House Votes to Extend Flood Insurance

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to extend the National Flood Insurance Program through July 31, 2012.  The bill is expected to be signed quickly by President Obama.  This sets the stage for a broader debate over reform this summer.

Thinking about buying or selling real estate in the Greater Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Pineland, Pine Island Center, St James City and Matlacha?  Sellers ~ call "Pine Island Pam" for an appointment and FREE comparative market analysis (CMA).  Buyers ~ call for a FREE Listingbook acount and search the MLS like an agent.  Call (239) 699-6567 or e-mail Pam@PineIslandPam.com.  Check out my website at PineIslandPam.com.



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Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  Let's remember to pause a moment from our barbecue parties and acknowledge the great heroes who have died protecting our country's freedom.  Many thanks go out to veterans and those currently serving in the military. Thanks to their families and friends as well who also make great sacrifices.

Mortgage rates remain low making the American Dream of Homeownership within reach!
  ~ 30 year fixed rate 3.78 %
  ~ 15 year fixed rate 3.04%

Have you been renting your home? With such low interest rates, NOW is the time to become a home OWNER. Contact a mortgage consultant to start the process.  Then it's time to call "Pine Island Pam" to begin shopping for your island home. Check out our Greater Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Pineland, Pine Island Center, St James City and Matlacha. SW Florida, the "Creative Coast" is waiting to be discovered.  Thinking of selling your home?  Call "Pine Island Pam" for a free, in home market analysis.

Contact me at (239) 699-6567 or Pam@PineIslandPam.com.  Visit my website at PineIslandPam.com.




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Market Reaches Turning Point

Check out this article about how the U.S. Housing Market Finally Reaches a Turning Point.

Today's real estate market is a challenge.  Be smart ~ work with a local island girl who knows the business. "Pine Island Pam" delivers good old fashioned customer service along with up to date technology for today's competitive market.  Call (239) 699-6567 or e-mail Pam@PineIslandPam.com.  Check out my website at PineIslandPam.com for more information about our island communities of Bokeelia, Pineland, Pine Island Center, St James City and Matlacha.



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Bento 4: Database Software for Mac Users

If you need more than the basics, but don't want to spend your next commission check, consider Bento ~ it's not just a compartmentalized Japanese meal box anymore!  

Bento is a database software for Mac that organizes all your important information in one place.  Manage contacts, calendars, prioritize tasks, track projects and much more from one spot.  A great feature of this software is ease of use and ability to create personalized layouts.  It does take time to initially design layouts and enter data. However, Bento's drag & drop capability makes it user friendly. For example, a Realtor could search a specific customer file to access a wealth of information such as basic contact information, buyer/seller property details, communication log, property showing list and closing tasks/deadlines.

Other perks of Bento is the ability to access data from an iPhone or iPad by downloading an app to the device.  One drawback is the fact that syncing must be done manually between devices.

Bento does have it's limitations, but it beats using iCal, Address Book and Numbers spreadsheets for database management.  To organize e-mails, they must be manually dragged & dropped into the customer file which can be cumbersome at times. If Realtors need more than Bento has to offer, looking into the more advanced FileMaker Pro 12 software may be a preferred option. It will still be more affordable than many contact management and database programs on the market, some having monthly fees in addition to software purchase.

The cost for Bento4 is $49.99 and can be purchased at http://filemaker.com/products/bento/.

ipad and iPhone apps are $4.99 each and can be purchased at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bento/id314638461?mt=8

If you need more bells and whistles, check out FileMaker Pro 12 which costs $299 at http://www.filemaker.com/?source=ppc

Contact "Pine Island Pam" to begin exploring SW Florida's Creative Coast. Check out the Greater Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Pineland, Pine Island Center, St James City and Matlacha. Isn't it time you start living the island lifestyle? Call me at (239) 699-6567 or e-mail Pam@PineIslandPam.com.  Visit my website at PineIslandPam.com.



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National Flood Insurance Program Expiring AGAIN

Once again the National Flood Insurance Program is expiring.  Check out this article to see how the May 31, 2012 expiration may effect you. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=275202

Thinking about buying or selling real estate in the Greater Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Pineland, Pine Island Center, St James City and Matlacha?  Sellers ~ call "Pine Island Pam" for an appointment and FREE comparative market analysis (CMA).  Buyers ~ call for a FREE Listingbook acount and search the MLS like an agent.  Call (239) 699-6567 or e-mail Pam@PineIslandPam.com.  Check out my website at PineIslandPam.com.



Posted via OnFast - http://www.OnFast.com