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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
