Create a New Budget

When people buy and sell, they often use their cash reserves for the down payment and closing costs. After making a move, many people want to go out and buy new furniture, plants, window coverings, and other things to make their new house a home. But this can be a real strain on your budget.

Here are some tangible tips from the experts to help you balance your new budget:

* Set aside at least six months’ living expenses.
* Think about automatic payments for your mortgage. That way you'll never be late. You can usually select the date you'd like to have the payment deducted.
* Plan and budget for major repairs, remodeling, or decorating projects. Shop around for the best prices and get references if you are hiring a contractor for major projects.
* Keep all of your receipts for home improvement projects.

Spend Less Time Commuting

One of the quickest ways to spend less time traveling to and from your workplace is to work from home, or telecommute!

To maximize your productivity when working at home, you can set up a home office, creating a protected environment away from normal household distractions where you can concentrate on your work.

Here are some suggestions for setting up a successful home office:

* Create your office in an area away from the general household activities.
* Have enough electrical outlets to handle your computer, lights, printer, and so on.
* Make sure there is plenty of light.
* Install a phone jack for your business line.
* Get organized with filing cabinets, storage space, and bookshelves.
* Plan the space in your office to avoid tripping over electrical and phone cords.
* Include a sound system. Many experts believe that music encourages productivity.
* Keep track of all your home-related business expenses for possible tax deductions.

It's no surprise that the number of people who want to telecommute continues to grow. Earning a good salary at a good job that allows you to work from the comfort of home does seem to be an ideal situation.

A "Minimalist's" Tool Kit

Regardless of whether you're handy around the house, there are plenty of situations that require a few basic household tools. What kinds of tools do you need in a "minimalist's" tool kit?

Every basic home toolbox should include these items:

* Duct tape
* Pliers
* Tape measure
* Putty knife
* Hammer
* String
* Ruler
* All-purpose lubricants and oils, such as WD-40
* Flashlight with batteries
* Wire cutters
* Assorted sandpaper
* Assorted screws and nails
* Wire
* Screwdrivers (regular and Phillips, in assorted sizes)

Many manufacturers now offer prepackaged tool kits designed to fit into kitchen drawers where everything is easily accessible. This way you can find what you need quickly instead of searching through boxes and drawers in your basement or garage to make a repair or tighten a screw.

Whether you are experienced and well-equipped or "all thumbs" when it comes to home repairs, keeping the basic tools nearby will help keep things together around your home.

I hope you find this information useful.

Do You Have Curb Appeal?

Why do some homes sell quickly for top dollar while others sit on the market for a long time? The answer is "curb appeal"!

Homes that invoke an emotional response in prospective buyers when they first drive up to the property have what is called curb appeal. Whether you own a town home in the city or a suburban house complete with a lawn, trees, and flowers, you can apply these tips to help you add curb appeal and create a positive emotional response to your home:

* Wash and dry windows until they sparkle.
* Clean the front porch or entryway of all debris.
* Paint your front door, railings, and other parts that need touch-up.
* Open curtains and shutters and turn on the lights.
* Revitalize flower beds with fresh, blooming flowers or plants.
* Keep the garage doors closed, storing bicycles and toys out of sight.
* Confine your pets to keep them safe and out of the way of people who may be afraid of or allergic to animals.
* Keep the driveway and sidewalk clear of snow.

A potential buyer's first impression is extremely important and can set the tone for the entire showing of your home. When a house has plenty of emotional appeal, it generally sells more quickly and for a higher price.

Need An Extra Room?

Specialty rooms and spaces are becoming more and more popular. If you have an extra room or unused corner in your home, think about turning it into one of the following areas. Here are some ideas for planning that special space:

* Media Area: Enjoy audio, video, and other media and store the equipment.
* Wine Cellar: A cool, dark place is best for wine storage.
* Library: Set up elaborate or simple shelving, a comfortable chair, and a reading lamp.
* Sewing Room: Arrange a work table, ironing board, shelves, and storage.
* Meditation Room: Retreat from noise and other distractions.
* Hobby Room: Plan plenty of work space for crafts, scrapbooking, painting, and the like.
* Mini-Gym: Make working out fun with a stationary bike, weights, treadmill, and a TV!
* Playroom: Set aside space for children or grandchildren to play and store toys.
* Extra Closets: Make a great place to store out-of-season clothes.

With a little imagination and planning, you can use every corner, area, or room of your home efficiently.

Glossary of Real Estate Terms

The words and expressions used by doctors, lawyers, and other professionals may sometimes sound like a foreign language. Because real estate terms also can be confusing, here is a mini-glossary of some of the most common ones:

* Agency: The relationship that a real estate agent has with a client.
* CMA: Comparable Market Analysis, a home evaluation based on properties that have sold in the neighborhood similar to the property being priced.
* Disclosure: An oral and/or written communication about agency, property condition, or other key factors.
* Earnest Money: A good-faith deposit provided as consideration when a buyer offers to the seller of a property a contract to purchase the property.
* MLS: Multiple Listing Service, information on properties that is shared among brokers belonging to a specific multiple listing organization.
* Purchase and Sale Agreement: A contract from the buyer to the seller offering to purchase the property for a certain price.

When you're ready to sell your home, I'll be happy to explain all the terms and transaction details and walk you through the entire process.

Move Yourself or Hire A Pro

Once you make an offer on your new home and it is accepted, you'll need to start planning your move. Often you'll need to decide whether to move yourself or hire professional movers.

If you want to save money, the do-it-yourself option may be right for you. But first ask yourself some important questions. Do you have friends who are willing and able to help you move? Do you have access to a vehicle that can accommodate furniture and fragile items? Do you have the time?

Remember that your friends should be strong enough to help with heavy loads like couches and beds, and also conscientious enough to take care with precious heirlooms and breakables. To avoid "burning out" your helpers with multiple trips, rent a truck large enough to handle everything in one move.

If you are moving a long distance, you can avoid the cost of professional movers while still hiring load and unload help as an in-between option. There are companies that rent you the muscle to take your belongings from your old house to the truck and then again into your new house. All you have to do is pack, drive the truck and unpack after the boxes have been unloaded in your new home.

Remember that moving is always a stressful time. If you do it yourself, arrange for help at both ends of the move and be sure the truck you have is large enough for all your belongings. If this can't be accomplished you may want to spend the extra money on professional movers.

I have found from experience that the activity during the first two weeks a home is on the market tends to predict how long it will take to sell. Potential buyers eagerly jump on new homes on the market, especially when they are in “show shape.”

Here are some “staging” tips you might find helpful:

* Keep your home in “show shape.” Make sure that beds are made, dishes are in the dishwasher or put away, everything is picked up, and the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle.
* Decorate with fresh flowers. Many home sellers use potted flowering plants that last much longer than cut flowers. Place them inside and out. They really add cheer!
* Turn on lights; replace all burned-out bulbs. Open blinds and draperies. Let the natural light in.
* Confine pets and keep them out of sight when possible. They can be distracting, and some people have allergies.
* Create a relaxed atmosphere with soft background music.

For more tips on staging, or to speak with a professional stager, please click here.

I Can Grant A Wish!

I can grant a wish!

Part of my job, as a real estate professional is to listen to my customer's 'wish list', and then work to find a home that grants those wishes.

With each new customer comes a whole new set of 'wishes'. Some want a home in the country with five bedrooms and a family room big enough to play volleyball. And some others want a small home in the suburbs with two bathrooms and a formal dining room.

In order to accommodate all of these wishes, I've learned to ask lots of questions and to listen. Then I really work to match properties to the buyer's needs and to their personality. It's a fun and challenging proposition.

Are You A Good Guesser?

Are you a good guesser?

When it comes to measuring for carpet, drapes, or wallpaper, I've learned to trust the pros. Oh, I can guess about a room size and get within a foot or two, but why take a chance? The longer I'm in the business of real estate, the more I find that sellers and buyers of real estate are looking for accuracy and attention to detail.

However, if you are in a bind and need to measure something like a picture frame, piece of furniture, or an object of art, relax. You are always carrying a measuring 'stick.' It's your old buddy, George Washington - the dollar bill. Keep this in mind: a dollar bill is 6 ¼ inches long. That's about a half a foot, right? If you fold it in half, it's 3 inches the wide way, or 1 ¼ inches the narrow way. This works great for items that are a couple feet across, but please don't try measuring your house with a dollar!

Instead, call me and I'll do all the work to determine the sizes, features, and the total value of the home you're in, or the home you want to be in. Oh, you can keep your dollar, too. Just call me, when you need me.

Are You Properly Insured?

To “close” the deal when you're buying a home, your lender will require you to obtain homeowners insurance on the property--enough to cover the loss in case of severe damage.

Discuss your needs with your insurance agent before you buy. Consider these points:

* Because you must purchase enough insurance to cover the loss of your home in a natural disaster, make sure you have your home’s value updated periodically.
* If you have a home office with others working for you, ask about a rider to cover injuries to those employees.
* Expensive jewelry, artwork, or antique furniture may require a special rider to cover their replacement cost. Have them appraised and photographed to document their value.

Protecting your real estate investment is an important responsibility of home ownership.

Does Landscaping Add Value?

Whether you live in a condominium or a single-family house, landscaping can certainly make your home easier to sell. But will attractive landscaping add value? It depends.

Potted plants, freshly edged green lawn, and weed-free garden areas will make your home more attractive and appealing. The more appealing the home or condo, the more marketable it is and the faster it will sell.

Well-manicured landscaping helps frame other elements of curb appeal. It is considered a value-added feature because it helps create a positive first impression. Most buyers, however, will not pay extra for trees and lawn, flowers and shrubs.

But you can almost always get a return on your investment in decks and patios. As decks have become more desirable, their resale value has continued to increase.

In the yard and garden of your single-family home or in pots on your condo deck or patio, use plants, trees, and other landscaping elements freely to make your home more appealing and help you sell it more quickly when the time is right.

A Productive and Comfortable Home Office

With the technology available today, home offices are now a workable way to save commute time and expensive office space. I have heard so many questions about home offices that I thought I'd send you a recap of some information I read recently.

Here are some tips that you will find helpful in setting up a great home office:

* Establish your home office away from main traffic patterns. This not only keeps disruptions to a minimum, but helps you focus on the job at hand.
* Invest in your desk and chair. Be sure to have a desk or worktable that is adequate for the task. Purchase an ergonomically correct chair that fits comfortably under the desk.
* Add phone jacks as necessary so your telephone is placed conveniently within reach.
* Consider high-speed cable for Internet access.
* Prepare adequate storage, file cabinets, and shelves affixed to the wall so they are secure.
* Install soft comfortable lighting that goes beyond the glow from your computer monitor!

Now, enjoy! Your home office will provide you with a comfortable and productive environment.
Please feel free to call or email me if I can answer any questions. I would be happy to follow up with anyone you know who could benefit from the services we provide. Or, if you decide you need more space for your home office, I'd be happy to assist you in finding a larger home.

Have a Buyer Consultation Done

When people start thinking about buying, they usually think about area, number of bedrooms and baths, and price range. These are a good place to start, but there are many other things to consider when entering into the home buying process. This is why it is good to sit down with a realtor and have a buyer consultation done.

In the buyer consultation the realtor will be able to ask you specific questions about the type of home that you are looking for. The realtor will be able to ascertain what your needs and wants are to help you narrow down your search, so that the process goes quicker and smoother, and you are not wasting your time looking at homes that are not really what you want.

Another benefit of a buyer consultation is that the realtor will be able to go over some of the paperwork and things that a buyer should be aware of during the transaction with the seller. Issues such as financing, earnest money, and a review of the purchase agreement will all be covered.

The realtor will also be able to discuss the benefits of representation, and how that will benefit you, the buyer, throughout the buying process.

The buyer consultation helps answer your questions, and makes the process go smoother and quicker for you the buyer. When you start looking for a home, contact a realtor have them do a buyer consultation with you.

Household Safety

Are you sure that your home is the safe haven you want it to be? Your home's age and design; amenities such as whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and decks; and the physical condition of the people living with you may require some modifications to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.

Here is a checklist of safety items that no home should be without:

* Smoke alarms
* Carbon monoxide alarm
* Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
* Fire extinguishers
* Flashlights and batteries
* Listed emergency numbers
* Tags on shutoff valves
* Handrails on stairways
* Adequate lighting
* First aid kit

You should also inspect your home regularly to catch potential problems in their early stages. Always read warning labels and user manuals and file them where they can be found quickly. Finally, make sure that your family has an emergency evacuation plan that everyone knows.

Remodel or Move?

Do you need more space? Are you thinking about remodeling your home, or is it time to make a move?

For many people, this can be a difficult decision. Once you've been in a house for a few years, you can get attached to your home and your neighborhood. It's where you know the stores, the parks, the theaters, and the best commute to work. If you have children, they may love their school. So what can you do?

Consider remodeling if you love your house and neighborhood, have the room and budget to expand on your existing property, and you can potentially realize a profit on the remodel. For a major remodel, also consider that you may need to move out to avoid exposure to dust and construction chemicals.

Finally, remodeling almost always takes more time and costs more money than you may have estimated. So make sure you budget realistically.

If remodeling isn't a good choice for your family, moving to a different neighborhood may have many advantages, including the opportunity to buy a larger or newer house, live closer to desirable schools or businesses, or shorten your commute time.

March Home Tips

* Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

* Keep appliances and their power cords away from water or heat sources.

* Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.

Annual Home Checkup

Once a year, it's a good idea to give your home a checkup. Finding problems or potential problems in their early stages usually gives you the best chance to make repairs more easily and less expensively than if problems are allowed to worsen over time.

The kinds of things you'll want to monitor in your home include:

* Gutters and downspouts: Inspect for leaf and debris buildup that can cause overflow problems.
* Paint: Make sure painted surfaces aren't peeling or cracked, exposing wood to weather damage.
* Windows: Check the weatherproofing and caulking and replace cracked panes.
* Roof: Inspect tiles or shingles and flashing to prevent leaks; clean off any moss.
* Appliances: Check and replace frayed electrical cords, damaged plugs, and cracked or leaking hoses.

Proper care and maintenance will keep your home safe, attractive, and comfortable. Taking good care of your home helps reduce the need for expensive repairs and ensures that your home will command top dollar when you decide to sell.

Is Re-financing for You?

When mortgage rates are low, you may want to refinance your home loan. Many homeowners have taken advantage of recent low interest rates to refinance and cash out some of the equity from their home to:

* Buy a rental or other investment property
* Remodel their home, such as creating the dream kitchen they've always wanted
* Buy a vacation home on the beach or in the mountains
* Pay for college tuition for a family member or meet other special expenses

If you're interested in refinancing, a home evaluation can give you a good idea of what your home is worth. I would be happy to provide you with a general price range based on recent sale prices of comparable homes in your area.

Or, for a more precise estimation of value, I can drop by for a quick review of your home. With this more detailed information, I can research the sale prices of properties similar in size and features to yours and provide you with a more accurate estimated price range.