Real Estate News

If you haven’t made or purchased a card for your father, you better get crackin’. This Sunday, June 21, marks another opportunity for children to honor their fathers and for wives to celebrate the life of the father of their children on Father’s Day.

It’s often a bit more challenging to come up with the perfect gift for dad. If dad hasn’t bought it for himself already, it’s likely it’s out of the kids’ price range.

In selecting a gift, there’s a good chance dad will enjoy something along the practical line. You know, accessories for the car, tools or gadgets for the upkeep of the lawn. On the not-so-practical side, there is the entertainment lineup. CDs, books on tape or DVDs make excellent gifts. If dad has a favorite sport, such as golf, there’s almost always a need for tees, balls or markers. Maybe he’d enjoy a few lessons from a local pro. (Not that you’re critiquing dad’s game.) Tickets to his favorite sporting event may also be a hit.

In doing some of my own research, I came across a couple of sites I thought were helpful:

• The first is Busy Bee Lifestyle. They offer a list of 10 items in various price ranges. I especially like the Whiskey Stones. These are reusable stones that are used in place of ice. The stones are frozen and are used to cool down any drink. The bonus with these stones is that, unlike ice, they don’t melt and so there’s no watering down of dad’s beverage.
• The second site is ThisNext. This site offers hundreds of gifts for any dad. If you’re looking for a wide range of ideas, this is the site for you: from grilling utensils to a hot air balloon ride, there’s surely something here for dad.

However you choose to honor the “dad” in your life – whether it’s with your time, talent or treasure – make sure he knows just how very much you love him. To my husband: thanks for being a great dad to our kids. Happy Father’s Day!

TALK BACK: What do you plan to get your dad for Father’s Day? Do you have any unique, unusual or creative gift ideas? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read more from the original source:
Father’s Day: Singling out the perfect gift

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

First of all, if you’re under 62 years of age, you don’t qualify. I don’t mean to be an exclusionist, but “them’s the rules.” So if you’re looking for an answer to your own personal mortgage woes, this may not be for you. If you’re hoping to find a solution for a parent or grandparent who owns their own home, then by all means read on.

A reverse mortgage is a loan used to pay out home equity in the form of a lump sum or multiple payments. Here’s an opportunity for seniors to perhaps make home improvements, purchase a new car or supplement their fixed income. Unlike a conventional loan, repayment is delayed until the home is either sold, the owner moves from the property or the owner dies.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives information online regarding the reverse mortgage. Titled Top Ten Things to Know if You’re Interested in a Reverse Mortgage, the site offers answers to the most frequently asked questions. Additional information can be obtained through a link on the site.

TALK BACK: How much do you know about reverse mortgages? Do you know anyone who has one? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Excerpted from:
The reverse mortgage is not for everyone

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Families across the nation are struggling with all kinds of economic woes. Job loss, wage reduction and rising gas prices are forcing people to re-evaluate their financial standing when it comes to the family vacation. For some, the idea of a traveling vacation is simply out of the question. For others, it’s a matter of cutting back on the expense and figuring out an economical substitute for family entertainment. The “staycation” may just fit the bill. (No pun intended.)

A staycation is a vacation you do at home or that is based out of your home. It can afford time and money savings, but it does require some careful planning. If you’re a working parent, you must be committed to setting aside your work mindset and focusing on the activities you have planned for your family. Here are some suggestions:

• Stay away from your computer: forgo checking your email
• Put your cell phone on silent: let calls go to voice mail

If necessary, you can check messages at the end of the day when the kids have been tucked in. Realistically, you want to be inaccessible to those daily tasks that would be impossible to attend to if you were on vacation outside of town.  So, don’t be thinking about any minor home improvement projects. Mow the lawn and pay your bills before your staycation begins. You might even consider having your mail held.

What to do on this break from the daily grind? Prior to your staycation, do some research and investigate activities and events that may be occurring right in your hometown. Look into sporting events, museums, fairs, concerts and local theatre productions that may be available to you at little or no cost. Depending on the age of your children, visiting a dairy farm or petting zoo may be an enjoyable afternoon trip.

Camping, hiking or canoeing at a local campground or state park can fulfill the need to “get out of Dodge” and spend quality time with your family. For additional ideas, check out this article on cheap vacations at home.

Whatever your choice, do the best you can to make your staycation relaxing and stress-free. The goal is to have fun together and make memories that will last a lifetime.

TALK BACK: Do you plan to take either a vacation or a staycation this summer? Have you ever taken a staycation and if so, what did you do? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read more here:
Staycation: A vacation option during tough economic times

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

“Up on the Roof”

A few years ago, my sister and her husband had a new chimney and roof put on their duplex. I know it was a costly improvement to their home and one that could easily go unnoticed. Unlike the remodeling of a basement or a deck addition, the roof of a house might be considered an “unsung hero.” In use 24/7, 365 days a year, the only time it draws attention to itself is when it malfunctions.

That didn’t happen with my sister. Like a proud parent showing off a newborn, she made sure each visitor to their home had an opportunity to gaze upon their latest “additions.” And why not?

These days, the roof may be doing some of its own crowing. A couple of old-world practices with rooftops are making a resurgence: the grass roof and the painted white roof.

Both are considered to be very eco-friendly. A grass roof is a building rooftop that is partially or completely covered with soil and vegetation, laid atop a waterproof covering.

Both grass and white roofs can:

• reduce the urban heat island effect
• improve a roof’s insulation value, reducing heating and cooling loads on a building
• cut down on the use of fossil fuels

In addition, the painted white roof can:

• reflect sunlight back into space, helping to reduce global warming
• lenghten the life of the roof
• reduce sound reflectance and transmission

Read more about the history and use of grass roofs and the benefits of white roofs. Who knows? Maybe the next time my sister shows off her roof, she’ll have a rose garden to share as well.

TALK BACK: Have you heard of grass and/or white roofs? Is this something you would consider for your home? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read the original here:

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Coming down the U.S. governmental pike is the whole issue of health care reform. President Obama campaigned on promises of change in this area and a goal of health care coverage for every American. That may be all fine and good, but I’m wondering if the government should take a detour from that platform to investigate the authority of Homeowners Associations (HOAs).

Perhaps I exaggerate the need for federal intervention, but based on a story out of Dallas, it may just bring to light some of the narrow thinking within some associations.

Case in point: Frank Larison is a 58-year-old resident of the Woodlands II on the Creek condominiums. He’s owned his condo for eight years. A disabled 14-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp., he served combat duty in Vietnam for more than a year. He is proud of his service in the Marines and to his country. And it is with that pride that he displays several decals on his 2008 Chevy HHR.

Enter his HOA.

Frank received a letter, dated May 18, from his condo’s HOA board citing the decals were in violation of the association’s rules. They claimed the decals are “advertisements,” which are not allowed. The letter went on to declare that the decals were to be covered or removed by May 31, 2009. If that didn’t happen, the board threatened to have Frank’s car towed – at his expense – and any future violations could incur a fine of $50 each time he parks his car in his assigned space.

Tell me something: Did Texas secede from the country while I wasn’t looking? I may not be the sharpest “newsie,” but I think I would have heard something from someone about that. In the window of time when the nation was focused on Memorial Day, with its parades honoring our veterans, you’d think this HOA board would have considered an open discussion with its members before laying out ultimatums to one of “The few. The proud.” Is this not insane?

I’m happy to report that to date, no action has been taken against Frank. He hasn’t removed his decals and feels they only show that he’s “patriotic” and that he has served his country. Many of his neighbors support his actions and wonder why their HOA has not objected to the political and other causal bumper stickers on residents’ cars.

A Dallas law firm is representing Frank pro bono. They report that they have received countless expressions of support for their client and have put his HOA on notice that they are ready to “take whatever legal action is necessary on behalf of Mr. Larison to remedy the problem.” I’d hate to see it come to that. Here’s hoping the HOA board will come to its senses, offer Frank Larison an apology along with a great big “Thank You” for his service to them and all Americans. If not, shame on them!

TALK BACK: What do you think of this case? Should Frank Larison have to remove the decals or should he be allowed to keep them on display? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

View original here:
Government reform for HOAs before HMOs

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

About 6 weeks ago I wrote about an elderly couple, Don and Peggy Bain of Spokane Valley, WA,

If you’re as old as I am, and traveled with your family before our country’s Interstate infrastructure was completely cemented, you may remember passing by many farmyards that had windmills. As a city girl, I wasn’t sure what their purpose was, but I accepted them as part of the country landscape. Those somewhat spindly mills are pretty much a thing of the past.

Today, if you’re in the right location, you’re apt to see “farms” of windmills – or as they’re termed now, “wind turbines,” a type of alternative energy.

Certainly not a new source, using wind energy dates back to the Egyptians’ use for piloting their boats. Several millenniums later, the Persians are noted to have built the “first windmills to pump water and mill grain.” The windmill was introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1800s, and more than six million windmills were installed between 1850 and 1970.

Wind energy is plentiful, free and does not produce pollutants. On the other hand, their initial investment can be costly and not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. (And I imagine not a welcomed sight by most Home Owner Associations.) But the biggest asset of wind energy is its use in the production of electricity, thus reducing energy bills and lightening the carbon footprint.

The new horizon in wind energy is the small residential wind turbine. Presently used in all 50 states, the greatest concentration of installations are in the West, Northeast and Midwest. These locations have great wind resources, coupled with state incentives to aid in covering the cost. Also, the federal government offers an investment tax credit for qualifying small wind electric systems. The tax credit is worth 30 percent of the purchase and installation costs.

Review for yourself a general list of advantages and disadvantages to wind energy. Should you decide it’s a feasible choice for your home, you could find yourself jingling extra money in your pocket, while happily humming along with Bob Dylan.

TALK BACK: Would you consider trying wind turbines to conserve energy? Do you think it is feasible in your area? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

View original post here:

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Spring has finally arrived with some consistency here in the Midwest. For many households, it is the season for thorough house cleaning, garden and flower planting, and organization of the garage. This is the time to begin storing away the winter clothing and boots and bringing out the shorts, sandals and swimwear. In the midst of this transfer, you have a great opportunity to lighten your household inventory and provide more space in various rooms and closets.

A yard or garage sale is a great way to hand off unwanted clothing, household goods, etc.,  and make a little money in the process.

The recession has affected most of us in one way or another. Job losses and housing woes have left many with little, if any, disposable income. This year, yard sales may be most welcomed. Bargains are what many families are after. Picking up gently used clothing, toys, books and small appliances at a reasonable price could help them to get through the summer months ahead.

Consider also the advantages for you, the seller: Say you’ve been wanting to redo one of the bedrooms in your home. Times being what they are, you don’t have the money to make major changes. However, with the profits from your sale, you could purchase new window treatments, a comforter, pillow shams and a bedskirt. Perhaps changing small pieces of furniture – e.g., a bedside table or lamps – would also give your room a new look.

Having a yard sale gives you the incentive to shed unwanted and unused items, creating more space in your closets and in your living areas. I recently found a site that gives a comprehensive checklist for organizing your own sale. It may be a fair amount of work, but it can be a win-win result for you and your buyers.

TALK BACK: Do you have any expert tips for those wanting to hold a yard sale? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

View original here:
Yard sales – a way to minimize and maximize your home

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Located on the Straits of Mackinac between the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan is beautiful Mackinac Island.  Primarily a tourist attraction, it is home to about 500 permanent residents year-round. Established as the nation’s second National Park in 1875, it was later given to the state of Michigan where it became Michigan’s first State Park.

It was during this time that automobiles were banned from use on the island. Today, with the exception of emergency vehicles, residents and tourists alike navigate the island either by horse and buggy, bicycle or on foot. Some may say this is pretty old-fashioned, others might say it’s pretty progressive.

More than 100 years later, a town in Germany may be taking its cue from the founders of Mackinac Island.

Vauban is an upscale suburb of the city of Freiberg, Germany, that functions without automobiles. The New York Times refers to the residents of Vauban as “suburban pioneers” for living without cars. There is no street parking, driveways or garages. Actually, if you wish to live there, you can own a car, but you must park it in one of the two large garages on the edge of the suburb and purchase the space for $40,000 – which is higher than the cost of a home. Pretty much a deterrent, don’t you think?

Many of the 5,500 residents of Vauban were willing to sell their vehicles to live a “car-free” life, relying on walking or bicycling to get about town. There is a tram that runs from the suburb to Freiburg. Considered a part of “smart planning or growth,” Vauban has only been in existence since 2006. The land is owned by the city of Freiburg and was once a World War II army base. The pre-existing walkways made the transition to a pedestrian community ideal. The military barracks of days gone by are no longer there. Vauban now has “stylish row houses of 4 or 5 stories, designed to reduce heat loss and maximize energy efficiency.” Freestanding homes are “verboten.”

In the United States, the Hayward Area Planning Association is developing a similar “car reduced” community called Quarry Village. About 100 prospective owners have signed up to purchase homes to be built outside of Oakland, CA. To date, the project is about $2 million short of becoming a reality.

The idea of leaving less of a “carbon footprint” seems very now, very zen. But ask the population of Mackinac Island and many will say it’s all they’ve ever known.

TALK BACK: How willing would you be to step back in time, give up your gas hog and reside in a “pedestrian-oriented urban village?” It could be as significant as Neil Armstrong’s words: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read the rest here:

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

In 1991, my husband and I and our three children were looking to move from Flint to Lansing, MI. We had previously lived in Lansing for six years; my husband’s job promotion taking us to Flint. Eight years later we were delighted to have the opportunity to move back to Lansing, where so many of our friends were still living.

We had found a house that fit our budget, had a great back yard, beautiful hardwood floors and a meager 10-minute drive, door-to-door, to my husband’s office. We were set to look at the house one more time, when our real estate agent gave us a disclosure statement. The house had been treated for termites – for me, a huge red flag. I was disappointed, but felt confident the house that was meant for us was out there waiting. The next house my husband found, not one week later, has been our home for nearly 18 years.

In the northern part of lower Michigan is a beautiful area known as the Leelanau Peninsula. Back in 2003 a couple bought a home that had been a summer home for the owner for 35 years. (Note: Our home had been owned and occupied by the same family for 62 years. Really a find!) Two weeks after the sale, the previous owners notified the buyers that they could expect hordes of bugs come spring. They also told them they had brought a pest company out to the house, that the bugs couldn’t be avoided, but their stay wasn’t very long.

The bugs showed up right on time the following spring. The new owners called in a pest company, only to find out their house was infested with termites and was structurally unsound. They filed suit against the previous owners. Click here for the complete story.

The case is now resting with the Michigan Supreme Court and all parties concerned are awaiting a decision, which is expected by the end of July. The question is: ”Who knew what and when?” (Remind you of the Iran Contra affair?) Every state has its own statutes regarding disclosure by a home seller. Could a decision in Michigan’s highest court have a ripple effect throughout the nation? Time will only tell.

TALK BACK: Have you had a good or bad experience buying a home relating to the disclosure statement? Did it affect your home purchase decision in any way? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read the original here:

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Last week I wrote about the U.S. government’s program for assisting first-time home buyers: As part of the federal government’s economic stimulus package, first-time buyers can get a tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a home, up to $8,000. That alone may be incentive for home buyers riding the fence to take action; however, there’s more.

State governments from around the nation are offering their own financial incentives to first-time home buyers – specifically, help with a downpayment. The assistance may come in the form of a low- to zero-interest rate loan or a cash grant. Some states have programs that provide a large percentage of the downpayment, while others offer total downpayment assistance.

For more information, go to First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance. Here you will find resources regarding programs for each state, grants, loans, etc.

TALK BACK: Have you benefited from a local, state or federal first-time buyer program? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read the original post:
State assistance for first-time home buyers

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

An amendment asking for the immediate investigation into the relationship between Chinese drywall and our nation’s foreclosure rate has been passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The drywall investigative provision was offered as an amendment to the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.

This act is intended to tighten regulations on mortgage lenders and originators. The provision was written by Florida Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart and Robert Wexler. The bill now moves on to the Senate.

This amendment calls for an investigation into the ramifications of Chinese drywall on foreclosures. The United States Department of Housing and Ubran Development (HUD) and the United States Treasury Department will be required to study the problem and report back to Congress within 120 days. This investigation is slated to center on discovering how many home foreclosures were a direct result of the presence of Chinese drywall. The legislation also requires federal agencies to study whether homeowners insurance was available to owners of homes in which Chinese drywall was found.

TALK BACK: Do you believe the Chinese drywall problem has affected our nation’s foreclosure rates? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read more here:
The U.S. Congress chimes in on Chinese drywall

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

The federal government has given first-time buyers a very strong incentive to purchase a home this year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is giving the first-time home buyer a tax credit equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. This tax credit does not have to be repaid. Since the presentation of this program earlier this year, the government has extended the use of this tax credit.

Earlier this week, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit can be used for downpayments on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans.

This will allow FHA consumers to use their tax credit at the time of closing. “FHA will allow approved lenders and nonprofits, and state and local government agencies to issue short-term bridge loans buyers can use for down payments.” The loans would then be repaid after the buyers received their tax refund.

Another plus for those who finance through FHA is that these loans are assumable. Let’s presume today’s buyer stays in his home 5 or 10 years, and then chooses to sell. Who’s to say what mortgage rates will be in the future? And how attractive will a 5% mortgage rate be down the road for the next buyer of that property? All things being equal, the assumable FHA mortgage is sure to be highly sought-after should rates return to 8%, 10% or more.

Now is the time for first-time home buyers to get off the fence. Contact a Connect2Agent real estate agent to assist you in making that all-important investment of a home. There’s no better time to purchase a home at a great price, with a fantastic interest rate – that will hold for the future.

TALK BACK: As a buyer, do you like the idea of using the $8,000 tax credit for your downpayment? Are you more enticed to buy a home now with this latest government offer?

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read more here:
The U.S. government wants You, first-time home buyer!

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Our brains are daily bombarded with information from numerous sources. Radio, TV, emails, websites, phone calls and faxes are just some of the mediums used to transmit information. Then there are personal conversations with spouses, children, co-workers, clients, store clerks, etc. There is just a plethora of data that we and others expect our brains to absorb, interpret and act upon. Welcome to the “Information Age!”

Due to technological advances, information is virtually at our fingertips. That can bring both advantages and disadvantages.

Information Fatigue Syndrome or Data Smog are terms used to describe a person’s inability to make sound decisions due to an overload of information. The brain is literally taxed beyond its ability to compare and process information. So what does this have to do with buying or selling a home?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported in 2008 that “87% of home buyers used the Internet to do their research first, and of those, 87% purchased their home from a real estate agent.” Long before a buyer calls a real estate agent, they’ve done their homework. The validity of some of the information they have gathered may be in question, but that’s where the local agent steps in to sort out the “wheat from the chaff.”

Realtors and real estate agents have their hands on the pulse of the local market. They can help inform, clarify and define the best ways to market your property or access properties you’re interested in viewing for purchase.

Connect2Agent is an excellent resource for locating an agent who can assist you in the buying and selling process. From details about their experience and specialty services to their philosophy on customer service, you’re sure to find a trusted resource to guide you through the information highway of real estate. Let a professional agent help you clear the smog of excess information and get you on the path of a successful real estate transaction.

TALK BACK: As a home buyer or seller, where did you begin your research? Did you spend time on the Internet first? Or did you contact a real estate agent right away?

Posted by Sharon Walker

Read more here:
Clearing the air of information on home buying and selling

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Serious buyers in this housing market must feel like kids in a candy store. There’s so much candy (inventory) out there that making a decision can be a challenge. I think of myself years ago, finding an empty soda bottle that I could return to the local corner store for a 2-cent deposit. I would stand at the candy case looking at all the yummy choices and thinking, “What’s the most I can get for my money?”

It’s no different with home buyers today. In the midst of the “For Sale” abundance, how does a seller attract buyers?

Pricing is the key to selling your home. If your home is not priced correctly from its first listing, it can sit on the market for months and months.

Some homeowners may wish to overprice their home to test the market – but chances are, buyers won’t even look or consider your home when they compare the price to others in the area. It’s important to have a clear picture of the local market so your home can be priced appropriately. This is where a real estate agent can be of assistance.

Agents often offer a free comparative market analysis of a home. This information compares your home to homes similar to yours that are presently on the market and that have recently been sold. You can take one step further and have a more in-depth analysis of your home conducted by a state licensed appraiser. It’s on the basis of one or both of these reports that you can formulate a competitive asking price for your home.

Buyers will be most interested in your home when it first hits the market. Don’t waste time manipulating the price. As time goes by your house will sit there, forgotten. Price it right at the onset and you’re much more likely to have numerous inquiries and showings, with an eventual buyer. Remember – it only takes one.

TALK BACK: If you have sold a home in the past, how did you determine the price? Did you use a comparative market analysis? Was your pricing successful? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Go here to read the rest:

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts