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MilitaryByOwner Advertising. Inc.
Newsletter
March 2010
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Letter from the Editor
It is that time of year again, where as we emerge from the depths of winter, set our clocks forward and think about filing our taxes, we also realize that this means that the busy moving season is quickly approaching.
We know what a hectic time this can be for our military families and we would love to assist you with your advertising needs or with your search for the perfect home.
While many of you may be renting your homes for the first time and examining the strategy of how to handle being a landlord, we have a great article from USAA regarding Home Warranty programs. Having had personal experience with a less than scrupulous home warranty company, I can offer this advice first hand. Take the time to research the company you are interested in online and with the Better Business Bureau, as it will tell you everything you should know about whether or not this is the company for you.
April 15th is just around the corner and once again, Military OneSource.com is offering free online tax filing to our military families. Take a look at our Military Life segment for specifics on how to take advantage of this great benefit.
Each month we try to provide interesting and informative articles for our subscribers that will give you insight into the real estate market as well as general military life. We love to hear feedback, so if there is ever a subject that you would like to see us cover, please do not hesitate to contact me.
One quick reminder to those customers who placed their had a couple of months ago in anticipation of the time that is now upon us. This may be a good time to take a look at your ad and make sure that it reflects accurate availability dates as well as timely photos. Nothing looks more beautiful than a home with all the trees and flowers in bloom!
With over 85% of our staff being military spouses, retired military or military dependents, we have the knowledge and experience that comes with frequent relocation. So as the busy PCS season approaches, please feel free to contact our friendly staff that is on the other end of both our inbox and our live chat. We are happy to be of assistance!
Monica Schaefer
Editor
MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc.
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Real Estate Corner
 From Rescue to Recovery
Posted on Feb 18, 2010 |
Category: Industry Insights
Thanks to government support, U.S. housing began stabilizing last
year. Once the stimulus stops, what's needed for a sustained recovery?
 The housing bubble was a major culprit in causing the financial crisis and the Great Recession. So a recovery in this important economic sector has a critical role in the economy's future.
The Good News
There are a number of ways to measure the health of the housing
market. One is the National Association of Realtors Pending Sales
Index, which rose 1% in December and was up 10.9% over December 2008.
Pending sales is a critical leading indicator of actual closed sales.
In 2009, existing home sales totaled 5.16 million, 4.9% higher than
in 2008. This represented the first annual sales gain since 2005,
according to the NAR.
In its review of 2009, the widely followed S&P/Case-Shiller Home
Price Indices states: "The year was particularly notable for the sign
of a potential turnaround in the housing market for the first time in
three years. Home sales, housing starts and home price appreciation all
hit, or were close to, record lows at the beginning of 2009, but all
three indicators started to show some modest signs of recovery as we
entered the summer. Inventories of unsold homes, as measured in both
units and months' supply, have moderated since peaking in 2008."
Nonetheless, "every one of the 20 metro areas we follow in the
S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices is still declining on an annual
basis."
Median home sale prices fell from $196,600 in 2008 to $173,200 in
2009, according to the NAR, but the silver lining is increasing
affordability. "Buyers showed up because prices went down."
The So-So News
A myriad of government-support programs has supported the modest signs of recovery. These include:
- An initial $8,000 federal tax credit, payable at closing, for
first-time homebuyers, was extended through April 1, 2010, with closing
to take place before July 1, 2010. On top of this, current homeowners
looking for a replacement primary residence can apply for a $6,500 tax
credit.
- In addition to keeping short-term interest rates near zero, the Fed
has held down mortgage interest rates through its quantitative easing
program, through which it planned to buy $1.25 trillion of
mortgage-backed securities for its own balance sheet. This program was
scheduled to end in December 2009, but in September the Fed extended it
through the end of March 2010. Without the Fed's intervention, mortgage
rates could go higher, depending on how much the private
mortgage-backed securities market is willing to pick up the slack. It
is still unclear whether the Fed will extend quantitative easing beyond
the current March deadline.
According to Didi Weinblatt, manager of the USAA GNMA Fund and
the USAA Income Fund, "The Fed has basically been purchasing the lion's
share of new mortgage-backed securities. These quantitative efforts
have resulted in an unsustainable run-up in the Fed's balance sheet and
the U.S. government's deficit. Eventually the government has to remove
all the stimulus programs, which means the private market has to take
over."
The Not So Good News
Like all the government's efforts since September 2008, the goal is
to support the economy and markets until a self-sustaining recovery can
take hold. Recent data on gross domestic product growth, manufacturing,
wages and productivity give some reason for optimism. The stock market
has staged a strong recovery, and credit markets are functioning once
again, albeit with still-significant government support.
According to Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist, "It's
significant that home sales remain above year-ago levels, but the
market is going through a period of swings driven by the tax credit.
We'll likely have another surge in the spring as homebuyers take
advantage of the extended and expanded tax credit," he says. "By early
summer the overall market should benefit from more balanced inventory,
and sales are on track to rise again in 2010. However, the job market
remains a concern and could dampen the housing recovery. Job creation
is key to a continued recovery in the second half of the year."
While the home market is moving in the right direction, with
caveats, there is a potentially destructive fly in the ointment:
strategic default. Strategic default involves homeowners who can afford
their housing expenses, yet are so underwater on their mortgages that
they'd rather walk away. They choose to rent, significantly lowering
their monthly housing payment in the process. They're willing to take a
hit on their credit scores and in many cases don't feel that the
traditional American stigma toward foreclosure matters that much in the
wake of the housing meltdown.
According to The Wall Street Journal, analysts at Deutsche
Bank Securities expect 21 million American households to end up owing
more on their mortgages than their houses are worth by the end of 2010.
Should strategic defaults rise at a time when foreclosures are
already projected to hit a record 2.4 million in 2010, we could have
another leg down in this long, painful housing bust.
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USAA Corner
Making the Most
of Home Warranties
When you buy a home, it may come
with a warranty that helps cover the cost of repairs for a period of time after
you've purchased it. Here's what you need to know to make the most of the
protection it provides.
New Home Warranties
If you're buying a newly constructed home, your builder will likely provide a warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The duration of this coverage varies, but it's
usually at least a year.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, read your entire warranty before closing on the home. Make sure you understand the various conditions and exclusions. New home warranties generally don't cover appliances, electronics and similar fixtures installed in the home, because those products are usually covered by manufacturer's warranties. Make sure you
receive the owner's manuals and warranty information that comes with each of
them.
Warranties on Pre-Owned Homes
Sellers of existing homes often purchase warranties to heighten the appeal of their property to buyers. At the end of their terms, these warranties can typically be extended at the
homeowners' expense, often for $250 to $600 per year.
Any warranty is only as good as its terms. Study them carefully. You may find some limitations that can reduce the initial appeal. For example, plumbing problems beyond the home's foundation may be excluded, which means many of the most frequent and destructive headaches will be your responsibility.
When you call for service, the warranty provider typically dispatches a local service company of its choosing to remedy the situation. Since they want to spend as little as necessary, be
prepared for warranty providers to favor less expensive repairs over complete
replacement. And have your checkbook handy - even when the repair is covered,
warranties typically require homeowners to pay a service fee for each repair -
perhaps $25 to $75.
Getting What's Due
As with any type of insurance, the level of claims service associated with home warranties varies from company to company. If you need service, be prepared to overcome obstacles. If the warranty company tells you your claim isn't covered, ask them to cite a
specific passage in the warranty document.
Carefully note when your warranty expires. A few weeks before it does, give your home a thorough basement-to-roof review to see if there are any covered problems that can still be fixed at the warranty company's expense.
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MBO's Top 20 Hottest Bases
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When was the last time you sent an
unexpected card at an unexpected time to someone you care
about?
Do you think it would
make a difference?
Do you remember people's birthdays and other special
occasions?
Do you think that matters to
them?
How about a simple
thank you or expression of appreciation. Do you think that would make a
difference?
With this
incredible tool, not only can you remember people and share appreciation, you
can motivate, uplift, encourage and truly make a difference. Here is the
interesting thing, the more you do this, the more you realize that you, the
sender of these cards, benefit the most.
We are changing people's lives
for good one simple card at a time.
A concept and service that is changing
people's lives.
You can send a printed greeting card with your message in
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SendOutCards prints it, stuffs it and mails it, all for less than a greeting card at the
store.
SendOutCards is also a great tool for
businesses to keep in touch with their customers and referral clients.
We at MilitaryByOwner would like to share SendOutCards with you.
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Walt Disney World's Armed Forces Salute 2010
From January 3, 2010 to July 31, 2010, Active and Retired U.S.
Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of the
National Guard or Reservists, may purchase 4-Day Walt Disney World Armed Forces
Salute Tickets for themselves and up to five (5) family members and/or friends
for $99.
The base ticket is valid for four days of admission into one of the
four Walt Disney World theme parks. The Park Hopper option allows guests to
visit more than one park each day. The Water Park and More option gives guests a
total of four visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor
Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.
During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel
may make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 4-Day companion tickets
(one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, for family members (including
spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not
include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket
can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, per
option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be activated by
September 26, 2010. Block out dates 3/27- 4/9/2010 All
locations. 7/3-4/2010 Magic Kingdom only. Tickets available for purchase at
Shades of Green beginning January 3, 2010. Tickets expire
September 30, 2010.
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Military Life
Military OneSource Offers
Free Tax Filing
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2010 - Defense officials encourage military families to
once again take advantage of the free electronic tax filing services offered
through Military OneSource.
People can access the H&R Block at Home
program by going to Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com/ and
clicking on "Tax Filing Services."
More than 200,000 servicemembers filed their tax returns through this resource
last year, officials said.
"We have such a mobile force, and you have folks dispersed all over the world.
It's a quick link for the family to link up with the [servicemember]," said
Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and
family policy. "It's a convenience for you to be able to go on that site and
file that tax form."
The program is open to active duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers,
regardless of activation status, as well as spouses, dependent children and
family members standing in for a deployed servicemember.
Participants can e-file up to three state resident returns for each federal
return, Thomas said. However, he added, they should ensure they're filing
through Military OneSource. People who file through H&R Block directly may
be charged for services, he cautioned.
The program is set up for basic returns. People who wish to upgrade to the
premium program also may incur charges.
For tax assistance, filers can call a Military OneSource tax consultant from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, seven-days-a- week, at 800-730-3802.
"That's a tremendous service," Thomas said. "We feel it's important to give our
military families the absolute best."
Along with the consultants, people with complicated tax returns can visit a
legal assistance office on a military installation for more in-depth advice, he
said.
Whether online or on base, people should file early, Thomas advised.
"Don't run up against the 15 April deadline," he said. "And when you get the
return, look at it as the means to secure your family's finances," whether its
paying off debts, adding to a savings account or contributing to a Thrift
Savings Plan.
Biographies:
Tommy T. Thomas
Related Sites:
Military
OneSource Tax Filing Services
Office
of Military Community and Family Policy
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Military Life II
By Monica Schaefer
MOS, PCS, TLS, P4 (insert your branch's acronyms here) and so on and so on! Ah, military life! For most of us, we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world and it is
almost impossible to explain our lifestyle to our civilian friends. We have all
heard the questions... how do you move so often? How do you live in places
without malls and Whole Foods? Living on base? What is that like? Deployed
spouses, single parenting and moving kids frequently?
Ok, now it is making my head spin too! As many military families are receiving orders and
getting ready to PCS (move), it struck me that this can be one of the most
stressful times for military families. Mine included!
However, as my husband and I spent the weekend pouring over the details of our life and
coming up with a plan for the next several years, it struck me that maybe this
is something that all families, military or civilian should do every once in a
while.
Taking stock of all aspects of your life can be eye opening at the very least. For our
family, we needed to look at what choices are best of our children, where are
we going with both of our careers, our financial health, and a plan for the
next several years of our life. Daily life is hectic and rarely allows for time
to sit down and think about the choices we make now and how they will affect
our life on down the road.
So as we made our list of things that we need to do before we move this summer, I tried
hard to look at it as cathartic and not overwhelming. Easier said than done, of
course!
At least I know that at the end of this exercise of deciding whether or not to rent or
sell our current home, move into our existing home at our next duty station or
something closer to the city, what to anticipate for follow on orders and how
to help our kids make a transition into a school district that is far ahead of
the one they are currently in, that we have covered all aspects of how this
move will impact our family. Or at least those that we can anticipate!
Having the big decisions thoroughly examined will allow me to tackle the more mundane
tasks of moving. You know, the things like putting in requests for medical,
dental and school records, cleaning out closets, having a garage sale,
shampooing carpets and planning our trip across the country.
Of course, one of the most important things on our list is to take advantage of all of the
opportunities that are afforded to us at our current duty station. It is time
to take those trips we have talked about since we moved here and to make sure
that we spend as much quality time with the friends and family that we are
moving away from!
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Featured Advertiser
MOM AND DAD SERVE - SO DO THEIR CHILDREN
The mental and physical challenges our children and the "parent left behind" have
to deal with is our concern.
Study after study proves that children of deployed parents show symptoms of high
levels of stress, anxiety and disconnect from parents and their
surroundings. In our changing world we
are constantly being forced to learn how to deal with our daily actions and our
stressful environment. The symptoms of a child of deployed parents have feelings similar to those of a divorced family or a deceased parent. These feelings are
not limited to just the children but also to the parents involved.
We are currently experiencing a war that has lasted almost 9 years. Our country allows our parents to be called to active duty thereby serving our country and trying to provide our children with good parenting. There is that constant concern for both children and spouses of whether a loved one will be deployed; will their loved one return safe; when will they see them again; how will they and the parent left behind cope with the everyday changes. We are aware that this new type of parenting can be extended to grandparents and caretakers of our deployed military. We all know that this is a difficult task, if
not impossible.
We have to focus on new and additional methods to help our children and single parents adjust to the their new lifestyle. Preparing a child emotionally prior to deployment can help both the child and the parents. Allowing a child to "care" for you by involving them in the packing process; educating them in what country you will be in; showing them how you will communicate with them; possibly packing little messages or artwork; or special items to find periodically. This will enforce a bonding between a child and deployed parent. We must not forget the parent who is left behind that takes on the burden of being both Mom and
Dad. Re-arranging and re-thinking our priorities is needed to provide the necessary support to both.
My services focus on both mental and physical well being for children of all ages. The one thing that children and adults miss is the feeling of safety, comfort and loving surroundings.
I have developed programs for parents to connect and bond with their children through methods of relaxation, relief, interaction, stimulation and growth development. Attention is focused on communication, self-esteem, reassurance and bonding with their surroundings.
The methods I offer can be in group sessions or individual sessions.
FIMASE is the first to present massage programs for
children and parents:
Parent and Child Massage Program -introduce parents/caregivers with children playful ways of massage techniques to improve child's body posture, sleep, ease
digestive problems and other health related issues. Classes are divided in 5
different age groups. During the program, the instructor utilizes games, songs,
parent(s) and children in order to accomplish these techniques.
Preventive & Nurturing Program -facilitates
reduction in physical and mental tension from daily schoolwork, sport
activities, computer tasks, text messaging or playing electronic games,
especially for school and adolescent age.
Children Therapeutic Massage Program- assists
families who have children with special needs, such as Diabetes, ADHD, Cancer,
HIV, Autism.
FIMASE is recognized by National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and
 Bodywork as an official NCBTMB Center of Excellence. FIMASE achieved this distinction
by promoting the highest professional standards in massage therapy, which were
developed to ensure that the integrity and safety of all clients are protected.
FIMASE started in Hawaii in 2006.
The owner Zorka Pinkas was born in Czech Republic where she graduated with a Nursing Degree with honors and extended specialization as Pediatric Nurse. From  1989 she lived and
worked in New York City. During 2001 she traveled and acquired experience and training in different massage techniques in Australia, China, Tibet, Nepal, Burma. In 2003, she moved to Hawaii where she obtained State and National Certificates
for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Certified Pediatric Certified Infant
Massage Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Instructor.
Zorka is also certified to provide massages such as: Swedish, Sport, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Lomi-Lomi, Anma, Chair, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hot Stone, and Pediatric Massage.
Visit website for detailed information at www.fimase.com or call:(808) 285-9547.
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Featured Advertiser II
Are You REALLY Ready For The Summer Move Surge?
MilitaryCarLot.com ... Helping the military community
buy and sell their vehicles
By Randy Hildebrandt
The summer PCS season brings a whole lot of change
to our households, that's for sure! Need to get rid of that camper?
Need to send your son or daughter off to college with their own wheels?
Need to buy a trailer for a DITY move? You will want to check this
out ... you've got your very own online car lot at your fingertips. And a
teenager made it happen!
The "lemon lot", as it is so famously referred, is
now online. You can see hundreds of used cars, trucks, motorcycles,
boats, trailers, campers, RVs, and ATVs at a single web site that is
attractive, well-populated, and visited by thousands of military members all
over the world every month. Launched on Veteran's Day in 2007, LemonLot.com has made a gallant entry onto the
internet stage. This online military car lot has exceeded all
expectations ... even for its founder. It is rated consistently in the Top
10 of the "best military sites on the internet" at the Best Military Sites web
site and is visited by thousands of viewers every month. Now, in just a
little more than two years, the site has been viewed by over 120,000 visitors
from 159 countries. More than 2,000 vehicles have been listed and the
site has a following of over 3,000 account holders.
But this story goes beyond buying and selling used
cars. A key member of the development team is Tyler Hildebrandt. Tyler is a
third-generation ROTC cadet at the University of Michigan
studying Mechanical Engineering. Tyler teamed
together with his father, a 22-year Air Force veteran to launch this
revolutionary web site. "It just makes sense", Tyler said as
he brainstormed the idea to give the military families their own "auto trader".
Tyler has
been working many hours every week to make this a reality since that day in
2007 when he decided to go headlong into this adventure. At that point,
he had no idea how to create a site, how to own a web site name, or how to get
the word out. Now, as our Technical Director in this fast-paced internet
technology world, Tyler has established a web site development capability,
figured out how to make the site visible to internet searchers, and keeps his
development team in tune with technological developments and possibilities to
move the site to newer heights every day.
And just a few months ago on Veteran's Day in 2009,
he released the newest version of LemonLot.com
as MilitaryCarLot.com as a
strategic move to help open their military presence to global business sponsors
-- sponsor helps keep this service free for the military community.
We all love our base car lots and look forward to
strolling through the lot on a nice summer day to see the latest collection of
vehicles our military families have picked up all over the world. But now
with MilitaryCarLot.com, you don't have
to go on base, you don't have to leave your car, you don't have to get a pass, and
you don't have to pay a fee. This is a nice option for our fast-paced
lifestyles and increased ops tempo.
All the best with your moves!
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Featured Home
For Rent By OwnerRent: $3,000.00/month Kailua, HI - Aulima Loop2 Bed, 2 Bath (Single Family)  Description:SPACIOUS, COMFORTABLE, QUIET, SAFE FAMILY HOME!! THE PERFECT HOUSE if you are
coming here on TAD/TDY ... or waiting for on-base housing or to move into your
own home. Available as a short-term rental when owners are traveling. Available
20 March to mid August 2010. FULLY FURNISHED AND DECORATED house in quiet
neighborhood --all the comforts of "home", ready for immediate living. One mile
from world-famous Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. ALL COSTS INCLUDED: utilities,
yard care, pool maintenance and house cleaner. 2BR (1 King, 1 Queen), 2BA, LR,
DR, full kitchen, big screen HD cable TV, wifi internet, enclosed lanai/dining
area with french doors and retractable screens opening onto fully-fenced yard,
1100 sq ft stone patio with eating, sitting and BBQ areas, wood deck surrounds
Endless pool used to relax, play or exercise, all surrounded by the privacy of
Hawaiian tropical gardens with waterfall. 10 minutes to Kaneohe Marine Corps
Base. 20-25 minutes to Pearl Harbor, HQ USPACOM, Ft Shafter, and Tripler
Hospital --easier and faster than from Honolulu. MilitaryByOwner
Rent: $3,000.00/month MBO105908
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Testimonial
We were pleasantly surprised that we found the perfect tenant within 24 hours of posting the ad! I cannot say how pleased we are with your site - it was well worth the money, and I would recommend it highly. Thank you for your service!
It is now leased and we have also received many inquiries since then, requesting to be contacted if somehow it fell through. Thanks again! G.W.
Lackland AFB, TX
2/10
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