Energy Efficency Made Easy

The average North American household spends $1500 annually on energy bills, a number that may go up as much as 50 percent this year. In the face of higher energy costs this winter, improving energy efficiency is more important than ever to homeowners. Here are some simple and inexpensive steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Why not start this weekend?
Furnace Care

Dirty furnace filters impede air flow and can also affect indoor air quality. Replace your furnace filters or clean them as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions. The furnace won't need to work as hard to deliver heat where it's needed. Also consider installing a programmable thermostat, which will lower the heat at night or when no one is home.

Bundle Up

If you have a tank-style water heater, wrap it in an insulation blanket to prevent needless energy loss.

Change a light bulb

Replace the five most frequently used lights in your home with LED or CFL light bulbs and save more than $60 each year in energy costs.

Power Down

Put electronics such as computers and televisions on a power strip and turn it off when you're not using those items. Consider "smart" power strips that can detect when an item is turned off but still drawing idle current; the strip will automatically shut off the current to selected outlets on the strip.

Seal Drafts

Seal holes, cracks and openings in your home to stop heat loss through the walls and ceiling.
Use Energy Star®Energy Star® products help you save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Star® label is on more than 40 different kinds of products for the home, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances.

Fill it Up

Run washers and dryers at full capacity. They are most efficient when they are fully loaded.
Use Your DishwaterYou'll use up to 35 percent less water by doing a full load of dishes vs. washing them by hand - and use less energy for water heating, too.

Preparing your House for the Home Inspection

Preparing your House for the Home Inspection
1. Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work. If an outdoor fixture bulb
is out, the inspector has to note that the fixture does not operate correctly.
2. Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel. Also, the
inspector must be able to remove the electrical panel cover. If the panel is locked,
remove it.
3. Install a new furnace filter and vacuum the register. It will be looked at during
the inspection and be considered as a part of the overall condition of the furnace
or heat pump.
4. Ensure that windows operate smoothly. If some are stuck or painted shut, the
impression will be that many windows cannot open. Also, remove window
security screws or provide keys for window security locks.
5. Replace all damaged window screens, and make sure all operating windows have
screens.
6. Tighten all door knobs and tighten or repair all handrails. Also check to be sure
that all interior doors will latch to the strike plate.
7. Clear the way to the attic access panel or pull down, especially in a closet. This
means removing any clothing or other personal items in closets under access
panels. The inspector will enter every attic.
8. If you use your attic for storage, remove any items that will inhibit the inspector.
9. Be sure that there is a minimum of one smoke detector per floor. Smoke detectors
in each bedroom are also recommended as they are required per present standards.
10. Provide keys or unlock detached garages, sheds, and outbuildings.
11. Verify all utilities will be on at the time of inspection, and that gas pilots
(including fireplaces) are lit.
12. Remove or restrain pets on site.
13. Empty the washer and dryer so they can be tested. The dishwasher can be run
whether it is full or empty.
Selling a home can be a long and stressful run. When you get to the point of the
inspection, you’re nearing the finish line. Hopefully, the pointers mentioned above will
help you cross it with ease!

Preparing a home for sale

Preparing a home for sale requires more than an average cleaning. Most sellers understand that they must keep their house neat and tidy in order to attract potential buyers, but many may be overwhelmed or sidetracked when faced with seriously removing clutter. Beyond dusting and scrubbing, a de-cluttered home shows off its spaciousness and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Here are a few proven strategies to help homeowners take control of their space.

Empty it Out

Once you have identified your clutter hot spots it's time to pull everything out of that closet, shelving unit, or drawer and sort through what you really do and do not need. Start slowly and resist the urge to go into a frenzied clean. A successful purge requires time, commitment and motivation.

The Uselessness of Potential

Sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the things we've never used. Giving up on the idea of what that thing could be is an important part of letting it go. This is true for the things we've used but may never use again. A good rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in a year then you probably don't need it.

Give it a Home

Staying organized sometimes means finding a place for something and keeping it there. Key rings, newspaper racks, bill holders, and plastic storage containers can all help calm that "where did I put it?" frantic feeling.

Get it Out

Once you have made a pile of things to be cleared out the final step is making sure it gets out of your house! A yard sale can clear out the clutter and bring in some extra cash. If putting together a sale is too much work, donate your extra goods to your favorite local charity.

Kick the Habit

Once you've cleared out the clutter, it's important to adopt habits that prevent the problem from occurring again. Establish routines to help such as sorting mail over the recycle bin, always keeping a "give away" box in your hallway, and thinking twice about whether or not you really need something before you buy it.

Echo Boomers, The Key to Real Estate Recovery

The seeds of a housing recovery have already been planted, according to a report released recently. In fact, many of them were sown starting around 1979. According to an annual state of the nation’s housing from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, once the U.S. emerges from recession, strong demographic trends will restore health to the housing market. The key is echo boomers, the 75 million Americans born between 1979 and 1995. "There will be 5 million more echo boomers than there were boomers when they first started swelling housing markets," said Eric Belsky, executive director of the Joint Center. As a result, household growth during the next 10 years should range between 12.5 million and 14.8 million, according to the report. All those new households mean demand for many new housing units. "This is a powerful, powerful underpinning of future demand," said Belsky. Source: CNN/Money
Housing confidence is up amid increasing evidence that the market is turning around. The Adversity Index from MSNBC.com and Moody’s Economy.com reported signs of a turnaround in 33 of the nation’s metro areas. While that’s less than 10 percent of all metro areas, it’s still significant, says economist Andrew Gledhill of Economy.com. "There are signs out there that builders are growing modestly more confident about their prospects,” he says. Vallejo, Calif., where housing starts are up 440 percent compared to a year ago, leads the list of improving metros. In Longview, Tex., housing starts increased 263 percent. Others metro areas at the top of the list are Lawrence, Kan.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Kokomo, Ind.; and Clarksville, Tenn. Housing prices are also increasing in 140 metro areas compared to a year ago. The greatest increase was in Elmira, N.Y., where prices were up 10 percent compared to a year ago. Source: MSNBC
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have received the green light from their regulator to refinance underwater homeowners whose loans are as high as 25% greater than the value of the home. The special refinance plan that Obama administration officials unveiled in February limited the option to loans 5% greater than the value of the home. The higher limits will allow more homeowners to strengthen their finances by taking advantage of lower rates," Federal Housing Finance Agency director James Lockhart said. Fannie Mae said it would accept delivery of the higher limits starting Sept. 1. A Freddie Mac spokesman said it would start accepting the loans "now." The GSE financing program is only available to borrowers with loans that are owned or guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie. They also have to be current on their payments. Source: National Mortgage News

Going 'green'

Going 'green' in the backyard
Easy ways to save money, environmentBy Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.
Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.
Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.
Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.
Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.
Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.
Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary.
Don't burn in the backyard: Get rid of your burn barrel and fill in the burn pit. Backyard burning has been shown by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a number of unhealthy conditions, including the release of dioxins, carbon monoxide and particulate matter that increases air pollution, and fine ash that can aggravate breathing problems. Instead, recycle wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and other materials, and properly dispose of the remaining waste by taking it to your local landfill.
Maintain your lawn and garden equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers and other yard maintenance equipment need to be treated in much the same manner as your car. Change spark plugs and oil regularly, have tune-ups performed at recommended times, and clean or replace air filters as needed. This will keep your equipment running smoothly with fewer emissions, and will save you money in fuel costs as well.
Use care when filling gas equipment: Take care not to overfill the tanks or spill any fuel. Spilled gasoline is both a pollutant and a waste of money. Look for approved fuel cans with a flexible spout to simplify filling, and use a funnel whenever necessary to prevent spills. Keep gas cans tightly sealed between fuelings.
Switch from gas-powered equipment: Last but far from least, when it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.
For example, Black & Decker recently introduced a battery-powered, 36-volt string trimmer (Model NST2036, $249.99) that can go head to head with gas-powered trimmers. It has plenty of power and a long run time, all without gas, oil, fumes or noise. Also from Black & Decker is the Rechargeable Alligator Lopper (Model NLP1800, $139.99). A cross between a traditional chain saw and a traditional pair of lopping shears, the Alligator uses a chain saw blade and tough metal jaws to saw through logs and branches up to 4 inches in diameter -- once again, without all the hassles, pollution or noise of a conventional gas chain saw.
Easy ways to save money, environmentBy Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.
Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.
Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.
Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.
Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.
Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.
Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary.
Don't burn in the backyard: Get rid of your burn barrel and fill in the burn pit. Backyard burning has been shown by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a number of unhealthy conditions, including the release of dioxins, carbon monoxide and particulate matter that increases air pollution, and fine ash that can aggravate breathing problems. Instead, recycle wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and other materials, and properly dispose of the remaining waste by taking it to your local landfill.
Maintain your lawn and garden equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers and other yard maintenance equipment need to be treated in much the same manner as your car. Change spark plugs and oil regularly, have tune-ups performed at recommended times, and clean or replace air filters as needed. This will keep your equipment running smoothly with fewer emissions, and will save you money in fuel costs as well.
Use care when filling gas equipment: Take care not to overfill the tanks or spill any fuel. Spilled gasoline is both a pollutant and a waste of money. Look for approved fuel cans with a flexible spout to simplify filling, and use a funnel whenever necessary to prevent spills. Keep gas cans tightly sealed between fuelings.
Switch from gas-powered equipment: Last but far from least, when it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.
For example, Black & Decker recently introduced a battery-powered, 36-volt string trimmer (Model NST2036, $249.99) that can go head to head with gas-powered trimmers. It has plenty of power and a long run time, all without gas, oil, fumes or noise. Also from Black & Decker is the Rechargeable Alligator Lopper (Model NLP1800, $139.99). A cross between a traditional chain saw and a traditional pair of lopping shears, the Alligator uses a chain saw blade and tough metal jaws to saw through logs and branches up to 4 inches in diameter -- once again, without all the hassles, pollution or noise of a conventional gas chain saw.yard
Easy ways to save money, environmentBy Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.
Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.
Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.
Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.
Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.
Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.
Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary.
Don't burn in the backyard: Get rid of your burn barrel and fill in the burn pit. Backyard burning has been shown by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a number of unhealthy conditions, including the release of dioxins, carbon monoxide and particulate matter that increases air pollution, and fine ash that can aggravate breathing problems. Instead, recycle wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and other materials, and properly dispose of the remaining waste by taking it to your local landfill.
Maintain your lawn and garden equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers and other yard maintenance equipment need to be treated in much the same manner as your car. Change spark plugs and oil regularly, have tune-ups performed at recommended times, and clean or replace air filters as needed. This will keep your equipment running smoothly with fewer emissions, and will save you money in fuel costs as well.
Use care when filling gas equipment: Take care not to overfill the tanks or spill any fuel. Spilled gasoline is both a pollutant and a waste of money. Look for approved fuel cans with a flexible spout to simplify filling, and use a funnel whenever necessary to prevent spills. Keep gas cans tightly sealed between fuelings.
Switch from gas-powered equipment: Last but far from least, when it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.
For example, Black & Decker recently introduced a battery-powered, 36-volt string trimmer (Model NST2036, $249.99) that can go head to head with gas-powered trimmers. It has plenty of power and a long run time, all without gas, oil, fumes or noise. Also from Black & Decker is the Rechargeable Alligator Lopper (Model NLP1800, $139.99). A cross between a traditional chain saw and a traditional pair of lopping shears, the Alligator uses a chain saw blade and tough metal jaws to saw through logs and branches up to 4 inches in diameter -- once again, without all the hassles, pollution or noise of a conventional gas chain saw.

Basement Seepage

Given the right condition, any basement can leak.
No one can predict if a basement will leak in the future, and in many cases, it's not even possible to tell if a basement has leaked in the past. Basement seepage is the result of water concentration along an exterior foundation wall - which then
seeks an entry through foundation cracks. It's important to eliminate the cause, not just seal the entry point. Over time, neglected moisture intrusion problems can create significant structural and indoor air quality problems. However, the majority of wet basement problems can be eliminated, or at least reduced to a tolerable level, by improvements to exterior grading and proper performance of gutters and downspouts.

The most common cause of wet basements is poor surface and roof drainage. In fact experience indicates the vast majority of wet basements are simply caused by surface rain water from improper drainage or slope. Keep in mind, a 1,000 square foot home with an attached garage will have over 1,100 gallons run from it in a one-inch rain. That's a tremendous amount of water. Imagine a downpour on a home with blocked gutters. Conditions change, foundations move, gutters become blocked, landscape changes, and extended periods of drought or rain occur -- all of which can cause changes in the basement. Wet basements are a major concern -- but shouldn't necessarily kill a deal. While basement seepage is a critical issue, often simple
remedies are available and are well within the scope of most homeowners/buyers. Homeowner suggestions include:
For basement seepage, the following is recommend before seeking a specialized contractor: Make sure the land around the house slopes in the right direction. This can require as little as a couple of bags of topsoil or as much as a new driveway. Pay attention to localized low spots like gardens, window wells and the space between sidewalks and foundation walls. Be sure to check the grading below decks and porches as it is often bad. Examine gutters and downspouts. Gutters must be sloped properly to drain. Downspouts must be frequent enough (every 35 feet) to prevent overflow in heavy rain. Look where downspouts discharge. If they go into the ground, the below-ground portion of the drain may be broken or plugged. This almost guarantees a wet basement in the vicinity of the downspout. Malfunctioning integral gutters can be very serious. The water leaking out of the gutters usually ends up in the structure, causing rot and other damage. It is best to have downspouts discharge onto the lawn -- preferably six feet from your home.

If you're thinking about selling

We've all heard the old adage "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." This is especially true when it comes to your home. If you're thinking about selling, there's no more important audience to attract than potential buyers, who are highly influenced by how a home looks the first time they get a glimpse of it. Even if your goal is just to impress your neighbors and guests you should pay close attention to the first impression your home in making. Here are a few simple tips and techniques that can positively affect your home's "curb appeal" and perhaps even its value.Clean Up and Repair:The most useful chores to tackle first are basic maintenance and repairs before moving onto larger projects. Clean windows and siding, make sure outdoor lights are working, stow away yard tools and equipment, and clean up dead branches and leaves. Make sure that fences, walkways, and the driveway are in good repair too - a home that looks well taken care of is always more attractive to buyers.Landscaping:A full landscape overhaul may not be necessary, but your yard, especially in the front, should look neat and well maintained. Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and tidy up planting areas. If the season is right, add some colorful flowering plants to brighten up areas around walkways and the front entrance. It's an easy and inexpensive way to create an instantly welcoming feeling.The Entrance:The front door is another key element of that all-important first impression, and should reflect the style of the home. If replacement is cost-prohibitive, consider reviving a tired, faded door with a fresh coat of paint in a great accent color and swapping out the hardware.Paint It New:Brighten up the exterior of your home with a new paint job. Driving around your neighborhood may inspire some ideas of what may be flattering to your home. If you're planning to sell your home, it's usually best to go with colors that have widespread appeal so that potential buyers won't be put off by unusual colors or combinations. Painting the exterior can add significantly to the home's value.

The Treasury’s Struggle

The question is, can the Federal Reserve Board keep rates on Treasurys down? The Fed has been buying U.S. Treasury notes in the past several weeks in order to keep a lid on long-term Treasurys, particularly the benchmark U.S. 10-year note. Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions. So more demand for bonds should drive rates down. A day before the Fed said on March 18 that it would begin buying Treasurys, the yield on the 10-year was about 3.0%. Following the announcement, bonds rose and the yield fell to about 2.5% - exactly what the Fed wanted. The Fed’s success was temporary, though. Even though the Fed reiterated it would finish purchasing $300 billion in Treasurys by this autumn, the 10-year sell-off continued until the yields crossed over the 3.0% mark. .
"The bond market has sold off because the Fed isn’t changing the amount of bonds they are going to buy," said Brian Battle, vice president of Performance Trust Capital Partners. a fixed-income trading firm in Chicago. As we have indicated since the beginning of the year, there will be an on-going battle that will cause rates to fluctuate significantly. The slow economy and government support both will serve to keep rates down. On the other hand, the government spending to spur the economy will cause rates to increase. Every evidence that the economy is recovering will tilt the balance in favor of higher rates. Thus far, rates on home loans have been able to withstand this pressure because the government has also purchased mortgages, narrowing the spread between mortgages and Treasurys. However, this spread is approaching what it was before the financial crisis hit and any movement of the 10-year higher than 3.25% will likely also cause a corresponding rise in the cost in home loans. Stay tuned as the "tug of war" continues…

U.S. Housing Market

U.S. housing market to stabilize this summer click link

What is a home warranty?

What is a home warranty
A home warranty is a one year residential service contract that provides repair or replacement coverage for the major operating systems and appliances in a home that fail due to normal wear and tear.
Home Buyers’ BenefitsMove in with assurance knowing your home is covered.
You are covered for unexpected home repair or replacement costs on many of your home’s major systems and appliances.
Coverage is regardless of the appliances’ age, make or model.
It only takes a phone call and a small service fee to fix the problem.
Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You’ll have budget protection knowing you only have to pay a nominal service fee per trade call.
Home Sellers’ BenefitsSell with confidence.
Having a home warranty as an additional feature will give you a competitive edge over other homes on the market.
Buyers have more confidence in your home and there is usually less negotiating in getting closer to your asking price.
If something breaks after the sale, there is limited liability for you. Buyers will contact the warranty company rather than calling you.
Protect your budget, one major breakdown before or during the sale of your home can very costly and delay things.
Did you know:
- A customer uses their warranty 2 times on average? If they didn’t have the warranty, then the expense for the repair would be out of pocket

When should you buy?

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1465406675?bctid=6791126001

Clink on this link for a message from the National Association of Realtors.

Another tip courtesy of Myles Beresford and NAR

Add a Splash of Color Everywhere

"Currently over half the homes we list are vacant and can look very sterile in photos. We ask sellers to neutralize their wall colors and carpet, but then we discover all the photos of the interior look similar and boring. Our best staging tip is to add bright, bold colors to the kitchen and bathrooms with accessories, towels, and plants. Red is a call-to-action color. A vase with red flowers can add interest to the photo when placed on a kitchen island or bar. We like burgundy or black towels in a neutral bathroom and green silk plants in the living areas. A colorful picture over the fireplace mantle with a couple of vases on each side can make a great vignette in the family room."

It's a good time to buy!

1. Uncle Sam is willing to help. First-time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years) are entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit; interest rates are at record lows; and the Federal Reserve is doing its best to make mortgage loans available.

2. People have to live somewhere. About 800,000 new households are formed each year in this country, ensuring that the housing market will tighten, even if the economy doesn't soar.

3. Borrowers leverage their investment. If you put $10,000 into the stock market and it earns 10 percent, you've earned $1,000. If you put $10,000 down on a home and its value increases 10 percent, you've made $10,000.

4. When prices come back up, you'll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.

5. Mortgage costs stay the same. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly payment stays the same--while everything else, including rent, goes upward.

6. You own it. There is something comforting in the notion that your home is your own. You can paint it any color .

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Mortgage rates drop below 5%

Freddie Mac reports a drop in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 4.98 percent during the week ended March 19 from 5.03 percent the prior year, marking the lowest rate since 4.96 percent in mid-January.

Experts say rates could fall further in response to the Federal Reserve's announcement that it will add $1.2 trillion to the economy to alleviate the credit crisis.

Realtors and St Joseph

To all realtors (and clients) that have asked for the intercession of St. Joseph in the sale of a home. Today is the Feast of St. Joseph, a good time to thank him again for his help or to ask again for his intercession if his buyer has been reluctant to purchase your listing.

A Reflection on St Joseph

Joseph the just man, descended from the house of David, inserts Jesus into the line of David. Like his Old Testament counterpart, Joseph’s faithfulness extended even to his dreams. Joseph took Mary into his home as his wife, and loved her with a love beyond all human limits. “Joseph looked on the Blessed Virgin Mary as the high priest looks on the Holy of Holies” (Jacob of Serug). As a true father, Joseph gave his name, and rescued his infant Son from the murderous designs of King Herod. Saint Joseph’s silent obedience resounds in the Church he protects. (Magnificat Monthly Vol 10)St Joseph…pray for us.

A friend of mine sent me this letter. I don't know its origin, probably the folks that make WD-40, but this is handy to know.
I got up very early and went outside to pick up the Sunday paper, when I noticed someone had sprayed red paint all around the sides of my neighbors brand new beige truck. I went over and woke him up and gave him the bad news. He was, of course extremely upset and we stood there trying to figure out what we could do about the problem. We decided there wasn't much recourse but to wait until Monday, since nothing was open. Just then another neighbor came out of his house, surveyed the situation and immediately said to get his WD-40 out and clean the red paint off. Guess what! it cleaned up that paint without harming the original paint on the truck! I'm impressed!! Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chem ical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you...' IT IS MADE FROM FISH OIL' . When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It is a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop... It is now shinier than it has ever been before. 1) Protects silver from tarnishing. 2) Removes road tar and grime from cars. 3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strin gs. 4) Gives floors that `just-waxed` sheen without making it slippery. 5) Keeps flies off cows. 6) Restores and cleans chalkboards. 7) Removes lipstick stains. 8) Loosens stubborn zippers. 9) Untangles jewelry chains. 10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks. 11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill. 12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing. 13) Removes tomato s tains from clothing. 14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots. 15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors. 16) Keeps scissors working smoothly. 17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes. 18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows if you have a lot of marks. 19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with WD-40! 20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide. 21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers. 22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.. 23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open. 24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close. 25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles as well as vinyl bumpers. 26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles. 27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans. 28) Lubricates20wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling. 29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly. 30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools. 31) Removes splattered grease on the stove. 32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging. 33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs. 34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell). 35) Removes all traces of duct tape. 36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain. 37) Florida's favorite use 'Cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.' 38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements. 39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. 40) Ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch. 41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag. 42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and Presto! Lipstick is gone! 43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start. Keep a can of WD-40 in my kitchen cabinet over the stove. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring. Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL

Going Green

The next generation of homebuyers is going green. It's a responsible, forward-thinking outlook that declares, "There's no place like home - so save it." The key to green real estate is sustainability, living comfortably while minimizing your home's carbon footprint, lowering energy, and minimizing consumption and fuel needs. By giving consideration to green practices, you play your part as a responsible citizen of the planet. If you haven't already, get ready to go green.
Update insulation, which can help cut your heating and cooling energy costs and consumption.
Changing your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs will cut your energy costs drastically.
Modern appliances are now going green, as well: dishwasher, ovens, stoves, refrigerators, freezers are now becoming energy efficient. By replacing your appliances with energy efficient ones you are appealing to the new eco-friendly buyers and making a great investment for the environment.
Low-flush toilets are the new rage, wasting less water in volume per flush.
Thinking reno? Nature's answer to interior lighting is the skylight: they help to illuminate rooms so you can keep those lights off.
Most importantly, going green is the way of the future. And it's here to stay. Green homes are not only less expensive to maintain, they also guarantee that there will be resources for generations to come.

People ask me," why sailing pictures on a real estate blog?" Because sailing is my adventure and experienced sailors have helped me enjoy that adventure. I will help others with the same care and safety that these sailors have given me.

Turn your closet from cluttered to calm!

Is your linen closet a jumble of sheets, towels and pillowcases? Take it from a sailor who knows how to keep things ship shape. Turn your closet from cluttered to calm and make it hold even more.
Create topple-proof stacks. Sheets falling into the hand towels? Beach towel tower toppling over? Try vertical shelf dividers to keep everything separate.
Fold for more room.Neatly folded sheets and towels take up about 25% less space because they're more compact.
Know the trick to keeping it all together.After you do laundry, sort sheets into sets for each bed, then store each inside of its pillowcases. This not only saves space, but your sheets sets are always kept together.
Free up at least half a shelf.Bulky tablecloths take up a lot of room in the closet – plus they end up with a permanent fold crease down the middle. Hang them up instead. Use a skit hanger with spring clips and put them in a coat closet. Or mount a towel rack on the back of your linen closet door and hang them there.
Lose a shelf to find more space.Most linen closets have pre-fabricated holes on the sides that allow you to move shelves around, so all you have to do is lift the bottom one out. You'll have room for a rolling drawer unit or dresser. Use it for napkins, hand towels and wash-cloths, and double your space.
TIP:My wife Chris, reminds that natural herb sachets containing lavender, peppermint, thyme, or cloves give linens a fresh scent while repelling moths.

New Trends in Kitchen Materials

Corian to Cork: New Trends in Kitchen Materials

As granite becomes almost ubiquitous, buyers are wowed by stylish Corian, quartz, and even cork.
By Barbara Ballinger
February 2009

Granite countertops may still impress some buyers, but true trendsetters will be on the lookout for kitchens that incorporate some of the hottest new materials. A countertop, backsplash, or floor in a dazzling material may be just what’s needed to give a room a stylish kick and spur a sale.

Help educate home owners about the growing list of new possibilities, including the pros and cons of various materials. A trendy look carries a lot of weight, but durability, affordability, and sustainability also count.

We asked design experts about the hottest and freshest materials, and some old favorites, that can make a big impact in the kitchen. While some experts agreed, we found some differing opinions on each material’s pros and cons. Because every buyer’s style is different, urge clients to study materials up close and find the answers to these key questions:

· How durable is it?
· Will it stain or crack?
· Does it need to be sealed and resealed? How often?
· Is it eco-friendly?
· Does it come in slabs, tiles, or both?
· What surface is most suitable for this material?
· How much does it cost to buy, install, and maintain?

Another piece of advice from the experts: For the best overall look in a kitchen, never use a material as the only surface in a room. “Too much of any single material loses freshness,” says designer Mick de Giulio of DeGiulio Kitchens & Bath in Chicago and Wilmette, Ill.


Materials to Consider

Concrete. Simple, clean, and durable, this material can be left rough or honed, stained a color, edged with another material, and sealed, although some scratches and cracking may be inevitable, says designer Mariette Barsoum of Divine Kitchens in Westboro, Ma. It can also be sculpted into curved countertops. Installation is critical, and the best installers charge top dollar, often $275 a square foot, says Arthur Tanturri, owner of Chelsea Fine Custom Kitchens in New York. Do-it-yourselfers can cut costs by following advice from Fu-Tung Cheng’s book, Concrete Countertops Made Simple (The Taunton Press, 2008).

Quartz. Engineered or manmade quartz, plus epoxy resins, creates the material that’s generically referred to as quartz. However, manufacturers also call it by other names: Cambria, Zodiaq, CaesarStone, and Silestone. Colors vary, but all are durable and heat resistant. “It provides the look of granite but doesn’t have that material’s porosity,” says Naperville, Ill., designer Joan M. Kaufman. It can also be heated and molded into curved shapes, says Doug Durbin, owner of NuHaus, a design firm in Highland Park, Ill. Some designers like the consistency of its colors and patterns; others think such sameness looks unnatural and prefer the one-of-a-kind slabs of granite and marble. Price varies by the slab selected, but it can be more costly than a natural stone.

Bamboo. Eco-friendly, warm, and available in different hues, bamboo is a durable wood-like grass that can be used on any surface. It requires sealing. When it comes to price, top-notch bamboos rival high-quality granites. Jeff Taub, owner of Kittle’s Flooring Co. in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., favors the strength of strand bamboo, which is mixed with resin and compressed.

Mosaic glass tiles. A hot contender for today’s favorite material, these tiles are sustainable and available in a rainbow of colors, textures, and sizes. They can be mixed with metal, stone, and ceramic tiles for a rich textural display. The downside is price, which is comparable with or even greater than nice granite. Chicago designer David Kaufman likes to use glass tiles in different sizes and shapes on a backsplash.

IceStone. Recycled glass is mixed with cement to create IceStone, a speckled surface that’s chip- and burn-proof, although four times costlier than good granites.

Hardwood. Wood will always be a classic, but the specific species, colors, and widths come and go in popularity. Frank Fontana, host of HGTV’s “Design on a Dime” currently prefers darker woods such as Brazilian cherry, walnut, mahogany, and oak-stained ebony. He also likes wide planks that mimic barn floorboards. New York designer Jeani Ziering thinks reclaimed teak flooring is an elegant must-have.

Cork. Though it may look soft, this flooring material wears like wood and can be dyed with vibrant reds, greens, blues. It’s also affordable, at $15 to $18 a square foot.

PaperStone. Durable and sustainable, PaperStone is made from layers of recycled paper in thicknesses of ¾-inch to 11/4-inch, making it suitable for countertops. Edges can be varied. Price is comparable to lower-end granites but a seasoned installer is essential, says Durbin.

Marble. Another natural material, marble’s elegance comes from its classic simplicity, quiet color range, and subtle veining. Though durable, it’s more porous than granite and requires periodic sealings, says David Kaufman. Some consider it a bad choice for kitchen counters, but Fontana thinks it’s fine as long as home owners understand how to care for it. Honing helps it withstand wear, says Jacksonville, Fla., designer Judith Sisler Johnson. Prices can be steep, $10 to $12 per square foot compared with $8 to $10 per square foot for granite that’s the same size and comparable quality, and $6 to $10 for porcelain, says Tanturri. A middle-grade granite slab might run $80 to $110 installed; the same size and quality marble slab would be 15 percent more.

Granite. Like a black cocktail dress, granite will never go out of style, even if it is something that everybody owns. This natural material looks freshest when selected in a classic color or one of the newer but low-key variations such as sky pearl or black with gold or tan veining. Available in tiny mosaics, larger tiles, and slabs, its price depends on the thickness, edging, color, and finish. Prices have dropped due to competition, though newer granites like rainforest green may still run as high as $250 per square foot, says Durbin.

Other Options to Consider. Though less popular, and on the pricey side, here are some other materials our experts mentioned:

· Alkemi. This recycled metal with a jewel-like look shimmers and is resistant to chipping.
· Copper. It offers an elegant sheen, but it can ding, so you may be safer using this material on walls rather than counters or floors.
· Leather tiles. Another green material, these tiles offer a rich dramatic look in a variety of skins such as ostrich and vibrant colors like orange.
· Pyrolave. A French-made glazed Volvic lava stone that’s hard, heat resistant, and comes in vibrant tones can cost $250 a square foot and require a seam because of its lengths.
· Seeta. Environmentally-friendly and made by Torzo Surfaces from sunflower seed hulls, this material is durable, green, 100-percent formaldehyde free, and available in multiple colors and patterns. It costs about the same as an average-priced granite does, says Los Angeles designer Sarah Barnard.

Flooring

Overwhelmed by kitchen floor options?
Resale value, cleanability among key selling points
The floor in your kitchen has to wear a lot of hats. It has to be able to withstand the rigors of lots of foot traffic. It needs to be water-resistant and be able to stand up to repeated cleanings. It has to be able to withstand grease, spills, drips and other indignities -- and it has to look good doing it!
When you're ready to shop for a kitchen floor that can handle all those demands, you'll find that you have several choices. There's probably no single "perfect" flooring material, but by doing a little homework, you're sure to find one that will work beautifully in your kitchen.
Here are some great choices to consider, along with some of the pros and cons of each:
Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl flooring is one of the most common choices for a kitchen floor. Sheet vinyl is very resistant to spills, grease and dirt, is very water resistant, and is also very easy to clean. There are hundreds if not thousands of patterns, styles and colors to choose from, as well as different weights and thicknesses. Vinyl sheets are available in 6-foot and 12-foot-wide rolls, so it's possible to complete most kitchens with few or no seams. It's also one of the less expensive flooring options, so it's easier on your wallet and also makes it a little easier to change if you redecorate.
On the down side, vinyl flooring is prone to wear and scratching over time, especially with the lower-end materials. And from a resale value, it may lack the appeal of some of the more expensive floors.
Vinyl Tiles: Vinyl tiles have some of the virtues of sheet vinyl, such as water resistance, ease of cleaning and low cost. Because these are individual tiles, they are the easiest of all the flooring products for the do-it-yourselfer to install. Another advantage is that if damage occurs, you can easily take up and replace the individual damaged tiles, without having to incur the cost of replacing the entire floor.
There is a very definite downside with vinyl tiles, however, and that is the dozens of dirt-catching seams you end up with. Vinyl tiles also have probably the lowest overall appeal from a resale standpoint.
Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tile is one of the best overall choices for a kitchen floor. These hard, durable tiles will stand up to all sorts of abuse, from spills to heavy appliances, and the tile is completely waterproof as well. Ceramic tile is hard to beat from a decorating standpoint, as there are thousands of size, color and pattern choices available. You can also mix different types or colors of tile to form patterns, borders or even pictures. A quality ceramic tile floor, especially some of the new travertines in large squares, are currently very popular and will add to a home's resale value.
The downsides of ceramic tile seem to be a matter of personal preference. For one thing, tile is the hardest and coldest of the floors underfoot, with none of the resiliency of vinyl or wood. This can be offset to some degree through the addition of small, non-skid area rugs, and if you want to really warm up the floor, you can have radiant heat cables installed underneath the tiles during installation. The other issue that some people have with tile are the grout lines, which are a little harder to clean than the tiles themselves. Again, this problem can be minimized by using larger tiles with small grout spaces between them, and be making sure that the grout is sealed after installation.
Laminate Floors: Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in the kitchen. There are dozens of patterns and colors now available, some of which mimic the look of real wood quite well. The laminate can be chosen to blend or contrast with the wood in the cabinets, and you can mix in some darker strips to create accents and borders if desired. Laminate floors have some "spring" to them, making them one of the softer and more comfortable floors to stand on. They can also be a very good do-it-yourself project, and a well-selected and well-installed laminate floor will also add resale value.
If you have a kitchen that sees a lot of use, especially if chairs or bar stools are present, the laminate can be prone to scratching. Laminate also requires specific cleaning products for best results and longest life, and may not stand up to a lot of water over time.
Hardwood Floors: Hardwood floors have long been a classic and desirable feature in living rooms and other areas of the house, but it was only through relatively recent advances in the quality of polyurethane finishes that wood has found its way into the kitchen as well.

So who does sell the most Real Estate?

Wyoming, Ohio Sales for December

Wyoming, Ohio Sales for December 2008 as recorded in Cincinnati MLS

215 Compton Rd 189,500 9 3 3-0 FY2C Single Family 1 Story Sold
Off Mkt 11/17/08 SP$ 194,000 CD 12/16/08

315 Stonemill Ct 285,900 10 4 2-1 FY2C Single Family 1 Story Sold
Off Mkt 10/21/08 SP$ 270,000 CD 12/04/08

New Congressionally Mandated Credit Resource

Free credit report will soon be available ...A new congressionally mandated credit resource for homebuyers and other consumers will be available starting Dec. 1. The site ... http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ ... will provide one free credit report annually from each of the three national credit bureaus and will also offer extensive tools to help you monitor your credit files and guard against identity theft. A toll-free number is also available at 1.877.322.8228. (Note: Eligibility for the free annual credit reports will be phased in over the next 10 months on a schedule moving from the Western region to the East Coast. Visitors will first be asked to identify what state they reside in and between Dec. 1 and the final rollout on Sept. 1, only residents of eligible states will be able to proceed to the second step. Ohio (the Midwest Region) appears in the second phase of the program and will rollout on Mar. 1, 2005.)
The three private credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) each receive information on more than 200 million consumers every year from banks, credit-card companies, etc. Many times the files contain different data (i.e. some companies report to one or two bureaus only) which is why Congress mandated annual free reports from each.

Tenth Day of Christmas

I have been away on holiday. On Monday I will return to Real Estate Topics...until then, today is the tenth day of Christmas.


On the Tenth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Ten Lords A-leaping

The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)
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