THE BANK OWNED DICTIONARYIf you are looking at bank owned homes, there are terms you may have heard. I constantly have potential buyers confused about what each means. I thought is would write a brief summary of each.PRE FORECLOSUREPre-foreclosure is when a home owner is late and the bank may or may not of set a foreclosure date yet. The home owner still owns the home. One of the biggest myths in foreclosures is "getting a deal on a preforeclosure". Let me tell you why, most houses are not even for sale, most home owners owe more than the house is worth in todays market and unfortanately if in a preforeclsoure situation, there is not enough time for them to complete a short sale. One of the most important things when buying a home is to have a willing seller, with most preforeclsoures, ... 12/28/2010

There is a great debate growing on GETTING A MORTGAGE ONLINE VERSUS A LOCAL BANK/MORTGAGE COMPANY.There is a trend for potential buyers to look online for their mortgages. A couple of problems is buyers paying application fees and not getting a mortgage and not being able to reach anyone when they need someone. The problem for listing agents are that buyers are handing in prequailification letters for online banks or comopanies that are not worth the paper theya re printed on.You should use the internet to research your mortgage such as rates, closing costs, what type of service or who locally to use. But nothing beats meeting face to face with a local and trusted loan officer. one you can see, talk to and give your financial's to in person. You know where they are, when they work and w... 12/28/2010

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!Wishing you all and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.Scott GodzykOwner/BrokerGodzyk Realty GroupOne of New Hampshire's Leading REO Brokerswww.ScottSellsNH.comCopyright 2008-2010, All rights reserved 12/25/2010

The New Hampshire Attorney Generals office has released a list to assist you in making smart do . nations. As reported in the NH Union Leader the top 10 tips are:1. Always ask any solicitor for an ID before giving out any information2. Always ask for printed materials from the charity3. Always ask how much of the contribution actually goes to the charity4. Beware of high pressure sales tactics and abusive behavior by solicitors5. Keep records of all donations including receipts and canceled checks6. Beware of similar names of legitimate charities7. Never pay by cash and never give your credit card number over the phone8. Call the beneficiary of the solicitation and ask if they are aware of the solicitation9. Use caution when purchasing products or tickets10. Verify all information with ... 12/24/2010

As some of the results from the 2010 census were released, it was reported that NH grew the fastest of any other New England state in the last decade.NH grew 65% since 2000. No state income tax, no sales tax, low crime rate, great natural resources, a world class airport, the Ocean, the lakes region, the mountains and being voted one of the best places to live in the country all add to why New Hampshire is a great place to live, visit and play.Come join me.....Updated Dec. 24, 2010Blog Written by:Scott GodzykOwner/BrokerGodzyk Realty GroupOne of New Hampshire's Leading REO Brokerswww.ScottSellsNH.comCopyright 2008-2010, All rights reserved 12/24/2010

One of the most asked questions fom local residents is "What do i do with my electronics now that city will not pick them up with my trash anymore?"Manchester residents can bring "anything with a cord/that plugs in" to the transfer station at 500 Dunbarton Road on Manchester's west side for no charge Monday tthru Friday 730am to 3pm. This includes TV's. computers, stereos, vcr's, dvd's, vaccum cleaners, lights, fans and yes, any small appliance that has a cord and a plug is their rule of thumb. Check with them direct at 624-6504 for specific items.So now that you know, you can help the environment and save some money by bringing it yourself.Updated Dec. 22, 2010Blog writen by:Scott  GodzykGodzyk Realty Groupwww.ScottSellsNH.com 12/22/2010

Get ready Manchester... the 2011 revaluation is about to begin. The city has hired Vision Appraisal to assess every property in Manchester. Appraisers will set out accross the city starting this month, the first properties visited will be those that have sold or will be sold from April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. The company will complete data collection first, then complete market analysis on the properties to assess value. Once the valuation is complete assessments will be mailed to homeowners. Home owners will then have a period of time to meet appraisal staff regarding any issues.for more info www.manchesternh.gov/assessorsUpdated Dec. 22, 2010Blog writen by:Scott  GodzykGodzyk Realty Groupwww.ScottSellsNH.comCopyright 2010, All rights reserved 12/22/2010

NEW LISTING    STONE TERRACE CONDOMINIUMS L $129,900          Immaculate condominium located in manchester North End, 1 car garage under parking, elevator nearly to your door. private 3rd floor location overlooking a wooded area.ROOMS: 3, BEDROOMS: 1, BATHS: 1,  Built:      2001, Total Fin SqFt:  791 , Garage: 1 carTaxes: $ 2,438.00 , Monthly Assoc.$: $245   Public Remarks: Immaculate condominium at desired Stone Terace, covered porch overlooks a sloping wooded area for privacy, 1 car underground paking garage, elevator to your door, desired 3rd floor location, very convenient access to I93, Large rooms and plenty of closets.   Directions: I93 to ex 8, East on Wellington Rd, left on Edward Roy Dr, left into stobe terrace, 1st building on right 12/21/2010

The Median Sales prices were released  for November and year to date 2010 were released, i have included a county by county report that compares this year with 2009.MEDIAN SALES PRICE BY COUNTY FOR NOV 2010COUNTY                NOV '10      NOV '09    CHANGE              BELKNAP              176900         184500     -4.1%                        CARROLL               207500         178000      16.6%    CHESHIRE             170000        149500      13.7 %        COOS                     80000           82500        -3%   GRAFTON               176500        165500        6.6 %       HILLSBOROUGH     225500        219900       2.5% MERRIMACK          185000        191750         -3.5%ROCKINGHAM         259900       250000        4%     STRAFFORD            177000       200000       -11.5%... 12/19/2010

Residential sales for November 2010 were released, i have included a county by county report that compares this year with 2009 year to date.TOTAL UNIT SALESCOUNTY                NOV '10    NOV '09    CHANGE    *'10 YTD    '09 YTD    CHANGE            BELKNAP                  51            65            -21.5%        612            576          6.3%                      CARROLL                 61            82            -25.6%        654            650            .6%   CHESHIRE                46            66            -30.3%        536            556            -3.6% COOS                      29            32            -9.4%         284            318           -10.7% GRAFTON                 64            68             -5.9%        692            644            7.5% HILLSBOROUGH    ... 12/19/2010

I received an email from a local agent, i wanted to post it here so everyone can be warned of this potential scam.Just last weekend on Friday night we parked in a public parking area. As we drove away I noticed a sticker on the rear window of the car. When I took it off after I got home, it was a receipt for gas. Luckily my friend told me not to stop as it could be someone waiting for me to get out of the car . Then we received this email yesterday:     THIS APPLIES TO BOTH WOMEN AND MEN BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE-- NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKINGS (NOT A JOKE) Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating.. . You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse.. When you look into the rearview mirror to back o... 12/18/2010

Come join the friends of Stark park on Sunday Dec. 19, 2010 at 4pm at the Bandstand for some old fashioned Christmas Caroling. It was reported that this was teh 3rd year of the event.The Manchester Community School will provide musicians for the event. Songbooks will be provided to carolersIt should be a wonderful way to share your holiday spirit and meet your neighbors. Updated Dec. 18, 2010Blog writen by:Scott  GodzykGodzyk Realty Groupwww.ScottSellsNH.comCopyright 2010, All rights reserved 12/18/2010

I have a woman who i am showing houses to that seems to have a great answer to any thought or problem one may have. Yesterday she shared the greatest tip for Christmas and this Holiday season.As parents search for that great spot to hide presents from the peeking eyes of their little ones or spouses. The best place to hide them is inside your luggage. It was a place i never thought of and thought i would share it with all of you.Have a great Christmas and Happy Holidays :)PLEASE POST YOUR OPINION AND COMMENTSUpdated 12/15/2010Blog Written by:Scott GodzykGodzyk Realty GroupManchester NHwww.ScottSellsNH.comCopyright 2010, All rights reserved 12/15/2010

I recently was working as a buyer broker for a customer, they were looking at short sales and REO's in the area. They said they wanted a short sale becuase they could get a better by, i informed them about the pros and cons of both but they insisted on looking at short sales only.  They found one that was priced about half of what it is worth in todays market. They jumped all over it wanted to make an offer. I pulled up comparables for this area and all were at least twice what the asking price was. I had a bad feeling that the agent underpriced this home on purpose. So i called them and asked my usual set of question. How they set the price, did the bank approve it, how far along are they in the short sale process, were they any other offers, had any offers been rejected or countered. ... 12/10/2010

YESTERDAY I HAD A CUSTOMER EMAIL ME A LIST OF 10 HOMES THEY WANTED TO SEE TODAY. THE QUESTION IS.......   HOW MANY HOUSES ARE TOO MANY TO SHOW TO ANY 1 BUYER IN A DAY?My first instinct is that is way to many houses to show anyone, upon pulling up the listings, there are some distinctive differences in what he wante dto see, new houses, old houses, houses that need fixing, houses that are all fixed up, some with garages, some without and some large and some smaller. The price range varied $60,000My first thought was they didnt even read the listing sheets nevermind drive by the listings i gave them to narrow down "a few" to see. So i got him on the phone and started asking. Did you drive by the listings i sent? NO... (thinking to myself... thats what i thought). I let him know that these... 12/09/2010

Last weekend brought together the City with it's annual Holiday/Christmas parade. Unlike last year when the skies opened up washing everything out, the weather was cool and brisk, a typical New England winter evening for December (No snow yet though).I had a great time and want to thank Intown Manchester and all the volunteers and groups and companies who entered floats in this years oparade.Intown Manchester announced the winning entries in the 2010 Manchester Holiday/Christmas Parade with the theme "A Storybook Christmas".The judges based their decisions on originality, attention to the theme and creativity. Commercial:1st place: Fairpoint Communications2nd Place: ChalifoursSocial Services:1st place: Families in Transition2nd Place: Friends of Stark ParkYouth Group:1st place: Manchest... 12/08/2010

The 2010 Holiday Window Decorating contest sponsored by Intown Manchester will conclude it's voting Thursday night Dec. 9 , 2010 with a Moonlight Holiday Stroll in downtown Manchester from 5pm to 9pm.I have to tell you i have been downtown and checked out all the stores and restaurants that are taking part, and they have done an incredible job. They have transformed Manchester's downtown into a true winter wonderland. Blog Updated Dec. 8, 2010Blog written by: Scott GodzykGodzyk Realty Groupwww.ScottSellsNH.comCopyright 2010, All rights reserved 12/08/2010

Usually at least every other day i get an email asking why i spend so much time blogging and am i getting any results. I often respond directly to their email, but this weekends email has me thinking to share it with everyone. A POTENTIAL BUYER WROTE: Mr. Godzyk, I first noticed your blogs over the summer,  i was quite impressed with how much information you shared. You seem to tell things like it is without the sugar coating i read on most blogs. You did not advertise yourself, you did not boast, you did not make promises, you just shared your experiences to help others. After following you for a good couple of months i wondered if your Real Estate business was so slow, this is all you did is write. I started watching your listings. I noticed a pattern that most new listings did not st... 12/06/2010

HAVE BANKS DECLARED WAR AGAINST ABOVE GROUND POOLS? Why on workd do i ask this you may be thinking. Well in the last year i have seen and had more new bank owned listings where above ground pools have been dissappearingMy biggest dilema is if the banks are ordering them removed, if the National preservation companies are trying to drum up more work for themselves or if the vendors they hire see dollar signs in selling the aluminum or need additional work??? What i do know is that above ground pools are having knives, pry bars and drills plunged into their aluminum sides, washing out yards and leaving nice wooden pool decks marooned in back yards.Above ground pools have value. Whether you are in the south which a pool is a must or here in New England where we can enjoy our pools form lat... 11/29/2010

WHEN A FINAL WALKTHROUGH IS NOT SO FINAL...With 24 years of learning experience in real estate, one of the best practices was completing the final walkthrough just prior to closing and then heading to the closing... right??? Well i guess not any longer.... you see this is a bank owned home, cash sale, seasoned investor purchasing, as per the purchase agreement water is turned on, furnaces are started and serviced, heat is functioning fine. Walkthrough is completed, we drive off to closing and in their finer wisdom while we head off to closing, "A national preservation company" sends over a contractor to winterize the home we are signing docs on. Their idea of winterizing is cutting every copper pipe and letting the water drain onto the floor (half the basement is finished with plush car... 11/29/2010