Jim Martin says that the Oxford House soon to open its doors in the Smyrna area is “a viable model that works.” He says it helps people recovering from substance abuse and helps former prison inmates from returning to a life of crime – all without government assistance.
He’s getting to be an expert on this topic, after working with Oxford House Outreach to open several of the 22 Oxford Houses in Delaware.
And that would be quite an accomplishment for someone who was homeless himself – less than two years ago – before moving to an Oxford House in Wilmington.

Martin was once married. He has three children, and he owned a carpentry business for about 10 years. “I think I was a functional alcoholic,” he said. “I drank, but I was able to do what I needed to do.” Then he injured his back.

“The combination of the alcohol and the pain killers sent me over the edge. I lost my business. I lost my marriage. I couldn’t see my kids. I lost everything.” Then he found Oxford House.

What Oxford House gives a former homeless person or prison inmate is an address and the chance to get started at a job, even if the resident is making minimum wage. The required amount for rent and household expenses is usually $100 per week. The housemates also help support each other in the struggle to stay sober, and are charged with the responsibility to evict a resident who is caught using alcohol or drugs again.

Oxford House success stories
Along with himself, Martin knows many people who have used Oxford House to get back on their feet. “Sometimes a mistake with substance abuse can almost be life ending,” said Martin. “Someone does something stupid, gets arrested, and goes to jail. When they get out, where do they go? Employers won’t hire you if you don’t have an address. You need transportation to get to work. Oxford House is giving people the resources to turn themselves into productive citizens again.” Martin said recent studies following Oxford House residents for more than two years found that about 70 percent of Oxford House residents stay sober, compared to about 10 percent of those who had stayed at a traditional government-operated halfway house. “And we’re not costing the taxpayers a dime,” said Martin. “We’re renting these houses ourselves, paying our own way.” Martin can cite dozens of examples of Oxford House success stories.

ABOUT OXFORD HOUSE
The first Oxford House for people recovering from substance abuse was started by a group of men in Silver Spring, Md., in 1975. Now that number has grown to 1,352 Oxford Houses, including some for women, in 44 states. The basic rules for the residents are: everyone pays an equal share of household expenses, decisions affecting the group are decided by a majority vote, and anyone using alcohol or drugs must be evicted.

Jim Martin is organizing the opening of the Oxford House for men recovering from substance abuse on Wheatley’s Pond Road near Carter Road, just outside of Smyrna town limits. A nationwide program, Oxford House has 22 homes in Delaware.

Martin said that anyone interested in the Oxford House program or in applying to live at the home on Wheatley’s Pond Road can call him at (302) 377-0485. More information on Oxford House is also available on the website, www.oxfordhouse.org. Article reprinted courtesy of Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times: Thu Dec 17, 2009, 11:38 PM EST: www.scsuntimes.com.

Well, spring has sprung, and it is time for spring cleaning on every level. One of the most important aspects of Staging is a detail cleaning. An Accredited Staging Professional Master can help you so that you can sell your home faster. Start external spring cleaning by pressure washing decks and siding, pruning dead branches in your yard, tossing out old magazines, clothes, and furniture, etc.

Start by:

1. Recycling: Go through old magazines, books, or catalogs. Bring the magazines to a doctor’s office, dentist’s office, hair salon, nail salon, or health club. Donate books to your local library. Remember, recycling helps the environment. 2. Having a yard sale: Why not make some extra money? And for what doesn’t sell, see #3. 3. Donating: Go through clothes or household items with an eye for sharing with those in need. We all have things that we no longer use that could be life-changing for someone else. Old suits or dresses could become a new outfit for a job interview – impacting someone else’s life. The Goodwill and Salvation Army are great organizations that accept donations. (P.S. Donations are tax deductible.)

A Staging Professional Can Give Your Home a Sense of Spaciousness That Will Help You Sell Faster & For More Money

It is a good idea to reduce material clutter that is holding you back from moving forward. For example, go through all files in your office, your contact list, outdated resources, and emails and delete all old and non-pertinent items from your computer or filing cabinet. Release old ideas and non-producing habits that are stifling your progress. Make space for new business, brilliant opportunities, and creative ideas that make sense for who you are now. Spring is the time to clean house – literally and figuratively. A Professional Home Stager can help you through this entire process. So, let go of the old once and for all. When selling, your return will be a house that will sell faster and for more money. You’ll enjoy a renewed sense of spaciousness and mental freedom!

Home Staging questions? Email them to StagerightHomeStaging@hotmail.com.

For more information about Home Staging, contact Teresa Minichiello at 302.367.4576 or check out www.Stage-Right-Home-Staging.com

Testimonials: 500% return on your investment “We called Stage Right after we thought we cleaned the house up for selling but prior to listing the house for sale. Thank goodness we did because what we did not know was sure to hurt us. When you live in a house you stop seeing certain things that are an eye sore to others. Every room looks so much bigger and brighter. Sometimes cleaning just is not enough. The things we were told to change now seem common sense and we wonder why we did not think of that. Most of the things we were told to change took no money at all to do, just rearranging and getting rid of stuff. If you spend money on a cleaning service or lawn service why wouldn’t you invest in your property to stage it and get it sold? Your ROI will more than pay for itself.”        ~ Rebecca Hardy of Newark, DE

Awesome Work! “I listed a vacant house. After 1 month of very little activity the seller and I decided to have the homes staged. We had an acceptable offer in 1 week! I couldn’t believe the difference of perspective a buyer has when furniture and pictures are in the home. Theresa was a true pleasure to work with. I will have her stage all of my homes”      ~ Colleen Doyle of Wilmington, DE

Incredible Experience! “Incredible experience with Stage Right helping us sell our home in a slow real estate market. We’re convinced that it helped immeasurably to move it in a down market. Ten years in the home and many accumulated possessions had to be tastefully removed and screened! What a difference it made! Follow all suggestions and it works! Prospective buyers can visualize their family furniture and decoration ideas in a minimized atmosphere much better than a cluttered one. I would recommend Stage Right to anyone who is serious about selling their home!”             ~ Phil Worrell of Hockessin, DE

By: Audrey Ellen Brodie, Owner-Realtor

Certainly real estate is one of the best ways to build your personal wealth….but the national media and current volatility of real estate is causing undo hesitancy among consumers.

We are fortunate to be in Delaware. For example, here are our current statistics and project for the Second Quarter, 2009 for Kent County, Delaware:*

With average days on market increasing, buyers have more selection than ever and more power than ever when purchasing.

Even if you have a home to sell, April, 2009 YTD shows that sellers are getting 91.36% as their listing price versus the selling price.*

*Information provided from TReND MLS. www.trendmls.com

If you would like to receive a full real estate report for Kent County, please email Audrey@FirstClassProperties.us or call 302.331.1043 to request your copy.

First time home buyers, although hesitant currently due to the economy, are really in the best position to purchase.

There are three fabulous programs available to provide discounted loans, tax credits and/or closing cost assistance.

1.$8,000 Tax Credit: You can get this money NOW by spending approximately $250 to re-do your 2008 tax return and apply for the money immediately.

2.USDA Financing Options: Includes closing cost loans for rural properties and qualified buyers

3.Delaware Housing Authority Closing Cost Loans: Provides low interest loans for closing costs to be used in conjunction with conventional financing

It is a perfect time to make an investment in real estate. It is more important than ever to insure you are working with an educated and experienced real estate professional.

As always, if you qualify for a loan, it is always the best business decision to buy versus rent. Step one is contacting a mortgage professional who will explain all your options thoroughly and who is familiar with all the loan opportunities currently available. For additional mortgage information, please contact Robin Miller of Wells Fargo at 302.677.0770.

For more information, or to schedule a no obligation consultation, contact Audrey Brodie, Owner/Realtor, First Class Properties at 302-331-1043 (cell), or visit the website at www.FirstClassProperties.us.

Testimonials:
“My husband and I didn’t know how to start to get our deceased mom’s home ready to put on the market. Audrey was so optimistic and educational. She pointed out things we needed to do to positively impact buyers. Audrey explained how we could get the best price possible. She gave us step by step accurate figures on what we could expect for expenses and profits. She was there for us from the first day we listed the home until the closing. She was always available and Audrey makes you feel like you are the most important client in her world. She did a great job and I would recommend her highly to anyone who wants to sell their home.”� ~Elaine L, Wyoming, DE

“Janine and I can’t thank Audrey enough for her outstanding dedication to our land transaction. The glitches were frustrating for all of us but she got us through every detail with a smile. We recommend Audrey to anyone who wants to have a positive and professional buying experience.”
~Dallas N., Smyrna, DE

As President of First Class Properties, Audrey Brodie has converted a property management company into a successful independent real estate office in Kent County.

Audrey has authored a marketing plan that focuses on growing her personal network to develop sufficient visibility and become a respected real estate resource for residents of Delaware.

Paramount in her marketing plan was the integration of meeting people face-to-face during local events and through generously sponsoring community activities. Dover Air Force Base sponsorship was first on her list, where she and her fellow realtors still spend time at First Class Properties sponsored events. The list of exposure events and locations was endless: Dover Days, Delaware Home Builders Association, Chocolate Festival, Chamber of Commerce, Amish School Sale, Mennonite School Sale, and many more.

Audrey is in the top 5% of realtors for sales volume in Kent County.

She and her husband Ken purchased over 30 homes in Delaware as investment properties to build retirement funds. It was that customer experience in real estate that stimulated Audrey’s interest in becoming a realtor and assisting others in increasing their personal wealth using real estate as the springboard.

Her marketing strategy continues to grow to include participation as Secretary to the Dover Colonial Rotary Club, member of the Greater Dover Committee, originator of a statewide Investors Guild, and much more. Most recently Audrey was appointed the Honorary Commander for the Medical Operations Squadron at Dover Air Force Base.

First Class Properties’ new office location at 1641 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE (on Route 10 next to Wawa and across from Sonic) is also the official drop off center for donations for Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, a local charity that focuses on caring for working families that are having financial struggles.

First Class Properties’ Mission Statement:
We will deliver a first class real estate experience to each and every client. Our commitment is to provide current and extensive education on all aspects of each transaction. We pledge to present multiple options and opportunities to ensure that every decision made is informed, correct, and in our customer’s best interest.

These trying economic times bring a lot of questions to our minds as Americans. Where can we put our money to insure it is safe from future loss? The national real estate picture has been bleak, the fall of Wall Street further triggers our concern, and the demise of numerous mortgage companies and banks completes the failing financial world picture.

GREAT NEWS!

Delaware has been fortunate….and especially Kent County. In the last year our property values have dropped only 8-10%, leaving us as home owners with some level of equity remaining if we didn’t purchase our homes in the last two years. Through December, 2008, Kent County property sellers were receiving 94.07% of their listing price when selling their home. (Reference: TREND Multiple Listing Service, December, 2009).

There are three categories of residents that should be considering a real estate purchase:
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
If you are a First Time Home Buyer. �Now is the best time EVER to purchase. Mortgage rates are at an all time low. Additionally, the current Administration passed the economic stimulus bill which allows First Time Home Buyers in 2009 to claim an $8000 Tax Credit towards a home purchase. Considerations that First Time Home Buyers are confronting include the need to have a 3% downpayment and credit score requirements have been raised. However, Delaware has First Time Home Buyer programs that provide 100% financing.

UPGRADE YOUR CURRENT HOME
If you have lived in your current residence for five or more years, now is a fabulous time to either move into a bigger home, downsize, find a more rural setting or a place with zoning for your horses…whatever you consider an upgrade in your current residence. Your current home most likely has built equity since you purchased (unless you refinanced during the last five years). Now is a perfect time to use that equity as your downpayment for your next home. Also, as mentioned above, your current home has probably not lost the same level of value you hear on the national news. Average days on market for homes that are $200,000 and below is only 62 days. There are currently over 2,000 homes on the market in Kent County.. so the market to purchase is just sitting there waiting for you to make your selection!
Mortgage rates are also a great reason to upgrade your current home, with rates as low as 5.5%….and you can buy down that rate to 4.5%!

INVESTOR FIELD DAY. �Bargains Abound!
Rather than putting your money in the bank at low interest rates, or in the stock market where the unknowns are still dominant, consider putting your hard earned savings into real estate. Right now you may purchase a 3 bedroom 1 bath home at a price that can allow you to rent the home and cover your mortgage payment. In three years, you may anticipate equity build on that property… possibly bringing you up to 5% a year during that timeframe, based on current national economic projections. Managing rental properties requires a professional with the increase in unemployment and the decrease in salaries, but there are still thousands of qualified tenants available. It just takes proper judgment, a good credit history report, and powerful advertising. Dover Air Force Base consistently provides a large number of transient military members as well as contract employees to assist in feeding our local rental market.

BOTTOM LINE

Real estate in Kent County, Delaware is an educated investment. There is historically little risk due to the proven stability of property values compared to the national disasters we hear on the news (i.e. California, Florida, Arizona, Michigan, etc.). Mortgage rates are remaining low and attainable (Wells Fargo, for example, is quoting as low as 5.5%…with the ability to buy down your 30-year fixed rate). It is more important than ever to find a qualified real estate professional who can share what is currently happening in the market….and consult you on how you can build your personal real estate portfolio. Don’t miss out by wondering if it is the right thing to do. These are the best prices the market has seen since 2004. Do your homework, partner with a real estate professional and mortgage loan officer and start building your personal wealth through proper real estate investments.

For more information, or to schedule a no obligation consultation, contact Audrey Brodie, Owner/Realtor, First Class Properties at 302-331-1043 (cell), or visit the website at www.FirstClassProperties.us.

Testimonials:
“My husband and I didn’t know how to start to get our deceased mom’s home ready to put on the market. Audrey was so optimistic and educational. She pointed out things we needed to do to positively impact buyers. Audrey explained how we could get the best price possible. She gave us step by step accurate figures on what we could expect for expenses and profits. She was there for us from the first day we listed the home until the closing. She was always available and Audrey makes you feel like you are the most important client in her world. She did a great job and I would recommend her highly to anyone who wants to sell their home.”� ~Elaine L, Wyoming, DE

“Janine and I can’t thank Audrey enough for her outstanding dedication to our land transaction. The glitches were frustrating for all of us but she got us through every detail with a smile. We recommend Audrey to anyone who wants to have a positive and professional buying experience.”
~Dallas N., Smyrna, DE

As President of First Class Properties, Audrey Brodie has converted a property management company into a successful independent real estate office in Kent County.

Audrey has authored a marketing plan that focuses on growing her personal network to develop sufficient visibility and become a respected real estate resource for residents of Delaware.

Paramount in her marketing plan was the integration of meeting people face-to-face during local events and through generously sponsoring community activities. Dover Air Force Base sponsorship was first on her list, where she and her fellow realtors still spend time at First Class Properties sponsored events. The list of exposure events and locations was endless: Dover Days, Delaware Home Builders Association, Chocolate Festival, Chamber of Commerce, Amish School Sale, Mennonite School Sale, and many more.

Audrey is in the top 5% of realtors for sales volume in Kent County.

She and her husband Ken purchased over 30 homes in Delaware as investment properties to build retirement funds. It was that customer experience in real estate that stimulated Audrey’s interest in becoming a realtor and assisting others in increasing their personal wealth using real estate as the springboard.

Her marketing strategy continues to grow to include participation as Secretary to the Dover Colonial Rotary Club, member of the Greater Dover Committee, originator of a statewide Investors Guild, and much more. Most recently Audrey was appointed the Honorary Commander for the Medical Operations Squadron at Dover Air Force Base.

First Class Properties’ new office location at 1641 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE (on Route 10 next to Wawa and across from Sonic) is also the official drop off center for donations for Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, a local charity that focuses on caring for working families that are having financial struggles.

First Class Properties’ Mission Statement:
We will deliver a first class real estate experience to each and every client. Our commitment is to provide current and extensive education on all aspects of each transaction. We pledge to present multiple options and opportunities to ensure that every decision made is informed, correct, and in our customer’s best interest.

Whether you’re grilling, entertaining, or just enjoying a cold drink, your deck is a place where you can unwind. When choosing a decking material, there are many things to consider, including appearance, maintenance, and price.

Decking Materials

You can select from an array of natural and manufactured decking materials. Pressure-treated softwoods, such as yellow pine and hem-fir, are popular choices. Other common choices include composite lumber, typically manufactured from a combination of wood byproducts and recycled plastics, and synthetic materials, such as hard vinyl, aluminum, and plastic lumber.

Maintenance Requirements

Although natural woods tend to carry a lower price than their manufactured counterparts, the total cost of owning a wood deck almost always exceeds that of a composite or synthetic deck because of ongoing maintenance expenses. Natural lumber usually requires an annual or biannual pressure-washing, sanding, staining, and sealing to preserve a like-new appearance. Synthetic and composite materials, on the other hand, demand little more than a periodic deck cleaning with soapy water, though some composites benefit from an occasional staining or sealing. If you plan to use your decks for several years you will see a payback on your investment in composite materials.

Purpose of Fiber Glassing Decks
Pre-Exisiting Decks

Fiberglass provides the most complete and maintenance free seal for outdoor construction and offers a highly decorative means of protecting a home. The use of fiberglass on wood structures insures the best possible protection from moisture and inclement weather. Fiberglass gives air tight coverage of exposed structures (decks, roofs, stairs, chimneys, windows, railing) that are susceptible to leaking, decay, and wood rot.

In order to properly design your deck you should ask yourself these questions:
1.What will I use the deck for? Will it be used for entertaining, eating, children playing, barbecuing, working/reading, sunning, pool parties?
2.How often will it be used? Will it be used daily, primarily on weekends, or just for entertaining? This answer will help you to budget high priority items.
3.How many will be using the deck? What is the size of your household? How big will the groups be that you entertain? This will help in determining the size.
4.What features would I like to include? Do you want room for a patio table, a outdoor living room, a barbeque or outdoor kitchen, planters, lighting, speakers, built-in hot tub or pool, a screened-in area or gazebo? This will help in planning the layout.
5.What material would I like to use? Pressure treated lumber, cedar or other wood, composite decking, fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl or possibly steel. Do your research and then weigh the pros and cons of different material options relative to your climate, your budget, the design of your home and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with.
6.What kind of railing would I like to have? Wood, composite, glass, vinyl, wrought iron, plastic lumber? Do you need privacy screening? There may be part of your view you want to keep and part that you would like to block.

About Us

John, and his wife Bridgette, now reside in Delaware, with their five children and 1st grandson, active members in their community and local church, and also members of the Christian motorcycle association. We look forward to meeting you, working closely with you to achieve your goals, and making your dreams come true with any of your home improvement needs. You can visit us on the web www.cornerstone-builder.com or call us 302.670.6680 for John, and for Bridgette 302.670.6681.

Testimonials:
“John Knoeller is the most knowledgeable contractor we’ve ever met. We explained what we wanted, and, not only would he understand, he would immediately be able to discuss all the options and recommend the best solution. John was conscientious and tenacious in getting the job done and, more often than not, went the “extra mile” to satisfy us.”
~Chuck & Kay, Newark, DE

“I just want to thank CornerStone Construction for doing an absolutely beautiful job- they completely gutted and transformed our house. They worked with us on our budget and were finished in our time frame so. �Thank You John, �for all of your help and the marvelous work you did.”
~ Edward & Delores, Harrington, DE

Publisher’s Note:
John is another guy that I would give a 10 rating for his professional performance as a builder and carpenter. I hired John to build in my closets in my new home and I was a little nervous since I really didn’t know him or his work. I can say that I am glad I went with my gut instinct and hired John. He called me to schedule a time to come, since I had gotten busy and had not called him; he showed up early for the appointment, walked me through the process of selecting what materials I needed for my walk in closets, delivered the material to the job site, and started work and finished the job in a very timely fashion. �On top of all this the poor man was sick with a bad head cold. What a guy!

After 20 years in the Real Estate business, I can almost predict what potential buyers (or just “tire kickers”) will ask when they see a nice fireplace in an historic home. Years ago, the sales trainers would instruct us to say, “If the fireplace works, will you buy the house?”

But my reaction is to use this question to ask further questions to determine why the question was asked, often leading to a more informative discussion about the merits of living in an old house. Does the questioner know how fireplaces were built in the past? Do they plan on using the fireplace for a regular source of heat, or just for holiday gatherings? And I usually don’t advise asking the seller if it “works.”

I’ll never forget the seller who told the home inspector he often lights the two fireplaces in facing parlors when he has guests. He was told he was very lucky that nothing went wrong, because one of the fireplaces was in a dangerous condition (not counting the haunted clock on the mantel). What, you ask, could be wrong with such a beautiful fireplace with a 200 year old mantel (and chimney of the same age)? Well, if the bricks or iron decorative plate in the fire back are cracked, or if the mortar holding the bricks together in the chimney is falling out or missing, a lot could go wrong. The carbon monoxide could come back into the house, rather than going up the chimney. Or hot sparks could escape and set the roof on fire. And if they had burned their Christmas tree or other sappy green wood, the creosote in the chimney would cause another fire hazard.

One of the first houses I sold for a client 20 years ago had a fireplace, but the flue from the furnace ran right through the middle of it. The buyer insisted, upon learning this from the home inspector, that the seller have an added brick flue built alongside the one already running up the outside of the house, so that the fireplace flue could be located inside its own chimney. All this because the seller represented that the home had a fireplace. So be careful what you wish for (or claim to be a feature of your home).

So, what do I say when someone asks if a fireplace works?  I always say that I am not a chimney expert, and the only ones who can answer that question are licensed chimney inspectors. They can go up on the roof, see if there is a chimney cap (you don’t want birds or bats flying down your chimney, or raccoons giving birth there, as happened inside my chimney), check out the condition of the mortar or chimney lining, and see if it may just need cleaning. They can see if someone decided to use the chimney to run cable, plumbing, or electrical wires. Or, they can just give you a sooty smile, and say, “Looks fine to me!”

When looking for a chimney inspector or a Realtor®, buyers should ask friends for recommendations, or ask for references from whomever they choose. A Certified Residential Specialist or CRS designation is your guarantee that the real estate agent has taken additional courses specifically designed to help the home buyer and seller.

Testimonials:
A recent seller of a home on the National Register of Historic Places said “We are very grateful for the fine efforts you provided in marketing and selling our old house in Magnolia. We also feel assured the new buyer is one who would preserve and protect its unique historical and architectural qualities.”
~J.E., Honolulu HI

A buyer of a home in Smyrna’s historic district had this to say,“Carolyn Roland knows the right questions to ask and pays attention to the buyers’ answers. We couldn’t have succeeded in our real estate goals without her!”
~K.O’D. Smyrna

Call Carolyn or check her web page about these fine old houses coming on the market in the Spring. The Victorian house on the left is north of Wilmington, and the stone twin is in the Triangle neighborhood of Wilmington.

If you are thinking of refinancing or purchasing a home in today’s real estate market then you might want to consider an FHA mortgage. Currently, Fannie Mae has added price increases to most types of mortgages so the rates you hear quoted by CNN, in your local paper, or in advertisements will most likely NOT apply to your transaction. The rate increases, or add-ons, are based upon your credit score, purpose of loan, and the ltv (mortgage balance as a percentage of the value of your home). None of these rate add-ons apply to an FHA mortgage so in many situations the FHA mortgage has a lower interest rate.  An FHA mortgage will offer you greater flexibility in the maximum allowable loan amount based upon your current appraiser value, less cash out-of-pocket in a purchase situation, and will allow more clients to qualify for a loan. Typically an FHA mortgage can be used to purchase or refinance a primary residence. FHA financing is allowable on a second home, on an exception basis, but guidelines are very restrictive on these exceptions, so check with your lender for your specific situation. The majority of FHA mortgages come with mandatory mortgage insurance regardless of the loan to value on the transaction, so an FHA mortgage is most effective in reducing costs in situations where a borrower is asking more than 80% financing. The FHA mortgage insurance premium has both an upfront charge of 1.5%, which can be financed into the loan, and then an ongoing monthly charge of .50%. FHA mortgages do not have income limitations but do have loan size limitations based upon the location of your home. Your lender will check to make sure you meet the guidelines.

Let’s look at an example of a mortgage payment in a refinance situation both as an FHA loan and as a conventional mortgage. We will assume the following: balance of current mortgage $195,800, value of home $220,000, the borrower’s credit score 670, and the monthly escrow payment (homeowner’s insurance and property taxes) is $150.

Conventional Rate

6.875% with zero points
Principal and interest
$1,286.27
Mortgage Insurance
$101.16
Escrows
$150
Total Payment
$1,537.43

FHA Rate

6.25% with zero points
Principal and interest
$1,207.55
Mortgage Insurance
$97.90
Escrows
$150
Total Payment
$1,455.45