 | Thanksgiving Decorating Tips 11/6/2009 7:00:04 AM |
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and though we’ve previously discussed how home sellers should keep holiday decorations to a minimum, there is nothing wrong with adding fall flare to your home or with adding warmth and coziness to your layout.
Wow your dinner guests with homemade or purchased decorations that not only show off the vibrant colors of fall, but that also celebrate the coming together of friends and the beginning of our founded nation. In the hype of winter holidays to More ... |
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| Going Green Might Help Sell Your Home 11/5/2009 7:00:48 AM |
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Not only does living green provide a healthier lifestyle and lower electricity and utility bills, but according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 90 percent of home buyers have said that energy efficiency is a significant factor that they are looking for in a new home! Now that you know it could improve the interest of your potential buyers, here are green improvements to consider:
• Add insulation where it’s needed. Outside, walk around the exterior of your home and look More ... |
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| Best Investment Right Now 11/3/2009 7:00:02 AM |
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The housing crisis is finally showing slow signs of improvement. Commercial and retail properties have suffered in all areas of the country, but according to an article from Realty Times, apartment rentals have remained the strongest sector.
Of all building rentals, multi-family apartment units have held up the best. Buildings have stayed full, and rent has remained stable or even increased. Particular cities with the lowest vacancy rates, around 5 percent, include Pittsburgh, San Diego, More ... |
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| Holding an Estate Sale 11/2/2009 5:14:46 AM |
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Estate sales are commonly run by professionals on behalf of a deceased property owner. However, you may hold your own estate sale for many reasons:
if you are downsizing
if you are moving to a facility where you are unable to keep your belongings (assisted living, retirement home, etc)
if you want to get rid of unnecessary items to avoid foreclosure
Why hold your own estate sale?
The bottom line is that running your own estate sale saves you money. Not only must you pay a professional More ... |
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| Natural Pest Control 10/30/2009 7:00:10 AM |
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A decrease in temperatures could mean an increase of unwanted pests joining your household. This year, instead of purchasing another pesticide, try these natural pest control tips.
According to a report by Environment Health Perspectives, 83 percent of American households contain up to four different pesticide products, even though these products often cause health risks, such as allergies, an immunity system breakdown or even brain effects. In 1993, 140,000 poison cases were reported to More ... |
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| Home Builders' Confidence Falls 10/29/2009 7:00:49 AM |
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According to an article from FOX Business, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo sentiment index fell to 18 this month, even though economists had guessed that it would rise to 20. It was marked at 19 in September. An index of 18 means only one out of six builders has a positive view of the housing market.
With this number set so low for the month of October, it can be assumed that it will decrease even more in November, with the expiration of the tax credit available for More ... |
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| Buying A Home While Under Chapter 13 10/27/2009 7:00:50 AM |
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In a previous post, you read that it is still possible to sell your home after you have filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. But once you have received an approval from the courts, closed the sale of your property and allocated the proceeds to your trustee/creditors, what do you do now? How do you go about buying a house when you have filed for Chapter 13?
First things first: you will most likely not be able to qualify for a home loan if you are still in debt, under an active Chapter 13 payment More ... |
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| Selling Your Home under Chapter 13 10/26/2009 7:00:39 AM |
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There are many reasons why people choose to file for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy instead of Chapter 7. For one, if you had already filed for Chapter 7, you may not do so again for another eight years. Also, if you want to make up missed payments on a mortgage, you may only do so via Chapter 13. Whatever the reason, many homeowners that file for bankruptcy find themselves concerned with how they will make enough money to pay their debts over time. Moving to a smaller home/condo or renting an apartment More ... |
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| How to Build a Fire Pit 10/23/2009 6:21:01 AM |
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As evening temperatures cool, you may want to stay cooped up inside, cuddled in front of the television. But now is really the time to cuddle up by an outdoor fire, while toasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories and gazing up at the stars. By adding a fire pit to your backyard, you won’t only get to enjoy more time outdoors while keeping warm, but you will also add an impressive feature to your home when it’s time to sell!
How do you build a firepit that is easy to install and that looks More ... |
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| Bokashi Composting 10/22/2009 7:00:37 AM |
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Compost piles have evolved into a well-known method of recycling, supporting eco-friendly living and reducing landfill waste. We’ve discussed composting in past articles, such as whether you should try composting and energy-saving tips for the garden. But what if you live in an apartment or condo without a backyard, or the weather is turning too cold to continue composting? No worries! A new type of composting is available for you: Bokashi composting.
According to greenlivingtips.com, the More ... |
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| Fall Events: Tampa 10/20/2009 7:15:01 AM |
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If you’re not spending the day at Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens or one of the other numerous year-round attractions found in the Tampa area, head to one of these unique festivals, sporting events or concerts! Whether you want to test your luck at animation, learn more about Ybor City’s history with cigars, taste new seafood favorites or celebrate Halloween with a worldwide crowd, you're in luck!
Sports
National league and college teams are geared up to entertain and hopefully awe their More ... |
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| Keeping Up with Curb Appeal 10/19/2009 7:00:35 AM |
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With seasonal changes comes seasonal upkeep. Each season presents new chores to keep up with, especially outside. When your house is for sale, it’s vital that you keep up with the curb appeal of your home. When potential buyers see the Buy Owner sign in the front yard, all they have to go off of is the external appearance. When potential buyers visit for an open house, the external appearance is what they judge first. In your ads, the first picture potential buyers will view is usually of the More ... |
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| The Basics of Window Treatments 10/17/2009 9:19:55 AM |
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Because they can be such a costly purchase, deciding on window treatments can be overwhelming. You want to be sure to choose something with staying power, something that will last in quality and something that you won’t change your mind about a few weeks or months down the road. Here are some important things to keep in mind when shopping for window treatments.
The purpose of window treatments is to provide privacy and light control, but they should also fit with the decor in your home. You should More ... |
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| Fall Events: Atlanta 10/13/2009 5:00:06 AM |
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If you have ever wanted to visit Atlanta, the fall season is the perfect time to do so! With temperatures averaging between the 60s and the 80s, you’ll be able to wear shorts and a t-shirt most days and layer up with a simple light jacket in the evenings. Unlike most other locations in the U.S., Atlanta gets the least amount of rain during the month of October. It really is a golden time in the Peach State, as you’ll find plenty of outdoor events going on in and around the city, including country More ... |
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| What To Do with Two Mortgages 10/12/2009 7:00:15 AM |
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In last week's selling-tips post, we looked at the importance of avoiding two mortgages and recommended selling your existing home before buying another, while keeping your eye on the market throughout your sale.
But what should you do if you've already purchased a second home, obtaining a second mortgage along with it? What if you're trying to sell but not finding the buyer?
Here are three options to consider:
1) Rent your old home. When people aren't buying, they're renting, so what More ... |
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| 5 Quick Kitchen Upgrades 10/9/2009 7:00:43 AM |
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In contemporary homes, the kitchen is usually the centerpiece of the layout. As we’ve previously stated in blogs, the kitchen and the master bedroom are the two most upgraded rooms, the rooms that potential buyers pay the most attention to. Do you want your kitchen to radiate a contemporary and upgraded appearance that will be remembered, without the hassle of draining your bank account?
Here are some quick upgrading tips that will allow your outdated kitchen to show off some modern flare:
• Upgrade More ... |
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| Go Green With Heating Systems 10/8/2009 7:36:35 AM |
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If you are looking for ways to save money on domestic expenses this fall, one of the best things you can do for your wallet (while helping the environment, too) is make the switch to green heating.
Whether your house runs on a boiler or a radiator system, you’ll have plenty of options for a more eco-friendly way to generate heat throughout your home. Like most green ventures, you may have to pay a pretty penny to install an energy-efficient unit; however, in the long run, you will save on More ... |
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| Fall Events: South Florida 10/6/2009 7:00:09 AM |
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While some would view fall as merely the transitional period between summer and winter, in Southern Florida, it's when some of the most popular festivals and activities occur! Whether you enjoy independent films, live music, gourmet food, German beer, expensive boats or Halloween candy, at least one event is available to match your interests!
Sports
Fall is the season that winds down summer sports and gets you pumped for winter ones. As the Florida Marlins take a break from hitting the bat, More ... |
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| Don’t Get Caught with Two Homes 10/5/2009 7:00:44 AM |
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“Don't get caught with two homes. You find your dream home and decide to put it under contract assuming you can sell your home before you have to close on the new one. Big mistake in this home market and this economy. While the housing market is improving, it is still taking longer to sell homes than in the past…” (The Birmingham News)
The old real estate formula has changed. What was once as simple as shopping, buying & selling has become a waiting game, at best, for unknown lengths More ... |
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| Building a Deck 10/2/2009 4:02:11 AM |
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Are you interested in building a deck somewhere on your property? Before you get into the logistics of size and space, you should first decide why exactly you want a deck. What do you hope to get out of it?
Do you want to entertain guests outside during the warmer spring and summer months?
Do you want to beautify your lawn and add curb appeal with some sort of focal point for passers by and potential buyers?
Do you want to add an extra living space?
Whatever the reason, once you decide More ... |
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