Update on New Government Rules On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.

Update on New Government Rules On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.
First: New regulations go into effect on January 31st that require all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. to show proof of citizenship. Prior to that date, persons can continue to prove citizenship verbally.
Proof of citizenship can be accomplished by presenting a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or an original copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization. We recommend a passport because it is the only document that proves both your citizenship and your identity.
Second: The Department of State, the agency of the Federal Government that issues passports, issued new rules regarding the new passport card on December 31, 2007. Here is a summary of everything covered in the new regulations. As you will see, there are more rules to be issued in the future telling citizens when and how the State Department will begin issuing passport cards. When and how the State Department will begin issuing the passport cards is not yet known.
1. The State Department will issue passport cards. The official name of the document will be "passport cards." State will continue to issue "passport books" which up until now we have known as a "passport."
2. A new DS 11 passport application form will be issued between now and February 1st. On the form, applicants will be given an option to apply either for a passport card or a passport book.
3. The passport card is valid only for passage through land and sea ports between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for flights into or out of the U.S.
4. The passport card will be issued to citizens in all 50 states but it is exclusively for use for land and sea entrance to the U.S. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
5. Passport cards can be used for identification for domestic flights. Remember: the passport card can be used as government-issued proof of identity and proof of citizenship. So, if you do not have a driver's license and need identification for passing through security for domestic travel, you can use your passport card for proof of identity instead of presenting your driver's license.
6. Passport cards have the same validity as passport books � 10 years for adults 16 and over and 5 years for children under 16.
7. Citizens will be able to apply for a passport card at any acceptance agent on the same basis as a regular passport.
8. Passport books must be signed on the signature page by the passport holder to be valid. Passport cards do not have to be signed to be valid.
9. The passport cards will be able to be scanned at U.S. borders when a person is in the vicinity of an electronic reader that will be operated by U.S. border control officials. The chip in the card contains only one item of information � a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure database of the State Department and Homeland Security Department. There is no personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, etc. stored electronically on the chip. So, if someone did pick up the signal, they would not be able to use the data to learn anything about the holder.
10. The execution fee for applying for a passport card is $25. The execution fee for applying for a passport book is $30.
11. The fees for obtaining a passport card for persons without a passport are as follows:
Adults: Total $45 ($20 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
Children under 16: Total $35($10 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
12. Persons who have a valid passport book (Remember: a "passport book" means a person who has a "passport") and who are applying for a passport card (in addition to holding a valid passport) are not required to pay the execution fee. Thus, persons with a valid passport who also want a passport card can apply for $20.
13. The government may permit alternative documentation for land crossings such as driver's licenses issued by states that have established methods for determining citizenship acceptable to the Federal government. Several states have already submitted proposals to the Federal government. This matter will be addressed in subsequent regulations issued by the Federal government.

Robert Kiyosaki Predictions 2008

Hi everyone:
What does the future of real estate hold? Is the real estate market bad? Is this a good time to buy? Should I sell? These are some of the questions we are asked most frequently.
We have been saying for months that there is no better time to buy than now. We have been telling you that while this may not be the time to buy and flip, it is definitely the time to buy and hold. It is encouraging then, to hear someone as succesful as Robert Kiyosaki predicating on the same principles. It is time to get more education and better understanding of what is really happening with the economy and the real estate market. Real estate is not only for sale, but it is ON SALE, so take advantage!
If you can buy or you currently own a property and can hold on to it for the next year or two you will be able to see great return on your investments.

If you are a Realtor and you get asked those questions at the top of this article and up until now you have been telling your customers that things are bad, watch this video and share it with them.
Sincerely,
Right About Real Estate
213 E. Sheridan St. suite#1
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954.362.0980
http://www.rightabouthomes.com/
info@rightabouthomes.com

January '08 News Letter

Happy New Year!
We want to take the opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a year filled with health, wealth and happiness. May you have the vision to set big goals, the courage to pursue them and the persistence to achieve them. With the end of 2007, a year that left the real estate industry a bit bruised and the beginning of 2008, a year that promisses to bring movement to the real estate market, we hope to be a part of all of your real estate ventures.
We continue to share with you our monthly newsletter. Whether you are just beginning to receive our monthly newsletters, or you have been getting them for months, we guarantee you'll like what you read... Our company is committed to providing our clients with extraordinary service in order to help them achieve their real estate objectives. Part of that extraordinary service comes with the commitment to provide them with up- to-date, useful information. As a subscriber, you will have the opportunity to read the best articles in the real estate industry, compiled from the most reliable sources.

New Services for 2008:
Right About Real Estate is proud to announce three new services for 2008 Basic/Flat Fee Real Estate Service for For Sale by Owners, Property Management and Credit/Background check.

Our For Sale by Owner service provides a home owner the best of both worlds. It allows the owner of a home the opportunity to find a buyer on their own and save money on commissions, while at the same time getting the benefits of the MLS exposure.

Our Property Management serivce is provided to absentee owners who either keep their homes vacant and use them sporadicallly on vacation or those who keep a tenant in them to help cover the expenses of a 2nd home or investment property. Anything from receiving rents, hiring and paying vendors, paying monthly mortgage payments, maintenance payments and other recurring costs, to cleaning the home and buying groceries prior to the owner's arrival is available under our Property Management services.

Finally, owners of investment properties who rent them out to individuals, now have the oportunity to run background checks, credit checks and even find out if the tenant has ever been evicted before or has a good residency track record.

10 "Must Do" Steps to Sell Your Home this Year

It's a buyer's market in most areas of the country so if you're selling your home this year, be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. Following these 10 tips will help you sell soon.
Read on...

North Miami Beach- House for Rent
Price: $1,900/month
MLS#: H838757
Bedrooms:5
Baths:2
sq.ft: 2,400
Visual Tour

A Career in Real Estate

There is finally a real estate brokerage created with the agent in mind.
If you are a Realtor looking for an opportunity to make your real estate career a success, don't hesitate to contact us.
What we offer...

Sincerely,
Right About Real Estate
213 E. Sheridan St. suite#1
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954.362.0980
http://www.rightabouthomes.com/
info@rightabouthomes.com