Faced with a massive glut of unsold homes, many would-be sellers are struggling to make their properties stand out in today’s downtrodden real estate market. But while the economic head winds are beyond property owners’ control, author Barb Schwarz says they can dramatically improve their chances of making a sale by devoting attention to [...]
Fizber.com – real estate classified web portal that enjoys its reputation of a forward-looking online resource, has introduced new system architecture. The database server is now realized with the virtual cluster solution in order to speed up query processing and enable unlimited database expanding opportunities.
3,200 square foot, $2 million bay-front home is grand prize in 3rd annual fundraiser; all proceeds support low income individuals, families, and children in Marin County (http://marinraffle.com)
San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) September 1, 2009 — Raffle ticket sales officially kicked off today for the Marin Dream House Raffle, giving anyone a chance to win a brand new, $2 million dollar Bay-front home in the heart of Northern California’s beautiful Marin County. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Community Action Marin (CAM), one of the area’s oldest and largest private social service providers, in their ongoing support of low-income individuals, families and children in Marin County.
In their 3rd annual Dream House Raffle, CAM’s grand prize is a 3,200 square foot, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located in Larkspur, California, featuring an open floor plan with stunning, wrap-around views of Mt. Tamalpais and the San Francisco Bay. The home includes a private elevator, gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, white oak hardwood floors, lush garden landscaping, crown molding, and an outdoor terrace.
"We’re excited to once again engage the public in supporting CAM and all that we do to help low income families in Marin County," said Russell Hamel, Director of Development for CAM. "We are thrilled to present this Larkspur home as the Grand Prize of our raffle – it’s a beautiful home, situated in an exclusive gated community overlooking one of the country’s most spectacular views. We think not only the local community, but people from all over the world will be excited at the prospect of winning."
The Marin Dream House Raffle begins September 1, with the Grand Prize drawing on February 20, 2010. The Grand Prize winner will be able to choose between the $2 million house or a cash prize of $1.6 million. In addition to the Grand Prize, raffle entrants will have a chance to win one of 369 additional prizes, making the odds of winning a prize 1 in 100. People who purchase tickets early are included in Early Bird bonus drawings for cash prizes up to $25,000. All purchasers who enter before October 2 are entered into the first Early Bird Drawing as well as all subsequent drawings.
Raffle tickets are available for $150 each, and can be purchased in a variety of ways:
- By phone at (888) 999-4540 (24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
- By mail by sending an entry form (available in PDF and Microsoft Word at http://marinraffle.com) to CAM Dream House Raffle, 29 Mary St., San Rafael, CA 94901
- By fax to (415) 738-7664, 24 hours a day.
CAM accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, check or money order (payable to CAM Raffle) for payment.
About Community Action Marin
Community Action Marin is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) social service agency serving and assisting low-income Marin residents in achieving a life of quality based on self-sufficiency. Serving Marin County since 1966, the agency currently operates 15 programs covering a variety of needs from early childhood development, employment and training, to energy assistance, family needs and mental health issues.
###
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2817374.htm
Construction camera provider, OxBlue Corporation, announced today the asset acquisition of privately-owned competitor Digital Job Site, Inc.
Atlanta, Ga. (PRWEB) September 1, 2009 — Construction camera provider, OxBlue Corporation, announced today the asset acquisition of privately-owned competitor Digital Job Site, Inc.
OxBlue Corporation (www.oxblue.com) specializes in construction camera services which are focused on the construction industry’s need to improve best practices for project communication and documentation on jobsites. OxBlue’s unique technology and reputation for exceptional customer service have allowed the company to build an impressive client base that includes more than 30% of ENR’s Top 400 Contractors and numerous Fortune 500 companies. The Digital Job Site acquisition further expands OxBlue’s installed client base.
"The asset acquisition of Digital Job Site by OxBlue Corporation accelerates our strategic expansion to meet the growing demand for construction camera services," commented Chandler McCormack, CEO of OxBlue Corporation. "As a result of the current economic climate, owners and contractors have an increasing need to improve best practices for how project status is communicated and to reduce their exposure to risk through the photographic documentation that construction cameras provide."
As clients are transitioned to OxBlue’s network, they will receive higher levels of reliability and gain access to additional services which are unique to OxBlue. The company’s strong reputation for customer service, no contracts policy, guaranteed pricing and lifetime warranties will further the benefits clients receive as they are transitioned over.
About OxBlue:
OxBlue’s construction camera service provides owners and contractors national anywhere-anytime access to their jobsite while automatically documenting the entire history of a construction project. Founded in 2001 by construction technology professionals, OxBlue’s exclusive focus on the needs of the construction industry has enabled them to become the nationally recognized leader in construction camera services. For more information visit www.OxBlue.com.
###
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2809124.htm
Inspect-It 1st launches an information reference video and white paper to help those active in the real estate market select the right property inspector for home inspections.
Cleveland, OH (PRWeb) September 1, 2009 — "How to Select a Home Inspector" is a new online video that discusses six key criteria to consider when trying to find a home inspector. Authored by Inspect-It 1st Property Inspection, a corresponding free whitepaper is also available for download from the company’s website.
"Choosing a home inspector can be a daunting task, especially for first-time homebuyers," stated Kylene Golubski, Vice President of Business Development at Inspect-It 1st’s corporate office. "And even if they’ve had a home inspection previously, it may have been years ago and our profession has undergone many changes and advancements. Property and home inspectors can have widely varying levels of knowledge and expertise, and deliver all different kinds of home inspection reports. This short video gives consumers insights into these important factors."
The video and whitepaper reviews the following criteria that should be considered when selecting a home inspector:
1. State Certification & Compliance
2. Training
3. Insurance Coverage
4. Report Format & Delivery
5. Franchise vs. Independent
6. Referrals & Endorsements
"A home is one of life’s largest investments and your chosen home inspector should help you make an informed, confident decision," stated Golubski. "The quality of your home inspector can have a direct impact on the long term enjoyment and return on investment you derive from your property and you want to work with a professional who has your best interests in mind."
For a more detailed description of these areas, please visit the Inspect-It 1st website to view the http://www.inspectit1st.com/about-us/video-selecting-home-inspectors.html "[How to Select a Home Inspector" video and download the corresponding free whitepaper on this subject.
About Inspect-It 1st ®
Inspect-It 1st® is a rapidly growing franchise system of home inspectors offering property inspections for homeowners and business owners, and is a subsidiary of Merrymeeting, Inc. (MMI), a Cleveland-based investment firm specializing in the acquisition and development of franchise brands. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. MMI currently operates seven franchise systems with more than 1,700 franchised locations worldwide. To learn more, please visit www.inspectit1st.com or www.merrymtg.com.
###
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2814574.htm
Originally Set for August 30th, the Three-Week Date Extension Allows for Additional Open Houses
New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2009 — The date for the Sheldon Good auction of 19 beautifully designed one- and two-bedroom, new, loft condominiums at Loft 881, situated in sought-after Fairfield County’s Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been extended three weeks. Originally scheduled to take place on August 30th, the auction will now be held on Sunday, September 20th.
The auction will be held at the same time and venue as before: the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane, Trumbull, CT. Registration begins at 11:00 am and the auction commences at 12:00 noon. The extension allows for the scheduling of additional open house dates, enabling onsite inspections, namely:
Sunday, August 30th: noon to 3pm
Friday, September 11th: 3pm to 7pm
Saturday, September 12th: noon to 3pm
Sunday, September 13th: noon to 3pm
Friday, September 18th: 3pm to 7pm
Saturday, September 19th: noon to 3pm
According to Michael Fine, Executive Vice President of Project Management for Sheldon Good & Company, "During the auction process, we have been able to secure many very attractive and affordable low down payment financing programs and we wanted bidders to have ample time to evaluate these exciting opportunity for financing. We have also lowered the cashier’s check amount required to bid at the auction to $4,000 for a one-bedroom and $6,000 for a two-bedroom. The condos were respectively priced at $264,000 and $360,000 previously."
The seller is also in the process of completing a number of construction items within the building. The new auction date will allow prospective bidders to see the completed works prior to the auction.
The purchase of a Bidder’s Information Packet is required in order to buy at the auction, and is available at all open houses or can be ordered in advance by contacting Sheldon Good & Company’s offices at 800 315-2199.
The homes range in size from 540 to 1,452 square feet. They feature sleek kitchens with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, a full complement of stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, exposed brick walls, desirable "green" bamboo flooring,10-foot ceilings with exposed air ducts, open dining areas, luxurious baths, and ample closet space. Some of the bi-level townhome-style residences offer private terraces, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Amenities at the pet-friendly development include in-residence laundry connections, parking, key card building access with video surveillance, on-site fitness center, high efficiency HVAC systems, and of course pre-wiring for telephone, Internet and cable, and panoramic views of Long Island and the Sound.
Many Manhattan-based apartment dwellers, as well as residents in White Plains and Stamford are attracted to Bridgeport because of the resurgence of its downtown. Residents can also buy a lot more for their money in Bridgeport than in other communities. New York City is easily accessible by both Amtrak and Metro-North commuter trains. A ferry service, accommodating both passengers and automobiles, runs across Long Island Sound to Port Jefferson, New York.
Within walking distance of the property lies the 370-acre green expanse of Seaside Park offering a sanctuary from the urban landscape. Residents can enjoy sandy beaches, sports fields, towering trees and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, which is virtually an extension of their own backyard.
Home to both the University of Bridgeport and Houstonian Community College, Bridgeport’s public school system offers 30 elementary schools, three comprehensive high schools, two alternative programs and an inter-district vocational aqua-cultural school. The City has begun a large school renovation and construction program, with plans for new schools and modernization of existing buildings.
"Whether you are a first time buyer or an investor seeking to add to your portfolio, these fabulous lofts are worthy of serious consideration, especially since they are being sold at auction, enabling buyers to literally name their price on a fantastic condominium residence," added Mr. Fine.
For additional information about the upcoming auction sale, please contact Sheldon Good & Company at 1-800-315-2199.
About Sheldon Good & Company:
Sheldon Good & Company Auctions has been rated the premier real estate auction company by a number of prestigious financial publications. The company has aggregate sales of over $10 billion. For further information, please call Sheldon Good & Company at (800) 315-2199.
###
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2812954.htm
Bonita Bay Group has reached an agreement in principle with the club advisory boards for Shadow Wood Country Club and The Brooks Commons Club. The sales agreement must be ratified by membership.
Bonita Springs, FL (PRWEB) September 1, 2009 — Bonita Bay Group confirmed today that it has reached an agreement in principle with the advisory boards of Shadow Wood Country Club and The Brooks Commons Club on a sale of the combined club assets to club members. The agreement is subject to final documentation and a vote of approval by the combined membership of the clubs.
Bonita Bay Group declined to confirm the terms of the sale agreement.
Tim Boates, chief restructuring officer for Bonita Bay Group, said all parties are working to complete the sales process by the end of September; however, the company has agreed to continue operating the clubs through the end of October if necessary, with the provision that membership dues remain current.
"This has been an arduous process with a focus on a mutually beneficial outcome for the parties involved," said Boates. "I commend the advisory board leadership for their diligent efforts throughout the process, and I am hopeful that all members of these clubs will recognize that their ratification of the proposed agreement will provide all parties with the best possible resolution to our mutual challenges."
The sales agreement includes Shadow Wood Country Club and its two 18-hole golf courses; the Shadow Wood Preserve club and golf course, and the amenities at The Brooks Commons Club, including a fitness center, restaurant and beach club.
Boates said Bonita Bay Group is continuing negotiations with the advisory boards of its other membership clubs in Southwest Florida. The company recently announced it had reached an amended credit facility with its senior lending group to provide funding for its ongoing development operations.
Bonita Bay Group has been operating for more than 25 years in Southwest Florida as a diversified company involved in the development of master-planned communities. Additional information about the company is available at BonitaBayGroup.com.
Editors: Please note that no further details regarding the agreement in principle are available at this time.
###
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Bonita-Bay/Group/prweb2806004.htm
Bestbelizeblog.com is the ultimate resource for lifestyle, news, travel, real estate and commentary on Belize
Placencia, Belize (PRWEB) September 1, 2009 — Whether a first-timer headed to Belize or a frequent visitor headed back, Bestbelizeblog.com is a new online resource designed to help visitors find the best of the best and get more out of every visit to this Caribbean and Central American jewel.
There are no self-serving entries, just the facts and some unbiased opinions from a group of friends who live in Belize or visit often. Everyone wants "insider information" and now it’s available at Bestbelizeblog.com. It will help visitors get the most out of their time in Belize, whether you’re there for a week or a lifetime, you’ll be in the know and in the now.
This new online forum is dedicated to giving you the hot tips to save you time and money while enjoying the best. Www.Bestbelizeblog.com is dedicated to giving you real-time info and reviews of this beautiful and dynamic country known to give travelers everything paradise has to offer, from 300 private islands with swaying palms and an endless barrier reef and amazing blue waters to mysterious Mayan ruins and Jurassic-like waterfalls.
The site was started by a group of friends that have logged a lot of quality time in Belize and through their varied personal interests have experience throughout this incredible Caribbean country. Regardless of your interests–whether they be scuba diving in Belize, fly-fishing the best flats for bonefish, eco-tourism, the best food and drinks in Belize, buying Belize real estate, hiking the rainforests, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or hiring the best guides…these gurus have seen it, been there, done that.
While no one destination can be all things to all people, BestBelizeBlog.com gives the reader everything from comparisons of restaurants, Belize real estate, beaches and beach bars to how Belize compares to other countries. Want to know how Belize stacks up against Costa Rica on every level from beaches to beach-front properties? Bestbelizeblog.com pulls no punches with background gathered on the ground and real-world information. Filled with compelling first person narrative from writers who are frequent visitors to Belize, BestBelizeblog.com highlights a country that offers new excitement and adventure possibilities seemingly every week.
Recently included:
* Hiking the Mayan Ruins
* Celebrities making Belize their escape
* The best places to buy real estate or retire in Belize
* Belize’s place as the best saltwater fly-fishing in the world
* A guide to restaurants in Placencia
* Comparisons of the best resorts and spa’s in Belize
* Amazing diving in one of the worlds’ top scuba destinations
This blog will help create the best Belize travel experience and for those considering a permanent or a vacation home location, Bestbelizeblog.com is imperative. And if you don’t see it on the blog, just ask and Bestbelizeblog will deliver.
###
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2792134.htm