Sheraton Mahwah to Complete $8.2M Renovation

MAHWAH, NJ -- The Sheraton Mahwah Hotel, (top right photo) located at the Crossroads Corporate Center, is currently undergoing an $8.2 million renovation.

Scheduled for completion by first quarter 2009, guestrooms and common spaces will feature a fresh new look, in addition to a variety of upgraded amenities to enhance the guests’ comfort and overall experience.

“The renovations complement our impeccable service,” General Manager Kevin Wolford said. “The guest experience is designed to meet the needs of travelers who are in search of comfort and familiarity, offering them spacious accommodations, thoughtful amenities and superior service. When a guest chooses to stay with us, our commitment to service and loyalty will leave a lasting impression.”

Located in Northern Bergen County, Sheraton Mahwah Hotel is just 40 minutes outside of New York City and 40 minutes from Newark International Airport.

Conveniently situated near Interstate 287, Route 17, and the New York State Thruway, the hotel gives guests quick and easy access to the surrounding areas, as well as many large corporations, shopping malls, outlet shopping, golf courses, ski resorts, and fine dining locations.

Visit the hotel on-line: www.sheraton.com/Mahwah.

The Sheraton Mahwah is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the nation’s largest independent hotel management company. For more information about Interstate Hotels & Resorts, visit the company’s Web-site: http://www.ihrco.com/.

Contact:

Will Adamo, Director of Sales & Marketing – Sheraton Mahwah Hotel, (201) 529-1114 / will.adamo@ihrco.com

Edwards Construction Completes 3 Jobs Valued at $7.6M

$1.8M CarQuest Distribution Center Expansion in Ocala, FL Completed

OCALA, FL – Ocala-based Edwards Construction Services, Inc.’s Manufacturing and Distribution division completed the new $1.8 million, 42,000-square-foot CarQuest Distribution Center expansion at 1700 SW 38th Avenue, Ocala, FL.

Designed by MacGregor Associates Architects, Atlanta, the project consisted of sitework, slab-on-grade, relocation of existing tilt-wall panels, erection of new tilt-wall panels, structural steel roof framing, single-ply roofing, interior lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.

$3.8M Iron Mountain Facility in West Palm Beach Finished

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Ocala-based Edwards Construction Services, Inc.’s Manufacturing and Distribution division completed the new $3.8 million, 61,100-square-foot Iron Mountain facility located at 3501 Electronics Way in West Palm Beach, FL.

Iron Mountain globally provides information management, records management and data protection services.

Edwards’ scope of work included erection of a new 50-foot-high, Pre-Engineered Metal Building and installation of metal wall and roof panels, a new fire sprinkler system and a multi-story racking system reaching 49 feet in height. The project was designed by Architectural Alliance, Fort Lauderdale.

$2M Paycheck Fulfillment Center in Orlando Completed

OCALA, FL – Ocala-based Edwards Construction Services, Inc.’s Manufacturing and Distribution division completed the Paychex, Inc. Florida Fulfillment Center’s $2 million, 19,400-square-foot design-build interior build-out in an existing mixed-use dock-high building at 6870 Shadowridge Drive, Orlando, FL. The project was designed by Horton, Harley and Carter, Inc., Tampa, FL.

Contact: Kenneth H. Cristol 407-774-2515

Hunter Hotels Appoints Lee Hunter Chief Operating Officer

ATLANTA, GA—Hunter Hotels, a leading national hotel investment services firm, has appoinedf Lee Hunter, (top right photo) CHB, ISHC, as chief operating officer of the company.

He will oversee day-to-day operations of the company, including development of research, marketing packages and broker opinions of value. In addition, he will remain an active broker with the firm.

“As we’ve grown, we have added significantly greater depth to our team and increasing sophistication to our analysis and marketing efforts,” said Bob Hunter, (middle left photo) CEO of Hunter Hotels.

“We have reached the size and national scope where we need to further enhance the management of the business of hotel brokerage. Lee brings a combination of hands-on hotel real estate experience with exceptional organizational and analytical skills that allows us to stay on the leading edge of the industry.

Having worked for ownership groups, he fully understands the needs and goals of those acquiring, developing and disposing of hotel assets.

Over his 14-years career, Lee has been actively involved in the acquisition, development and disposition of mid-market select service hotels operating under such franchises as Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express just to name a few.

“As we continue to execute our growth strategy, my experience on both the buy and sell side of the equation helps differentiate us firm from our competitors and allow us to provide better service to our clients,” said Lee Hunter, chief operating officer of Hunter Hotels.

Hunter earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration from Presbyterian College and a Masters of Management in Hospitality (MMH) degree from Cornell University, with an emphasis on Hotel Finance and Real Estate. He is a Certified Hotel Broker as well as a member of the prestigious International Society of Hospitality Consultants.

Hunter Hotels, founded in 1978, has offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Hunter’s exclusive focus is in hotel brokerage and hotel-related investment banking.

Properties range from upper upscale to economy with an emphasis on premium-branded and quality independent hotels in the mid-market segment.

For more information or to view current listings, please visit http://www.hunterhotels.net/ or contact us at 770-691-0300 in Atlanta, or 703-246-0035 in Washington, D.C.

Contact: Patrick Daly, media, (703) 435-6293, patrick@dalygray.com

National Retail Properties, Inc. Declares Dividend for Its Series C Preferred Stock

ORLANDO, FL/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of National Retail Properties, Inc. ("Board") (NYSE: NNN), a real estate investment trust, has declared a quarterly dividend on its Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of 46.09375 cents per depositary share payable December 15, 2008 to shareholders of record on November 28, 2008.

The dividend represents an annualized rate of $1.84375 per depositary share.

National Retail Properties invests primarily in high-quality retail properties subject generally to long-term, net leases.

As of September 30, 2008, the company owned 990 Investment Properties in 44 states with a gross leasable area of approximately 11 million square feet. For more information on the company, visit http://www.nnnreit.com/.

Contact: Kevin B. Habicht, (top right photo) Chief Financial Officer of National Retail Properties, Inc., +1-407-265-7348

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Promotes Two Top Executives to Senior Vice President

TAMPA, FL --- Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has appointed Jan Boltres, (top right photo) CCIM, and Michael Scott (top left photo) to senior vice presidents in the firm’s Tampa division.

Jeff Sweeney, (bottom right photo) SIOR, principal and managing partner of Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida in Orlando, said Boltres joined the firm in 2001 and was most recently a vice president in the firm’s Industrial Services Group in Tampa.

Boltres attended Wittenberg University, Ohio State University and Miami University in Ohio, where he earned B.A. degrees in Finance, Management and Business. He has more than 16 years of experience in commercial real estate, Sweeney said.

Scott, who joined Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida in 2000, most recently held the title of vice president in the firm’s Industrial Services Group.

Scott earned B.S. Degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Druny College in Springfield, Mass. and has more than 13 years of experience in commercial real estate.

Contacts:

Jan Boltres, CCIM or Michael Scott; Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida; 813-639-1111

Jeff Sweeney, President; Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida; 407-481-5387

Larry Vershel Communications; 407-644-4142

New Faces and New Posts at Marcus & Millichap

GREGORY LABERGE NAMED REGIONAL MANAGER OF CHICAGO OFFICE

CHICAGO, IL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has named Gregory LaBerge (top right photo) regional manager of the firm’s Chicago office, according to Harvey E. Green, (top left photo) president and chief executive officer.

Most recently, LaBerge served as the sales manager of the firm’s Chicago office.

“Greg and his team of investment specialists have excelled in bringing investment capital from all over the United States to the Chicago market place, which is crucial during a transitional real estate cycle,” comments Green. “His management skills, combined with his knowledge of the local commercial real estate market, make him an ideal selection as the new regional manager of our Chicago office.”

LaBerge joined Marcus & Millichap in October 2005, specializing in multi-family investment transactions. He was a member of the firm’s National Multi Housing Group and was promoted to associate status in January 2007.In 2008, LaBerge was named sales manager of the Chicago office.

LaBerge earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern University. He also received an MBA in finance and strategy from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

T. REED HUDSON NEW ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT INVESTMENTS IN FORT WORTH OFFICE

FORT WORTH, TX — The board of directors of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has named T. Reed Hudson (middle left, under Harvey Green photo) to the position of associate vice president investments.

It represents excellence in client relationships, investment real estate expertise and sales volume, according to Drew Kile, (middle right photo) regional manager in the firm’s Fort Worth office.

Hudson joined Marcus & Millichap in 2004 and specializes in retail investment sales and serves as an associate director of the National Retail Group. During his career at Marcus & Millichap, Hudson has closed more than 50 transactions, which were valued at more than $150 million.

ARTHUR ZUCKERMAN JOINS MANHATTAN OFFICE AS ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT INVESTMENTS

NEW YORK, N.Y.– Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has hired Arthur Zuckerman (middle right photo) as an associate vice president investments in the Manhattan office, according to Edward Jordan, (middle left photo, under Reed Hudson photo) regional manager of the Manhattan office.

“Arthur clearly understands that partnering with Marcus & Millichap creates potential for growing his business in a transitioning market,” explains Jordan. “He joins several other high-profile investment specialists from competing brokerage firms who have made the same decision to join Marcus & Millichap over the past few months.”

As an associate vice president investments, Zuckerman will arrange the sale of a variety of properties, including multi-family, hotels, loft buildings, land development and parking garages.

Zuckerman has a diverse mix of clients, including high net-worth individuals, institutions and pension funds.

He is a trustee of Congregation Rodeph Sholom, a member of the Real Estate Board of New York, president of Beach House Condominium Association and a former director of the Associated Hotel and Motels.

“Marcus & Millichap’s extensive national brokerage platform and its ability to access a nationwide pool of investment capital attracted me to the firm,” says Zuckerman. “In addition, Marcus & Millichap has developed an excellent reputation as a leading investment sales brokerage firm in New York City.

"As a result, the company has captured a significant market share and will continue to be competitive in the high-stakes New York City market.”

Prior to joining Marcus & Millichap, Zuckerman served as vice president at Helmsley Spear Inc., for more than 30 years. Before his real estate sales career, he managed 1,700 apartment and commercial property units for Harry Helmsley and Irving Schneider.

Zuckerman earned a bachelor’s degree from Upsala College.

JOSHUA CARUANA APPOINTED REGIONAL MANAGER OF INDIANAPOLIS OFFICE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN– Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has named Joshua Caruana (middle left photo, under Edward Jordan photo) regional manager of the Indianapolis office, according to Harvey E. Green, president and chief executive officer.

“Joshua has been serving as the sales manager of the Indianapolis office since April 2008,” comments Green. “His experience with all sectors of the investment real estate market and his management skills make him the ideal candidate for the regional manager position.

" Under Josh’s leadership, the Indianapolis office will continue to provide superior transaction and advisory services to our private and institutional clients throughout Indiana and the Midwest.”

Caruana joined the firm under the sales intern program in Ontario in March 2001 and became an agent in June 2002. He was promoted to senior status in June 2005 and earned a Sales Achievement Award the same year. Caruana joined the management team in November 2007 where he first served as sales manager of the Long Beach office.

Caruana graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif.

ALEX IMAN JOINS MARCUS & MILLICHAP CAPITAL CORP. AS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR IN DALLAS OFFICE

DALLAS, TX– Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation (MMMC) has named Alex Inman (bottom right photo) as an associate for the firm’s Dallas office, according to William E. Hughes, senior vice president and managing director of MMCC.

Inman is responsible for originating loans in the company’s Dallas office, where he specializes in structuring debt and equity across all major property types.

Prior to joining MMCC, Inman was a business development officer for Newfund Capital/Prosper Bank in Dallas. Prior to that, Inman served as a commercial loan officer for BMC Capital in Dallas.

At both firms, he focused on originating new business and maintaining client relations while specializing in arranging loans for ground-up construction, multi-family, office, industrial and retail properties nationwide. Inman began his career as an originator for Reliance Mortgage Co. in Dallas.

Inman is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds a bachelor’s degree. He also holds a state of Texas real estate license.

Press Contacts:

Stacey Corso, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, Communications Department, (925) 953-1716

Kathy Molitor, Marcus & Millichap Capital Corp., (925) 953-1704

Beach Street Courtyard Sets Soft Opening on Dec. 5 to Preview Luxury Condominiums, Retail Space in Downtown Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, FL. --- Beach Street Courtyard, (middle left photo) an exclusive luxury condominium community developed by Richard A. Friedman, (top right photo) managing director of Chadwick Real Estate Group, will host a soft opening Dec. 5 on the top floor at 128 S. Beach St. in downtown Daytona Beach to preview 12 luxury condominiums.

Friedman, former developer of Harbour Village Golf & Yacht Club in Ponce Inlet and director of development for The DiMucci Companies, recently formed Chadwick to develop Beach Street Courtyard.

The 46,000 square foot mixed-use condominium development is the first new building on Beach Street in the Daytona Beach Downtown Redevelopment District.

Re/Max All Pro Realty Associate Aswin Suri, (bottom right photo) exclusive sales and marketing representative at Beach Street Courtyard, said two and three-bedroom condominiums on the upper two floors at Beach Street Courtyard offer from 1,304 square feet of living space to 2,135 square feet and are priced from $399,000 to $599,000.

All 12 luxury residential units are ready for immediate move-in. Among the amenities are state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop sundeck with cocktail gazebo and garage parking.

Suri said he is negotiating with upscale retail tenants for 10,000 square feet of space on the ground and mezzanine levels, including a Mediterranean-styled restaurant with inside and bistro courtyard seating.

Suri said Beach Street Courtyard’s soft opening on Dec. 5 is planned in conjunction with the Beach Street Festival in Daytona Beach. A luxury model condominium is set to open later in December, Suri said.

Suri’s Re/Max All Pro Realty team was ranked Number 1 in sales volume for both 2007 and 2008 by the Daytona Beach Area Board of Realtors

For more information, contact:
Aswin Suri, Re/Max All Pro, Exclusive Sales & Marketing Representative, 386-788-2600
Richard A. Friedman, Managing Director, Chadwick Real Estate Group, 970-875-0999

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design 61,000-SF Winn-Dixie Supermarket in Bradenton, FL

ORLANDO, FL --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando, has been awarded a contract to design a new Winn-Dixie Supermarket located at 53rd Ave. East and 9th St. East in Bradenton.


Lonnie Peterson, (top right photo) chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the 61,000 square foot project is already in the design stage.

For more information, contact:

Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, 407-661-9100;


Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, 407-661-9100;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

HFF secures $10M financing for Foxborough, MA multifamily community

BOSTON, MA – The Boston office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) has secured $10 million in financing for Chestnut Green Apartments, (top left photo) a 55-unit multifamily community in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

HFF director Janet Krolman (top right photo) worked exclusively on behalf of Abrams Properties and VinCo Properties in arranging the loan through Wells Fargo Middle Market Real Estate.

The financing was structured as a $7.62 million construction loan and a $2.4 million historic tax credit bridge loan to fund the acquisition and development costs of the property.

Chestnut Green Apartments is located along Chestnut Street in Foxborough and is part of the historic mixed-use redevelopment of the former Foxborough State Hospital campus that will include residential, office, recreation and retail uses.

The property is within close proximity to Interstate Route 95, Gillette Stadium and the Mansfield MBTA Commuter Rail providing service to Boston, 24 miles north.

Upon completion in 2009, Chestnut Green Apartments will have one- and two-bedroom units averaging 1,102 square feet each with 14 of the 55 units designated as affordable units.

Community amenities will include a fitness center, community room, recreational fields, walking trails and on-site storage.

Abrams Properties is a real estate investment and development company focused on the adaptive re-use of historic structures into vibrant residential and commercial communities.

VinCo Properties is a Boston-based real estate development company, which targets the acquisition of undervalued real estate assets and undeveloped land. Since 2001, VinCo Properties has acquired more than 2.5 million square feet of office, medical, biotech, manufacturing, industrial, retail and residential real estate.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $622 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only two banks worldwide, to have the highest possible credit rating from both Moody’s Investors Service, “AAA” and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, “AAA”.

CONTACTS:

Janet N. Krolman, HFF Director, 617 338 0990, jkrolman@hfflp.com

Laurie Fish McDowell, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, 617 338 0990, jmcdowell@hfflp.com

SchenkelShultz Receives Awards on 5 New Projects

SchenkelShultz Architecture, West Palm Beach designs St. Lucie County Public Schools' newly-completed $74M, 344,331-SF Fort Pierce Central High School

FORT PIERCE, FL – SchenkelShultz Architecture, West Palm Beach, one of Florida’s leading green design firms, designed St. Lucie County Public Schools’ newly-completed $74 million, 344,331-square-foot Fort Pierce Central High School (top right photo) in Fort Pierce, FL.

The replacement high school is designed to accommodate 2,500 students. James A. Cummings, Inc. served as construction manager. The West Palm Beach office of SchenkelShultz is located at 1300 N. Congress Avenue, phone 561-697-3451.

SchenkelShultz Architecture, Orlando designs three projects to achieve LEED certification at Stetson University in DeLand, FL

ORLANDO, FL – SchenkelShultz Architecture, Orlando has designed three projects to achieve LEED® certification at Stetson University in DeLand, FL.

Included are: the $1.6 million, 5,500-square-foot Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center; the $1.55 million, 8,000-square-foot Mary B. McMahan Hall; and the $507,000, 1,850-square-foot Rinker Environmental Learning Center which is designed to achieve LEED® Gold certification. All three projects are currently under construction and slated for completion in April 2009.

SchenkelShultz has designed more than 3.8 million square feet of higher education projects nationwide including the award-winning six-story Stetson University Lynn Business Center, the first LEED®-certified building in the state of Florida.

SchenkelShultz Architecture, Fort Myers and Naples, receives prestigious "2008 AIA Unbuilt Honor Award" from American Institute of Architects' Southwest Florida Chapter

NAPLES, FL – SchenkelShultz Architecture, with offices in Fort Myers and Naples, received the prestigious “2008 AIA Unbuilt Honor Award” from the American Institute of Architects’ Southwest Florida Chapter for its design of Edison State College’s new $3.4 million, 10,000-square-foot Early Childhood Development Center at the Collier County Campus in Naples, FL. (bottom left photo)

Designed to be the college’s first LEED®-certified facility, the center will serve over 100 children ranging from infancy through four years of age. The Naples office is located at 2640 Golden Gate Parkway, Suite 306, phone 239-434-2400.

Contact: Kenneth H. Cristol, 407-774-2515

Marcus & Millichap Capital Corp. Arranges $3M Loan for Seattle Apartment Building

SEATTLE, WA--Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation (MMCC) has arranged a $3 million fixed-rate loan to refinance a 50-unit apartment building located at 1729-12th Ave., Seattle.

Glenn Gioseffi, a director in the firm’s Seattle office, arranged the financing package for the Roosevelt Apartments.

“The property had multiple challenges with construction, zoning and usage issues,” says Gioseffi. “MMCC was able to remedy the issues and secure a lender that we have an established relationship that finances properties with similar challenges.”

Financing for the Roosevelt Apartments was provided by an insurance company at a 5.85 percent fixed rate for the first five years, then a five-year rollover to 280 basis points over the five-year Treasury. Terms of the loan are for five years with a 30-year amortization schedule. Loan-to-value was 40 percent.

Press Contact: Kathy Molitor. Marcus & Millichap Capital Corp., (925) 953-1704

Thomas D. Wood Brokers $2.4M Loan for Palm Bay Studios in Miami

MIAMI, FL— Thomas D. Wood and Company, a Strategic Alliance Mortgage LLC member, secured financing in the amount of $2,400,000 for Palm Bay Studios (site map, top right) in Miami, Florida.

Stephen Wechsler, (bottom left photo) Company Vice President, financed the loan through Thomas D. Wood and Company’s relationship with a community banking institution at a permanent fixed-rate of 6.25%.

The loan term is five years, based on a 25-year amortization, and a loan-to-value of 35%. The 92,200 square-foot industrial building was built in 1946 and is located at 395 NE 59th Street, Miami, Florida.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Wechsler, (305) 447-7874, swechsler@tdwood.com

Jessica Gurtowski, (407) 937-0470, jgurtowski@tdwood.com

Real Estate Misconceptions Debunked

LAS VEGAS, NV--Buying and selling residential real estate can be complex and confusing, particularly amid a process rife with misconception, says Robert Jenson, (top right photo) CEO of The Jenson Group at RE/MAX CENTRAL.

He offers John Q. Public some “truths” to dispel some common real estate “myths”:

MYTH: All REALTORs are created equal

TRUTH: Real estate agents vary widely in terms of experience, skill, ingenuity, accessibility and ability to produce results quickly and smoothly, among other key factors. Interview at least 3 agents, and come prepared with a list of questions you plan to ask. What is their track record? How do they market listings?

Do they have a team to help show your home or does the responsibility fall on one particular agent? Due diligence is key to finding a representative prepared to work hard and who will be available to answer your questions along the way.

MYTH: Home inspections should wait until an offer has been presented

TRUTH: Even before listing a home, sellers should hire professionals to inspect the property including the roof, pool, and other structural elements, as well as for termites and other important buyer considerations.

Make ALL repairs before you list the house on the market. Today’s buyer is discriminating and has many choices - don’t give them a reason to have concerns. A complete list of the completed inspections and repairs should be made available to serious buyers, which will go a long way in expediting the process at large.

MYTH: All negotiations start with a buyer submitting an offer

TRUTH: Sellers do have ways to kick start a negotiation, such as a “Reverse Offer.” Consider that one buyer who has been back for a second or possible 3rd look, but hasn’t pulled the trigger. Make them an offer! Yes you, as the seller, should put something in writing and submit it to the buyer’s agent. This will create an opportunity for the buyer’s agent to sit down with his or her client and potentially help close the deal.

MYTH: Only home sellers - not buyers - need a real estate agent

TRUTH: Purchasing a home could be the most important and complex financial transaction you engage in, and going it alone is risky. Indeed, a buyer’s agent can save you time, hassle and thousands of dollars. Take time and care when selecting a real estate buyer’s agent - find someone you can trust, and that you have a good rapport with.

MYTH: Buyers should wait to secure loan approval until they’ve found a home they want to buy

TRUTH: Many buyers want to find the “perfect” home before having their credit pulled, which can backfire when an offer is on the table and time is of the essence. It’s wise to get pre-approved for a loan even before you view your first home.

Your credit report may contain inaccurate information that you were not aware of, which can be a time consuming process to rectify. Or, you might not like what loan program you qualify for, or you might qualify for a higher loan value than you thought. Ultimately, you will need a pre-approval letter with your offer, so do yourself a favor and do this in advance. It’s free, after all.

MYTH: There is no real benefit to “shopping” for a mortgage among multiple lenders

TRUTH: A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600. Be a smart consumer and comparison shop for the most favorable mortgage rates and terms.

MYTH: All real estate agents charge the same commission percentage

TRUTH: Not all agents – and agent packages - are created equal. From full service agents to discount agencies, make sure you know the type of professional you are hiring and what EXACTLY they are going to do to sell your home.

An agent that can professionally market your home above and beyond the MLS listing will increase your exposure within the marketplace, which will lead to a higher selling price and less days on the market.

Will your agent incur costs to give your home that visibility? Find out, so that you may take everything into consideration when establishing the commission percent. Despite what an agent might say otherwise, commissions are always 100% negotiable.

CONTACTS:

Merilee Kern, mkern@kerncommunications.com

Anne Goldberg, agoldberg@kerncommunications.com, PH 858-577-0206

http://www.thejensongroup.com/

www.kerncommunications.com/JensonKit.zip.