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An operations manager for Jack in the Box was late for a meeting and called his boss to tell him he was running late. As he was leaving the voice mail message, he witnessed an accident and went on to provide "play by play" of the incident. This is the actual voice mail message. It was forwarded so many times within Jack in the Box, it crashed the company’s voice mail server. Turn your sound up. Click here for the scoop. (Thanks to Lynda King of RE/MAX at the Crossing, Indianapolis for sharing this gem on the RealTalk real estate listserv.)

This post was written by Frances Flynn Thorsen, source: Dallas Fender Bender Report Offers Humorous Aside On A Sunday

The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued a letter urging the Texas Real Estate Commission to reject a proposed regulation that would change current rules by imposing new restrictions on the ability of Texas real estate professionals to offer flexibility in brokerage services. The agencies expressed concern that the proposed regulation would not only cause Texas consumers to pay more for real estate services, but also would reduce consumer choice by restricting the ability of real estate brokers to provide services tailored to customer needs.

Currently, Texas real estate brokers can offer the level of service that a customer wants and needs. If the Commission accepts the proposed regulation, customers will be forced to purchase additional services that they may not want or need.

“The Commission is urging the Texas Real Estate Commission to reject the proposed rule, which would restrict the ability of limited-service real estate brokers to respond to the demands of Texas consumers,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “The likely result would be higher prices and fewer options for the state’s consumers, with no offsetting benefits.”

“Limited-service brokers are growing rapidly in Texas and across the country because they provide greater choice and can save consumers thousands of dollars on a single home sale,” said R. Hewitt Pate, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. “The proposed regulation would restrict the beneficial competition created by these limited-service brokers, and the Texas Real Estate Commission should reject it.”

In Texas, real estate services are offered by limited-service brokers and full-service brokers who compete against one another. Full-service brokers charge consumers a single price for a bundle of individual real estate services and limited-service brokers offer consumers the option to pick and choose from a menu of different real estate services according to each respective consumer’s individual needs. For example, a seller can decide just to purchase multi-list services from a broker and to represent himself or herself in negotiating with buyers.

Under the proposed new regulation, limited-service brokers would be required to bundle together certain of their service offerings into a mandatory package and would no longer be able to offer services separately. In this example, the seller would be required by the proposed regulation to purchase representation and negotiation services from the broker in addition to the multi-list service. As a result, customers would have fewer choices and pay more for their real estate needs if the regulation is passed.

This post was written by Frances Flynn Thorsen, source: FTC And DOJ Strap On Consumer Holsters As Monday Showdown Vote Looms

Format is: Address, price (asking price), as is (value per appraisal), bed/bath, escrow (for repairs needed for FHA sale), property type, listing date, bid deadline

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
623 S SARGENT AVENUE
JOPLIN, MO 64801
COUNTY: JASPER $98,000 $98,000 4/4 $0 S 4/8/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-289837
Comments: AMENITIES: COVERED PORCHES, BALCONY, GORGEOUS INSIDE-MUST SEE, WOOD FLOORS, CEILING FANS. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA 203k FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 30-45 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured
HUD Property n/a Picture Available n/a

Interested in any of these properties:

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
108 ORCHARD ST
ALBA, MO 64830
COUNTY: JASPER $24,750 $27,500 2/1 $2,613 S 4/13/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-283856
Comments: AMENITIES: TOTAL ELECTRIC. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS AND ESCROW ITEMS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 45-90 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Insured With Escrow
HUD Property Price Reduced Picture Available n/a

Address price bed/bath year built property type listing date deadline
208 S FOUNTAIN ROAD
CARTERVILLE, MO 64835
COUNTY: JASPER $10,395 2/1 1975 M 4/12/2005 Daily
Property #: 0726-319570
Comments: LAND ONLY SALE - ANY MANUFACTURED HOME WHICH MAY BE ON THE LOT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE. EVIDENCE OF MOLD - NO REMEDIATION DONE BY SELLER. Possible Lead Based Paint.
Bank Owned Property n/a Picture Available n/a

Address price bed/bath year built property type listing date deadline
678 LOG CABIN ROAD
CRANE, MO 65633

COUNTY: STONE $64,900 3/2 1989 S 3/22/2005 Daily
Property #: 0726-313898
Comments: SERVED BY WELL AND PROPANE GAS SYSTEMS - CONDITION UNKNOWNSELLER OFFERS A $500 BONUS TO SELLING AGENT TO BE PAID AT CLOSING ONLY
Bank Owned Property Price Reduced Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
105 N BOBBIE SMITH ST
DIAMOND, MO 64840
COUNTY: NEWTON $22,000 $22,000 2/1 $0 S 4/15/2005 4/24/2005 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-205634
Comments: AMENITIES: COVERED PATIO, COVERED PORCH, STORM WINDOWS, VAULTED CEILING LIVING ROOM, THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. EVIDENCE OF MOLD - CLEANED BUT NOT REMEDIATED.
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured
HUD Property n/a Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
602 Irwin St.
DUENWEG, MO 64841
COUNTY: JASPER $37,000 $37,000 2/1 $0 S 3/25/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-312647
Comments: AMENITIES: ENCLOSED PORCH, STORM WINDOWS. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA 203k FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 30-45 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured
HUD Property n/a Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
623 S SARGENT AVENUE
JOPLIN, MO 64801
COUNTY: JASPER $98,000 $98,000 4/4 $0 S 4/8/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-289837
Comments: AMENITIES: COVERED PORCHES, BALCONY, GORGEOUS INSIDE-MUST SEE, WOOD FLOORS, CEILING FANS. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA 203k FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 30-45 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured
HUD Property n/a Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
1511 S SERGEANT AVE
JOPLIN, MO 64804
COUNTY: JASPER $40,500 $45,000 4/2 $0 S 4/6/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-140633
Comments: AMENITIES: PATIO, PARTIAL STORM WINDOWS, FENCED BACKYARD, DETACHED GARAGE, WOOD FLOORS, SUN ROOM. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA 203k FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 30-45 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. EVIDENCE OF MOLD-CLEANED BUT NOT REMEDIATED. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured
HUD Property Price Reduced Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
711 TRUMAN ST
LAMAR, MO 64759
COUNTY: BARTON $46,500 $46,500 3/2 $0 S 4/8/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-229803
Comments: AMENITIES: COVERED DECK, SHED, CEILING FANS. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA 203k FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 30-45 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. EVIDENCE OF MOLD-CLEANED BUT NOT REMEDIATED. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured
HUD Property n/a Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
1124 S KIMBERLY DR
MOUNT VERNON, MO 65712
COUNTY: LAWRENCE $63,000 $63,000 3/1 S 4/22/2005 5/1/2005 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-279026
Comments: AMENITIES: PARTIAL FENCE, MODERN KITCHEN, SHED, NICE SHADE TREES. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS AND/OR ESCROW ITEMS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: FOR FHA FINANCING THE CLOSING FOR THIS PROPERTY WILL BE DELAYED BY AN ADDITIONAL 45-90 DAYS FOR LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTION AND/OR STABILIZATION. PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. Possible Lead Based Paint.
FHA Financing Insurability: Insured
HUD Property n/a Picture Available New Listing

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
307 EVELYN PL
NEOSHO, MO 64850
COUNTY: NEWTON $49,500 $49,500 3/1.5 $1,870 S 4/15/2005 4/24/2005 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-291064
Comments: AMENITIES: FENCED YARD, LARGE DECK, THERMAL WINDOWS, LAUNDRY ROOM. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS AND ESCROW ITEMS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS.
FHA Financing Insurability: Insured With Escrow
HUD Property n/a Picture Available New Listing

Address price bed/bath year built property type listing date deadline
300 LARRY PLACE
NEOSHO, MO 64850
COUNTY: NEWTON $68,040 3/1 1974 S 3/15/2005 Daily
Property #: 0726-313817
Comments: Possible Lead Based Paint.
Bank Owned Property Price Reduced Picture Available n/a

Address price as is bed/bath escrow property type listing date deadline
RR 3 BOX 168
VERONA, MO 65769
COUNTY: BARRY $71,100 $79,000 3/2 $0 M 3/30/2005 Daily @ 11:59:00 PM
Property #: 291-301708
Comments: AMENITIES: LAUNDRY ROOM, NEWER HOME. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY CONDITION REPORT: PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY MISSING METERS. PROPERTY HAS SEPTIC SYSTEM, PRIVATE WELL, LP, NO FEMA FLOOD MAP AVAILABLE, ENGINEERING CERT RECOMMENDED .
FHA Financing Insurability: Uninsured

source: Current HUD properties 4/22/05

source: St. Petersburg Times reports new Tampa condo conve…

Al Mansell, president of the National Assn. of REALTORS® testified on Capitol Hill this week and urged the Senate to pass the Small Business Health Fairness Act to allow small businesses and self-employed workers to band together through a trade or professional association to negotiate lower health insurance costs for participants. Said Mansell:

“For the most part, REALTORS® are small-business people or independent contractors who struggle to find quality, affordable health care for their employees and families. Small business health plans will give small-business and self-employed workers the same right to quality, affordable health insurance as corporate employees and union members. REALTORS® are doing everything we can to see that small business health plan legislation is enacted this year.”

Here’s what the Congressional Budget Office has to say:\

“ …about 600,000 more people (including employees and their dependents) would be insured through small employers than would be insured under current law. By 2008, about 7.5 million people would obtain health insurance through association health plans. However, under current law, most of those AHP enrollees would have been insured in the state-regulated market rather than being uninsured. CBO also estimates that about 10,000 people would lose coverage in response to rising premiums in the small-group market.”

CBO also warns us that far from reducing health expenses, this bill will increase health care costs because it will encourage cherry picking of the most desirable employees, leaving the more expensive employers in the current system. CBO concluded that AHPs primarily will compete by offering less generous benefit packages and thus, reducing coverage for 7 million workers and families. And those who remain covered by non-AHP insurance will pay increased costs to compensate for those who are siphoned off into AHPs.

A 2003 study by Mercer Consultants, commissioned by National Small Business United, made even more dire predictions. Mercer found that AHP legislation would increase the number of the uninsured by 1 million as employers in the non-AHP market dropped coverage due to premium increases. Health insurance premiums in the non-AHP market were estimated to rise 23% due to the exodus of healthier firms to non-regulated AHPs.

Rather than expanding health coverage and health services; it is going to lead to the reduction of health coverage for 7 million Americans who will lose the right to vital medical coverage such as OB/GYN and pediatrician services, cervical, colon, mammography and prostate cancer screening and treatment, maternity benefits and well-care child services, and diabetes treatment.

More than 1300 local and national organizations oppose this bill, including the National Governors Assn., the Republican Governors Assn., Democratic Governors Assn., 41 state Attorneys General, the National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners, National Small Business United, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Assn. of Health Insurance Plans, as well as hundreds of labor, consumer, and business groups.

This post was written by Frances Flynn Thorsen, source: Whoremaster Lesson Plan 102: Send NAR President To Spin Congress On Health Plan

Do you own a two-unit building that has two electrical services? Does one of the tenants pay the utility bill for common areas? Watch out! I’ve run into this scenario several times over the years, and York (PA) attorney/blogger Joseph N. Gothie puts the matter in perspective in Utility service, foreign loads, and tenants:

"the tenant called the gas company because he was concerned about…the gas furnace malfunctioning. The gas company inspected everything and noted that the furnace was fine, but that one of the radiators was located in the other half of the duplex. The tenant then demanded that the gas service be switched over to the landlord. The gas company… had no choice but to do this.

"[PA] statute provides that from the date of notice to the utility, the landlord is obligated to pay the utility bill and that the service cannot be thereafter metered in the name of any tenant until the foreign load is removed. ..the statute suggests that the utility may only pursue the landlord for the arrears on the utility, not the tenant. Therefore, the landlord was placed on the hook for not only for future gas bills under a yearly lease (preventing him from raising the rent to cover the extra costs at least for a year) but also the tenant’s profligate use of the gas in the past. No remedy existed for the landlord against the tenant.

"As described above, this scenario is generally known as a "foreign load" problem. Tenants hear about this from time to time, and they will look for areas where, if they turn off their fuses/circuit breakers, common area lights (for instance) turn off. Then, they spring it on the landlord."

Other recent articles include: Why lead paint disclosure compliance matters and Some ideas for handling abandoned property.

This post was written by Frances Flynn Thorsen, source: Pennsylvania Attorney Pens Blog; Offers Sage Advice To Investors