Berlinnhrealestateblog.com: January 2010

New Hampshire's Governor's grant to assist in preparing and educating the local community about the job and business opportunities that will come with the activation of FCI Berlin!

Governor announces partnerships with WMCC
by Erik Eisele January 27, 2010
CONCORD - Governor Lynch announced two new initiatives to help stimulate the North Country economy in his state of the state address on Thursday.

"Even before the onset of this recession the North Country's economy lagged behind the rest of the state," he said. "That is why we are launching two new efforts to help North Country citizens build their own businesses and to connect North Country workers with jobs."

Both initiatives are partnerships between the state and White Mountains Community College. One will focus on people looking to start new businesses, and the other will focus on training people to work at the federal prison.

"The college will work with entrepreneurs to develop business plans, to help them develop marketing plans, and to connect them with financing and other resources," Gov. Lynch said of the first proposal. "This initiative will provide aspiring entrepreneurs in the North Country the technical support they need to build their own businesses and to create jobs for their neighbors."

The initiative, called the North Country New Business Launch Pad, will be modeled after a successful program from the Monadnock Region, WMCC President Kathy Eneguess said it an email to WMCC staff. "It will provide training and support to aspiring business owners in Coos, Northern Grafton and Northern Carroll Counties."

It will focus on the new opportunities coming to the region, such as the federal prison and sustainable energy. WMCC will work in concert with North Country Investment Corporation, Androscoggin Valley Economic Recovery Corporation, Coös Economic Development Corporation, MicroCredit New Hampshire, the Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network, the Small Business Development Center, and local banks. WMCC will organize the program, but individuals will have access the resources of all of the partners.

"WMCC envisions the program will provide technical assistance to develop a business plan and financing, access to faculty, high speed Internet, and the college resource library," she said.

She called it a "non-traditional education approach."

The second effort will prepare workers for the scheduled opening of the federal prison in the fall.

"In September 2010, a new federal prison will open in Berlin, employing an estimated 300 people," the Governor said in his address. "North Country businesses and workers deserve to reap the economic benefits of this new facility. Let's make sure that these new jobs go to North Country workers."

"We will partner with White Mountain Community College," he said, "to train individuals who want to work at the prison and to provide technical assistance to companies that have goods and services to sell to the prison."

This initiative, President Eneguess said, is called the New Hampshire Talent Team Proposal. It will, "prepare local citizens for employment on federal projects," she said, "while also assisting incumbent and new businesses with the tools needed to become approved vendors for the provision of services and sales to State and Federal agencies."

It is based on a West Virginia model, she said. It will enlist a number of regional and statewide agencies as well, she said, including NH Works Centers, the Department of Resources and Economic Development, the City of Berlin, the Bureau of Prisons, Northern Human Services, AVER, NCIC, CEDC and the New Hampshire School to Work program.

"This is another way to keep WMCC on the move," President Eneguess said, while growing the region's economies.

 
0 commentsTeam NER • January 27 2010 11:31AM

RE/MAX of New England and Shop & Stop Team Up!

RE/MAX of New England and Stop & Shop

Align to Offer Real Estate Services in-store

New England's largest real estate company teams up with

New England's leading food retailer

 

 

Natick, MA- January 18, 2010 - RE/MAX of New England today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, five-year agreement with  The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company of Quincy, MA, to develop micro real estate offices in supermarkets located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. This marks the first time that a major real estate brand has teamed up with a large consumer retailer to house real estate offices in their retail spaces.

 

"We are thrilled to partner with Stop & Shop, the leader in the supermarket segment," said Jay Hummer, Executive Vice President of RE/MAX of New England.  "RE/MAX is one of the most recognized real estate brands around the world and we continue to seek opportunities that allow consumers to shop their way.  Consumers are looking for a one stop shopping experience.  We believe this addresses this need and provides them with expert, full-time, proven real estate professionals.

 

This year up to 17 micro RE/MAX offices will open in Stop & Shop stores in RI, MA and CT. The micro offices have been designed to provide a consistent look and feel for each location, thereby creating the opportunity for strong brand recognition and presence throughout the Stop & Shop chain.

 

"The true upside of these RE/MAX franchises is that a broker will have a smaller and more economical office, at a lower initial investment, and the consumer will have the one stop shopping experience they are looking for," said Hummer. "Even more exciting for the small business owner is that these turnkey operations are offered at a lower cost, are in high traffic areas of the store and provide a face to face opportunity with the consumer.  We believe many teams are going to jump on this opportunity to grow their business." 

 

A full list of the 17 site locations committed for franchise opportunities for 2010 is available upon request. Additional information on franchise costs and agreements is also available upon request.

 

About RE/MAX of New England

 

Since its inception in 1985, RE/MAX of New England has grown to over 250 offices with more than 3,000 sales associates throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, providing residential and commercial real estate. The RE/MAX website is www.remax.com.  RE/MAX is proud to help raise millions of dollars and support charitable organizations like, Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Children's Miracle Network.

 

About The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company

 

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company employs more than 59,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company is a member of the US Green Building Council and has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores.  Stop & Shop has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores and is also a member of the EPA's Smart Way program.

0 commentsTeam NER • January 26 2010 10:20AM

The FCI Berlin facility construction is scheduled for completion Fall 2010.

The FCI Berlin facility construction is scheduled for completion Fall 2010.

Berlin NH will play host to Job and Business Seminars in April/May 2010.

Click Here to view a a fact sheet on the Bureau of Prisons fact sheet for FCI Berlin NH

For more information on Berlin NH and the surrounding community's please don't hesitate to contact RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty (603) 752-0003.

Click Here to view our website: TEAMNER.COM

0 commentsTeam NER • January 25 2010 03:16PM

Short Sale Myths

Short Sale Myths

A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who must sell and owe more on their homes than they are worth. Unfortunately, a number of myths about short sales have developed, and it is important to understand the reality of this process should you find it meets your current needs.

Myth #1 - The Bank Would Rather Foreclose than Bother with a Short Sale

This is one of the most common misconceptions. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on your property because the foreclosure process is incredibly costly. Banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered. Overwhelmingly, banks receive more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure.

The qualifications for a short sale include:

  1. Financial Hardship - There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
  2. Monthly Income Shortfall - "You have more month than money." A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
  3. Insolvency - The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

Myth #2 - You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale

While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency.

If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

Myth #3 - There is Not Enough Time to Negotiate a Short Sale Before My Foreclosure

This is a myth that probably hurts homeowners the most. Many do not realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.

The foreclosing party-in most cases a lender-can stall a foreclosure up to the final day of the process. Today, many lenders will stall a foreclosure with as little as a phone call from you explaining that you are trying to sell, and almost all lenders will stall a foreclosure with a legitimate contract. For real estate professionals who understand foreclosures and short sales, there is time available until the foreclosure process is complete.

Myth #4 - Listing My Home as a Short Sale is an Embarrassment

It is understandable to have reservations about letting the world know that you owe more on your home than it is worth. However, according to recent estimates, more than one out of eight homeowners in the U.S. is in the same situation. You are to be congratulated for admitting you need help, taking action, and finding a professional who can work with you toward a solution.

With recent estimates showing 40-60% of U.S. sales will be short sales or foreclosures, you are not alone.

Myth #5 - Short Sales are Impossible and Never Get Approved

This is a complete falsehood. Are short sales more difficult to execute? Yes. Do you, as a homeowner, need to learn about a new process? Yes. Are they impossible? Absolutely not.

For example, agents with the Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) Designation receive thousands of short sale approvals on a monthly basis. These professionals have undergone extensive training in methods to help homeowners in distress and process short sales. While there are no guarantees in any transaction, more and more short sales are being approved regularly. This is far from an impossible process.

Myth #6 - Banks are Waiting on a Bailout and Not Accepting Short Sales

You may have heard this, but the reality is that banks (and the U.S. government) are trying to do anything they can, within reason, to avoid foreclosing on properties. It is preposterous to believe they would deny a short sale in hopes that some future legislation would pass and pay them for losses.

Today, more banks are aggressively pursuing short sales and working with agents who understand how to process them. Freddie Mac recently hosted a national training Webinar for real estate agents where they expressly stated the organizational goal of "eliminating distressed assets through modification or short sale."

Myth #7 - Buyers are Not Interested in Short Sale Properties

This is a myth that potential sellers hear all the time. Thankfully, this is just not true. In fact, many agents are getting calls from buyers who say they only want to look at foreclosure and short sales.

For buyers, short sales and foreclosures have become synonymous with "good deals." More specifically, international buyers are targeting these properties. Listing with an experienced agent who is educated in the short sale process will provide you with a great chance of quickly seeing a contract on your property.

0 commentsTeam NER • January 22 2010 02:54PM

Short Sale Terms & Definitions

Short Sale: A short sale in real estate occurs when the outstanding obligations (loans) against a property are greater than what the property can be sold for. Short sales are a way for homeowners to avoid foreclosure on their homes and still be able to pay off their loan by settling with lender.

How to buy a "Short Sale" House

Third Party Approval: The seller is not the decider in accepting the offer, they may be signing it, but because they owe more than the offer will payoff, the lender(s) involved need to approve of the sale since they will be paying the commissions and reducing what they will accept to release the liens.

 Question: Who pays the real estate commission when I sell my home via a Short Sale?

Answer: Your Lender!

Sold "AS IS": The Buyer can still have a building inspection BUT if there are any problems founf the Seller will not correct them. BUILDING INSPECTIONS ARE RECOMMENDED ON ANY PROPERTY!!!

Hire an Agent with Short Sale Experience

It's one strike against you if the listing agent has never handled a short sale, but it's even worse if your own agent has no experience in that arena. You need an experienced short sale agent.

An agent with experience in short sales will help to expedite your transaction and protect your interests. You don't want to miss any important detail due to inexperience or find out your transaction is not going to close on time because no one has followed up in a timely manner.

For more information on buying or selling a Short Sale please contact Matt Martel of RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty (603) 723-0521 or email matthewmartel@remax.net & ask4mattmartel.com

 Click here to view a video on Short Sales

1 commentTeam NER • January 15 2010 12:16PM

RE/MAX Agents Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure with Short Sales

There may be another option to save you and your home from foreclosure. Short sales allow you to avoid foreclosure and salvage your credit. Contact a knowledgeable RE/MAX agent to find out more. Our Agents at RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty have a 100% success rate working Short Sales in the area. Contact one of our Agents today (603) 752-0003. Visit us online at WWW.TEAMNER.COM
1 commentTeam NER • January 14 2010 07:51AM

Do You HAVE To Sell Your Home? Do You Owe More Than It's Worth?

My name is Matthew Martel and I'm a REALTOR with RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty located in Berlin, NH. Do You HAVE to Sell Your Home But You Owe More Than It's Worth? If so, your lender may allow you to Short Sale your home & I can help. Contact me today at (603) 723-0521 or email me at matthewmartel@remax.net for a FREE and Confidential Consultation.
0 commentsTeam NER • January 12 2010 10:27AM

A winter drive up Mount Washington, New Hampshire

An early January morning in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, taking the specially equipped Snow Coach up Mount Washington in subzero temperatures and 38 mph winds for the spectacular views! Video by Fred Light of Nashua Video Tours.
1 commentTeam NER • January 11 2010 07:10AM