Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings to all my global friends.......

• French: Joyeuses Fêtes!

• Spanish: Felices Fiestas!

• Swedish: Trevlig Helg!

• Portuguese: Boas Festas
  

• Turkish:  Mutlu Bayramlar!

• Romanian: Sarbatori Fericite!

• Mandarin: Jie Ri Yu Kuai

• Catalan: Bones Festes!

• Japanese: Tanoshii kurisumasu wo! (Have a happy Christmas)

• Italian: Buone Feste!

• South African (Xhose): Ii holide eximnandi

  

• German: Forhe Feiertage

• Dutch: Prettige feestdagen

• Hawaiian: Hau'oli Lanui (pronounced how-oh-lay la-new-ee)

• Gaelic: Beannachtaí na Féile

• Slovenian: Vesele Praznike

• Indonesian: Selamat Hari Raya!

• Croatian: Sretni praznici!

May your days be merry and bright...

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Are you on vacation in Daytona Beach Florida or maybe attending one of our awesome events..maybe you want to drop off a post card or ship some of your soveniers in advance...you are probably wondering where in the heck is the closest Greater Daytona Beach Area Post Office? 

Look no further..listed below are the locations of the United States Post Offices in the Daytona Beach Area.

Want something different to do in Daytona Beach?

Walk With Ghosts in Daytona Beach

The Daytona Ghost Walk is a tour down historical moolit streets in the Daytona Beach area.  What makes it so unique is that the owner Dusty Smith is a Certified Ghost Hunter and Certified Paranormal Investigator. 

• She's authored books on the paranormal.

• Featured on Discovery Channel's series A Haunting

• A tour of Pinewood Cemetery

• No folklore here...stories shared are documented hauntings

• Bring your cameras and see if you can capture some paranormal activity!

Reservations are required. Call (386) 253-6034 to reserve your spot today! The tour leaves from the gas station parking lot on the northwest corner of the Main St. and Peninsula intersection at 7:30 PM nightly. 

Have A Safe Halloween!

Midori Miller is licensed in the State of Florida, BK645709 and currently hangs her real estate license with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty.  Midori is also a real estate trainer and an ActiveRain Ambassador and specializes in short sales for Daytona Beach real estate sellers.  If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida..please contact us!

Tracy Lynn Spivey Daytona Beach Resident is in a contest...an opportunity to be a regular on a national television show and if the ratings of her pictures are high enough they will use her for each season and the premiere.  Tracy Spivey has the guts to physically compete with young women 10 years her junior and there are only 30 days left for the Girls of Summer Contest.  I would love to see Tracy Win!

Daytona Beach Resident Spotlight | Tracy Spivey | Please Vote For Her!

Please do me a favor and vote for her each day or at least once.  One thing you should know...she is the oldest woman in the contest and she really wants to take a stand for women over 40 and in her words, "we can still look awesome."

Please help her find her dream.

Now normally I would load this post with pics of her but I think some might take offense and the AR fellows wouldn't get much sleep and who knows there might very well be complaints. It's a risk I am willing to take because she is one amazing lady!

FYI 

Her pictures are beautiful and provocative, I would say rated PG.  You can view her pics on Facebook and you can vote on the actual site. 

Check out her profile on facebook

You can vote here or take a look here

Tracy, I voted! :)

OK...is this the end of FREE speech on the net?  Will this be U.S. law or will all countries be uniform?  This is what happens when we the people...run to the government for every little issue!

Ladies and Gentlemen?  Is this the end of Free speech on the Internet?  I believe this is just the beginning.

Follow the link and watch the video and you decide will government regulate Social Media?  Sorry you have to go to their site...to watch the video!

About the Author:  Midori Miller is licensed in the State of Florida, BK645709 and currently hangs her real estate license with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty.  Midori is also a real estate trainer and an ActiveRain Ambassador and specializes in short sales for Daytona Beach real estate sellers.  If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida..please contact us!

So Tuesday I submitted a short sales contract...thrilled...excited...and preparing myself mentally for the snails pace movement that nornally occurs throughout the long process.  You should have seen the look on my face when the appraiser called and requested to get into the house!

Appraisal ordered too soon for a shortsale?

As a listing agent..I was thinking that is rather strange...why the heck would the buyer get their appraisal done so quickly?  Thinking as a buyers agent...I wouldn't let that happen.  Too many short sales turn into foreclosures and why would a buyer do this and take a very big risk..they may never see the money back from the appraisal!

So I left the appraiser a message..explaining this was a potential short sale and what is heck is the bank thinking that a buyer should have the property appraised before their short sale purchase was approved..I submitted the package that afternoon?  Have they lost their minds?

No.....No....and No!

I couldn't believe my ears and grinning from ear to ear. It was the lender who holds the mortgage and rather than drag their feet and let the property go into foreclosure or close to foreclosure.  They decided to do the right thing and get the ball rolling quickly and from the very beginning. 

Very different from many banks.  I feel lucky and very blessed... I'm prepared for the length of time it will take to close but I can't help it and get excited. 

Tuesday Bilateral

   Friday Thursday Lender Appraisal Being Done!

 There is a great chance I might actually get paid within a reasonable time for all of my hard work...and maybe my hourly rate will increase when handling Daytona Beach Shortsales!

I suppose I don't have to follow up tomorrow to see if they received the package! :) Although I don't think I really have to but to be on the safe side I will.  :)  

About the Author:  Midori Miller is licensed in the State of Florida, BK645709 and currently hangs her real estate license with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty.  Midori is also a real estate trainer and an ActiveRain Ambassador and specializes in short sales for Daytona Beach real estate sellers.  If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida..please contact us!

It's that time of year again where Daytona Beach, Florida residents have concerns about the weather.  While many think it is too hot..I'd rather be too hot than go through another hurricane unprepared!

In 2004 we all learned many valuable lessons and if you did not experience the devastation...power outages...and the shortage of hurricane supplies.

It was downright frustrating...stressful and many were impacted by these storms...right now is the time to get prepared.

Daytona Beach Home Owners-Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season? 

If not, don't wait...do not hesitate and do not think it can't happen again...we are dealing with mother nature and there is no human that can control the anger in which she expresses.

A few things you can do right now...that is very affordable and rather wait until the last minute and experience a huge expense get started in your hurricane preparedness now.

1.  Sterno,  you can't have too much Sterno...without Sterno my family would have went without hot food for a full month.  You can purchase Sterno in any supermarket...get a few cans..it was one item we could not live without. We enjoyed coffee...breakfast, lunch and dinner using Sterno!

2.  Now is the time to start stockpiling you canned goods, bottled water, canned milk.  Canned meat and a supply for at least one week. You may not think it will happen to you...but I can tell you..its a smart move.  Again you do not want that extra expense all at once.

3.  If you have pets do not forget additional supplies for your little critters..that would include pet med's, litter and food.
4.  Know the emergency route and know where the closest shelter is. 

These are just a few things that need to be done...that could be done in advance and for additional information please visit the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region Website!

About the Author:  Midori Miller is licensed in the State of Florida, BK645709 and currently hangs her real estate license with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty.  Midori is also a real estate trainer and an ActiveRain Ambassador and specializes in short sales for Daytona Beach real estate sellers.  If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida..please contact us!

I've been bombarded with calls in regards to loan modifications and short sales..the one common element that I found while some major banks will do loan modifications...they are not for everyone..then again its clear..many banks choose not to work with people due to their current financial situations. 

Loan Modifications are not for everyone!

• Some banks choose to wait until a payment or two are late
• Some banks make it difficult to keep the payment arrangement
• Some banks choose not to work with you at all
  

Recently someone who I know..achieved a trial period for a loan modification...not sure it will help them..because in the trial period...the payments increased for three months...and will drop $50.00 a month..once the trial period is over.

As I sat and listened..I wondered how is this going to help this person who couldn't make the original payment from the beginning?  Same financial situation..unemployed...a spouse not able to work for the time being..and now for three months must pay more...substantially more.

If you are in need of a loan modification...pay attention to the details..make sure the loan modification helps you but more importantly make sure you can keep the promise to make your monthly payments otherwise there is a good chance you will become a short sale!

About the Author:  Midori Miller is licensed in the State of Florida, BK645709 and currently hangs her real estate license with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty.  Midori is also a real estate trainer and an Activerain Ambassador and specializes in short sales for Daytona Beach real estate sellers.  If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida..please contact us!

Should a Lawyer or an Agent Negotiate Your Sacramento Short Sale?

This is a great article written by Elizabeth Weintraub..however selecting the right attorney will always make a difference in whether a short sale will be sold or the property will go into foreclosure.

Right now I am working on a short sale...and for the first time..it has been handed to an attorney selected by the seller.... from the beginning...I had a smile on my face...I was so happy.  Until....

• 42 Days have passed with very little communication with the attorney
• No BPO ordered
• In 42 days only 2 emails received from the attorney because I initiated communication
• The bank will only talk to one of us!

When you think about it and when all is said and done...I wonder who will be to blame if we are not successful?

Bottom line regardless of how you slice..hiring the right attorney for short sales  is what is needed..and not just any attorney.  An attorney will probably not follow up as often as I do.. and sometimes follow through on what is needed for success in short sales.

The one piece of advice I give to seller's...seek legal advice...seek tax advice...get the right attorney..and when and if it is necessary...get an attorney involved in the negotiations.

Even a mere agent as myself can stop foreclosure proceedings and without practicing law! 

For the past three days I have tried to contact them...and today at 6:42 pm.. still no response in this instance...should a laywer or an agent negotiate this short sale?

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Midori is also an Activerain Ambassador...need assistance contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236 today!

When I bought my first house..my agent made a lot of decisions for me...while we discussed offering price..one thing I knew..regardless of what the agent said I thought about my affordability.  Meaning..it was important to keep my payment at a certain place..that meant..if I could not keep my payment where I wanted it.  I had to keep looking...looking for a home that I could afford.

I didn't know much about obtaining a mortgage..or title insurance...it was OK..my REALTOR picked them for me..but if I knew then what I know now...would I have done things differently...you betcha! 

Do you as an agent make decisions for your real estate buyers? 

Be very very careful!

While many times we make price recommendations..maybe to negotiate..maybe to win..but in truth..our goal is to get a buyer into their dream house..sometimes agents forget that important piece of the puzzle..its not about the negotiations but about the buyer living in their dream home and able to pay for it..maintain it...and enjoy it.

Recently I was talking with someone who bought a house in Daytona Beach...they were angry..their agent selected their mortgage company...and their title company...and even worse..talked them into a higher payment...the maximum the buyer qualified for and just like myself...they told me they thought about affordability..and realized today...they should have never bought the house....they should have followed their gut....they didn't...because they looked at their agent...as a professional...as the expert.  

No their arm wasn't twisted but the agent dangled that darn carrot right under their nose...the increase in value carrot..the built in equity carrot.  HYPE-Hype...and more hype! 

They bought this house a year ago...and they were a Daytona Beach first time home buyer..who had no clue as to what to do except rely solely on their real estate agent.  Yesterday I viewed the house...potential short sale..possibly foreclosure but hopefully a loan modification! 

Even a year ago they over paid..and tomorrow they might very well be homeless!

As I chatted with them..I couldn't help but notice...they had trouble trusting me!

So the next time you sit with a buyer or seller..don't assume they have a problem with you...more than likely..they had a bad real estate experience...in the past...you know one of those experiences that make them look at all real estate agents..the same!

My best advice to Daytona Beach real estate buyers..make sure you can afford the monthly but more importantly make sure you make your own decisions..when you can own up to your own decisions...one thing is certain decisions that you make are easier to live with!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Midori is also an Activerain Ambassador...need assistance contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236 today!

Today I was reading an old copy of the REALTOR magazine, the 30 under 30 edition..and one of the things that struck a cord was the fact...Activerain was named Most Innovative Media Site by Inman News in 2007.

Heck I still believe they are the most innovative site..then again...I fell in love in 2006.  This site has given me so much..

I hold the community and its members close to my heart.

I don't know...I got nosy...and ran to Alexa.com...I wanted to see how the traffic was going and I stumbled upon..some interesting info...info that made me smile..it made me feel good but it also got me nervous.

Midori Miller in the top 5 keywords for Activerain on Alexa.com! 

(spooky music)(sound effects)

Are you looking for Midori Miller?  Well someone is!  According to Alexa,  Midori Miller is in the top 5 keywords that drive traffic to Activerain from search engines...I found this very interesting.

This would not have happened..if I did not participate on the network...if I would not have written a word about Daytona Beach Real Estate and every day life...and if I never built relationships all across the globe!

I would never experience the benefits of Pay it Forward, the incredible SEO and

Some of the greatest friends I have met!

Do yourself a favor....write interesting content...key word rich content...and write as if you are talking to people..these incredible things do not happen if you have very little to say..so get blogging...pull people in...the more the merrier....because Activerain..is much more than just a real estate community...

It's you..It's me...Its WE! 

Midori Miller, Daytona Real Estate Trainer and real estate agent for CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty - a proud member of the Activerain community and also an Activerain Ambassador.  Feel free to contact her via email or telephone.  You can verify her real estate license at MyFlorida.com.  Florida Real Estate License BK645709

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

While many of us know better when it comes to people contacting us via the net ..you know the Nigerian scams?  Yes I am writing again..its clear in Volusia County and Flagler County Florida its happening in my neck of the woods.

If you are reading this..you might want to pass this information along to someone not so highly skilled on the Internet.  It could happen to them...

As a property manager or rental agent one thing to add to your presentation...to forewarn people leasing out their home...and those that are listing a property for sale? If someone contacts them directly..refer them to their real estate agent.   I've always said it REALTORS and/or real estate agents provide protection!

Beware of the Nigerian Rental Scam happening on Craigslist!

You can read what the Daytona Beach News Journal Reported...

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

How do I get started in purchasing a home? If I were personally look for a home today...I would do the following things before contacting a real estate professional:

Before I would pick up magazines and start looking at houses regardless of my income, my employment record regardless of how much cash I am working with..

I would not assume anything..because I know guidelines have changed..

First things first, I would contact a mortgage professional that I trust and would find out what I qualify for in order to buy a home. 

Because if I don't qualify..I'm not buying!

I would gather docs because I know you will need them...

I would start with the following items: 2 years tax returns, 3 months bank statements, 1 year's worth of rent checks.

I would let my employer know I are buying a house and to expect a letter or phone call of employment verification. It may hold true for a landlord as well so prepare to discuss this with your landlord.

If you are in a lease read through your lease agreement and your lease there may be a chance you can break your lease if you purchase a home. If it is not clearly stated in your documents go to your landlord or property manager and ask what are the consequences in breaking the lease now may be the time to buy a home but it may also prove it's not!

One thing I believe..you have a better chance in buying a home if you are prepared..if you do some homework in advance..and if you keep control in what is going on around you! Don't be the buyer who said they did it to me!

That means trust the professional you are working with, plan on cooperation and make sure and make good sound decisions...understand the documents...read the fine print but most of all pay attention to the numbers...after all its You and only you paying for that mortgage!

These are things I would certainly do!

SEARCH Property Listings       

It would be my pleasure to help you!

Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Broker Associate. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me!  All calls and inquiries are confidential.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public.  Daytona Beach and Ormond by the Sea.   midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

WARNING....WARNING....WARNING

HOUSE FOR RENT SCAM

Another Craigslist SCAM...Craigslist SCAM

Today's message from our Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS!

The Port Orange Police Department wished to notify our citizens about a scam involving houses being falsely advertised for rent on Craigslist. It appears the criminal has found houses for sale on-line or snowbird residences and copied the information onto a Craigslist ad claiming it up for rent.

The criminal claims to have moved to West Africa after winning a petroleum land bid and after much consideration decided to rent out the house instead of selling it. The e- mail states that they are looking for someone who cares about the house as much as they do. At the bottom of the e-mail there is a questionnaire for the potential renter asking the Full Name, DOB, Occupation, Number of People living in the house, etc.

The catch is that the security deposit and rent money need to be sent to Africa and then the "home owner" will send the keys to the renter. The e-mails are coming from an account set up in the real homeowner’s name. This especially should be of interest to our "Snowbird" citizens.

Please make your friends and neighbors aware of this scam that is sweeping across Florida. Real homeowners are checking on their properties and finding them occupied without their knowledge.

If you have any questions about this or other alerts, please contact Crime Prevention Officer Dave Miller at (386) 506-5822 or e-mail at dmiller@port-orange.org

In truth it really doesn't surprise me...ever put your services on Craigslist?..spammerama...scammerama..a service that once proved very effective is just another grabber of unsuspected victims!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

I received yet another call on a seller who needs to do a short sale..as I heard the story I couldn't help but want to help...because its the same story over and over again.

Their life happened

You see they bought this house 5 years ago....both husband and wife are sick..so sick..they can't work...they are lucky to have food...fortunately they managed to stash a few bucks....well the bucks are running out and so is their time in their home.  Do people realize the expense of chemotherapy even with medical insurance?

They attempted a loan modification and again same story...the lender will not cooperate..one of the big boys that received their Bail Out!

I was really thinking do these people in Washington really understand what people are going through..hell what we as real estate agents are going through...trying to help people who want help but with little cooperation. 

We tend to write many great articles here...reporting the facts in many cases...we tend to express our opinion but really what good is it doing?  We can all do more......

There are 147,199 members on the network....and with the amazing google juice...the prominence this network has...maybe we should be blasting the white house with story after story...by posting...reblogging and sharing it with the white house.

You really want to make a difference...well Obama wants to hear from you...at least that is what the White House claims....

CONTACT US

President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history.

While some may think this is not your fight in truth it is everyone...its impacting...you...me and many others.  With empty houses...property values....and more broken dreams, uncooperative lenders, ridiculous time lines and the excessive cost to taxpayers today, tomorrow and the future. 

Sometimes all it takes...is that one extra voice...contact the white house today!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Susan Southerland-Luta and myself presented a class to Embry Riddle University Students in March...it was a class of engineers.  While preparing for our presentation which was a class for the students to graduate we learned a couple of things and hopefully by sharing it might be useful when working with first time home buyers!

Realize we did keep in mind the students were engineers..and maybe we assumed they knew more than they did. 

I can tell you for 20 minutes...we presented and then the questions began..

Remember a First Time Home Buyer is a First Time Home Buyer!

By the time we were done...the instructor stated...they could have spent days with us! 

A few helpful tips when talking with first time home buyers

• Discuss Buyer Counseling
• Provide links or documentation to important resources such as The 8,000 tax credit!
• First Time Buyer programs available by city or County
• Discuss representation and buyer broker agreements...don't assume first time home-buyers already know!
• Discuss the importance of getting qualified and approved for a mortgage
• What is a short sale and what are the benefits of buying an REO or bank owned property.
• Speak in common folks language not everyone understands our lingo!
• Explain the time frames in sales contracts
• Inspections, Appraisals and Title
• Loan types-Down payments, length of loans, Principle, Interest, Tax and insurances
• Define Escrow
• Homestead Exception
• Alternative Credit
• Co-borrowers
• Offers and acceptance
• Deposits and the term good faith
• Home Owner Associations and Condo Associations

We did point out that buyer's today can be more informed than ever....request a consultation because as a buyer they deserve it!

I admit they loved my business cards!  Could it be that some of my social networks were provided? 

Oh, and if you think they are not watching agents interact on places such as twitter, facebook and youtube. 

Guess what you are wrong! 

After we completed our presentation it almost felt like we did a group buyer's consultation and in reality all buyers deserve just that! 

One thing I have found regardless of what your role is in real estate...it's our job to educate home buyers and while most instances I train real estate to real estate professionals...sitting with a buyer or seller we train them too! 

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Dick Pollard

Host of HousesandLoansMag.com

has invited Midori Miller to be on the radio....

oh oh on the radio! :)

Daytona Beach Florida

1380 am from 12 to 1 pm.

Today's Topic

Technology Fair- Lowest Priced Properties that Sold in Daytona Beach- Multi-level marketing..and he wants to talk about one of my personal favorites Activerain!

Call in at : 386-523-1880

We would love to hear from you!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training. Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty has 2 office locations- Ormond Beach, Florida and Daytona Beach Florida.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236. Buying, Selling or Real Estate Training.  All calls and emails are confidential as I respect your privacy!