Heath's Blog

Are there Turkeys in Your Town?

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:25:02 -0600

There are turkeys all over Plymouth MA! One day this last week, I was on the way to a client's home and a rafter/flock of turkeys was calmly causing a trafiic jam. When I got to the the house, the clients knew exactly where I was talking about on the roadway.

Well, if these turkeys were in Texas where I grew up, they would have a lot less feathers. And there'd be a pot of boiling potatoes ready to be mashed, and Cape Cod turnips cooking. Not to mention the tangerine encrusted jello chilling in the jello mold just waiting to be tuened over onto a serving plate. And some green beans would be steaming next to a bowl of chopped pecans for garnish and flavor.

Then, when I was on my way back home, a different flock cause another slowdown. The members of the second rafter weren't as stocky and proud as the first ones were. They looked they were marathon runners rather than couch potatoes.

I grinned at the way both rafters were so very non-chalant. In Texas, they know the range of your weapons and they are fast! If Ben had been the winner of the national bird contest, there would probably be many more traffic jams like those.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
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Freedom Friday - Plymouth MA National Monument To The Forefathers

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:56:29 -0600

When we have taken gratitude and humility before God out of all the schools and off all the coins, what will happen to the monuments like this one in Plymouth, MA? The "National Monument To The Forefathers" is located on a hilltop on a quiet side street in Plimouth.

The inscriptions are chiseled in stone and include the list of Mayflower passengers, a quote from Governor William Bradford recognizing God, and a statement of gratitude that reads, "Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labor, sacrifice and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty."

The quote from Governor Bradford reads, "Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by his hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are. And as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation: Let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise."

My thoughts after all this time, God is still God. Thanks to those who so long ago risked everything to arrive here with the faith and vision and hope that I am a beneficiary of!

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Appleseeds Clothing Catalog Films in Falmouth MA!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:01:33 -0600

A short while ago I noticed a pretty woman sitting on a bench outside my Cape Group real estate office . Of course I notice pretty women, but this one had cameras and light screens and a crew all around her. It was like a version of Cape Cod's Next Top Model.

I watched for a few minutes and then asked what the pictures would be used for. It turns out that this was for the Appleseeds Clothing store catalog. They chose a few more locations on Main Street in front of a few different shops and restaurants.

I asked how they chose Falmouth. They knew about Falmouth from previous research. However, they like to have a portfolio they can look through that show cases possible locations in any US town for a "shoot." So if you want your town considered, get a portfolio together.

If you get the Appleseeds Clothing catalog, now you'll know where they took the pictures. Come to Falmouth and take your own!

Here they are setting up another shot outside the Firefly.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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O'Connor Painting Is Known For Nice Work

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:07:39 -0600

I recently met Dave O'Connor of O'Connor Painting in Plymouth, MA. He has been painting real estate for decades. I have included a few pictures here so you can see some of the finished work he has done. Whether you need a whole house painted for selling or just some professional touch ups, he and his crew take pride in doing it right and on time.

Dave also has a "secret" formula and method for brightening weathered shingles. Power washing should be done correctly so the shingles aren't damaged. The formula for brightening shingles needs to be strong enough to brighten the shingles without hurting the shrubs and plantings around your house, too. The O'Connor Painting crews know how to brighten your shingles correctly and carefully.

If you are in the Pine Hills, Plymouth, or Manomet, areas and need a painter, Dave O'Connor comes with a professional reputation.

Before and After

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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MA Court Rules That A Foreclosure May NOT Be A Foreclosure!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:13:05 -0500

Massachusetts has joined the list of states with "foreclosure confusion". A judge ruled yesterday that because a bank did not prove it owned a couple of loans before it foreclosed on them, the foreclosures are not valid! Oops - to say the least.

In one of my blogs last year: http://activerain.com/blogsview/525644/More-Foreclosure-stuff-MERS-Mystery I tried to summarize what my research on MERS had shown me. It seems that these two loans were both examples of that kind of "lost paperwork".

This judge's decision raises some questions. 1) If banks now have to prove ownership before they foreclose, will that delay the foreclosure process? 2) If a loan has "disappeared" into a MERS like filing system, what checks are available to validate the current owner at the "reappearance" of the chain of ownership? 3) If a file cannot be found in MERS or a like system of non-public recordings, what happens to the property? 4) If the chain of ownership was passed around inside a MERS like system, who is going to check to make sure it was done properly and according to law? Will they give access to outsiders or will that have to be legislated? Will legislators make it happen or let it slide?

Whether foreclosures continue is now a matter of how well the bank can document its ownership. Some will proceed whether they can prove ownership or not. The uninformed public often isn't aware of the proper procedures in a foreclosure. Make sure those you know at least ask questions and get some local advice.

It seems that the foreclosure mess has hit another bump in the road. This bump has the capability to turn the truck over though.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Your Searches Have Been Tracked And Are Stored - sort of

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:41:52 -0600

This is an interesting development. If you ever wondered how much of what you do online is available for review, here's one example of what is available. Did you forget what a site was orwhen a chat online was? Now you can research it and see - if you did it inside your g oogle account. Go ogle now offers you the opportunity to review the "records" they have been keeping on you.

This is the new Goog le Dashboard. You can go to this page and see what the new Goo gle dashboard is. If you use gmail, you login to your account, and look under Personal Settings for Dashboard. Click to the right on view data stored with this account, and you'll go to a second sign in page for added security. Once past the second sign in, you can see all the places that you have been, the chats, the stuff that you have done while signed into your google account.

The extent of the goog le tracking only covers what you have done while "inside" your google account. So, if you want to keep a longer record of your internet activities, sign into your goo gle mail and do all your searching and chatting and stuff inside.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Cape Cod Statistics

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:04:12 -0600

Preliminary CC&IMLS Statistics for October 2009

Single Family | #Sales | Median | $Value | DOM

October 2009 | 330 | $336,700 | $154,029,292 | 150
October 2008 | 296 | $337,250 | $155,716,315 | 157

Condominiums

October 2009 | 79 | $260,000 | $20,972,155 | 224
October 2008 | 79 | $259,500 | $21,961,262 | 192

All Sales

October 2009 | 431 | $184,528,417
October 2008 | 393 | $183,596,997

The Information shows an uptick in volume!

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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CNN Reviews The Newest Benefits For "People In The US"

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:09 -0600

Here is a concise explanation of the benefits, tax advantages, tuition gifts and other subsidies that are planned for people in the US without permission. I watched the video below and kept waiting for the "april fools" punchline or the saturday night live cast to break in. You can't make this list up. Here is the youtube of the CNN report about the new bill.

If you don't want to watch the video, here is what the bill includes:

No taxes for people who are in the US without permission
People who are in the US without permission would be able to claim an earned income tax credit from US taxpayers
English is not required for people who are in the US without permission, until nine years after an application for amnesty
In state tuition would be provided for people who are in the US without permission
All emigration procedings would be stopped and allow any people who are in the US without permission to apply for amnesty
If people were in the US without permission and got deported, they could now get amnesty
Temporary Visas will be renewable indefinitely
Priority given to Mexican citizens for admission to the US
Legal status 24 hours after applying for it, regardless of whether a background check is complete.
Imigration attorneys for imigrants to the US will be paid for by the US taxpayers
If a gang member says they aren't a member anymore, they will receive amnesty
Us will give money to the Mexican government so they can try to convince Mexicans to stay in Mexico
Top priority for eliminating borders between the US, Canada, and Mexico
Border fence shortened from 800 miles to 200

Of course, these benefits are all for people who are not US citizens. Am I missing something?

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Unique ThanksGiving Cranberry Sauces!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:32:55 -0600

If you need something different for Thanksgiving to spice up the usual cranberry sauce, take a look at the selection at Tihonet Market Village in Wareham, MA. They are actually the world's largest cranberry grower. I tried their cranberry vinaigrette salad dressing - very good!

During the growing and harvest season they have tours. I saw a few bogs still being harvested, but the tours have now ended for this year. They have some good pics on their site though.

The market area is open all day for food and cranberry specialties like the salad dressing I mentioned. I forgot to look but you can probably get cranrasins there too. It is a quite and peaceful place for soup and a sandwich if you're in the area.

The prices are reasonable, under $7.50 for the most expensive - 1/2 a sandwich and a cup of chowder! I'll be up there again today and might just have to stop again.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Jury Duty Scam Verified By The FBI - Identity Thieves

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:07:25 -0500

The FBI has verified, on their web site, that there is a "Jury Duty Scam". This is a phone related scam, so if you know anyone who doesn't use the Internet, especially older people, you should make sure they do not become a victim. The caller claims to be a court officer, and then accuses the victim of missing a jury duty appointment. After the victim is sufficiently worried about failing to report for jury duty, the caller then suggests that they verify if they have the correct person. It is at that point that they ask for ss number, birth date, and sometimes even credit information.

The caller works the conversation into a threat of a fine that can be paid over the phone by a credit card. What is amazing is that this has been going on in some form since early 2005! If you have one of these calls, or know someone who has, one thing to do is *69 after you hang up. This will give you the phone number that the call was made from. Then contact the FBI and report the incident.

You can also use *57 which records the phone call at the phone company as a "call trace". One web site says: "When you activate the Call Trace code (*57) immediately following the harassing call, the caller's phone number is recorded by the phone company." But *57 doesn't give you the phone number. The phone company has to get an authorization form before the harasser's phone number can be turned over to law enforcement and there may be a fee. Some phone companies charge you each time you use Call Trace and others have a monthly charge for an unlimited number of traces.

If the phone number is blocked, tracing the call may help the FBI or other law enforcement agencies gather enough information to go after the schemers even from the perspective of "Do Not Call" fines and penalties, especially if your phone is on the DNC list. In any case, don't get your identity stolen this way. Tell someone who might be a victim to be careful, too.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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Should you get a septic inspection?

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:40:53 -0600

Should you get a septic inspection?
It is extremely important to have a proper, thorough, inspection of the septic system components if you are buying a home with a septic system. Unfortunately for many home buyers, the typical brief septic inspection tells you very little about the real state of the septic system. In my state, the tank is uncovered and viewed, and the scum level and depth is noted. A diagram is drawn indicating the location of the components. Septic inspections for the sale/purchase of a home is a limited visual inspection to determine the condition of the septic field and function of the sewage disposal system.

In some parts of the country, septic inspections are paid for by the sellers and in others, the buyers have to do their own inspections. As part of the home inspection process, in my part of the country sellers provide the septic certification. My state requires an inspection before a closing can occur. It does not require a functioning system, only a test. In other states, the inspection is optional. When the system is not functioning properly, the parties negotiate a correction acceptable to the parties involved.

The importance of a septic inspection.
If the house has a private septic system it should definitely be inspected by a professional septic contractor. An improperly functioning system can be a messy health hazard. If you are already working with an agent, ask the agent for names of local, dependable home and septic inspection companies, then contact several companies or visit their company websites to learn what services are offered and to ask about rates. Sometimes yu can arrange to have a septic inspection company present on the same day as the home inspection which makes it easy to attend both inspections. If the septic inspection is scheduled on a different day from the home inspection, you may want to be there. In my state, a records kept of past inspections and pumpings, so you can check on the history of the system before the inspection. Also, if you have a private well and a septic system it is be a good idea to have a water test as well as a septic inspection. In my state, most lenders will require a well test anyway.

The septic inspection should be completed and reported to the parties early in the negotiation process. Both the buyer and the lender have an interest in the operation of the existing system. Occasionally a repair or repacement is necessary. Banks usually won't lend unless the system is good or scheduled to be made good. In my state, a system can be repaired upto two years after title changes to a new owner. How the system is corrected and when is left up to the parties involved. My experience is that lenders will "hold back" an amount equal to one and a half times the estimate for the fix. Once it is fixed, the bill is paid from the held back funds and any excess is distributed according to the agreement between the parties.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Plymouth Rock Studios Moves Forward To Construction!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:10:28 -0600

The Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs has issued an environmental certificateto Plymouth Rock Studios. This is another foundational part of the construction of Hollywood East in Plymouth, MA. The certification came on Friday.

The PRS press release (found here) includes the following information:

"This decision demonstrates that the project will create jobs and establish a clean new industry in the Commonwealth. The Secretary's certificate represents a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts related to the project," said Plymouth Rock Real Estate Investments, President and CEO, Bill Wynne. "This certificate not only allows us to move forward but also validates the measures we have taken to minimize environmental impacts and go the extra step to provide regional environmental benefits through our low impact design and off-site infrastructure improvements."

In the press release The MA Secretary of Energy is quoted as saying that there are over 3,100 jobs being created by PRS at Hollywood East - more than originally reported. Welcome news for Southeastern MA.

If you'd like to learn more about Bill Wynne, he is interviewed in the latest installment of The Series.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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ACORN Could Be Regulating National Banks Soon. What?

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:53:14 -0600

There is a bill in Congress that appears to be intended to create more extensive power for the president. It would establish a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency under the executive branch, with the authority to oversee, review, and police consumer protection laws for financial products and institutions.

The agency's jurisdiction for reviewing financial matters would include mortgages, credit cards, student loans, auto loans, payday loans, and more. It is sponsored by, Mr. Fixit, Barney Frank. There's an interesting kicker in the amendments.

Some who keep a watch on bills in Congress have concluded that a recent ammendment would provide for the appointment of board members from groups like ACORN. The bill doesn't name the controversial group specifically, but this most recent amendment includes language that makes it easy for ACORN like groups to qualify as board members.

The bill is HR 3126 Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009. It can be read in a number of places, in its entirety, on the Internet. One site that Intrigued me is the Open Congress Site. The bill is linked, referenced, and discussed. Extra information is provided about those who support it and who oppose it.

Proponents comment that something needs to be done. They argue that toasters have to pass more scrutiny than financial products. Financial products can have more impact on families than toasters can. We probably could use more protection in the financial industry, but we already have a few agencies in place don't we?

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Hollywood East Suggests NEW Businesses for MA! (Joe DiLorenzo)

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:16:48 -0500

When asked what other businesses MA needs to support the studios at Plymouth Rock, he has more than a few suggestions. This is good news for the Massachusetts economy! There are about 2000 initial jobs being created by the construction of the studio. Other businesses have opportunity for growth and development similar to the growth and development of the studios themselves. (By the way, they use a question I contributed, in the interview!)

He mentions CGI, pre and post production companies, and even more sound stages in other parts of the state. The video below mentions Joe's background financial background with reputable organisations like the Boston Celtics (18 years) and his leadership of the 8,000+ member Financial executives international. The organizers and developers of Hollywood East all have very interesting backgrounds. The video below is just one of the videos in a group called "The Series" where the principles and the activities at the studios are being documented.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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A GPS For Social Media Marketing!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:56:20 -0500

You can buy an ebook for every social media site. You can take every course offered for each social media site. There are tons of social media specialists.

But this article, "10 Small Business Social Media Marketing Tips" by Ross Kimbarovsky is one of the most concise and complete quick lists I have seen. He goes through what the most well known concepts and sites are and how to use them. There is a section under each one for the novice and for the advanced user.

If you need to start a Social Media Map, then this article can be your GPS.

Happy listing and selling!

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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