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

North Miami Beach- Renovated house-Rental

VIRTUAL TOUR

Flyer

The Venture- New condo in Aventura for rent

The Venture Aventura
$1700/mo
2br, 2ba
WALK IN AND SAY WOW! BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED W/ITALIAN KITCHEN,STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES AND GRANITE COUNTERS.REMODELED MASTER BATH WITH ROMAN TUB.WOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT.BUILT-IN CLOSETS.NOTHING IS "STANDARD" IN THIS GORGEOUS UNIT.APARTMENT FACES RESORT STYLE POOL AREA.BUILDING OFFERS STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTER,BUSINESS CENTER,SUNBATHING POOL AND SWIMMING POOL, JACUZZI,PARTY ROOM,WALKING DISTANCE TO SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND EVERY CONVENIENCE THE EXCLUSIVE CITY OF AVENTURA HAS TO OFFER.
vt:
http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?sk=13&t=1143931


By Right About Real Estate

Sheridan Beach Club 2 Rental

Sheridan Beach Club 2 Rental
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
$1,450/month
1,300sq.ft
TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN UPGRADES INCLUDE BAMBOO FLOORS THROUGHOUT, WOOD BLINDS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, GRANITE KITCHEN COUNTERS, UPGRADED VANITIES IN THE BATHROOMS, VESSEL MOUNT SINKS, FROSTED GLASS DOORS, CROWN MOLDING... JUST TOO MUCH TO MENTION IT ALL. BALCONY OVERLOOKS PRESERVE. COMPLEX IS LESS THAN A MILE TO THE OCEAN, STEPS AWAY FROM WEST LAKE PARK, PUBLIX, WALGREENS, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS. FOR VISUAL TOUR FOLLOW THE LINK:
http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1319505
"Selling South Florida LifeStyles"
Yael Warman
Broker
yael@rightabouthomes.com
213 E Sheridan St. suite#1
Dania beach, FL 33004
tel: 954.362.0980 x 2001
fax: 954.362.0982
HTTP://www.rightabouthomes.com

Situational Awarness and Self defense seminar for women

Foreclosure vs. Short Sale

A homebuyer who has borrowed money from a lender to do so has also agreed that in the event he/she does not make the agreed uon payments, the lender may keep or foreclose on the propert. A short sale is when the lender agrees to accept a mortgage payoff that doesn't cover the outstanding loan. Lenders almost always lose money when they foreclose on property. In many cases, they will lose less money through a short sale than they would by foreclosing on the home and selling it as a bank-owned property.

Now that we have explained why it may be in the bank's best interest to accept a short sale instead of engaging in foreclosure proceedings, let us tell you why, althogh it is more complicated and time consuming, it is also in your best interest to attempt to settle with your lender through a short sale rather than allowing a foreclosure take place.
If a foreclsoure is complted by the lender, the homeowner could incur more significant, long standing damages than if the debt is settled thrugh a sort sale. A homeowner who goes through a foreclosure typycally sees their credit score plunge about 200 to 300 points, whereas in a short sale, their credit score may drop 80 to 100 points. It can take from 3 to 5 years or more after a foreclosure before a mortgage lender will offer the homeowner an affordable interest rate, whereas in the event of a short sale, a homeowner can typically qualify for a new mortgage and buy a home in as little as 18 months with the establishment of new credit, and the interest rate and loan to value ratio will be much more favorable.

The Venture

Fairview

The Venture

Sheridan Beach Club

Get your Emergency Loan before you need it

Most people apply for a loan when they need it, but there are good reasons to apply for one when you don't.

Getting a Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC) is somewhat simple under normal circumstances, but getting one when you are in a desperate situation may be next to impossible.

During our last hurricane season, many homes were stricken by the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma and while insurance agencies made a great effort to rush adjusters to the affected areas and cut checks to homeowners as diligently as possible, many homeowners waited for months before getting a dime and many others, while lucky to get their payments right away, lacked the funds to pay for deductibles or pay in advance before being refunded by their insurance companies. After a natural disaster, insurance companies stop underwriting and banks stop generating loans pending thorough inspections of the home securing the loan.

But hurricanes are not the only reason why you would be denied for a loan that you may have been given under other circumstances. Losing your job may cause you to not qualify for a loan, but had you gotten it while you were still employed, the funds already available could keep you afloat while you find an alternate source of income.

This is why it is such a wonderful idea to have a HELOC in place before you need it. A HELOC is a loan secured by the value of your home, but it does not have to be used if you don't want to, much like a credit card in that sense. If you do not use the funds available, you do not pay interest and you do not make payments. You can just have the loan in place, available for when you do need it or want it.

Prepare for your 1st Hurricane Season

If you recently moved to Florida, this summer may be your first hurricane season.
Whether you are nervous about experiencing one of Florida's inevitables or completely careless about it, there is one certainty, and that is that things are always better when you are prepared. So, here are a few pointers on how to be ready when a hurricane is on its way...

1. Make plans to secure your property. The best protection for your windows is offered by permanent storm shutters, although using a 5/8” marine plywood cut to fit and ready to install to board up windows is a good second choice.

2. Trim trees and shrubs around your house.

3. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters.

4. Keep a full tank of gas in your car. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.

5.Listen to a battery-powered radio or T.V. for information.

6. Have cash available. If a hurricane hits, power outages may make ATMs and credit card machines at stores inoperable.

7. Close storm shutters, and secure outdoor items or bring them inside.

8. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

9. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

10. Buy bottled water and imperishable food.

11. Once the hurricane hits, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.

12. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.

13. After the storm passes, follow local instructions. The storm may have caused property damages that may make it dangerous for people to be out on the streets, like trees blocking the roads or down power lines.

14. The most important rule of all is to stay calm.

Like every year, we are hoping that this year hurricanes don't visit our sunshine state, but if they happen to drop by, we hope this information serves you well.

Steve Jobs

Have a great week

Understanding your credit score

The Five Things That Count Listed below are five main categories of information on a credit report that Fair Isaac & Co evaluate, along with their general level of importance. Within these categories is a complete list of the information that goes into a FICO score. Please note that:

• A score takes into consideration all these categories of information, not just one or two. No one piece of information or factor will determine your score.
• The importance of any factor depends on the overall information on your credit report.
• Your score only looks at information on your credit report. Your FICO score does not reflect your income
• Your score considers both positive and negative information in your credit report.
• Your score does not consider your ethnic group, religion, gender, marital status and nationality.

The score itself can range from 300 to 900. The formula for exactly how the score is calculated is proprietary information and owned by Fair Isaac. Here is an approximate breakdown of how it is determined:

1. 35% of the score is based on your payment history. One of the primary reasons a lender wants to see your score is to find out if and how timely you pay your bills.
2. 30% of the score is based on outstanding debt. How much do you owe on your loans? How many credit cards? Are they at their limits? A good rule is to keep your cards at 30% or less of their limits.
3. 15% of the score is based on the length of credit history. More information about your past payment history gives a more accurate prediction of your future actions.
4. 10% of the score is based on the number of inquiries. These may be bad for your score because they indicate that you may be in some kind of financial trouble or may be taking on a lot of debt. FICO scores only count inquiries from the past year.
5. 10% of the score is based on the types of credit you currently have. What kind and how many of each? The credit mix usually won’t be a key factor in determining your score- but it will be more important if the report lacks other information on which to base the score.
You can have access to your credit report using Equifax

Port St. Lucie

In Port St. Lucie, one of the fastest growing cities in South Florida, this 1/4 acre lot awaits your new home.
Located in the sought after area of Torino this lot is surrounded by gorgeous homes and it is high and dry ready to build.

Please contact Raquel J.
(954) 362-0980 X 2011
raquelj@rightabouthomes.com

Hiring the right real estate agent in a buyer's market

With a shift in market conditions, what used to be a tilted scale for buyers and sellers has now become a fair ground for negotiations. Homes that are priced right and marketed properly continue to sell and buyers have the opportunity to negotiate basic terms.

In a market where sellers need to make a greater effort in order to sell their homes and buyers can get creative when constructing offers, it only makes sense that you hire a competent real estate agent to help you do so, but the question is how do you know who's competent and who's not?
When you hire a real estate professional that you decide to be loyal to, you can be certain that they will be loyal to you too and bear your best interest in mind, so before you go out and "tie the knot" with a real estate agent, ask some questions:

1. Are you a Realtor? Not every real estate agent is a Realtor. A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, and voluntarily adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and pledges to maintain incomparable knowledge of the real estate processes, becoming the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.
2. Do you work as a full-time Realtor®? The felixibilty of schedules in the real estate field tempts a lot of agents to keep their full-time jobs and sell real estate "on the side". While this may work for some agents, others tend to keep real estate "on the side of their minds" as well, relegating the clients' needs.
3. Do you have an assistant or partner? When a Realtor has someone they can rely on to take care of the myriad of details that a real estate transaction requires, they can spend more time on what really matters, like finding a buyer for your home or a home for their buyers.
4. What area and in what aspect of the market do you specialize?
5. Do you have a written marketing plan specifically designed to sell my house or help me find the right home for my family?
6. How do you market properties to buyers?
7. How many properties have you sold in the last three (3) months?
8. What kind of marketing materials will you produce to market my home ?
9. Do you have a written business plan and mission statement?
10. How often will I get an update on the efforts to sell my home or find a home?
11.In what ways do you encourage other Realtors® to sell my property? How do you network?
12. What can I do to help sell my property? A Realtor should have a list of ideas to help you spruce up your home.
13. How many listings do you have? What percentage of them sell?
14. What is the market trend now?
15. Based upon what you know about my situation, should I sell/buy? Why?
16. If I give you the listing, what are the first seven (7) things you will do in the first week to sell my property?
17. What methods do you use to communicate?  Pager  Phone  E-mail  Direct mail  Personal visit
18. What kind of internet presence do you have?
19. What kind of tools on your website are available for buyers / sellers?
20.How soon will my property be featured on your site?
21. On how many different sites will my property be found?
22. Why are you worth the commission?
30. Do you have any buyers for this home now?

Dania Beach Single Family, 411 SE 4th Terr MLS # H807075

This completely updated home is the largest in Dania Beach offering 3,100 sq.ft of charm. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, den/playroom with built-in bar, big kitchen with cooking island, breakfast nook and pantry. Wood floors throughout living areas. 9ft regulation pool table and brand new Jacuzzi in patio are included in the sale as bonus to the buyer.

38 SE 6th ST Duplex Dania Beach MLS # H807078

Great Investment! 2br,2ba rents for $950/month. 1br,1ba rents for $650/month. Both units are in perfect condition and allow for rent increase.