You don't have to wait until your child is applying for college to apply for scholarships, there are scholarships that can be found for kids 13 and even younger. For example Kohl's gives $290,000 through its Kohl's Kid Who Care Scholarship Program (kohlskids.com) to more than 200 kids ages 6-18 who volunteer in their communities. Here are a few steps to discover the scholarships available. First register for scholarship alerts from free websites lake fastweb.com, and scholarship.com. Another good one for children under the age 13 can be found on finaid.org Second, collect clippings of scholarship awards at the end of the school year from newspaper, school publications, graduation announcements. You may also ask your child's guidance counselor about locally awarded scholarships. Third, it's always good to encourage your child yo give back. Millions of dollars are given every year to students who have a positive impact on their communities. Companies like Prud...

With the long Labor Day weekend just around the corner, there's not a better time to work on adding value to your home. Your spouse and kids might also be around to help pitch in. I have selected five ways that cost less then $1000 to help create value in your home. How about doing some landscaping? This is a less expensive project estimated at costing you about $300 to $400 which might bring your $1,500 - $2,000 in value according to HomeGain.com. Use plants that add color and complement your house. My favorite is paint. It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to transfer your home. Keeping it neutral will attract more buyers. According to HomeGain.com this will bring you a 250% return too. Plus the kids will love to help! Another money maker is storage and organization. Homes functions can be just as valuable to the potential buyer. The estimated cost for this project will be about $20-$500. Another great project to have the kids help, maybe they can start with their c...

To stay or walk away from the house we have called home seems to be the million question we are faced with everyday. Who has the answer? The media tells us basically what we want to hear, but I want to hear what's right for me, and I guess the only person who can make that decision is me! I was reading an article today, "Should you feel guilty if you walk away", I know I would. The government has put into place several different programs for those under water, unable to make their payments, people living payment free because the courts are bombarded with foreclosures, what about me??? Yes what about me! I feel there are plenty of us out there who are making our payments, and why can't we take advantage of these historically low rates??? Because there is no program available for us. Yes we are upside down, but too much to qualify for the 125% Harp program. The government should reward those of us staying and not walking away, how about a tax credit for us too? ...

Did you have clients who missed the tax credit dead line? It may have seemed like a big mistake but waiting could have been the smartest thing to do. Why you ask? Well interests rates have fallen so dramatically since April 30th that the typical purchaser of a $350,00 home financed, with a $280,000 mortgage would have saved a bundle by waiting until May. April's average rate of 5.34% a home buyer would have locked in a 30 year fixed rate loan with a monthly payment of $1,561.82 That same buyer could have snagged a 30 year fixed rate loan at the rate of 4.625% in May and paid $1,439.59 per month. That adds up to a $1,467 annual savings and over 30 years it's a total of $44,003 To sum it up both programs are (were)great, it's nice to know even if we miss out on something another door always opens!

I am glad to hear good news coming from the City of Cape Coral, thank you Cape Coral Daily Breeze you put a smile on my face. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has notified the City of Cape Coral that the community has received an increase in their flood insurance rating, which will save the policy holders nearly 6 million dollars on their flood policies. FEMA is awarding Cape Coral a Class 5 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System, Cape's last rating was a 6. "This is very good news for our residents who live in the Special Flood Hazard Area as they now will receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance premiums", said City Manager Gary King, "Cape residents who live outside this area also receive a 10%discount on the flood insurance costs." Any savings is wonderful! Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System is voluntary. Class ratings are issued on a scale on 1 to 9 the lo...

Sometimes we all must take a break and blog about fun and quirky stuff, it can't always be about work and our related fields. Like today I have decided we need to put an end to the age old question: "what came first the chicken or the egg?" So do you have a guess? I bet you do and I hope it's right, me personally I think it was the chicken that came first. The answer you all have been waiting for is finally in. Researchers from two universities in England say they've finally have an answer which came first. Scientists say the egg cannot be formed without the protein ovocledidin-17. This essential ingredient helps the shell develop and is produced solely inside the chicken. Therefore, if the egg must be produced inside the chicken, then it was (drum roll please...) the CHICKEN who got the whole thing started. Were you right? I was, I am so relieved now that the mystery is solved, I hope you are too! Now if we can just figure out why they would want to cro...

Established in 2005 by Jennifer Ferri, Title Junction LLC, was created to personalize each and every transaction making clients feel welcome and secure in all their decisions. Title Junction is a full service title company positioning ourselves as an industry leader constantly striving to meet and exceed our customers' needs and expectations with uncompromising ethics. Here at Title Junction our team will bring you a vast experience of knowledge and understanding in the title industry. We can respond quickly to your needs, with the flexibility to adopt creative approached for unique circumstances. We want everyone to feel like family, giving you the "real estate / closing relationship you deserve..." We look forward to keeping you informed with our Blog, should you have questions or concerns let us answer them for you!