Ann Arbor Real Estate Missy Caulk’s Posterous Blog

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Important Information Regarding Acceptance of Counter Offer Terms

Posted on: July 8, 2010

Mortgage Servicing
Important Information Regarding Acceptance of Counter Offer Terms

     

To: Agents initiating a Bank of America Short Sale

From: Bank of America Short Sale Communications

Realtors have told us the better they understand the counter offer process, the more successful they are in closing short sales. 

The following facts related to the counter offer process are critical to closing short sales in Equator.

Fact #1: Your acceptance of the counter offer terms does not mean the transaction is approved
Acceptance of the counter offer means that Bank of America will take the next step of presenting the transaction for approval to the investor.  In some short sales, multiple approvals may be necessary from others including the second lien holder, mortgage insurer and Bank of America senior management.

Fact #2: The terms of the accepted counter offer may be approved, declined or changed
Any of the parties reviewing the transaction can change the terms of the transaction, approve or decline it.

Fact #3: The counter offer may have an expiration date
Please reply to the counter offer before the expiration date.  If you don't reply by the expiration date the transaction will be rejected and you must restart the process by initiating the short sale and resubmitting documents.

Fact #4: The counter offer must be accepted via the offers management tool in Equator
To accept the counter offer, go to the "Workflow" section of Equator and select the "Offers Needs Response" link.  Select "Counter Offer" and press the "Accept" button in the Counter Offer screen.  You cannot accept a counter offer via an Equator email to your negotiator.

By understanding these key facts, you will be in a position to better help the homeowner complete a successful short sale transaction.  For other questions you have about the short sale process and Equator, refer to our informational guide at the following link: http://bankofamerica.reo.com/shortsaletraining


     

Bank of America N.A. Member FDIC © 2010 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

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The Bottle Cap Tripod at The Photojojo Store

Posted on: July 3, 2010

via photojojo.com

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11 Tips for Sparkling Fireworks Photos | Photojojo

Posted on: July 3, 2010

via content.photojojo.com

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The Power of Pulling Together...

Posted on: July 1, 2010

I needed this this week, as my daughters wedding is a week away. My team has been great and going over board to help. 

The Power of Pulling Together

Dear Missy,

Peter Drucker, the legendary management consultant and author says this about teamwork:
"The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say "I." And that's not because they have trained themselves not to say "I." They don't think "I." They think "we;" they think "team."  They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but "we" gets the credit...This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done."

The bottom line is that it's easy for any organization to say..."we value teamwork." However, saying it versus 

committing to the principles to grow it can be two different things. And that's what Pulling Together is all about! Author John Murphy presents the ten rules for high performance teams in a way that every person in your organization can understand. John is a highly recognized author (7 books), speaker and management consultant who has helped some of the world's leading organizations create environments that value and reward teamwork.

Today, I'd like to share on excerpt from Pulling Together called: Lessons from Geese.  Enjoy!

Excerpt from 
Pulling Together...10 Rules for High Performance Teams, 
by John Murphy

Consistent application of the 10 rules of high performance teamwork ultimately generates trust, respect, unity and power within any team. Conversely, consistent violation of any one rule destroys this bond. While the author of the following is unknown, "Lessons From the Geese" is a powerful illustration from nature of the rules of high performance teamwork. As you read about the natural unity that exists among this species remember - this same unity can exist in your organization!

As geese flap their wings, they create an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if any bird were to fly alone. 
If we share a common direction and a sense of community, we can get where we are going more quickly and easily because we are traveling on the thrust of one another!

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. 
If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go, and we will be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the point position.
If we take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership as with the geese, we become interdependent with one another.
The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. If we "honk," we need to make sure it is positive and encouraging.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own, with another formation or catch up with the flock. 
If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong. Let us all try to fly in formation and remember to drop back to help those who might need it!

BEHOLD THE POWER OF TEAMWORK

The greatest accomplishments in life are not achieved by individuals alone, but by proactive people pulling together for a common good. Look behind every winner and you will find a great coach. Look out in front of every superstar and you will see a positive role model. Look alongside every great achiever and you will find caring people offering encouragement, support and able assistance.

Rising to this level of interdependent thinking can be challenging and difficult. Looking beyond oneself, asking for help or accepting help can feel risky. But people are not given life to simply take from one another. We are here to give. Our mission in life is to offer our gifts to benefit one another, to create mutual gain in the world. This is called teamwork, a win/win mindset stemming from a genuine commitment to the rules that allow it to happen.

Pulling Together captures the essence of teamwork better than any book I've read. It takes what can be a complex topic and presents the ten rules in a way that anyone can understand. If you have each member of your team read it, and then discuss how each rule applies to your organization, your chances of "pulling together" will be greatly improved!

Follow Simple Truths via your favorite social network sites!

NOTE: If you received this email from a friend and want to join our list please click here.

MAC ANDERSON is the founder of Simple Truths and Successories, Inc., the leader in designing and marketing products for motivation and recognition. These companies, however, are not the first success stories for Mac. He was also the founder and CEO of McCord Travel, the largest travel company in the Midwest, and part owner/VP of sales and marketing for Orval Kent Food Company, the country's largest manufacturer of prepared salads.

His accomplishments in these three unrelated industries provide some insight into his passion and leadership skills. He also brings the same passion to his speaking where he speaks to many corporate audiences on a variety of topics, including leadership, motivation and team building.

Mac has authored or co-authored twelve books, which have sold more than 3 million copies. They include: 212°...The Extra Degree, Change is Good...You Go First, You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School, The Power of Attitude, The Essence of Leadership, The Nature of Success, The Dash, Charging the Human Battery, Finding Joy, Customer Love, Motivational Quotes and Learning to Dance in the Rain.  

For more information about Mac, visit www.simpletruths.com.




               
Click here to download:
The_Power_of_Pulling_Together..zip (32 KB)

       
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Seth's Blog : The sugar cane machine

Posted on: June 30, 2010

The sugar cane machine

A small island grows sugar cane. Many people harvest it, and one guy owns the machine that can process the cane and turn it into juice.

Who wins?

The guy with the machine, of course. It gives him leverage, and since he's the only one, he can pay the pickers whatever he likes--people will either sell it to him or stop picking. No fun being the cane picker. He can also charge whatever he likes to the people who need the cane juice, because without him, there's no juice. No fun being a baker or cook.

But now, a second machine comes to the island, and then three more. There are five processors.

Who wins?

Certainly not the guy with the first machine. He has competitors for the cane. He can optimize and work on efficiency, but pretty soon he's going to be in a price war for his raw materials (and a price war for the finished product.) Not so much fun to be the factory owner.

And then! And then one cane processor starts creating a series of collectible containers, starts interacting with his customers and providing them with custom blends, starts offering long-term contracts and benefits to his biggest customers, and yes, even begins to pay his growers more if they're willing to bring him particularly sweet and organic materials, on time. In short, he becomes a master of the art of processing and marketing cane. He earns permission, he treats different customers differently and he refuses to act like a faceless factory...

Who are you?

• 
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First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Closing Extension To Be Voted on By House Tomorrow (6/30/10)

Posted on: June 29, 2010

Stephen A. Marrs
Vice President of Sales 
Gold Star Financial Group
3879 Packard Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Direct Toll Free (866) 249-2192
Direct Office (734) 585-7043
Cell Phone (734) 417-1119
Fax (866) 954-7166                                           

We have learned that the House of Representatives is due to vote on the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010 and the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act.  (Hat tip to commenter David B. who alerted us to this in the comments today).  It appears as though these are two separate bills so that opposition to the unemployment extension would not keep the extension of the closing date of the first time home buyer tax credit from passing.

This would be great news for many of you who signed a purchase agreement prior to April 30th but are having difficulty closing before June 30th due to the slow short sale process and the backlog facing many lenders right now.

This is a developing story and I will do my best to stay on top of it throughout the day.  It is estimated that if the closing date is not extended, as many as 180,000 potential home buyers could back out of their purchase agreements.

On a side note: I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the response in the comments section and have enjoyed hearing feedback from readers.  For all of those of you who are relying upon this extension, I hope it passes quickly.

Thanks,

Alfred Wootton
Account Executive
Ross Mortgage Wholesale Lending
27862 Woodward Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Ph  248 658 2563
Fx  248 658 2564

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Happy 4th of July

Posted on: June 29, 2010

Saline Parks & Recreation

Weekly E-newsletter

Happy 4th of July!

THE REC CENTER WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY JULY 4th

in observation of Independence Day.  We will be open on Monday July 5 from 6am-9pm. 

LAP POOL IS CLOSED due to mechanical issues.  We are working with contractors to fix the filter problem as quickly as possible.  The big/lap pool will most likely be down for the rest of this week.  Please check with the front desk before coming in to swim in the big pool: 429-3502 x0.  The leisure pool and spa are open. 

TENNIS LIGHTS & COURT SCHEDULE

The tennis lights at the Tefft Park Tennis Courts (behind the Rec Center) are on until 11pm nightly throughout the summer.   These are public courts for all to enjoy.  There is limited use Monday - Friday from 9am-12noon and 5pm-8pm due to tennis lessons.  The next session of lessons begins the week of July 12.  Contact the Rec Center for more information: 429-3502.

NEEDED - Board Games and Basketballs

Saline Kids Camp is looking for donations of gently used board games for children including Connect 4, Bananagrams, Sorry, Candyland, Scrabble, Mancala, etc.  The Rec Center is also in need of basketballs for general use in the gym.  If you have any of these items at home that you'd like to donate, please drop them off at the front desk of the Rec Center.  Thank you!

ADULT SUMMER SOFTBALL - only 3 spots remain!

Time is running out to sign your team up for summer softball.  Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night leagues are full!  Tuesday night co-rec has 1 spot available.  Friday night co-rec has 2 spots available.  The deadline to register is Wednesday June 30.  Email Sunshine at slambert@cityofsaline.org for more info. 

ADULT KICKBALL LEAGUE

Saline Parks & Rec has teamed up with Pittsfield Parks & Rec to offer a Summer Adult Kickball League.  We have room for another team or two!  Gather your friends and neighbors for this fun league!  Teams play at 4pm and 5pm on Sundays.  The cost is $275 per team.  Email Sunshine at slambert@cityofsaline.org for more info. 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

For more information or to register, contact Saline Parks & Recreation at:

734.429.3502

www.cityofsaline.org/parks

1866 Woodland Drive, Saline, MI 48176

Help us to avoid class cancellations!  Register early!

734.429.5208 (fax)


FOLLOW US

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Nixle http://local.nixle.com/city-of-saline-mi/ 

To unsubscribe, send an email to cscruggs@city-saline.org put in subject matter "unsubscribe".

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UM Wins Solar Challenge; WMU Car Stalls - WWJ Newsradio 950

Posted on: June 29, 2010

Finishing more than two hours ahead of its nearest competitor, the University of Michigan Solar Car Team has won the American Solar Challenge for a third consecutive North American title.

Michigan's other team in the race, Western Michigan University, was relegated to display car status early in the event after their vehicle experienced persistent electrical problems.

The week-long, biennial 1,100-mile competition for solar-powered vehicles started in Broken Arrow, Okla., on June 20 and ended in Naperville, Ill., on Saturday, June 26. The UM car was the first of 13 to cross the finish line at around 2 p.m. Eastern time, for a final time of 28 hours, 14 minutes and 44 seconds.

This is the sixth North American title for UM, which won the inaugural event in 1990 with its first car, the Sunrunner.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," said engineering student Steve Durbin, the team's race manager. "This race means a lot to us because we're defending our home territory. It's great to see that all of our hard work paid off."

The team's car, Infinium, was reliable, Durbin said, whereas breakdowns dogged other fast teams. The UM students faced only minor setbacks. Rain shorted out a lighting board, but they managed to fix it in five minutes on the roadside. A black widow spider moved into the spare battery pack, but the students removed it with a long pair of pliers.

"Everything went pretty smoothly," Durbin said.

This marks the end of the road for Infinium, the 10th-generation car. Each car runs two races -- the North American race and the global race in Australia. In the 2009 Global Green Challenge (formerly the World Solar Challenge), Infinium placed third. That was the fourth time in the team's history that UM has finished third in the world race.

Infinium is believed to be the university's fastest solar car ever. It reached 100 mph in testing. The car traveled the speed limit during the race, which passed through many small towns with traffic lights. On the highways, the limit was 65 mph.

With more than 100 members, Solar Car is one of the largest student organizations on campus, including students from the College of Engineering; College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; Ross School of Business; School of Art & Design; and School of Education. Major sponsors this year include Michigan Engineering, Ford, General Motors, Delta and AT&T.

For more information: http://solarcar.engin.umich.edu/

As for WMU, its car, Sunseeker, dropped out of the race June 21 after being plagued with electrical problems. It started the race June 20 with a conditional qualification. The WMU team's goal was to complete the race's first leg in order to secure full qualification status from race officials.

By day's end June 20, Sunseeker was one of four ASC competitor vehicles that had not made it to the official checkpoint in Neosho, Mo., resulting in a decision to withdraw the vehicle from the official roster. 

The WMU team continued along the race route and displayed its car in communities along the course that serve as race checkpoints or overnight stops. The car was also on display at the finish line.

This year's ASC marks the 20th year of collegiate solar racing in the United States, and WMU has been one of a small group of colleges and universities that have been in the mix for all 20 years of the biennial cross-country event. Previous races have covered as many as 2,500 miles, covering such routes as Chicago to Clarmont, Calif., and Austin, Texas, to Calgary.

The 2010 version of Sunseeker ran into several problems during the exhaustive seven days of pre-race inspections and track testing. At one point, the team offered its formal withdrawal when two pieces of crucial equipment failed. Other teams in the race, including those from the universities of Michigan and Calgary, stepped up to lend spare parts and offer assistance, keeping the WMU team part of the competitive field.

Sunseeker hit the track on the final day of qualifying laps to a round of sustained applause from other ASC competitors. The team earned the conditional qualification for the car by completing fewer than the required 170 miles of track testing. The conditional qualification required the team to complete the first leg of the ASC in order to remain in the race, but continued electrical problems took the car out of the field after just a few hours of racing.

"This is certainly not the outcome we were looking for this year," says Dr. Paul V. Engelmann, chair of WMU's Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and another team advisor. "But we're involved in events like this to enhance our students' practical experience. Our team members will bring home some invaluable lessons about engineering, project management and the nature of collegial work -- even across competitive boundaries."

via wwj.com

Go Blue!
The leaders and best on and off the field.

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Scream 4 filming locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Posted on: June 28, 2010

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