Many people put off the hassles of tree trimming because it’s either too expensive, inconvenient or because it may slip their mind. Trimming your trees is a necessity because it helps promote tree growth and it diminishes potential safety hazards. Many advise hiring a professional arborist to shape your tree and cut problematic limbs. If you prefer doing it yourself, make sure you take caution around power lines and large branches. Cutting branches is a three step process that involves:
1. Undercutting the branch about 6 inches away from where the branch joins the tree. The cut should only be about ¼ the diameter of the branch.
2. Making a second cut all the way through the branch about 3 inches even farther away from the trunk. This will ensure a clean break for the branch.
3. Lastly, cut all the way through the remaining branch stub about ½ an inch away from where the branch joins the tree.
For more fall maintenance tips, check out Real Living's Home Maintenance portal.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Choose a Mortgage Lender that Meets Your Needs
If you’re looking to secure a loan that will help you purchase the home of your dreams, it’s important to have an ethical, qualified and dependable mortgage lender on your side—protecting your best interests and helping you get the loan that's right for you. Your lender should be a trusted partner who understands the array of loans offered, and can match them to your needs, wants and desires.
So how do you go about selecting a mortgage lender? You can always start with costs. Look for lenders who offer the best interest rates, and ask to see a list of applicable fees and closing costs upfront to compare prices. If a prospective lender refuses to quote interest rates or service costs, move to a different lender. It’s important to find a lender that gives you direct answers. If a lender quotes numbers that seem way too good to be true, then make sure you investigate his or her services. There may be hidden fees and some unethical practice taking place.
You should also look for lenders who are accredited to show that they are properly trained in the field. Search for a broker who’s certified by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. Always ask for references and call those references to find out how satisfied they were with the service and ultimately their loan. Agents typically have good referrals for mortgage lenders, so don’t forget to consult your real estate agent.
Also, check to see if the real estate company you are using to buy or sell your home offers mortgage services. A one-stop-shop will make the home-buying and selling process less stressful.
Don’t know too much about the loan process? No problem. A good mortgage lender will help you learn the ins and outs of a mortgage, no matter how long it takes. They’ll explain all the terms and jargon and will calculate the numbers for you as many times as you need to understand them. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t understand.” You can use this process as a learning experience.
A good lender should always be available. Applying for a loan can be a complicated process, so you want someone who is around when you need help. In addition, mortgage lenders should not leave you guessing. They should give you a good faith estimate early in the process, so you aren’t surprised when it comes time to close.
Finally, your personalities must mesh. If they don’t, it will be very difficult to work together. Mortgage lenders are assisting you with a very important financial decision, so you need someone you can trust, who fits with your personality and with whom you have a good rapport. Knowing you’re in trusting hands will allow you to relax during the process – not agonize over it.
For more information that can assist you with finding the perfect mortgage lender, contact your local Real Living agent today.
So how do you go about selecting a mortgage lender? You can always start with costs. Look for lenders who offer the best interest rates, and ask to see a list of applicable fees and closing costs upfront to compare prices. If a prospective lender refuses to quote interest rates or service costs, move to a different lender. It’s important to find a lender that gives you direct answers. If a lender quotes numbers that seem way too good to be true, then make sure you investigate his or her services. There may be hidden fees and some unethical practice taking place.
You should also look for lenders who are accredited to show that they are properly trained in the field. Search for a broker who’s certified by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. Always ask for references and call those references to find out how satisfied they were with the service and ultimately their loan. Agents typically have good referrals for mortgage lenders, so don’t forget to consult your real estate agent.
Also, check to see if the real estate company you are using to buy or sell your home offers mortgage services. A one-stop-shop will make the home-buying and selling process less stressful.
Don’t know too much about the loan process? No problem. A good mortgage lender will help you learn the ins and outs of a mortgage, no matter how long it takes. They’ll explain all the terms and jargon and will calculate the numbers for you as many times as you need to understand them. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t understand.” You can use this process as a learning experience.
A good lender should always be available. Applying for a loan can be a complicated process, so you want someone who is around when you need help. In addition, mortgage lenders should not leave you guessing. They should give you a good faith estimate early in the process, so you aren’t surprised when it comes time to close.
Finally, your personalities must mesh. If they don’t, it will be very difficult to work together. Mortgage lenders are assisting you with a very important financial decision, so you need someone you can trust, who fits with your personality and with whom you have a good rapport. Knowing you’re in trusting hands will allow you to relax during the process – not agonize over it.
For more information that can assist you with finding the perfect mortgage lender, contact your local Real Living agent today.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What’s Your Home Worth?
Determining your home’s worth is one of the most important decisions you will encounter when putting your home on the market. For some, it can also be one of the toughest to face because when it comes time to sell, homeowners sometimes have a tendency to reminisce about all the fond memories made in the home over the years. These memories may be priceless to the home seller, but to a prospective homebuyer, they’re a non-factor in determining a property’s worth. Market value, and not sentimental value, is the key factor when figuring your home’s worth.
Market value is the amount prospective buyers are willing to pay at the time homeowners are ready to sell. Now you may ask – how do I find out the market value of my home? Well, the best way to ensure that you get the best price is to obtain a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA). You can get a CMA from your qualified, professional real estate agent.
The market analysis will include homes in your area that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale, expired and already sold within the last three to six months. Of course, the best indicator of your home’s value is the price for similar homes in your area that have already been sold. The comparison is based on the proximity to your home and the similarity of characteristics such as lot size, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, other home amenities, etc.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your agent to discuss how each factor of the market analysis affects your home’s value. You can consider current listings to identify the competition, recently sold homes to indicate what buyers are willing to pay, homes with a sale pending to show the current demand and expired homes to suggest what buyers are unwilling to pay. Quality real estate Web sites may offer tools that help you determine how some of these factors affect your home’s value, but an agent is always the most reliable source. Some Web sites will simply interpret data from places like a county auditor site, but not take other important aspects into consideration. To ensure accuracy, work with an agent.
Suggestions for what to do are always accompanied with what not to do – and there are a few “don’ts” when deciding the value of your home. Avoid the urge to price your home based on factors that don’t affect the market value. Those factors include how much money you need to buy your next home, how much you paid for your current home, how much you paid for home improvements, the value of similar homes in different communities, area appreciation statistics, the cost to build the same home today and personal attachment.
Discovering how much your home is worth is the first step to ensure that your home is priced correctly. So, take the time, do the research and talk with your real estate agent. Together you can decide what the best price is in today’s market.
Market value is the amount prospective buyers are willing to pay at the time homeowners are ready to sell. Now you may ask – how do I find out the market value of my home? Well, the best way to ensure that you get the best price is to obtain a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA). You can get a CMA from your qualified, professional real estate agent.
The market analysis will include homes in your area that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale, expired and already sold within the last three to six months. Of course, the best indicator of your home’s value is the price for similar homes in your area that have already been sold. The comparison is based on the proximity to your home and the similarity of characteristics such as lot size, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, other home amenities, etc.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your agent to discuss how each factor of the market analysis affects your home’s value. You can consider current listings to identify the competition, recently sold homes to indicate what buyers are willing to pay, homes with a sale pending to show the current demand and expired homes to suggest what buyers are unwilling to pay. Quality real estate Web sites may offer tools that help you determine how some of these factors affect your home’s value, but an agent is always the most reliable source. Some Web sites will simply interpret data from places like a county auditor site, but not take other important aspects into consideration. To ensure accuracy, work with an agent.
Suggestions for what to do are always accompanied with what not to do – and there are a few “don’ts” when deciding the value of your home. Avoid the urge to price your home based on factors that don’t affect the market value. Those factors include how much money you need to buy your next home, how much you paid for your current home, how much you paid for home improvements, the value of similar homes in different communities, area appreciation statistics, the cost to build the same home today and personal attachment.
Discovering how much your home is worth is the first step to ensure that your home is priced correctly. So, take the time, do the research and talk with your real estate agent. Together you can decide what the best price is in today’s market.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Should the 2009 First-Time Homebuyers 8K Tax Credit be extended?
You be the judge! Cast your vote.
For more information on the 8K Tax Credit, check out RealLiving.com
For more information on the 8K Tax Credit, check out RealLiving.com
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Provide Detailed Listing Information Online
If you’re in the process of selling your home, give a potential buyer the information they need when considering your home—especially online. According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), 87% of buyers use the internet as a resource when looking for a home. So, get your home out on the internet where these high percentages of buyers can view it.
Here's a list of information your agent should be prepared to make available online:
• Multiple photos of your home (inside and out, showing your home's best features)
• Property, school and tax information
• A brief description of your home's best features
• Mapping tools to show your home's location
• Home details including parking, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
• Contact information for your agent, so interested buyers can schedule showings online
Your agent should market this information through the MLS, social networks, on his or her website, blogs, listing services and through other channels. This is an easy way to market your home to millions!
For more information on how you can market your home online, contact your local Real Living agent today!
Here's a list of information your agent should be prepared to make available online:
• Multiple photos of your home (inside and out, showing your home's best features)
• Property, school and tax information
• A brief description of your home's best features
• Mapping tools to show your home's location
• Home details including parking, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
• Contact information for your agent, so interested buyers can schedule showings online
Your agent should market this information through the MLS, social networks, on his or her website, blogs, listing services and through other channels. This is an easy way to market your home to millions!
For more information on how you can market your home online, contact your local Real Living agent today!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Simple Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Home
There is no denying that environmentalism is one of the hottest issues of the moment. We are consistently hearing people state that our planet is changing for the worse because of the strains we have put on our natural resources and the amount of unnecessary energy we consume each day.
The good news is that there are many little things you can do around your house to make your home more environmentally friendly.
Many people have shied away from going green because they are under the impression that it is expensive, and a much harder way to live. But today it has never been easier to go green at home. In fact, going green can actually save you money while you help save the planet. And if you are selling your home, going green is an added bonus: Many buyers are specifically looking to buy green-friendly homes.
If you need some ideas on how to get started, here are some easy ways to incorporate green into your lifestyle:
• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Even changing just the five most frequently used bulbs in your house can save you $100 per year or more.
• Install low-flow shower heads. Place a water-displacement bag in your toilet tank to cut down on water waste.
• Buy local produce. Local produce cuts down on paper and plastic packaging waste and also reduces the amount on fossil fuels used in the transportation of products.
• Set your thermostat. Keep your home at 78° or higher in the summer and 62° or lower in the winter to save $100 or more on your energy bill each year.
• Drive less. Walk, bike or take the bus, and initiate a carpool for trips to and from work, school or other activities.
• Utilize power strips. Power strips cut down on “vampire electricity,” which is the electricity used while appliances and electronics are plugged into an outlet, but not in use. By flipping the “off” switch on a power strip, you’ll quickly put a stop to this.
• Look for the Energy Star label. Appliances with the energy star will be 10 to 50 percent more efficient than appliances without the label.
• Let your grass grow. Most varieties fare best at two and a half inches tall, absorbing more sunlight and creating thicker turf, meaning less water needed for your lawn.
• Do full loads of laundry. When washing clothes or doing dishes, do full load – it will save gallons of wasted water every week. And use cold water whenever possible.
• Use eco-friendly paints, stains and finishes. Many of those products are not made up of volatile organic compounds, which give you that woozy feeling after painting, and also contribute to pollution.
Every little change makes a difference. Get your family involved and tell your friends and neighbors about the advantages of going green. In the end, it will make for a healthier lifestyle for you, your home and our planet.
The good news is that there are many little things you can do around your house to make your home more environmentally friendly.
Many people have shied away from going green because they are under the impression that it is expensive, and a much harder way to live. But today it has never been easier to go green at home. In fact, going green can actually save you money while you help save the planet. And if you are selling your home, going green is an added bonus: Many buyers are specifically looking to buy green-friendly homes.
If you need some ideas on how to get started, here are some easy ways to incorporate green into your lifestyle:
• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Even changing just the five most frequently used bulbs in your house can save you $100 per year or more.
• Install low-flow shower heads. Place a water-displacement bag in your toilet tank to cut down on water waste.
• Buy local produce. Local produce cuts down on paper and plastic packaging waste and also reduces the amount on fossil fuels used in the transportation of products.
• Set your thermostat. Keep your home at 78° or higher in the summer and 62° or lower in the winter to save $100 or more on your energy bill each year.
• Drive less. Walk, bike or take the bus, and initiate a carpool for trips to and from work, school or other activities.
• Utilize power strips. Power strips cut down on “vampire electricity,” which is the electricity used while appliances and electronics are plugged into an outlet, but not in use. By flipping the “off” switch on a power strip, you’ll quickly put a stop to this.
• Look for the Energy Star label. Appliances with the energy star will be 10 to 50 percent more efficient than appliances without the label.
• Let your grass grow. Most varieties fare best at two and a half inches tall, absorbing more sunlight and creating thicker turf, meaning less water needed for your lawn.
• Do full loads of laundry. When washing clothes or doing dishes, do full load – it will save gallons of wasted water every week. And use cold water whenever possible.
• Use eco-friendly paints, stains and finishes. Many of those products are not made up of volatile organic compounds, which give you that woozy feeling after painting, and also contribute to pollution.
Every little change makes a difference. Get your family involved and tell your friends and neighbors about the advantages of going green. In the end, it will make for a healthier lifestyle for you, your home and our planet.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Purchasing a Home on Your Terms
Buying a home is an exciting venture, and it’s important to find a real estate agent that will lead you through the home transaction. Before you begin this exciting process, take a look at this quick 10-step plan to buying a home on your terms.
Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis
An agent can deliver a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a breakdown of homes in a particular location that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale, or already sold. The CMA helps you accurately determine a home's value by comparing homes in the same area that have already sold.
Start the Financing Process
Unless you're planning to buy with cash, you'll need to secure a mortgage loan. Your agent can help you select a lender and coordinate the timing and paperwork of your loan.
Narrow Your Search
The right agent will work to find your new home, first by opening up your options, then by helping you narrow the field. He or she will come up with a suggested list of homes that match your needs, and can even show you homes online, before arranging for home tours, and providing maps and directions to the homes you wish to visit.
Document Assistance
Your agent can help you write and present a purchase offer on the home of your choosing. Rely on your agent's expertise in managing the paperwork that's a necessary part of the home-buying process.
Evaluate and Negotiate Offers and Counteroffers
While it may be true that anything is negotiable, it may not always be in your best interest. An agent skilled in negotiation is your best ally in a competitive market, helping you get the best purchase price on your new home.
Set Up a Home Inspection
Some states require sellers to disclose material facts about their home's condition to potential buyers. A home inspection can help you protect your interests by determining if there are any problems or repairs that need to be taken care of before you complete your new home purchase. Your agent can arrange for an inspection appointment, accompany you at the inspection, and determine additional needs.
Negotiate Disputes and Issues
Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties with needs and objectives that often differ. Your agent should negotiate, mediate and provide conflict resolution to help you and the seller come to a mutually beneficial outcome.
Prepare for Contingencies
Contractual contingencies are terms that must be met before an agreement can be binding. Written contingencies must be removed (in writing and by a specified date) before a contract can be in full effect. Whether it's financing, inspection, or any other item in your agreement, your agent can help you understand how to fulfill or remove any contractual conditions.
Get to Closing
Taking possession of your new home is always top of mind. But unanticipated difficulties at closing can be downright annoying. Your agent will help you resolve issues and finalize the transfer of ownership and house keys, so you can be in the home you always imagined.
It’s important to have an agent help you through this important transaction. For more information on the buying process, contact your local agent today.
Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis
An agent can deliver a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a breakdown of homes in a particular location that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale, or already sold. The CMA helps you accurately determine a home's value by comparing homes in the same area that have already sold.
Start the Financing Process
Unless you're planning to buy with cash, you'll need to secure a mortgage loan. Your agent can help you select a lender and coordinate the timing and paperwork of your loan.
Narrow Your Search
The right agent will work to find your new home, first by opening up your options, then by helping you narrow the field. He or she will come up with a suggested list of homes that match your needs, and can even show you homes online, before arranging for home tours, and providing maps and directions to the homes you wish to visit.
Document Assistance
Your agent can help you write and present a purchase offer on the home of your choosing. Rely on your agent's expertise in managing the paperwork that's a necessary part of the home-buying process.
Evaluate and Negotiate Offers and Counteroffers
While it may be true that anything is negotiable, it may not always be in your best interest. An agent skilled in negotiation is your best ally in a competitive market, helping you get the best purchase price on your new home.
Set Up a Home Inspection
Some states require sellers to disclose material facts about their home's condition to potential buyers. A home inspection can help you protect your interests by determining if there are any problems or repairs that need to be taken care of before you complete your new home purchase. Your agent can arrange for an inspection appointment, accompany you at the inspection, and determine additional needs.
Negotiate Disputes and Issues
Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties with needs and objectives that often differ. Your agent should negotiate, mediate and provide conflict resolution to help you and the seller come to a mutually beneficial outcome.
Prepare for Contingencies
Contractual contingencies are terms that must be met before an agreement can be binding. Written contingencies must be removed (in writing and by a specified date) before a contract can be in full effect. Whether it's financing, inspection, or any other item in your agreement, your agent can help you understand how to fulfill or remove any contractual conditions.
Get to Closing
Taking possession of your new home is always top of mind. But unanticipated difficulties at closing can be downright annoying. Your agent will help you resolve issues and finalize the transfer of ownership and house keys, so you can be in the home you always imagined.
It’s important to have an agent help you through this important transaction. For more information on the buying process, contact your local agent today.
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