Donna J Stephens

For my buyers who are about to close on their new purchase of a home, I have made a "to do" list.

Do any of my ActiveRain friends have anything to add?

Insurance

• You will need to get insurance on the property prior to closing.
• Most people check with their car insurance carrier first.
• I recommend checking Farmers Insurance or Farm Bureau for good rates.
• You can pay for the first year directly or at closing.
• The mortgage company will collect 1/12 of the insurance each month, with your payment, so they have the money to pay it on your behalf next year. We figured that in when we did your estimated closing costs.

Utilities

• Start the utilities in your name for closing day.
• It's cheaper on you if have them switch from the seller to you and they don't turn them off first.
• Even if the seller is turning them off a day early, just have them switch to your name. It should save you a few bucks.
• OPPD (electric) 402-536-4131
• MUD (gas and water) 402-554-6666
• Cox (cable TV, Internet, phone) 402-933-3000
• Qwest 402-341-1500

Other stuff

• Turn in a change of address to the post office and notify your friends and realitives.
• If you get a newspaper you will want to call omaha world herald 444-1000.

For closing

• You will need to bring a cashier's check made out to the title company.
• Hopefully we will have that figure a day or two before closing.
• You will need to bring your photo ID, like a driver's license because the title company will be notarizing and they need to copy it for the file.

Lastly, we will do a walk through a day or two before closing.

Any questions?

For a successful sale you must combine the following ingredients:

1 part Condition

2 parts Price

3 parts Location Location Location

Add a pinch of great marketing

Blend in a fantastic and caring Real Estate Team

Stir up a reputable company

Sprinkle in a willing and able Seller

Fluff up a willing and able Buyer

Toss in a reputable mortgage lender.

Blend well.

Bake for thirty to forty five days and check often.

Garnish with a cool fruity beverage and enjoy the results.

I would be speechless if so many questions did not arise.

•1. What was the developer thinking?

•2. how did this happen?

•3. How much red tape did the owners have to go through to attempt to fight this?

•4. How many people drove into the gutter before they put up the poles and chain?

•5. Who would buy this with so little access to the driveway?

•6. Was the lot discounted?

•7. Was it enough savings?

•8. What do you think of this?

Nebraska Agency Disclosure brochures must be completely and accurately filled out

• The form is to be given to buyers and sellers at the first substantial contact.

1. For example, not everyone who enters an open house will need to be given one.
2. Only if you meet the client/customer for a second showing or if they show interest in writing an offer on the home you have open do you need to present the form.

• Be sure your name is printed at the top as well as your business Partner's name too!
• Explain the lines that apply to the client/customer.
• If you cross out areas on the pre-printed forms have client/customer initial by the area changed.
• When you're the listing agent writing up the offer but only want to represent the seller, the buyer is your customer and you are the Seller's agent.

It is just amazing that this form has been in effect since before 2003 and we still seem to have questions about it. I am guilty myself.

Why do you think this is so difficult? Is it this hard across the country? We are still talking about it in our sales meetings!

9-18 Stacey started my day buying coffee for me at the Beanery.

Met Susie, Brian and Marlene for lunch at Applebees.

Got special cards from Kathi & Debi on my phone. Enough Beanery cards from Brit and Gil to last a month or two. Vince played the harmonica while Terry sang and Cissie laughed (clear from Minnesota), Birthday wishes from Nick and Rusty. Nick sang "happy birthday", sorta, Rusty did not.

Gil got me an afternoon frozen coffee.

Marcie and the girls put on a wonderful birthday party for me.

Family and Tammy. Thank you all for coming. Missy and Ricky cut out of their camping trip to come; Rick, Angie and Jenny, Imogene and Debbie traveled over 20 miles; Gil, Stacey, Jamie, Greg and Kellie (thank you for the angel food cake), Lindsay (thank you for all your help in planning the party and the candle), Tammy (thank you for the gifts and the strawberries), Raymond, Marcie's friends; Rachel, Brigette and Jodi, and all the wonderful children, my blessings.

Thank you Jordan for my special card and the money.

Thank you all for the gifts, cards an wonderful thoughts on my Happy Birthday.

I now have six matching frames for my wall. [I just need updated photos of my kids & their families. An 8 X 10 please. (Christmas?)]

Good food, good company, good times. Thank you all!