January
Valentine’s Day………………….Jan 4
Travel…………………………….Jan 10
Do-It-Yourself…………………...Jan 17
Kitchen/Bed/Bath……………….Jan 24
Senior Living…………………….Jan 30 February
Spring Lawn/Garden…………..Feb 2
Community Cares.……………..Feb 7
Spring Home Decorating………Feb 14
Real Estate…………..………….Feb 22
Spring Automotive……………...Feb 27
March
Tech Talk/Gadgets.…………….Mar 2
Home Improvement/
Construction..……..…………….Mar 7
Mother’s Day……..……………..Mar 14
Health………..…………………..Mar 20
Graduation/Careers..…………..Mar 30 April
How-To……………...…………..Apr 3
Summer Bridal………………….Apr 10
Summer Lawn/Garden……...…Apr 17
Father’s Day…………..………..Apr 23
Active Lifestyles……....………..Apr 30
May
Summer Living………………….May 2
Real Estate..…………………….May 9
Summer Automotive…………...May 16
Home Improvement/
Construction…………………….May 23
Senior Living…………………….May 30 June
Summer Home Decorating…….Jun 5
Fashion/Beauty/Fitness………..Jun 12
Do-It-Yourself……………………Jun 19
Pets………………...…………….Jun 22
Health………….…….…………..Jun 28
July
Fall Bridal……...………………...Jul 5
Back-to-School.…………………Jul 11
Food/Entertaining.……...………Jul 17
Kitchen/Bed/Bath……………….Jul 25
Fall Lawn/Garden………………Jul 31 August
Financial Planning/Money..…….Aug 2
Fall Automotive………………….Aug 8
Fall Home Decorating…………..Aug 15
Home Improvement/
Winterizing………….……………Aug 22
Senior Living……………………..Aug 29
September
Halloween……...…………….…Sep 5
How-To………………………….Sep 12
Holiday Season………………...Sep 18
Health……………...…………….Sep 20
Business/Careers………………Sep 26 October
Winter Living.……...…………….Oct 3
Community Cares..……………..Oct 10
Celebrate the Season…………..Oct 17
Kitchen/Bed/Bath…...…………..Oct 23
Do-It-Yourself.…………………..Oct 30
November
Super Bowl…...………………..Nov 2
New Year’s/Resolutions……....Nov 7
Winter Automotive……………..Nov 13
Last Minute Holiday…………...Nov 19
Home Improvement/
Construction……….…………...Nov 28 December
Money/Taxes…………………….Dec 4
Spring Bridal……………………..Dec 11
Dreaming of Gardens.…………..Dec 13
Senior Living……………………..Dec 17
Business/Careers….……………Dec 20
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
First National Listing Service for Real Estate a Boon for Buyers, Sellers and Agents
First National Listing Service for Real Estate a Boon for Buyers, Sellers and Agents
(ARA) – If you’ve bought or sold a home recently, you know that being on either end of the transaction can be stressful. Buyers may be under pressure to find a home quickly, for example, if they are transferring to a new job from a different location. Sellers want to get the best price in the shortest amount of time.
Working with a real estate agent can help make the process easier for everyone involved. And in the age of the Internet, working with an agent who is online is a must. Whether you’re buying or selling, to make sure you have the best information at your fingertips, look for a broker or agent who’s a member of Point2 NLS, the first national listing service for licensed real estate professionals.
“Point2 NLS makes it extremely easy to leverage listing data entered into the system, to quickly and easily put a property that’s for sale in front of millions more potential home buyers, which is in the best interest of the home seller, and makes the research experience that much more complete for buyers researching homes on the Internet,” says Brendan King, chief operating office Technology, the company behind the new listing service.
There are currently over 110,000 brokers and agents in 85 countries using this innovative program which allows agents to cooperatively advertise listings with other members in a wide geographic area not defined by arbitrary MLS boundaries. Another plus, NLS members have automatic, free access to advertising listings on most of the major consumer real estate search sites, which quickly and effortlessly puts listings in front of more potential buyers.
And those listings are rich with information. Each one can include up to 36 photos, and listings with five or more photos also feature a virtual tour, which means sellers can show all the great features of their home, while buyers can get a more complete idea of what a property looks like, inside and out.
Each listing also includes information about the neighborhood the home is located in, and a section where sellers can leave personal comments. “Since the current owners are the experts on their house and their neighborhood, buyers can benefit from their knowledge,” says Jeff Tomlin, manager of market research at Point2 Technologies. For example, the seller might talk about things they will miss about their home, like the fabulous walking and biking trails nearby that they love.
“The more in-depth content offered by Point2 NLS members gives home buyers richer, more complete information to help them in their search,” adds Saul Klein, president and CEO of InternetCrusade, a leading real estate training and consulting organization.
If you’re looking for an agent who utilizes Point2 NLS, simply go to www.Point2Homes.com and click on the Agents tab, then choose the state you’re in or moving to, select the city or neighborhood you’re interested in, and the site will show you real estate professionals who represent properties in the area. With a direct e-mail link, as well as other contact information, it’s easy to get in touch with these agents to speak with them in person.
“Point2 NLS is a great tool for both real estate agents and their clients,” says Klein. “While real estate agents can vastly expand their marketing activities and manage their business using the contact management and contact relationship development component of the program, home buyers and sellers benefit by having wider exposure for each property.”
Membership in Point2 NLS is open to all licensed real estate professionals, and is free of charge. With tens of thousands of agents already using the program and hundreds more joining each day, finding an agent who specializes in the states, cities and even specific neighborhoods you’re interested in should be easy.
Real estate agents can find out more by visiting www.Point2NLS.com. Buyers and sellers looking for an agent in their area who uses Point2 NLS can visit www.Point2Homes.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) – If you’ve bought or sold a home recently, you know that being on either end of the transaction can be stressful. Buyers may be under pressure to find a home quickly, for example, if they are transferring to a new job from a different location. Sellers want to get the best price in the shortest amount of time.
Working with a real estate agent can help make the process easier for everyone involved. And in the age of the Internet, working with an agent who is online is a must. Whether you’re buying or selling, to make sure you have the best information at your fingertips, look for a broker or agent who’s a member of Point2 NLS, the first national listing service for licensed real estate professionals.
“Point2 NLS makes it extremely easy to leverage listing data entered into the system, to quickly and easily put a property that’s for sale in front of millions more potential home buyers, which is in the best interest of the home seller, and makes the research experience that much more complete for buyers researching homes on the Internet,” says Brendan King, chief operating office Technology, the company behind the new listing service.
There are currently over 110,000 brokers and agents in 85 countries using this innovative program which allows agents to cooperatively advertise listings with other members in a wide geographic area not defined by arbitrary MLS boundaries. Another plus, NLS members have automatic, free access to advertising listings on most of the major consumer real estate search sites, which quickly and effortlessly puts listings in front of more potential buyers.
And those listings are rich with information. Each one can include up to 36 photos, and listings with five or more photos also feature a virtual tour, which means sellers can show all the great features of their home, while buyers can get a more complete idea of what a property looks like, inside and out.
Each listing also includes information about the neighborhood the home is located in, and a section where sellers can leave personal comments. “Since the current owners are the experts on their house and their neighborhood, buyers can benefit from their knowledge,” says Jeff Tomlin, manager of market research at Point2 Technologies. For example, the seller might talk about things they will miss about their home, like the fabulous walking and biking trails nearby that they love.
“The more in-depth content offered by Point2 NLS members gives home buyers richer, more complete information to help them in their search,” adds Saul Klein, president and CEO of InternetCrusade, a leading real estate training and consulting organization.
If you’re looking for an agent who utilizes Point2 NLS, simply go to www.Point2Homes.com and click on the Agents tab, then choose the state you’re in or moving to, select the city or neighborhood you’re interested in, and the site will show you real estate professionals who represent properties in the area. With a direct e-mail link, as well as other contact information, it’s easy to get in touch with these agents to speak with them in person.
“Point2 NLS is a great tool for both real estate agents and their clients,” says Klein. “While real estate agents can vastly expand their marketing activities and manage their business using the contact management and contact relationship development component of the program, home buyers and sellers benefit by having wider exposure for each property.”
Membership in Point2 NLS is open to all licensed real estate professionals, and is free of charge. With tens of thousands of agents already using the program and hundreds more joining each day, finding an agent who specializes in the states, cities and even specific neighborhoods you’re interested in should be easy.
Real estate agents can find out more by visiting www.Point2NLS.com. Buyers and sellers looking for an agent in their area who uses Point2 NLS can visit www.Point2Homes.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Facelift for the Middle-Aged Door
Facelift for the Middle-Aged Door
(ARA) – These days, baby boomers aren’t the only ones worried about showing their age. When it comes to the middle-aged home, the front door is often the first to go.
That’s because exterior doors -- one of the larger openings on the home -- often take the brunt of UV exposure, wind and rain over a period of decades. A Harvard University study shows the average age of a home in the United States is 32 years old and rising, so doors definitely develop their share of “age spots.”
“It’s important to understand the causes and effects of wear and tear on exterior doors because they provide security and energy efficiency benefits, not to mention curb appeal, for the home,” says Shane Meisel, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN doors. “Proper maintenance -- just a little attention over time -- can help extend the life of exterior doors for many years.”
To maintain their youthful appearance, it’s important to regularly inspect exterior doors and repair problem spots, such as fading and the ill effects of water penetration. So with both performance and curb appeal in mind, here is a guide to recognizing and reversing signs of aging on exterior doors.
Anti-Aging Regimen for Exterior Doors
Proper finishing. The first defense against premature aging of doors is proper finishing. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and be sure to finish all six sides of the door. Even though you may not see the top and bottom, they can be conduits for doors to absorb moisture from the environment, causing swelling and cracking over time.
Correct exposure ratio. The placement of an exterior door plays a major role in its maintenance and longevity. It’s important to determine the amount of overhang that protects the door from sun and rain and understand the UV exposure generated by the direction the door faces. In mild climates, the overhang should equal at least one-half of the door’s height. More severe climates require larger overhangs. The industry term for the correct exposure ratio is “coefficient.”
High-performance materials. New advances in manufacturing technology have taken the worry out of wood doors. JELD-WEN now offers AuraLast wood for U.S.-produced pine wood doors and frames. Thanks to a revolutionary penetrating treatment process, AuraLast wood is guaranteed to resist termites and decay for 20 years, and AuraLast wood frames carry a lifetime warranty.
Periodic inspection and maintenance. Just like any other exterior surface, doors need cleaning and care each year. Homeowners should expect to refinish wood doors every two to five years. For solid wood doors, lightly sand, then wipe away dust with a clean cloth, slightly dampened with mineral spirits. For doors made of other materials, follow the manufacturer’s refinishing recommendations. Apply at least two coats of a fade-resistant exterior polyurethane with an ultraviolet inhibitor, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sand lightly between coats and be sure to finish all six sides of the door in the same manner.
Top Tips for Sprucing up the Front Entry
Once the entry door is properly finished and protected, homeowners may want to consider these inexpensive cosmetic upgrades.
1. Consider a new paint color. A touch of color for the front door gives the whole front of the home a lift. JELD-WEN’s new front door selector tool, offered at www.jeld-wen.com, allows homeowners to experiment with different looks online.
2. Install new hardware. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up the front entry on your own. Be sure to consider how the color and finish of the hardware coordinates or contrasts with the color and texture of the front door, and select a low-maintenance finish. Examples of new hardware to consider are brass kick plates, door handles, door knockers, locks and even mail slots.
3. Incorporate house numbers and lighting at the entryway. House numbers are a huge trend in “exterior design.” With more stylish options available than ever before, this little weekend project makes a big impact at the front entry. Likewise, a matching exterior light adds a warm and welcoming ambience.
For more door care and maintenance tips from JELD-WEN or to browse new styles for replacement doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) – These days, baby boomers aren’t the only ones worried about showing their age. When it comes to the middle-aged home, the front door is often the first to go.
That’s because exterior doors -- one of the larger openings on the home -- often take the brunt of UV exposure, wind and rain over a period of decades. A Harvard University study shows the average age of a home in the United States is 32 years old and rising, so doors definitely develop their share of “age spots.”
“It’s important to understand the causes and effects of wear and tear on exterior doors because they provide security and energy efficiency benefits, not to mention curb appeal, for the home,” says Shane Meisel, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN doors. “Proper maintenance -- just a little attention over time -- can help extend the life of exterior doors for many years.”
To maintain their youthful appearance, it’s important to regularly inspect exterior doors and repair problem spots, such as fading and the ill effects of water penetration. So with both performance and curb appeal in mind, here is a guide to recognizing and reversing signs of aging on exterior doors.
Anti-Aging Regimen for Exterior Doors
Proper finishing. The first defense against premature aging of doors is proper finishing. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and be sure to finish all six sides of the door. Even though you may not see the top and bottom, they can be conduits for doors to absorb moisture from the environment, causing swelling and cracking over time.
Correct exposure ratio. The placement of an exterior door plays a major role in its maintenance and longevity. It’s important to determine the amount of overhang that protects the door from sun and rain and understand the UV exposure generated by the direction the door faces. In mild climates, the overhang should equal at least one-half of the door’s height. More severe climates require larger overhangs. The industry term for the correct exposure ratio is “coefficient.”
High-performance materials. New advances in manufacturing technology have taken the worry out of wood doors. JELD-WEN now offers AuraLast wood for U.S.-produced pine wood doors and frames. Thanks to a revolutionary penetrating treatment process, AuraLast wood is guaranteed to resist termites and decay for 20 years, and AuraLast wood frames carry a lifetime warranty.
Periodic inspection and maintenance. Just like any other exterior surface, doors need cleaning and care each year. Homeowners should expect to refinish wood doors every two to five years. For solid wood doors, lightly sand, then wipe away dust with a clean cloth, slightly dampened with mineral spirits. For doors made of other materials, follow the manufacturer’s refinishing recommendations. Apply at least two coats of a fade-resistant exterior polyurethane with an ultraviolet inhibitor, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sand lightly between coats and be sure to finish all six sides of the door in the same manner.
Top Tips for Sprucing up the Front Entry
Once the entry door is properly finished and protected, homeowners may want to consider these inexpensive cosmetic upgrades.
1. Consider a new paint color. A touch of color for the front door gives the whole front of the home a lift. JELD-WEN’s new front door selector tool, offered at www.jeld-wen.com, allows homeowners to experiment with different looks online.
2. Install new hardware. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up the front entry on your own. Be sure to consider how the color and finish of the hardware coordinates or contrasts with the color and texture of the front door, and select a low-maintenance finish. Examples of new hardware to consider are brass kick plates, door handles, door knockers, locks and even mail slots.
3. Incorporate house numbers and lighting at the entryway. House numbers are a huge trend in “exterior design.” With more stylish options available than ever before, this little weekend project makes a big impact at the front entry. Likewise, a matching exterior light adds a warm and welcoming ambience.
For more door care and maintenance tips from JELD-WEN or to browse new styles for replacement doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Buyers, Current Homeowners Seek Eco-Friendly Materials
Buyers, Current Homeowners Seek Eco-Friendly Materials
(ARA) - With the country going green, many homeowners are looking for eco-friendly materials when buying their next home. And as more homeowners struggle with high utility bills and become more concerned about the environment, many are updating their homes to be more eco-friendly.
The latest housing trend shows that many new homebuilders are constructing “green” homes. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders reports that eco-friendly construction will climb from 2 percent of all residential housing starts in 2005 to between 5 and 10 percent in 2010.
For those consumers in older, existing homes, there are many easy, affordable and immediate steps they can take to make their home more environmentally friendly. Here are a few from the National Building Museum:
* Lower the temperature on your thermostat. By lowering it just one degree, you can reduce heating costs in your home by nearly 4 percent.
* Install low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. These help reduce water consumption and water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.
* Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second from a leaky faucet can waste as much as 10 gallons of water each week.
* Purchase appliances with the Energy Star rating. An Energy Star-qualified refrigerator would save enough electricity to light a home for more than four- and-a-half months compared to a refrigerator from 1990.
* Select renewable resources when purchasing flooring products. Bamboo and cork surfaces are excellent choices for those wishing to purchase an eco-friendly product that will also provide a beautiful look in their home. Bamboo is actually a grass and replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, consumers preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife. In addition to bamboo, cork is also another great option for those wishing to have a green or eco-friendly home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times. It is also durable, acoustical, long-lasting and is the best flooring available for allergy sufferers.
One popular retailer of bamboo and cork flooring is Lumber Liquidators. The company offers 13 varieties from three brands—Morning Star Bamboo, Supreme Bamboo and Schön Engineered Flooring—in varying sizes of floor boards and finishes. Lumber Liquidators also offers four different cork flooring options from Lisbon Cork that all come with a 25-year warranty.
“We’re at an age where consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put in their bodies, and in their homes,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators
While constructing a green home from the ground up may not be doable for many homeowners, these suggestions can help make their existing homes more green and even help save some money in the process.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - With the country going green, many homeowners are looking for eco-friendly materials when buying their next home. And as more homeowners struggle with high utility bills and become more concerned about the environment, many are updating their homes to be more eco-friendly.
The latest housing trend shows that many new homebuilders are constructing “green” homes. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders reports that eco-friendly construction will climb from 2 percent of all residential housing starts in 2005 to between 5 and 10 percent in 2010.
For those consumers in older, existing homes, there are many easy, affordable and immediate steps they can take to make their home more environmentally friendly. Here are a few from the National Building Museum:
* Lower the temperature on your thermostat. By lowering it just one degree, you can reduce heating costs in your home by nearly 4 percent.
* Install low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. These help reduce water consumption and water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.
* Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second from a leaky faucet can waste as much as 10 gallons of water each week.
* Purchase appliances with the Energy Star rating. An Energy Star-qualified refrigerator would save enough electricity to light a home for more than four- and-a-half months compared to a refrigerator from 1990.
* Select renewable resources when purchasing flooring products. Bamboo and cork surfaces are excellent choices for those wishing to purchase an eco-friendly product that will also provide a beautiful look in their home. Bamboo is actually a grass and replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, consumers preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife. In addition to bamboo, cork is also another great option for those wishing to have a green or eco-friendly home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times. It is also durable, acoustical, long-lasting and is the best flooring available for allergy sufferers.
One popular retailer of bamboo and cork flooring is Lumber Liquidators. The company offers 13 varieties from three brands—Morning Star Bamboo, Supreme Bamboo and Schön Engineered Flooring—in varying sizes of floor boards and finishes. Lumber Liquidators also offers four different cork flooring options from Lisbon Cork that all come with a 25-year warranty.
“We’re at an age where consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put in their bodies, and in their homes,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators
While constructing a green home from the ground up may not be doable for many homeowners, these suggestions can help make their existing homes more green and even help save some money in the process.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Choosing the Right Vacation Property for You
Choosing the Right Vacation Property for You
(ARA) – Vacations produce a lifetime of memories. No matter where you go, you get to spend quality time with your friends, family and the people you care about. Many travelers realize this is priceless and have decided to investigate owning a vacation home or joining a destination club.
According to the National Association of Realtors, vacation and investment-home sales both set records in 2005, with the combined total of second home sales accounting for four out of 10 residential transactions.
“Deciding to own a second home or join a destination club really should be viewed as an investment in memories that are yet to be made,” said Steve Greer, CEO of an organization that specializes in luxury vacation residences. “Choose what fits you and your family’s needs best.”
There are many options for different people depending on what they want out of a vacation investment. Some feel like a second home -- whether it is a cabin up north, cottage on the beach, or condo for the winter months -- is the best option. Others believe joining a destination club might suit their needs better. Here are some things to think about for each option:
Second Home
Vacation homes are permanent destinations that work well for those who know they enjoy one area, want to return time and time again and perhaps want to stay for an extended period of time. Owning the home gives the person the ability to decorate, organize and change the home to fit their needs.
With this freedom comes home maintenance that often takes a lot of time and can be costly. If you live away from your vacation home, you will need to hire someone to take care of the lawn and clean while you are away. If you live close, you could spend many hours on regular maintenance, not including unanticipated problems.
“Vacation homes often need to be opened in one season and closed during another. Before purchasing, understand the time and financial commitment maintenance will take to be sure there are no surprises,” says Greer.
Destination Clubs
Destination clubs consist of members who join a country club type of organization to utilize a portfolio of properties owned by the club. The clubs work well for someone who enjoys the privacy, space and conveniences a home offers, but doesn’t want to be tied down to just one location. Members also don’t have to worry about maintenance because the organization takes care of each property. Members find the costs of club membership to be typically more commensurate with the amount of travel they will likely undertake.
Destination clubs also provide vacation planning and on-site concierge services to help members make the most of their vacation experience. One example is The LUSSO Collection, which specializes in luxury accommodations for its members, and strives to provide personalized service to ensure an unforgettable experience.
With properties in locations such as Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Manhattan; Hawaii; the Bahamas and other choice destinations, LUSSO provides members unlimited access to multi-million dollar vacation homes. Residences are fully equipped with all needed items including a Lincoln Navigator, golf clubs, a gourmet kitchen stocked with pre-arrival groceries and amenities for all travelers regardless of age.
The country club similarity extends to the economic structure, whereby members pay a fully refundable deposit (currently $350,000) and annual dues for unlimited access to the clubs portfolio of residences and services.
When a friend presented Harry Hoopis, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, with an opportunity to join LUSSO, Harry had already done his due diligence on fractionalized vacation models. He decided to sell his vacation property and cut “the headaches of maintenance, association fees, security, taxes and other issues .... This was exactly the right club for me and my family at the right time.”
The right choice for you depends on what you really need and want out of future vacations. By exploring your options, you will ensure that you make the right choice for future memories.
For more information, visit www.lussocollection.com, or call (866) GO LUSSO.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – Vacations produce a lifetime of memories. No matter where you go, you get to spend quality time with your friends, family and the people you care about. Many travelers realize this is priceless and have decided to investigate owning a vacation home or joining a destination club.
According to the National Association of Realtors, vacation and investment-home sales both set records in 2005, with the combined total of second home sales accounting for four out of 10 residential transactions.
“Deciding to own a second home or join a destination club really should be viewed as an investment in memories that are yet to be made,” said Steve Greer, CEO of an organization that specializes in luxury vacation residences. “Choose what fits you and your family’s needs best.”
There are many options for different people depending on what they want out of a vacation investment. Some feel like a second home -- whether it is a cabin up north, cottage on the beach, or condo for the winter months -- is the best option. Others believe joining a destination club might suit their needs better. Here are some things to think about for each option:
Second Home
Vacation homes are permanent destinations that work well for those who know they enjoy one area, want to return time and time again and perhaps want to stay for an extended period of time. Owning the home gives the person the ability to decorate, organize and change the home to fit their needs.
With this freedom comes home maintenance that often takes a lot of time and can be costly. If you live away from your vacation home, you will need to hire someone to take care of the lawn and clean while you are away. If you live close, you could spend many hours on regular maintenance, not including unanticipated problems.
“Vacation homes often need to be opened in one season and closed during another. Before purchasing, understand the time and financial commitment maintenance will take to be sure there are no surprises,” says Greer.
Destination Clubs
Destination clubs consist of members who join a country club type of organization to utilize a portfolio of properties owned by the club. The clubs work well for someone who enjoys the privacy, space and conveniences a home offers, but doesn’t want to be tied down to just one location. Members also don’t have to worry about maintenance because the organization takes care of each property. Members find the costs of club membership to be typically more commensurate with the amount of travel they will likely undertake.
Destination clubs also provide vacation planning and on-site concierge services to help members make the most of their vacation experience. One example is The LUSSO Collection, which specializes in luxury accommodations for its members, and strives to provide personalized service to ensure an unforgettable experience.
With properties in locations such as Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Manhattan; Hawaii; the Bahamas and other choice destinations, LUSSO provides members unlimited access to multi-million dollar vacation homes. Residences are fully equipped with all needed items including a Lincoln Navigator, golf clubs, a gourmet kitchen stocked with pre-arrival groceries and amenities for all travelers regardless of age.
The country club similarity extends to the economic structure, whereby members pay a fully refundable deposit (currently $350,000) and annual dues for unlimited access to the clubs portfolio of residences and services.
When a friend presented Harry Hoopis, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, with an opportunity to join LUSSO, Harry had already done his due diligence on fractionalized vacation models. He decided to sell his vacation property and cut “the headaches of maintenance, association fees, security, taxes and other issues .... This was exactly the right club for me and my family at the right time.”
The right choice for you depends on what you really need and want out of future vacations. By exploring your options, you will ensure that you make the right choice for future memories.
For more information, visit www.lussocollection.com, or call (866) GO LUSSO.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
An Extreme Exterior Makeover on a Not-So-Extreme Budget
An Extreme Exterior Makeover on a Not-So-Extreme Budget
(ARA) - How does a real-life home makeover with a celebrity designer play out when the television cameras aren’t rolling?
The Villaluna family of San Marino, Calif. found out when Chayse Dacoda, an L.A.-based author and designer on the home improvement television series "While You Were Out," made a house call to help them transform their 1934 Tudor home.
A young, professional couple with two small children, the Villalunas bought a fixer-upper three years ago and have been working their way through a variety of renovations, but were stuck on the front of the house, and on a tight budget.
They entered and won the "Transform Your Home Contest” sponsored by garage door manufacturer Clopay and Meredith Corporation, publisher of several magazines including “Better Homes and Gardens.”
“The ‘a-ha’ moment for us was seeing how minor cosmetic changes and a not-so-outrageous budget can yield big improvements to a home’s curb appeal,” says homeowner Doojduen Villaluna. “We weren’t pretending to do a $75,000 transformation on a $5,000 budget, but the results look like we spent that much.”
In fact, the makeover cost about $10,000. The budget included a new garage door (about $3,500), $500 in exterior lighting fixtures and $6,000 toward the cost of repainting and landscaping the home.
The Process
Villaluna and her husband are experienced remodelers, but they had never utilized a designer before. Even so, they had no problem letting Dacoda take the reins.
“Since we are avid home improvement enthusiasts, we were well aware of Chayse’s style from watching her transform homes on T.V. and very excited to see what her ideas would be for ours,” Doojduen adds.
The makeover was definitely a collaborative process, and in this reality re-do, there was no drama.
“At the very first meeting it was clear that Chayse’s vision for our home was going to bring out the cottage charm, yet stay true to its French-Country style, which was important to us. The only suggestion we elected not to do was to repaint the stucco, since that had been done less than a year ago, and the existing color was almost identical to the shade she recommended.”
That decision allowed Dacoda to reallocate some of the paint budget towards decorative accents like a wood fence, Adirondack chairs and a birdbath, which had a huge impact.
”Our house used to be one of the darkest and least welcoming homes on the block. Now it’s bright, inviting and a real standout in the neighborhood,” says Villaluna. “Without a doubt, people comment most often on the garage door. They can't believe that simple change transformed the entire look of the house.”
The Plan
Chayse Dacoda turned the Villaluna home into a stunning French-Country cottage. While the makeover was dramatic, the plan was simple. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Replace the garage door: The old ribbed, metal garage door belonged on an industrial building instead of the front of this historic home. Replacing it with a Clopay Reserve Collection Redwood carriage house door added instant old-world charm.
2. Lighting: The wrought iron lights echo the decorative antique hardware on the doors creating a cohesive look.
3. Paint: To brighten the exterior, Dacoda suggested painting the front door light beige and the windows’ trim a brick red.
4. Landscaping and Decorative Accents: Lush greenery and accent pieces like Adirondack chairs, a stone birdbath and a redwood fence were installed in the front yard.
“You can achieve dramatic results on a realistic budget if you know where to invest your dollars,” says Dacoda. “When considering a makeover, I encourage homeowners to look at exterior details they can add or enhance. Some key areas to focus on are the garage door, especially if it faces the street, the front door, lighting fixtures, landscaping, the paint color scheme, and accent pieces like house numbers, porch furniture, window boxes or planters.”
For more information on this and other exterior makeovers by Chayse Dacoda visit www.clopaydoor.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - How does a real-life home makeover with a celebrity designer play out when the television cameras aren’t rolling?
The Villaluna family of San Marino, Calif. found out when Chayse Dacoda, an L.A.-based author and designer on the home improvement television series "While You Were Out," made a house call to help them transform their 1934 Tudor home.
A young, professional couple with two small children, the Villalunas bought a fixer-upper three years ago and have been working their way through a variety of renovations, but were stuck on the front of the house, and on a tight budget.
They entered and won the "Transform Your Home Contest” sponsored by garage door manufacturer Clopay and Meredith Corporation, publisher of several magazines including “Better Homes and Gardens.”
“The ‘a-ha’ moment for us was seeing how minor cosmetic changes and a not-so-outrageous budget can yield big improvements to a home’s curb appeal,” says homeowner Doojduen Villaluna. “We weren’t pretending to do a $75,000 transformation on a $5,000 budget, but the results look like we spent that much.”
In fact, the makeover cost about $10,000. The budget included a new garage door (about $3,500), $500 in exterior lighting fixtures and $6,000 toward the cost of repainting and landscaping the home.
The Process
Villaluna and her husband are experienced remodelers, but they had never utilized a designer before. Even so, they had no problem letting Dacoda take the reins.
“Since we are avid home improvement enthusiasts, we were well aware of Chayse’s style from watching her transform homes on T.V. and very excited to see what her ideas would be for ours,” Doojduen adds.
The makeover was definitely a collaborative process, and in this reality re-do, there was no drama.
“At the very first meeting it was clear that Chayse’s vision for our home was going to bring out the cottage charm, yet stay true to its French-Country style, which was important to us. The only suggestion we elected not to do was to repaint the stucco, since that had been done less than a year ago, and the existing color was almost identical to the shade she recommended.”
That decision allowed Dacoda to reallocate some of the paint budget towards decorative accents like a wood fence, Adirondack chairs and a birdbath, which had a huge impact.
”Our house used to be one of the darkest and least welcoming homes on the block. Now it’s bright, inviting and a real standout in the neighborhood,” says Villaluna. “Without a doubt, people comment most often on the garage door. They can't believe that simple change transformed the entire look of the house.”
The Plan
Chayse Dacoda turned the Villaluna home into a stunning French-Country cottage. While the makeover was dramatic, the plan was simple. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Replace the garage door: The old ribbed, metal garage door belonged on an industrial building instead of the front of this historic home. Replacing it with a Clopay Reserve Collection Redwood carriage house door added instant old-world charm.
2. Lighting: The wrought iron lights echo the decorative antique hardware on the doors creating a cohesive look.
3. Paint: To brighten the exterior, Dacoda suggested painting the front door light beige and the windows’ trim a brick red.
4. Landscaping and Decorative Accents: Lush greenery and accent pieces like Adirondack chairs, a stone birdbath and a redwood fence were installed in the front yard.
“You can achieve dramatic results on a realistic budget if you know where to invest your dollars,” says Dacoda. “When considering a makeover, I encourage homeowners to look at exterior details they can add or enhance. Some key areas to focus on are the garage door, especially if it faces the street, the front door, lighting fixtures, landscaping, the paint color scheme, and accent pieces like house numbers, porch furniture, window boxes or planters.”
For more information on this and other exterior makeovers by Chayse Dacoda visit www.clopaydoor.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Top Five Reasons to Refinance Your Home
Top Five Reasons to Refinance Your Home
(ARA) – Although no one knows for sure if interest rates are going to go up, down or stay the same, if you need to lower your monthly expenses or find some extra cash, now might be the right time to refinance your home.
The question is not only when to refinance, but why, according to Matt Coffin, president and founder of LowerMyBills.com. “Right now interest rates are low, but even if they weren’t, there may be some people for whom refinancing makes sense,” he says. “The reasons for refinancing can be as diverse as the homeowners who use this tactic to help manage their finances.”
To decide if refinancing is right for you, you’ll need a comprehensive picture of your current financial health and the costs of your current mortgage. You should also know exactly what your objective is. “What do you want to get out of your refinance?” Coffin questions. “Do you want to lower your monthly mortgage payments or cash out some equity to pay off other, higher interest, debt?”
Top five reasons for refinancing include:
1. Spend Less Each Month – These days, life seems to come down to monthly payments. If you are stretching to meet your monthly payments on your mortgage, maybe you need to consider refinancing options. If you can get a lower interest rate than you currently have, you'll be able to save substantially on your monthly payment.
2. Refinancing Your High Interest Mortgage - If you have owned your home for a while -- and you bought it before the interest rates hit rock bottom -- you have a lot of options available that can help you save more money. For instance, even with a simple refinance at a lower interest rate, you will be saving money each month.
3. Refinancing Home Mortgages to Extend Your Term - If interest rates are lower than they were when you bought your home, you can refinance and take out another 30 year fixed mortgage. You are now borrowing less than you had to when you first bought your home, at a lower interest rate, spread out over more time. Your monthly payment is likely to drop considerably. Web sites like www.LowerMyBills.com can help you review all your mortgage refinance options.
4. Moving from an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or Interest Only to a Conventional Fixed Mortgage – Some loan types that worked well for you at first, may not be the best option when interest rates start to climb. Adjustable rate mortgages or interest only loans can be a good way to start out with a lower monthly payment, but the monthly payments can balloon once the initial fixed term ends. Also, interest only loans will not help you build equity in your home. “Refinancing to a conventional loan can save you lots of money and uncertainty in the long run,” says Coffin.
5. Eliminating Other Debt – If you have significant credit card debt at high interest rates, it may make sense to refinance in order to pay off that debt. Not only will the interest on your mortgage be lower than nearly any credit card rate, you will be building equity in your home and can enjoy the tax breaks that come with mortgage payments. “Many people refinance to consolidate debts like student or auto loans because they like the idea of having just one monthly payment,” Coffin says.
To learn more about refinancing, visit www.LowerMyBills.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – Although no one knows for sure if interest rates are going to go up, down or stay the same, if you need to lower your monthly expenses or find some extra cash, now might be the right time to refinance your home.
The question is not only when to refinance, but why, according to Matt Coffin, president and founder of LowerMyBills.com. “Right now interest rates are low, but even if they weren’t, there may be some people for whom refinancing makes sense,” he says. “The reasons for refinancing can be as diverse as the homeowners who use this tactic to help manage their finances.”
To decide if refinancing is right for you, you’ll need a comprehensive picture of your current financial health and the costs of your current mortgage. You should also know exactly what your objective is. “What do you want to get out of your refinance?” Coffin questions. “Do you want to lower your monthly mortgage payments or cash out some equity to pay off other, higher interest, debt?”
Top five reasons for refinancing include:
1. Spend Less Each Month – These days, life seems to come down to monthly payments. If you are stretching to meet your monthly payments on your mortgage, maybe you need to consider refinancing options. If you can get a lower interest rate than you currently have, you'll be able to save substantially on your monthly payment.
2. Refinancing Your High Interest Mortgage - If you have owned your home for a while -- and you bought it before the interest rates hit rock bottom -- you have a lot of options available that can help you save more money. For instance, even with a simple refinance at a lower interest rate, you will be saving money each month.
3. Refinancing Home Mortgages to Extend Your Term - If interest rates are lower than they were when you bought your home, you can refinance and take out another 30 year fixed mortgage. You are now borrowing less than you had to when you first bought your home, at a lower interest rate, spread out over more time. Your monthly payment is likely to drop considerably. Web sites like www.LowerMyBills.com can help you review all your mortgage refinance options.
4. Moving from an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or Interest Only to a Conventional Fixed Mortgage – Some loan types that worked well for you at first, may not be the best option when interest rates start to climb. Adjustable rate mortgages or interest only loans can be a good way to start out with a lower monthly payment, but the monthly payments can balloon once the initial fixed term ends. Also, interest only loans will not help you build equity in your home. “Refinancing to a conventional loan can save you lots of money and uncertainty in the long run,” says Coffin.
5. Eliminating Other Debt – If you have significant credit card debt at high interest rates, it may make sense to refinance in order to pay off that debt. Not only will the interest on your mortgage be lower than nearly any credit card rate, you will be building equity in your home and can enjoy the tax breaks that come with mortgage payments. “Many people refinance to consolidate debts like student or auto loans because they like the idea of having just one monthly payment,” Coffin says.
To learn more about refinancing, visit www.LowerMyBills.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Buyer’s Market and Remodeling Wave Benefits Everyone
A Buyer’s Market and Remodeling Wave Benefits Everyone
(ARA) - The advantage typically tilts toward those buying homes in today’s housing market. Interest rates are low and housing inventories are up. But the tricky part for everyone is that buyers are often also the sellers and typically depend on selling their existing home to buy a new one. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), consumers can buy and sell in a soft market and still come out ahead.
“Whatever you’ve heard to the contrary, soft markets are not dead markets. People are selling houses successfully every day -- over 6 million resales this year alone, the third highest annual resale total in American real estate history,” says Kenneth R. Harney, a nationally syndicated real estate columnist. “To begin with, you’ve got to understand that while it may be a difficult time for sellers right now, it’s a great time for buyers. And many consumers happen to be both.”
Despite a current buyer’s market, a move may not be in your future. Certainly, you’re not alone. The remodeling market is booming as well as homeowners increasingly opt to upgrade their homes and remain in their familiar neighborhood. Remodeling spending surpassed $200 billion for the first time in 2005 and is expected to lead the residential construction industry in growth over the next decade, according to NAHB.
Whether you’re buying, selling or staying put, there are many factors to consider to help make sure your new or existing home performs at its best. Pella Windows and Doors offers these considerations when working with a window or door expert in making buying decisions for your new home, renovation project or as you get ready to sell your home:
Increased energy efficiency is key -- Windows and doors should increase the comfort in a home. Energy-efficient quality double or triple-pane windows (wood, fiberglass or vinyl) and doors help keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer.
A sign to look for in quality windows and doors is ENERGY STAR, symbolizing the most energy-efficient products. Also be sure to read the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label for more details on product performance. Other key ingredients for energy-efficient windows are low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, inert gas fill, multiple layers of glass, air infiltration prevention and insist on proper installation.
Breathe easier while cutting utility bills -- In warm weather, opening operating windows reduces dependency on air conditioning to help lower utility bills while filling the home with fresh air. Using windows for ventilation also helps prevent overheating caused by direct sunlight.
Increased home value potential -- Adding quality windows and doors to a new home or replacement or remodeling project can positively affect your home’s value. Windows and doors are seen from both the interior and exterior of the home and positively impact the all-important curb appeal. Plus you may qualify for U.S. tax credits on next year’s tax return. Check with your local utility company, as many offer rebates for replacing old windows and doors with more energy-efficient options.
Proper installation -- Pella offers a step-by-step installation process to help make the installation job easier and to provide years of enjoyment from quality windows and doors. These steps include:
* Inspecting new products and preparing them and the home for installation
* Protecting the work area by placing drop cloths on furniture and flooring
* Removing old windows and exterior doors
* Installing new windows and doors using Pella’s own proven Window and Door Installation Method designed to help seal out air and moisture
* Cleaning up the work area
* Performing a final walk-through and explaining how to operate the windows and doors
* Hauling away the old windows and doors
Read the fine print -- Quality windows and doors will come factory-assembled for consistency with a quality warranty. Familiarize yourself with them and ask about financing options.
Now’s the time to bolster your bottom line -- Take advantage of current market conditions to make your next move a profitable one. By choosing energy-efficient windows and doors you’ll be comfortable whether you buy, sell or add to your existing home.
For more information on home improvement featuring windows and doors, contact a local Pella Window and Door Showroom expert by calling (888) 84-PELLA or logging on to www.pella.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - The advantage typically tilts toward those buying homes in today’s housing market. Interest rates are low and housing inventories are up. But the tricky part for everyone is that buyers are often also the sellers and typically depend on selling their existing home to buy a new one. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), consumers can buy and sell in a soft market and still come out ahead.
“Whatever you’ve heard to the contrary, soft markets are not dead markets. People are selling houses successfully every day -- over 6 million resales this year alone, the third highest annual resale total in American real estate history,” says Kenneth R. Harney, a nationally syndicated real estate columnist. “To begin with, you’ve got to understand that while it may be a difficult time for sellers right now, it’s a great time for buyers. And many consumers happen to be both.”
Despite a current buyer’s market, a move may not be in your future. Certainly, you’re not alone. The remodeling market is booming as well as homeowners increasingly opt to upgrade their homes and remain in their familiar neighborhood. Remodeling spending surpassed $200 billion for the first time in 2005 and is expected to lead the residential construction industry in growth over the next decade, according to NAHB.
Whether you’re buying, selling or staying put, there are many factors to consider to help make sure your new or existing home performs at its best. Pella Windows and Doors offers these considerations when working with a window or door expert in making buying decisions for your new home, renovation project or as you get ready to sell your home:
Increased energy efficiency is key -- Windows and doors should increase the comfort in a home. Energy-efficient quality double or triple-pane windows (wood, fiberglass or vinyl) and doors help keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer.
A sign to look for in quality windows and doors is ENERGY STAR, symbolizing the most energy-efficient products. Also be sure to read the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label for more details on product performance. Other key ingredients for energy-efficient windows are low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, inert gas fill, multiple layers of glass, air infiltration prevention and insist on proper installation.
Breathe easier while cutting utility bills -- In warm weather, opening operating windows reduces dependency on air conditioning to help lower utility bills while filling the home with fresh air. Using windows for ventilation also helps prevent overheating caused by direct sunlight.
Increased home value potential -- Adding quality windows and doors to a new home or replacement or remodeling project can positively affect your home’s value. Windows and doors are seen from both the interior and exterior of the home and positively impact the all-important curb appeal. Plus you may qualify for U.S. tax credits on next year’s tax return. Check with your local utility company, as many offer rebates for replacing old windows and doors with more energy-efficient options.
Proper installation -- Pella offers a step-by-step installation process to help make the installation job easier and to provide years of enjoyment from quality windows and doors. These steps include:
* Inspecting new products and preparing them and the home for installation
* Protecting the work area by placing drop cloths on furniture and flooring
* Removing old windows and exterior doors
* Installing new windows and doors using Pella’s own proven Window and Door Installation Method designed to help seal out air and moisture
* Cleaning up the work area
* Performing a final walk-through and explaining how to operate the windows and doors
* Hauling away the old windows and doors
Read the fine print -- Quality windows and doors will come factory-assembled for consistency with a quality warranty. Familiarize yourself with them and ask about financing options.
Now’s the time to bolster your bottom line -- Take advantage of current market conditions to make your next move a profitable one. By choosing energy-efficient windows and doors you’ll be comfortable whether you buy, sell or add to your existing home.
For more information on home improvement featuring windows and doors, contact a local Pella Window and Door Showroom expert by calling (888) 84-PELLA or logging on to www.pella.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
A Handy Guide for Do-It-Yourself Movers
A Handy Guide for Do-It-Yourself Movers
(ARA) - As many as 17 million household moves take place each year in the U.S.
If you are among the do-it-yourselfers, Penske Truck Rental offers step-by-step guidance at www.GoPenske.com. Here are a few tips to get you started:
* Truck Selection. Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance with larger moves or your truck selection, visit www.GoPenske.com.
* Reserve Early. Penske suggests reserving your truck at least two weeks in advance -- a truck is guaranteed with every Penske reservation.
* Pack Smart. Load the heaviest items on the truck first. Avoid injury when lifting, by always bending your knees and lifting with your legs.
* Use Accessories. Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets, and hand trucks are all essential moving tools that help protect your items during your move, making your experience more enjoyable.
* Mark Your Boxes. Label the outside of your boxes as you pack. It makes it easy to put the boxes in the right room when you unload at your final destination.
* Safety & Security. Trucks are taller, wider, heavier, and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. To ensure a smooth moving day, pick up your truck a day early and practice driving it. Take extra precautions, especially when the truck is loaded. Use caution near low hanging tree branches, building overhangs and when cornering. Park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door. Penske offers 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and optional protection plans.
Finally, with most family belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. For a complete list of moving tips, visit www.GoPenske.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - As many as 17 million household moves take place each year in the U.S.
If you are among the do-it-yourselfers, Penske Truck Rental offers step-by-step guidance at www.GoPenske.com. Here are a few tips to get you started:
* Truck Selection. Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance with larger moves or your truck selection, visit www.GoPenske.com.
* Reserve Early. Penske suggests reserving your truck at least two weeks in advance -- a truck is guaranteed with every Penske reservation.
* Pack Smart. Load the heaviest items on the truck first. Avoid injury when lifting, by always bending your knees and lifting with your legs.
* Use Accessories. Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets, and hand trucks are all essential moving tools that help protect your items during your move, making your experience more enjoyable.
* Mark Your Boxes. Label the outside of your boxes as you pack. It makes it easy to put the boxes in the right room when you unload at your final destination.
* Safety & Security. Trucks are taller, wider, heavier, and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. To ensure a smooth moving day, pick up your truck a day early and practice driving it. Take extra precautions, especially when the truck is loaded. Use caution near low hanging tree branches, building overhangs and when cornering. Park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door. Penske offers 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and optional protection plans.
Finally, with most family belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. For a complete list of moving tips, visit www.GoPenske.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
How to Handle a Home Remodel
How to Handle a Home Remodel
(ARA) – Whoever coined the phrase “a man’s home is his castle” probably never imagined how close to true that phrase would become in modern home building. “More” seems to be the operative word in new home design these days, from more living space and rooms to increased upgrades, bells and whistles.
Perhaps as a backlash against the “McMansion” trend, many homeowners are opting to remodel the home they have, rather than build something new. Even if you are among those who choose to stay put, chances are you’ll want the same upgrades and extra touches found in many new homes. But trying to keep up with the neighbors could break the bank if you make unwise decisions.
“Budget and benefit are the two most important factors to consider when planning any home remodeling project,” says Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education for Experian. “Homeowners need to set firm goals, have realistic expectations and commit to a budget to make their remodel succeed.”
So if you’re thinking about a home remodeling project, consider these tips first:
Tip One: Know what renovation projects will deliver the most value.
Some of the hottest trends in new home building may not be the best investment for your remodeling dollars. Sure, you can install a second laundry room in your master suite, or create a luggage room where your on-the-go family stores their bags between trips. But when it’s time to resell, those improvements aren’t likely to provide as much return on investment as a kitchen or bath redesign. However, if you plan to stay in your home for many years to come and you travel extensively, then the luggage room might make sense for your family.
If you want to improve resale value, go with the tried and true, such as kitchen and bath upgrades. If you won’t be selling anytime soon, choose upgrades that enhance your enjoyment of your home.
Tip Two: Find the trend that fits your lifestyle.
Walk into virtually any home improvement store and you could lose your head over some of the thrilling upgrades available today. But those glass fronted kitchen cabinets that you loved in the showroom may not be your favorite home improvement when you find they require almost daily cleaning. The whirlpool bath with warm-air vents may be wonderful for grown-up enjoyment, but not the ideal place to bathe your toddler.
“Don’t let dazzling effects distract you from your ultimate objective of enhancing your home in a way that makes sense for you,” says Sweet.
Tip Three: Have your financing in place before the first nail goes in the wall.
“The surest route to disaster is to start work before you know how you’ll pay for it,” says Sweet. Before hiring any contractors or buying materials, establish your budget. You can finance your project a number of ways, and one of the most popular methods is a home equity loan. Because your home is the security for the loan, you will probably be able to get a lower interest rate and even some tax breaks. The amount you already owe on your house and your credit rating will affect how much you can borrow for remodeling.
Before applying for financing, it’s a smart idea to check your credit report. Credit reporting companies like Experian make your report available online (www.experian.com). Obtain a copy and make sure everything is in order, with no payment disputes, accounts you don’t recognize or other questionable items. If you find something wrong, rectify it before you apply for financing.
“With careful planning, you can accomplish a home remodeling project that will both improve your home’s value and enhance your family’s enjoyment of your house for years to come,” says Sweet.
For more information about credit, visit www.experian.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – Whoever coined the phrase “a man’s home is his castle” probably never imagined how close to true that phrase would become in modern home building. “More” seems to be the operative word in new home design these days, from more living space and rooms to increased upgrades, bells and whistles.
Perhaps as a backlash against the “McMansion” trend, many homeowners are opting to remodel the home they have, rather than build something new. Even if you are among those who choose to stay put, chances are you’ll want the same upgrades and extra touches found in many new homes. But trying to keep up with the neighbors could break the bank if you make unwise decisions.
“Budget and benefit are the two most important factors to consider when planning any home remodeling project,” says Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education for Experian. “Homeowners need to set firm goals, have realistic expectations and commit to a budget to make their remodel succeed.”
So if you’re thinking about a home remodeling project, consider these tips first:
Tip One: Know what renovation projects will deliver the most value.
Some of the hottest trends in new home building may not be the best investment for your remodeling dollars. Sure, you can install a second laundry room in your master suite, or create a luggage room where your on-the-go family stores their bags between trips. But when it’s time to resell, those improvements aren’t likely to provide as much return on investment as a kitchen or bath redesign. However, if you plan to stay in your home for many years to come and you travel extensively, then the luggage room might make sense for your family.
If you want to improve resale value, go with the tried and true, such as kitchen and bath upgrades. If you won’t be selling anytime soon, choose upgrades that enhance your enjoyment of your home.
Tip Two: Find the trend that fits your lifestyle.
Walk into virtually any home improvement store and you could lose your head over some of the thrilling upgrades available today. But those glass fronted kitchen cabinets that you loved in the showroom may not be your favorite home improvement when you find they require almost daily cleaning. The whirlpool bath with warm-air vents may be wonderful for grown-up enjoyment, but not the ideal place to bathe your toddler.
“Don’t let dazzling effects distract you from your ultimate objective of enhancing your home in a way that makes sense for you,” says Sweet.
Tip Three: Have your financing in place before the first nail goes in the wall.
“The surest route to disaster is to start work before you know how you’ll pay for it,” says Sweet. Before hiring any contractors or buying materials, establish your budget. You can finance your project a number of ways, and one of the most popular methods is a home equity loan. Because your home is the security for the loan, you will probably be able to get a lower interest rate and even some tax breaks. The amount you already owe on your house and your credit rating will affect how much you can borrow for remodeling.
Before applying for financing, it’s a smart idea to check your credit report. Credit reporting companies like Experian make your report available online (www.experian.com). Obtain a copy and make sure everything is in order, with no payment disputes, accounts you don’t recognize or other questionable items. If you find something wrong, rectify it before you apply for financing.
“With careful planning, you can accomplish a home remodeling project that will both improve your home’s value and enhance your family’s enjoyment of your house for years to come,” says Sweet.
For more information about credit, visit www.experian.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Model Home Tricks Help Maximize Your Home’s Value
Model Home Tricks Help Maximize Your Home’s Value
(ARA) – Perfectly manicured, emerald green lawns flanked by floral beds. Acres of granite counter top and gleaming stainless steel appliances. And everywhere you look are surfaces clean enough to eat off -- that’s the appeal of the model home.
There’s a reason why model homes look the way they do. Builders know that everything they do to make a house look visually appealing amounts to actual dollars, and often thousands of dollars, added to the sale price. The same principal applies to your home.
Whether you’re planning on selling, or just sprucing up your house to make it more enjoyable to live in, mimicking the ideal appearance of a model home can yield impressive results. Here are some tips and trends to help make your house a showplace:
* Start with curb appeal. This is especially important if you’re planning on selling. First impressions are lasting ones and unmown grass or shabby planting beds make the kind of statement you want to avoid. Keep grass well trimmed and planting beds watered. If you don’t have a green thumb, choose easy-to-grow flowers, like petunias, to add pizzazz to your landscaping.
* Cleanliness is essential. Whether you’re selling your home or living in it, keeping it clean is a top priority. Clean homes are better preserved, more healthful places to live. And homebuyers rank dirty houses at the top of their turn-offs list. You probably take care of the kitchen and baths regularly, but don’t forget the need to shampoo the carpet occasionally, especially if it is worn or old. And take the time to do the windows -– you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to your home’s appearance, both inside and out.
* Cut the clutter. Living in a cluttered environment is harmful on so many levels –- from your home’s sell-appeal to your own self esteem. Decreasing clutter opens up the visual space in your home and can inspire greater decorating creativity.
* Take care of repairs as quickly as possible. Some things simply can’t wait, like a leaking roof. But try not to put off small repairs that may not seem consequential –- like the toilet that needs the handle jiggled every now and then. Small repairs can become big problems if they add up or get worse with time –- and they always do.
* Put your decorating dollars into the rooms and trends that give the biggest payoff in both your enjoyment of your home and appeal to potential buyers. Focus on the kitchen and baths. No penny spent in those rooms is ever wasted, whether you’re simply dressing up the bath with new towels or installing granite counter tops in the kitchen. Granite counter tops are a must in model homes, as are gleaming clean baths.
* Consider adding an interior designer touch, such as a custom wall mural. Increasingly popular among designers, wallpaper murals are popping up in model homes across the country. Designers are using them to enhance kitchens, brighten baths and create bold statements in common areas of the house, according to Murals Your Way, makers of easy-to-install custom wallpaper murals. “To have someone paint a mural costs thousands,” states interior designer, Lisa Fields who installed a wallpaper mural depicting Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam in a hallway ceiling. “I love being able to have the same look while staying within budget.” For more wallpaper mural ideas, visit www.muralsyourway.com.
Mimicking the design techniques and selling features of a model home can help you maximize your enjoyment of your home as well as its resale value.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – Perfectly manicured, emerald green lawns flanked by floral beds. Acres of granite counter top and gleaming stainless steel appliances. And everywhere you look are surfaces clean enough to eat off -- that’s the appeal of the model home.
There’s a reason why model homes look the way they do. Builders know that everything they do to make a house look visually appealing amounts to actual dollars, and often thousands of dollars, added to the sale price. The same principal applies to your home.
Whether you’re planning on selling, or just sprucing up your house to make it more enjoyable to live in, mimicking the ideal appearance of a model home can yield impressive results. Here are some tips and trends to help make your house a showplace:
* Start with curb appeal. This is especially important if you’re planning on selling. First impressions are lasting ones and unmown grass or shabby planting beds make the kind of statement you want to avoid. Keep grass well trimmed and planting beds watered. If you don’t have a green thumb, choose easy-to-grow flowers, like petunias, to add pizzazz to your landscaping.
* Cleanliness is essential. Whether you’re selling your home or living in it, keeping it clean is a top priority. Clean homes are better preserved, more healthful places to live. And homebuyers rank dirty houses at the top of their turn-offs list. You probably take care of the kitchen and baths regularly, but don’t forget the need to shampoo the carpet occasionally, especially if it is worn or old. And take the time to do the windows -– you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to your home’s appearance, both inside and out.
* Cut the clutter. Living in a cluttered environment is harmful on so many levels –- from your home’s sell-appeal to your own self esteem. Decreasing clutter opens up the visual space in your home and can inspire greater decorating creativity.
* Take care of repairs as quickly as possible. Some things simply can’t wait, like a leaking roof. But try not to put off small repairs that may not seem consequential –- like the toilet that needs the handle jiggled every now and then. Small repairs can become big problems if they add up or get worse with time –- and they always do.
* Put your decorating dollars into the rooms and trends that give the biggest payoff in both your enjoyment of your home and appeal to potential buyers. Focus on the kitchen and baths. No penny spent in those rooms is ever wasted, whether you’re simply dressing up the bath with new towels or installing granite counter tops in the kitchen. Granite counter tops are a must in model homes, as are gleaming clean baths.
* Consider adding an interior designer touch, such as a custom wall mural. Increasingly popular among designers, wallpaper murals are popping up in model homes across the country. Designers are using them to enhance kitchens, brighten baths and create bold statements in common areas of the house, according to Murals Your Way, makers of easy-to-install custom wallpaper murals. “To have someone paint a mural costs thousands,” states interior designer, Lisa Fields who installed a wallpaper mural depicting Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam in a hallway ceiling. “I love being able to have the same look while staying within budget.” For more wallpaper mural ideas, visit www.muralsyourway.com.
Mimicking the design techniques and selling features of a model home can help you maximize your enjoyment of your home as well as its resale value.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
New Law Gives Many 2007 Home Buyers First-Ever Federal Tax Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums
New Law Gives Many 2007 Home Buyers First-Ever Federal Tax Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums
(ARA) - Home buyers have something new this spring to factor into their home financing calculations: A new federal tax deduction allows many qualified families to write-off premiums for private and government mortgage insurance on loans that close in 2007.
This is the first time that homeowners who have low down payment loans with mortgage insurance will be able to deduct the cost of their mortgage insurance premiums, and the average annual tax savings for qualified families will be between $300 and $350.
The new deduction, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush late last year, is effective for the 2007 tax year.
Under the new law, private mortgage insurance (PrivateMI) premiums are now fully tax deductible for borrowers who buy or refinance a home this year if their adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less. Families with incomes of more than $100,000 and up to $109,000 will be eligible for a reduced deduction.
“Making the cost of mortgage insurance tax deductible helps those who need it most: low- and moderate-income Americans, primarily first-time home buyers, who are financially responsible but simply don’t have the means to amass a 20 percent down payment,” says Steve Smith, chief executive officer of The PMI Group, Inc. and President of Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA).
The tax change to give a deduction for mortgage insurance comes at a time of changing real estate market conditions and regulatory warnings about the risks of exotic loans.
Mortgage insurance plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and continued health of the mortgage finance system. With rising interest rates and slower appreciation of home prices, many people who used exotic loan structures are being surprised with higher monthly payments.
Compared to other financing options, a mortgage loan with PrivateMI is often more affordable and its fixed, predictable premiums provide consumers with peace of mind -- and now a tax deduction. And PrivateMI is cancelable once the homeowner has built up enough equity in the home.
Private mortgage insurance premium prices vary based on the size of the down payment, type of mortgage and amount of insurance coverage. The cost of PrivateMI for a median-priced home -- the projected national median price in 2007 for a single family home is $224,500 -- ranges from $50 to $100 per month.
“This new tax deduction will make loans with private mortgage insurance even more attractive for home buyers who are on the cusp of homeownership,” says Suzanne Hutchinson, MICA’s executive vice president. “The wide-ranging group of organizations that support this important tax break will certainly be working to extend the deduction beyond 2007.”
Consumer groups have had high praise for the new law.
“Homeownership contributes substantially to social stability,” says Bruce Hahn, president and CEO of the American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance. “Yet homeownership remains just beyond the grasp of millions of Americans. Making the cost of mortgage insurance tax deductible helps put homeownership within reach for many more families.”
Tax day in April 2008 -- when taxes are filed for 2007 -- could bring new benefits to qualified home buyers who will buy or refinance homes this year with tax deductible private mortgage insurance.
“This tax deduction will create important social benefits by offering relief to over-burdened taxpayers,” says John Berthoud, president of the National Taxpayers Union. “Finally, homeowners will have the ability to make all the costs associated with the ongoing financing of their home truly tax deductible.”
Advocates for African American and Hispanic groups also note the benefits of the new tax break.
“A tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums will go a long way to help homeowners and potential homeowners who simply want to own a piece of the American dream,” says Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. “I congratulate both the U.S. House and the Senate for doing what’s right to make the goal of affordable homeownership a reality for every American.”
“Currently, many Latinos need loans with private mortgage insurance because they are unable to afford the 20 percent down payment traditionally needed to buy a home,” says Guarione M. Diaz, president and CEO of the Cuban American National Council. “Policies such as this one help these families realize the aspiration of homeownership and fulfill an essential element of the American dream.”
“With a U.S. Hispanic homeownership rate of 48 percent (20 points below the national average of 68 percent), this legislation would enable more hardworking Hispanic families and consumers to become homeowners,” says Manny Mirabal, president and CEO of the National Puerto Rican Coalition. “An estimated 33 percent of the families benefiting from this tax deduction would be minority homeowners.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Home buyers have something new this spring to factor into their home financing calculations: A new federal tax deduction allows many qualified families to write-off premiums for private and government mortgage insurance on loans that close in 2007.
This is the first time that homeowners who have low down payment loans with mortgage insurance will be able to deduct the cost of their mortgage insurance premiums, and the average annual tax savings for qualified families will be between $300 and $350.
The new deduction, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush late last year, is effective for the 2007 tax year.
Under the new law, private mortgage insurance (PrivateMI) premiums are now fully tax deductible for borrowers who buy or refinance a home this year if their adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less. Families with incomes of more than $100,000 and up to $109,000 will be eligible for a reduced deduction.
“Making the cost of mortgage insurance tax deductible helps those who need it most: low- and moderate-income Americans, primarily first-time home buyers, who are financially responsible but simply don’t have the means to amass a 20 percent down payment,” says Steve Smith, chief executive officer of The PMI Group, Inc. and President of Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA).
The tax change to give a deduction for mortgage insurance comes at a time of changing real estate market conditions and regulatory warnings about the risks of exotic loans.
Mortgage insurance plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and continued health of the mortgage finance system. With rising interest rates and slower appreciation of home prices, many people who used exotic loan structures are being surprised with higher monthly payments.
Compared to other financing options, a mortgage loan with PrivateMI is often more affordable and its fixed, predictable premiums provide consumers with peace of mind -- and now a tax deduction. And PrivateMI is cancelable once the homeowner has built up enough equity in the home.
Private mortgage insurance premium prices vary based on the size of the down payment, type of mortgage and amount of insurance coverage. The cost of PrivateMI for a median-priced home -- the projected national median price in 2007 for a single family home is $224,500 -- ranges from $50 to $100 per month.
“This new tax deduction will make loans with private mortgage insurance even more attractive for home buyers who are on the cusp of homeownership,” says Suzanne Hutchinson, MICA’s executive vice president. “The wide-ranging group of organizations that support this important tax break will certainly be working to extend the deduction beyond 2007.”
Consumer groups have had high praise for the new law.
“Homeownership contributes substantially to social stability,” says Bruce Hahn, president and CEO of the American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance. “Yet homeownership remains just beyond the grasp of millions of Americans. Making the cost of mortgage insurance tax deductible helps put homeownership within reach for many more families.”
Tax day in April 2008 -- when taxes are filed for 2007 -- could bring new benefits to qualified home buyers who will buy or refinance homes this year with tax deductible private mortgage insurance.
“This tax deduction will create important social benefits by offering relief to over-burdened taxpayers,” says John Berthoud, president of the National Taxpayers Union. “Finally, homeowners will have the ability to make all the costs associated with the ongoing financing of their home truly tax deductible.”
Advocates for African American and Hispanic groups also note the benefits of the new tax break.
“A tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums will go a long way to help homeowners and potential homeowners who simply want to own a piece of the American dream,” says Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. “I congratulate both the U.S. House and the Senate for doing what’s right to make the goal of affordable homeownership a reality for every American.”
“Currently, many Latinos need loans with private mortgage insurance because they are unable to afford the 20 percent down payment traditionally needed to buy a home,” says Guarione M. Diaz, president and CEO of the Cuban American National Council. “Policies such as this one help these families realize the aspiration of homeownership and fulfill an essential element of the American dream.”
“With a U.S. Hispanic homeownership rate of 48 percent (20 points below the national average of 68 percent), this legislation would enable more hardworking Hispanic families and consumers to become homeowners,” says Manny Mirabal, president and CEO of the National Puerto Rican Coalition. “An estimated 33 percent of the families benefiting from this tax deduction would be minority homeowners.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Planning to Build? Make Sure You Hire the Right Architect
Planning to Build? Make Sure You Hire the Right Architect
(ARA) – When you make the decision to build a new home, there are a lot of things to consider. Among them, is the neighborhood right for you? What kind of lot do you want? Will you be close enough to work, school and shopping?
No matter where you end up, perhaps the most important decision you make will be who you choose as your architect. If you haven't worked with one before, you may be wondering whether your project really requires an architect, particularly if it will be your personal residence. According to the American Institute of Architects, the answer is yes.
The agency points out that using an architect is critical for any building project to be successful. The architect is the big picture person, and he or she will handle a number of duties. Among them, helping clients explore what appeals to them aesthetically and what they require functionally; coordinating teams of design, engineering and construction professionals; and sorting through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements to ensure projects are built the way they were intended.
Rebecca Jones of Chevy Chase, Md., knew all that going into her project. However, since she’s an interior architect by profession, she thought she could design her dream home on her own. “Big mistake,” says Jones. “I had photographed a house in Texas that I absolutely loved and thought I could replicate it on my own, but it didn’t take long for me to realize I was in well over my head.”
While the design of the home came naturally to her, translating her ideas into terms contractors, electricians and plumbers would understand did not. “When I realized I wasn’t doing a good job in that department, I decided it was time to hire an architect.
The person she chose for the job was Jack Arnold, the man who had designed that home in Texas she liked so much.
Arnold is known across the U.S. as an expert in European residential design. His success as an architect stems from both an academic and hands-on education that takes him from local construction sites to premier European museums. From his childhood years constructing forts and tree houses to his 30-year career as a noted architect, Arnold says he has always sought to create something that pleases the eye.
“I really liked his attention to detail, quality and sophistication,” says Jones. “That’s why I decided to hire him.” After their initial consultation, Arnold put together a set of plans, and changes went back and forth via email until everyone was completely satisfied.
“It was a great collaboration,” says Jones. “Jack pushed me to do things I never would have done on my own.”
Jones’ home has a Country English design with high peak ceilings, high arched windows, stone accents around the doors and windows and varied roof lines. The interior has a lot of natural light shining through.
“It was designed to be an empty nester’s home, and everyone’s needs have been taken into consideration,” says Jones. “The master is on the first floor and has a separate sitting room with a small office for my husband right above it. The great room is configured right off the kitchen which makes it perfect for entertaining. There’s a separate wing for my mother, who is 81 and will be moving in with us, and the home is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout.”
While the home Jones had built was custom, Jack Arnold also offers detailed plans for several luxury homes you may be interested in building. Each plan comes with numerous pages of elevations, schedules and specifications to give clients and their builders comprehensive direction on how to create the home they envision.
There are four portfolios available: Country French Classics, Old World Romantics, Dream Home or Cottages, and they are available for purchase online. Log on to www.jackarnold.com http://www.jackarnold.com to find the plan for your dream home.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – When you make the decision to build a new home, there are a lot of things to consider. Among them, is the neighborhood right for you? What kind of lot do you want? Will you be close enough to work, school and shopping?
No matter where you end up, perhaps the most important decision you make will be who you choose as your architect. If you haven't worked with one before, you may be wondering whether your project really requires an architect, particularly if it will be your personal residence. According to the American Institute of Architects, the answer is yes.
The agency points out that using an architect is critical for any building project to be successful. The architect is the big picture person, and he or she will handle a number of duties. Among them, helping clients explore what appeals to them aesthetically and what they require functionally; coordinating teams of design, engineering and construction professionals; and sorting through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements to ensure projects are built the way they were intended.
Rebecca Jones of Chevy Chase, Md., knew all that going into her project. However, since she’s an interior architect by profession, she thought she could design her dream home on her own. “Big mistake,” says Jones. “I had photographed a house in Texas that I absolutely loved and thought I could replicate it on my own, but it didn’t take long for me to realize I was in well over my head.”
While the design of the home came naturally to her, translating her ideas into terms contractors, electricians and plumbers would understand did not. “When I realized I wasn’t doing a good job in that department, I decided it was time to hire an architect.
The person she chose for the job was Jack Arnold, the man who had designed that home in Texas she liked so much.
Arnold is known across the U.S. as an expert in European residential design. His success as an architect stems from both an academic and hands-on education that takes him from local construction sites to premier European museums. From his childhood years constructing forts and tree houses to his 30-year career as a noted architect, Arnold says he has always sought to create something that pleases the eye.
“I really liked his attention to detail, quality and sophistication,” says Jones. “That’s why I decided to hire him.” After their initial consultation, Arnold put together a set of plans, and changes went back and forth via email until everyone was completely satisfied.
“It was a great collaboration,” says Jones. “Jack pushed me to do things I never would have done on my own.”
Jones’ home has a Country English design with high peak ceilings, high arched windows, stone accents around the doors and windows and varied roof lines. The interior has a lot of natural light shining through.
“It was designed to be an empty nester’s home, and everyone’s needs have been taken into consideration,” says Jones. “The master is on the first floor and has a separate sitting room with a small office for my husband right above it. The great room is configured right off the kitchen which makes it perfect for entertaining. There’s a separate wing for my mother, who is 81 and will be moving in with us, and the home is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout.”
While the home Jones had built was custom, Jack Arnold also offers detailed plans for several luxury homes you may be interested in building. Each plan comes with numerous pages of elevations, schedules and specifications to give clients and their builders comprehensive direction on how to create the home they envision.
There are four portfolios available: Country French Classics, Old World Romantics, Dream Home or Cottages, and they are available for purchase online. Log on to www.jackarnold.com http://www.jackarnold.com to find the plan for your dream home.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
(ARA) – Does your home have curb appeal? Better make sure the answer is “YES” before you put it on the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it just may make the difference between selling your property quickly, or having it linger on the market for months.
Just a few short years ago, when mortgage rates were low and the economy was booming, homes were selling almost as quickly as they hit the market. NAR statistics show it is now taking an average of four weeks to sell a home.
If it’s taking longer than that in your case, there may be a good reason. Perhaps your asking price is too high, or there’s too much competition in the surrounding neighborhood. Both are problems you can easily deal with.
Ask your realtor to run a report on comparables to see if your price is indeed too high, and in the meantime, drive up to your home and pretend you’re a potential buyer. What is the first thing you notice?
If your attention is focused on cracks in the driveway, paint on the shutters that’s peeling and dead branches hanging from the trees, it won’t take long before you come to the realization that your home isn’t selling because it lacks curb appeal. So what can you do about it? Make a list of the projects you need to complete right away, then run out to the closest home improvement store and buy your supplies.
* The driveway
Often the first step a perspective buyer takes on your property is on the driveway, so make sure it makes the right impression. If your driveway is gray and weathered, or worse, cracked and crumbling, this may scare off buyers. The good news is that repairing and beautifying your driveway can be done quickly and easily, and wow, what a difference it makes.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a spray on driveway cleaner and letting it dry completely. Once the surface is clean, you can apply your sealer using an applicator that has a squeegee on one side and a brush on the other to spread and smooth the mixture.
There are a lot of asphalt sealers on the market, but do you and your eventual buyer a favor by investing in a product that beautifies and protects. Black Jack Drive-Maxx 700 is a better quality blacktop filler and sealer that contains sand particles to help fill in the small cracks in the surface and it is enhanced with latex which helps with durability. It is a gel based sealer that applies faster, easier and with less mess, what a combination!
It would also be a good idea to have a bottle of Black Jack Blacktop Crack Filler on hand in case cracks should form after the driveway has been resurfaced. You can find both the crack filler and blacktop sealer at Lowe’s and other home improvement stores nationwide. Log on to www.gardner-gibson.com for access to a store locator.
Paint
If the paint on the shutters is peeling away, but the rest of the house looks okay, take the shutters down and repaint them. You may want to repaint the front door to match as well. It would also be a good idea to pressure wash the house and sidewalks, particularly if there are water or dirt marks from the sprinklers.
Landscaping
As far as the landscaping goes, start by removing all the dead branches and leaves from your trees and shrubs, and making sure they have shape to them. Overgrown plants are a big turn off.
You should also be sure the lawn is well maintained. If you don’t have time to cut it every week, and remove the weeds, hire someone to do it for you. And if there’s no color in the yard right now, add some. Pansies, petunias, marigolds and daisies look great whether they’re planted in flower beds or in pots by the front door. Either way, be sure to cover the dirt with mulch, which holds moisture and prevents weed growth.
Other tricks you can try to improve your home’s curb appeal, get a new front door, wash the siding and front windows and replace the weathered mailbox and house numbers. In the grand scheme of things, these small investments will pay huge dividends. They’ll set your home apart from the competition!
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – Does your home have curb appeal? Better make sure the answer is “YES” before you put it on the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it just may make the difference between selling your property quickly, or having it linger on the market for months.
Just a few short years ago, when mortgage rates were low and the economy was booming, homes were selling almost as quickly as they hit the market. NAR statistics show it is now taking an average of four weeks to sell a home.
If it’s taking longer than that in your case, there may be a good reason. Perhaps your asking price is too high, or there’s too much competition in the surrounding neighborhood. Both are problems you can easily deal with.
Ask your realtor to run a report on comparables to see if your price is indeed too high, and in the meantime, drive up to your home and pretend you’re a potential buyer. What is the first thing you notice?
If your attention is focused on cracks in the driveway, paint on the shutters that’s peeling and dead branches hanging from the trees, it won’t take long before you come to the realization that your home isn’t selling because it lacks curb appeal. So what can you do about it? Make a list of the projects you need to complete right away, then run out to the closest home improvement store and buy your supplies.
* The driveway
Often the first step a perspective buyer takes on your property is on the driveway, so make sure it makes the right impression. If your driveway is gray and weathered, or worse, cracked and crumbling, this may scare off buyers. The good news is that repairing and beautifying your driveway can be done quickly and easily, and wow, what a difference it makes.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a spray on driveway cleaner and letting it dry completely. Once the surface is clean, you can apply your sealer using an applicator that has a squeegee on one side and a brush on the other to spread and smooth the mixture.
There are a lot of asphalt sealers on the market, but do you and your eventual buyer a favor by investing in a product that beautifies and protects. Black Jack Drive-Maxx 700 is a better quality blacktop filler and sealer that contains sand particles to help fill in the small cracks in the surface and it is enhanced with latex which helps with durability. It is a gel based sealer that applies faster, easier and with less mess, what a combination!
It would also be a good idea to have a bottle of Black Jack Blacktop Crack Filler on hand in case cracks should form after the driveway has been resurfaced. You can find both the crack filler and blacktop sealer at Lowe’s and other home improvement stores nationwide. Log on to www.gardner-gibson.com for access to a store locator.
Paint
If the paint on the shutters is peeling away, but the rest of the house looks okay, take the shutters down and repaint them. You may want to repaint the front door to match as well. It would also be a good idea to pressure wash the house and sidewalks, particularly if there are water or dirt marks from the sprinklers.
Landscaping
As far as the landscaping goes, start by removing all the dead branches and leaves from your trees and shrubs, and making sure they have shape to them. Overgrown plants are a big turn off.
You should also be sure the lawn is well maintained. If you don’t have time to cut it every week, and remove the weeds, hire someone to do it for you. And if there’s no color in the yard right now, add some. Pansies, petunias, marigolds and daisies look great whether they’re planted in flower beds or in pots by the front door. Either way, be sure to cover the dirt with mulch, which holds moisture and prevents weed growth.
Other tricks you can try to improve your home’s curb appeal, get a new front door, wash the siding and front windows and replace the weathered mailbox and house numbers. In the grand scheme of things, these small investments will pay huge dividends. They’ll set your home apart from the competition!
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Click, Click, Move: How the Internet is Changing How We Move
Click, Click, Move: How the Internet is Changing How We Move
(ARA) - Moving season is upon us. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, half of all household moves take place between May and Labor Day. Overall, 43 million Americans move every year.
Planning a move can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but two things can help make the process go more smoothly: educating yourself through research, and working with a realtor you trust.
“In the last year, there has been an explosion of free real estate information on the Internet,” says Michael Yang, general manager, Yahoo! Real Estate. “More than ever before, potential buyers are better educated by access to home price estimates, comparable home sales, and satellite pictures of houses on the market and their neighborhoods. And the information is available without paying a penny.”
Online research will help you determine price ranges for a particular neighborhood, view homes’ proximity to local businesses, and get estimates and historical sales data for individual properties.
Yang points out that one of the most popular features on Yahoo! Real Estate is Schools Search. “Living near a good school is crucial for parents and anyone planning to start a family. But, it’s also a good investment factor for any home buyer as houses in good school districts tend to sell faster and at higher prices than homes in other areas.”
Once you’re feeling smarter about your target neighborhood and price range, it’s time to team up with a realtor. If you’re well established in the area, ask friends and family for a recommendation.
If you’re moving into a new area, consider turning to the Internet for help. The “Find A Realtor” service on Yahoo! Real Estate allows you to interview realtors anonymously by email before choosing the one that best fits your needs. You can compare the agents’ experience and sales commissions as well as their proposals on how they would work with you.
Once you have found and closed on your new home, it also helps to look for ways to save money on moving. Shop around for the best deal on movers, either online or in the phone book. Once you have a few candidates in mind, ask to speak to references. When it comes to your precious belongings, a few extra steps never hurt. For those who prefer packing themselves, one tip is to find previously used boxes from grocery or wine shops. This is not only a cost-effective means of packing but is also eco-friendly. Consider it keeping both your bank balance and the world “greener.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Moving season is upon us. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, half of all household moves take place between May and Labor Day. Overall, 43 million Americans move every year.
Planning a move can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but two things can help make the process go more smoothly: educating yourself through research, and working with a realtor you trust.
“In the last year, there has been an explosion of free real estate information on the Internet,” says Michael Yang, general manager, Yahoo! Real Estate. “More than ever before, potential buyers are better educated by access to home price estimates, comparable home sales, and satellite pictures of houses on the market and their neighborhoods. And the information is available without paying a penny.”
Online research will help you determine price ranges for a particular neighborhood, view homes’ proximity to local businesses, and get estimates and historical sales data for individual properties.
Yang points out that one of the most popular features on Yahoo! Real Estate is Schools Search. “Living near a good school is crucial for parents and anyone planning to start a family. But, it’s also a good investment factor for any home buyer as houses in good school districts tend to sell faster and at higher prices than homes in other areas.”
Once you’re feeling smarter about your target neighborhood and price range, it’s time to team up with a realtor. If you’re well established in the area, ask friends and family for a recommendation.
If you’re moving into a new area, consider turning to the Internet for help. The “Find A Realtor” service on Yahoo! Real Estate allows you to interview realtors anonymously by email before choosing the one that best fits your needs. You can compare the agents’ experience and sales commissions as well as their proposals on how they would work with you.
Once you have found and closed on your new home, it also helps to look for ways to save money on moving. Shop around for the best deal on movers, either online or in the phone book. Once you have a few candidates in mind, ask to speak to references. When it comes to your precious belongings, a few extra steps never hurt. For those who prefer packing themselves, one tip is to find previously used boxes from grocery or wine shops. This is not only a cost-effective means of packing but is also eco-friendly. Consider it keeping both your bank balance and the world “greener.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Staged to Sell In a Soft Real Estate Market
Staged to Sell In a Soft Real Estate Market
(ARA) - Selling your home can be a challenge that may seem especially daunting in a softer real estate market. If you decide now is the time to sell, there are several aspects that can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Following this advice may help justify your asking price and attract buyers.
Setting the stage
There is a science to selling your home and in tight economic times, you want the exact elements to combine for successful selling opportunities. Dozens of online resources help guide you in staging your home to appeal to potential buyers. One of the more popular sites, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) offers these ideas:
1. What an entrance!
The outside of your home is the all-important first impression. And like it or not, it speaks volumes about what’s inside -- and about its owner. Glossy paint in a bold, cheerful color for the front door, new hardware, a doormat and seasonal potted plants on the porch will dramatically brighten and refresh your home’s entry and make a welcoming statement.
2. Create spaces
Part of what stagers do is create fantasy spaces: an exercise room, a meditation space, an art studio or a family game room. If a room currently only gathers junk, repurpose it into something that will add to the value -- and enjoyment -- of the home. Adding an armchair, a small table, and a lamp in a stairwell nook will transform an area into a cozy reading spot.
3. Brilliant natural light
Take off old, heavy drapery and put up something light and airy. This allows natural light and makes a previously closed-in space seem larger. Simple sheers on a tension rod are great for screening an unattractive view and providing some privacy while letting in light and visually enlarging a room. If privacy is paramount, top-down, bottom-up shades will block the neighbors’ view of your bathtub but still let you gaze at the sky while you soak in the tub.
Pella Designer Series windows and doors feature top-down or bottom-up shade options tucked neatly between panes of glass, so there’s no clutter of traditional room-side blinds and no need for dusting. The beauty of this product is since the window treatments are included in the window, their purchase price can be built into the mortgage.
Brand name windows
In today’s competitive market, buyers look for brand names everywhere in a home. While a name brand range or a countertop are influencers in the kitchen, so are quality name brand windows and entry doors throughout the home. Many sellers list Pella windows and doors by name in ads, adding a mark of distinction about a home offered for sale. More than just a quality name, Pella offers quality products in its wood, vinyl and fiberglass composite window collections. Plus, Pella has long been a leader in creating energy-saving products. The company was recently named a 2007 ENERGY STAR partner of the year winner among window manufacturers.
With Pella, homeowners can expect excellent performance, energy efficiency and peace of mind, knowing their investment in quality windows and doors will bring years of performance and satisfaction.
Only Pella offers its Rolscreen insect screen for windows and patio doors, which rolls out of sight when not in use. Another eye-catching option is the virtually transparent Vivid View insect screen which allows in more natural light and ventilation offering great views from inside or out.
Women as influencers and buyers
Knowing your audience is especially important when selling your home. Women directly purchase or influence the purchase of 91 percent of all new homes, according to the Business Women’s Network.
In today’s market, single women homebuyers are an especially powerful consumer segment -- 51 percent of American women live without a spouse according to the New York Times.
According to trend researcher Iconoculture, single women homeowners as a segment is “on the verge of a virtual marketplace takeover as women delay marriage until later in life and enjoy greater financial, intellectual and emotional independence than ever before.” According to the National Association of Realtors, single women purchased 1.76 million homes from July 2005 to July 2006 -- 22 percent of the housing market and more than double the 9 percent of homes bought by their single male counterparts.
Make sure your home is designed to sell and direct your efforts to the highly influential female market as buyers, decision-makers and passionate decorators.
For more information on home improvement featuring windows and doors, contact a local Pella Window & Door Showroom expert by calling (888) 84-PELLA or logging on to www.pella.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Selling your home can be a challenge that may seem especially daunting in a softer real estate market. If you decide now is the time to sell, there are several aspects that can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Following this advice may help justify your asking price and attract buyers.
Setting the stage
There is a science to selling your home and in tight economic times, you want the exact elements to combine for successful selling opportunities. Dozens of online resources help guide you in staging your home to appeal to potential buyers. One of the more popular sites, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) offers these ideas:
1. What an entrance!
The outside of your home is the all-important first impression. And like it or not, it speaks volumes about what’s inside -- and about its owner. Glossy paint in a bold, cheerful color for the front door, new hardware, a doormat and seasonal potted plants on the porch will dramatically brighten and refresh your home’s entry and make a welcoming statement.
2. Create spaces
Part of what stagers do is create fantasy spaces: an exercise room, a meditation space, an art studio or a family game room. If a room currently only gathers junk, repurpose it into something that will add to the value -- and enjoyment -- of the home. Adding an armchair, a small table, and a lamp in a stairwell nook will transform an area into a cozy reading spot.
3. Brilliant natural light
Take off old, heavy drapery and put up something light and airy. This allows natural light and makes a previously closed-in space seem larger. Simple sheers on a tension rod are great for screening an unattractive view and providing some privacy while letting in light and visually enlarging a room. If privacy is paramount, top-down, bottom-up shades will block the neighbors’ view of your bathtub but still let you gaze at the sky while you soak in the tub.
Pella Designer Series windows and doors feature top-down or bottom-up shade options tucked neatly between panes of glass, so there’s no clutter of traditional room-side blinds and no need for dusting. The beauty of this product is since the window treatments are included in the window, their purchase price can be built into the mortgage.
Brand name windows
In today’s competitive market, buyers look for brand names everywhere in a home. While a name brand range or a countertop are influencers in the kitchen, so are quality name brand windows and entry doors throughout the home. Many sellers list Pella windows and doors by name in ads, adding a mark of distinction about a home offered for sale. More than just a quality name, Pella offers quality products in its wood, vinyl and fiberglass composite window collections. Plus, Pella has long been a leader in creating energy-saving products. The company was recently named a 2007 ENERGY STAR partner of the year winner among window manufacturers.
With Pella, homeowners can expect excellent performance, energy efficiency and peace of mind, knowing their investment in quality windows and doors will bring years of performance and satisfaction.
Only Pella offers its Rolscreen insect screen for windows and patio doors, which rolls out of sight when not in use. Another eye-catching option is the virtually transparent Vivid View insect screen which allows in more natural light and ventilation offering great views from inside or out.
Women as influencers and buyers
Knowing your audience is especially important when selling your home. Women directly purchase or influence the purchase of 91 percent of all new homes, according to the Business Women’s Network.
In today’s market, single women homebuyers are an especially powerful consumer segment -- 51 percent of American women live without a spouse according to the New York Times.
According to trend researcher Iconoculture, single women homeowners as a segment is “on the verge of a virtual marketplace takeover as women delay marriage until later in life and enjoy greater financial, intellectual and emotional independence than ever before.” According to the National Association of Realtors, single women purchased 1.76 million homes from July 2005 to July 2006 -- 22 percent of the housing market and more than double the 9 percent of homes bought by their single male counterparts.
Make sure your home is designed to sell and direct your efforts to the highly influential female market as buyers, decision-makers and passionate decorators.
For more information on home improvement featuring windows and doors, contact a local Pella Window & Door Showroom expert by calling (888) 84-PELLA or logging on to www.pella.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Need Help with a Mortgage Loan? Try the Bank of Mom and Dad
Need Help with a Mortgage Loan? Try the Bank of Mom and Dad
(ARA) - News headlines continue to detail the struggles homeowners face keeping up with escalating adjustable rate mortgage payments, the collapse of subprime lenders and mounting home foreclosures nationwide. Even without these market troubles, banks offer so many different and confusing mortgage products that it’s hard to know what’s in the homebuyer’s best interest. These days, choosing a mortgage is a daunting experience for first-time homebuyers.
Increasingly, homebuyers are rediscovering an old option for financing their mortgage, one that sidesteps the confusion, paperwork nightmares and threats of skyrocketing variable interest rates: They’re taking out a private mortgage from the Bank of Mom and Dad.
A private mortgage is a home loan from a relative, friend or other individual that is secured by real estate. A private mortgage (also called an intra-family mortgage) can provide the structure of a bank mortgage while retaining the flexibility associated with loans between relatives and friends, resulting in a win-win transaction for both the borrower and lender.
Interpersonal loans between relatives are not unusual -- more 10 million individuals in the United States are engaged in interpersonal loans at any given time. Used for home financing, private mortgages provide compelling benefits to both the borrower and lender. The borrower can realize thousands of dollars in interest savings and tax deductions, while the lender can benefit from a monthly income stream and a predictable rate of return that is potentially higher than would be obtained through savings accounts or other fixed income investments. For both, a private mortgage helps keep wealth where it belongs -- in the family.
CircleLending, a financial services company that is regarded as the market pioneer for designing private mortgage services for the masses, recognizes that there is a great need for non-traditional financing in today’s market. According to Jim Smith, vice president of CircleLending, private mortgages are used in the same ways as traditional bank loans:
1) Purchase a home: Private loan capital can be used for the entire purchase of the home, the down payment or to supplement bank financing and avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
2) Refinance a bank mortgage: A private loan can be used to refinance an existing mortgage, lowering the interest rate, eliminating PMI, keeping interest payments within the family or to achieve other favorable terms.
3) Formalize an existing home loan from relatives: Home loans from relatives made in the past can be formalized to take advantage of tax benefits such as interest deductibility and capital gain write-offs
4) Renovate a home: Private loan money can be used in place of a home equity or other higher-cost home improvement loans.
5) Owner-finance a home: A seller can finance the transaction by making a private loan, allowing the buyer to pay all or part of the purchase price over time.
With a private mortgage you don’t need to apply, qualify or pass a credit check. You just need to find a relative or friend willing to finance your dream. Typically, a mortgage from a relative or friend is more affordable, more accessible and more patient than most of the borrower’s traditional financing options.
CircleLending provides a full range of services for reducing the financial risks, administrative hassles and emotional pitfalls of private loans. To learn more about private loans and mortgages, visit www.circlelending.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - News headlines continue to detail the struggles homeowners face keeping up with escalating adjustable rate mortgage payments, the collapse of subprime lenders and mounting home foreclosures nationwide. Even without these market troubles, banks offer so many different and confusing mortgage products that it’s hard to know what’s in the homebuyer’s best interest. These days, choosing a mortgage is a daunting experience for first-time homebuyers.
Increasingly, homebuyers are rediscovering an old option for financing their mortgage, one that sidesteps the confusion, paperwork nightmares and threats of skyrocketing variable interest rates: They’re taking out a private mortgage from the Bank of Mom and Dad.
A private mortgage is a home loan from a relative, friend or other individual that is secured by real estate. A private mortgage (also called an intra-family mortgage) can provide the structure of a bank mortgage while retaining the flexibility associated with loans between relatives and friends, resulting in a win-win transaction for both the borrower and lender.
Interpersonal loans between relatives are not unusual -- more 10 million individuals in the United States are engaged in interpersonal loans at any given time. Used for home financing, private mortgages provide compelling benefits to both the borrower and lender. The borrower can realize thousands of dollars in interest savings and tax deductions, while the lender can benefit from a monthly income stream and a predictable rate of return that is potentially higher than would be obtained through savings accounts or other fixed income investments. For both, a private mortgage helps keep wealth where it belongs -- in the family.
CircleLending, a financial services company that is regarded as the market pioneer for designing private mortgage services for the masses, recognizes that there is a great need for non-traditional financing in today’s market. According to Jim Smith, vice president of CircleLending, private mortgages are used in the same ways as traditional bank loans:
1) Purchase a home: Private loan capital can be used for the entire purchase of the home, the down payment or to supplement bank financing and avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
2) Refinance a bank mortgage: A private loan can be used to refinance an existing mortgage, lowering the interest rate, eliminating PMI, keeping interest payments within the family or to achieve other favorable terms.
3) Formalize an existing home loan from relatives: Home loans from relatives made in the past can be formalized to take advantage of tax benefits such as interest deductibility and capital gain write-offs
4) Renovate a home: Private loan money can be used in place of a home equity or other higher-cost home improvement loans.
5) Owner-finance a home: A seller can finance the transaction by making a private loan, allowing the buyer to pay all or part of the purchase price over time.
With a private mortgage you don’t need to apply, qualify or pass a credit check. You just need to find a relative or friend willing to finance your dream. Typically, a mortgage from a relative or friend is more affordable, more accessible and more patient than most of the borrower’s traditional financing options.
CircleLending provides a full range of services for reducing the financial risks, administrative hassles and emotional pitfalls of private loans. To learn more about private loans and mortgages, visit www.circlelending.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Trying to Sell Your Home? Give it Scentmosphere!
Trying to Sell Your Home? Give it Scentmosphere!
(ARA) - Looking to sell your home? All you hear these days in the news and from friends is how bad the housing market is, and for good reason. There are too many existing houses on the market, builders have had to get more aggressive in selling new homes, interest rates and gas prices are up … these are not ideal conditions.
Selling a home is not the easiest thing to do. It can be an emotional roller coaster as it’s usually our largest asset, and most of us only have the opportunity to do it a few times in our lifetime. Although a professional real estate agency can help, you still play the primary role in making your home as “saleable” as you can.
Of course, all of us know that where you live, having a competitive price, and having curb appeal all are critical factors in whether potential buyers want to stop and take a closer look. However, most buyers look at dozens and dozens of homes before they choose one to buy. So, how can you help make your home stand out and be more memorable after a long day of house hunting?
While getting buyers to your home is a critical step in the process, ensuring you make a lasting impression after they leave your house is what gets buyers to ultimately purchase your home. How do you do that? Just follow your nose.
Scents have a very strong memory trigger for people. “It’s a byproduct of how we’re wired,” according to John Columbo, professor of cognitive psychology at Kansas University. “The portion of the brain that discerns smells is located directly behind the nose, so there’s almost a direct path from the air to our brains.”
“Using scent as a marketing tool to sell your home is based in the emerging field referred to as ‘scentmosphere,’” explains Rick Ruffolo, senior vice president of brand, marketing, and innovation at Yankee Candle Company. “Scentmosphere recognizes the way a home, a building or a room smells has an immediate and lasting impact on how people perceive the location.”
“Besides being hard-wired to the brain -- our feelings about different scents are related to past experiences,” Ruffolo adds. “For example, if your mom used to bake vanilla cupcakes because she knew you loved them, then every time you smell a vanilla cupcake it’s likely to be associated with fond memories of home, family and being loved.
Roma Papania, a top-performing realtor in Ohio, shares that “being able to picture yourself and your family in the new home is critical to the purchase decision … and scents can play a key role in creating the right atmosphere.”
Or, as we’ve now learned, it can create the right “scentmosphere.”
Scent experiences make an impact with potential home buyers. Potential buyers tend to make the ultimate decision based on emotions, and if the scents in your home make them feel good, the more likely they are to want to buy it. It’s why in the past real estate agents would suggest baking cookies.
Since that can be impractical before every showing, Ruffolo suggests that candles and home fragrance products are a more convenient way to accomplish the same effect. “If you or your agent are going to be there during the showing or open house, lighting a few scented candles in the kitchen and living areas will provide both great fragrance and the warm ambiance of candlelight. After all -- everything looks better in candlelight.”
If you won’t be in the home, Ruffolo recommends, “Use home fragrance products. They can be easily placed in most rooms in your home, and can be a subtle way to differentiate your home from the others in the market.”
We went into a Yankee Candle store to check out the various home fragrance options, and found several that would create the right “scentmosphere.” For example, Yankee Candle offers electric home fragrance products to plug into the wall, stylish reed diffusers for small bathrooms, decorative potpourri, and even small space “car gel refreshers” which work great in closets and in pet areas. You can check out www.yankeecandle.com to see for yourself.
But what fragrances should you pick? “While there are no absolute rules,” says Ruffolo, “we generally recommend familiar, welcoming food and spice scents for the kitchen and living areas that are seasonally appropriate, like French Vanilla, Home Sweet Home, Farm House Apple or Pumpkin Pie.”
“For bedrooms and baths, on the other hand, we suggest popular fragrances that give a feeling of real freshness and open spaces, like Clean Cotton, Country Linen, Lemon Lavender or Sage & Citrus.”
Welcoming, warm, clean and fresh … your home will smell so good you may be tempted to keep it. So, when selling your home, remember the advice we all learned watching cereal commercials as kids, sometimes it’s best if you “follow your nose.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Looking to sell your home? All you hear these days in the news and from friends is how bad the housing market is, and for good reason. There are too many existing houses on the market, builders have had to get more aggressive in selling new homes, interest rates and gas prices are up … these are not ideal conditions.
Selling a home is not the easiest thing to do. It can be an emotional roller coaster as it’s usually our largest asset, and most of us only have the opportunity to do it a few times in our lifetime. Although a professional real estate agency can help, you still play the primary role in making your home as “saleable” as you can.
Of course, all of us know that where you live, having a competitive price, and having curb appeal all are critical factors in whether potential buyers want to stop and take a closer look. However, most buyers look at dozens and dozens of homes before they choose one to buy. So, how can you help make your home stand out and be more memorable after a long day of house hunting?
While getting buyers to your home is a critical step in the process, ensuring you make a lasting impression after they leave your house is what gets buyers to ultimately purchase your home. How do you do that? Just follow your nose.
Scents have a very strong memory trigger for people. “It’s a byproduct of how we’re wired,” according to John Columbo, professor of cognitive psychology at Kansas University. “The portion of the brain that discerns smells is located directly behind the nose, so there’s almost a direct path from the air to our brains.”
“Using scent as a marketing tool to sell your home is based in the emerging field referred to as ‘scentmosphere,’” explains Rick Ruffolo, senior vice president of brand, marketing, and innovation at Yankee Candle Company. “Scentmosphere recognizes the way a home, a building or a room smells has an immediate and lasting impact on how people perceive the location.”
“Besides being hard-wired to the brain -- our feelings about different scents are related to past experiences,” Ruffolo adds. “For example, if your mom used to bake vanilla cupcakes because she knew you loved them, then every time you smell a vanilla cupcake it’s likely to be associated with fond memories of home, family and being loved.
Roma Papania, a top-performing realtor in Ohio, shares that “being able to picture yourself and your family in the new home is critical to the purchase decision … and scents can play a key role in creating the right atmosphere.”
Or, as we’ve now learned, it can create the right “scentmosphere.”
Scent experiences make an impact with potential home buyers. Potential buyers tend to make the ultimate decision based on emotions, and if the scents in your home make them feel good, the more likely they are to want to buy it. It’s why in the past real estate agents would suggest baking cookies.
Since that can be impractical before every showing, Ruffolo suggests that candles and home fragrance products are a more convenient way to accomplish the same effect. “If you or your agent are going to be there during the showing or open house, lighting a few scented candles in the kitchen and living areas will provide both great fragrance and the warm ambiance of candlelight. After all -- everything looks better in candlelight.”
If you won’t be in the home, Ruffolo recommends, “Use home fragrance products. They can be easily placed in most rooms in your home, and can be a subtle way to differentiate your home from the others in the market.”
We went into a Yankee Candle store to check out the various home fragrance options, and found several that would create the right “scentmosphere.” For example, Yankee Candle offers electric home fragrance products to plug into the wall, stylish reed diffusers for small bathrooms, decorative potpourri, and even small space “car gel refreshers” which work great in closets and in pet areas. You can check out www.yankeecandle.com to see for yourself.
But what fragrances should you pick? “While there are no absolute rules,” says Ruffolo, “we generally recommend familiar, welcoming food and spice scents for the kitchen and living areas that are seasonally appropriate, like French Vanilla, Home Sweet Home, Farm House Apple or Pumpkin Pie.”
“For bedrooms and baths, on the other hand, we suggest popular fragrances that give a feeling of real freshness and open spaces, like Clean Cotton, Country Linen, Lemon Lavender or Sage & Citrus.”
Welcoming, warm, clean and fresh … your home will smell so good you may be tempted to keep it. So, when selling your home, remember the advice we all learned watching cereal commercials as kids, sometimes it’s best if you “follow your nose.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Renting Versus Buying: A Guide to Help You Decide
Renting Versus Buying: A Guide to Help You Decide
(ARA) - Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a person can make. After years of living with parents, with college classmates in dorms, or alone in an apartment, the time may come that buying a house or condominium will improve one’s financial stability and sense of personal security.
“There are advantages and disadvantages to both purchasing a home for a primary residence and renting temporary living quarters,“ says Peter Palko, adjunct instructor at Brown Mackie College -- Findlay. “I recommend that buyers take a broader, more flexible approach to buying property by maintaining alignment with their short and long term personal and financial goals. Spend as much time and effort shopping for a mortgage as you do shopping for a house.”
While renting does have its benefits -- for example, fixed costs for the lease term, generally less work in property maintenance, and smaller upfront investment -- Palko believes that the advantages for buying outweigh the disadvantages.
“The bottom line is, a person will own something with equity growth potential, tax advantages and opportunity to build a respectable credit history,” says Palko. For the first-time buyer, Palko advises the following: “Educate yourself on the types of homes, market conditions and tax implications. Is it a ‘buyers’ or ‘sellers’ market? And finally, secure the help of a professional real estate agent -- a realtor who is a buyer’s agent who represents the interest of you, the buyer.”
Once you decide it is indeed time to buy a home, the next step is to decide where to live, and start saving. “Before deciding to buy a home, you need to take time to reflect and plan,” says Dan McClish, Director of the Business and Accounting Technology programs at Brown Mackie College -- Akron. “Make a list of the things in a house that are important to you.” These items can include the quality of school districts, proximity to stores, hospitals and access to public transportation.
Taking a detailed look at the overall market in the area is important. “If the market area is developing and showing signs of becoming a major commerce area in the near future, then it may be the best time to invest in a home,” says McClish. “However, if the real estate market has remained stable over time, or has decreased, then you may want to consider renting for now.”
Regarding finance, a first-time home buyer should start saving today by setting aside at least 10 percent of his or her income towards the down payment on a future home, according to McClish. “This will give you a purpose and a goal toward home ownership. Even if you are currently renting, chances are, you will eventually want to buy a home. As you aim toward saving for the down payment, start looking at areas in which you would like to live.”
One final piece of advice: “Do not make purchasing a home a last-minute decision,” says McClish. “Do some investigation, and it will pay off in the future.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a person can make. After years of living with parents, with college classmates in dorms, or alone in an apartment, the time may come that buying a house or condominium will improve one’s financial stability and sense of personal security.
“There are advantages and disadvantages to both purchasing a home for a primary residence and renting temporary living quarters,“ says Peter Palko, adjunct instructor at Brown Mackie College -- Findlay. “I recommend that buyers take a broader, more flexible approach to buying property by maintaining alignment with their short and long term personal and financial goals. Spend as much time and effort shopping for a mortgage as you do shopping for a house.”
While renting does have its benefits -- for example, fixed costs for the lease term, generally less work in property maintenance, and smaller upfront investment -- Palko believes that the advantages for buying outweigh the disadvantages.
“The bottom line is, a person will own something with equity growth potential, tax advantages and opportunity to build a respectable credit history,” says Palko. For the first-time buyer, Palko advises the following: “Educate yourself on the types of homes, market conditions and tax implications. Is it a ‘buyers’ or ‘sellers’ market? And finally, secure the help of a professional real estate agent -- a realtor who is a buyer’s agent who represents the interest of you, the buyer.”
Once you decide it is indeed time to buy a home, the next step is to decide where to live, and start saving. “Before deciding to buy a home, you need to take time to reflect and plan,” says Dan McClish, Director of the Business and Accounting Technology programs at Brown Mackie College -- Akron. “Make a list of the things in a house that are important to you.” These items can include the quality of school districts, proximity to stores, hospitals and access to public transportation.
Taking a detailed look at the overall market in the area is important. “If the market area is developing and showing signs of becoming a major commerce area in the near future, then it may be the best time to invest in a home,” says McClish. “However, if the real estate market has remained stable over time, or has decreased, then you may want to consider renting for now.”
Regarding finance, a first-time home buyer should start saving today by setting aside at least 10 percent of his or her income towards the down payment on a future home, according to McClish. “This will give you a purpose and a goal toward home ownership. Even if you are currently renting, chances are, you will eventually want to buy a home. As you aim toward saving for the down payment, start looking at areas in which you would like to live.”
One final piece of advice: “Do not make purchasing a home a last-minute decision,” says McClish. “Do some investigation, and it will pay off in the future.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Imagine a Moving Experience without Back Pain
Imagine a Moving Experience without Back Pain
(ARA) - Whether you’re packing up and moving across town, or just need to move a large piece of furniture out of a room so you can do a home improvement project, there’s one thing you can count on -- there’s going to be stress involved, not only to your psyche but your body as well.
“Back pain is one of the most common ailments in America. About 80 percent of us will experience it at some point in our adult lives. Most often, it will be because we lifted something that was too heavy, or we lifted a manageable load in an improper way,”
says Tom Dent, a veteran appliance mover who has experienced his share of back pain over the years.
While moving stress may be inevitable, you can avoid compounding the misery with back pain. Follow these suggestions for a back-safe move:
* Pack wisely. “As much as possible, avoid packing boxes that are too heavy for you to lift without assistance,” Dent says. “When you have to load a heavy box, be sure the contents are secure so that the load doesn’t shift dangerously while you are lifting or transporting it.”
* Clear a path. When you’re up to your elbows in boxes, it’s easy to find every available inch of floor space covered. But before you lift that load, make sure you’ve got a clear path to your destination. You won’t be able to see well or move obstacles out of your way once the load is in your arms.
* When lifting a load, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Keep your head up and look straight ahead to ensure your back remains perpendicular to the ground. Hold the object securely and use the large, powerful leg muscles to lift the weight. Avoid twisting or turning at the waist when lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your hips first, which will force your shoulders to stay in line.
* Use the right tools for the job. Hand trucks should be used to transport multiple boxes at once or smaller items of furniture. They work great on level ground or even gentle inclines, but hand trucks aren’t good for moving items up or down stairs. Hand trucks can also damage floors and are difficult to maneuver around tight turns.
After years of dealing with back pain, Dent set out to come up with a better way to manage the large pieces of furniture and appliances he had to deal with every day. He created the Shoulder Dolly, a patented harness system that allows users to lift with their legs and safely lift virtually any heavy or bulky item in the home, including big screen TVs, entertainment centers, dressers, mattresses, sofas, appliances, etc.
Working in two-person teams, users simply strap into the Shoulder Dolly, slip the carrying strap under the item to be lifted, and then use their leg muscles to lift the weight. The Shoulder Dolly helps users keep their spines aligned, which in turn encourages lifting with the legs, rather than with the back.
In an ergonomic evaluation performed by ErgoMed of Thornton, Colo., testers found that use of the Shoulder Dolly dropped the probability of lower back disorders from 41 to 27 percent when moving appliances up and down stairs; and from 42 to 25 percent when moving electronic equipment manually on a level surface.
The Shoulder Dolly is available at moving and home improvement stores nationwide. To find a retailer near you, log on to www.shoulderdolly.com or call (800) 217-1114.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Whether you’re packing up and moving across town, or just need to move a large piece of furniture out of a room so you can do a home improvement project, there’s one thing you can count on -- there’s going to be stress involved, not only to your psyche but your body as well.
“Back pain is one of the most common ailments in America. About 80 percent of us will experience it at some point in our adult lives. Most often, it will be because we lifted something that was too heavy, or we lifted a manageable load in an improper way,”
says Tom Dent, a veteran appliance mover who has experienced his share of back pain over the years.
While moving stress may be inevitable, you can avoid compounding the misery with back pain. Follow these suggestions for a back-safe move:
* Pack wisely. “As much as possible, avoid packing boxes that are too heavy for you to lift without assistance,” Dent says. “When you have to load a heavy box, be sure the contents are secure so that the load doesn’t shift dangerously while you are lifting or transporting it.”
* Clear a path. When you’re up to your elbows in boxes, it’s easy to find every available inch of floor space covered. But before you lift that load, make sure you’ve got a clear path to your destination. You won’t be able to see well or move obstacles out of your way once the load is in your arms.
* When lifting a load, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Keep your head up and look straight ahead to ensure your back remains perpendicular to the ground. Hold the object securely and use the large, powerful leg muscles to lift the weight. Avoid twisting or turning at the waist when lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your hips first, which will force your shoulders to stay in line.
* Use the right tools for the job. Hand trucks should be used to transport multiple boxes at once or smaller items of furniture. They work great on level ground or even gentle inclines, but hand trucks aren’t good for moving items up or down stairs. Hand trucks can also damage floors and are difficult to maneuver around tight turns.
After years of dealing with back pain, Dent set out to come up with a better way to manage the large pieces of furniture and appliances he had to deal with every day. He created the Shoulder Dolly, a patented harness system that allows users to lift with their legs and safely lift virtually any heavy or bulky item in the home, including big screen TVs, entertainment centers, dressers, mattresses, sofas, appliances, etc.
Working in two-person teams, users simply strap into the Shoulder Dolly, slip the carrying strap under the item to be lifted, and then use their leg muscles to lift the weight. The Shoulder Dolly helps users keep their spines aligned, which in turn encourages lifting with the legs, rather than with the back.
In an ergonomic evaluation performed by ErgoMed of Thornton, Colo., testers found that use of the Shoulder Dolly dropped the probability of lower back disorders from 41 to 27 percent when moving appliances up and down stairs; and from 42 to 25 percent when moving electronic equipment manually on a level surface.
The Shoulder Dolly is available at moving and home improvement stores nationwide. To find a retailer near you, log on to www.shoulderdolly.com or call (800) 217-1114.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Need a Reminder to Regularly Check Your Tires?
Need a Reminder to Regularly Check Your Tires?
(ARA) - How often do you check your tires for wear and proper air pressure? If you’re like most Americans, not often enough. A September 2006 survey by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) found the majority of motorists are not paying enough attention to the only component that keeps a car on the road: the tires.
According to the survey, only 15 percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure regularly, inflating them to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure; 26 percent of drivers mistakenly believe the best time to check their tires is when they are warm after being driven several miles; and only 36 percent of drivers know where to find the recommended tire pressure for their vehicle --- it is in the owner's manual, and also usually printed on a tire information decal attached to the driver's door jamb.
In an effort to raise awareness and promote driving safety, Kumho Tire USA of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., recently launched a line of aroma tires. The tread of the Ecsta DX tires are embedded with heat resistant oils to ensure lavender remains in the air for thousands of miles.
Marissa Braun bought the tires to personalize her car. “I buy candles and perfume because I like things to smell good,” said the 18-year-old Cleveland resident. “Scented tires are a way to give my car a touch of my personality.”
“Consumers don’t check their tires enough,” says Rick Brennan, Brand Director for Kumho Tire USA. “If putting scent into the tires makes drivers notice their tires more often when they get in and out of the car, then it will be a good thing for consumers.”
Checking tire pressure frequently isn’t the only safety measure you should take with your tires. You should also regularly:
* Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma. Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread.
* Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
* Check your tires’ tread depth.
* Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to get the longest life out of them.
The aromatic Ecsta DX tires are designed for such touring sedans as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback and Chrysler Sebring; and Lavendar isn’t the only scent they come in. The tires are also available in neroli (orange) and jasmine. But sorry guys, the scents you requested while the company was doing research -- barbeque, hot dog and popcorn -- won’t be available anytime soon.
You can find Kumho tires at dealers nationwide. Log on to www.kumhotireusa.com to find the dealer nearest you.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - How often do you check your tires for wear and proper air pressure? If you’re like most Americans, not often enough. A September 2006 survey by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) found the majority of motorists are not paying enough attention to the only component that keeps a car on the road: the tires.
According to the survey, only 15 percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure regularly, inflating them to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure; 26 percent of drivers mistakenly believe the best time to check their tires is when they are warm after being driven several miles; and only 36 percent of drivers know where to find the recommended tire pressure for their vehicle --- it is in the owner's manual, and also usually printed on a tire information decal attached to the driver's door jamb.
In an effort to raise awareness and promote driving safety, Kumho Tire USA of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., recently launched a line of aroma tires. The tread of the Ecsta DX tires are embedded with heat resistant oils to ensure lavender remains in the air for thousands of miles.
Marissa Braun bought the tires to personalize her car. “I buy candles and perfume because I like things to smell good,” said the 18-year-old Cleveland resident. “Scented tires are a way to give my car a touch of my personality.”
“Consumers don’t check their tires enough,” says Rick Brennan, Brand Director for Kumho Tire USA. “If putting scent into the tires makes drivers notice their tires more often when they get in and out of the car, then it will be a good thing for consumers.”
Checking tire pressure frequently isn’t the only safety measure you should take with your tires. You should also regularly:
* Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma. Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread.
* Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
* Check your tires’ tread depth.
* Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to get the longest life out of them.
The aromatic Ecsta DX tires are designed for such touring sedans as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback and Chrysler Sebring; and Lavendar isn’t the only scent they come in. The tires are also available in neroli (orange) and jasmine. But sorry guys, the scents you requested while the company was doing research -- barbeque, hot dog and popcorn -- won’t be available anytime soon.
You can find Kumho tires at dealers nationwide. Log on to www.kumhotireusa.com to find the dealer nearest you.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Debunking Auto Insurance Myths
Debunking Auto Insurance Myths
(ARA) - Just as there are many differences between a Toyota and a Lexus, there are many differences between auto insurance policies, although you have to look more closely to spot them. However, choosing a low-cost auto insurance policy may end up costing you thousands of dollars. The familiar pitch, “save hundreds of dollars in 15 minutes,” obscures complex coverage issues that may have you paying much more in the end.
Your Liability Exposure
Many auto insurance policies have low liability limits which don’t reflect an individual’s true worth. In fact, in several states, the recommended limits are as low as $25,000. Because every auto insurance policy is different, it’s best to read your policy carefully and make sure you’re not part of the up to 50 percent of drivers who are under-insured. If you are in an accident with someone who is uninsured or under-insured, you could personally be responsible for medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
“Using a cookie-cutter approach is simply not appropriate for buying auto insurance, especially if you have significant assets to protect or specific needs,” says Don Soss, chief underwriting officer for Fireman's Fund Insurance. “You need a custom assessment of your risk profile when selecting car insurance. It’s critical to go through an agent who understands and can respond to your individual situation.”
Sales Representatives vs. Insurance Agents
An independent insurance agent will be able to give you details on what a policy covers, and make recommendations on what is best for you, based on your lifestyle. This differs from a telephone sales representative who is often working from a script, and is only able to quote prices, not make recommendations. When talking to an independent agent, it’s important to discuss:
* The extent of your assets and net worth
* Your views about asset protection and insurance
* Your expectations if you have a claim
The Replacement Gap
Many carriers often fall short in insuring full replacement value for your car in case of a total loss. They usually pay settlements for total losses based on the actual cash value of your vehicle, not on the replacement cost of the original. If you want to purchase a comparable vehicle after a total loss, you’ll probably have to cover the gap out of your own money.
A few policies, including Fireman’s Fund Prestige Auto policy, feature coverage which protects you against depreciation in case of a total loss. Such a policy pays the full purchase price for your car, including taxes and license fees, if you “total” the vehicle during your first year of ownership. Even the deductible is waived. Each year thereafter, the company locks in the car’s value as determined by the industry’s standard “retail” Blue Book.
Multi-car Owner Penalty
Car owners who have more cars in the family than drivers can be shortchanged by mass-market insurers.
“Most insurers don’t expect customers to have additional cars that aren’t regularly driven by a household member,” says Soss of Fireman’s Fund. “Most insurers assume that those extra cars are being driven -- more often than not -- by undisclosed teenage drivers who would otherwise cause the customer’s premium to skyrocket.”
In reality, many people acquire additional vehicles for recreation or collecting that actually are not being driven on a regular basis. In that case, it’s best to find an insurance company that can customize rates, offering deep discounts for additional vehicles that other insurers can’t match. “In effect,” adds Soss, “mass-market carriers penalize their clients for additional vehicles, whereas specialized insurers reward clients.”
Small Things Add Up
The items covered -- or not covered -- by the fine print in a low-cost policy may appear small when you first sign up, but they can assume a larger significance when you have a loss. For example, mass-market coverage for repairs often provides incentives for policyholders to use “in-network” repair shops. While more specialized insurers allow you to pick the repair shop you want without a cost penalty.
Which Do You Choose?
If you’re not sure about the extent of your current auto coverage, look at the declarations page of your policy. Your agent can also help you decipher the fine print and make a true comparison between your current coverage and a more comprehensive product. Since an independent agent is not employed by a single carrier, his or her first responsibility is to the client. Your agent has a legal and fiduciary responsibility to provide proper coverage.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Just as there are many differences between a Toyota and a Lexus, there are many differences between auto insurance policies, although you have to look more closely to spot them. However, choosing a low-cost auto insurance policy may end up costing you thousands of dollars. The familiar pitch, “save hundreds of dollars in 15 minutes,” obscures complex coverage issues that may have you paying much more in the end.
Your Liability Exposure
Many auto insurance policies have low liability limits which don’t reflect an individual’s true worth. In fact, in several states, the recommended limits are as low as $25,000. Because every auto insurance policy is different, it’s best to read your policy carefully and make sure you’re not part of the up to 50 percent of drivers who are under-insured. If you are in an accident with someone who is uninsured or under-insured, you could personally be responsible for medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
“Using a cookie-cutter approach is simply not appropriate for buying auto insurance, especially if you have significant assets to protect or specific needs,” says Don Soss, chief underwriting officer for Fireman's Fund Insurance. “You need a custom assessment of your risk profile when selecting car insurance. It’s critical to go through an agent who understands and can respond to your individual situation.”
Sales Representatives vs. Insurance Agents
An independent insurance agent will be able to give you details on what a policy covers, and make recommendations on what is best for you, based on your lifestyle. This differs from a telephone sales representative who is often working from a script, and is only able to quote prices, not make recommendations. When talking to an independent agent, it’s important to discuss:
* The extent of your assets and net worth
* Your views about asset protection and insurance
* Your expectations if you have a claim
The Replacement Gap
Many carriers often fall short in insuring full replacement value for your car in case of a total loss. They usually pay settlements for total losses based on the actual cash value of your vehicle, not on the replacement cost of the original. If you want to purchase a comparable vehicle after a total loss, you’ll probably have to cover the gap out of your own money.
A few policies, including Fireman’s Fund Prestige Auto policy, feature coverage which protects you against depreciation in case of a total loss. Such a policy pays the full purchase price for your car, including taxes and license fees, if you “total” the vehicle during your first year of ownership. Even the deductible is waived. Each year thereafter, the company locks in the car’s value as determined by the industry’s standard “retail” Blue Book.
Multi-car Owner Penalty
Car owners who have more cars in the family than drivers can be shortchanged by mass-market insurers.
“Most insurers don’t expect customers to have additional cars that aren’t regularly driven by a household member,” says Soss of Fireman’s Fund. “Most insurers assume that those extra cars are being driven -- more often than not -- by undisclosed teenage drivers who would otherwise cause the customer’s premium to skyrocket.”
In reality, many people acquire additional vehicles for recreation or collecting that actually are not being driven on a regular basis. In that case, it’s best to find an insurance company that can customize rates, offering deep discounts for additional vehicles that other insurers can’t match. “In effect,” adds Soss, “mass-market carriers penalize their clients for additional vehicles, whereas specialized insurers reward clients.”
Small Things Add Up
The items covered -- or not covered -- by the fine print in a low-cost policy may appear small when you first sign up, but they can assume a larger significance when you have a loss. For example, mass-market coverage for repairs often provides incentives for policyholders to use “in-network” repair shops. While more specialized insurers allow you to pick the repair shop you want without a cost penalty.
Which Do You Choose?
If you’re not sure about the extent of your current auto coverage, look at the declarations page of your policy. Your agent can also help you decipher the fine print and make a true comparison between your current coverage and a more comprehensive product. Since an independent agent is not employed by a single carrier, his or her first responsibility is to the client. Your agent has a legal and fiduciary responsibility to provide proper coverage.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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