So Much To Do............So Little Time............

The Pennsville Business Association (PBA) is holding it's first Annual Business Expo on Sat. Nov. 14th @ The PMHS Gymnasium, from 10 am to 2 pm.

I'm involved in setting up for the entire event, but am also overseeing 4 tables for groups that I am involved in: The Pennsville Public Library (http://www.pennsville.org/) , The Coldwell Banker Pino Agency (http://www.pinorealty.com/) , Picture That Frame Shop (http://www.picturethatframeshop.blogspot.com/) and JUICE PLUS (http://www.chookssharesjuiceplus.com/)

Whew! This is going to wear me out, I believe.

Anyway, you should stop by the high school gym on Sat. if you're in town. There's going to be all kinds of drawings, give-a-ways, 50/50 drawing, treats to eat, entertainment and MORE! It looks to be a great day!

5 Ideas to Help You Become Financially Fit

Boy, this recession has hit us awfully hard! If you find yourself in need of a fresh start, January 1st is right around the corner. It's the perfect time to regroup and begin again. While there are many, many books and articles published each year about money, about saving money, about investing money, about the evils of money, about the joys & power of money.........it really is possible to boil it down to several key points.

1) Track your Spending.
I once attended a group who's entire focus was to support one another in each other's money decisions. It was an enlightening and freeing experience. The single most important exercise was to track ones spending. Some say 2 weeks is enough, personally I believe 30 to 40 days is better. Most of us think of our billing cycles in monthly units, so I think it's most productive to work on that time-table. Your 'money journal' doesn't have to be anything fancy. A simple tablet will do. Be diligent! This one idea is the key. As the old saying goes, "You have to know where you are, before you can get to where you want to go."
online help can be found at: http://www.wesabe.com/, http://www.mint.com/

2) Automate bill paying
If you are able to utilize the automated services, this can really help you to stay on track and on time with your bill paying. (Being a business person who is paid by commissions, I have hesitated to fully take advantage of this idea because our settlements do have delays..........more than I'd like to admit. This is not for me, right now. ) The advantage of being automated is that you no longer have to think about what you should do..........the bills get paid, exactly when & how they should. You must, however, resist the temptation to purchase an unnecessary handbag or enjoy an expensive dinner that hasn't been planned for. Decisions like that can absolutely wreak havoc on your finances when the automatic payments are subtracted from your account.

3) Pay down your debt
I read in Reader's Digest recently that Americans under the age of 35 spend 19.7 cents out of every dollar they earn on debt payments. 19.7 cents - wow! And it's getting worse. If you have debt that you can't pay off this month or even within two months, DON'T MAKE ANY NEW DEBT! Let me repeat that, DON'T MAKE ANY NEW DEBT! The easiest way to attack debt is to make a list of your debts. Take note of the interest rate. Some experts will advise you to pay off the highest interest rate accounts first. Others want you to taste success quickly by paying off the smallest balances first so you will have the thrill of crossing that debt completely off of your list. I say whatever approach appeals to you most, follow that one. Paying down debt, no matter how you do it, is the key here.

4) Pay Less, Earn More
There are 2 ways to get ahead financially: you must either increase your earnings or lower your expenses. Period. This tip is the one that tells you to watch what you buy. Pay attention to prices and shop around. Do you WANT that new car or do you NEED it? Do you want a BMW or can you function quite nicely with a Corolla? When you are shopping for anything, make it a point to ask yourself if you can buy it for less or substitute a different item that will cost less.
Regarding earning more income.......look into working more hours at your current job, putting in for a promotion, taking on a part-time job on-the-side, beginning a home-based business, etc. What can you do to increase your earnings?

5) Get Health Coverage
Well, this is a hot topic now-a-days. We all know the financial ramifications that can happen should you have a catastrophic health problem while you have no insurance. It's just not fair. As I sit and write this post this morning, the news is all over the television that our Congress has passed a health care reform bill. It is on it's way to the Senate next. This key point in financial fitness is a difficult one for one very simple reason: Health Insurance is very, very expensive. There are limited liability policies that can at least cover your doctor visits, prescriptions and minor emergency room visits. Perhaps you can begin with something like that if you currently have no coverage.
Hopefully, the issue of health insurance will change for the better in the near future. Until that time, it is important to do what you can. Provide for your family what you are able to and most importantly, practice good health habits in an effort to be proactive in practicing preventative medicine.
Here are some websites that may be helpful to you: http://www.statehealthfacts.org/, http://www.covertheuninsured.org/, http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

6) Save, Save, Save, Save, Save, Save, Save..............
Enough said, right?! But we don't do it! We've all heard the advice that we should be saving 10% of our income and some even say a higher percentage, but many of us feel that we need to pay the bills first. After paying the rent/mortgage, electric, phone bill, taxes, water, sewer, dance lessons for your daughter, whatever...........that 10% may be long gone. So, in 2010, do yourself a favor and just get into the habit of saving money first. Just save SOMETHING. After the habit is in place, you can begin to increase the amount.

7) TALK About Money!
Americans do not like to talk about money. We'll talk about our children, our health, our relationships, even our sex lives, but most people cringe at the thought of talking about money. How strange that something we all have to learn to deal with is so out-of-bounds for discussion. I have one very dear friend who I do make a habit of talking about money issues with. Sometimes I need some advice (should I - shouldn't I?) sometimes I simply need to voice out loud what is going on. It's so important to find a person, who you can trust and who won't be judgmental, to review and discuss your money situation with. This idea alone is gold.
Look for different ways to discuss money. Instead of saying that you can't afford something, say it isn't in your budget right now. Doesn't that sound better? But isn't it the truth, too?!
These 7 ideas can make profound changes in your financial life. Actually, they can make profound changes in your entire life. Take it one step at a time and simply do your best. If you run into problems or slip back into your old habits, just begin again and keep trying.

This is important stuff, Folks!

If You Could Choose A New Profession........

A quick question for all of you:

If you were to choose a different profession, what would it be?

I have a huge interest in journalism, so I'd like to be a reporter. Specifically, I'd like to be a political reporter............covering the White House. ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/ ) Now, THAT would be interesting! The election results are fascinating this evening, don't you think?
How about you? What do you want to be when you grow up????

9 Steps To Puttng Your House On The Market

It is a big decision to sell your home or property. Here's a simple checklist for you to follow to make your decision a little easier.

1) Locate your deed, tax bill and survey

2) Locate and have handy all of the keys to your doors, shed, garage, etc

3) Declutter closets, basement, attic and garage; put away valuables

4) CLEAN - make your home sparkle
5) Tidy up the outside, too

6) Ask your friends and family for Realtor referrals, call 3 and set up interview appointments

7) Google the 3 Realtors, check out their websites, Facebook accounts, ActiveRain presence, Twitter, blogs, etc. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

8) Meet with the Realtors, ask questions (more on that later) to determine which one is the best fit to help you and your family make your move. Pay attention to experience, community networks, problem solving abilities and production awards. These are all clues to help you determine past and future behaviors.

9) Choose the Realtor who you feel will look out for your best interests. Choose the Realtor who you feel will best help you make good decisions. Choose the Realtor who you feel will best communicate candidly with you and GET THE JOB DONE!

Just take it one step at at time and everything will be just fine.

Coming Soon: Effective Questions to Ask A Potential Listing Agent

Open House - Sunday, Nov. 1st - 1 to 3pm

I know, I know, the Eagles are playing @ 1pm on Sun. Nov. 1st, but Life & Business go on. One of my fellow agents, Laura Derrick, will be filling in for me at an OPEN HOUSE at one of my favorite listings. In fact, there will be 3 OPEN HOUSES on this street on Sunday, so it's a great day to go shopping! Laura can help you with any of the 3 so please stop by to see her first.

My listing, is located at 117 Magnolia Drive in Pennsville, NJ. Here's a sneak peek: http://www.117magnoliadr.com/ This terrific home is in Warren Park Estates, the newest and one of the nicest, neighborhoods in Pennsville. Go to http://www.pennsville.org/ if you'd like to learn more about this great town. One of the most charming things about my hometown is the park in the center of town. It's known as RiverViewBeach Park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxaUe72Tjdo

Once upon a time, the park had a swimming pool, a roller coaster, merry-go-round, bumper cars, a whip, a donkey ride and even a tunnel of love! This was a really HOT place to visit. Folks routinely came down from Philadelphia to enjoy the day at the park, situated on the Delaware River. At some point, the park closed, there was a fire on the roller coaster and the entire area was overgrown and dilapidated. When I was growing up in Pennsville in the 70's, the park was actually an ugly mess.

That all changed in 1976, the year of America's Bicentennial, the track of land was purchased by the township under NJ's Greenacres Program. It is now one of the most attractive, natural parks I've ever seen.

Just think how nice it would be to own a home in Pennsville where you could enjoy our park, along with your family and pets, on a regular basis. Priceless..........

http://www.pvhistorical.njcool.net/museum1.htm

Workforce Investment Board aka 'WIB'

I haven't had much time in the office today because I had to attend my first WIB meeting.


The Workforce Investment Board is a committee of business people from both Cumberland and Salem Counties. It is comprised of somewhere between 31 to 51 individuals - some from large employers and some from small employers. For some reason, the Salem County Freeholders decided they wanted a Realtor on the board.

Since I don't seem to be able to say, "No" these days to requests for volunteering, here I am learning about WIB.

Today's meeting focused on some new programs at the Salem Community College. http://www.salemcc.edu/ SCC has some new, exciting programs for students like: Sustainable Energy Technology and Nuclear Energy Technology. It sounds to me like there will be a good number of GOOD jobs in the very near future. I believe SCC is one of only 6 institutions offering these degrees right now.

Another part of the meeting today highlighted Salem & Cumberland's 'One Stop Career Centers'. Boy are these offices in demand right now. The career centers help high school students, young adults who are out of school, returning adult students and even displaced adults. I'm pretty sure that most folks in my area don't even know about these services.
www.salemcc.edu/salem/one-stop.html

So, please do me a favor and spread the word. If you know anyone in this area who is struggling in a dead-end job and wants to change professions, has recently been laid off or is disabled.........there is help out there for them. Please have them call SCC @ 856-299-2100 - ask for the One Stop Career Center. Or feel free to call me, Chris Hooks @ 856-628-2710. Email works to: askchris@coldwellbanker.com

Now that I'm a WIB Board member, I should know where to point them. Best Wishes!

Pennsville Woman's Club - 'You All Have A Hidden Talent!'

This is a thank you to the Woman's Club in Skagway, Alaska. When I was on vacation in 2008 and touring the small town of Skagway, I noticed a church who was having a 'flower show' for the local Woman's Club. It caught my eye right away as I am a member of the Pennsville Woman's Club. http://www.pennsville.org/

After a small admission fee, my family was treated to a lovely display of plants and flowers - all grown by my GFWC sisters. http://www.gfwc.org/ And they were all beautiful! There were refreshments, too.

You may be wondering why I am thinking about something that happened a year-and-a-half ago. Well, at our monthly luncheon today the announcement was made that it's that time again - it's time for the annual 'contests'. You can participate in a writing contest, photography, cake baking (or cupcakes, if you prefer!), fudge making, horticulture and more.

I've been a member for 2 years but have chosen not to jump in. This year? I just might! The question is: What is my hidden talent? I have no idea!

I can frame, but that's not a category. I can bake, but not as good as my friend Cyndi Boehly - so forget that cause I don't want to embarrass myself. I'm wondering if I should try to grow some flowers? How hard can that be? The Women in Skagway made it look achievable.

Thanks, Ladies!

If you need a quick sale......

Just an idea for you. If you want to explore the possibilities for a quick Real Estate sale, consider having an auction. It's the fastest growing niche for the marketing of properties right now.

This is Joseph F. Pino. He's my Broker and my best friend.........and he's a kick*** Auctioneer! He really is! And if your house is full of stuff.......he's your man. He and his crew can auction that off, too. No muss - no fuss - for you, that is. They work really hard, while having fun though. Pretty soon they'll have a website for you to look at. I'll let you know when it's up and running.

The last listing of mine that Joe auctioned for me was in Elsinboro, on the water. It was a mess of a house but we attracted several bidders. My sellers were very, very happy with the process but most importantly they were happy with the bid that they accepted that day. They were even happier in 30 days when they went to settlement and collected their check!

Give me a call if you want more info on this terrific option for selling property. Joseph F. Pino and The Team of Chris Hooks - we can take care of it, Lickety Split!

Dodging Foreclosure

I have 3 listings currently that are teetering on foreclosure. This is, unfortunately, quite common now-a-days. One of my listings is undercontract and we are at the mercy of the mortgage company's approval of an agreement of sale. I've written about this one before. My client has not paid their mortgage payment since 2007. I would have thought that Option One would have jumped at the chance to sell this one and move it off of their books, but that does not seem to be the case. The agreement of sale is over $140,000 less than what is owed.

The second property is now priced $60,000 less than the mortgage amount. Once we obtain a buyer, we will try our best to negotiate a short sale with that mortgage company. The house is in decent enough shape.......I've certainly seen worse! My client has not paid a mortgage payment for over a year.

The third property is just entering the foreclosure process. My clients are only 2 months behind in their payments, so nothing has been filed just yet. Our strategy for this property is to try to find an investor to offer just enough to cover all of the expenses. My Sellers would see a big, fat -0- on the bottom of their settlement sheet. The clock is ticking on this one, for sure.

The strange thing for me is how common these situations are now. I've been practicing Real Estate for 17 years. I had been involved in short sales a few times over the years..........I had done quite a bit of work for banks after they had taken possession of foreclosed properties, but I never lost one of my listings to a sheriff sale until 2008. I have now lost a total of 3 and am trying to hold off the above-mentioned 3. The thing is that in the situations where I lost the properties to foreclosure, my clients never even told me what was going on! I had no idea that they were in such distress!

Today's piece of advice is very, very simple: If you are in trouble with your mortgage.........COMMUNICATE with your mortgage company/bank and COMMUNICATE with your agent. We know what to do. We know this process. We care and most importantly, we can help you. Everything will be alright.


Chris Hooks 856-628-2710

Please Have Mercy!

I've been working on a file for over 1,000 days. It's been teetering on the brink of foreclosure for quite awhile. We are on our 6th set of contracts and hoping to settle within the next 30 days. After all this time, a new judgement has popped up against my client. It's one of those dastardly credit card judgements.......not a small amount. It's for $9,000. The credit card company knows that we can't complete our closing without this being paid, or released.

Even though the client has no money to speak of, the credit card company is unwilling at this point to release the judgement. They still hold out hope that they will receive some money. The thing is that the client has no money! They have lost 2 businesses and now their home. They are living with family and only receive approx. $1,000 per month in income.

If we are unable to go to settlement, the folks who stand to get hurt is the buyer. They will lose out on their dream home, their anticipated $8,000 first-time-home-buyer tax credit, the monies they have put out-of-pocket for applications and inspections, etc. The BUYER is the one who will really bear the brunt of this situation. The property will go to foreclosure and guess what? The credit card company will not receive any of that money when the sheriff sells this home on the steps of the courthouse on Nov. 30th.

So, I ask Capital One and their attorneys to Please Have Mercy! Please use your common sense and realize that your investment has soured and there is no hope for payment. While I am sorry for this situation.................please don't punish the buyer who is caught in the middle.

Please Have Mercy!



Chris Hooks 856-628-2710

What a Shame........

Today I was asked to look at a property that had been tenant occupied until Sept. 1st. The tenant had lived there for a year and planned on buying the home. Apparently, this individual was so excited to make the house her own that she began to renovate it, before she even owned it. She wanted to customize it to her family and their needs. Well, let me be the first to tell you that I just don't understand what her family's needs were. She removed stairs and replaced them with other stairs that just didn't make sense. She tore out the kitchen upstairs and decided to install one downstairs. She cut-up rooms that once were acceptable as bedrooms and turned them into dens, at best. She tore down fences and cut down trees. She changed closets into strange bathrooms..........and more.

As if that wasn't enough, she never bothered to share her activities with the current owner..........she never even bothered to get permission. Uh oh...............

My dilemma is how in the world to set a market value for this distressed home? How will my new client know exactly how much damage the tenant has done to her checkbook? I believe I must actually prepare 2 market analysis: one as if the house had never been renovated and is in average condition and one as it now stands. These 2 reports should show clearly what could have been.............and what truly is.

I am hoping that I can help my client out of a very big, a very stressful hole.

As I said............What a Shame.............

For A Good Cause

Today marked the 33rd annual Septemberfest celebration in Pennsville township. Today also marked the 2nd time that our office held an Alex's Lemonade Stand during the parade. We planned just as we did last year.......baked cookies and brownies just as we did last year........prepared the Countrytime Lemonade just as we did last year. The difference is that this year we have 2 agents' family members battling cancer. I felt a little sad this year serving the beverages and treats.

BUT now I can see, firsthand, the big 'WHY' behind the effort.

Hopefully, we'll see you next year for #3. We'll be there the first Sat. after Labor Day, across the street from the Park. Please stop by!

go to www.pennsvillenews.com for local information
Chris Hooks 856-628-2710