Collier Swecker - News & Opinion about Real Estate, Small Business, Law, & Technology

Birmingham Should Look to Chattanooga to See How to Revitalize Downtown Area

Collier Swecker — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:25:53 +0000

Collier Swecker video blogs about how Birmingham leaders should take a strong look at Chattanooga Tennessee and how over the last 20 to 25 years Chattanooga it has gone from economic turmoil to one of the South’s destination cities for the entire family. Chattanooga built a downtown area that focused on attractions, such as the Tennessee Aquarium, that appealed to all age groups and what sprung up were other activities / businesses that appealed to the same groups. I am not saying that there aren’t adult only activities, such as Bars and Music Venues, but rather they came and thrive as a result of the family friendly activities. All we hear from our politicians and city officials is talk about the new Birmingham Barons ballpark, but think about the fact Chattanooga didn’t reward their team a new ballpark until 2000 and after most of the infrastructure and activities to support the new ballpark were already in place. Birmingham has one of the finest Science Centers in the entire country with the McWane Center, and I think it is a great start and role model for other projects that would want to be started in downtown Birmingham. If you have any questions or comments about the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, email me at Collier@MegaAgents.com or visit my website at www.CollierSwecker.com.

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Home Buyers That Work For Family Owned Business Face Some Mortgage Obstacles

Collier Swecker — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:45:51 +0000

Collier Swecker video blogs about how home buyers who are employed by a family member in a family owned business will find some additional mortgage underwriting issues that may delay the process if they are not prepared. This especially true if the borrower has the same last name as the owner of the business. Collier talks about a client who had no red flags in his mortgage application other than having the last name of the owner of the business for which he is a salaried employee with no ownership interest. It is so important if you are in this situation that you contact an experienced Mortgage Lender before you start the home buying process. If you have any comments or questions, email Collier at Collier@MegaAgents.com or visit my website at www.CollierSwecker.com.

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Short Sale Now Because Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Expires December 31, 2012

Collier Swecker — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:58:41 +0000

Collier Swecker video blogs about how the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act is set to expire on December 31, 2012. In summary, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act states that if you borrow money, from a bank or a commercial lender and the lender cancels or forgives the debt (i.e. Short Sale) then you are not responsible for paying taxes on the forgiven amount. This includes balances forgiven through foreclosure. The Act only applies to debt incurred to buy, build or improve a personal residence, NOT an investment property. I strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with their mortgage to talk with a Realtor, Lawyer, and CPA to find the best course of action with your home because delaying the inevitable may cost these homeowners thousands in tax liability and you do not want the IRS on your back in addition to the banks. If you have any questions or comments about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act email me at Collier@MegaAgents.com or visit my website at www.CollierSwecker.com.

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Every Real Estate Agent May Have A Door Key to Your Home

Collier Swecker — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:19:01 +0000

Collier Swecker video blogs about how any home purchasers who have purchased a HUD foreclosure home in the last 15 years and who have not changed the locks from the time that they bought the home are at risk for anyone who has or has had a real estate license coming straight in the front door with the universal “HUD” keys that are used on all HUD foreclosure properties. Most home buyers change their locks when they buy a new home, but some put off till another day, the rather tedious and expensive task of re-keying their home. By not re-keying or changing the locks, you are essentially sharing your home’s key with thousands of Realtors both past and present. Just thought some of you HUD home buyers would want to know! If you have any comments or questions, email Collier at Collier@MegaAgents.com or visit my website at www.CollierSwecker.com.

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Home Sellers Need Sales Price to be Competitive and Compelling

Collier Swecker — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:59:48 +0000

Collier Swecker video blogs about home sellers need to price their home competitively and also make sure that the price is compelling. In this real estate market, sellers have to do whatever they can to grab a Buyers attention, and price is where Buyers pay the most attention before even looking at single photograph. The sale price that sellers use needs to be so compelling that it makes people stop browsing and say “now there is a great deal”. If you have any comments or questions, email Collier at Collier@MegaAgentRealEstate.com or visit my website at www.CollierSwecker.com.

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