Helen's Blog

Gorgeous Andover Home, Must see! Woodland Estates Andover High School

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:19:31 -0500

Fabulous, Hanson Built, Two Story completely finished with unbelievable extras!

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $398,500

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	3,536
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	.36 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

see more photos >

Shows like a model home!

STOP! LOOK NO FURTHER! This turn-key Hanson built home has it all and is priced below market value for a quick sale. Nestled in the high demand development of Woodland Estates, This quality 2 story, meticulously maintained home, boasts upscale paint and décor. The owners of this impeccably maintained home have paid attention to every detail with many rarely considered, but should have, up-grades… Including brand new stainless appliances!

 In ground sprinkler system

 30 zone security system with motion detectors and window sensors

 Radiant (hot water) heat in owners suite bath, and lower level floors

 Home is wired for stereo with speakers in every room

 Central vacuum

 Air to air exchanger

 Sink in utility room

 Circulation pump for water heater so you don’t have to wait for hot water

 Under cabinet task lighting in kitchen

 Closets in lower level and crawlspace vented for “fresh air” storage

 24x14 Craft/hobby/workroom with double doors (for large projects) off of garage. Plenty of space for any type of building or creating without taking
up space in the house/ or making a mess. In floor radiant heat, air filtration system, double sink, white enamel cabinetry for storage, beautiful countertops made from recycled bowling alley, and generator transfer switch.

 Gorgeous fenced back yard features your very own Sport Court separated from the rest of the yard with spectacular landscaping, large paver patio and plenty of turf space!

 This home has it all, inside and outside…. Truly a must see and priced below market value!

Ruth Johnson & Helen Johnson

Coldwell Banker Burnet

hajohnson@cbburnet.com

763-412-1202 or 763-412-1204

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 3, 2009, 10:34am PDT

Information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Postlets. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce our new affiliate, Lance Bertolino Houston

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:31:50 -0500

“Giving back to those who give so much to us may sound cliche’, but Homes for Heroes actually performs what it promises and is in line with my personal philosophy on community responsibility. As a police officer of 16 years, I know what kind of sacrifices service personnel make. As a real estate professional, I want to show my appreciation and spread the word that there is an organization that cares. Homes for Heroes supports us and I chose to stand beside them because they show the same honor and integrity that form the core of an officer’s credo. Thankfully, these benefits support not only police officers, but all those who strive to serve our country and communities. I am proud to be an affiliate member of Homes for Heroes.”

Stay safe,

Lance J. Bertolino

Realtor & Property Tax Consultant

Realty Associates

(713) 805-7145

(800) 431-9440 (Fax)

lance@bertolinorealty.com

www.bertolinorealty.com

NEVER FORGET

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:53:36 -0500

Homes for Heroes was founded in response to the tragic events of 9/11.

Daily, for eight years throughout the country, we have worked to give back to those who give so much,

and to honor and ensure a legacy of remembrance for those who lost their lives that day.

Below is not a video, but a very comprehensive documentary of that September …..Please watch so that WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXnA9FjvLSU&feature=related

Photograph Minnesota, Professional Photographs for your listing

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:18:51 -0500

We stumbled across a great photographer who does free family photos for Active Military families. Those memories caught on paper or website mean the world to those separated during long exhausting tours. Also found in the photographer Carissa's arsenal. House shots. On those special listing why not let a pro do the work for you. Check Carissa out at http://www.photographminnesota.com

Homes For Heroes welcomes Shelly Cohn/San Antonio

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:08:52 -0500

Homes For Heroes is happy to introduce…

Shelly Cohn. As a loan officer, she has a true passion for her job and the people she helps. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your life. Shelly thinks it should also be one of the most enjoyable!

When Shelly first heard about the Homes for Heroes program, she immediately knew she needed to be an affiliate! Community is an integral part of United Lending. Over the past year, they have sought out and participated in fund raising programs for four different non-profit organizations. Homes for Heroes has provided Shelly an awesome opportunity to give back through her work to those in the community who help others everyday…by simply doing their jobs! As a loan officer who is dedicated to truly helping her clients, she felt it was the perfect fit!

Shelly’s goal is to take the stress out of your mortgage process, so you can move on to finding your dream home! She is committed to guiding you through the mortgage transaction and helping you find solutions that meet your needs. So, please feel comfortable asking all questions that are on your mind. She welcomes the opportunity to help you make the decisions that are right for you and your family!

While Shelly is a dedicated loan officer, she is also a dedicated mom and wife. Shelly serves as an active member on the PTA Executive Board at her daughter’s school. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and resides on the north side of the city with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs!

Homes For Heroes and History Maker Homes offer Huge discounts to Heroes

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:17:39 -0500

Homes for Heroes would like to introduce the President of History Maker Homes…

B. Nelson Mitchell, Jr., is the fourth generation president of the longest continually family-owned, and managed, homebuilding and development companies in North Texas. Mr. Mitchell’s great-grandfather and grandfather founded the organization in 1949. Mr. Mitchell leads all aspects of History Maker Homes, including site planning, concept and design, marketing, financing, construction management and customer service. With Mr. Mitchell’s leadership, operations have also expanded into the mortgage and title industry, as well as the home and automobile insurance industry.

History Maker Homes currently builds 600+ homes per year, concentrating on the company’s goals to provide an alternative “MORE HOME… less money” avenue for the ‘first-time and early move-up” homebuyer. Mr. Mitchell places great emphasis on offering the homebuyer an opportunity to customize their new home with a multitude of options they can choose from at the brand new 10,000 sq.ft. Showroom, centrally located in Tarrant County. In essence, History Maker Homes affords the homebuyer to truly make it “their home.”

Mr. Mitchell has a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. After graduation in 1994, Mr. Mitchell began building homes, along side his grandfather and father. Mr. Mitchell was named President of History Maker Homes in January 2000, with a personal goal to continue the growth and development of his family-owned companies.

Mr. Mitchell is currently a Board Member of the World Bible Translation Center located in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Board Member of the Fort Worth Christian School located in North Richland Hills, Texas. Mr. Mitchell is very active in the home building industry, with distinction as a progressive an innovative member of the National Association of Home Builders, and Builder’s “20”. In addition, Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Greater Fort Worth/Tarrant County Builders’ Association and the Young President’s Organization.

Mr. Mitchell was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and continues to be a resident of Tarrant County along with his wife, Liz and sons, Jake, Miles and Luke.

History Maker Homes gives a discount to our heroes which is over and above the realtor and lender discounts.

Homes For Heroes welcomes Chris Brickman as Dallas Fort Worth Representative

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:39:17 -0500

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce…

Chris Brickman, a former United States Army Veteran, understands the sacrifices an individual serving their country and community faces. You give your dedication unconditionally and expect nothing in return.

Mr. Brickman has been in the real estate business for ten years. For the past seven years he has been a Broker. He started his own company, United Realty & Associates, five years ago. His passion for real estate is demonstrated in every transaction he is a part of.

Being involved in Homes For Heroes allows him the opportunity to give back to Veterans, Firefighters, Police Officers, Doctors, Nurses, and Teachers. As a token of his appreciation he offers a 25% discount on his commission to Sellers and Buyers he represents.

It is his distinct pleasure to assist those who give so much. Because of what you do, Mr. Brickman would like to say “Thank you”.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Dallas Fort Worth area, contact Chris through our web site at Homes for Heroes.

Today is Troop a thon.....send a care package to our Troops!

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:31:14 -0500

http://www.troopathon.org/
Help them reach their goal.
Homes for Heroes has sent a package to our troops,
You might want to send something too!

The Price of Procrastination /Interest Rate Complacency

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:10:49 -0500

The Price of Procrastination

Everyone Wants a Lower Price, But What About the Impact of Interest Rates? Does waiting really prove to be benefical? Here is some food for thought

When shopping for a home, the natural tendency of any buyer is to want to pay the lowest price possible. It's important to keep in mind, however, that the sales price is not the only factor that determines what your monthly payment will be. In fact, the impact of higher interest rates can easily nullify any benefit of waiting for a lower price.

Why Should I Rush to Buy?

While you may have heard discussions in the media about the decline of property values in many markets, the rate of decline appears to be stabilizing.

That being said, it would not be unreasonable for you to want to hold out for an additional decline of 10%, hoping to capture the best possible price. However, as property values have declined in many areas to 2003 levels or lower, waiting longer to pull the trigger could be a mistake. Many markets are reporting that lower property values have been bringing out investors and the result has been multiple offers on many properties. Properties priced correctly are not declining and, in fact, are creating a lot of interest.

Interest Rate Complacency

The problem is that many home buyers have been lulled into a sense of complacency because of extremely low interest rates. Since the Federal Reserve initiated its program of buying mortgage-backed securities, which control the rates people pay for their home loans, rates had been range bound, bouncing between 4.50% to 5.00% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

But do not be confused by this. These rates are artificially low! Historically, interest rates have been above 6.00%. And any rate obtained below this number is a great deal, especially on homes with price tags from 2003!

Markets are Unforgiving

The last two weeks of May showed just how unforgiving the markets can be for people who choose to procrastinate. In just five days, interest rates from many lenders increased anywhere from .50% to 1.00% as fixed-income investors demanded more for their money.

For anyone who was waiting for prices to drop even more, a 1.00% increase in your interest rate would bring a higher monthly principal and interest payment on a home, even if the price of that same home had fallen an additional 10% in value.

If you're waiting for home prices to fall even lower, be aware that while holding out for a lower price may help you win the battle, you could lose the war in terms of monthly payments and overall affordability. With the Federal Reserve scheduled to end its buying of mortgage-backed securities this year, rates only stand to go higher for those that wait. In fact, interest rates are already on the rise and could go higher from here.

Submitted to us by

Troy Mlenar

Landmarq lending

troy@landmarqlending.com

Andover Beauty and Privacy, way below market value

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:25:41 -0500

!!!!!!!!!!!! Check out the photos here

http://www.postlets.com/repb/2332416

Imitation is the best form of flattery, until……….

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:08:15 -0500

Until your good name is besmirched. Homes for Heroes in the past has taken people leveraging our brand as flattery. We often ask if they would like to continue to use our good name by joining forces with us, and if they do not want to we are okay with that decision also. But recently something came up that does need to be addressed. We will let the Morris Daily Herald explain it.

Illinois allegation hurts ‘real' Heroes

Minneapolis, Minn-When Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan took enforcement action against the Minooka, Ill.-based Homes for Heroes Inc., says Brad Oosterhuis, it was not a reflection on the "real" Home for Heroes.

"Our organization has been serving heroes continuously since 2002, and we have a serious concern that the publication of the charge against the Homes for Heroes company in Illinois could seriously tarnish our good name," said Oosterhuis, executive director of Home for Heroes, in a recent e-mail.

Since the founding of Homes for Heroes, a press release from the Minnesota-based organization notes, many organizations have tried to duplicate the Homes for Heroes model and have illegally used the trademarked name. The widespread recognition of the Homes for Heroes name across the nation has caused many groups to attempt to leverage this successful brand to their advantage.

"While Homes for Heroes encourages all companies to support our heroes, it is illegal for them to use the Homes for Heroes trademarked name," said Ruth Johnson, president of Homes for Heroes. "It is especially disturbing when these organizations are providing false claims and tarnishing the good name and work that Homes for Heroes is doing."

In an effort to advance its cause and protect its name, Home for Heroes, which is now in its seventh year of operation, recently created the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

Due to its highly recognized name and brand nationally, the press release notes, Homes for Heroes became inundated with calls that were predominantly from severely wounded military personnel asking for assistance.

"These requests went far beyond the scope of our business model and ability to help," Johnson said. The shareholders of Homes for Heroes saw a need for a charitable organization that would have a similar vision to its own. After much thought and the desire to help, they formed the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

The foundation will endeavor to provide or coordinate financial assistance to the heroes of our nation, such as military, police officers, firefighters and first responders who are in need.

Meanwhile, with the busy spring housing market well under way, Homes for Heroes affiliates will continue to "give back" by providing significant savings to its local heroes, particularly military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and others who serve our country and communities everyday.

If you would like more information about the Homes for Heroes, please call Ruth Johnson at (866) 443-7637 or log onto www.homesforheroes.com or www.homesforheroesfoundation.org.

In her enforcement action against the Minooka-based company using the Homes for Heroes name, Attorney General Lisa Madigan alleged the company and its owner, Patrick Gleason of Minooka, conducted a fraudulent charitable solicitation campaign and engaged in deceptive practices by falsely representing the local Homes for Heroes is "a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization."

Gleason has gone on record calling the IAG's action "absurd."

"This is absurd," he said. We filed for our corporation and status a long time ago. The IRS asked us to put it on good paper, not wallpaper. It was done, it was all signed and sent in again. So, they're trying to smear our names with improprieties ..."

An address can be just as important as the house itself.

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:44:58 -0500

I saw an article the other day about how a town changed the name of a street because the street name was causing problems for the residents. Deliveries were not being made, and there were numerous indecent exposures going on at all times of day. No, don't worry, we at Homes for Heroes have not run into any problems. So that must have you asking yourselves, how could a street name cause that much grief? Is it a new road? Nope. That would be too easy. Such as "Ruby Tuesday Dr." named after one of the Rolling Stones songs. But in that case the major issues would be sign stealing or a mob of people waiting to take a picture next to the sign.

Something I should clarify. This street inhabits a portion of ground in an English speaking country. We have all seen the web photos of some tourist in front of a non-english speaking country sign that is funny if taken in English. This instance does not fit that category. The street sign is in plain english. So again, you should be either very frustrated and yelling, just get to it, or preferably, you should be asking yourself what in tarnations would cause the residents of a street to petition the city council to have the street renamed, wiping out hundreds of years of history?

Well you could live on Butt Hole Road. Yup. Delivery services don't believe the address so they just throw your packages to the undeliverable pile. Order a pizza for delivery, you get hung up on when they ask for your address. Some mornings as you head to your car, you might find several people mooning for a shot next to the notorious sign. Mmm, and just after breakfast. Think of the kids that get in trouble with their teacher. "Young Master Tom, can you tell me your address?" "Why yes, Miss Turing. It is 14 Butt Hole Road." "To the office with you, I'll not have any of that language in my classroom!!"

It might seem charming at first.....

Butt Hole Road is now Archer Way. I keep trying to come up with something equally sinister for Archer Way as Butt Hole but I get squat. I suppose some would think living on Butt Hole Road is better than living in Crapstone, England or in Penistone (pronounced PENNUS tun). But any of those on an employment application could put you right into the circular file. Titty Ho, England however, might get a second glance, depending on which gender is reviewing your resume. I did some research into Butt Hole Road and first found something on Webster.com. It provides the following definition for the word butt.

butt
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French but, bout, from Old Occitan
bota, from Late Latin buttis
Date:
14th century
1: a large cask especially for wine, beer, or water 2: any of various
units of liquid capacity ; especially : a measure equal to 108 imperial
gallons (491 liters)

So could that be the simple answer? The road served as a watering hole for the village of Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, England all those centuries ago? A little more digging and I find something equally as plausible. Around the same time in the 1300's a butt was also an embankment to catch arrows and "missles" as they flew at you. A road traveling through this embankment could very easily have been called the butt hole. The word Butt was not associated with our portable seat cushion until well after the road was named. An old 14th century battle manual also mentions that when learning to shoot your bow and arrow you should start by "shooting at the butt". Once you can hit the target you can then move to harder targets in the field. They also give hints on how to shoot the arrows from between your legs. I apologize for those last several sentences were really hard to get through without conjuring up all sorts of puns.

So modern mans use of the English language has changed over history and when you are looking to purchase a home there are two major things you need to take away from this article.

Most important is to get a hold of Homes for Heroes. They will save you a good amount of money when purchasing as well as selling a home.

And almost as equally important, is pay attention to the address. You may love the house, as I am sure all the inhabitants of Butt Hole Road did, but they found out with much frustration that living on historic Butt Hole Road is a lonely place. And you will be proud of how I refrained from the several hundred puns I could have used.

I am running out of space. My boss has limited me to 15 inches of text, not including pictures. But I did want to tell you about a story I heard today regarding the valiant and brave Marines of 2/5 in Afghanistan. I guess it will

Troop Walk 2009!

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:01:13 -0500

What: "Walk a Mile In Their Shoes" Cross-Country Walking Tour

When: Starting Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2009 - 8:00 a.m.

Starting Point: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC

Destination: Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA

By way of: VA--WV--OH--IN--IL--MO--KS--CO--UT--NV--CA

Distance: Approximately 3,300 Miles (17.5 million linear feet)

Purpose: National Fundraising Event and Program Awareness Campaign

3,300 miles on foot. This is one of the most dedicated commitments to our
American veterans than has ever been undertaken by anyone. Please
be a part of this phenomenal effort

TEXAS VETS PAY ATTENTION!!!!

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:58:57 -0500

TEXAS VETS PAY ATTENTION!!!!

May 20, 2009

If you lived in Texas and were a legal immigrant and served in the U.S. Armed Forces you may have had some problems with Texas law and tuition waivers. Well it seems that the politicians pulled their heads out long enough to correct that error. Read up and learn, it could effect you and your future. Good Luck and God Bless

Two things to ponder. Traffic laws and old age.

Homes for Heroes, Inc. — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:53:00 -0500

Have you ever been sitting in the office, amongst the acres of cubicles, and hear some one laughing? I did the other day at Homes for Heroes. What is it about us humans that has to find out what the laughing is about? If I had heard just normal talking I would not have given it a second thought. So I get up and hunt down the source of the laughing. I see my boss and my other boss standing by the water cooler having a chat. I ask them what was so funny. They looked at me and said nothing.

Being a Ninja prepares you for these moments. That awkward silence is easily handled. I let my eyes fill up with tears and ran away. Later I regrouped and did some stealthy sniffing around to find out what had them chuckling like old busy bodies. I was successful and I will share that information with you now.

A Police Officer was out patrolling one fine afternoon and witnessed a young driver that had just rolled through a stop sign. The Officer proceeded to pull him over and when he approached the vehicle he asks the young driver why he was pulled over.

“I don’t know.”

“Young man, you did not come to a complete stop at that stop sign.”

“I did too!”

“No, you did what we call a roll through. You slowed down but did not stop.

“Yeah, well what’s the big deal, slowing down is the same thing.”

“Please step out of the car, sir.”

As soon as the young kid gets out of the car, the Police Officer pulls out his baton and starts to mercilessly beat the snot out of him. As the kid is falling to the ground in agony the Police Officer asks him.

“Should I stop or just slow down?”

An interesting perspective. The next tidbit is just as telling. Read on you won’t be disappointed.

An elderly couple had just retired and were looking forward to a lot of travel and relaxation. They decided that with the new life style change they should see the doctor for a physical check up. They made their appointments and showed up at the set date. After the check up the doctor came in to give them the results.

“Well folks, you guys are both physically fit and really have nothing that I see to be alarmed about. Enjoy your retirement. However, your memory is not as it used to be and that is normal. I suggest that the two of you carry around a small notepad and pencil and jot what you are going to do so you won’t forget.”

That same evening the two were watching television. The husband decides it is time to have a beer and gets up to go get it.

“Hon, I am going to get myself a beer, is there anything I can get you?”

“Oh, thank you. I think I would like a bowl of ice cream.”

“Sure thing, dear.” He starts towards the kitchen.

“Honey, don’t you think you should write that down like the doctor told us?”

“Naw, it’s just a bowl of ice cream and a beer. I think I can handle that.”

“Vanilla ice cream.”

Okay, one bowl of vanilla ice cream and a beer.”

“Well I would like strawberry topping on it too.”

“Hmm, one bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and a beer. Easy.”

“And don’t forget the whipped cream!”

“Is there anything else?”

“No. Thank you dear.”

“A bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and whip cream and for myself a nice cold beer. You see nothing to worry about.”

The husband heads off to the kitchen and is gone for a half an hour. When he returns he sits down in his chair with a plate of scrambled eggs and a cup of orange juice.

As he starts to eat, the wife gives him a disgusted look and says to him.

“WHERE’S MY &#@*ING TOAST?!?!