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!

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! :)

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!

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

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

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!

One of the best gifts I have ever received from social networking is friendships...friendships that lead us off-line and into one another's lives.

Jeannette Neerpat and I really did not interact that often on Activerain...believe it or not..it was a tweet!  I admit I am not the best twit but at one time...I was pretty good...

Good enough to meet Jeannette...mentor her and for her to take 3rd Place in the Makeover2Takeover..when you really think about it..social networking is really incredible but what is remarkable is our friendship..I know I can count on her and she can count on me...our friendship has grown...to face to face and talking on the phone every single day and sometimes several times a day!

While at one time I considered her my little apprentice we've grown and become much more than that...to friends..a confidant and someone who I really value and trust! 

Saturday we got to spend the day together...and I not only hung out with her but her lovely mother in law, her fun kids and her father and his future family!   We all had a great time, then again we were in Daytona Beach!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and develops Daytona Beach Real Estate Training. Midori Miller is a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and an active member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty has 2 office locations to serve the public, 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!

I remember early in my career I had the title company pull title on a unit...supposedly my listing.  As we got closer to closing...it was revealed the title company pulled title on the wrong unit!  Guess what I paid...and paid heavily.  It was my mistake and I admit it...we closed on the correct unit.  No harm done...just me being out a couple of hundred dollars..it wouldn't have been so bad but the condo sold  for under $20,000.

It was my mistake...I paid..why wouldn't I? 

Ever call an agent who is so busy getting new listings that they are not aware of their inventory?  Here is what I am talking about...all I have to say....is

Buyer Beware!

Watch the video here! 

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and develops Daytona Beach Real Estate Training. Midori Miller is a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and an active member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty has 2 office locations to serve the public, 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!

Interested in buying a home?  Imagine winning the"The CENTURY 21 Path To Your Dream Sweepstakes."

During April Open House Month, one winner will have the chance to win $221,000 towards a new home!

How about a new home in Daytona  Beach, Florida?  

I know excellent agents!   Go to century21.com to enter!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . 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

Coffee House and Cafe

E. Dave Mathews Live

Friday 3/27/-09 7:00pm

Today one of the REALTORS in my office and I went out to have a cup of coffee. 

Ana and I enjoy sitting and chatting about real estate outside the office.  After all she partners with me in any real estate transaction that I do.

We decided to try out a new local coffee shop..and I can tell you weren't disappointed.  So we went a few blocks from the office and went to the.....

Daily Grind

While we both ate prior to meeting, we did enjoy a fresh Cafe Latte.  A full menu selection and a cozy atmosphere.  Ana and I opted to sit outside...

It was beautiful outside!

and we both enjoyed our Latte's and the conversations.

The owners were extremely friendly and I admit..I could have sat there all day!

As we chatted it up..we found out...we've been missing out...

karaoke, live entertainment and daily lunch specials. 

Fresh soup and if you call ahead...you can request bagged lunches for your next meeting!

For additional information on the Daily Grind Coffee House located in Daytona Beach, Florida please visit their site.

You never know you might hear me singing Karoke! Nahhh

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . 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

While most college students are focusing on their studies and having some fun.....other's tend to think about the future!  They think finances...they think tomorrow..they dream of owning a home.

It is a great honor that Thomas Dellibovi requested that we talk real estate with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Students....its part of their studies..and we hope to fill the room.

Susan Southerland-Luta and Midori Miller  of CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty will talk about finances..obtaining a mortgage.....and steps needed to get into a home now or in the near future!  We realize some of you will not be graduating this May...no worries we'll be happy to get you prepared! 

If you are an Embry Riddle student and are interested in participating please contact Thomas Delibovi you can email him at dellibe3@erau.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there...

March 11, 2009 Wednesday starting at 1 pm.

I will teach to blog or not to blog...be on the look out and subscribe to my blogs..you'll see a transformation going on right before your eyes...make sure and watch the Search Engines too! 

More announcements to follow!

*The Technology Committee now has a blog through blogger...I invite you to read and comment and participate. 

I am one of the writers and will be posting at least once a week...sharing insight... on technology tools and tricks to help you make your mark on the web!

Last but not least...I want to give a shout out to our AE Mark Dougherty and all of the lovely ladies..thanks for doing such a terrific job and making my participation in our board less stressful and quite enjoyable! 

FYI-Watch out...Linda Morgan joined Activerain!  Welcome Linda!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager .  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

Recently I went to court not because I am in trouble...but someone important to me...our real estate seller!  See they live about 6 hours away..and yes the process of foreclosure has started.  Laid off..injured car (needs repairs) and could not make the trip. So what was this seller to do?

They Asked Me To Appear in Court!

Rather than no one appearing...I told them to type a letter..and if the judge will even acknowledge me..and read the seller's letter...there might be some hope to get the offer they received ..to the closing table...all we need is time..time to get the short sale processed..I know it's going to be hard work...I read the wonderful Missy Caulk..and have had REALTORS throughout the state asking me for help to get through to this lender.

I sure hope the judge will accept the letter.

When the sellers name was called I told the bailiff who I was and when I told him I was their REALTOR...I caught the smile on his face.  So I asked him do many REALTORS show up instead of the owners...his reply...yes and more than ever!  In Daytona Beach there are many out of state sellers!

Once I arrived..the judge read the letter...called the lender's attorney and I crossed my fingers...maybe just maybe the attorney didn't get the memo and missed this date and if that is the case...we have at least another 30 days to get this property sold.  As the judge called the attorney's name...I waited...I looked around...and as luck would have it.

The Attorney never showed up and we have a shot on closing this property.

I told the judge we had an offer...and in his words he said to me, "When the seller receives his next notice to appear in court...make sure and show up once again...and if the property is an official contract...I'll give you all another 90 days so that you can get it to closing!" Yes I got a little snap happy...as I left the courtroom...I did a goofy thing...because I felt good...and was happy to do what was in my heart....

I gave the judge thumbs up!  Oh well...you can dress her up but you can't take her out!

The moral of the story is if you are in the process of foreclosure...do not....ignore the documents...that means respond to the lender...so you will know your options...respond to court documents and to court appearances..and if you can't get to the court room and its a legitimate reason...call someone who can stand in for you. 

I do believe sometimes ignorance is bliss but in a foreclosure situation its a time bomb and more than likely if you ignore it...... will leave you homeless!

Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . 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 3 office locations to better serve the public.  Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Ormond by the Sea.   midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

Although in many parts of the country..the weather has been extreme we've been lucky. Even these beautiful wild flowers can handle the Daytona Beach Cold Weather!It's been beautiful!

Need to get out of the cold and spend your winters on the beach?Call Midori Miller, CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty (386)453-3236 or visit my website....DaytonaRealEstateTrainer.com

"It Would Be My Pleasure!"