Kolcraft Recalls 1 Million Play Yards Due to Fall Hazard
Aqua-Leisure Industries Recalls 4 million Inflatable Baby Floats Due to Drowning Hazard
Applica Consumer Products Inc. Recalls Black & Decker® Spacemaker™ Coffeemakers Due to Burn Hazard
Laceration Hazard Prompts Recall by Starbucks of Coffee Grinders
Outdoor Play Sets Sold Exclusively at Toys "R" Us Recalled by Step2® Due to Fall Hazard; Swings Can Break
Samsung Recalls to Upgrade Certain Cell Phones; Could Fail to Reach Emergency 911 in a No-Service Area
Bunn-O-Matic Recalls Single Cup Tea/Coffeemakers Due to Burn Hazard
HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
Folding Toy Beach Chairs Recalled by Build-A-Bear Workshop Due to Laceration Hazard
Composite Decks Recalled by Louisiana-Pacific; Decks Can Deteriorate and Break, Posing Fall Hazard
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
PETITION: Stop the Home Valuation Code of Conduct
"Petition to stop the Home Valuation Code of Conduct.
In the past few weeks, we’ve talked about the new appraisal rules and how they’re impacting our business. Now, here’s a video explaining the situation more in-depth along with a petition to ask the House to enact an 18 month moratorium on the HVCC (in the form of House Bill 3044)
http://www.hvccpetition.com/Video.aspx"
In the past few weeks, we’ve talked about the new appraisal rules and how they’re impacting our business. Now, here’s a video explaining the situation more in-depth along with a petition to ask the House to enact an 18 month moratorium on the HVCC (in the form of House Bill 3044)
http://www.hvccpetition.com/Video.aspx"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Do You Have Above Average Credit?
"Do you Have Above-Average Credit?
Forty-two percent of U.S. consumers have credit scores between 550 and 699. As a result, these consumers typically don’t qualify for preferred interest rates and, depending on their overall credit profile, they may not even qualify for certain loans and credit cards. The primary challenge is that most consumers don’t understand what impacts their credit profile and, more importantly, don’t know what actions they can take to help improve it. This short quiz will help test how much you know about your credit profile and how it works.
1. To have the best credit profile impact, what is the maximum amount of your monthly credit line you should use?a) 70%b) 30%c) 50%
2. What is the top contributing factor to what makes a good credit score?a) Length of credit historyb) Amounts you owec) Payment history
3. If you pay 2% each month on your credit card (typical minimum payment), when will you pay off a $3,000 balance at 10% interest?a) 18 yearsb) 6 yearsc) 3 years
4. After paying off a high-interest credit card, you should:a) Continue using it occasionallyb) Close the accountc) Use the full amount of available credit every month
5. Applying for credit cards in order to just receive a free sign-up gift (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) has no impact on my credit profile?True or False
6. Rewards points on credit cards are a good deal when:a) I get cash backb) I get free airline ticketsc) I carry no balance each month
7. To have a credit score, I must have at least one creditor reporting activity on my credit report for:a) 12 monthsb) 8 monthsc) 6 months
8. Credit bureaus that manage your personal credit report data and credit scores are a:a) Government entityb) Non-profit agencyc) Regular business corporation
9. Banks and credit card companies think you are credit-worthy by how many credit offers you receive by mail?True or False
10. Credit scores are used by lenders mainly to: a) Tell how I compare to other consumersb) Tell if I make my payments on timec) Predict the likeliness that I will repay my loan on time
Answers: 1 - c, 2 - c, 3 - a, 4 - a, 5 - False, 6 - c, 7 - c, 8 - c, 9 - False, 10 - c
If you find you answered more than half of these questions wrong, you’re not alone. In a survey, we found that the majority of consumers do not know the answers to these and similar types of questions. On average, U.S. consumers have a total of 13 credit obligations on their credit report. These include installment loans (auto loans, mortgage loans, student loans, etc.) and credit cards (such as department store charge cards, gas cards, or bank cards). As a result of the numerous outstanding credit obligations, combined with the lack of proper knowledge and guidance about what impacts their credit profile, the average U.S. consumer ends up spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary interest expenses.
The good news is that it’s not too late. With a good understanding and proper guidance of how credit works, consumers can learn how to effectively manage their personal credit profile. Improvements can be obtained fairly rapidly with credit coaching services and the proper changes (no more trial-and-error stuff). Our survey group of customers who participated in a credit optimization and coaching service saw their credit scores increase by an average of 30 points in just four months as a result of more effectively managing their credit. More than ever, every responsible consumer should proactively evaluate, optimize and protect their credit before they have a required credit need or an issue arises.
Market Issues by Jeff Mandel and Marlin Brandt
Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-07-11/do-you-have-above-average-credit/#ixzz0L9hxN2JV&C "
Milicki and Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 Toll Free: 1-866-966-3022 Fax: 770-8742027
www.milicki.com info@milicki.com
Forty-two percent of U.S. consumers have credit scores between 550 and 699. As a result, these consumers typically don’t qualify for preferred interest rates and, depending on their overall credit profile, they may not even qualify for certain loans and credit cards. The primary challenge is that most consumers don’t understand what impacts their credit profile and, more importantly, don’t know what actions they can take to help improve it. This short quiz will help test how much you know about your credit profile and how it works.
1. To have the best credit profile impact, what is the maximum amount of your monthly credit line you should use?a) 70%b) 30%c) 50%
2. What is the top contributing factor to what makes a good credit score?a) Length of credit historyb) Amounts you owec) Payment history
3. If you pay 2% each month on your credit card (typical minimum payment), when will you pay off a $3,000 balance at 10% interest?a) 18 yearsb) 6 yearsc) 3 years
4. After paying off a high-interest credit card, you should:a) Continue using it occasionallyb) Close the accountc) Use the full amount of available credit every month
5. Applying for credit cards in order to just receive a free sign-up gift (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) has no impact on my credit profile?True or False
6. Rewards points on credit cards are a good deal when:a) I get cash backb) I get free airline ticketsc) I carry no balance each month
7. To have a credit score, I must have at least one creditor reporting activity on my credit report for:a) 12 monthsb) 8 monthsc) 6 months
8. Credit bureaus that manage your personal credit report data and credit scores are a:a) Government entityb) Non-profit agencyc) Regular business corporation
9. Banks and credit card companies think you are credit-worthy by how many credit offers you receive by mail?True or False
10. Credit scores are used by lenders mainly to: a) Tell how I compare to other consumersb) Tell if I make my payments on timec) Predict the likeliness that I will repay my loan on time
Answers: 1 - c, 2 - c, 3 - a, 4 - a, 5 - False, 6 - c, 7 - c, 8 - c, 9 - False, 10 - c
If you find you answered more than half of these questions wrong, you’re not alone. In a survey, we found that the majority of consumers do not know the answers to these and similar types of questions. On average, U.S. consumers have a total of 13 credit obligations on their credit report. These include installment loans (auto loans, mortgage loans, student loans, etc.) and credit cards (such as department store charge cards, gas cards, or bank cards). As a result of the numerous outstanding credit obligations, combined with the lack of proper knowledge and guidance about what impacts their credit profile, the average U.S. consumer ends up spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary interest expenses.
The good news is that it’s not too late. With a good understanding and proper guidance of how credit works, consumers can learn how to effectively manage their personal credit profile. Improvements can be obtained fairly rapidly with credit coaching services and the proper changes (no more trial-and-error stuff). Our survey group of customers who participated in a credit optimization and coaching service saw their credit scores increase by an average of 30 points in just four months as a result of more effectively managing their credit. More than ever, every responsible consumer should proactively evaluate, optimize and protect their credit before they have a required credit need or an issue arises.
Market Issues by Jeff Mandel and Marlin Brandt
Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-07-11/do-you-have-above-average-credit/#ixzz0L9hxN2JV&C "
Milicki and Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 Toll Free: 1-866-966-3022 Fax: 770-8742027
www.milicki.com info@milicki.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
GEORGIA - No Homestead Tax Exemption for 2009
"NO HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION FOR 2009
The 'Governor's Tax Credit' for homestead property was NOT funded by the State legislature for 2009 which will result in an increase on your 2009 tax bill between $77.04 and $228.24 (depending on other exemptions you have or whether your Property is located within the city limits).
If your taxes are paid from an escrow account through your mortgage lender, you may want to notify them so the escrow payment amount can be adjusted accordingly.
Click on the following link for video of Gail Downing, Cobb County Tax Commissioner
Homestead exemption
For additional information, go to www.cobbtax.org then click on “Property Tax”
Milicki and Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 Toll Free: 1-866-966-3022 Fax: 770-874-2027
www.milicki.com
info@milicki.com
The 'Governor's Tax Credit' for homestead property was NOT funded by the State legislature for 2009 which will result in an increase on your 2009 tax bill between $77.04 and $228.24 (depending on other exemptions you have or whether your Property is located within the city limits).
If your taxes are paid from an escrow account through your mortgage lender, you may want to notify them so the escrow payment amount can be adjusted accordingly.
Click on the following link for video of Gail Downing, Cobb County Tax Commissioner
Homestead exemption
For additional information, go to www.cobbtax.org then click on “Property Tax”
Milicki and Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 Toll Free: 1-866-966-3022 Fax: 770-874-2027
www.milicki.com
info@milicki.com
Featured Properties
284 Jennifer Lane, Temple, GA
419 Clarion Drive, Carrollton, GAAre you looking for a spacious, immaculate home in Carrollton in a well-established neighborhood? Then, this is the palce for you! This 5-bed, 3-bath home is located in the Mountain Creek subdivision and near the 15th green and 16th tee. Listed at $168,000, this well-cared for home will go quickly!
3938 Longview Drive, Chamblee, GALocated in the Huntley Hills subdivision, this 4-bed, 2.5-bath home is a steal at $259,000. Sitting on approximately 1/2 an acre, this home is spacious with a large, fenced backyard, two car garage with large workshop, and a formal dining room. This property is located in a swim/tennis community. With this home being so close to great schools and I-285, it will go fast!
Milicki and Associates
770-874-2022
Toll free : 1-866-966-3022
Fax: 770-874-2027
http://www.milicki.com/
info@milicki.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
"The Key to Influencing Others"
"Do Nice Things For Others...
One of the best ways to influence someone is to do something nice for him.
I know many successful salespeople who make a habit of taking their prospects out to breakfast or lunch. During the breakfast or lunch, they do not talk about their products or services unless the client brings it up. They merely make small talk, ask questions and listen.
They work on building trust, and they work on establishing a friendly relationship. At the end of the breakfast or lunch, they tell the prospect that they will be getting in touch with him sometime in the future with the possibility of talking to him about helping him in some way.
See Them As Friends and Partners...
The best salespeople and businesspeople in America today are those who look upon their customers and prospective customers as friends and partners.
They always look for ways to help their partners improve their lives in ways that are not directly related to the products or services they sell. They sow seeds, and they reap a harvest. They trigger a desire in people to reciprocate.
When the time comes for those salespeople to approach their prospects with the possibility of buying their products or services, the prospects are wide open to the questions and inputs of the salespeople. The prospects have a deep-down desire to reciprocate.
Send Thank You Notes...
One of the best ways to use this principle in your interactions is to continually look for ways to say and do positive things for people. Look for ways to do kind acts and favors for your friends and prospects.
Send thank-you notes. Send birthday cards. Send clippings from newspapers about subjects that you feel may be of interest to them. Always keep your promises, and follow up on your commitments.
Always do what you say you will do. Do everything possible to put in, knowing confidently that you will ultimately be able to get out far more. You will reap if you sow.
Be A Go-Giver Rather Than A Go-Getter...
Someone has observed that no one ever built a statue to a person to acknowledge what he or she got out of life. Statues are built only to people to acknowledge what they gave.
The most powerful, influential and successful people you will ever meet always look for ways to do nice things for others.
When you meet someone under almost any circumstance, one of the best questions you can ask is this: "Is there anything that I can do for you?"
Always look for ways to put in rather than to take out. The successful man or woman of today is a "go-giver" as well as a go-getter.
Be Open and Empathetic...
The more that people feel that you are open and empathetic and sensitive to their needs and concerns, the more open they will be to your influencing them positively in some way.
And the more you can influence others with the power and impact of your personality, the more you will accomplish, and the faster you will accomplish it. The more rapidly you will move toward the great success that you desire and deserve.
Action Exercises:
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, look for ways to do nice things for other people, especially your family, friends, and customers. The more nice things you do for others, the better you feel about yourself.
Second, take time to really listen to people, especially your staff and coworkers. The more and better you listen to others, the greater is your influence over them."
~Brian Tracy
Milicki and Associates, Inc.
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 | Toll Free: 1-866-966-3022 | Fax: 770-874-2027
www.milicki.com | info@milicki.com
One of the best ways to influence someone is to do something nice for him.
I know many successful salespeople who make a habit of taking their prospects out to breakfast or lunch. During the breakfast or lunch, they do not talk about their products or services unless the client brings it up. They merely make small talk, ask questions and listen.
They work on building trust, and they work on establishing a friendly relationship. At the end of the breakfast or lunch, they tell the prospect that they will be getting in touch with him sometime in the future with the possibility of talking to him about helping him in some way.
See Them As Friends and Partners...
The best salespeople and businesspeople in America today are those who look upon their customers and prospective customers as friends and partners.
They always look for ways to help their partners improve their lives in ways that are not directly related to the products or services they sell. They sow seeds, and they reap a harvest. They trigger a desire in people to reciprocate.
When the time comes for those salespeople to approach their prospects with the possibility of buying their products or services, the prospects are wide open to the questions and inputs of the salespeople. The prospects have a deep-down desire to reciprocate.
Send Thank You Notes...
One of the best ways to use this principle in your interactions is to continually look for ways to say and do positive things for people. Look for ways to do kind acts and favors for your friends and prospects.
Send thank-you notes. Send birthday cards. Send clippings from newspapers about subjects that you feel may be of interest to them. Always keep your promises, and follow up on your commitments.
Always do what you say you will do. Do everything possible to put in, knowing confidently that you will ultimately be able to get out far more. You will reap if you sow.
Be A Go-Giver Rather Than A Go-Getter...
Someone has observed that no one ever built a statue to a person to acknowledge what he or she got out of life. Statues are built only to people to acknowledge what they gave.
The most powerful, influential and successful people you will ever meet always look for ways to do nice things for others.
When you meet someone under almost any circumstance, one of the best questions you can ask is this: "Is there anything that I can do for you?"
Always look for ways to put in rather than to take out. The successful man or woman of today is a "go-giver" as well as a go-getter.
Be Open and Empathetic...
The more that people feel that you are open and empathetic and sensitive to their needs and concerns, the more open they will be to your influencing them positively in some way.
And the more you can influence others with the power and impact of your personality, the more you will accomplish, and the faster you will accomplish it. The more rapidly you will move toward the great success that you desire and deserve.
Action Exercises:
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, look for ways to do nice things for other people, especially your family, friends, and customers. The more nice things you do for others, the better you feel about yourself.
Second, take time to really listen to people, especially your staff and coworkers. The more and better you listen to others, the greater is your influence over them."
~Brian Tracy
Milicki and Associates, Inc.
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 | Toll Free: 1-866-966-3022 | Fax: 770-874-2027
www.milicki.com | info@milicki.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
How to Make Your Offer Stand Out
"I get calls all the time from buyers who say they are DONE with their current agent. They tell me their current agent is not doing a good job because they have made multiple offers on homes and they have not gotten one house. I get very saddened by this only because I know from my own experience that it is tough out there right now for agents. There are so many numerous factors that are hindering the realtors and clients do not understand it.
First, people want to see a particular home. So the agent will call only to find out that the home really is not active and that it has multiple offers on it. The status really and truly should be changed to pending or back up or hold depending on the situation. I cannot tell you how many times I call only to find out a home is not available. Many times, I can leave messages for other agents and they never get back to me because they are "too busy" aren't we all. The board of realtors will be fining agents for not putting homes that truly are not active in their proper category so the other agents do not waste their time. I called on over 40 homes in Fontana the other day and one 1 was truly available.
The offer you make needs to stand out. What do I mean by stand out? Well, first you need to make sure you are working with a reputable bank...not ABC Mortgage in timbucktwo...you need to work with someone that people respect, such as a big solid bank like say for example Wells Fargo would be good. Anyone knows they are very strict with their lending. So, get a pre-approval, not a pre-qualfication letter. Also, when trying to buy a REO listing (Bank Owned) they do have you cross qualify with their lender which is normal. Many people do not understand this and get upset over it. Just do it, otherwise, your offer will not even be looked at by the bank.
Don't ask for a lot of concessions. By this I mean, don't ask for closing costs if you don't need them. That will net less to the bank and someone may outbid you on a property. If at all possible make your best offer. I always run comparables for my clients so they are not over paying. One thing many people think is if they are the highest and best offer out there they certainly will get the house. Not necessarily if it is over the appraised value the bank won't allow the sale to go to you. They know the market and know what the home should sell for, they want to get the closest to that they can. So, make sure you know what the house is worth and don't overbid.
The type of financing really matters to the banks these days for an REO listing or (Bank Owned). Cash is best, but most people don't have all cash. Conventional financing is best over FHA/VA loans. However, it is what it is and just keep trying. The inventory has been down therefore, homes are getting multiple offers. You want to get over to see a house as soon as it is listed and make an offer right away, don't wait or it will be gone.
Don't blame your agent if he/she writes up your offer how YOU wanted it. Remember, your agent represents you and you need to make sure you are happy with it before it is submitted. It is not totally an agents fault, we must take responsibility for our own actions and not be so tough on the agents. It is hard to get a house accepted with you are competing with so many other offers. You need to figure out what you can live with and not ask for on a home to make your offer stand out. And, you need to ask yourself how much you are ready to pay. See the comparables that your agent should provide you, and if they don't ask to see them.
Keep your offer as simple as possible and make sure it nets the bank or seller the highest amount possible and that should help you have a stronger offer."
~ Joan Patterson
Milicki and Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 | Fax: 770-874-2027
www.milicki.com
csmith@milicki.com
First, people want to see a particular home. So the agent will call only to find out that the home really is not active and that it has multiple offers on it. The status really and truly should be changed to pending or back up or hold depending on the situation. I cannot tell you how many times I call only to find out a home is not available. Many times, I can leave messages for other agents and they never get back to me because they are "too busy" aren't we all. The board of realtors will be fining agents for not putting homes that truly are not active in their proper category so the other agents do not waste their time. I called on over 40 homes in Fontana the other day and one 1 was truly available.
The offer you make needs to stand out. What do I mean by stand out? Well, first you need to make sure you are working with a reputable bank...not ABC Mortgage in timbucktwo...you need to work with someone that people respect, such as a big solid bank like say for example Wells Fargo would be good. Anyone knows they are very strict with their lending. So, get a pre-approval, not a pre-qualfication letter. Also, when trying to buy a REO listing (Bank Owned) they do have you cross qualify with their lender which is normal. Many people do not understand this and get upset over it. Just do it, otherwise, your offer will not even be looked at by the bank.
Don't ask for a lot of concessions. By this I mean, don't ask for closing costs if you don't need them. That will net less to the bank and someone may outbid you on a property. If at all possible make your best offer. I always run comparables for my clients so they are not over paying. One thing many people think is if they are the highest and best offer out there they certainly will get the house. Not necessarily if it is over the appraised value the bank won't allow the sale to go to you. They know the market and know what the home should sell for, they want to get the closest to that they can. So, make sure you know what the house is worth and don't overbid.
The type of financing really matters to the banks these days for an REO listing or (Bank Owned). Cash is best, but most people don't have all cash. Conventional financing is best over FHA/VA loans. However, it is what it is and just keep trying. The inventory has been down therefore, homes are getting multiple offers. You want to get over to see a house as soon as it is listed and make an offer right away, don't wait or it will be gone.
Don't blame your agent if he/she writes up your offer how YOU wanted it. Remember, your agent represents you and you need to make sure you are happy with it before it is submitted. It is not totally an agents fault, we must take responsibility for our own actions and not be so tough on the agents. It is hard to get a house accepted with you are competing with so many other offers. You need to figure out what you can live with and not ask for on a home to make your offer stand out. And, you need to ask yourself how much you are ready to pay. See the comparables that your agent should provide you, and if they don't ask to see them.
Keep your offer as simple as possible and make sure it nets the bank or seller the highest amount possible and that should help you have a stronger offer."
~ Joan Patterson
Milicki and Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103, Dallas, Georgia 30157
Office: 770-874-2022 | Fax: 770-874-2027
www.milicki.com
csmith@milicki.com
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