National Flood Insurance

Information from Kansas City Association of Realtors

Earlier this afternoon, both the United States House and Senate overwhelmingly passed a long-term, five-year reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Once the President signs the bill sometime in the next few days, this will ensure that flood insurance will continue to be available for your clients over the long term horizon.  Under this bill, Congress will not need to reauthorize the program again until September 2017.

Most importantly, the passage of this bill puts the program back on solid ground and ensures that over 46,000 real estate transactions per month will not be cancelled or delayed due to the unavailability of flood insurance coverage.  Having said that, the bill did make several key changes to the flood insurance coverage provided by the program, including the following:
• Deletes a proposed mandate that all home owners who live behind levees and other flood control structures must purchase flood insurance;
• Allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase flood insurance premiums up to 20 percent annually to cover increased flood insurance claims;
• Mandates that rates for second and vacation homes, properties with repetitive flood claims and commercial properties will go up 20 percent over the next five years;
• Allows FEMA to purchase private reinsurance coverage to backstop the program’s losses; and
• Requires lenders to accept private flood insurance coverage if that coverage meets all the same requirements as NFIP-backed flood insurance policies.

http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2012/06/29/after-years-of-delays-congress-passes-long-term-nf

How Sellers Can Prepare For a Buyer's Home Inspection

(Courtesy of WIN Inspection)

How Sellers Can Prepare For a Buyer's Home Inspection

Home sellers quite frequently ask, "What will a home inspector be looking for in my home and how can I be more organized for the home buyers inspection?" Informed sellers can make the home inspection process easier and faster, ensuring a more thorough and accurate inspection.
Here is a list that may be helpful for you in preparing your house for a home buyer's inspection. Many of these items can be done at little or no cost and are part of a regular maintenance program for any home.

• House Exterior
• Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding. Six or more inches of clearance is best.
• Clean out dirty gutters and any debris from the roof.
• Check to make sure all water from downspouts, sump pump, condensation and basement entry drains is diverted away from the house.
• Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
• Paint weathered exterior wood and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.
• Repair any failing mortar in brick or block.
• Remove wood and/or firewood from any contact with the house.
• Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.

• House Interior
• Clean or replace heating and cooling filters, clean dirty air returns and plenum.
• Test all smoke detectors to ensure that they are working.
• Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove serviced and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Have clear access to attic, crawl space, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
• If the house is vacant, make sure all utilities are turned on. This includes water, electricity, furnace, A/C and the water heater because they will need to be inspected.
• Ensure ready access to all rooms and crawl spaces. Clear all furniture, boxes, clothes, toys and other personal items that may block access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel.

• Basement, Crawl Spaces and Attics
• Check to ensure that the crawl space is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary.
• Remove paints, solvents, gas, wood and similar materials from crawl space, basement, attic and porch.
• Update attic ventilation if none is present.
• If windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.

• Doors and Windows
• Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked windowpanes.

• Kitchen and Bathrooms
• Ensure that all plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are in proper working condition. Fix any leaks and caulk around fixtures if necessary.
• Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.
• Check bath vents to see if they are properly vented and in working condition.
• Clear out areas under sinks so they can be inspected.

© 2012 WIN Home Inspection is a registered trademark of World Inspection Network International, Inc. and franchisor of home inspector services.
WIN | 9238 Madison Boulevard, Suite 750 | Madison, AL 35758 | 800-309-6753

The 10 Most Common Home Concerns

(Courtesy of WIN Inspections)

The 10 Most Common Home Concerns

Buyers and sellers may believe that every home is unique, but home inspectors find that most homes' defects are strikingly similar. In fact, there are 10 common home defects that inspectors can typically identify. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with them so you can learn to recognize signs of trouble that an inspector might identify and start planning ahead for repairs or work you might need to do if you buy a property with some of the most common issues.

Here's a look at the ten most common home defects identified by inspectors:

1. Poor drainage: Inspectors will review whether water moves away from the house properly and whether the roof needs new gutters and downspouts or if ground-level drainage systems have been properly graded.
2. Faulty electrical wiring: If electrical wiring hasn't been properly installed or grounded, a home may be vulnerable to fire and inhabitants may risk electrical shock. Older homes often need electrical upgrades, including new wiring and circuit breaker panels which replace old-fashioned fuse boxes.
3. A leaking roof: Leaking roofs result from poor flashing (intersections where parts of the roof are joined) or aging shingles and roofing materials. If the roof has leaked, repairs could range from minor (replacing shingles) to extensive (replacing an entire roof).
4. An aging or defective heating system: Older heating systems require maintenance and may be energy-inefficient. Non-electrical heating systems also run the risk of emitting carbon monoxide fumes, making a carbon monoxide detector advisable.
5. Poor maintenance: A do-it-yourself seller's bandaid fixes to plumbing, electrical or other problems can sometimes do more harm than good.
6. Structural damage: A leaking roof or settling foundation may mean doorways, walls and support beams are off-kilter. You'll need to fix these problems to remain safe.
7. Plumbing problems: Inspectors look for faulty pipes and fixtures, and also look at whether plumbing parts are made of compatible materials. Leak-prone polybutylene (PB) plumbing pipes, popular in the 1970s till the mid-1990s, may have to be replaced.
8. Water seepage through windows and doors: If there's evidence of water damage or intrusion, then re-caulking windows and doors, adding weather-stripping or other more extensive repairs may be necessary.
9. Poor ventilation:  If moisture has accumulated in a home, it may be most obvious in bathrooms. Installing ventilation fans and keeping windows open can help, but buyers may find they need to replace walls or other structural aspects of a home.
10. Hazardous materials: Older homes may contain lead-based paint and asbestos materials. Depending on structure and climate, homes may also contain unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide, radon gas, or toxic molds. Homes with oil heat typically store fuel in underground tanks which need to be checked for leakage.

© 2012 WIN Home Inspection is a registered trademark of World Inspection Network International, Inc. and franchisor of home inspector services.
WIN | 9238 Madison Boulevard, Suite 750 | Madison, AL 35758 | 800-309-6753

Tax Refunds as Assets

Another great article by The Mortgage Experts:

Tax Refunds as Assets

by Chris and Debbie Thomas

It's almost tax refund time. Many people ask us if tax refunds can be used to pay for a mortgage down payment or closing costs.

The answer is YES! All a borrower needs to do to document the tax refund is to provide a copy of the refund check and a bank statement showing that the refund has been deposited into their account. If the refund was automatically deposited into their account, they won't have a copy of the check, but the notation on their bank statement will show that it is a tax refund. In the case of automatic deposits, the only documentation necessary is the bank statement.

The money does NOT have to be "seasoned", meaning it has been in their account for 60 days. As soon as the refund has been deposited, it can be used to pay the down payment or closing costs.

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

Hidden Dangers

You take steps to protect you home from intruders, fire and other disasters, but there could be other unseen dangers lurking in your home. These dangers include carbon monoxide and radon.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, which is why it can be so deadly; rarely do its victims have any warning, but low levels of poisoning cause flu-like symptoms. Gas hot water heaters, gas and oil furnaces, fireplaces and wood stoves all generate carbon monoxide as do any other appliances that burn gas or solids. Cars also generate the deadly gas, causing many deaths and injuries when people warm up their car motors in closed garages.

Radon, much like carbon monoxide, is a gas that you can't smell or see. It is a radioactive gas emitted through the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It's also everywhere as part of the natural environment, but usually in insignificant amounts. Since the gas comes to the earth's surface from underground, it may build up to harmful levels in poorly ventilated basements. It enters your home through such small spaces and openings as unsealed crawl spaces, cracks and wall/floor joints in the basement, floor drains, sump pumps and other plumbing penetrations.

To protect your home and family from these unseen dangers, purchase detectors and home testing kits. If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, radon, natural gas or any other harmful gas, call 911 to report it. Also, be sure you know the warning signs of carbon monoxide and radon poisoning. If anyone in your home experiences any of these symptoms, ventilate your home and seek medical attention immediately:
- Headache
- A persistent cough that doesn't get better
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
- Recurring bouts of such respiratory infections as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, fainting or fatigue

(Information courtesy of <em>Today's Living</em>)

Little Luxuries

Looking for ways to add luxurious extras to your home, but don't have much of a budge to work with? Here are some inexpensive amenities and custom features that will make your home look like a million bucks:

- <strong>Begin with your entryway</strong> - it can be both the first and last impression people will have of your home. Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door, accessorize by updating the knocker and welcome mat, and decorate with planters filled with colorful flowers.

- <strong>Fix your fixtures</strong> - while you may not have the time nor money for a complete bathroom or kitchen remodel, you can give these rooms an instant update by installing high-qualify fixtures. Also, replacing the hardware on cabinets may seem like a little task, but it can offer big rewards.

- <strong>Give your bathroom the spa treatment</strong> - there are many indulgent options for your bathroom, including extra-deep soaking tubs, whirlpool jets, even chromatherapy (color therapy), but if you prefer a quick shower to a long, how bath, you might consider installing a rain shower head. And don't overlook the little extras, like a warming towel rack and fragrant candles.

- <strong>Touchable textures </strong>- make your home an oasis of comfort by placing plush pillows in the living room, using crisp linen sheets for the beds and soft, thick towels in the bathrooms.

(information courtesy of <em>Today's Living</em>)

Kansas City Restaurant Week

Friday January 20th starts Kansas City Restaurant Week. This is a great way to try out many of the great restaurants in Kansas City for discounted prices!

Check out Kansas City Restaurant Week for a list of the participating restaurants!

Several Housing Markets Head for Appreciation in 2012

Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, January 03, 2012

A boom in farm prices has caused many Midwest cities to emerge as leaders for some of the strongest predictions for housing appreciation in 2012. Kansas City, Kan., came in the top spot in HousingPredictor’s annual survey, forecasting an appreciation of 5.8 percent for this year.

“The recovery is starting in housing with these cities and will eventually spread to other communities throughout the nation as the U.S. recovers from the worst collapse in real estate since the Great Depression,” according to HousingPredictor.

Here are the top cities expected to have housing appreciation in 2012 and by how much, according to HousingPredictor’s latest report:

1. Kansas City, Kan.: 5.8%
2. Topeka, Kan.: 4.7%
3. Charleston, W.V.: 4.5%
4. Oklahoma City, Okla.: 4.3%
5. Minot, N.D.: 4.2%
6. Overland Park, Kan.: 4.2%
7. Wichita, Kan.: 4.1%
8. Huntington, W.V.: 4%
9. Wheeling, W.V.: 3.9%
10. Bismarck, N.D.: 3.6%
11. Casper, Wyo.: 3.5%
12. Lake Charles, La.: 3.4%
13. Rapid City, S.D.: 3.2%
14. El Paso, Texas: 3.2%
15. Cheyenne, Wyo.: 3.2%
Source: “Best Housing Markets 2012,” HousingPredictor (January 2012)

Decluttering - January 2012

I have found so much great stuff on Pinterest that I just have to share it!! One of the things I found was a Decluttering calendar for 2012! It has one small item you can do daily to help declutter your life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. You can check out <a href="http://www.mysimplerlife.com/2012.htm" title="My Simpler Life - Decluttering Calendar for 2012" target="_blank">My Simpler Life</a> to see the entire years calendar.

Here are a few Declutter & Organizing Tips from the website:
- If you don't have a certain item or area in the calendar, take a break or finish one that's incomplete.
- These organizing tips aren't the only way to organize things. If your current way works - leave it. And if you want other ideas do a search for the area you are playing with.
- Clean areas after you declutter. for instance, if you are decluttering a shelf take everything off the shelf, clean it and then put back what you are keeping.
- If you are unsure about an item, put it in a box labeled with the room and date in 6 months. If you need an item from the box you can get it. In 6 months, you can safely declutter the box.
- Declutter with boxes/bags - give away, put away and trash bag.
- Absolutely no beating yourself up if you don't finish a day. Just start again the next day.
- Visualize an area as you want it to be, before decluttering.
- Declutter with a friend, music or other ways to make it more fun.
- Put things you use most often in the easiest places to access.
- Organize based on how you do things. If you always dump your keys on the front table, don't create a key rack. Instead, put a key bowl on the front table.

You can do this!!


<a href="http://homewithjodi.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Jan-2012.jpg"><img src="http://homewithjodi.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Jan-2012-300x205.jpg" alt="" title="Jan 2012" width="300" height="205" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-565" /></a>

5 Things To Do NOW If You Want to Buy A Home In 2012

(Courtesy of Trulia & Tara-Nicholle Nelson)


At this point in December, it can start to feel like the New Year – along with all our hopes, dreams, wishes and expectations for it – are barreling down on us. Personally, I’m a rabidResolution-setter, and I have a pretty strong track record of making New Year’s changes actually happen – and stick.  But what I know after years of using the New Year as a great excuse to set and meet some goals is that it’s very, very helpful to get a head start, ramping-up to new habits, behaviors and target goals achievements starting in December.

If you’re one of the millions who has an eye on 2012 as the year in which you’ll buy a home (first or not), here are five things you can do now to put yourself on the right path:

1.    Check your credit. Take my word for it: there is no bad surprise worse than a bad credit surprise. Okay, maybe there is one thing worse – a credit surprise you receive while you’re in the midst of trying to buy a home! 

Recent studies have revealed that a record high number of real estate transactions are falling out of escrow, and that credit “issues” are a leading cause of these dead deals. Your best chance at catching and correcting score-lowering errors and other derogatory items before they destroy your personal American Dream is to start checking and correcting while you still have time on your side.

2.    Do your research.  The more rapidly the real estate market changes, the more it behooves smart buyers to study up before they jump in.  And now’s the time – you can start doing online and in-person research into topics ranging from: 

·    Target states, cities and neighborhoods. Whether you’re relocating or simply trying to narrow down the local districts to focus on during your 2012 house hunt, December is a great time to start your online research into decision-driving factors like tax rates, school districts, neighborhood character and even prices in various areas. Resident ratings and reviews sites like Trulia and NabeWise can help you make the neighborhood-lifestyle match. 

Once you narrow things down and start speaking to local agents, ask them to brief you on the local market dynamics, including how long homes typically stay on the market and whether they generally go for more or less than the asking price, so you can be smart about how you search. (And yes, Virginia, there are areas where homes sell for more than asking, even as we speak!)

·    Real estate and mortgage pros. If you don’t already have your pros picked out, now is the time to get on the horn or drop an email or Facebook message to your circle of contacts, asking them for a referral to a broker or agent they love.  Follow up by: checking whether these pros are active in answering questions on Trulia Voices, searching for their name and seeing what sort of feedback on them you can cull from the web, then giving them a ring and launching a conversation about whether you and they might be a good partnership.

·    Short sales and REOs. Distressed property sales are not for the unwary. If you want to target upside down or foreclosed homes, or are planning to house hunt in an area where many of the listings are described as short sales or foreclosures, get educated about what you can expect from a distressed property purchase transaction before you get your heart set on a short sale.

·    What you get for the money. Online house hunting is a powerful tool – especially when it’s cold and wet! But there comes a point in your house hunt where you’ve got to just get out into the actual physical homes you’re seeing online in order to get a strong, accurate sense of what home features, aesthetics and location characteristics correlate with what price points.

·    Mortgage musts. You can read a bunch of articles about mortgages and get yourself pretty far down the path toward qualifying for a home loan, but you can only get a personalized action plan for a smooth road ‘home’ by talking with a local mortgage broker and having them assess your basic financials.  They might say you need to move funds around, pay a bill down or off or produce some sort of documentation from your employer.  And the time to start all that is now.

3.    Fluff up your cash cushion. So, you’ve saved up your 3.5 percent down payment. Perhaps you saved a little extra for closing costs.  Or maybe you’re even one of those uber-aggressive 20-percent-down-ers.  No matter how much you’ve saved, you’ll find that you could use more once you activate your home buying action plan. Mark my words – after closing, you’ll crave extra cash to do some repairs, upgrade a couple of things, buy appliances or even just to hold onto in order to minimize your anxiety about depleting your savings!  

So, if homebuying is on your personal 2012 action plan, don’t go hog wild on holiday gifts. Instead, wait until next year and give yourself the gift of a home.

4.    Shed some stuff.  Sell it. Donate it. Give it to relatives who’ve always coveted it.  Just get rid of it. If you do it before year’s end, you can kill three birds with one stone: (a) getting some cold hard cash to go toward your savings, (b) getting some tax receipts so you can deduct the value of your donations in January, (c) minimizing money spent on holiday gifts for loved ones and these two bonus birds – clearing the mental clutter that physical clutter creates and prepping for your move in advance.

5.    Sit very, very still.  Sometimes, the best way to further our goals is to stop tripping ourselves up.  In that vein, commit right now to refrain from making any major financial moves until you buy your home.  Don’t quit your job to start that personal chef business (yet), don’t pull a bunch of cash out of your savings account (without getting clearance form your mortgage pro first), and don’t start buying cars and boats on credit – even if you do love the idea of putting the red bow on the car you give your wife, like in the commercials. 

I assure you, the bow you’ll be able to put on that house or condo will be much bigger, redder and more tax-advantaged!

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.