We're business friendly

Forbes.com has ranked Florida as one of the best places to do business. We are ranked 7th. The other business-friendly states include: Virginia, Utah, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, North Dakota, and Minnesota.


One thing we offer that the others don't are beautiful Winters, no income taxes, and friendly people!

check out http://www.audreybutlerhomes.com/

weekly update from Mickey, 11.27.07

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Here is the weekly update from Mickey Carlton, Mortgage specialist here in Orlando:

Mortgage interest rates were improving versus week-ago levels until mid-morning when bond pricing reversed course. Banks and mortgage companies began to worsen their pricing almost immediately. Currently, the one-eight percent improvement versus last week has given way and we are back in the same range as a week ago. Home buyers can expect to obtain thirty-year fixed rate conforming mortgages (<$417,000) without points in a range of 6.125% to 6.625% depending upon loan size and the creditworthiness of the individual borrower.

Check out my website at: www.audreybutlerhomes.com

Weekly interest rate comment from Mickey, 11.14.07

The latest interest rate comment from Mickey Carlton:

Mortgage interest rates have remained fairly stable in a range of 6.25% to 6.75% for thirty-year fixed rate loans without discount points or origination fees. Rates for individual borrowers will be determined by loan size and creditworthiness of the borrower.

Any questions? Write me at www.audreybutlerhomes.com

Lake Mary makes the list

Money magazine has ranked Lake Mary as number 4 on its 2007 list of America's 100 best places to live.

The magazine focused on smaller places to live---cities with populations ranging from 7,500 to 50,000. They considered economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, recreation and a real sense of community.

Lake Mary was singled out for high-paying jobs, no state income tax, small-town atmosphere, proximity to Orlando and Daytona Beach, and the recreational activities: boating, fishing, and golfing.

My husband was driving out of town this weekend, and he captured a picture in Lake Mary. I thought I would show it above.

Check out some of his other pictures at: http://www.audreybutlerhomes.com/

Weekly mortgage rate comment from Mickey, 11.8.07

Weekly comment from Mickey Carlton:

Mortgage interest rates have worsened slightly since last week. Yesterday's (Wednesday) weakness in stock prices, if extended, will likely result in an improvement in our rates. Weakness in stock prices cause investors to shift money into long-term bonds sending interest rates lower. Currently, borrowers seeking conforming (<$417K) loan amounts on purchases should be able to obtain 30 yr fixed mortgage rates in a range of 6.25% to 6.75% (without paying discount points) depending upon their individual credit worthiness and loan size.

Need a mortgage? E-mail me at audrey@audreybutlerhomes.com

Planning to remodel?

With many people deciding not to sell due to so many houses on the market, you may be considering a remodeling project. Unfortunately, I've seen and heard of some nightmare stories....here are some suggestions from REALTOR Magazine on hiring a remodeling contractor:

1. Get 3 written estimates.

2. Get references and call to check on the work. If possible, go by and visit earlier jobs.

3. Check with the Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Make as small a downpayment as possible so you won't lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

5. Be sure the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

6. Ask the contractor if his workers will do the job, or if subcontractior will do parts.

7. Write a contract that specifies that the contrator will clean up after the job and will be responsible for any damage.

8. Guarantee that materials used meet your specifications.

9. Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the work.

I know a lot of this can take time, but you could be spending more time and a lot more money (and having more headaches) if the job is not done properly the first time.

Check out my website at: www.audreybutlerhomes.com

Use your mortgage consultant as a coach

The other day I was reading through some material from a Mortgage Specialist, Mickey Carlton. He wrote about how the best athletes in the world have coach---in a like manner, your family needs a financial "coach"----a trusted financial planner and mortgage expert that can assist you in coordinating your mortgage in light of your investment and retirement plans.

Many times people just try and get off the phone as quickly as possible when dealing with a mortgage broker. Use someone you trust, and disclose the needed facts so your true picture can be taken into consideration. You are making such a large investment, it is best to consider all the financial plans for your family and future.

http://www.audreybutlerhomes.com/

How to get rid of your junk, part two

Part two, on getting rid of your stuff:

4. Perhaps you have some nice items you know longer want. Consider selling them on http://www.craigslist.com/ (free) or http://www.ebay.com/ (nominal fee). My friend Allison has had great success selling things on craigslist.com---including a mirror, cell phone, and other furniture!

5. If you have a lot of stuff to donate, you can check out http://www.salvationarmy.com/ and http://www.goodwill.com/. Also consider your favorite local charities and http://www.excessaccess.com/ and http://www.inkindex.com/. Remember that items donated in good condition or better are tax deductible---check out http://www.irs.gov/.

6. If you hold a yard sale, consider getting the neighbors in on the action. A larger sale may mean more buyers.

7. If you have a lot of clothes, you may want to have a clothes swap with friends. When I lived in Canada, we held one at work after hours. Our coordinator did an amazing job, including food and a funny fashion show with some of the donated items. (I was the southern MC...I'm scared pictures may be available for circulating) We had so much fun, and all the clothes that were left over were donated to Dress for Success and Goodwill. I still have a pair of white pants that I picked up during the party, and I will take them to my grave!

www.audreybutlerhomes.com

How to get rid of your junk, part one

When you get ready to sell your home, many struggle with having too much stuff in their house. Many are selling to move to a larger home, having outgrown the current one. It makes sense that the closets will be filled, and the garage stuffed.

Here is part one of tips to de-clutter your home:

1. Pace yourself. Going through all your items can be time consuming and stressful. Take one closet or area a day, or set aside an hour every couple of days.

2. Plan to move items out of the house so the closets will be useful. Overstuffed closets make the house appear too small. Consider renting a storage unit, or store your goods at a friend's house.

3. When emptying the closet, set aside four boxes for items: 1. storage; 2. donation; 3. to another room or closet 4. trash. Running from room to room wastes time.

tune into tomorrow for additional suggestions tomorrow......

www.audreybutlerhomes.com