Portland's Eastern Cemetery

Eastern Cemetery Tour
1:30pm - 3:00pm Sunday, June 13, 2010

Eastern Cemetery Tours Congress & Mountfort Streets Sundays at 1:30pm May 16 through September 19 This tour will take you through the 6-acre site while a guide explains the history of the grounds, those buried within, the types of stones and an overview of how the site fits into the history of Portland.
Meet at the Congress Street gate at 1:15pm

Tickets are $7, students and elders (62 and up) $4, children under 12 are free
Tours last about 1 to 1.5 hours. Wear appropriate layers — the wind is always a bit stronger on the hill! The terrain is uneven. Tours may be canceled because of rain.
Call 318-2982 and check the voice message in case of iffy weather.
All funds raised go to Spirits Alive to maintain the Eastern Cemetery
Where: Eastern Cemetery, corner of Congress and Mountfort Streets Portland

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Bayside World Market and Fair

Bayside World Market and Fair
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2010
Come support the Bayside community of Portland! The fourth annual Bayside World Market & Fair returns to Portland Saturday, June 12 from 11 am-4 pm. Admission is free. The popular festival attracts thousands of people each year with international cuisine and a free program of music, dance and immigrant journey stories. In addition, market goers will find 100 vendors offering a wide assortment of items, including flea market goods, crafts, art, jewelry, and clothing. There will be a dedicated children’s area with crafts and games.

Where: Portland High School, Cumberland Ave. Portland
Cost: $ free

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

The Landing at Pine at Pine Point's 1st Anniversary Celebration

The Landing at Pine at Pine Point's 1st Anniversary Celebration
5pm Friday, June 11, 2010
Come celebrate a very special occaston - the 1st anniversary of The Landing at Pine Point. Celebrate in high style with a summer bash! 5-8PM: Happy Hour with live entertainment and light dinner menu: 8:30pm - Jim Ciampi Band Dance Party

Where: The Landing at Pine Point, Scarborough, Maine, 353 Pine Point Road Scarborough
Phone: (207)774-4527
Cost: $ 10

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Landscape Design - improving your homes value

Mindful Landscape Design
6:00PM - 8:30PM Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The first truth of landscaping is this: grabbing a couple of pre-planted pots isn’t going to bring you a whole lot of satisfaction, but being a slave to every detail isn’t going to do it, either.

Most of us operate somewhere in between, and go from garden to garden and style to style trying to find what we really want. Landscaping can add to your well being and improve the value of your home.

Where: Meadow Wind Center for Holistic Arts, 100 Gray Road Falmouth
Phone: 207 775-0777
Cost: $ 125 for all 6 classes

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Naked Shakespeare

Naked Shakespeare
Tonight! 8 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2010
minimalist performances by Acorn Productions' Shakespeare Ensemble. Come join the Naked Shakespeare troupe as they celebrate the recently concluded 2009/10 season with scenes and speeches from Fools for Love, The Tempest. and As You LIke It. If you've never been to see them at the Wine Bar, this is the time to start!

Where: Wine Bar on Wharf Street, 38 Wharf St. Portland
Phone: 854-0065
Cost: $5 suggested donation

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Tips on How to Fix Your House Up to Sell

Tips on How to Fix Your House Up to Sell
By Paige Tepping

With the summer buying and selling season just around the corner, now is the time to think about how you can create a lasting first impression with potential buyers. Here are 8 simple tips that will help your home stand out from the crowd.

Open the drapes and blinds. Sunshine is the world's best decorator and nothing is more depressing than walking into a home where shades, curtains and drapes are closed. Wash the windows - inside and out. For the same reasons as above, no other small improvement will give you more bang than this.

Clean up the yard. Cut back overgrown shrubs, particularly those that obscure windows or make it difficult to get to the front door. Mow the grass, rake or pick up downed leaves and branches, put away lawn tools, kids' toys and discard or store any outdoor furniture that is rusty or ragged. If season and funds permit, put down some colorful annuals or put a few nicely planted containers on or near the front porch.

Clutter Control. De-cluttering and organizing your home is very important and not just to make the place look neat. A cluttered home looks smaller and less airy. All of the pictures, knick-knacks, even an exquisite art collection are distracting to many buyers. Clean your kitchen and bathrooms – Be sure to pay attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen may be old but it can still sparkle. Clean the stovetop with a good degreaser and all countertops to remove stains and discoloration. Wash the front of all cupboards and appliances and keep the floor swept and scrubbed for as long as the home is on the market. De-clutter here too, especially the refrigerator door. Ditch countertop appliances, canisters, etc and keep cupboard doors and drawers closed if your hand is not actually in them. It is critical that the bathrooms sparkle. Old bathrooms can be charming and a new shower curtain or fresh flowers on the counter may be all you need. Put out your best towels and, if you have young children, enforce the flush rule.

If possible, Refinish hardwood floors. These are a major selling point when selling your home and sometimes a home's most compelling feature. Often they don't need complete refinishing, just to be roughed up and polyurethaned to obtain that killer shine.

Consider Painting or Repaint Your Home. If your taste in decorating is a bit strong, it may pay to hire a professional to tone down some of the more dramatic color rooms. Neutral colors are best for marketing your home for sale.

Buy, borrow or rent what you need. If your furniture shows the effect of raising five kids or if pets have ruined the rugs and upholstery, think about storing or getting rid of your existing furniture and finding just enough more attractive stuff to get by. If your nest is empty and the kids' rooms are beaten up, throw out the furniture, give the walls a quick wash coat of paint and put one or two small flea market pieces - a hobby horse, a bean-bag chair, the old bassinette from the attic - in the room to merely suggest its use.

If you would like more tips on staging your home for sale or a free market analysis, please call or email me today!

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

In Grand Style

The prestigious Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia—often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of the South”—is the location of one of Atlanta’s wealthiest neighborhoods. The magnificent residences there include older homes, like the impressive Greek Revival Georgia Governor’s Mansion built in 1967, as well as newly renovated houses and some that have been completely redone.
This dignified high-Georgian-style home was completely rebuilt, and the new grandeur is appropriately suited to the upscale Buckhead environment. Imposing Corinthian columns support the elaborate pediments that embellish the front façade and entrance to the more than 12,000-square-foot mansion. These architectural details are repeated in this exceptional kitchen area designed by Yvonne Amon, president of Cornerstone Design Inc., also located in Atlanta. “We called our design concept ‘In Grand Style’ because of the dramatic presence of the kitchen cabinetry with its old-world techniques used to create the detail and finishes,” says Amon. “Cornerstone is known for designing timeless spaces with classic touches like handcrafted inlays of exotic woods and architectural details that are the result of years of refinement in cabinet making.”
Click here to read more...
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

New rules for home buyers

Fannie Mae has instituted new regulations regarding borrower’s debt, which go into effect for new loans beginning on June 1st. Basically, lenders must verify and make certain that there is no undisclosed debt right up to and through the day of closing.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? A second credit report will be obtained the day of closing to confirm that not only is there no new debt, but no additional credit inquiries. This includes and store credit cards (for example, don't apply for an Old Navy store card or a Macy's card). If there is anything new, then the loan must be underwritten to include the new debt. This may result in:
· Delay or cancelation of the closing
· Change in rate – if credit scores have decreased
· Loan approval being reversed and the loan being declined
NOTE: The use of a letter of explanation from the borrower “explaining away” credit inquiries are no longer acceptable.

WHAT CAN YOU AS THE BUYER DO TO HELP? Be very upfront with all your loan officer and real estate agent when you first meet with them about your debts. It is very important to not make any large purchases from when you get qualified to buy a loan to when you close on your new house. for example: A new car loan taken out today will not show on the credit report for almost 60 days BUT the credit inquiry will.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Good News for Rural Development

RD HAS FUNDS: Rural Development has received additional Guaranteed Single-Family Housing Loan funds in the amount of $2.5 billion. They note, "We are able to begin to issue Conditional Commitments on loans subject to the availability of funds as follows: The guarantee fee for purchase transactions will be 3.5 percent; the guarantee fee for refinance transactions will be 2.25 percent." For info: http://www.mainerealtors.com/LenderNoticeCCs5-2010.pdf

If you would like know more about Rural Development or to see if you qualify, please contact us at The hatcher Group and one of our dedicted Buyer Agents will be happy to help you find your dream home!

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

The Luxe side of Green Living

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to equate to bare-bones minimalism. In fact, there’s a luxe side to green living that respects the environment but also allows for a bit of self-indulging. Here we share our favorite tips on how to live the life you love, with eco-friendly elements woven throughout.
Home Goods
So much of living a chic lifestyle involves spending a bit more money up front but reaping the benefits later on. Think about it: Would you rather dine with scratchy paper towels or luxurious linen napkins? The linen variety might cost you more initially, but the savings over time—and your improved dining experience—clearly tip the scales toward the eco-friendly choice.
Click here to read more...
Everyday Foods
Buying locally grown, organic foods; adjusting the amount you buy; and creating your own everyday indulgences are three ways to make beneficial, environment-protecting adjustments to your food intake. Your main mantra when grocery shopping should be, when possible, to buy only what you need from local producers who produce their foodstuffs with eco-friendly practices in mind.
Click here to read more...
Traveling Near and Far
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t use any forms of transportation that negatively affect the environment. For most of us, however, making a switch to walking or biking won’t cover our transportation needs. For the times when you need to drive, Christie Matheson, author of Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style, suggests doing what you can to reduce the CO2 your car releases. Specifically, she says, keep your tires pumped up to the pressure recommended for your specific vehicle. (Find it on the sticker on the driver’s side window.)
Click here to read more...
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

New Portland Listing

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Don't forget to VOTE June 8th!

Primary and Referendum Election June 8
On June 8th, Portland voters will be asked to participate in statewide Primary Elections for candidates in Democrat, Republican and Green Independent parties as well as a statewide Referendum Election. Voters who are enrolled in a party, or who are currently unenrolled but wish to enroll in a party, can participate in the Primary Election. Unenrolled voters can enroll in a party up to and including June 8th in order to vote in the Primary Election. The Referendum Election is open to all voters. Peaks Island residents will also be voting in a special election for a member of the Peaks Island Council. The Saturday before the election, the City Clerk’s office will be open from 8:00 AM to Noon for residents interested in registering to vote or voting by absentee ballot for the election. All residents of the City of Portland are encouraged to vote. Absentee ballots are available upon request and can be returned to the City Clerk’s office in City Hall from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Absentee ballot applications are available online at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/voter/voter.asp#absentee_ballot. Residents can register to vote in person at the City Clerk’s office prior to the election or at their polling place the day of the election.

All local polling places will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more detailed information about where or how to vote, contact the City Clerk’s office at 874-8677.

When: Tuesday, June 8, 2010
7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Where: PLEASE NOTE – Polling places have changed. Voters can also check online to locate their polling place, http://www.portlandmaine.gov/voter/pollplace.asp.
John HatcherKeller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group6 Deering Street Portland, Maine 04101207-775-2121 Office 207-7752122 Faxhttp://JohnHatcher.usJohn@JohnHatcher.us