Homes for Hope Program Expands to California

Jeff Rutt, here.

I recently got back from a Homes for Hope trip a wonderful group of people from all over the country to the Dominican Republic. This trip, like so many others I've taken, reminded me of the true purpose behind Homes for Hope and HOPE International. It's still amazing to me how so many people have banded together over the past few years to help make a difference in global poverty.

Following on the heels of this trip, I am glad to announce that Wathen Castanos Hybrid Homes has joined the Homes for Hope team, and that they have started construction on our first Hope home in California.

Wathan Castanos is nationally recognized for their quality, green homes. However, the builder also embodies a culture of stewardship, supporting organizations such as Project Playhouse, Youth for Christ, Habitat for Humanity and now Homes for Hope.

Through this build, we hope to raise more than $100,000 in funds for HOPE International who will use the money to find micro-loans to aspiring entrepreneurs in 17 developing countries, including the Dominican Republic.

The new home will be located in the Artisan Harlan Ranch subdivision at 4317 Salem Lane, Clovis, CA 93619.

If you're in the home building industry either as a builder or trade supplier, I hope you will take the time to check out Homes for Hope. To date, we've generated more than $10 million, which has helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs break the cycle of poverty. By joining our team, you too can experience how giving a "hand up" can build a future of hope and promise.

Blessings,

Jeff Rutt

Using Technology to Help You Buy and Sell Homes

Unsurprisingly, as of May 2013, 56 percent of Americans owned a smartphone. And, if you're a real estate agent, chances are you fall within that 56 percent of people who have traded in their old flip phone for a smartphone. Thanks to the smartphone, we can now search the Internet and enjoy our favorite apps all in the palms of our hands. However, smartphones are good for more than just play, they can also help you be more productive in your career.

Here's a look at some of my favorite apps for Realtors:

• DocuSign: While the app may be free, the real estate edition is well worth the $14.95 subscription fee. This app gives you the ability to digitally sign legal documents on the go.
• Evernote: You never know when inspiration (or information) will strike. Evernote is productivity app that helps you organize your notes, lists and photos into notebooks you create. You can even add tags to help you find what you're looking for later. The best part? You can access everything you've stored in Evernote from your phone, tablet, computer and even their webiste.
• Houzz: Show your home buyers and sellers a world full of potential with this design eye candy app. Houzz is great for helping you find ideas for staging a home or decorating your brand new home. Plus, it allows you to easily track down professionals in your area and find out what products are used in the rooms.
• HomeSnap: Users can take a picture of a home that's for sale, and then the app matches the image and GPS location to display teal-time data from MLS and other sources on its price, size, features and additional photos.
• Mortgage Calculator: Ever wanted to quickly show your buyers just how much that home will cost them per month? There are plenty of free mortgage and loan calculator apps that quickly provide all of the financial information you need.
• REALTOR.com: This is the largest and most popular database of real estate listings. The app is GPS supported, so you can easily see what properties (and all of their important details) are available nearby.

Agents, what apps are you using on your phone or tablet? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Until next time,

Jeff Rutt