Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
Service For Life Newsletter
Posted by Michelle Osborn on March 3rd, 2010
Michelle Osborn…
Service For Life!
“Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living…”
Learn Almost Anything
Online For FREE
You don’t have to pay for a college degree program to learn over the internet. Whether you want to fix a leaky faucet, speak Chinese, or listen to a lecture on world history, there’s plenty of educational material available for free. Here are some good places to start (and some you might not have thought of):
- YouTube. It’s not just for funny videos any more. You can find tutorials on sports and home improvement as well as how to do the moonwalk! YouTube also has an education channel where you can view content from universities and other institutions. Go to www.youtube.com/edu and click on a category from Business to Social Science.
- The History Channel. On their site at www.history.com you’ll find videos on such subjects as the Civil War, Great Inventions and Space Exploration. Check out the videos under “Topics” and “Great Speeches.”
- DiscoveryEducation.com. Go here for videos on math, science, social studies and more that you can use to help your kids with their homework.
- University of California-Berkeley. Go to webcast.berkeley.edu to download hundreds of video or audio courses and on-campus lectures.
- The BBC. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/languages to study everything from Italian to Chinese. Taking a trip? Learn essential phrases in 36 languages.
- AcademicEarth.org. Watch lectures on subjects from Computer Science to Mathematics and Law given by professors from universities such as Harvard, MIT and UCLA.
- OpenCulture.com. This site is a guide to thousands of hours of the latest educational content on the web. Readers will be especially interested in the section on free e-books you can read on your computer.
Are You Feeling Scrunched?
Maybe you just had a child and you need more space. Or have that nagging claustrophobic feeling. Or maybe you just need a positive change in your environment. Either way, I can help. My service programs can help you find the perfect home. It’s easier than you think. Just give me a call at 479-544-8236. My promise: there’s never any pressure or hassle – I’m here to help!
Protect Yourself: How Credit Card Changes Affect YOU
The new rules for credit card companies that mean more consumer protection went into effect on Feb. 22, 2010. Here’s what they mean for you:
Your credit card company has to tell you:
¨ When they’re increasing your rate or other fees, giving you 45 days notice. Also, they can’t raise the interest rate on an existing balance unless you’re more than 60 days late with a payment. And they can’t increase your rate for the first 12 months after you open an account (with some exceptions).
How long it will take to pay off your balance. It will say on your bill how long it will take if you only make minimum payments, and how much you’d need to pay each month to pay off your balance in three years.
Monitor your cards closely and follow these tips to protect yourself:
ü Pay on time. Companies are required to mail or deliver your bill at least 21 days (instead of 14) before your payment is due. Plan accordingly.
ü Stay below your credit limit. You will, however, be given the choice to “opt-in” to over-the-limit transactions. If you opt-in and go over your limit, your credit card company can impose only one fee per billing cycle.
ü Try to make more than the minimum payment. You’ll pay less interest in the long run.
ü Shop for the best deal. Don’t forget to check out local banks or credit unions when you’re looking for a card with the best rate.
ü Read your mail. They may give you 45 days notice on a rate change, but you won’t know if you don’t open the envelope if it looks like junk mail.
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4 Great Home Inspectors in Northwest Arkansas
Posted by Ben Roberts on August 20th, 2009
Home Inspection is an important part of the Escrow Process when purchasing a home. Most Realtors will give you a list of a few different inspectors with their favorites on the top. Here’s EXIT Pro Realty’s version of ‘the home inspector list” for Northwest Arkansas that you would get from one of our agents. Read below and see why each of these competent and trustworthy inspectors is recommended… then you can make an informed decision when you purchase your next home.
Home Inspectors Worth Their Salt
Don Seba – Home Inspection Professionals
Since I’m the one writing this article, I can put my recommendation on top. Don Seba does some great work. He’s thorough and honest. He puts together a great inspection report with pictures of all the issues and suggestions for fixing them. He even fixes minor problems as a courtesy and has a section that shows you where important features of your home are located… like the water shutoff, the electrical box, pilot lights, etc. He’s a great inspector and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get a good home inspection. Don’s number is (479) 855-5777.
Roger Buckley – Ozark Plateau Property Inspections
Karen Brooks, one of our administrators recommends Roger as a great inspector. She has used him many, many times and he does a great job. I have used Roger on several inspections as well and always find him knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous. Reach Roger by calling him at (479) 633-0046 or emailing him at oppinspect1@sbcglobal.net.
Tom Bartlett – A-Z Inspections
Debbie Ransweiler, one of the newest members of EXIT Pro says:
I recommend Tom Bartlett with A-Z Inspections. He is very thorough, trustworthy and efficient. He e-mails the report, or hand delivers it, usually the same day, that is so complete, even explaining future recommendations and concerns. I’ve never had an unhappy client.
You can reach Tom at (479)466-1959.
David Linn – Covenant Property Evaluations
Mel Reed, our Principal Broker and Trainer, has this to say about David:
David has performed every home inspection with extreme professionalism. He performs an in-depth inspection and is very reasonable in his fees. David uses the latest technology in the Palm-Tech Inspector which will generate a very helpful report.
You can reach David by calling (479)957-3056.
If you need advice on any professional real estate services… appraisers, painters, carpenters, property managers, lawyers, title companies, insurance agencies, etc. Please, don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Northwest Arkansas Receives High Honors in Forbes’ List of Best and Worst Cities for Recession Recovery
Posted by Ben Roberts on June 16th, 2009
Northwest Arkansas has been ranked the #2 best place for recession recovery according to research done by Forbes magazine. We all know Northwest Arkansas is a great place to live and work. Now the rest of the country knows it too. What that mean for the future is good news for all of us in Northwest Arkansas… Read the rest of this entry »
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News Alert from 40/29 News – New Home Sales and Home Prices up in Northwest Arkansas
Posted by Ben Roberts on June 9th, 2009
40/29 News just did a feature story on new home sales activity and a rise in home prices in Northwest Arkansas. If you were waiting for ‘bottom’ to buy or refinance you may have already missed it. But it’s not too late! Check out this video from 40/20 News featuring our own Executive Broker, Larry Robison, talking about new home sales. Read the rest of this entry »
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