Though I continue to have listings and buyers, the market still remains and challenge as this article explains:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704723604575379463676740680.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Home Repairs that Will Save you Money
1. Caulk
If you've lived in your house a few years, you probably noticed that the caulk along your sinks, countertops and bathtub is coming loose. These gaps may not seem like a big deal, but they can wreak havoc inside your walls. Moisture causes mold and even leaks - expensive repairs that can easily be prevented. A tube of kitchen and bath caulk costs just a few dollars, and you'll avoid expensive repairs.
2. Insulate
The quickest way to save money on your energy bill is to insulate, yet so many of us overlook this simple home improvement project for its benefits. Sure, your walls are insulated, but what about your basement, your attic, and your garage? Just in case the energy cost savings aren't enticing enough for you, check with the IRS - there are current credits that allow you to deduct this energy-saving expense from your
3. Change Filters
When was the last time you changed your furnace's air filters? It's an oft-overlooked chore, but one that keep your furnace running efficiently, and improves the air quality inside your home. Change your filters at least every three months to keep your furnace working efficiently for years to come.
4. Install a Thermostat
Does your home have a programmable thermostat? If not, invest in one; it'll earn its money back in no time. By programming heating and cooling, you avoid paying to keep an empty house at a comfortable temperature. Manage the heat appropriately in winter to avoid burst water pipes; in summer, draw your curtains during the day to keep the house cool. Buy a programmable thermostat and you can save big on monthly bills.
5. Fix Leaks
That leaky faucet or runny toilet is draining your water bill, and in most cases it's a cheap and quick fix. Replace the washer on your faucet, and while you're at it, consider installing a faucet aerator if yours doesn't already have one. Faucet aerators reduce water flow from your faucet to save on your water bill; check your home improvement store for this inexpensive fix.
6. Install Dimmers
Dimmers aren't just for romance; they can save you big bucks on your energy bill. They're cheap and easy to install, so look for rooms that could use a little reduction in harsh lighting. While you're at it, replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. They're big money savers.
7. Clean Carpets
Clean your carpet lately? With proper care, carpets can last a long time and look great, but everyone needs to clean them sometime. You don't need to hire an expensive service either - if you can vacuum, you can clean your carpets by yourself. Rent a carpet cleaner at your local supermarket or big-box store for a modest fee. Make sure you vacuum thoroughly before cleaning, and pick a dry day so your carpet dries quickly. With regular cleaning your carpet can last a long time, saving you big bucks on new flooring.
8. Clean Siding and Windows
Windows and siding get a beating in most climates. Wash your windows and siding with a simple hose and water first, and with a cleaning solution as needed; your home improvement store sells specialty products for just this kind of job. Rent a power washer for very dirty jobs. Keep an eye on cobwebs, wasp and bird nests to ensure your home's exterior stays in good shape. Touch up with paint as needed, and your house will look like new at little or no cost.
9. Fight Pests
Those spiders and ants at your foundation, that mouse nest in your crawl space? Take care of it - pests can destroy a home in a hurry. Hire an exterminator, or for small pests, combat with pesticides. Even if you don't think you have a problem, inspect every part of the interior and exterior of your home regularly to avoid small pest problems getting out hand.
10. Clean Ductwork
If your home is older, your ductwork likely has dust, grime, and other unwelcome residue inside. For big jobs, pay a professional; a simple cleaning can easily be done yourself. Simply remove the grates from your air vents, and clean the inside with your vacuum.
The Bottom Line
The best way to invest in your home is to take good care of what's already there. With these simple repair jobs, you'll even save money - with just a little elbow grease as investment.
http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/109967/10-home-repairs-that-will-save-you-money?mod=realestate-homeimprove
If you've lived in your house a few years, you probably noticed that the caulk along your sinks, countertops and bathtub is coming loose. These gaps may not seem like a big deal, but they can wreak havoc inside your walls. Moisture causes mold and even leaks - expensive repairs that can easily be prevented. A tube of kitchen and bath caulk costs just a few dollars, and you'll avoid expensive repairs.
2. Insulate
The quickest way to save money on your energy bill is to insulate, yet so many of us overlook this simple home improvement project for its benefits. Sure, your walls are insulated, but what about your basement, your attic, and your garage? Just in case the energy cost savings aren't enticing enough for you, check with the IRS - there are current credits that allow you to deduct this energy-saving expense from your
3. Change Filters
When was the last time you changed your furnace's air filters? It's an oft-overlooked chore, but one that keep your furnace running efficiently, and improves the air quality inside your home. Change your filters at least every three months to keep your furnace working efficiently for years to come.
4. Install a Thermostat
Does your home have a programmable thermostat? If not, invest in one; it'll earn its money back in no time. By programming heating and cooling, you avoid paying to keep an empty house at a comfortable temperature. Manage the heat appropriately in winter to avoid burst water pipes; in summer, draw your curtains during the day to keep the house cool. Buy a programmable thermostat and you can save big on monthly bills.
5. Fix Leaks
That leaky faucet or runny toilet is draining your water bill, and in most cases it's a cheap and quick fix. Replace the washer on your faucet, and while you're at it, consider installing a faucet aerator if yours doesn't already have one. Faucet aerators reduce water flow from your faucet to save on your water bill; check your home improvement store for this inexpensive fix.
6. Install Dimmers
Dimmers aren't just for romance; they can save you big bucks on your energy bill. They're cheap and easy to install, so look for rooms that could use a little reduction in harsh lighting. While you're at it, replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. They're big money savers.
7. Clean Carpets
Clean your carpet lately? With proper care, carpets can last a long time and look great, but everyone needs to clean them sometime. You don't need to hire an expensive service either - if you can vacuum, you can clean your carpets by yourself. Rent a carpet cleaner at your local supermarket or big-box store for a modest fee. Make sure you vacuum thoroughly before cleaning, and pick a dry day so your carpet dries quickly. With regular cleaning your carpet can last a long time, saving you big bucks on new flooring.
8. Clean Siding and Windows
Windows and siding get a beating in most climates. Wash your windows and siding with a simple hose and water first, and with a cleaning solution as needed; your home improvement store sells specialty products for just this kind of job. Rent a power washer for very dirty jobs. Keep an eye on cobwebs, wasp and bird nests to ensure your home's exterior stays in good shape. Touch up with paint as needed, and your house will look like new at little or no cost.
9. Fight Pests
Those spiders and ants at your foundation, that mouse nest in your crawl space? Take care of it - pests can destroy a home in a hurry. Hire an exterminator, or for small pests, combat with pesticides. Even if you don't think you have a problem, inspect every part of the interior and exterior of your home regularly to avoid small pest problems getting out hand.
10. Clean Ductwork
If your home is older, your ductwork likely has dust, grime, and other unwelcome residue inside. For big jobs, pay a professional; a simple cleaning can easily be done yourself. Simply remove the grates from your air vents, and clean the inside with your vacuum.
The Bottom Line
The best way to invest in your home is to take good care of what's already there. With these simple repair jobs, you'll even save money - with just a little elbow grease as investment.
http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/109967/10-home-repairs-that-will-save-you-money?mod=realestate-homeimprove
4 Overlooked Homeownership Costs
1. Property Taxes
Property taxes can be demanding because even if you've paid off the mortgage, you still owe what amounts to a monthly fee to the town and/or the municipality in which you reside. It can easily total $500 to $1,000 or more a month, particularly in the northeast United States, where property values have soared in recent years.
In short, when a house is built, it's not the bank that determines the property tax, it's the township in which the home is located. This is something to consider, as property tax is basically a guaranteed annuity in perpetuity at the homeowner's expense. (For more, see Five Tricks For Lowering Your Property Tax.)
2. Risk
If you rent an apartment and someone slips and falls in the parking lot, odds are that the holding company, and/or limited liability company (LLC) that owns the property is adequately insured and will be able to pay any damages with little consequence to its overall financial well being. However, if someone slips and falls on your property, you could be sued personally, and your homeowner's insurance premiums will likely skyrocket if the injured party attacks the policy to pay his or her medical bills.
There are other risks as well. For those who live in low lying areas or near a body of water, there is always the risk of flood and/or hurricane damage. Water damage from storms is very rarely covered in a basic homeowner's policy. Therefore separate flood insurance, which typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000 per year, must be secured. Again, this is over and above the $500 to $1,000 a year that most homeowners typically spend on their basic home policies. (For more insight, read Beginner's Guide To Homeowners Insurance and Insurance Tips For Homeowners.)
3. Maintenance
Assuming an individual or couple owns a house for 20 or 30 years they will most likely have to repair, overhaul, and/or replace several things, such as the roof or furnace.
Homeowners are also more apt to purchase luxury items that renters would not, such as granite counter tops, pricey fixtures, alarm systems and other gadgetry. The cost of these luxury amenities can easily add thousands of dollars to the cost of owning a home.
4. Time
Don't forget the time and the cost associated with maintaining a home, such as mowing the lawn and painting the interior and exterior of the home. In fact, it's not uncommon for homeowners to spend a good portion of the weekend tending to chores around the house.
On the other hand, a renter's maintenance tasks are relatively minimal. For most of their problems, they simply call their landlord.
Minimize Some Of These Costs
There are some things that would-be homeowners can do to minimize the monetary and time costs associated with homeownership.
Buy something that suits you
Buying a home that is close to how you want it to ultimately look will save you time and money. So will buying a home that has been updated and modernized throughout the years. Remember that most prospective homebuyers tend to underestimate the time and the costs associated with refurbishing their homes. Avoid that mistake.
Seek out towns with low property taxes
While there is almost no way to gauge what a given town will charge its inhabitants in property taxes 20 or 30 years down the road, would-be homeowners should seek out towns that have a history of financial conservatism. Another good idea is to move to a town a couple of years after it has raised taxes to build a new school, pave roads, or erect a new town hall. The theory is that it will be another 10 or more years before the homes will be reassessed, or before the local politicians will raise taxes again.
Do the work yourself
While it's unlikely that you'll be able to handle every heating, electric and plumbing problem that arises, there are some things that the homeowner can do on their own to minimize repair and maintenance expenses. For example, almost anyone can paint a living room by themselves or install basic appliances.
Buy a condo
While not traditionally the best investment in terms of appreciation potential, the condominium owner doesn't have to do any work on the outside of the home, such as mow the lawn, trim the bushes or paint. Condominium bylaws will probably prohibit making any structural changes within the residence. As such, the condominium owner will spend less time and money refurbishing. (For more insight, read Does Condo Life Suit You? and Buying A Condo.)
The Bottom Line
While it may be the American dream to own a nice house with a white picket fence, it can cost a lot more than you think. So think twice before making the investment.
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/cost-of-owning.asp?partner=yahoore
Property taxes can be demanding because even if you've paid off the mortgage, you still owe what amounts to a monthly fee to the town and/or the municipality in which you reside. It can easily total $500 to $1,000 or more a month, particularly in the northeast United States, where property values have soared in recent years.
In short, when a house is built, it's not the bank that determines the property tax, it's the township in which the home is located. This is something to consider, as property tax is basically a guaranteed annuity in perpetuity at the homeowner's expense. (For more, see Five Tricks For Lowering Your Property Tax.)
2. Risk
If you rent an apartment and someone slips and falls in the parking lot, odds are that the holding company, and/or limited liability company (LLC) that owns the property is adequately insured and will be able to pay any damages with little consequence to its overall financial well being. However, if someone slips and falls on your property, you could be sued personally, and your homeowner's insurance premiums will likely skyrocket if the injured party attacks the policy to pay his or her medical bills.
There are other risks as well. For those who live in low lying areas or near a body of water, there is always the risk of flood and/or hurricane damage. Water damage from storms is very rarely covered in a basic homeowner's policy. Therefore separate flood insurance, which typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000 per year, must be secured. Again, this is over and above the $500 to $1,000 a year that most homeowners typically spend on their basic home policies. (For more insight, read Beginner's Guide To Homeowners Insurance and Insurance Tips For Homeowners.)
3. Maintenance
Assuming an individual or couple owns a house for 20 or 30 years they will most likely have to repair, overhaul, and/or replace several things, such as the roof or furnace.
Homeowners are also more apt to purchase luxury items that renters would not, such as granite counter tops, pricey fixtures, alarm systems and other gadgetry. The cost of these luxury amenities can easily add thousands of dollars to the cost of owning a home.
4. Time
Don't forget the time and the cost associated with maintaining a home, such as mowing the lawn and painting the interior and exterior of the home. In fact, it's not uncommon for homeowners to spend a good portion of the weekend tending to chores around the house.
On the other hand, a renter's maintenance tasks are relatively minimal. For most of their problems, they simply call their landlord.
Minimize Some Of These Costs
There are some things that would-be homeowners can do to minimize the monetary and time costs associated with homeownership.
Buy something that suits you
Buying a home that is close to how you want it to ultimately look will save you time and money. So will buying a home that has been updated and modernized throughout the years. Remember that most prospective homebuyers tend to underestimate the time and the costs associated with refurbishing their homes. Avoid that mistake.
Seek out towns with low property taxes
While there is almost no way to gauge what a given town will charge its inhabitants in property taxes 20 or 30 years down the road, would-be homeowners should seek out towns that have a history of financial conservatism. Another good idea is to move to a town a couple of years after it has raised taxes to build a new school, pave roads, or erect a new town hall. The theory is that it will be another 10 or more years before the homes will be reassessed, or before the local politicians will raise taxes again.
Do the work yourself
While it's unlikely that you'll be able to handle every heating, electric and plumbing problem that arises, there are some things that the homeowner can do on their own to minimize repair and maintenance expenses. For example, almost anyone can paint a living room by themselves or install basic appliances.
Buy a condo
While not traditionally the best investment in terms of appreciation potential, the condominium owner doesn't have to do any work on the outside of the home, such as mow the lawn, trim the bushes or paint. Condominium bylaws will probably prohibit making any structural changes within the residence. As such, the condominium owner will spend less time and money refurbishing. (For more insight, read Does Condo Life Suit You? and Buying A Condo.)
The Bottom Line
While it may be the American dream to own a nice house with a white picket fence, it can cost a lot more than you think. So think twice before making the investment.
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/cost-of-owning.asp?partner=yahoore
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
21 Things You Should Never Buy New
1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
yahoo
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
yahoo
The Lone Star Shines
There are good prospects for ambitious young professionals across the country, but Texas dominates our list, boasting three of the top 10 spots...
http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-109886-5703-4-best-cities-for-young-professionals?ywaad=ad0035
http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-109886-5703-4-best-cities-for-young-professionals?ywaad=ad0035
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
D-FW is Counry's Fastest Growing Region
Of all major markets in the country, Dallas-Fort Worth showed the most growth in recent years, adding 1.3 million people between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2009, according to a report from the Census Bureau and CNNMoney.com.
D-FW now has a population of 6.5 million people, growing 25 percent during the period measured. Atlanta and Houston also experienced significant growth.
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert told CNNMoney that a growth has been spurred in part by a favorable business climate: no corporate income tax, reasonable building costs and minimal regulations. The report also mentioned Dallas/Fort Worth International, the third busiest airport in the nation: "Dallas has no port," said Leppert. "The airport became a 21st century port."
Dallas Business Journal
D-FW now has a population of 6.5 million people, growing 25 percent during the period measured. Atlanta and Houston also experienced significant growth.
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert told CNNMoney that a growth has been spurred in part by a favorable business climate: no corporate income tax, reasonable building costs and minimal regulations. The report also mentioned Dallas/Fort Worth International, the third busiest airport in the nation: "Dallas has no port," said Leppert. "The airport became a 21st century port."
Dallas Business Journal
Monday, June 7, 2010
Home Prices to Rise in 2010:
According to a recent poll by Reuters, U.S. house prices will manage a small gain in 2010. Home sales and prices may retreat slightly in the near-term after government tax credits to homebuyers end. But that trend will be countered by historically low mortgage rates and the fact that housing affordability is now near the best it has ever been. This is likely to put prices back on a slow path upward.
Three-quarters of the economists that were polled said it was possible for the average home price to return to where they were in 2006 – before the crash. That would require a rise of more than 40 percent and will still take a long time. Home prices as measured by the Case-Shiller 20 city index should rise 1.4% this year and 3% next year according to the economists' median forecast....
Three-quarters of the economists that were polled said it was possible for the average home price to return to where they were in 2006 – before the crash. That would require a rise of more than 40 percent and will still take a long time. Home prices as measured by the Case-Shiller 20 city index should rise 1.4% this year and 3% next year according to the economists' median forecast....
Thomas Edison conducted more than 10,000 faulty experiments before lighting the first incandescent light bulb.
Steven Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he created, but was then welcomed back to modify the renovate the market for technology with the iPod and iPhone.
Milton Hershey endured three unsuccessful attempts before fulfilling America’s chocolaty cravings
Steven Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he created, but was then welcomed back to modify the renovate the market for technology with the iPod and iPhone.
Milton Hershey endured three unsuccessful attempts before fulfilling America’s chocolaty cravings
5 ‘Affordable’ Ways to Make a Home Look Expensive
In home staging it is vital to make a home look high fashion without paying the cost of high fashion. Home stagers are always increasing their staging inventory and can’t pay full price for furniture and accessories, or their business won’t be successful.
Unfortunately, there is not just one place to find home staging supplies so being creative is important — not only in what you use but what you buy.
Here are my top five ways to make a home’s interior look expensive and in fashion, but not at the cost of your bottom line.
1. Use one expensive piece in each room. In order to make a room look high fashion, you have to believe that it is, even when it isn’t. The way to do this is to incorporate one expensive, well-positioned piece in each room.
It can be a piece of art, a table or piece of china. I will position it where the focal point is so that when the buyer first walks into the room this is what they see first. Then, they just assume that everything else is expensive too.
2. Use white. White will always be a staple that home stagers use. It gives the look of light, cleanliness, and an open space. I love white moldings, cabinets, and doors. I also love white lamps, accessories, and linens.
White is easy to clean and can also be bought very cheaply but made to look expensive. One of my favorite stores to find inexpensive white accessories is Z Gallery.
Using inexpensive white pieces on an expensive table is my favorite trick. It highlights the table while filling the space.
3. Look at what can be recycled. To bring fashion back into your home, you might see if you can re-cover your old upholstered furniture.
Recently, I had a club chair that had just lost its will to live. The fabric was worn and the cushions no longer were able to hold their shape. To replace it would cost more than $4,000 for a comparable chair. But this old chair still had great lines, and I didn’t want to part with it so I decided to recover it instead.
The cheapest way is to have it slip-covered. You can buy one at stores like Bed Bath & Beyond or have one made.
I decided to have it re-upholstered. I needed 10 yards of fabric, and I found a local shop to do the work (driving the piece myself to and from the shop) for less than $1,500 total. The key is to buy a good chair. Then, it will only need a little maintenance over the years. Plus, remember: It’s better for the environment to recycle rather than throw away an old chair.
4. Rotate color. Each season the design world changes the “it” color. This spring is turquoise and champagne; last year it was lavender and fuchsia. A good way to make a home look in-style is to have that in-style color. This can be in a pillow, a throw, a candle, or a vase. Whatever your budget, you always can find something with the fashion “it” color. (Read: Add Some Punch With This Year’s Hot Hue or Pillow Power)
To stay abreast of the latest “in” colors you can look online at Web sites like Pantone.com or home sites like Williams Sonoma Home. I like to walk into a store to get the feel and touch. Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel are good places since they rotate their floor so quickly that it is easy to catch up on the new color.
Then, I go to Cost Plus or Pier One to find accent pieces cheaply. You don’t want to pay full price for these items since this year’s “it” color will be next year’s color.
5. Buy one month after the season starts. It is important to not get lured into buying new things as soon as the new season starts. You can window-shop to get your seasons plan but if you wait 4-6 weeks, it will likely go on sale. I know this can be difficult when you get that first beautiful summer day and you are biting at the bit to set up your garden for that summer BBQ. But in reality, that summer BBQ won’t start for another month.
In Marin, we had a gorgeous few weeks of warmth in March. The flowers started to bloom, the kids started to play outside, and I was excited to let the outdoor games begin. I brought out the outdoor cushions and cleaned the BBQ. But we are still having rain showers and 50 degrees nights. So I had to bring the cushions back in and out numerous times.
If I had bought all of my new outdoor accessories, at full price, they wouldn’t have even been put to use yet. If I wait until school is out for the children and the forecast is clear for the considerable future, I know I will find the same accessories on sale.
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2010/05/31/5-affordable-ways-to-make-a-home-look-expensive/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
