Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker, Web Developer

Oh My Goodness! If you know Oyster Harbors in Osterville on Cape Cod, then you will know that this is an opportunity! This gated community has not seen a possibility like this for quite some time - and may not again for awhile.

Properties in Oyster Harbors, that are available, range from two to five or more times this price. Here is an opportunity to not only have a great lot, but a home, a guest house and a garage to use while your architect plans your personal modifications.

This comfortable Cape style residence has five bedrooms and four full baths. Its graciously proportioned rooms are suitable for entertaining, for family gatherings, or for just relaxing in front of one of the three fireplaces for a peaceful reading or a card game. - The living room, family room and dining room all have fireplaces.

The guest cottage has an additional three bedrooms and a full bath. There is a fireplace in the great room of the cottage and there is a fully equipped kitchen. And to complete the property, there is a separate and over-sized 2-car garage that in the rear.

Oyster Harbors was originally called Grand Island, and it has a history that goes back to the Wampanoag Indians and Massasoit of Pilgrim fame.

This is a touchy subject. There are many people who just need a little more time to keep their home. And there are others who can't be helped at all.

For those who just need some time, or who are looking for ways to slow and possibly stop a foreclosure, here are three common ideas that bear research:

• There is an organization called Hope Now. This is a good place to start. Their goal is to provide information on programs. Their web pages open with videos, so turn your sound down if you are at work. They can be called at 888-995-4673 and the web site is http://www.995hope.org/. Their web site says they are a 501c3 organization that is HUD approved in the "Who We Are" section. As with all online businesses and information, be cautious, don't accept anything without cross referencing it by Internet search, calling the appropriate local authorities, and/or consulting an attorney. NOTE: the agencies that the Hope Now organization refers you out to, do charge a fee. But, the initial information does not cost anything.

• You may also want to consult a group like the The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). It is "fully committed to promoting justice for consumers" according to their web page. They are Lawyers who can read/review your mortgage documents and see if there are any incorrect or inappropriate clauses or paragraphs. Sometimes, they can identify issues that will either slow a foreclosure or stop it. Their web site is http://naca.net/As with all online businesses and information, be cautious, don't accept anything without cross referencing it by Internet search, calling the appropriate local authorities, and/or consulting your own attorney.

• You can also research the growing "Ask for the note/Show me the note" trend. Some courts have found that the original note can not be located. In that case, there is no proof as to whom may actually foreclose. A search in your favorite search engine will turn up a lot of information. NOTE: there are some extreme perspectives on this topic. Try not to buy into someone elses negativity. Calmly and effectively address your immediate needs first. You can always offer your help once your own issues are resolved. There are many people who are working this out. Find your own solution and then help others with your positive experience.

Jay Schmitt, a Gettysburg PA Realtor here on ActiveRain, found this saved in old unused email account and posted it the other day. He said, "I cannot make it all the way though this without stopping from the laughter. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do."
Well, I read it and had tears in my eyes too! For some reason it wouldn't re-blog, so I asked him for permission to re-post it in my blog today. If you know chili and Texans, this is very funny!

Notes From An inexperienced Chili Taster Named FRANK, who was visiting Texas from the East Coast:

"Recently I was honored to be selected as an outstanding famous celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off, because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment, and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted.

Here are the scorecards from the event:

Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
FRANK: Oh My Goodness! What the h*** is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it! It took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy!

Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to walkie-talkie in 3 extra beers when they saw the look on my face.

Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.
JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.
FRANK: Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. The beer is starting to numb the pain.

Chili # 4: Bubba's Black Magic
JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Sally, the bar maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills; that 300 lb. farmhand is starting to look HOT, just like this nuclear-waste I'm eating.

Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover
JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
FRANK: My ears are ringing, and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks!

Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety
JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers.
JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.
FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that slut Sally. I need to wipe my rear with a snow cone!

Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
FRANK: You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a damn thing. I've lost the sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like poop to match my damn shirt. At least during the autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful. Screw it. I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4 inch hole in my stomach.

Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili
JUDGE ONE: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
JUDGE TWO: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 passed out, fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor Yankee.
FRANK:--------------(editor's note: Judge #3 was unable to report)

I laughed again this morning as I re-blogged it! I hope you got at least a giggle!

If your are looking for some new accoutrement for your villa, or treasures to make your very own, you might stop by the estate sale at 4654 North Versailles in Highland Park this weekend. The staff of Janelle Jones Estate Services will be holding the sale.

The description on the J Jones web site indicates that there will be quite a selection of items. From crystal to silver, from rugs to paintings, from statues to a four post bed, there will be plenty to peruse. There is a caution that the location is small, so prepare for limited access. And there will be security on the premises to assist in the smooth flow of viewing.

Janelle Jones has decades of experience as an appraiser and estate sale services. Her company serves the Dallas metroplex.

Oh My Goodness! Last night the Falmouth boys' basketball team was firing on all cylinders, and they had a nitro conversion kit that kicked in after the first basket!

The link above goes to the Cape Cod Times article, written by Russ Charpentier, who captures the amazement of all the people who were there. Even the Whitman-Hanson coach said that Falmouth was in a different league last night.

It was fun to watch and got embarrassing at the end as Falmouth, who hasn't been this far in the state playoffs in 30 years! There is no one player who ran the show - they all passed, shot, stole, rebounded, moved, and encouraged each other to the 87 - 50 victory.

Of course I was glad to be there to watch my nephew do his part! We will be saying, "Remember that game!" for years to come.