14 Tips for Furnace & Fireplace Safety

Courtesy Lowe's - By Bill and Kevin Burnett  - Inmann News


Here's our checklist to keep you cozy and safe during the winter months:

Wood-burning fireplaces

1. Inspection by a certified chimney sweep is a must. For heavy use, the chimney should be inspected and cleaned annually. Go up to five years if the fireplace is used only occasionally. The sweep should inspect for proper operation of the damper and for cracks in the flue liner, as well as sweeping the flue to remove creosote and other combustion byproducts.

2. Close the damper when the fireplace isn't in use.

3. Install a chimney cap if you don't already have one. You don't want creatures building their nest in your flue.

4. When starting a fire, "prime" the flue by holding lighted newspaper at the back wall of the firebox to start the warm air rising.

5. Burn aged, dry hardwood if possible. Fir or pine burns hot and deposits creosote in the chimney. Don't burn construction debris. It may contain toxic chemicals that will vaporize in the fire and could enter the living space.

6. Do not clean out the fireplace when the ashes are still hot. And dispose of the ashes in a place where wayward embers won't start a fire.

Fireplace with gas starter

1. If the flame goes out, wait at least five minutes before attempting to relight the fireplace. This allows time to clear the fireplace of gas.

2. Be alert for unusual odors or odd-colored flames, which are often a sign that the fireplace is not operating properly. In such cases, contact your dealer or licensed technician for servicing. Contact the gas company if you smell gas when the unit is off.

Gas furnace maintenance

1. An annual maintenance check of a gas furnace extends the life of the appliance and ferrets out any hidden problems. A qualified heating contractor should vacuum out the unit, inspect the blower motor, inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, check the electronics and perform a multipoint checklist to make sure the furnace is operating properly.

2. Clean or replace the furnace filter frequently during the heating season. This ensures that air returning from the inside of the house is unobstructed and clean when entering the combustion chamber.

3. Keep vents, space heaters and baseboards clear of furniture, rugs and drapes to allow free air movement.

4. Ensure there is free airflow around your furnace and make sure there are no storage items obstructing airflow.

5. Do not store or use combustible materials, such as chemicals, paint, rags, clothing, draperies, paper, cleaning products, gasoline, or flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of the furnace.

6. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and lethal gas that can occur any time there is incomplete combustion or poor venting. Any home that contains fuel-burning appliances, such as a fireplace or furnace, should have a carbon monoxide alarm installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Curtain Call - Creating an Inviting Nook

Courtesy of Lowe's

Curtain Call

Project 1: Grand Entrance Create an inviting nook along a blank wall in a foyer, a bedroom, or a hallway. Add a bench to stage the area for functional and fashionable seating. We used two moulding pieces to construct a cornice and attached lightweight curtains for flowing flair. Want a bench of your own? We made this one with the help of Shop Class! Step-by-Step Instructions:  1. Use wood glue to attach two corner moulding pieces together, creating a square dome that is hollow in the center. Clamp the pieces together; allow to dry. 2. Use wood filler to fill in any gaps on the sides, and allow to dry. 3. Using a 3∕16-inch bit, drill four holes into one side of the assembled piece (as shown in the detail photo below). 4. Paint the piece (both inside and outside) in your desired color. When dry, lightly coat the piece with glaze. 5. Cut a 3-inch piece of 18-gauge wire, and string it through one curtain’s rod pocket. Scrunch the curtain on the wire, and staple over the wire and through the fabric to attach the curtain to the inside left of the cornice. Repeat the process for the right side. 6. Locate a stud on your wall, and attach the piece to the wall with wood screws through the holes drilled in Step 3. If you have drywall, be sure to hang with anchoring screws. Tip: Lightweight fabrics work best to avoid putting too much weight on the cornice.

Which Tech Gadget Is Best For You

Courtesty of KAR (Kansas Association of Realtors) Technology Helpline

Which Tech Gadget Is Best For You

Technology is one of those wonders of the modern world that can make or break a business. Not recognizing the uses of trends that are sticking after a couple of years can slow productivity. The tools of cutting-edge technology change so often that it's hard to keep up with what is current and what is a simple fad that is only being perceived as the next best thing.

Tech Helpline has compiled some helpful tips to consider when deciding what to purchase for your business needs in the ever-changing world of technology.

Macs
Mac computers have many loyal users and for good reason. Macs rarely have problems and are visually appealing. For business use, they are comfortable and easy to use. Since Mac computers are not the prevailing force in the computing world, many websites are not Mac compatible. However, with an increase in Mac users over the past few years, this may soon change. It is definitely recommended to do some research before buying a Mac to see if it will fit your needs and is compatible with websites you frequently visit.

Netbooks
Netbooks is a new classification of laptop. They are lightweight and easy to carry, but they do not include a CD drive. These are great computers for Internet and email, as well as basic computing needs, but not as powerful as larger laptops.

iPad
The iPad is an amazing, supplementary device. Apple, the manufacturer of the iPad, did not build them as a replacement for your computer, but as an enhancement to your computing needs. The real value of the iPad is in the apps. Apps are third-party applications, just like programs for your computer. Talk to your friends who have iPads and iPhones about their favorite apps and how they use them and decide if this is a device you may want to invest in. Similar to Macs, iPads also have some limitations, and you will want to consider those during your decision-making process.

Smartphones
How great is it that our phones now have touch screens and can organize much of our work, notes, and schedules? Common smartphone brands include the iPhone and the Android-run devices. The iPhone is one, singular device, in which the same accessories work on all iPhones. There are many different brands of Android-devices, on the other hand, with an assortment of features. All Andriods run on the same operating system, but they do not support the same accessories.

What is the wise choice?
With many different options, what is right for you? Netbooks are amazing for travel, schoolwork, or in situations where you'd like to use a computer without carrying a large laptop. They have great battery life and rarely fail, but are not full computers in the sense of power. Macs are great for creative design as well as personal use, but in business, there are many needs which may outweigh the benefits of purchasing the Mac due to incompatibility issues. Some Android phones have larger screens and perform faster than the iPhone, but the iPhone has demonstrated, over the last four years, that it is a useful smartphone for professionals. The iPad is a great supplementary device but not a necessity. Also, consider that the Apple devices can be more costly than other options, so it is recommended to find out if they meet your needs before purchasing.

The price tag alone should be a serious indication of needed research, but always take time with new technology by speaking to other peers who use it before you jump head-first into new exciting trends of business, or, as always, call the Tech Helpline. We are here to help you.

(Courtesy of Inman News & Lowe's)

10 ways to winterize your home

Don't forget about exterior grading, indoor air quality

By Paul Bianchina
Inman News™

Share This

November 18, 2011

Fall is in the air already, which means that another chilly winter can't be too far behind. So before the cold weather arrives, here's your annual checklist of things to do to get your home ready for the change of season.
Inside your home
Check smoke detectors: Don't neglect that smoke detector any longer! Take some time right now to check the operation of detectors, and to change the batteries. If you have an older house with a limited number of smoke detectors, install additional ones at each sleeping room, and make sure there is one centrally located on each level of the home as well.
Install a carbon monoxide detector: As houses get closed up for winter, the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning gas appliances increases substantially. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater, or other appliance that's fueled by propane or natural gas, or if you have an attached garage, install a carbon monoxide detector. They're available inexpensively from many home centers and other retailers, and offer easy, plug-in installation.
Service your heating system: Perform a complete system check of your furnace annually, either by yourself or by a trained furnace technician. Check for worn belts, lubrication needs or other servicing that might be required; refer to your owner's manual for specific suggestions, and follow any manufacturer safety instructions for shutting the power and fuel to the furnace before servicing. Check the condition of duct joints and insulation, and of course, change the filter.
Upgrade your thermostat: An older thermostat that's a couple of degrees off can result in a lot of wasted energy, and so can forgetting to set the thermostat down at night. You can take care of both of those problems with an upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are digital and typically very accurate, and they allow for easy, set-and-forget programming of temperatures for different times of the day, including energy-saving nighttime and workday setbacks.
Outside your home
Trim trees: Trees that are overhanging your home can be a real hazard. They can deposit debris on your roof, scrape against shingles during wind storms, and, worst of all, snap off with potentially devastating results. Have a professional tree trimming service inspect the condition of overhanging tree limbs, and safely cut them back as needed.
Check the gutters: Clear the gutters of leaf and pine needle debris, and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Look for loose joints or other structural problems with the system, and repair them as needed using pop rivets. Use a gutter sealant to seal any connections where leaks may be occurring.
Break out the caulk: A few hours and few tubes of caulking can make a big difference in both your heating bills and your comfort levels this winter. Caulk around windows, doors, pipes, exterior electrical outlets, and any other exterior penetrations where cold air might enter. Use a good grade of acrylic latex caulk, either in a paintable white or, if you don't want to paint, use clear.
Drain sprinkler systems: In colder areas, now is the time to be thinking about having your sprinkler and irrigation systems blown out. You can rent a compressor and do this yourself, or contact a landscape or irrigation system installer and have them handle this for you. This is also the time to shut off outdoor faucets and install freeze-proof faucet covers as needed.
Adjust exterior grade: Fall is also a great time to look at the grade around your home, and make sure that everything slopes away from your foundation to avoid costly problems with ground water. Add, remove or adjust soil grades as necessary for good drainage.
Change light timers: If you have exterior lights that are controlled by timers, including low-voltage ones, check the timer settings. Change the "on" times to an earlier hour to reflect the earlier winter darkness, so that you always have adequate outside light available.
Remodeling and repair questions? Email Paul at paulbianchina@inman.com. All product reviews are based on the author's actual testing of free review samples provided by the manufacturers.

Five Great Things about Homeownership

Great article Courtesty of Carla Hill w/ RealtyTimes

Five Great Things about Homeownership

by Carla Hill

If you've been on the fence about homeownership, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys.

Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great!

1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. For the areas that have seen harder times since the recession, experts feel that the housing market will recover. Homeownership is about building long-term wealth. A home bought for $10,000 in 1960 is most likely worth 10 times that in today's market.

2. Relationships: Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Some people sign year leases while others are in the community for much shorter terms. Apartment complexes also tend to have less common shared space for people to meet, greet, and socialize. Homeowners, however, have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. Neighbors stay put much longer (at least three to five years if they hope to recoup their closing costs). This means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.

3. Predictability: Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it's predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans. The sub-prime crisis meant many homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages saw their monthly payments rise and then rise some more. Homeownership, though, generally comes with a predictable table of expenditures. Even the big purchases are predictable. You know most roofs last just 15 years (or so). You know that each year you'll need to pay for the gutters to be cleaned, and so on.

4. Ownership: Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you "own" your home. That comes with some incredible perks, though! You can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart's desire. You can plant trees, install a pool, expand the patio, or do holiday decorating that would rival the Kranks (if the HOA allows!). The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste. Most renters are stuck with the same beige walls and beige carpet that has been standard apartment decor for 20 years. Now is your chance to let your home speak!

5. Great Deals: It's a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows. We're talking 4.0 percent instead of 6.0 or higher. This means big savings for today's buyers. Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever. If you have steady income and cash for a downpayment, then be sure to talk to your local real estate agent about what homes in your area could be a fit for you.
Homeownership can be a real joy. It's time to get off the fence and into a home that is right for you!

Changing to New Lighting

Courtesy of Premier Inspection Services

Wedding Registries for Home Downpayments

Great article from Realtor Magazine. As with anything, please check with your lender!

Wedding Registries for Home Downpayments?

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Forget the toasters and champagne flutes: More engaged couples are doing a different type of wedding registry that allows them to collect cash for a down payment on a home, according to a recent article in The Washington Times. 

Dana Ostomel, founder of Deposit a Gift in New York City, says that about 15 percent of their registries are to raise down-payment funds for a home and another 15 percent are for home-improvement funds to pay for upgrades like a new roof or furniture. 

"Given that 75 percent of today's engaged couples already live together and are older, very often they are already established with the household basics that you find on a traditional registry," Ostomel said. "What they want is the gift of big-ticket items and longer term goals, like the gift of home ownership.”

The FHA permits gifts from a wedding to be used as a down payment, but lenders are required to document that the funds are gifts. About 27 percent of first-time home buyers use gift money from relatives and friends for a down payment, according to a 2010 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey.

Source: “Registries Raise Cash Gifts, Avoid Etiquette No-No,” The Washington Times (Oct. 20, 2011)

Winterize Your Home

• Courtesy of NBC Action News & GetButtonedup.com
• By SARAH WELCH and ALICIA ROCKMORE, getbuttonedup.com

Winter will be here within a few short weeks. Cooler months bring a unique set of challenges for keeping the house warm and safe from the elements.

Winterizing a home can seem daunting. But the minute you take a step towards the goal, you realize your perception of the job was much worse than the reality.

Here are 10 simple things you can do to button up your house for winter. We recommend picking one or two related to keeping your house warm (tips 1 through 5) and checking off all the tasks related to keeping it safe (tips 6 through 10).

1. Invest in a draft snake. Drafts can sap anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of your energy use, the U.S. Department of Energy reports. A draft snake or a rolled-up towel under the door can keep the cold air out and seal the heat in. There are lots of cute empty cases available on Etsy, like this cheery striped one for $18. Fill a case with orphaned socks and old t-shirts, or rice and beans.

2. Swap out summer curtains. Your windows can let cold air sneak in. Solve this problem by putting up heavier drapes in place of breezy summer curtains. Use weather stripping on the bottom of windows. Focus on the handful of windows that cause the bulk of your problem.

3. Test your furnace before your need it. You don't want to be stuck on the first cold night with a malfunctioning furnace and no available appointment times. This week, give your system a workout. While you're at it, swap out old filters. It takes two minutes but makes a difference in air quality as well as the system's efficiency.

4. Replace window screens with storm windows. If you've been procrastinating on this front, break the task down into smaller ones. Swap out two per day over the next week. If you're lucky enough to have helping hands, line the family up this weekend and turn the process into a contest. The person who changes the most screens in 20 minutes wins something (an ice cream treat, control of the remote for the week, relief from chores for the next week, etc.).

5. Tweak ceiling fans. Reverse the switch so your ceiling fan blows upward, towards the ceiling. It will circulate the warm air that has risen and save money on your heating bill.

6. Clean your gutters. Remove autumn leaves, which can cause problems when winter arrives. Clogged drains can create ice dams, which can back up and leak into your house. Skip the gym and get a workout the old-fashioned way.

7. Check your winter tools. Did you slog through last winter without an ice scraper in your car? Do you have a functioning snow shovel or snow blower? Take inventory of what you have and ensure it is in good working order.

8. Stock up on salt or sand for traction. You do not want to be caught empty-handed during the first snowstorm of the season.

9. Trim tree branches. While this is a good thing to do in general, this is especially true for those hanging close to the house or electrical wires. Remember, ice and snow can easily weight them down.

10. Put fresh batteries in alarms. We recommend swapping out batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors the same day you set the clocks back. Make an appointment with yourself for Nov. 6 to do just that.

Read more: http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/lifestyle/frugal_living/buttoned-up%3A-winterize-your-house#ixzz1bpK3rAKa

Re/Max State Line Vendor Fair

We had some awesome vendors at our office this morning for a vendor fair & omelette bar. Here is the contact information for these great service providers:

The Lucky Day Omelette Co. - Adriana Swafford
913.940.7919
LuckyDayOmelette@gmail.com
LuckyDayOmelette.com

At Home Cleaning - Tina Trenary & Amber Sibley
913.558.3885 or 913.221.1492
AtHomeCleaningAmber_Tina@yahoo.com

Great Day Moving
877.541.1015
GreatDayMoving.com

Carpet Direct - Lisa Osborne
913.671.0524
LisaO.CarpetDirect@yahoo.com
CarpetDirectKC.com

Bock's Steam Star - Brian R. Bock
913.438.7767
bb@steamstar.net
Steamstar.net

Beth's Wallpaper Magic - Beth Jelinek
Wallpaper Installation & Removal
913.486.4744

Faux Couture - Emily Andrews
Custom Finishes for Walls, Cabinetry & Furniture
816.729.5337
faux.couture@yahoo.com
fauxcouturefinishes.com

Details Innovative Home Staging Solutions, LLC
913.488.6471
detailsihss@gmail.com
Detailshomestagingsolutions.com

AB May Home Warranty - Joe Gurera
913.ABMayKC
joeg@abmay.com
ABMay.com

Chaney Pest Management - Sandy Chaney
913.438.7437
sandy@chaneypest.com
Chaneypest.com

10 Must-Have Mobile Apps for REALTORS(R)

(courtesy of American Home Shield)

10 Must-Have Mobile Apps for REALTORS®

Apps are great—especially the ones that help you get your job done better and faster. Take a look at these favorites and see how they could help make your day a little less hectic.

1. AroundMe (FREE)
This program quickly identifies your location and allows you to choose the nearest bank, bar, gas station, hospital, movie theatre, restaurant and much more. It shows you a complete list of all the businesses within each category, along with the distance from your location. It’s helpful to show buyers what conveniences are close to the property.

2. Suburb Scout for Android ($1.99)
Suburb Scout allows real estate agents, investors and homebuyers to search for possible nuisances in the area of a potential home purchase. It will show sewage plants, airports, nuclear plants, landfills, prisons and rail crossings. This handy app highlights anything that might affect the property value of a home.

3. Yelp (Free)
The app for this online local guide lets you search easily for nearby restaurants, banks, mechanics, gas stations and more. At-a-glance star ratings and customer reviews help you and your clients decide where to take your business. 

4. Open Home Pro for the iPad (FREE)
Open Home Pro offers a great way to collect information about potential clients that visit your open homes. Within seconds you can input their name, email address, number of bedrooms they are seeking and more. It saves all of the data in an address book and even sends a personal thank-you email to every client entered.

5. Dropbox (FREE)
Dropbox makes is easy for you to store, sync and share files online. There’s no complicated interface to learn, and you can access it from multiple computers. It’s one of the easiest ways to transfer files from computers and phones.

6. DocuSign (FREE)
Now, you have the power to send, track and e-sign documents while on the go—anytime and anyplace. View real-time business document status so you instantly know what has been completed and what still needs your attention. Create, tag and modify documents for e-signature. This free app is simply a must for any real estate agent.

7. Documents To Go® Office Suite ($9.99)
This is the only app you need to edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF files. It gives you access to all of the standard features and editing tools for making changes from anywhere.

8. GoodReader for iPad or iPhone ($4.99)
GoodReader allows you to annotate PDF’s in a variety of ways. You can edit text, move notes with your finger, add a personalized signature and so much more. This will make communication between your clients a breeze.

9. Loan Calculator Pro ($0.99)
This app calculates the monthly payment for different types of fixed rate loans such as home mortgage, auto and credit cards. You can calculate "what if" scenarios to determine how additional monthly and yearly payments will help you pay off your loan earlier and save money in interest.

10. Keynote ($9.99)
It’s not free, but it’s well worth the money. Keynote works like PowerPoint, but it’s more intuitive and easier to use when you need to create a listing presentation. You can also use Keynote to open PowerPoint files, if you use both programs.

A Cooler Roof

Courtesy of Premier Inspection Services

What Credit Score Gets the Lowest Interest Rates

Courtesy of The Mortgage Experts


Question: As a buyer you can get the best interest rate if you have a good credit score. What is the lowest credit score necessary to get the best interest rate?

Here's the answer: For a conventional loan, a borrower needs a 740 credit score to get the lowest interest rates. For every 20 points lower than 740, Fannie Mae charges a fee, which in turn raises the interest rate (or lowers the credit the lender gives the borrower). The fee that Fannie Mae charges also depends on the size of the down payment, so it is impossible to say exactly how much the interest rate will go up, just by knowing the credit score.

For government loans (FHA and VA loans), everyone with a score above 660 gets the lowest interest rate. If the borrower’s score is between 640 and 660, they will pay a higher rate, and if the score is below a 640, they will pay the highest rate.

It’s also important to note that for conventional loans, the mortgage insurance payment gets higher as the scores go down. For FHA loans, mortgage insurance does not depend on credit scores. For VA loans, there is no mortgage insurance.


Getting a loan approved is easy - if you know what to do. The Mortgage Experts know what to do!!!

Make sure you check out our web site:
www.mtgsupportservices.com


By the way, don't forget to refinance your current mortgage. Rates are very, very low right now. Don't miss out! Call us today to get the details for your particular situation.

5 Ways to Lower Your Lighting Costs

Do Your Part: 5 Ways to Lower your Lighting Costs

(Courtesy of RisMedia) By Terri Bennett

RISMEDIA, Tuesday, September 27, 2011— (MCT)—Looking for ways to lower your utility bills? Lowering the amount of energy you use to light your home is one place to start. About 20 percent of your monthly energy usage goes toward illuminating your home, and slashing that bill takes a little more effort than simply turning off the lights. Here are my top five ways to cut your lighting costs so you can Do Your Part and turn on instant savings. 1. Pick the Best Bulb There are more energy-efficient light bulbs to choose from than ever. Start by migrating to more efficient bulbs as your old ones burn out. Newer bulbs can outlast traditional ones by up to 10 times and can save you up to 75 percent in lighting costs. However, you really need to know which kind of bulb is best for the various fixtures throughout your home. For example, Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) shouldn’t be used in a dimmable or 3-way fixture unless it is specifically designed for that use. Choosing the wrong bulb will drastically shorten its lifespan and ultimately waste your money. 2. Turn It Off You always heard it growing up—“Turn off the lights when you leave the room.” This is clearly an easy way to lower your energy costs but it’s not always true. If you are using fluorescent bulbs and only plan to leave the room for a few minutes, it’s best to leave the lights on. Frequent on/off cycling can reduce the lifespan of fluorescent bulbs. 3. Use a Timer Sometimes there’s a need to leave the light on, but not continuously. In that case, opt for a timer and then you won’t have to remember to flick the switch— ever! Choose a mechanical timer over electronic or digital timers, which can shorten the lifespan of some CFL bulbs. 4. Turn the Lights Down Low Putting dimmers on your lights not only lets you control the mood in any room, it can also save money and extend the life of the bulb. Just be sure the label states that the bulb is intended to be used with a dimmer. 5. Let Motion Sensors Do the Work Finally, consider motion sensors. This way, lights come on when motion is detected and turn off when no activity is detected over a selected period of time. This is ideal for security lights outside but you can also install motion sensors indoors. There are more ways than one to light your home for less. Whether you decide on different bulbs or other ways to conserve electricity, you will Do Your Part to use less energy and keep money in your wallet—without being left in the dark. Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, syndicated columnist, and host of DoYourPart.com. © 2011, Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Traditional investments are delivering low returns, and home prices are at bargain levels. Is it time to consider buying some rental housing?

Enlarge Image

Illustration by Scott Pollack

Investing in real estate right now can be surprisingly profitable, if everything goes well. Rents are climbing in many areas, and more properties may be coming on the market. Last month, the Obama administration asked for proposals on how to convert at least some of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's bulging inventories of foreclosed homes into affordable rentals.

Investors used to aim for rents that were 1% of the purchase price, or $1,000 a month for a $100,000 home—an annual gross return of 12%—says Michael McCreary. His firm, McCreary Realty, manages about 300 properties in the Atlanta area. Today, he says, some of his investors are getting as much as 2% of the purchase price.

In general, though, average returns after expenses are far less, more like 5% to 6% of the property value, says Ingo Winzer, president of Local Market Monitor, a real-estate forecasting firm. But that still is well above what many other investments yield.

Before you start scouring for deals, keep in mind that owning rental properties is time-consuming, expensive and fraught with challenges, and many investors lose money. You will want to avoid falling into one of these common traps.

• Mistake 1: Confusing a cheap deal for a good deal.

It is true that you can buy some homes for ridiculously low prices—but that doesn't mean you can rent them out. Homes in deserted subdivisions aren't any more appealing to renters than they are to buyers. The same is true for less-attractive properties or those in less-desirable school districts.

Investors from the San Francisco area often look at the Sacramento market assuming they can get Bay Area-like rents, and end up overpaying, says Robert A. Machado of HomePointe Property Management. He uses several resources, including the website FinestExpert.com, to estimate rents. Other experts suggest canvassing apartments nearby to see not just their rates, but whether they are offering special deals, like a couple of months of free rent.

Guides from SmartMoney

• Assess Your Insurance Needs
• Manage Tenant Disputes
• Tax Issues for Landlords

• Mistake 2: Overlooking key costs.

Knowing the potential rent isn't enough. Before you buy a property, you should also factor in closing costs of 3% to 6%, the costs to fix up the place and maintain it, and your holding costs. Then add the profit you expect to make (and more closing costs, if you intend to turn around and sell it). Only then can you figure out what you can afford to pay.

• Mistake 3: Forgetting that time is money.

In real estate, "time is your biggest enemy," says David Hicks, co-president of HomeVestors of America, a franchiser whose motto is "We Buy Ugly Houses." You lose money when your property is empty, whether you are painting it or between tenants. You also lose if you buy in the fall and can't replace the roof until spring. You may be better off accepting a lower rent than waiting for a higher-paying tenant.

• Mistake 4: Assuming you will sit back and watch the rent roll in.

"When you become a landlord, you become a rent collector," says Mark Kreditor of Get There First Realty, which manages 1,600 rentals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Just like homeowners who can't pay the mortgage, tenants lose their jobs and stop paying the rent. Evicting them can take several weeks, and some steal appliances or other property. Mr. Kreditor says that once or twice a month, a tenant removes a home's copper tubing on the way out the door to sell the copper for its meltdown value.

You will need to screen prospective tenants carefully—or pay someone to do it for you.

• Mistake 5: Underestimating repair costs.

As with all homes, you will be making lots of repairs. You may find wood rot or mold when you remove that cracked bathtub. Carpet in rental homes typically must be replaced every five years, and you may have to repaint after every tenant. Tony A. Drost, president of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, or Narpm, suggests setting aside six months of expenses so that you will have funds if a major repair is needed.

• Mistake 6: Assuming that owning a rental is the same as owning a home.

You might put up with flaws in a home that a renter wouldn't tolerate. In addition, many states and communities have strict (and complex) laws for landlords, even if you own only one property. A property manager can handle most of the headaches, but you should expect to pay one up to a month of rent for finding and screening tenants—and up to 10% of the monthly rent for management fees.

You can find property managers through the websites of trade groups Narpm and the Institute of Real Estate Management. In addition, many communities have local Real Estate Investor Associations, which can provide support.

Write to Karen Blumenthal at karen.blumenthal@wsj.com

We are honored that Re/Max is ranked highest among buyers and sellers by J.D. Powers. What an honor!!

Moving Your Pet

(courtesy of Relocating in KC Magazine)

Your new home wouldn't be the same without your family pet, yet he or she might not be the same without some special attention during the stress of moving. Here's what you can do.

Pets - like people - react to change much the same way humans do, and in some ways, a pet's needs are not terribly different from those of their owners.

- Maintain your pet's routine as much as possible. Feed, exercise and play with it at the same times as usual.

- Consider keeping your pet at a friend's home while you're packing and moving so it doesn't become upset.

- Minimize digestive upsets with special foods. Pheromones might also calm stressed pets. Use dog- and cat-appeasing pheromones in an outlet for two weeks before and after your move.

- Don't use sedatives, especially on planes, but Dramamine can help them combat motion sickness.

- Prepare your animal for flight a month before by getting it used to its carrier. Make it a familiar, comfortable place by keeping treats or a favorite blanket or toy inside.

- Keep your pet under your plane seat if it meets weight requirements, or you can choose to stow it in the cargo compartment, which is air-conditioned and pressurized. You must have a health certificate from your vet to transport an animal this way.

- Put your pet in an insulated carrier to minimize large temperature shirts, especially during plane travel.

- Check to see if your airline provides a personal hand-carrying service. Be sure to leave instructions and include the last time your pet ate and drank or had a bathroom break.

- If you're driving to your new location with your pet, make sure it has access to water and be prepared to stop regularly. Never leave your animal in a car in hot weather, but if you must, purchase grills to put up in place of windows so air can move through the car.

- Before leaving town, get your pet one last check-up, including vaccinations, medications and records.

- Drive to the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic immediately after your move so you are prepared should a situation arise.

30-Year Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low

Mortgage rates posted mixed results this week, but the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to a record low of 4.41 percent, according to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.43 discount and origination points. The previous record low of 4.42 percent was set in October and November of 2010.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 3.63 percent while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate bounced to 4.94 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were mostly lower, with the average five-year ARM dropping to 3.12 percent and the 7-year ARM sinking to 3.27 percent. Both are record lows.

Prevailing economic concerns have kept mortgage rates at historically low levels. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been below five percent in all but 11 weeks during the past year, and never as low as this week. A widely anticipated speech by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and a full slate of economic data in the next 10 days will steer perceptions about the economy as well as the direction of mortgage rates.

The last time mortgage rates were above six percent was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.41 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,002.70, a difference of $239 per month for anyone refinancing now.

Survey Results
• 30-year fixed: 4.41% — down from 4.45% last week (avg. points: 0.43)
• 15-year fixed: 3.63% — up from 3.58% last week (avg. points: 0.32)
• 5/1 ARM: 3.12% — down from 3.15% last week (avg. points: 0.36)

Bankrate’s national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week’s move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com.

The Best Established Neighborhoods

According to Relocating in KC (Magazine)

Live life comfortably in one of these 12 Kansas City favorites

Brookside

The charm of older homes is proudly maintained along well-manicure streets; just one of the hallmarks of Brookside - one of Kansas City's best-kept secrets. Brookside is a neighborhood celebrating diversity coupled with a solid reputation. May proud residents who grew up here have either never left or returned to raise their families.

Built in the late 1920s by J.C. Nichols, this neighborhood appeals to many with distinctly different housing options, shopping, restaurants, and multiple subdivisions including Armour Hills, Astor Place, Morningside, Oak Meyer Garden, Rockhill Gardens, Rockhill Ridge & Tower Homes. The neighborhood's close proximity to the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art & Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art further enhances the desirability of this friendly midtown Kansas City community.

Waldo

When it comes to convenience, count the Waldo neighborhood at the top of the list. nestled just south of Brookside, this attractive area is filled with local shopping and dining district, block after block of beautiful older two-and three-story homes, plus the Trolley exercise trail runs right through the center of this community. When you think of affordability with a high real-estate resale value a close-knit neighborhood, think Waldo.

Hyde Park

If you're looking for distinction, century-old Hyde Park is one of Kansas City's oldest, most unique neighborhoods. Today, the brass fixtures are shining, the leaded glass is sparkling, and the woodwork is glowing. Rejuvenated with a strong neighborhood association, stately homes featuring the grand craftsmanship of Victorian, Colonial Revival, Prairie and bungalows line the lush confines of this area.

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association cares about its citizens with committees ranging from beautification, crime watch, social planning and history. Neighbors work together to make this neighborhood a truly great place to live.

Mission Hills

Affluent Mission Hills is defined by 2.1 square miles of wooded hills, winding streams, stately homes and magnificently landscaped gardens. This area's small0town feel and tight neighborhood bond epitomizes upscale residential living at its finest.

Known for well-maintained homes, this neighborhood of approximately 3,500 residents is perhaps one of Kansas City's most sought-after locations to live. Excellent schools and wide, tree-lined streets, many with golf-course frontage, bloom with a varied collection of architectural styles including French Colonial, Modern and Tudor.

Union Hill

Urban living is at the core of Union Hill's residential area. Older, single-family homes, many built around the turn of the century, mingle easily with newer lofts and condos.

If urban living, with close proximity to downtown, Westport and the Plaza, is appealing, Union Hill offers a desirable location. This enclave of decorative "Painted Lady" Victorians and tidy rows of new condos, such as Founders at Union Hill and Gillham Row, entices residents to stay and become involved in the neighborhood renaissance.

Parkville

Here's a delightful riverfront community that flirts with a historic past. Built on limestone bluffs, wooded vistas and the Missouri River, the winding hills provide an enchanting backdrop for Kansas City's bedroom community.

The shopping and dining district features a mix of mid-1800 to 1900 architecture, blending traditional homes with trendy new venues. Exceptional dining and shopping are complemented by a delightful historic downtown sidling right up to the mighty Missouri River.

Visit the English Landing scenic waterfront park, stay and play a round of golf at The National, or visit Park University's eclectic cultural events. It's easy to become captivated with this small-town community's exceptional quality of life.

Old Leawood

An abundance of character is just part of the "City of Trees," otherwise known as Leawood. Picturesque stone houses and equally impressive large single-family developments highlight this city; one of the fastest-growing in Kansas. In the past 30 years, the city has grown dramatically to more than 32,000 residents.

Leawood maintains its inviting tree-lined neighborhoods and distinctive, well-through-out retail and commercial development incorporated with a first-class park system, highly rated schools and superior housing. The city boasts one of the metro area's highest real estate values, translating into an industrious, affluent demographic that values an upwardly mobile lifestyle.

Prairie Village

Affectionately known as "The Village," this charming city has that quintessential small-town American feel. Construction in Prairie Village started in 1941, and by 1949, Mr. Nichols' dream became a reality when the city was named the best-planned community in America by the National Association of Home Builders.

Prairie Village is the sixth largest in population in Johnson County with a residential population of approximately 21,700 within its 6.7-square-mile city limits. Today, Prairie Village preserves the ambiance of a village with livability of a neighborhood. the "village" lifestyle is enhanced by award-winning schools, multiple housing options, recreation and local commerce in pedestrian-friendly centers.

Strawberry Hill

Slovak and Croatian culture is deeply rooted in northeastern Wyandotte County's Strawberry Hill neighborhood. Within a 60-block area, new life is being pumped into this historic district. Strawberry hill's advantageous location, just minutes from downtown Kansas City, MO., is attracting new faces, sparking affordable residential and commercial building. Strawberry Hill's redevelopment is on the upswing. Nearly everything is within walking distance, from quaint storefronts and mom-and-pop shops to new townhouses mingling with stone-faced one- and two-story homes.

Lake Lotawana

Lakeside living is a mere 30 minutes from the city at Lake Lotawana, one of the area's oldest communities. Experience the pleasures of this deep and clear lakeside enclave located in eastern Jackson County, just off I-470. Approximately 2,000 residents enjoy a broad selection of activities including numerous boating groups and garden club. Housing ranges from small, second-home fishing cabins to million-dollar estates. This self-contained area is its own municipality with AAA-rated schools with a professional police and fire department.

Lake Quivira

On the Kansas side of the state line, another lakeside community spanning across 900 acres is hidden in gentle, rolling hills. Lake Quivira homes range from modest one- and two-story homes to multimillion-dollar residences. This private community boasts its own country club, 18-hole golf course and a variety of organized social activities. A flank of tennis courts, a sand beach fronting the 200-acre spring-fed lake, boating and fishing give you reason enough to never leave. If you do, however, there's easy access to nearby cultural and commercial centers. A family-friendly environment appeals to young families, retirees and singles.

Sunset Hill

The lush sanctuary just south of the Country Club Plaza is one of Kansas City's most beautiful neighborhoods. Sunset Hill captures the fancy of its residents who are devoted to maintaining their well-tended properties. Graced with unique homes located throughout the winding streets, the neighborhood prides itself on distinctive architecture. Nestled snugly against Loose Park, Sunset Hill is a hidden gem.

10 Places to Go in Kansas City

Kansas City's bi-state geography is a 'two-fer,' with a multidue of cultural and entertainment options straddling the state line. Here are the 10 Places to Go in Kansas City according to Relocating in Kansas City (magazine).

1. Power & Light District

Eight-blocks and a half-a-million square feet dish up an epicenter of dining, drinking and shopping. The Power & Light District, a primary revitalizing force for downtown retailers, happening restaurants and a gourmet grocery store. Smack in the center of it all is Kansas City Live!, otherwise known as "The Living Room," designed for outdoor music and festivals.

2. Sporting KC at Livestrong Sporting Park

Ushering in a new era for soccer, the Kansas City, KS, Sporting KC soccer stadium, Livestrong Sporting Park, opened summer 2011. Joining Kansas Speedway and the CommunityAmerica Ballpark Village West, the 18,500-seat stadium features the best of European and American professional league play.

3. Liberty Memorial

Recognized by Congress as our country's only WWI monument, the Liberty Memorial, originally opened in 1926, has the largest and most comprehensive collection of World War 1 artifacts, relics and archival materials in the world. The newly restored museum and tower were rededicated and reopened on May 25, 2002. Two more expansions have followed, including a 230-seat auditorium and an education center beneath the memorial.

4. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Thanks to the internationally known design team of Moshe Safdie & Associates, Theater Projects Consultants and Nagata Acoustics, Kansas City's skyline boasts a stunning new world-class performing arts center. The center will host Kansas City's acclaimed ballet, opera and symphony companies in two spacious performance halls designed to delight audiences.

5. The Block Building at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Acclaimed architect Steven Holl's five interconnected glass lens structures are the competition-winning addition to the iconic, neoclassical Nelson-Atkins building. Opened June 2007, the addition offers new spaces and angles unparalleled by almost any other structure in the Midwest. Named in honor of longtime benefactor and museum trustee, Henry Bloch, and his wife, Marion, the new building complements the original museum building, picturesque lawn and sculpture park.

6. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Named in honor of local art collectors Jerome and Margaret Nerman, the glass and limestone Nerman Museum opened in spring 2007 on the Johnson County Community College campus in Overland Park. Designed by Cambridge, Mass. - based architect Kyu Sung Woo, the 36,000-square-foot museum features nation, regional and local exhibitions, in addition to a comprehensive arts education program.

7. Sprint Center

Downtown KC's $285-million Sprint Center, one of the finest, state-of-the-art arenas in the country, hosts basketball, hockey, concerts, family shows & special events. As the cornerstone of downtown Kansas City's revitalization, the gleaming 18.500-circular-seat structure underscores why Kansas City is a national sports and vital entertainment hub.

8. 18th and Vine Jazz District

From the 1920s to the '40s, this jazzy neighborhood paid tribute to African-American culture, commerce and entertainment. Tribute to the heart and soul of this area is thriving in a $24-million, 50,000-square-foot complex housing the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Blue Room nightclub and American Jazz Museum.

9. The Country Club Plaza

The Plaza is an outdoor museum/shopping area featuring 15 blocks of romantic Spanish architecture and European art, where people actually live, work and shop. It was designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district. Since then, this retail and artistic venue has continuously attracted visitors with fountains, sculptures, distinctive shopping and fine dining.

10. Powell Gardens

Thirty miles east of Kansas City, a bountiful botanical garden is blooming. Powell Gardens treats visitors to 915 acres of perennial gardens, shady rock and waterfall trail, wildflower meadow and new island garden set on a 12-acre lake. Explore more than 6.000 varieties of plants on vibrant display. Be sure to visit Cafe Thyme then discover garden treasures in the visitor's center.

Remodeling? Don't Forget the Permit

by Melissa Dittmann Tracey -- Realtor Magazine

When home owners take on a remodeling project, they’re often far more focused on choosing glistening fixtures for a new bathroom or debating the type of granite to use on a kitchen countertop than, say, navigating the intricacies of the building permit process. That could be a huge mistake, however, and it may not even come to light until the house is put up for sale. Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems but also can potentially derail an otherwise smooth sale.

Home owners using licensed contractors for remodeling work typically don’t have to get involved with permitting. Most licensed contractors will handle the cumbersome process for them—filling out the paperwork with the municipality, collecting fees, and being present for the required inspections, says Michael Hydeck, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. But when home owners tackle do-it-yourself projects or use unlicensed contractors, they risk problems later.

The permit process varies widely from city to city and state to state). But the purpose of the document is the same everywhere: It offers ­assurance by a municipal building department that the work being done meets all safety codes.

Ask Sellers Before You List

Home owners may be asked about permits in the process of selling a home. At closing, they may have to disclose any remodeling work they did and verify permits. A home inspector evaluating a property for a buyer may want to know whether a permit was obtained. Furthermore, the buyer’s appraiser may want to see permit records to check the legality of any home renovations.

“If no permits are found and it’s obvious the home has been renovated, the bank will likely refuse to make the loan,” according to the American Bar Association’s book Legal Guide to Home Renovation(Random House Reference, 2006). If the permitless work isn’t discovered until after closing, the home’s value could even be subject to a lawsuit, such as in cases when an addition added extra square footage to the home’s value but the construction wasn’t done legally with a permit.

That’s why contractors and legal experts say real estate practitioners are well advised to ask sellers before they take on a listing for a renovated home: “Did you get a permit for that?”

Remodeling contractor John Price in Merced, Calif., has been called in to help home owners after permit problems have been uncovered. He once worked with a home owner who installed siding by himself, but added it too far down along the wall of the house, so it rubbed up against dirt and picked up moisture. Eventually the poor installation led to mold growing in the drywall throughout the inside of the house.

Some home owners, however, are tempted to sidestep the permit process not wanting to pay the fees (municipalities generally charge a minimum issuing fee—such as $25—as well as an additional fee—sometimes 1 percent—of total construction costs), or they might not want to risk delaying a project or a sale by waiting for city inspections (obtaining permits can take anywhere from a day to six weeks or more).

“People have strong incentives to cheat, and some of that lays squarely on the feet of policymakers who have sometimes created a system that is time-consuming and frustrating,” Price says.

But caught without a permit during resale, home owners may face big consequences. They may have to pay fines (possibly up to quadruple the original permit cost) or may have to tear the project down and redo it.

Virtually No Job Is Too Small

Home owners making any changes to the structures of a home will likely need a permit—and you may need more than one, Price says.

While kitchen and bathroom remodels and housing additions are obvious permit candidates, people may not realize they might also need one for such projects as installing a window, adding a new light switch, or replacing a shower. “There are not too many jobs you don’t need a permit for,” Hydeck adds. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”