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Episode 12: SPECIAL EDITIONIn these difficult times of "stay at home" orders and global pandemic, safety is our primary concern.  However, if you find yourself in a situation where you must buy/sell real estate, I wanted to offer a few tips to consider when searching for, or selling a home virtually. Stay Safe and follow all state, national and CDC guidelines Utilize all Visual Tools and Property Information Available Request and provide and/all information for transparency as to the homes features and condition Be flexible and creative *****************************************************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information.Office:  CENTURY 21 Gold Key Realty, 260 E Main St, Newark DE 19711 Main # (302) 369-5397Kathy Blakey, REALTOR ®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyNewark, DE Office (302) 369-5397Email:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comDirect Phone:  (302) 383-5424See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Episode 11:  Homeowner's Insurance - What you should know, featuring Rick Martin, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.When buying a home, there are so many tasks on your "to-do" list.  Listen in to find out how to go about getting a Homeowner's Insurance Policy (Hazard Insurance).  Don't be tempted to just check off the box.  Find out why these homeowners were glad they got the right coverage!  Topics Covered (and more!): What coverages are available? How to go about getting a policy What do Jewelry, Plumbing Issues, Fire and Flood all have in common?  Guest Speaker:Rick Martin, LUTCFExecutive Sales RepresentativeNewark, DE1-302-444-9103rick.martin@libertymutual.com131 Continental Dr., Ste 108 - Christiana Executive CampusNewark, DE 19713 Licensed in: Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania ********************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information. Office:  CENTURY 21 Gold Key Realty, 260 E Main St, Newark DE 19711 Main # (302) 369-5397Kathy Blakey, REALTOR ®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyEmail:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comPhone:  (302) 383-5424See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Stucco Homes - what you need to know, featuring Thomas Bartholetti, Inspection Services Group, LLCIn this episode, we'll explore Stucco Home Construction topics: Why some homes which are constructed of stucco have problems When and why home buyers should get a stucco inspection Why home sellers should get a pre-list stucco inspection Remedies and Prevention for stucco issues and more! Guest:  Thomas W. BartholettiInspection Services Group, LLC      www.isgroup-llc.com484-324-4500 Inspection Services Group, LLC, 1240 West Chester Pike, Suite 207, West Chester, PA 19382********************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information. Kathy Blakey, Realtor®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyEmail:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comPhone:  (302) 383-5424See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Welcome to this episode of Keeping it Real (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey as your host.  In this episode, we’ll cover Emergency Preparedness, and steps you can take to prepare for the unexpected.   Have you ever wondered how to begin creating your own Emergency Preparedness Plan.   Listen in to find out.We'll cover steps to preserve LIFE, YOUR LIFE, and YOUR HOME. In this episode I share a few personal experiences from my summer mission trip where I had an opportunity to assist with restoration of a flood damaged home. Find out what was lurking behind the staircase and more!More Resources: http://dema.delaware.gov/services/disaster_prep.shtmlhttps://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.htmlhttps://www.umcmission.org/umcor/serve/us-disaster-response *************************************************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information.Kathy Blakey, Realtor®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyEmail:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comPhone:  (302) 383-5424

Welcome to this episode of Keeping it Real (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey.In this episode we'll cover tips for getting your home ready to sell.  We'll focus on common questions and concerns such as: Should I get a pre-list home inspection?... it depends... Should I upgrade my flooring, kitchen and bathrooms?...again, it depends... What do odors, cobwebs and dusty vents have in common?  Stay tuned while we explore these topics and more!  If you are buying or selling a home, this episode will be loaded with insight.********************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information. Kathy Blakey, Realtor®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyEmail:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comPhone:  (302) 383-5424See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.comSubscribe to Keeping it Real (in Real Estate) : Apple Podcasts URL:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keeping-it-real-in-real-estate-with-kathy-blakey/id1463309019 Hosting Site: http://keepingitreal.buzzsprout.com See also Google Play and Spotify

Welcome to this episode of Keeping it Real (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey as your host.  In this episode, we’ll cover common home inspection issues, what types of inspections are available and why they are important.   Why should you get a home inspection on a new construction home? What types of problems might be found in older homes?  What could be lurking in your crawl space or attic? Listen in to find out. Whether you are buying a home, or have been in your home awhile, consulting with a home inspection professional can not only save you thousands of dollars, but could save lives! Guest:  Kevin Thompson MET,ACI,CIT,EDIPresident of The Green Valley Group Home & Stucco Inspections, Thermal Imaging & Building Forensic Consulting Services www.thegreenvalleygroup.com Office 610-347-0620info@thegreenvalleygroup.com*************************************************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information. Kathy Blakey, Realtor®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyEmail:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comPhone:  (302) 383-5424See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Welcome to this episode of Keeping it Real (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey as your host. In this episode, we’ll cover special considerations when financing your new construction home.  What happens if interest rates change?  How to be prepared for fluctuations in interest rates.  What you should be doing with your personal finances to ensure you get the best financing terms once your home is ready.  What you learn could save you thousands of dollars! Guest Speaker: Bernie Doherty - Pike Creek Mortgage Company Direct: (302) 598-0136 Email: bdoherty@pikecreekloans.com NMLS# 146770  ********************************************************************  About Host Kathy Blakey: I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a CENTURY 21 real estate professional, I have local expertise and global connections. Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE! Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information. Kathy Blakey, Realtor®CENTURY 21 Gold Key RealtyEmail:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comPhone:  (302) 383-5424See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Welcome to this episode of Keeping it Real (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey as your host. In this episode we learn about the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and how financial institutions have grants available to make homes affordable to low and moderate income buyers.  Many hardworking people are earning just enough income to pay their monthly rental payments and support themselves and family.  With a steady job and responsible credit history, you may qualify to purchase a home without having the typical down payment savings.  Grants and loans are available for down payment and closing costs.If you or someone you know would like to become a homeowner, stay tuned to learn about programs to assist with down payment and closing costs.  In most cases, to qualify, there will be a maximum household income and a minimum credit score (see Episode 2 to learn about credit scores). What is the Community Reinvestment Act? What other programs are available? Do I have to be a first time buyer? How do I get started? What questions should I ask my lender? These questions answered and more! *****************************************************************************About our guest:Mary Ann has over 30 years' experience in the mortgage industry. She joined Fulton Mortgage Company, A Division of Fulton Bank, N.A. in 2018  as a CRA Mortgage Loan Officer. Mary Ann has the knowledge and dedication required to provide the ideal financing options to her clients. Fulton Mortgage Company's competitive Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) programs and their dedicated support staff help enable Mary Ann to provide borrowers with one or more customized loan options while minimizing any stress they may feel during the mortgage process. In addition, since Fulton Mortgage Company is a dedicated mortgage lender, their team can offer clients a wider selection of loan products that include VA, FHA, Conventional, USDA, and Jumbo loans.Contact Information for Mary Ann Mary Ann Cronin (NMLS# 497120)Email mcronin@fultonmortgagecompany.com Phone (302) 633-7850Mobile (302) 530-1295Address 1013 Centre Road, Suite 104 Wilmington DE 19805 *****************************************************************************About Host Kathy Blakey:I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  As a CENTURY 21 Real Estate professional, I have local expertise and global connections.  Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE!  Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information.Email:  KathyBlakey@c21gk.comMobile:  (302) 383-5424See Podcast Information about buying, selling and green living:Visit www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Are you a Veteran?  Thank you for your service!  You won’t want to miss this episode. And if you are not a Veteran, but may be selling your home in the future, please listen in while we uncover facts and myths about VA Loans.  What is a VA Loan?  Eligibility and Product Features For Non-Veterans selling to a VA Buyer:  Dispelling some common myths In this episode we're going to be covering what you should know about VA loans, whether you're a veteran or not. A Va loan is an earned benefit for our US military members. In this episode, we're going to be covering the features and benefits of the VA product.  As a military relocation professional, I've had an opportunity to serve many military buyers and sellers and many of the buyers are using VA loans for the purchase of their home. In my experience, I found that the key to a successful VA Loan real estate transaction centers around working with a lender who is knowledgeable about the product and that all parties have been fully informed and proper expectations are set. I hope that during this upcoming episode, everyone will be more knowledgeable about the VA product as a starting point to making smoother transactions. Stay tuned as we cover these important topics and more. Host Kathy Blakey: Joining me today is Darren Corder from Caliber Home Loans. Darren, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Darren Corder: Hey Kathy, thank you so much for inviting me and I'm really excited to talk to you today. I'm Darren Corder. I am a Veteran lending specialist and a licensed loan officer with Caliber Home Loans. And I've been in the business since April of 2003 and I have been hyper focused on the veteran community for the last decade. I am personally a veteran and have served in the US Navy as well as the Delaware Army National Guard. *****************************************“Steadfast service to those that have served.” Darren Corder, CMHS, CMVLPVA Lending SpecialistUS Navy and Delaware National Guard VeteranSR Loan Officer  NMLS#:  812438200 Continental Drive, Suite 201, Newark, DE  19713O: (302)722-8516   TF: (855)817-9848 x28516www.darrencorder.com*******************************************About Host Kathy Blakey:I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  As a CENTURY 21 real estate professional, I have local expertise and global connections.  Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE!  Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information. Are you active or former military? Ready to buy or sell a home?  I am honored to be a USAA® Real Estate Rewards Network Agent. My goal is to provide you an exceptional real estate experience.  Call me 302-383-5424. #USAAFindAnAgent.  I am also a Military Relocation Specialist See Podcast Information about buying, selling and green living:Visit www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

What is Solar Energy and How Can you Get It?Stay tuned to find out more: What is solar energy? What is the process to get solar panels for your home? What factors to consider when buying a home? Should your panels be purchased or leased? Which type of consumer are you...when it comes to solar energy? Looking for more information to address concerns Need to clearly see financial benefits (vs view as alternative energy source) Open to the idea with more information Ready! Just need to know how to get started. In this Episode, Shirley Czerwinski with Ultra Solar and Wind Solutions, will be sharing great information you need to know about Solar Energy. Tell us what is solar energy..."Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun, Solar Power is energy from the sun that is converted into electrical energy. Is the cleanest and the most abundant a renewable energy source, it works by capturing the sun's energy and turning it into electricity for your home or your business. The sun releases energy called photons which travels about 93 million miles from the Sun to the Earth in about 8.5 minutes and it is the future!"****************************************************************Shirley CzerwinskiMHIC#133102Field Energy Consultant Email shirley@ultrasolarandwind.com Phone (855) 858-7279Mobile (302) 757-0104Address 510 146TH STREET, SUITE 6 OCEAN CITY MD 21842About Host Kathy Blakey:I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  As a CENTURY 21 real estate professional, I have local expertise and global connections.  Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE!  Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information.See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

Hot Topic in Real Estate - Mortgage Lending - Pre Qualification Letters and Credit Pulls:Does your Credit Score take a "drop off a cliff" every time its pulled?? What do you need to know about your Credit Score, and More!One of the other factors in getting pre-qualified or pre-approved is having good credit quality and that is going to help the lender to determine your likelihood that you'll repay the loan that they're going to be giving you to buy your  Credit quality is based on your credit file and that often includes your payment history. Good and bad.  This includes open lines of credit and how you utilize the existing credit that you have. That information is compiled into a score.  And that is what our topic is going to be covering today. What is a credit score? How does it impact your lending ability? ****How to improve your score…and more.  Stay tuned!**** Guest Speaker: Today, we are joined by Bernie Doherty with Pike Creek. Mortgage and I'd like to have Bernie go ahead and introduce himself. Thank you very much for having me. I've been in the business 21 years.  I've held titles such a senior loan officer, specialty lending director and business development manager. I was an instructor for the Delaware Association of Realtors for five years in which I designed and taught mortgage financing. And the credit course for real estate agents to obtain and maintain their license…Of all those, I have enjoyed actually being a loan officer the most. Every day is different and you get to help people accomplish a life goal, which is extremely rewarding.Bernie Doherty - Pike Creek Mortgage CompanyDirect:  (302) 598-0136Email:  bdoherty@pikecreekloans.comNMLS# 146770****************************************************************************About Kathy Blakey:I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  As a CENTURY 21 real estate professional, I have local expertise and global connections.  Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE!  Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information.See More at www.KeepingitrealINFO.com

This is The keeping it REAL (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey series. I'm a realtor with Century 21, a marketer, entrepreneur and nature enthusiast. In this podcast series, I'm going to take you on a journey as we explore topics in real estate,including the market, mortgages, common inspection issues, sustainable future and more.  Are you homeowner?Future homeowner?Do you like saving money? Enjoy Healthy Living? This podcast series may be for you! Stay tuned as we go deep into these topics. And don't forget subscribe like and share.Please visit my website for more information about each episode and more!http://www.KeepingItRealINFO.com ***************************************************** Welcome to the very first episode of keeping it REAL (in Real Estate) with Kathy Blakey.I'm really excited to share with you some great content and I'm going to be bringing on subject matter experts from time to time to go deeper into these topics.  For this episode, I'm going to be giving you a sampling of what you're going to be expecting in future episodes.I'm also going to spend some time sharing some stories and some detours that I've had on my journey to becoming the real estate professional that I am today. I'm passionate about making sure that everyone has information for informed decisions and one of the ways that you can do that is to tune into my podcast.********************************************************************************************I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  As a CENTURY 21 real estate professional, I have local expertise and global connections.  Contact Me For Buying or Selling ANYWHERE!  Visit www.Relocate-Delaware.com for more information.