The federal government wants to “Get the Lead Out”.  A new Environmental Protection Agency rule took effect on April 22, 2010. This new rule affects all homes built prior to 1978. The new ruling went into effect due to health risks associated with lead based paint that can affect children’s brains and their developing nervous systems, adult health and pregnant women.

The new regulation comes into effect when you begin common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition which create lead dust and chips when the lead-based paint is disturbed. The rule requires the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. A certified contractor must be used when work disturbing the lead-based paint is more than six square feet on the interior and more than 20 square feet on the exterior.

If we have to make a repair to your property that involves the new EPA rule, the cost of such repairs will increase due to the increased cost of following the new procedures and through having to use a lead-based paint certified contractor. Our maintenance division has gone through the certification process to ensure compliance with the new rule.

We are currently working on a relationship with a testing facility to provide lead based paint testing services.  If you would like to have your property tested upfront for the presence of lead-based paint, it may help to reduce the expense of having to use a certified contractor if it can be determined that lead-based paint is not present in your property. We will send you additional information on this as it materializes.

If you would like more information on the new EPA rule, you can go to http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm  or http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#remodeling.  

For more information regarding our rental property management services please contact us 704-970-4148 or .

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COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION DIVISION
WEB WISE

We all know the importance of good communication; that importance is magnified a hundred fold when Boards need to quickly and easily communicate information to the homeowners within their community.  By communicating through the web, Boards find that they receive fewer complaints and phone calls from owners are reduced by up to 50%.  A well designed website means no more newsletters in the mail box, saving scores of trees, hundreds of dollars, and hours of wear and tear on your community volunteers.

All web sites are not created equal.  The costs, features, and user friendliness varies greatly from host to host.   Here are some key points that should be considered as you are making the decision concerning your community’s website.

•  Is it attractive?

          Does your site provide a look and feel that reflects the personality of your community?  Many web hosts offer only a “cookie cutter” format; even if customizations are available, they can be quite expensive and often difficult for volunteer editors to implement.  With an Association Voice website through Henderson Properties, you can give your site a customized look at an affordable cost.

•  Is it informative?

            What good is your site if no one uses it?  Your site is an excellent tool for keeping homeowners informed on the activities, issues, and concerns within the community.  However, if it is not kept current, or doesn’t provide the information that’s important to your homeowners, they will quickly loose interest and stop coming to the site at all.  From announcements, to association documents, to calendars, to discussion forums, an Association Voice website through Henderson Properties web site provides the many features your homeowners are looking for. 

• Is it convenient?

          You want your site to be easy for homeowner’s to access.  This is accomplished by obtaining what is called in web-a-nees, a friendly URL.  Many hosts do not allow you to bring your own URL and your site’s address can be so complicated that visitors can never find it.  In most cases, Henderson Properties is able to provide a simple, user friendly address, usually “CommunityName.com”. 

You also want convenience within the site.  An Association Voice website allows your owner to view their account information and pay assessments on line.  This feature alone can cover the cost of your website by reducing delinquencies and related administrative fees.

• Is it easy to “surf”?

          We have all visited sites that were so difficult to move around in that we became frustrated, finally giving up and leaving the site without ever finding what we needed.  The idea that more is better is not always the case.  Don’t clutter your site to the point that information is next to impossible to find.  You can get all your information out there by being organized with how you format your menus.  Your Association Voice website through Henderson Properties comes with convenient drop down menus that can be customized to quickly and easily organize all your community’s information.  There is also a banner feature where information, such as a change in a meeting date, or pool party cancellation – can be brought quickly to your homeowner’s attention.

•  Is support available?

            While some communities are fortunate to have volunteers that have website editor experience, most do not.  When selecting a host site, the most important consideration should be the availability of technical support for both your editors and your homeowners.  Many hosts offer help for site editors but what happens when your owners have problems accessing the site?  Henderson Properties’ Information Services Administrator provides initial training for volunteer editors and continued support service to keep your website functional.

• Want more features?

          We have named just a few of the features and benefits of an Association Voice website, there are many more we would like to tell you about.  Contact our Information Services Department at for your personal demonstration.

Compare the features, compare the cost and you will find that an Association Voice website through Henderson Properties is a great value for your community.

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REAL ESTATE SALES DIVISION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION DIVISION
FAQ about Short Sales

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a transaction in which the lender, or lenders, agree to accept less than the mortgage amount owed by the current homeowner. In some cases, the difference is forgiven by the lender, and in others the homeowner must make arrangements with the lender to settle the remainder of the debt.

Why is the number of Short Sales rising?

Due to the recent economic crisis, including rising unemployment and declines in home prices in communities across the nation, the number of short sales is increasing. Since a short sale generally costs the lender less than a foreclosure, it can be a viable way for a lender to minimize its losses.

A short sale can also be the best option for homeowners who are “upside down” on mortgages because a short sale may not hurt their credit history as much as a foreclosure. As a result, homeowners may qualify for another mortgage sooner once they get back on their feet financially.

If a Short Sale is something you are considering, you need an experienced Realtor®.

 Here are some questions to ask:

1. Does the Realtor® have specialized training in short sales?
2. Does the Realtor® have experience with listing properties with short sales?
3. What kind of information does the firm have to help you determine whether a short sale is best and how to get the process started?
4. What will the Realtor® do to help you get your property sold?

Let us tell you how Henderson Properties would answer all these questions!  YES, we have extensive training in short sales.  All of our agents have received the National Association of Realtors® Short Sale and Foreclosure designation in addition to taking many other classes. 

YES, we have many short sale listings and know how to work with the banks to get your transaction closed. We speak the language!  Using a Realtor® with limited experience can be the difference in closing your property or not.  Much of the work is done after the offer is received with the lenders!  We have a Short Sale packet that is given to potential sellers immediately.  We review this in depth with the client to determine whether they would potentially qualify for a short sale and prepare the client for the lengthy process.  Short sales are anything but SHORT!  We’ll even provide you with an extensive written plan that outlines the short sale process and what we are doing for YOU to get your home sold. 

For the “1^st timer” trying to buy a home you may ask “how do I come up with the money?” Now more than ever you have options! Use a government assisted program that requires no money down, borrow from a family member in some cases or simply cut down on your spending each month. Ask yourself if you really need to go out to eat or is basic cable enough? A home that is $125,000 may require only a down payment of $2500 or possibly less depending on the circumstance. Cutting back in spending each month will help you acquire this amount in no time. Persistence and perseverance is the key; make your goal and stick with it.

If you are interested in more information or just have a few questions you may call us at 704-544-0253 or email us at    We would love to be your Realtor®!

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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE DIVISION
Maintaining Your Investment
   
Now is a great time of year to really go around your home and address areas that can become costly repairs, or just freshen up its appearance so you may get the most enjoyment out of it.  Have someone check your roof for cracking or potential leaks.  Even if the shingles aren’t that old problems can still develop.  Seals around exhaust vents, pipes, skylights and others area that keep water where it belongs need to be checked.  Cold winters and hot summer sun can deteriorate seals and flashing and when that happens, costly interior repairs may be right around the corner.

Don’t let poor weather stripping rob your home of cool air and run up your electric bill.  Properly sealed doors and window help lower utility bills, keep homes more comfortable, and can assist in keeping water out of your home.  Caulking is also a very important component of maintaining your home, check for voids or cracks and have them filled.  While checking doors and windows, clean and lubricate the guides and tracks for smooth operation. 

Henderson Properties is one of Charlotte, North Carolina's most respected real estate firms. We are proud to offer residential maintenance services to the homeowners in our communities through the Henderson Properties Maintenance Division. Our commitment to our customers is to provide them with the best possible level of service, at a fair price. We have a passion for perfection.                                                          

We hope that you will let the Henderson Properties Maintenance Team be your proactive partner in handling your preventative maintenance and home repair. We offer complete and affordable maintenance and repair services through our own in-house staff and extensive contractor contacts. Our skilled technicians will provide friendly service, quality and value that can't be beat, from a company that you know and trust. Let us work together to maintain and preserve the value, beauty, and safety of your home.