PropertyManagementMaven

Glenn Beck launches NEW web news service * THE BLAZE * Credits THE VIEW for starting it!!

Uber commentator and radio/tv personality Glenn Beck has started his own web news service * The BLAZE.  While explaining it this morning on his radio show, he reported that he got the idea when Scott Baker * formerly of Breitbart tv * delved into Beck's visit to The View and the "spin" of the Amtrak trip to the White House Correspondents Dinner.

 

http://www.breitbart.tv/seven-minute-slam-the-inside-story-of-glenn-beck’s-ambush-on-‘the-view’/

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

1 commentWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 31 2010 10:37AM

Have Gift Cards that Expired? New Rules

 

This is GREAT information and while I don't get them, I do give them as REWARDS in some cases and having a short shelf-life has been a down-side!!!

 

Via Chris and Patty Clark -Denver Real Estate (Metro Brokers/Morningside Homes, LLC):

The Federal Reserve has made some changes to the time that a gift card has before it expires.  Currently the time limit is one year.  The new rule is that the card cannot lose value until five years after date the card is paid for. Starting on Aug 22nd service fees, including the ones tacked on for balance inquires and if you wanted to add more money to the card, are limited to one fee per month. Also a full year has to go by before they tack on an inactivity fee (about $2.00 a month).  As of now that fee is nowhere to be found on the card so it might come as a surprise and you will have less to spend.  BUT starting Jan 31, 2011 the fee amount must be printed on the back of the gift card.

Most gift cards are not redeemed so the merchant makes more money when people realize that the date has come and gone.  With the five year rule this should eliminate the waste.

Chris and Patty Clark-

ABR, CRS, GRI, MRE, CNE, SFR

If you would like for me to send you properties on a daily or weekly basis just call or email me and let me know your criteria that you want in your home patty@morningsidehomes.com   cell: 720-231-5200

www.morningsidehomes.com

SEARCH FOR DENVER AREA HOMES

 Facebook

 

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

4 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 30 2010 05:26AM

Have Surge Protection for Delicate Electronics? Do They Work?

 

I am still using the surge protector I bought for my first computer 20+ years ago.  I am now suggesting the replacement of surge protectors in my revised Resident Handbook.

 

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

Losing valuable data due to an electrical surge or spike can ruin more than just your day, and most of us try to protect our sensitive electronics and computers with surge protectors. However, the surge protectors most of us purchase are inexpensive and subject to failure. Many are surprised to learn that most surge protectors wear out, and that they may give no indication that the protection is no longer available. Not only do the devices wear out, once they do so they may generate heat, which in some cases can pose a fire hazard.

 

surge protector

And, since the inexpensive, plug-in type protectors are only grounded through the circuit’s ground wire, they are unable to handle a direct lightening strike which can generate thousands of amps. The ones offering the best protection are those installed in the circuit breaker panel and connected directly to ground, thereby protecting all the circuits in the home.

 

According to experts in both electronics as well as fire prevention, replacing inexpensive surge protectors every 3-5 years is a good idea. The few dollars spent can be well worth the added protection and safety.

 

The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

3 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 29 2010 08:47PM

Would you open the door to a stranger? Or show property?

 

Rental prospects who contact me through my website leave their names and phone numbers so there is at least an electronic trail as to who I am meeting at properties.

 

Via Pacita Dimacali - e-PRO, SRES, MBA East Bay in Northern California (Alain Pinel):

Would you show property to someone you've never met before?

If the prospective buyer whom you've never met refuses to give critical information or to meet with you, would you consider this a serious inquiry? Would you show them property by meeting them there?

We get all kinds of leads...by phone, by email from people who want us to show them our listings. If they are not referred by anyone we know, and if we've never met them, we ask the usual questions....

  • Are you represented by an agent?
  • Are you already preapproved for a loan?
  • Then we recommend that they come to our office to meet with us first before we see the property --- we justify this by telling them that based on what we find out that they're looking for, we could upload other properties they may be interested in and we can schedule more showings
  • Before they come, we ask for their full name, email address, best number to call them.
  • And...or...we ask them to fax a copy of their drivers license to us.

I've had some prospects who try to make me feel guilty by telling me "Well...if you don't want to show me this property, then I'll find someone else...."  Or some think they're getting the third degree...

It's a risky business!

It seems that the best explanation I can give them, and one that most legitimate prospects would respect is that it's a safety issue and precautionary measure....

...that the sellers requested that the home is shown only to preapproved buyers

...that realtors are committed to caring for our clients' property (and ourselves!)

What works for you? 

 

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

4 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 29 2010 10:45AM

Early AM Fog Layers in Beautiful and HISTORIC Keswick Virginia * Wordless Sunday

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

10 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 29 2010 07:33AM

How To Rid of Cigarette Smoke In Your Home | Preparing Your Home For Sale

 

Citrus Magic canisters from the grocery store * I buy them by the case from Amazon * get rid of new-carpet, pet and smoke smells....peel off the top and stick them in closets, over refrigerators, etc. and they REALLY WORK

 

Via Pascack Valley Real Estate, Lisa and Robert Hammerstein (Coldwell Banker):


An insightful article on Ridding Your Home of Tobacco smells. Some very handy tips to pass along.  Being an ex-smoker myself I can relate...

Now I will notice the smell of smoke in every home I go into and am very aware of it upon entering a home if a smoker lives or has lived there in the past.

Enjoy and a special thanks to:

Christopher Salviano
Foresight Consulting Home Inspectors


Tobacco smoke creates an odor that is notorious for its ability to saturate living spaces and persist long after its source is gone. Inspectors may be asked by clients who recently purchased a smoke-infused home, or by sellers before their house goes on the market, about how to remedy the situation.


Tobacco smoke odor can be difficult to remove

Facts About Tobacco Smoke and its Residue

  • Smoke particles can be as small as .001% of the width of a human hair, which allows them to penetrate almost any part of a house. Tobacco smoke can easily circulate through a building's ventilation system or come up through apartment floors. Tenant/tenant and tenant/landlord disputes commonly arise when smoke odors penetrate adjacent housing units.
  • It is not clear whether tobacco smoke odor is dangerous or if it is merely a nuisance. While tobacco smoke is a known carcinogen, little is known about the health effects of the particles that are left in the air after you can no longer see the smoke. The American Cancer Society states of cigarette odors, "Though unknown, the cancer-causing effects would likely be very small compared with direct secondhand smoke exposure, such as living in a household that has a smoker."

Odor-Absorbing Materials

The following materials are believed to be capable of absorbing or neutralizing tobacco smoke odors, at least temporarily:

  • Vinegar. Place a bowl of vinegar in each affected room overnight.
  • Citrus. Leave a large amount of citrus peels in your home for several days or until they have become desiccated.
  • Baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the smoke-affected area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Be sure to test the baking soda on a small part of the surface to ensure that the surface or fabric doesn't react unfavorably to the baking soda.
  • Coffee grounds. Pour coffee grounds into several coffee filters and tie them closed,
    leaving them in affected areas.


    To deodorize furniture, baking soda can be temporarily applied to furniture and then removed with a vacuum 


  • Charcoal. As you would with vinegar, place charcoal into bowls and leave them in smoke-infused rooms overnight.

Removal Strategies for Smoke Odor

  • Open all windows and turn on fans. Ventilation is probably the best way to remove any odor.
  • Clean light bulbs. Just as some scent-diffusers rely on heat from light bulbs to disperse the aroma of the scented oil, it's possible that the oily residue from nicotine and other cigarette byproducts is dispersed throughout the living area the same way.  Anecdotal reports suggest that light bulbs attract smoke residue.  It has also been claimed that bulbs will release smoke odors when they are turned on.  Perhaps replacing incandescent bulbs with higher-efficiency bulbs that do not get as hot would help alleviate this problem. 
  • Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces, preferably with cleaners that contain ammonia, although woodwork requires cleaners that are not as acidic.
  • Surfaces may be painted to trap odor, although it may be possible for odors to gradually seep through paint barriers.
  • Remove carpeting, as it is nearly impossible to remove smoke particles from carpet. Thoroughly scrub the flooring beneath before installing new carpet. If the carpet cannot be replaced, have it professionally cleaned.
  • Soak blinds in a bathtub full of all-purpose cleaner, scrub them thoroughly, and hang them to dry.
  • Send curtains out to be professionally cleaned or replace them.
  • Purchase a chemical sponge to remove smoke residue from lampshades, books and other materials.
  • Use an ozone generator. Ozone, as it has three oxygen atoms, is highly unstable and will oxidize easily. When it is introduced into an area, ozone attaches itself to the odor molecules and oxidizes them into their basic elements--carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which have no odor. Beware that ozone is dangerous and ozone generators should only be used in unoccupied spaces. Be sure to read our article on the subject before purchasing an ozone generator.
  • Use a HEPA filter.
  • Burn "smoker candles." Candles that contain enzymes to help neutralize and remove smoke odors are widely available. They may also be used to remove cooking and pet odors.
  • Replace all heating and air filters regularly, as they tend to harbor cigarette odors and other irritants.



All good tlps to follow if your home has any tobacco smells in it when you want to sell your home.

Thanks again to Christopher Salviano
Foresight Consulting
www.foresighthomeinspections.com

If you or someone you know is planning a Move or Sale of their home in the near future, call your Bergen County, NJ experts, Lisa & Bob Hammerstein at (201)218-6802 or visit us on our website at www.HammersTeam.com.  We'll be able to help you if you're Moving or Selling in any of the towns located in Bergen County New Jersey.


For more Local Information about the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802or visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com.

Your Real Estate Resource for the Bergen County - specializing in the Pascack Valley!


coldwell banker logo

__________________________________________________________________

 Search New Jersey Homes  Bergen County Real Estate  Bergen County Home Seller Tips  Bergen County Home Buyer Tips  Contact Bergen County Realtors  Free Bergen County Home Evaluation

Robert & Lisa Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Coldwell Banker • (201)315-8618

Address • 50 Broadway • Hillsdale, NJ 07642 •

 

DISCLAIMER: We must disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of, or reliance on, any information contained in this blog, or for the accuracy of comments or opinions expressed by visitors to our blog. The information contained in the articles is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions expressed in these articles are ours.

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

3 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 28 2010 11:34AM

Yes! PLEASE e-mail me so I can call you back......

This is one of the MANY features I enjoy about my Homerentals.net (HERO ) hosted rental home website.  I can just advise rental prospects to use the Contact/Inquire button on the rental listing and I'll CALL them to schedule a showing....this is the contact form that appears on my cel phone.  I can tap their phone # to connect with them AND the information stays in my e-mail and on my cel phone....no looking up numbers and keeping names, numbers and properties is a LOT easier


Click to Rush ReplyA prospective resident has located one of your rentals through HERO PM and would like more information.

Inquiry Date: Aug 28, 2010
Property ID: VA041656L (Click for full details)
Property Address: 2072 Whispering Woods Dr Charlottesville VA 22911
Name: Wallace Gibson
Address: Springer Lodge,
Phone: 4349799723
Fax:
Email: Cvillecpm@gmail.com (Preferred)
Comments: Call me to schedule a viewing
Manage NotifyMe requests, inquiries, and showings through your

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

0 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 28 2010 10:13AM

Make Personal Safety a Priority

 

Personal safety is IMPORTANT in this day and age and the real estate profession is especialy succeptible to ignoring this CAVEAT!

 

Via Robert Siciliano (Identity Theft Speaker):

We often hear people (including myself) drone on at how the system is broken and how good guys end up in jail and bad guys are released on good behavior. The criminal justice system is far from fair. Too often bad people are let out only to re-offend and sometimes do worse the second or third time around. Securing your home is crucial way of protecting your home and family.

The Seattle PI reports “a man who police say beat an elderly woman and burglarized her home has schizoid-affective disorder, was released from jail three days before the attack and had to be placed in seclusion multiple times at Western State hospital.

The 81-year-old victim told police she thought he would have killed her if other elderly neighbors who police say he also assaulted didn’t come to her aid.”

That is likely someone’s mom and grandmother. Imagine this happening to a loved one.

“The man, who is on Department of Corrections supervision, has a lengthy criminal history including a conviction for custodial assault, second-degree robbery, theft, assault, negligent driving, domestic violence harassment and domestic violence assault.”

This is obviously a bad, bad man. He’s been diagnosed with mental illness and he has extreme tendencies towards violence. The frustrating part of this story is that it is evident in his current state of mind and in his history that he will do this again and again until he commits a heinous enough crime that gets him a life or death sentence.

The courts can only work within the confines of the law. Citizens can only hope the law is sufficient enough to guarantee their safety. What this ultimately means is a citizen’s right to safety is only guaranteed by what he or she does to protect themselves. The ultimate responsibility to protect yourself is on you. The justice system doesn’t necessarily provide justice. It is simply a guide.

By coming to terms with this and realizing the responsibility you have, you develop a higher sense of awareness and begin to put systems in place to prevent such atrocities from happening in your life or to someone you love.

Fundamentals include locking your doors, having a home security plan, investing in home security alarms and home security cameras. The worst thing you can do is nothing. The best thing you can do is be proactive.

Robert Siciliano personal security expert to Home Security Source discussing home invasions on the Gordon Elliot Show. Disclosures

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

1 commentWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 28 2010 06:56AM

Forest Lakes Home for Rent * 1136 Rustic Willow Lane * Move-in TODAY * $1,645.00


Wallace S. Gibson CPM | Gibson Management Group, Ltd. http://VaHomes4Rent.com | (434) 979-9723
1136 Rustic Willow Lane, Charlottesville, VA
Walk to Schools, Pool, Tennis and Club House. 5 Min to NGIC *
DIA * CHO * GE
3BR/2+1BA Single Family House
$1,645/month
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial
Sq Footage 2,500
Parking 3+ dedicated
Pet Policy Cats, Dogs, Conditional
Deposit $1,645

DESCRIPTION

Well maintained home in area where HOA maintains the yards...living room w/fp, dining room, eat-in kitchen and master bedroom on 1st floor * 2-car garage * 2 bedrooms and full bath upstairs with bonus storage over garage. Mature pet OK

see additional photos below
RENTAL FEATURES

- Air conditioning - Central heat - Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor
- Living room - Dining room - Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven
- Microwave - Washer - Dryer
- Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Cable-ready
- High-speed internet ? ?

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse - Fitness center - Swimming pool(s)
- Tennis court(s) - Playground ?

LEASE TERMS

Available NOW for 12 or 24 month lease.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Main view

First floor plan

Second floor plan

Living room

Kitchen

Club House
Contact info:
Wallace S. Gibson CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd.http://VaHomes4Rent.com
(434) 979-9723

Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Aug 25, 2010, 5:47am PDT

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

1 commentWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 27 2010 02:25PM

Lake Monticello Home For Lease * 219 Jefferson Drive * $1295 * Move-in TODAY

$1295 / 3br - Move-in TODAY * Full Basement * Fenced Play/Pet Yd * Pet OK (Lake Monticello ♠ 20 Min to Pantops/UVA) (map)


Date: 2010-08-26, 6:31PM EDT
Reply to: see below 


Rental Home - Lake Monticello, VA Single family rental,
> Click here for full details, additional photos, and an inquiry form <
Single family

219 Jefferson Drive Lake Monticello VA 22963 
3 beds/2.5 baths
$1295 / month
  




Gibson Management Group, Ltd.
Wallace S. Gibson CPM 

PO Box 106
Keswick, VA 22947-0106
 
Phone: 434  97 99723
Location information
219 Jefferson Drive 
Lake Monticello VA 22963 
Planned Community: Lake Monticello
Elementary School Zone: Central
Jr. High School Zone: Fluvanna
High School Zone: Fluvanna
Nearby College/University: PVCC & UVa
Driving Directions: From Main Gate, turn Left past marina and golf course entry * house .4 mi from Fairway gate on the left
Detailed listing information
Remarks: Deceptively LARGE home with FULL walk-out basement to FENCED BACK YD that backs to woods....living room w/fp, dining room, family room, eat-in kitchen....master suite with "spa" tub in bath and MORE storage.

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Monthly Rent: $1295.00
Date Available: NOW
Lease Info: 12 months
Included in Rent: Trash
Deposit Payment Details: Leasing broker
Application Fee (Standard): $25.00
Sec Deposit (Refundable): $1295.00
Pets: Possible, with approval
Fireplace: One fireplace
Heat: Electric heat
Cooling: Central air
Community Features: Gated community
Guard gated community
Clubhouse
Playground
Common area
Barbeque grills
Lake
Tennis court
Picnic area
Approx Square Feet: 2300
Dwelling Type: Single family
Property Description: Lake subdivision
Golf course subdivision
Gated community
Floor Coverings: Carpet
Window Coverings: Drapes
Mini-blinds
Lake Monticello website http://www.lmoa.org: http://www.lmoa.org

All listing information is provided by the managing or leasing agent, is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. Information is © Copyright 1997-2010 HERO PM and individual providers of data, who are bound to a membership agreement. HERO PM and all their websites are interactive computer services. Unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited.


Jefferson at Amethyst (google map) (yahoo map)
  • cats are OK - purrr
  • dogs are OK - wooof
  • Location: Lake Monticello ♠ 20 Min to Pantops/UVA
  • it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

0 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • August 27 2010 02:22PM