New Day Church on the Hill has something to Celebrate today (May 22, 2011). They are now proud property owners! As of January, 2011 New Day Church on the Hill purchased the property located at 2965 Wycliffe Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. This is located at the corner of Thorncrest SE and Cascade Road.

Today they will host a wonderful celebration to kick off the beginning of joining a great community. Today will also feature the Christian band of Carpenter's Cross from 2-4 today.

Punch and cake will be served and tours will be given of the grounds and church itself. Meet families and friends within the community to share the wonderful work New Day has in store...

Come Grow with us!

www. NEWDAYGR.org

2965 Wycliffe Dr. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-682-0253

soulwise@comcast.net

All Rights Reserved 2011, Charlene Hammontree REALTOR, ABR, SRE

Flexit Realty

I find it so hard to believe that trying to do the right thing is so hard!

Trying to do a short sale and the 2nd Mortgage holder won't return calls. At first the 2nd Mortgage holder wanted an unbelieveable amount for pay off. Then the new buyer was willing to pay additional monies to them, but they wanted more!!!!

Does anyone know how to report these guys?

It was stated to the agent that "We will make more if it goes to foreclosure". No kidding!!! How do we help people when it is so messed up.

I even know some agents that won't show homes if there is a 2nd Mortgage on them. How is this helping?

I also wrote a letter to the President, but..... well.... I am not going to express my feelings here.

I so want to be the voice to change this... not sure how.

All rights reserved, by Charlene Hammontree 2010, JGR Real Estate, Grand Rapids MICHIGAN

As we all have heard about the "Bad Call" in Major Leauge Baseball with the Detroit Tiger pitcher Armando Galarraga, what can we learn about this for real estate?

I am do doubt a HUGE Tiger Fan, and I am so happy to be a fan even with this 'Bad Call'.

First, I wouldn't even know how to spell Armando Galarraga with him just going in the record books! It would have been all she wrote. With this 'Bad Call' his actions were full of grace and of true sportsmanship! So hard to find this in little league baseball these days!

Second, Jim Joyce, is one man who also wouldn't have mad the news without this bad call. His appologectic and humbling grace has touched me! This I am sure was the hardest day of his life to come back to face the fans and as he put it "rob this kid" of what record books thrive on! I was mad at first, but when you are truly sorry for a mistake, forgive!

Third, trying to change the call is proving to be a little bit of a challenge according to Bud Selig's, Baseball Commissioner Statement. Wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. It it not always the way of how this stuff goes? Could Galarraga go down in the history books if this game allowed them to 'change' how things are done which could affect some aspiring pitcher somewhere?

Home run! In real estate do we try to get into the record books by having the most sales, the best month or by helping people with thier real estate needs? Have we ever felt the pain of a buyer, seller, broker, or even us as agents from making a 'bad call' in real estate? Are we paving a path for the short sales and foreclosures and adapting to the 'change of the market' from the 'bad calls' of .... well????..... I will leave that blank so you can point the finger at whom ever you sit fit? Are we doing this with Grace? Have you cried for someone in a real estate transaction that just didn't seem fair... divorce, foreclsoure, short sale, death of a loved one? Do we show sportsmanship and help our team when working with other agents? Do we celabrate a perfect closing? Or do we remember the ones that weren't?

Final Score: Who are the winners? Those who fess up to the mistakes and hold the hands of those who are walking in grace! We can learn a lot from this 'bad call' no doubt. From the way it was called, to the way it goes down, or doesn't go down in the record books. I feel that the grace never enters the record books. But Galarraga, you are the in that book for sure! Jim Joyce, you are a true human being!

Picture was taken at a minor league game in Grand Rapids, MI

All Rights Reserved, Charlene Hammontree, Realtor, JGR Real Estate 2010

What are the birds singing about????

The 51st anniversary of the Spring Parade of Homes!

The Grand Rapids Home Builders Assoication 2010 Prade of Homes!

But NEW This year, your ticket also includes entry into the

REMODELED HOMES!

Don't forget to print off the $2.00 coupon onthe GRHBA website!

For all the details visit the Official Guidebook for all the homes on tour!

New Homes will be featured May 28th - June 12th

Remodeled Homes June 11th & 12th

Tickets are avilable at all homes on tour and all Lake Michigan Credit Union Branches. Guidebooks also available at homes as well and includes map.

$12.00 for adults (13 and older) Free for Children

May 28, 29 & 31

1-9 pm

June 2 & 9

1-9 pm

June 4 & 11

6-9 pm

June 5 & 12

1-9 pm

NEW This YEAR!!!!

Remodeled Homes

June 11 & 12

1-9 pm

Don't forget the touring tips found in the guidebook on page 9. These Touring tips will make sure you have an enjoyable tour and the requirements of the home/homeowners/builders.

Enjoy! I know I will! And thanks to all the Non profit groups hosting the homes! We value your time!

All Rights reserved - Charlene Hammontree, REALTOR, 2010 JGR Real Estate.

I find too many home owners, waiting too long to find solutions to their mortgage issues. The days of wearing flip flops and relaxing at the beach are long gone or are they.... well maybe if you live in Michigan ... snow right now! lol Most important, if youare headed in trouble, don't burry your head in the sand either.

Here are the first 3 steps I would recommend you do.

1. Talk to someone! You might be surprised at how others are in the 'same bo at' as you and have crossed some bridges that will make it easier for you. I ran across a great article on MSN MONEY that might be of some help as well.
2. Seek true professionals! Research everyone you are talking to. If a friend or family member gives you advice, even though they may mean well talk to their source. You may find out more information that doesn't apply to your own situation or other info that is truly a find. Even the so called 'Credit Counseling Agenices' are not all the same. Make sure you find one that is a member of the National Credit Counseling Organization
3. When talking to your lender, credit card companies, utilities ALWAYS get their full name and department. Some even have an ID number. I have found many times that even though clients have spoken with someone, those notes were never added to their account and the results were not pretty. Get fax, extension, email addresses and mailing address in case you need to reach them another way. This has proved to be very helpful when THEY don't return calls. Not like that every happens. lol
   

There are many programs in place to help, as well as most lenders and creditors are more than willing to work things out. However, depending on who it is and how they work will be the key to the process. When you talk to a friend and they said they called their credit card company and they gave her a rate reduction you need to ask these types of questions: 1) who is the company, 2) was she behind 3) is this sort term 4) was she going to close the account.

Funny thing is, one company is not like the other and there are many options if you are behind for most companies. They want to work with you than, not before. Also, if you are leaving .... they want to keep you and will pull out all the stops. I have even got one of them to match a payment of $150 plus reduce all my fees and lower my rate.

So, while you are waiting to get out those flip flops again and wonder if your credit will ever be the same, if the stress from all this will be over soon. As the seasons change your credit and stress will too. Take heart, your credit only matters here on earth, it won't stop you from getting into heaven, I would bet good money on that!

All rights reserved by Charlene Hammontree of jgr real estate. Article for informational purposes and not guaranteed to be accurate. It is highly recommended to seek legal advice on all real estate matters.