Thursday
Undeck the Halls: Tips for Packing Away the Holiday Decorations
An interesting article (click on link below) talking about undecorating with decluttering in mind. Great time to start the process.
Undeck the Halls: Tips for Packing Away the Holiday Decorations | RISMedia
Undeck the Halls: Tips for Packing Away the Holiday Decorations | RISMedia
Wednesday
New Year's Resolution - "I will declutter"
Yes, it's that time for all our News Year's resolutions. How successful have you been sticking to them in the past? Lose weight! Stop smoking! Exercise! Some of those are pretty hard to tackle and stick with. But - here's one that with just a little effort can prove to be doable - DECLUTTER.
We can all stand to declutter our homes. And its a whole lot easier if we do it a little bit at a time rather than waiting until we decide to sell or move and then suddenly realize we need to go through and get rid of "stuff".
So - let's all make a pact to begin January 1 and throw away, recycle, gift or donate a couple items a month. It takes discipline and effort to make it a habit, but I believe we all be glad we did.
Happy New Year....and good luck with your decluttering!
We can all stand to declutter our homes. And its a whole lot easier if we do it a little bit at a time rather than waiting until we decide to sell or move and then suddenly realize we need to go through and get rid of "stuff".
So - let's all make a pact to begin January 1 and throw away, recycle, gift or donate a couple items a month. It takes discipline and effort to make it a habit, but I believe we all be glad we did.
Happy New Year....and good luck with your decluttering!
Friday
Tuesday
Saturday
Thursday
Holiday Clutter
A couple of weeks ago my wife and I set out to decorate the house for the holidays. Over the years we have learned to group all the decorations in one area in the basement so we can easily identify the boxes that need to be pulled out and searched through so we (actually “she”) can decide what theme we’re following each year. With over 35 years of Christmases together we have managed to accumulate quite an array of decorations – many that haven’t come out of the boxes for a long, long time.
Then it struck me – the “A-Ha Moment” – why are we keeping all these decorations we haven’t used for years? Why are we taking up storage space and maintaining unnecessary clutter?
Well – an opportunity exists to make a change. When the first or second weekend in January rolls around and we’re “undecorating” (always somewhat depressing), it will be the perfect time to “cull out” the decorations that have fallen from favor and set them aside for disposal – at the spring yard sale, donated to Salvation Army or Goodwill, handed down to family, etc. That will be the time when my wife and I need to resist the temptation to just put the boxes back on the shelf and keep the clutter – just in case we might use them at some future holiday season. But if you’re like us and are considering downsizing or relocating at some future date, you’ll appreciate having a couple boxes less to deal with then.
Will we be successful? I dunno, but we’re going to try. Please feel free to join us. I bet we’d all feel better if we tried.
Then it struck me – the “A-Ha Moment” – why are we keeping all these decorations we haven’t used for years? Why are we taking up storage space and maintaining unnecessary clutter?
Well – an opportunity exists to make a change. When the first or second weekend in January rolls around and we’re “undecorating” (always somewhat depressing), it will be the perfect time to “cull out” the decorations that have fallen from favor and set them aside for disposal – at the spring yard sale, donated to Salvation Army or Goodwill, handed down to family, etc. That will be the time when my wife and I need to resist the temptation to just put the boxes back on the shelf and keep the clutter – just in case we might use them at some future holiday season. But if you’re like us and are considering downsizing or relocating at some future date, you’ll appreciate having a couple boxes less to deal with then.
Will we be successful? I dunno, but we’re going to try. Please feel free to join us. I bet we’d all feel better if we tried.
Wednesday
Happy Holidays
It won’t be long before your postal and e-mail boxes will hopefully be filled with holiday greetings. This is a magical time of year. I hope you have the opportunity to fully enjoy that magic. /guy
Tuesday
Friday
Communication is the Key
Thinking about selling your home? Already have it listed for sale? An important component in any relationship - business or otherwise - is communication. In this case, communication between you and your Realtor. One of the best ways to ensure communication that meets all parties needs is to share your expectations right up front.
What type of information do you need? How frequently do you expect reports on activity, progress, feedback, problems? What form of communication do you prefer - telephone, e-mail, face-to-face, etc?
It's best to discuss this early in the process - increasing the odds that your expectations will be met. But, if there is a breakdown along the way and your expectations aren't being met, address the issue with your Realtor right away. Don't let any issue "fester". You and your Realtor are a team. The team will be most successful if all teammates are "on the same page".
What type of information do you need? How frequently do you expect reports on activity, progress, feedback, problems? What form of communication do you prefer - telephone, e-mail, face-to-face, etc?
It's best to discuss this early in the process - increasing the odds that your expectations will be met. But, if there is a breakdown along the way and your expectations aren't being met, address the issue with your Realtor right away. Don't let any issue "fester". You and your Realtor are a team. The team will be most successful if all teammates are "on the same page".
Tuesday
Monday
New Listing - 5607 Moreland Court, Mechanicsburg
2 Bedroom
1.5 Bath
1.5 Bath
2 Story Condo/Townhome
Open Floor Plan
Private Deck
2 Car Garage
$143,500
Check out the website at:
Wednesday
Tuesday
Sunday
Wednesday
Tuesday
National Declutter Day - November 15.
Need Help Climbing Out of That Clutter?
November 4, 2009
By Erica Christoffer, Contributing Editor, REALTOR® Magazine
Every day I learn something new from the folks I follow on Twitter. Today I learned that Nov. 15 is National Declutter Day. Who knew?
The occasion, which was started last year by Kijiji.com (@KijijiUS), eBay’s free online classifieds site, is a great way to get sellers motivated to prepare their home for showings.
Plus, we could all use a little decluttering in our lives, couldn’t we?
In honor of the occasion, I’ve scoured the Internet for some resources you can pass on to your clients. What I’ve come up with are three handy Web sites and one clutter-busting San Carlos, Calif.-based business that can clear out a room in minutes. Intrigued? Read on.
Unclutterer.com
This Web site is all about organization, plain and simple. Organizing your life; organizing your home; organizing your office. The Washington, D.C.–based author Erin Doland is a recovering pack-rat who once “held on to objects like her third grade math assignments and every note she passed in high school.” Her book Unclutter Your Life in One Week, which went on sale this week, is a testament to her reformed, uncluttered lifestyle, and a helpful tool for anyone looking to declutter their home.
Jdorganizer.blogspot.com
Jeri Dansky of Half Moon Bay, Calif., has been a professional organizer for seven years and her blog is filled with fun, whimsical, and aesthetically pleasing ideas that are also all about decluttering. If you are looking for great storage ideas, book recommendations, and organizing trends you’ve never thought of, check out her site.
Zenhabits.net
Zen Habits is a site that takes decluttering to the next level. Author Leo Babauta describes it as “finding simplicity in the daily chaos of our lives.” Some of the best nuggets of advice I found on this site are the 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life and 18 Five-Minute Decluttering Tips to Start Conquering Your Mess. But all the posts were inspiring with the mantra that less is not only more, less is also healthy.
Junk King
Childhood friends, Mike Andreacchi and Brian Reardon met on the soccer field at the age of 9. Little did they know that roughly 20 years later they’d be starting a business together. In 2005, Andreacchi and Reardon founded Junk King in the San Francisco Bay area. The basic premise is this: You have stuff you don’t want, and they can take care of it for you.
Junk King will collect and either recycle or dispose of basically all non-hazardous “junk” from homes and businesses. We’re talking stuff like furniture, wood, appliances, concrete, construction and building materials, yard refuse, and plain old garbage. No paints or solvents allowed, though.
“We help prepare the home to put back on the market,” Reardon says, tackling jobs like attics, kitchen cabinets, garages, and yards. “And if the owners or the REALTOR® can’t afford to pay for our service up front, we’ll wait to collect after the property has gone through escrow. It’s a win-win.”
Junk King prices by volume, and takes jobs that range from one item up to multiple truckloads. Special rates are offered to real estate practitioners.
What started out as one truck out of their garage has grown into a fleet of six trucks with 15 employees, which saves many items from ending up in a landfill, says Andreacchi.
November 4, 2009
By Erica Christoffer, Contributing Editor, REALTOR® Magazine
Every day I learn something new from the folks I follow on Twitter. Today I learned that Nov. 15 is National Declutter Day. Who knew?
The occasion, which was started last year by Kijiji.com (@KijijiUS), eBay’s free online classifieds site, is a great way to get sellers motivated to prepare their home for showings.
Plus, we could all use a little decluttering in our lives, couldn’t we?
In honor of the occasion, I’ve scoured the Internet for some resources you can pass on to your clients. What I’ve come up with are three handy Web sites and one clutter-busting San Carlos, Calif.-based business that can clear out a room in minutes. Intrigued? Read on.
Unclutterer.com
This Web site is all about organization, plain and simple. Organizing your life; organizing your home; organizing your office. The Washington, D.C.–based author Erin Doland is a recovering pack-rat who once “held on to objects like her third grade math assignments and every note she passed in high school.” Her book Unclutter Your Life in One Week, which went on sale this week, is a testament to her reformed, uncluttered lifestyle, and a helpful tool for anyone looking to declutter their home.
Jdorganizer.blogspot.com
Jeri Dansky of Half Moon Bay, Calif., has been a professional organizer for seven years and her blog is filled with fun, whimsical, and aesthetically pleasing ideas that are also all about decluttering. If you are looking for great storage ideas, book recommendations, and organizing trends you’ve never thought of, check out her site.
Zenhabits.net
Zen Habits is a site that takes decluttering to the next level. Author Leo Babauta describes it as “finding simplicity in the daily chaos of our lives.” Some of the best nuggets of advice I found on this site are the 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life and 18 Five-Minute Decluttering Tips to Start Conquering Your Mess. But all the posts were inspiring with the mantra that less is not only more, less is also healthy.
Junk King
Childhood friends, Mike Andreacchi and Brian Reardon met on the soccer field at the age of 9. Little did they know that roughly 20 years later they’d be starting a business together. In 2005, Andreacchi and Reardon founded Junk King in the San Francisco Bay area. The basic premise is this: You have stuff you don’t want, and they can take care of it for you.
Junk King will collect and either recycle or dispose of basically all non-hazardous “junk” from homes and businesses. We’re talking stuff like furniture, wood, appliances, concrete, construction and building materials, yard refuse, and plain old garbage. No paints or solvents allowed, though.
“We help prepare the home to put back on the market,” Reardon says, tackling jobs like attics, kitchen cabinets, garages, and yards. “And if the owners or the REALTOR® can’t afford to pay for our service up front, we’ll wait to collect after the property has gone through escrow. It’s a win-win.”
Junk King prices by volume, and takes jobs that range from one item up to multiple truckloads. Special rates are offered to real estate practitioners.
What started out as one truck out of their garage has grown into a fleet of six trucks with 15 employees, which saves many items from ending up in a landfill, says Andreacchi.
Junk King Recycling Facts:
Junk King recycles up to 60 percent of the materials it picks up, and estimates that more than 908 tons have been saved from landfills.
Since January 2009, Junk King has recycled approximately 450,000 pounds, or 225 tons, of scrap metal.
In total, Junk King has collected 2,450,000 pounds of copper, aluminum, wiring, and other metals; 840,000 pounds of plastic, paper, and recyclables; 590,000 pounds of computer equipment; and 685,000 pounds of miscellaneous junk.
Andreacchi and Reardon are beginning to franchise their business, which now consists of three corporate-owned locations and nine franchisee-owned covering the San Francisco Bay area and, starting in January, Atlanta. Looking to the future, Andreacchi and Reardon hope to see Junk King grow into a nationwide service.
“We want to be the Coca-Cola of the junk business,” Reardon says.
Friday
Good News for Homebuyers
We have now received word that President Obama has signed the revised homebuyer's tax credit legislation into law. This is good news for first-time homebuyers and those currently owning a home who are looking to buy - who meet the qualifications in the law. Much more will be written about this enhanced tax credit i...n coming days. I've attached a short piece provided by the staff at the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase a home and has questions about this revised tax credit or any other aspect of the home buying process, please contact me. I'd be glad to help.
Senate, House pass tax credit (click on this link to access article)
Posted using ShareThis
Senate, House pass tax credit (click on this link to access article)
Posted using ShareThis
Thursday
Tuesday
The Yard Doctor is Ready to Triage Your Lawn With These 6 Tips for Fall
By Erica Christoffer, Contributing Editor, REALTOR® Magazine
Trey Rogers: The Yard Doctor
There is no better time than fall to get yards looking great, according to the “Yard Doctor” Trey Rogers, a professor of turfgrass management in the crop and soil sciences department at Michigan State University.
Here are 6 tips from Rogers to help you and your clients take advantage of the seasonal weather and vibrant colors to add dramatic curb appeal.
1. For home owners in the northern portion of the United States, fall is the single best time to fertilize a yard. During the first 10 days of September, lay a complete nitrogen and potassium combination fertilizer.
2. Fall is also the best time to reseed grass. If you have bare spots from the summer, put down a seed mix that matches the yard during the first 15 days of September. Yards with crabgrass will notice the patches turn purple with the first frost. It is important to thoroughly seed and water those areas.
“It’s a good time because the ground is still warm, but the days are getting shorter so you don’t have as much day length to rob the moisture out of the soil,” Rogers says.
3. During the first 10 days of October, take care of those pesky weeds and dandelions. Spray a liquid broadleaf herbicide over the yard. Weeds germinate in the fall, so by treating the problem in October, there will be fewer dandelions in the spring.
4. Mow, mow, mow. If you really want a yard to look smashing, dedicate yourself to mowing twice a week with the blade set at 2 ½ to 3 inches through mid-October.
“They’ll be surprised when they see how much that makes the grass grow,” says Rogers. Don’t forget to keep watering, too.
5. It’s important to get those leaves off the ground as to not suffocate the lawn. But a better option would be to grind up the leaves and mulch them back into the yard. Most lawnmowers have blades designed for mulching. This provides natural nutrients and can be an organic weed controller — particularly maple leaves, which are a natural herbicide toward dandelions, Rogers says.
6. Play with the fall colors. Display potted mums. Think red. Dogwood bushes are cold-weather hardy and have red or yellow branches. Holly is another great way to decorate the outside of a home, where the bright red berries on the branches can standout.
John (Trey) Rogers, Ph.D., is regarded as one of the country’s leading experts on growing and maintaining healthy lawns. He has been a professor of turfgrass science at Michigan State University for 22 years. He is also a consultant to Briggs & Stratton, a manufacturer of engines for outdoor power equipment, where he has become known as the Yard Doctor. Visit his Web site: http://www.yardsmarts.com
Trey Rogers: The Yard Doctor
There is no better time than fall to get yards looking great, according to the “Yard Doctor” Trey Rogers, a professor of turfgrass management in the crop and soil sciences department at Michigan State University.
Here are 6 tips from Rogers to help you and your clients take advantage of the seasonal weather and vibrant colors to add dramatic curb appeal.
1. For home owners in the northern portion of the United States, fall is the single best time to fertilize a yard. During the first 10 days of September, lay a complete nitrogen and potassium combination fertilizer.
2. Fall is also the best time to reseed grass. If you have bare spots from the summer, put down a seed mix that matches the yard during the first 15 days of September. Yards with crabgrass will notice the patches turn purple with the first frost. It is important to thoroughly seed and water those areas.
“It’s a good time because the ground is still warm, but the days are getting shorter so you don’t have as much day length to rob the moisture out of the soil,” Rogers says.
3. During the first 10 days of October, take care of those pesky weeds and dandelions. Spray a liquid broadleaf herbicide over the yard. Weeds germinate in the fall, so by treating the problem in October, there will be fewer dandelions in the spring.
4. Mow, mow, mow. If you really want a yard to look smashing, dedicate yourself to mowing twice a week with the blade set at 2 ½ to 3 inches through mid-October.
“They’ll be surprised when they see how much that makes the grass grow,” says Rogers. Don’t forget to keep watering, too.
5. It’s important to get those leaves off the ground as to not suffocate the lawn. But a better option would be to grind up the leaves and mulch them back into the yard. Most lawnmowers have blades designed for mulching. This provides natural nutrients and can be an organic weed controller — particularly maple leaves, which are a natural herbicide toward dandelions, Rogers says.
6. Play with the fall colors. Display potted mums. Think red. Dogwood bushes are cold-weather hardy and have red or yellow branches. Holly is another great way to decorate the outside of a home, where the bright red berries on the branches can standout.
John (Trey) Rogers, Ph.D., is regarded as one of the country’s leading experts on growing and maintaining healthy lawns. He has been a professor of turfgrass science at Michigan State University for 22 years. He is also a consultant to Briggs & Stratton, a manufacturer of engines for outdoor power equipment, where he has become known as the Yard Doctor. Visit his Web site: http://www.yardsmarts.com
Thursday
A Voice of Experience
A former coworker of mine in a previous life has retired and moved out of the area. I just received an e-mail from him in which he relects:
If there was ever a testimony for "proactive decluttering" that is it.
"If you think you’ll move any time in the next five years, I encourage you to start throwing stuff away now—an item a day, say, for the next 1500 days. You’ll still have more stuff than you will believe possible."
If there was ever a testimony for "proactive decluttering" that is it.
Tuesday
Worth the Read - If You Have the Time
Every once in a while I receive something that makes me think and then smile. This is one such e-mail I received recently. You may have already seen it, but it’s worth a reread. This has nothing to do with real estate, but everything to do about people and we all know that without people there would be no real estate transactions. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
And remember – “Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.”
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
And remember – “Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.”
Monday
Things to Consider When Searching for a Home
Before deciding which house to buy, think about your lifestyle, your current and anticipated housing needs, and your budget. It’s a good idea to create a prioritized list of features you want in your next home – you'll soon discover finding the right house involves striking a balance between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves."
To start, consider your lifestyle. If you love to cook, you'll want a well-equipped kitchen. If you're into gardening, you'll want a yard. If you're planning your office at home, you may want a room for a separate library or work space. If you have several cars, you may require a larger garage. Use this list as your search guide.
Next, think about what you might need in the future. As you consider your housing needs, it's important to consider how long you may live in your home. If you're newly married, you might not be concerned with a school district right now, but you could be in a few years. If you have aging parents, you may want to look at homes that offer living arrangements for them as well as you. It’s important to think about your new home’s location just as carefully as you do about a house’s features. Location is a huge part of any move. In addition to considering the distance to work, you need to evaluate the availability of shopping, police and fire protection, medical facilities, school and day-care, traffic and parking, trash and garbage collection, even recreational facilities.
Perhaps the most important decision is deciding on the type of home you want. Do you want a condominium or a co-op? A townhouse or a detached single-family home? Do you want brick, stone, stucco, wood, vinyl siding, or something else? Do you prefer a new home or an older one?
Through all of this, make sure to talk to your real estate professional about where you want to live. While more buyers now use the Internet to gain access to listings, or available properties for sale, it is still a good idea to use an agent. The agent brings value to the entire process: he or she is available to analyze data, answer questions, share their professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in the real estate transaction.
CENTURY 21 professionals have the expertise to help their clients narrow down their choices by sharing market trends and local information.
To start, consider your lifestyle. If you love to cook, you'll want a well-equipped kitchen. If you're into gardening, you'll want a yard. If you're planning your office at home, you may want a room for a separate library or work space. If you have several cars, you may require a larger garage. Use this list as your search guide.
Next, think about what you might need in the future. As you consider your housing needs, it's important to consider how long you may live in your home. If you're newly married, you might not be concerned with a school district right now, but you could be in a few years. If you have aging parents, you may want to look at homes that offer living arrangements for them as well as you. It’s important to think about your new home’s location just as carefully as you do about a house’s features. Location is a huge part of any move. In addition to considering the distance to work, you need to evaluate the availability of shopping, police and fire protection, medical facilities, school and day-care, traffic and parking, trash and garbage collection, even recreational facilities.
Perhaps the most important decision is deciding on the type of home you want. Do you want a condominium or a co-op? A townhouse or a detached single-family home? Do you want brick, stone, stucco, wood, vinyl siding, or something else? Do you prefer a new home or an older one?
Through all of this, make sure to talk to your real estate professional about where you want to live. While more buyers now use the Internet to gain access to listings, or available properties for sale, it is still a good idea to use an agent. The agent brings value to the entire process: he or she is available to analyze data, answer questions, share their professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in the real estate transaction.
CENTURY 21 professionals have the expertise to help their clients narrow down their choices by sharing market trends and local information.
Friday
New Listing - 30 Woodmyre Lane, Enola
2 BR, 1.5 Bath, move-in ready townhome in Enola.
For more info please click on piture in right margin to go to the property website.
Sunday
Friday
Act Now or Forever .....regret it?
To borrow a term from the financial market and tweak it for the Real Estate world
“Huh?” you ask.Well – the Sun, the Moon and the Stars are in alignment and the opportunities for a “first-time homebuyer” may never be better than they are right now.
Why? Well……..
1. The federal government is offering up to an $8,000 tax credit for qualifying 1st time homebuyers
2. Mortgage interest rates are hovering in the 5-6% range, and
3. Home prices are down from recent years
I realize many of you won’t qualify (you’re already homeowners) and perhaps some of you who do aren’t in the financial position to take advantage of this opportunity. But for those who are in good financial standing and have been considering a home purchase now may be the best time in the foreseeable future to “bite the bullet”.
So, if you’re looking to buy or know a family member, friend or coworker that is please encourage them to explore this opportunity now.
Cinderella’s Coach (the tax credit) turns into a “pumpkin” on December 1. Lots of time huh? Think again. To qualify for the tax credit you must have purchased and settled (been given the keys) on the property by November 30. In order to pretty much guarantee a property can settle by that date, it should probably be under contract by no later than October 1. Remember mortgage lenders require a fair amount of lead time to process the mortgage. And we’re expecting those lenders will potentially be challenged by the increased volume of activity as the December 1 date approaches.
My advice – act now if you want to pursue the tax credit.
As always I’d be honored and happy to assist anyone who is interested in “pursuing their dream”
Thanks for your help and consideration. /guy
First-Time Homebuyers - IRS Info
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Do you know someone who is or might be? Here's a link to the IRS website that will explain all you ever wanted to know about the tax credit.
Wednesday
Please Think of Me..........
Dear Friends - Question for you – Would you feel comfortable introducing me to people who you care about who could use my help?
If so, the next time you’re in a conversation with a family member, friend or neighbor and they mention that they’re considering buying or selling a home (here or elsewhere), would you feel comfortable introducing them to me?
I hope you would. When that happens, please take out your cell phone, look up my number (by the way my cell # is 717-579-1613 if you don’t already have it stored in your phone) and call me immediately. I’d love to help that person.
And yes – thanks for keeping me in mind.
If so, the next time you’re in a conversation with a family member, friend or neighbor and they mention that they’re considering buying or selling a home (here or elsewhere), would you feel comfortable introducing them to me?
I hope you would. When that happens, please take out your cell phone, look up my number (by the way my cell # is 717-579-1613 if you don’t already have it stored in your phone) and call me immediately. I’d love to help that person.
And yes – thanks for keeping me in mind.
Monday
Special Realtionships
Please forgive me for straying from the subject of Real Estate for one posting. Relationships are important to us all. They're important in business, in social circles and within families. And every so often you develop a special relationship that you cherish. I did and I want to share a brief recollection of one such relationship I have experienced.
She lived for the moment. She lived for our touch.
Always a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face.
She played hard.Yet was as gentle as they come.
Her love and devotion were never in question.
She never met anyone or anything she didn’t like.
Our wish is that everyone experience a “Kelsey” sometime in their life.
It’s been a special relationship that we will cherish forever.
Be at peace our special “Girl”.January 23, 1998 – June 29, 2009
Clients like this.......
10 days.....not bad in this market. A tip of the hat to the owner who worked hard to make this property "salable". Sorry you missed this one. If you’d like help buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I’d be happy to discuss how I can “help you simplify your real estate experience”.
Thanks for visiting.
Tuesday
New Listing - 434 Orrs Bridge Road, Hampden Township $213,000
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For more information, click on the picture of this property in the right-hand column of this page.Monday
First Time Homebuyers
Think you still have lots of time to meet the December 1 deadline for the $8,000 tax credit? Think again. Industry experts warn against planning your purchase with an intended settlement date in November. Many lenders are also taking longer to process mortgage applications – 60 days being the norm in our current economic climate. If we count backwards using October 31 as a “more comfortable” settlement date, buyers should plan to have a house picked out and under contract no later than August 31 – meaning you have 2 months to search, find and negotiate the contract for your new home .
The pressures on lenders to process the expected “crush” of settlements at the last minute to get under the December 1 deadline, will only increase anxiety levels of buyers. If you intend to buy, plan carefully now and, if possible, schedule your settlement date to minimize the last minute stress.
The pressures on lenders to process the expected “crush” of settlements at the last minute to get under the December 1 deadline, will only increase anxiety levels of buyers. If you intend to buy, plan carefully now and, if possible, schedule your settlement date to minimize the last minute stress.
Saturday
Make Good Use of Your Rainy Days
Rainy days - never a better time to start the "de-clutter" process - whether you're thinking about moving or not. Taken in small bites it's a less daunting challenge - and you can revel in your progress over time - celebrating many "mini-accomplishments". It's psychologically satisfying. And when it comes time to move, you'll have one less task on your "to-do" list.
Friday
Post-Winter Roof Check
The winter season can wreak havoc on the exterior of a home and the surrounding property. Most often, it is simply an issue of falling behind on outdoor maintenance during the colder months. Now is the time to do a winter-end check to make sure everything is in order and ready to withstand those spring-time showers and the pending heat of summer.
While all exterior areas should be checked periodically, one area that typically requires special attention at the end of the winter season is the roof. To identify possible roofing concerns, look for:
- Ceiling stains – A possible warning sign that your roof system needs repair or replacement. If localized, it may be an isolated point of damage or flashing leak. Ceiling stains can also be associated with excessive attic moisture and/or ice dam conditions, which may require additional attic ventilation and/or insulation to prevent a recurrence. If there are stains on lower level ceilings, a plumbing leak could be the cause.
- Loose or missing shingles – Any loose or missing shingles should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid additional leakage and damage to the roof deck or interior of your home.
- Loose, lifted or cracked flashing – This is the metal or other type membrane found at the base of chimneys and roof penetrations. Damaged flashing should be repaired to prevent leakage.
- Lifted or curled shingles – This may be an indication the roof is worn and near or at the end of its service life. If found just in an isolated area, spot replacement may be possible, but if widespread, get a professional opinion on the roof’s condition.
- Heavy granules buildup in gutter or at base of downspouts – The granules on roof shingles gradually wear away to the point where the underlying material is exposed over large areas. Once this happens the rate of shingle deterioration accelerates. If excessive, it may indicate aging shingles that need replacement.Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.
More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.
This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.
Spring Has Sprung
Time to get outside again and "smell the flowers". Time to tidy up the yard and "wake it up" from its "long winter's nap". Time to "spiff it up" - particularly if you're planning on selling. The freshness of Spring works miracles when selling a home.
Wednesday
Tuesday
New Listing - House For Sale
25 Palmer Drive
Etters, PA
(Valley Green)
Peace and tranquility in the midst of the popular Valley Green community. Shaded, secluded and private, this 3 bedroom raised ranch provides wonderful indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large FR and a 2-room master suite are highlights. The walkout lower level offers tremendous storage, a separate workshop area, his and her garages and possibilities limited only by your imagination.
$185,000
For additional information, please visit http://www.25palmerdrive.com/
Wednesday
Important Information - First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
I think it's important to alert all to an important component of the recently passed economic stimulation package.
This legislation contains an important provision for potential buyers and sellers of homes. For homes that are purchased by “first time home buyers” and “settled” on between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009, the federal government will provide up to an $8,000 tax credit to the buyer. The implication to the first time home buyer is obvious – an $8,000 incentive to buy – stimulating qualified buyers who had been hesitant to pursue a home purchase to now do so. And for those who had been holding off putting their house on the market because of the high level of inventory of homes for sale, now may be the time to “list” that property and attract those “new buyers”.
Please share this “good news” with your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers – anyone who might be considering a home purchase or sale
Want to learn more about this provision? Feel free to call me at your convenience.
This legislation contains an important provision for potential buyers and sellers of homes. For homes that are purchased by “first time home buyers” and “settled” on between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009, the federal government will provide up to an $8,000 tax credit to the buyer. The implication to the first time home buyer is obvious – an $8,000 incentive to buy – stimulating qualified buyers who had been hesitant to pursue a home purchase to now do so. And for those who had been holding off putting their house on the market because of the high level of inventory of homes for sale, now may be the time to “list” that property and attract those “new buyers”.
Please share this “good news” with your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers – anyone who might be considering a home purchase or sale
Want to learn more about this provision? Feel free to call me at your convenience.
Home For Sale - New Listing
352 Equus Drive, Camp Hill, PA
(Green Lane Manor)
4 BR, 2.5 Bath Contemporary Design
$385,000
More information on this home is available at:
Thursday
Contrast in Styles
As a realtor I'm always fascinated by the geographic differences in housing styles, construction and landscaping. Here's a traditional Sante Fe style home that is located in Tucson, AZ.
Wednesday
A Different Perspective
Sometimes we just need to clear the cobwebs.
I'm doing that myself this week.
Just sharing a view we don't get back in snowy cold, south central PA this time of year.
Are you ready? Is your home ready? Use these simple staging tips to maximize the visual and emotional appeal to buyers.
Make the entrance inviting - Replace or thoroughly clean front door hardware. Add a fresh seagrass welcome mat and seasonal potted plants around the front entry.
Create a pleasant, fresh smell - Unpleasant pet, smoke and cooking odors can leave a bad impression on buyers. Spray (don't overspray) a light, clean air freshener throughout the home.
Clean the house thoroughly - With a little elbow grease, you can make the whole house sparkle. Pay close attention to bathroom and lighting fixtures, appliances and windows.
Clear away clutter - Put away anything that could distract the buyer. Clear away excess furniture to maximize available space. Don't forget that the garage, attic and basement should be neat and clean too!
Let natural light in - Create light, airy living rooms by pulling back curtains and opening blinds. Light-colored wall paint and a few lamps can help brighten the space.
Create a pleasant, fresh smell - Unpleasant pet, smoke and cooking odors can leave a bad impression on buyers. Spray (don't overspray) a light, clean air freshener throughout the home.
Clean the house thoroughly - With a little elbow grease, you can make the whole house sparkle. Pay close attention to bathroom and lighting fixtures, appliances and windows.
Clear away clutter - Put away anything that could distract the buyer. Clear away excess furniture to maximize available space. Don't forget that the garage, attic and basement should be neat and clean too!
Let natural light in - Create light, airy living rooms by pulling back curtains and opening blinds. Light-colored wall paint and a few lamps can help brighten the space.
Thursday
The First Time Buyer's Tax Credit Clock Is Ticking
First-time homebuyers should begin planning now to take advantage of the tax credit included in the recently enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
Available for a limited time only, the credit:
Available for a limited time only, the credit:
- Applies to home purchases after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.
- Reduces a taxpayer’s tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.
- Is fully refundable, meaning that the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax that they owe.
However, the credit operates much like an interest-free loan, because it must be repaid over a 15-year period. So, for example, an eligible taxpayer who buys a home today and properly claims the maximum available credit of $7,500 on his or her 2008 federal income tax return must begin repaying the credit by including one-fifteenth of this amount, or $500, as an additional tax on his or her 2010 return.
Q. How much is the credit?
A. The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $7,500 for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing jointly. The limit is $3,750 for a married person filing a separate return. In most cases, the full credit will be available for homes costing $75,000 or more. Whatever the size of the credit a taxpayer receives, the credit must be repaid over a 15-year period.
Q. Are there income limits?
A. Yes. The credit is reduced or eliminated for higher-income taxpayers.
The credit is phased out based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). MAGI is your adjusted gross income plus various amounts excluded from income—for example, certain foreign income. For a married couple filing a joint return, the phase-out range is $150,000 to $170,000. For other taxpayers, the phase-out range is $75,000 to $95,000.
This means the full credit is available for married couples filing a joint return whose MAGI is $150,000 or less and for other taxpayers whose MAGI is $75,000 or less.
But remember, settlement on the purchase of the house must occur before July 1, 2009 to qualify.
For more details on this program, check out the IRS website at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=186831,00.html
Tuesday
My House Is Worth More Than That
The listing price is perhaps the most important factor in how quickly a home will sell.
If your home is priced "right", you’re much more likely to succeed in selling your property. Get pricing wrong, on the other hand, and you'll suffer the consequences from all sides: prospective buyers will skip your home, you will be upset, and the home will stagnate on the market.
Your best bet is to engage a Realtor to conduct a competitive market analysis (CMA) on your behalf. Once you have "facts" on the current market in front of you, you can make the important decision on setting the "right" price.
If your home is priced "right", you’re much more likely to succeed in selling your property. Get pricing wrong, on the other hand, and you'll suffer the consequences from all sides: prospective buyers will skip your home, you will be upset, and the home will stagnate on the market.
Your best bet is to engage a Realtor to conduct a competitive market analysis (CMA) on your behalf. Once you have "facts" on the current market in front of you, you can make the important decision on setting the "right" price.
(excerpted from REALTOR magazine)
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