The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read this straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)
Thursday
Wednesday
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Looking for the Best Mortgage
Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage--whether it’s a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan--is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You’ll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars. (click on these links to the Federal Reserve Board site for additional information)
Obtain information from several lenders
Obtain all important cost information
Obtain the best deal that you can
Remember: Shop, compare, negotiate
Fair lending is required by law
Credit problems?
Glossary
Mortgage shopping worksheet
For more information
Obtain information from several lenders
Obtain all important cost information
Obtain the best deal that you can
Remember: Shop, compare, negotiate
Fair lending is required by law
Credit problems?
Glossary
Mortgage shopping worksheet
For more information
Thursday
Just a Smile
The trouble with owning a home is that no matter where you sit, you're looking at something you should be doing.
Opportunity
In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.
Robert Collier
Tuesday
Your Credit Score
One study indicates that credit reports can be incorrect up to 90% of the time? If you are considering buying a home and will require a mortgage, please check your credit report.....there may be something showing up on the report that is legitimately not yours and needs to be disputed and corrected. Doing this before you begin the house search process will alleviate potential issues when it comes time to apply for financing.
FHA Down Payment Requirements Increasing
Starting January 1, 2009 - FHA WILL REQUIRE a minimum 3.5% DOWN PAYMENT. If you qualify for an FHA mortgage, but cash availability is an issue for you, now is the time to seriously consider buying while the down payment minimum requirement is still 2.25%.
Monday
5 Ways To Give Your Home Character
Far too many of today's homes and communities lack character, says urban designer and author Marianne Cusato, a featured speaker at this week's Sustainable Development & Restoration Summit in Newport, R.I.
Urban sprawl is largely responsible for poorly constructed communities popping up across the country, Cusato says. It's resulting in homes that lack energy efficiency, cities with poor layouts, and long, congested commutes.
So how do you avoid the cookie-cutter look and create a sense of identity for your house? Start by using older homes as a model, Cusato suggested.
Use four-sided architecture. Many home designs focus exclusively on the front, but the side of the home can be just as important and prominent. For example, windows on the side of a home are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also are functional – they offer cross-ventilation for cooling the home during the summer months to curb air conditioning costs and they allow more light to enter the home.
Use color. Think beyond beige. Color can add more identity to a house. For example, if all the homes on the block have the same architecture, the color of the exterior can be one way to differentiate and add more character to the home.
Less is more. Don’t overdo it on design elements to the exterior of a home; Too many details can make a home lose character. Focus on creating a hierarchy of most important elements. For example, the entryway and the side windows are prominent areas.
Be functional, not just stylish. Shutters along a window of a home that aren’t functional and don’t close, don’t make much sense. The towering, grandiose entryways on many McMansions won’t provide much covering when it’s raining outside. One aspect of good design is that it’s functional, Cusato said.
Connect with the outdoors. The home doesn’t have to be as big inside if it offers livable outdoor space. For example, a side private garden, front porch, and a public area near the house can connect home owners more to the outdoors.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey for REALTOR® magazine online
Urban sprawl is largely responsible for poorly constructed communities popping up across the country, Cusato says. It's resulting in homes that lack energy efficiency, cities with poor layouts, and long, congested commutes.
So how do you avoid the cookie-cutter look and create a sense of identity for your house? Start by using older homes as a model, Cusato suggested.
Use four-sided architecture. Many home designs focus exclusively on the front, but the side of the home can be just as important and prominent. For example, windows on the side of a home are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also are functional – they offer cross-ventilation for cooling the home during the summer months to curb air conditioning costs and they allow more light to enter the home.
Use color. Think beyond beige. Color can add more identity to a house. For example, if all the homes on the block have the same architecture, the color of the exterior can be one way to differentiate and add more character to the home.
Less is more. Don’t overdo it on design elements to the exterior of a home; Too many details can make a home lose character. Focus on creating a hierarchy of most important elements. For example, the entryway and the side windows are prominent areas.
Be functional, not just stylish. Shutters along a window of a home that aren’t functional and don’t close, don’t make much sense. The towering, grandiose entryways on many McMansions won’t provide much covering when it’s raining outside. One aspect of good design is that it’s functional, Cusato said.
Connect with the outdoors. The home doesn’t have to be as big inside if it offers livable outdoor space. For example, a side private garden, front porch, and a public area near the house can connect home owners more to the outdoors.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey for REALTOR® magazine online
An Amazing Visionary
"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." ....... Mattie Stepanek
Friday
Dimes, Quarters and Dollars Add Up.......
......to $275. Not bad for Frday's yard sale take. And, "wow" does it feel good. Got rid of "stuff" and even got some pocket change to boot. The benefits of "de-cluttering"!!!!
Thursday
Practicing What I Preach.....Finally
De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter!!!!! Often! It saves you a lot of extra effort when you go to put your house on the market. Even if that's not in your immediate future, there's an amazing sense of satisfaction when you clean up. And, you might make a buck or two while you're at it.
These are shots taken today of my garage as I prepare for our neighborhood yard sale tomorrow and Saturday.
Monday
10 Ways To Cut Energy Bills This Fall
Staying warm doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are some ideas from the U.S. Department of Energy for conserving heat and saving money.
By Kelly Quigley
When the leaves start falling, you know that the heating bills are about to start rising. But keeping your home warm and cozy on chilly autumn nights doesn't have to break the bank.
The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and relatively inexpensive home improvements that will help ensure cold gusts stay out and your furnace doesn't have to work harder than it should.
The goal: Conserve energy and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.
Share these ideas with customers and use them for your own house. After all, who doesn't need to save a little money these days?
1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.
2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.
4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.
5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.
6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.
7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.
9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.
10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at www.energystar.gov.
These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save home owners money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information.
Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool at www.hes.lbl.gov. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come. Visit www.natresnet.org to find a qualified auditor in your neck of the woods.
Kelly Quigley is online editor of REALTOR® magazine. She can be contacted at kquigley@realtors.org.
By Kelly Quigley
When the leaves start falling, you know that the heating bills are about to start rising. But keeping your home warm and cozy on chilly autumn nights doesn't have to break the bank.
The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and relatively inexpensive home improvements that will help ensure cold gusts stay out and your furnace doesn't have to work harder than it should.
The goal: Conserve energy and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.
Share these ideas with customers and use them for your own house. After all, who doesn't need to save a little money these days?
1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.
2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.
4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.
5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.
6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.
7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.
9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.
10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at www.energystar.gov.
These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save home owners money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information.
Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool at www.hes.lbl.gov. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come. Visit www.natresnet.org to find a qualified auditor in your neck of the woods.
Kelly Quigley is online editor of REALTOR® magazine. She can be contacted at kquigley@realtors.org.
Buyers - The Cost/Benefit of Engaging a Realtor
Searching for a property can be fun, sometimes frustrating and often time consuming. Whether you’re looking to purchase in the near future or just beginning to explore the real estate market for a potential purchase “down the road”, a Realtor® can help you simplify your process.
You may or may not be aware, but we have the tools to automatically trigger e-mails to our customers when a property meeting the criteria you set comes on the market. Typically I provide my clients access to the current inventory of properties that are on the market at the present time that meet their criteria. Then the automatic e-mail process updates that inventory when a new property comes up for sale. This gives you a “heads-up” and the opportunity to jump on a “hot” property immediately. My clients have found this a far more efficient approach – freeing up the time they are spending scouring websites and newspapers – allowing them to focus on other things that provide a greater return for their effort.
You also may be well aware that engaging a Realtor® to help you search for and purchase a home typically costs you virtually nothing (at least here in central Pennsylvania – practices may differ geographically). However, if you’re a first time buyer it’s important to understand that in the vast majority of cases the sales commissions earned by a buyer’s agent are paid by the seller of the property, leaving the buyer of the property to pay only a small administrative fee (at most a couple hundred dollars) for their agent’s services – and then that cost is only borne if you actually buy a home.
A common misconception among potential buyers is that it will cost them less if they deal with the agent whose name appears on the sign on the house in which they are interested. While that “listing” agent should be fully capable of assisting the buyer in the transaction, it is important to understand, their client is the seller of the property and it is the listing agent’s responsibility to represent their client’s best interest – including helping them get the best/highest possible price for their property. In these situations buyers will often end up paying more for the home than if they had worked with a “buyer’s” agent – one whose responsibility is to represent their best interests – to help them negotiate the best possible deal on their behalf.
Some of the key services a buyer’s agent will provide are:
* helping you to identify properties of interest
* arranging, coordinating and showing you homes
* assisting you in obtaining financing
* providing you guidance in your decision making process
* negotiating the “deal” on your behalf
* coordinating the settlement and transfer of the property to you, the new homeowner
Realtors® provide professional expertise and guidance to the buyers with which we work at little cost to them other than their time and the small administrative fee if they actually buy a home. To use an overused phrase, “it’s almost too good to be true”. A word of advice however – it’s important that you have confidence in your buyer’s agent. For that reason I suggest that any buyer contemplating the use of a Realtor® invest the time to meet and get to know the Realtor® before entering into a buyer’s agency relationship.
The most important aspect in any home buying process is that it be done on your schedule and with your interests in mind. The process has to meet your needs. As your agent, it is our goal to tailor our services to satisfy your needs/desires.
Friday
First-Time Homebuyers May Qualify For A $7,500 Tax Credit
For a limited time, first-time homebuyers may qualify for up to a $7,500 tax credit. Please note - this credit must be repaid over a 15-year period. The following link to "realtor.org" provides some additional information regarding this credit:
http://www.realtor.org/GAPublic.nsf/files/chart_homebuyer_tax_credit_.pdf/$FILE/chart_homebuyer_tax_credit_.pdf
http://www.realtor.org/GAPublic.nsf/files/chart_homebuyer_tax_credit_.pdf/$FILE/chart_homebuyer_tax_credit_.pdf
Wednesday
Tough Times
The impact of the economic correction is and will be felt for some time to come. If ever there was a time to ramp up "Random Acts of Kindness", it's now. We're in this together. Together we'll weather the storm until the sun shines on us once again.
Thought for Potential Buyers (1st of Many To Come)
So - you're thinking about buying a home. The market is full of opportunities. Prices are depressed. Sellers are motivated.
But.....
....before you get all excited, do yourself a favor - sit down with a good, reputable, local lender and discuss your credit-worthiness and financial ability to handle a mortgage. Most, if not all, lenders will be happy to put you through their "pre-approval/pre-qualification" process. This will involve gathering some preliminary financial information from you and "pulling" a credit report about you. Through this process, the lender will determine the price range of a home you might be able to purchase given your current financial situation.
With this information under your belt you can then begin to target your search for houses in your price range - or you might decide that you'll wait until you can strengthen your position and put off your search until later.
In either case, getting pre-approved/pre-qualified will give you information that will help you make a better decision.
PLEASE NOTE - most lenders will provide this service at no cost or obligation to you.
But.....
....before you get all excited, do yourself a favor - sit down with a good, reputable, local lender and discuss your credit-worthiness and financial ability to handle a mortgage. Most, if not all, lenders will be happy to put you through their "pre-approval/pre-qualification" process. This will involve gathering some preliminary financial information from you and "pulling" a credit report about you. Through this process, the lender will determine the price range of a home you might be able to purchase given your current financial situation.
With this information under your belt you can then begin to target your search for houses in your price range - or you might decide that you'll wait until you can strengthen your position and put off your search until later.
In either case, getting pre-approved/pre-qualified will give you information that will help you make a better decision.
PLEASE NOTE - most lenders will provide this service at no cost or obligation to you.
Tuesday
Anticipating Selling? Food For Thought - Part 1 of Many To Come
Actually a good percentage of sellers contemplate selling well in advance of putting their homes on the market. This gives them a bit of advantage over those who suddenly find themselves “needing” to sell as a result of a job relocation, death or financial troubles. But when you have the luxury of being able to “plan” the sale, it’s only an advantage if you take action.
I am hardly the “poster boy” for strategic planning for selling your home, but being in this business I have learned some important things that I am intending to do as I target the sale of my home a year or two from now. Even if you don’t have a year or two, the same principles apply – it’s just that you don’t have the same luxury of time. I’ll share some of what my wife and I are doing as we target a future sale:
First and foremost – declutter. We moved into our current house a little over 23 years ago. It was a step up for us. Once we got our “stuff” moved in we looked at each other and smiled – we had so much empty space. Twenty three years later we scratch our heads wondering how we managed to fill (or overfill) all our space. Even if you’re not going to downsize (as we are) – and actually even if you’re not anticipating moving – a concerted effort to get rid of “stuff” you no longer use should become a part of your daily life. Sell it. Donate it. Trash it. If you don’t use it and don’t anticipate using it in the near future – move it out. As an example - some of you have heard me say before – I couldn’t bear the thought of parting with all my school report cards. Yup, my Mom saved them for me and I’ve kept them – for what? Sure it’s cool to see the “A pluses” I got for gym class, but I mean “really”. They’re gone. And it didn’t even hurt. And the report cards are just the tip of the iceberg in our house. Getting rid of the boxes and piles and cleaning out the closets and garage affords you the opportunity to take a good look at the house and plan the next step.
Now that you can see the walls and floors again (assuming you took my suggestion and decluttered), it’s time to assess their condition and whether they need some TLC. Dirty carpets should be cleaned - worn or “dated” carpets replaced. Hardwood, ceramic or vinyl floors should be cleaned and waxed. Do the walls, ceilings and trim need to be painted? If you start early you can spread the chore out over time and not “burn out”. But before you begin to paint, look at your artwork and wall hangings. Just like the rest of the house it’s best to declutter your walls. A few well-placed tasteful pieces that complement the room is your best approach. People don’t like to hear this, but personal or family pictures are best packed away while a house is on the market. It’s a psychological thing with buyers. When they come to look at your house, you want them to envision the house as theirs. You want them to look at the house not your family pictures. Pictures of your cute kids and handsome family connect the house to you and distract potential buyers.
Now – patch the walls and paint. Ceilings should be light colored, preferably white and in today’s world the walls are best painted in “earthy” tones such as beige, sage, etc. If a bolder color is desired use it as an accent and not dominant color.
(look for future posts continuing on this theme)
Monday
Challenging Time To Buy/Sell A Home and To Start A Blog
Day#1
Buying and/or selling a home in these economic times can be stressful - but certainly not impossible. There are some great opportunities for well qualified buyers and for smart/motivated sellers. But you need to feel comfortable with your own financial situation. Only you can assess your risk/reward of pursuing a real estate transaction at this time.
The intent of my blog is to share some perspectives, thoughts and observations (mine and others) that buyers and sellers may find helpful. My intent is to heighten your awareness, to stimulate your thinking and to demonstrate that buying and selling a home need not be a complicated undertaking.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll find my postings helpful.
Buying and/or selling a home in these economic times can be stressful - but certainly not impossible. There are some great opportunities for well qualified buyers and for smart/motivated sellers. But you need to feel comfortable with your own financial situation. Only you can assess your risk/reward of pursuing a real estate transaction at this time.
The intent of my blog is to share some perspectives, thoughts and observations (mine and others) that buyers and sellers may find helpful. My intent is to heighten your awareness, to stimulate your thinking and to demonstrate that buying and selling a home need not be a complicated undertaking.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll find my postings helpful.
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