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Issue 324
INCREASING YOUR HOME'S VALUE Like most Americans, your home is probably your single largest investment. While the value of your home is largely determined by such things as location, size and condition, there are still steps you can take to maximize its worth. First, you need to evaluate your plans carefully if you're improving your home in order to put it on the market. Cutting corners could hurt rather than help, but you don't want to go overboard either. Your home's value should be no more than 20% above the average home values in your neighborhood. Here's a list of remodeling projects that buyers are likely to find valuable:
Issue 325
HOW TO BECOME A FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER! According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 40 percent of all homes are purchased by first-time buyers. If you are among that group, the first time home buying experience can be an exciting and rewarding one, if you adopt some common sense strategies. Consider the following suggestions to streamline the process. PREPARATION:
WHEN YOU’RE READY: Choose a Real Estate Professional with whom you are comfortable and confident. This is your main alliance who will guide you through the entire real estate purchase. Choose wisely! Do your homework. Decide what features you want in a home and which are most important to you. Consider what location works best for you. Look at needs and preferences in terms of commuting, shopping, recreation and other factors that are important to you. Remember that Location is the MOST important detail for good resale value. Don't become "house poor". If you buy the biggest home you can afford, you'll have no money left for maintenance, decoration or for other financial goals. Don't be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and, if possible, get a home warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year. Doing the homework and getting your papers in order will simplify the home buying process. Start now, take your time, and ask questions. Being a first-time home buyer is challenging, but millions of people do it each year -- and you can too. Issue 326
SELLING YOUR HOME IN WINTER Since the Feds have been lowering interest rates over the last couple weeks, we have been finding buyers coming out of the woodwork! If you’d like to take advantage of this market shift and put your home on the market, here are some helpful hints on how to get your home looking warm and inviting for this Winter season. Create a Warm Interior 1. Instead of sheet plastic insulating on your window, add heavier drapes or insulated shades to block drafts. 2. Set the temperature at a warmer cozy level during showings. 3. Leave the fireplace on if you will be gone for just a short bit during the showing. 4 Add warm accent colors such as red or gold throws and pillows to cozy up any room. 5. Have relaxing music playing softly in the living room and master bedroom. 6. Turn on lamps and overhead lights to brighten up those dark days. 7. Bake cookies or bread on the morning of a day when you know you have showings. The aroma of fresh baked goodies always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Also, leave some cookies out on the counter for the buyers. 8. Use room fresheners that smell like “Grandma’s house on a cold Winter day”, for example Apples and Cinnamon, Pine or Bayberry. Your Winter Exterior Atmosphere 1. Clear snow, ice, mud and puddles from walkways and driveways. Making your home accessible is important, but making it safe for buyers to enter and exit is imperative! 2. Place evergreen boughs in pots near the entrance of your home. 3. Light up a specimen tree with a spotlight. 4. Show off decks, patios, gardens and walkways with accent lights. Install timers or light sensors to turn indoor and outdoor lights on and off automatically. Clean Up the Yard 1. Put away outdoor furniture and grills. 2. Drain and put away garden hoses. 3. Sweep up leaves that blew into the corners of your porch this Fall. 4. Cut branches that have been broken by heavy snows. 5. Clean up neighborhood trash that may have blown through your yard in these wild Winter winds. Check the Heating System 1. Replace furnace filters. 2. Fill oil or propane tanks. 3. Vacuum around registers and air ducts. 4. Check for proper venting of furnace, water heater and fireplace. 5. Arrange for a chimney cleaning and inspection. Block Drafts 1. Caulk around windows and pipes that exit your home. 2. Add or replace weather stripping around doors. 3. Install storm doors and windows if you have them. 4. Seal foundation holes. Insulate 1. Add a layer of fresh attic insulation. 2. Place an insulation blanket around the water heater. 3. Install heat tape on pipes if necessary. 4. Place insulated covers over exterior water faucets. Stop Leaks 1. Clean leaves and debris out of the gutters. 2. Repair or replace loose roof shingles and rusty roof flashing. Issue 327
HOME TRENDS TO WATCH ~WHAT'S HOT FOR 2008!~ Part 1 1. GET YOUR IDEAS FROM HIGH END HOMES. See what the Joneses are doing! If you want to get the maximum value from your remodel when you sell your home, you need to pay attention to trends. But not just today's fads: what's more important is what will be hot when it's time to put your house on the market. Luxury homes showcase the latest in floor plans, appliances and décor. Visit New Construction Open Houses or check out your local Parade of Homes. Mudrooms and home offices are very popular; formal living rooms are not! Consider the next buyer….If you want your house to appeal to the largest number of buyers, you may have to think about features that appeal to Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. 2. UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN. The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families. In addition to eating meals, it also becomes a place to pay bills and do homework. Today's kitchens tend to be very open and often include cabinets for TVs, and desks for computers and small appliances. Higher-end appliances are also in big demand. As we tend toward shopping more and more at the “big box stores”, we are finding more of a need for larger pantries. 3. TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM INTO A SPA! Utilitarian is out. Think Sap – as in lots of space, big soaking tub or whirlpool, multiple shower heads or even steam attachments in the shower. Dual sinks are a given in master baths, and luxuries like heated floors and towel warmers are popular with upscale renovators. Also, putting the toilet in a separate room or partition area is almost standard these days. 4. UNDERFOOT Floors make a crucial first impression on prospective buyers. Wood floors are desirable, with bamboo becoming more popular. Tile is still a good choice for kitchens and baths, although concrete is being used more often (either stained or just sealed). When choosing your flooring, consider the area…..Is it a high traffic area? Will you be wet, will you be barefoot, will you be standing for long periods in this area? Do you want firm, glossy and sophisticated, warm, cozy or casual? Think through your options and check out the latest trends. Flooring average dollar value per square foot: Vinyl $0.48, Carpet $0.78, Ceramic Tile $0.91, Laminate “Pergo” $1.58, Hardwood $2.45, Stone (varies widely upon type of stone). 5. DURABILITY IS KEY. Investing in quality materials can pay off if they hold up well over the years. A cheap surface might show so many gouges and dings after five years that a buyer will insist you pay for replacing it, while a well-chosen stone or tile surface could still be adding value a decade from now. 6. STICK WITH ONE STYLE. Your remodeling projects should reflect the style of your home. For example, if your home has a country style, a contemporary kitchen might seem out of place and turn off potential buyers when you're ready to sell. 7. GO GREEN. Eco-friendly materials are gaining in popularity. Energy efficient appliances, windows, and lighting products can save you money in the long run. Check out your local Home Building Supply for Eco-friendly and Energy efficient products. Issue 328
HOME TRENDS TO WATCH ~WHAT'S HOT FOR 2008!~ Part 2 1. ARTISAN COLOR TRENDS. The colors of 2007/2008 turn over a new leaf encompassing the natural, the ethereal, the homespun and the restful. These vivid elements inspire sophistication, regality, and simplicity. Look through home decorating magazines to see the latest trends. Be careful not to get caught up in temporary “fads”. Choose more neutral colors for floors, countertops and other hard surfaces, using easily changeable paint and accessories to infuse personality. 2. TECHNICALLY SPEAKING…… As our lives become more dependent on technology, homes will become "smarter", with single remotes that will control sound systems, lighting and dimming, security and more. This technology also allows homeowners to remotely arm a home security system while away from home, turn appliances on and off, and control thermostats. Electronics closets are also becoming popular. Sensors can be built into the wall above the TV screen to transmit your remote controls' signals to the equipment in the closet. 3. ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Outdoor living spaces are the latest trend in adding a room without adding four walls. At the high end of the market, outdoor living rooms, kitchens and fireplaces are becoming standard. 4. STRUCTURALLY SPEAKING… Use Caution when making structural changes that can permanently devalue your home, like eliminating a bedroom or removing a tub from a bathroom (thus converting it from an all-important "full" bath to a three-quarters version). 5. THE DREADED “POPCORN”! To call these ceilings out of style is an understatement. They're ugly, they date your home and they can contain asbestos. If you want to remove an acoustic ceiling, you’ll first need to determine whether it contains asbestos (usually homes built before 1979l, although some homes built in the 80’s contain asbestos). Cost for testing is minimal (check the Yellow Pages under Asbestos -- Consulting and Testing). You can remove the popcorn yourself, but it’s hard work. If you hire it out, expect to pay $400 - $800 for a 15 ft x 20 ft room. 6. DON’T OVER-UPGRADE! Don’t forget about the eventual sale of the house. One of the biggest mistakes we see is people putting too much into their homes. Don’t over-upgrade for the area you live in. You are usually on good ground if you are improving your home relative to other homes in your neighborhood. But you're on thin ice if you improve beyond the general value of your neighborhood -- like adding a third bathroom if all the other homes have two. Generally speaking, you won't recover the full cost of any home-improvement project -- though some clearly boost value better than others. For example, you'll recover nearly 99% of costs on a minor kitchen remodel, 96% on a midrange siding replacement and 95% on a two-story addition, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. A few jobs, including an upscale siding replacement and a midrange bathroom remodel, will yield more than a 100% return. Other remodeling yields less than desirable returns, such as a midrange home office remodel, which recovers 73% of costs on the resale market, a new sunroom at 75% and an upscale master suite at 80%. Issue 329
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE TIPS If you're a homeowner, you know what a pain homeowner's insurance can be. Rates have been on the rise for several years. But price isn't the only issue anymore. These days, carriers are limiting coverage in ways that may surprise you. 1. Get a CLUE! Just as the banking industry tracks your credit history with credit reports, the insurance industry tracks claims by address. Insurance companies use information from "claims history databases" like Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to help gauge the insurance "risk" of potential clients and properties. To get a copy of your clue report and get information on how to dispute errors, go to www.choicetrust.com, After you've owned your home for a while, you'll want to check your CLUE report. You can also get a CLUE report on the property you're going to buy. See if there have been any claims filed for damages to the home. If there were multiple structural or other damage claims filed by the previous owners, it can affect your home's insurability. Be sure to check for errors that may affect your insurability. 2. Seller’s Property Disclosure If you're shopping for a new home, get a “Seller’s Property Disclosure” from your agent. Find out about any problems the home has had early on. Insurance companies are wary of water damage and any indication of structural damage to the home. Big problems could make it impossible for you to get coverage. 3. Shop Around Once you're ready to shop, it makes sense to find some consumer-friendly companies. Consumers Reports has a very user-friendly list of insurance companies who've gotten high marks from consumers. Ask your Real Estate Agent for a recommendation. Ask friends, check the phone book, call your state insurance department, check consumer guides and online quote services. 4. To File or not to File…. Once you're in your own home, you'll want to be careful about making claims on your policy. Insurance companies track how many you file. Frequent claim activity, even for the small stuff, can be grounds for non-renewal. A good rule of thumb is if your claim exceeds your deductible by $200 or less, consider not filing the claim. While you'll be paying for the loss out of your own pocket, the expense will probably be less than the premium increase you could suffer later. This course of action will also help keep your claim record clean and allow you to stay insured for major or catastrophic losses. Remember that insurance is for big stuff, not everyday home maintenance. 5. Your Credit Score Affect Your Insurance It's important to maintain good credit because many in the insurance industry view your credit report as an indicator of future potential losses. A bad credit report could keep you from getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford. 6. Getting the Right Amount of Insurance Coverage The first mistake that people make when purchasing homeowner’s insurance is including the value of the land in the coverage. Remember that land doesn’t go away and doesn’t need to be covered. Something else that longtime homeowners should be mindful of is just how much their home has appreciated over the years. If your home's value has soared but you haven't changed your coverage, you could be underinsured if an emergency occurs. Also, be sure to inform your insurance agent when you make improvements to your home. As you look over your home insurance papers, look for language relating to "guaranteed replacement." In recent years, some carriers have redefined or eliminated this provision, which used to ensure that if your home was destroyed, it would be rebuilt. Some companies have capped payouts to a percentage of your policy's face value. 7. Tips to Lower Your Premium A. Raise Your Deductible Most insurance companies recommend a deductible of at least $500. If you can afford to raise your deductible to $1,000, you may save as much as 25%. B. Buy Your Home And Auto Policies From One Insurer Some companies will take 5% to 15% off your premium if you buy two or more policies. C. Make Your Home More Disaster Proof See what steps you can take to make your home more resistant to natural disasters. D. Improve Your Home Security Some companies will discount as much as 15% to 20% if you install a sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that notifies police, fire or other monitoring stations. E. Seek Out Other Discounts Ask your agent or company representative about any discounts available to you. F. See If You Can Get Group Coverage Professional, alumni and business groups often work out an insurance package with an insurance company, which includes a discount for association members. G. Stay With One Insurer If you've kept your coverage with a company for several years, you may receive a special discount for being a long-term policyholder. H. Review The Limits In Your Policy And The Value Of Your Possessions At Least Once a Year. Issue 330
GROUND YOUR RETIREMENT FUND WITH REAL ESTATE The idea of owning rental real estate seems to be gaining popularity as investors tire of the swoops and swoons of the stock market. Not everyone is made out to be a Landlord. But those who do may find rentals to be a good way to build wealth. Once you've made the decision to buy rental property, your real work begins. Finding a profitable rental property usually takes time, connections and plenty of research. Here's what you need to know to get started: How to Find a Good Investment Property 1. Know your time horizon As with any other investment, you should have a good idea how long you plan to own a rental property before you buy it. The longer you plan to own the property, the more you'll probably need to invest in maintenance, repairs and improvements. If you're keeping it for 20 years, at some point you're going to be putting a new roof on that property. You're going to be putting in new appliances and doing some major repairs. If you're only planning to own a property for five years, by contrast, you'll probably want to avoid making any major improvements unless you're sure you can recoup the cost with a higher sale price. You also may face more investment risk with a shorter time horizon. Although your rental will almost certainly appreciate over 20 years. For many small investors, long-term ownership makes the most sense. You'll have plenty of time to ride out any swings in the market, and rental income can make a nice supplement to your day job. Find enough rental properties, and being a landlord may become your day job. 2. Calculate your Expenses The better your credit, the better your prospects for getting a decent loan. Lenders usually require bigger down payments, higher interest rates and generally stronger finances when you're buying rental property. That's because they know people are more likely to default on investment property than they are on their own homes. Have some money left over after you buy. This can help pay for unexpected repairs and vacancies. Although there are few rules of thumb, setting aside at least one month's rent for each unit is a good start. You may want to have a line of credit, secured either by the property or your own home, to cover larger costs. What's key is to make sure your rental income will cover your out-of-pocket costs. That includes the mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and a vacancy rate of around 5%. Check the newspapers and the internet to find out the home rental amounts in the area in which you’d like to buy. Once you’ve established the rental rates of the area, add a bit for maintenance and repairs, then call your lender and have them calculate how much you can borrow in order to get your loan payments to equal an amount less than the rent amount. If you can at least break even, you'll be able to profit from any price appreciation as well as from tax breaks available to rental property. When crunching the numbers, you should know that there's a big difference in how repairs and improvements are treated for tax purposes. You can typically deduct the cost of a repair, such as patching a roof or fixing a leaking pipe, on your tax return for the year in which the repair is made. Replace that roof or those pipes, however, and it's typically considered an improvement, which means the cost can't be deducted. Instead, it's added to the amount you paid for the property to determine your tax basis when you sell. The higher the basis, the lower your taxable profit. But if you have to wait 20 years after making a major improvement to recoup any of the cost for tax purposes, you may think twice about buying a property that needs a lot of upfront work. To better estimate your costs, get a thorough inspection before you buy a property. 3. Call your Realtor Once you’ve determined your criteria and price, call your Realtor to discuss your investment needs. Your Realtor can set up a full MLS system search and your own Personal Real Estate Web Site which will pull Property Listings that meet your criteria on a daily basis. You will know about Properties that fit your criteria the very day they are listed! Issue 331
EXPLAINING THE CREDIT SCORE (Part 1 of a 3 part credit series) Credit scores are determined by formulas created by companies like Fair Issac and Beacon. There are more credit reporting agencies than the three listed here (such as Credco, Kroll Factual Data, Credit Plus and Landsafe), but these are the most commonly used. Credit reporting agencies are companies who are licensed by the credit bureaus to obtain your credit information and sell the information to creditors in various formats including the popular tri merge report that combines the information from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) into one report that is easier to understand. Consumer credit scoring and Mortgage credit scoring are based on different formulas and therefore you can expect different scores based on who is pulling your credit. In addition different credit reporting agencies subscribe to different scoring models which can also affect credit scores. Here are the five elements that make up a credit score, in order of importance: Payment History: 35% Impact Paying debt on time and in full has a positive impact. Late payments, judgments, and charge-offs have a negative impact. Missing a high payment has a more serious impact than missing a low payment. Delinquencies that have occurred in the last two years carry more weight than older items. When applying for a mortgage, every point in your credit score can make a big difference. Don’t make any major financial or credit decisions – even paying off an old debt or delinquency – without first discussing it with your mortgage professional. Outstanding Credit Balances: 30% Impact This factor marks the ratio between the outstanding balance and available credit. Ideally, consumers should make an effort to keep balances as close to zero as possible, and definitely below 30% of the available credit limit when trying to purchase a home. Credit History: 15% Impact This marks the length of time since a particular credit line was established. A seasoned borrower is stronger in this area. Type of Credit: 10% Impact A mix of auto loans, credit cards, and mortgages is more positive than a concentration of debt from credit cards alone. Inquiries: 10% Impact This quantifies the number of inquiries (or requests for credit) that have been made on a consumer's credit history within a six month period. Each individual inquiry can cost from 2 to 50 points on a credit score, but the maximum number of inquiries that will reduce the score is 10. In other words, don’t start the loan process until you’re ready to act. Otherwise each individual credit inquiry could cost you. However, scoring models have now been adjusted to count multiple "hard" inquiries within a 14-day period as a single request. What’s in a Credit Report?
Issue 332
TEN WAYS TO REBUILD YOUR CREDIT (Part 2 of a 3 part credit series) It’s true, negative credit items can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years (up to 10 years for a bankruptcy). But this doesn’t mean that you have to wait 7 to 10 years to begin reestablishing a good credit rating. Because credit scoring models typically lend more weight to your recent activity than to the mistakes you might’ve made in the past, you can change your habits right now and begin reestablishing yourself as a good credit risk for a home loan or mortgage refinance in just 6 to12 months. 1. First Talk to your Lender! Three months prior to securing your mortgage, don’t apply for, close, or pay off any credit cards, loans, or other kinds of credit without speaking to your mortgage professional first. Any one of these actions, as innocent as they might seem, could seriously affect your credit score, adding significant costs to your mortgage should your score suddenly drop. 2. Have some credit history! Lenders like to see a potential borrower responsibly manage a mix of revolving debt (such as credit cards) and installment debt (such as a car loan or most mortgages). Get a secured credit card if you are having trouble obtaining credit because you lack history. 3. Make your payments on time! Even one late payment can lower your credit score and increase the interest that you may be charged on loans. If your payment is one day late, it is late. Even one late payment can negatively impact your score and remain on your credit file for seven years. Also, people are penalized more for missing high payments than low ones. 4. Clean up credit report errors! If you’re not aware of what's in your credit report a few months before applying for a loan, you'll have no idea how a lender will perceive you, rightly or wrongly. 5. Have a few credit accounts with higher limits rather than lots of low limit credit accounts! Credit accounts with low limits suggest no experience with higher level limits. 6. Don’t Max out your credit cards! This suggests that you cannot manage your spending and that you are overextended. 7. Don’t just pay the minimum payments! This can cost you thousands of dollars over the life of the debt or loan. 8. Rate shopping is actually okay!!! It used to be that too many inquires could damage your score. Generally, six or more inquiries within a six month period of time would scare a lender. Fortunately, scoring models have now been adjusted to count multiple "hard" inquiries (mortgage lenders) within a 14-day period as a single request and have little impact on your credit score. 9. Don’t close your long term accounts! Closing old, unused accounts could hurt your credit score by shortening the length of your credit history. Long term accounts demonstrate a responsible history with credit. The longer you have an account the stronger your credit score. 10. Don’t Cosign for other people’s credit! Cosigning a loan has many risks and little reward. All late payments by the primary borrower appear on your credit report. Plus, the cosigned loan could change your debt-to-income ratio, making it harder to qualify for future credit. Formula for Optimizing Your Credit Profile Credit scoring formulas are not yet public information. The following formula is purely based on observation and should be used as general information only:
HOW YOU LOSE POINTS ON YOUR CREDIT SCORE Mortgage lender Only 2 pts! Auto dealers 7-10 pts (can be more if it is a high risk lender) Credit cards 7-20 pts Finance companies Up to 40 pts (these are typically any company that offers “90 days same as cash”. These reductions can last 6 months or longer.) Issue 333
OBTAINING CREDIT INFORMATION AND CORRECTING ERRORS (Part 3 of a 3 part credit series) A quarter of all credit reports contain at least one mistake, old or duplicate information, mistaken identity, or a host of other incorrect facts. If your credit ratings are suffering because of mistakes on your credit report, it is your right to have them corrected at no cost! In the U.S., the most popular credit reporting agencies, known as "the big three," are Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. Each agency may have a varied account of your credit history, therefore it is recommended that you request credit reports from all three agencies. For your free credit reports, you can call 877-322-8228. (Please make sure you spell this website correctly as copycat sites are stealing Social Security numbers.) You can request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the credit reporting companies. Although each credit reporting agency may list information in a different format, standard data includes:
If you find a mistake on your report, fill out a request for investigation form, which should have been included with your report. If you didn't get a form, send the agency a one-page letter including your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, a detailed explanation of the error, your signature and a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill that reflects you name and current address. Also include copies of any supporting documents, such as statements or receipts. You need only contact the bureau that actually shows an error. Credit bureaus are legally required to investigate disputed information by contacting the creditor that originally supplied them with the information. Factual information cannot be removed from a credit report, and the credit bureaus will not automatically remove information from your reports just because you dispute it. You have to prove that information is wrong with supporting documentation before a credit bureau will correct a report. However, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a credit bureau must within 30 days remove or modify a disputed item if it is found to be inaccurate, incomplete or cannot be verified after a reasonable investigation. Colorado law requires that inactive credit and collections with balances drop off the report after 7 years of inactivity. Bankruptcies will drop off after 10 years. Contact information for the three major U.S. credit bureaus: Experian Consumer Relations P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 759013 (888) 397-3742 www.experian.com Trans Union Consumer Relations P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 (800) 888-4213 www.transunion.com Equifax Consumer Relations P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 (800) 685-1111 www.equifax.com Issue 334
March 24, 2008 COLORADO SPRINGS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!!!! According to Lorna Gutierrez from the Colorado Springs Business Journal, folks who live in Colorado Springs might be getting a bit light-headed as of late. Not because of the lack of oxygen at 6,000-plus feet, but because of the abundance of statistical compliments that have come their way! Over the last few years, we have earned the titles of:
Although statistics in general can be skewed to fit a certain viewpoint, Colorado Springs is fairly credible in proving these claims as true. Colorado Springs was originally founded as a health resort, therefore the city's listing in Men's Fitness would likely please its founders. Gym memberships, exercise, diet, time spent in traffic and other factors were calculated to determine the ranking. Take a drive in Colorado Springs and it's doubtful the biker lanes will be unoccupied, even on snowy days. “Sedentary” the city is not. And to have a baby?....Fit Pregnancy cites the low violent crime rate, more vitamins and healthier/organic foods, miles and miles of stroller-friendly trails and public pathways, better air quality and 164 percent more public park space that average as some of the reasons why Colorado Springs scored high on it's list. The Springs' restaurants, clubs, cafes, bistros and parks contributed to its “Best Place to Chill” statistic. Colorado Springs is the fourth-highest city in the country when it comes to residents with a high school diploma, adding to its brainpower statistic while 34.9 percent of residents 25 and older have at least a bachelor's degree. The Earth Day Network ranked the city high environmentally, particularly in human and public health, air quality and quality of life. The Springs also was given the blue ribbon for having the best walking trails in the country. So fit, yes. Not to mention the average Colorado Springs driver has an accident once every 12.3 years, making it a fairly safe place to drive. The title of “Best Place to Live” helped bring new companies to town. David White, vice president of marketing at the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, said that Colorado Spring’s reputation has an impact on bringing smaller businesses here, although not the Fortune 500 companies. Mike Kazmierski, President and CEO of the EDC said he thinks the rankings can be attributed, in part, to the quality of life that Colorado Springs provides -- the climate, the outdoor activities, the big-city amenities with a small town feel. The community is always working to improve, including taking the initiative to lower its rating as one of the most congested cities of its size. Will Temby, CEO of the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, says, "We're always looking at the city's infrastructure, transportation, education and environment to do business.” White also said that Colorado Springs can't rest on its laurels and should "do everything in its power to keep the rankings high and continue to find ways to make the city more livable." Some of those areas include energizing downtown, attracting more amenities such as shopping and making sure educational standards are met. This is our city, therefore we need to stay on top of things and make it even better! Issue 335
March 31, 2008 PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE SPRING SELLING SEASON Part 1 – Preparing your Thinking The days when you could throw a "For Sale" sign in the front yard and have your home sell quickly are over, at least for now. Around the country, home inventories are up, and the result has been a drastic increase in average selling times. Add to that the fact that your home may not be worth what it was a year ago, and you've got the makings of a rather lengthy, and potentially miserable, sales process. But, it doesn't have to be that way. All you need to do is make sure that your home is one of the better looking ones in its price range. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially when you consider the number of owners who are willing to go to extreme measures to prepare their homes for sale. Let's put it this way; remodeling a kitchen or re-flooring the entire house would not be considered that uncommon. If this scares you, here's some news that may lift your spirits. Although selling a home has become harder, buying your new home will be much easier and cheaper! This is because the seller of your future home will be taking the same steps you are to secure the sale. Now that we're looking at the glass as half-full, let's concentrate on getting your home sold. A seller must adopt what is referred to as a "seller's state of mind". While you have lived in your home for 15 years and become accustomed to its look and feel, a prospective buyer has not. Your home is now a product, and it's your job to prepare it for sale. All of the decisions you make now are business decisions, and emotions should be avoided. Try to obtain an expert opinion, either from a real estate agent or a professional home stager, regarding what needs to be done and then act on their advice. You must be tougher on yourself and on your home because we are selling in tougher conditions. You must distinguish your property from the large number of similar homes in the same price bracket. Don't let your property languish while new, competitive inventory is building up. Price it right initially to give buyers a sense they are getting a value for their money and to avoid numerous, incremental price reductions that reek of desperation. You must be proactive. Consider a pre-sale inspection. Hiring your own inspector before you put your home on the market can alert you to problems you didn't know about, giving you a chance to fix them before they complicate -- or ruin -- a potential sale. If the repairs are expensive, you may face a difficult choice, but that's better than being surprised once your home is in escrow. Go ahead and do any of the necessary repairs. Be prepared to offer a copy of the report to prospective buyers. They will appreciate knowing that you've already taken care of these issues in advance. Being proactive often results in higher offers on a home than originally projected. You don't have to spend a fortune renovating your house to ensure a quick sale at the best price. Some of the most effective fix-ups are also the cheapest. Spending just $400 to $500 on fresh landscaping, for example, can boost your home's value by $1,600 to $1,800, according to a survey of real estate agents conducted by HomeGain.com. Spend another $300 on cleaning and de-cluttering your home, the survey found, and you could add another $2,000 or more to the sale price. To pinpoint the projects that make the most sense, start by touring your property with fresh eyes, as if you were a prospective buyer. Drive or walk up to your house and see how it appears from the street. Walk through the front door and take a look around. You might ask a trusted friend to help you spot problems, clutter and weird smells that you've long since stopped noticing. Keep a pen and pad handy to list the projects that need to be done. Beware of the big projects! Generally, you won't get your money's worth from these projects, but here's what you should consider:
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April 7, 2008 PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE SPRING SELLING SEASON Part 2 – Interviewing Realtors Remember that your best investment in real estate is your choice of the Realtor you hire to represent you. Don't rush. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Allow at least an hour to discuss your options. These are some of the questions you should ask the agents you interview: 1. You need to know how the agent plans to market your home. Ask them for a game plan regarding the amount of advertising they intend to do. 2. You want someone who is active in your market. Just as you would go see a specialist for a medical or legal situation, the real estate agent you choose should know the ins and outs of your neighborhood. 3. Ask for references, complete with phone numbers and testimonials, from satisfied customers. 4. Take a look at the agent's support staff. This includes everything from their personal team to the mortgage professional(s) they like to work with. 5. Look for a strong negotiator and someone with a marketing background. They will need both strengths in order to represent you best. 6. You must be comfortable with the real estate agent you choose. This can be a stressful situation so make sure you work with someone who will help you to enjoy the process. 7. Educate yourself about your local market. Ask agents for these statistics, including comparisons from last year:
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April 14, 2008 PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE SPRING SELLING SEASON Part 3 – Preparing the Inside of Your Home Inspect your floors, your walls, your kitchen, your bathrooms and your closets -- because the Buyers will. Here's what to tackle: • Deep Cleaning is essential for a good first impression. It's also key to keep up the cleaning as long as your house is on the market, which will probably mean a daily dusting and vacuum session. Bathrooms and the kitchen should be kept spotless. • Air Out your Home by opening the windows once a day or running your exhaust fans. Don't cook smelly or greasy foods, which linger in the house. If you have cats, clean the litter box at least once a day. Use potpourri or bake cookies before buyers visit to give your place a "homey" smell. • Remove the Cutter. You need to move anyway, so why not get a head start and make your home look larger by packing away at least one-third of your stuff? Stowing away knickknacks, mementos and family pictures helps depersonalize your home, which is actually a good thing: You want potential buyers to picture themselves living in your home instead of being distracted by your personal effects. Consider renting a temporary storage space rather than stuffing your packed boxes in your closets or garage, which will make them look smaller. • The Small Spaces. Tidy closets and pantries look bigger and more appealing. • Fix your Floors. Real estate agents say buyers really notice the condition of floors. Hardwood should be polished and carpets shampooed or, if they're in bad shape, replaced. Repair any broken tile or linoleum. • Brighten your Walls. If you've painted or wallpapered in recent years, you may be able to get away with just washing your walls. Otherwise, consider repainting your rooms in neutral colors. • Tidy up behind and under the dryer, then clean the dryer vent. • Make room to store winter equipment and clothing by taking advantage of wasted spaces in attics, crawlspaces, closets, and the garage. Tune up that kitchen range:
• Give appliances a facelift. If your kitchen appliances don't match, order new doors or face panels for them. !" • Buff up the bath. Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update. They, too, can be improved without a lot of cash. Even simple things like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are pretty easy for homeowners to install, and they make a big difference in the look of the bath. . • Step up your storage. Old houses, particularly, are notorious for their lack of closet space. If you have cramped storage areas, add do-it-yourself wire and laminate closet systems to bedrooms, pantries and entry closets. • Add a room in a week or less. If you have a three-bedroom house with a den, the only reason the den can't be considered a bedroom may be because it doesn't have a closet. If you add a closet to that room, you've now got a four-bedroom house. That adds a lot of value. • Mind the mechanics. It's often very worthwhile to hire an electrician and plumber for a couple of hours to look over your electrical services, wrap or fix loose wires, fix any faulty outlets, and check for and fix any water leaks. • Look underfoot. Carpeting is another detail that can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner. A professional carpet cleaning is an inexpensive investment, especially if your rugs are in good shape and are neutral colors. • Let there be light. Home stores offer a wide range of inexpensive, but nice-looking, ceiling fixtures these days. If you have a ceiling fan and light, you can also buy replacement fan blades (leaving the fan body in place) to update the fixture's look. • Get a New Doorknob. A nice, big piece of hardware on the front door signals to newcomers that this is a solid home. • Consider curb appeal. What buyers see when they first drive by your home is tremendously important. A nicely mowed lawn, a few well-placed shrubs and a swept walkway makes a great first impression. Issue 338
April 21, 2008 PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE SPRING SELLING SEASON Part 4 – Preparing the Outside of Your Home If your home doesn't look inviting from the outside, a buyer may never venture inside. Here are some suggestions for the exterior of your home: 1. Pressure-wash the oil stains from your driveway. You can also pressure-wash your front porch and sidewalks for a clean new-concrete look. 2. If the weather allows, add color to the front yard by planting colorful annuals. 3. Pack up any lawn décor that detracts from the look of the home. You may love that Lawn Gremlin you purchased online, but remember that the goal is to make your home look neutral in order to attract the most buyers. 4. Get rid of anything that blocks pathways or clutters up side yards, back yards and patios. This includes toys, excess furniture and tools. 5. Make sure that shrubs are trimmed, branches are pruned, and the lawn is manicured. Trim back overgrown bushes and trees so that your home is visible from the street. 6. Keep the lawn green and trimmed, even if you have to hire a gardening service or a local teenager to help. 7. Give your home a fresh coat of paint. (Most homes need to be painted every five years.) Painting exterior doors and window trim can freshen your home's look without the expense of a complete exterior repainting. 8. Shine or replace worn door knockers and hardware. 9. Replace or remove torn screens or damaged storm windows. 10. Make sure exterior lights are working and have fresh bulbs -- some buyers like to cruise by your home at night to see how it looks. 11. You want your home to look as light and bright as possible. Dirty or spotted windows drag down a home's appearance. 12. Dig out and remove rotted or damaged fence posts, mailbox posts, overgrown shrubs, or damaged shrubs. 13. Repair ice-damaged gutters or downspouts. Here are few things you may want to do before preparing the exterior of your home: 1. Schedule small engine tune-ups. 2. Or you may want to perform the small engine tune-ups yourself. A few items you will need are:
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April 28, 2008 HOW TO MOVE WITH PETS Part 1 of 5 Moving is one of the most stressful things a person can do. This event can be just as traumatic for your pets. Making plans for a pet-friendly move will keep you sane and your pets as comfortable as possible. Pets get stressed during moves too. Miserable animals just make the move hard for everyone. Think ahead! 1. Make a moving schedule. Make a plan and stick to it. Once you have a plan, you can allow for the best way to care for your pets. 2. Call the vet and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Don't wait until the last minute! Tell your vet you are moving. Ask your vet if they know if a vet in your new home town they can suggest. If your pet has a condition that may worsen after you move, you should consult your vet about the proper treatment until you can find a new vet. 3. If your pets are due or almost due for shots, now is a good time to get them. It may take you a while to find a new vet and you may need to have updated shot records for boarding, traveling, etc. 4. Not all sedatives are strong, some just take the edge off. Tell your vet what you need. 5. Get a sedative for your pet. If you are traveling long distances, flying, exposing your pet to a means of transportation they've never experienced before, or traveling with children, you should ask your vet for a sedative. Most of these are quite mild and won't really knock the pet out but will certainly take the edge off. This is also helpful if you have a pet that you know doesn't travel well, is cage aggressive or could bite movers. If you need something more sedating, you should discuss this with your vet. Make sure you understand how to give proper dosages. 6. Get copies of vet records and vaccination certificates. The rabies tag will not serve as proof of vaccination. You may need to show the documentation. Make sure your pets get the kennel cough vaccine or other vaccines that will be necessary for travel or boarding. Even if you don't normally board your pet you should consider those vaccines in case something happens on the road or during your move (such as an accident, blizzard or family emergency). Be specific and ask your vet if there is anything else needed that might be requested. Ask what you will need to do to have these vaccinations recognized in your new state or if they will carry over. Chances are if you need a vaccine and don't have it, you'll be in horrible situation when you find out you should have gotten it. Pay the extra $5-$10 and you won't have to run back to the vet for an additional vaccine. 7. Get your pet's prescriptions refilled and get a prescription written so you can take it with you and present it to your new pharmacy. Pick up any prescription pet foods. If your pet has specific food needs make sure you pick it up before you leave. You don't want to be lost in a strange town trying to find an open pet store. 8. Make your airline reservations directly with the airline if you are flying to your new destination with your pet. Cats and small dogs can often fly in a small carrier with you in the cabin. Larger pets and large carriers may require transport in the cargo area. The latter is probably the most stressful and dangerous mode of transportation for your pet--see Warnings below. 9. Confirm they accept pets. Keep in mind airlines have very specific regulations for pets transported in the cargo area. They will not allow a pet to fly in temperatures in departure, layover or destination cities if the temperatures are too hot or too cold. It may be a pleasant 75 degrees F in Atlanta but it may be 40 degrees F in Chicago. The decision may not be made until the day of your flight. Issue 340
May 5, 2008 HOW TO MOVE WITH PETS Part 2 of 5 10. Travel on the same flight as your pet if your pet is going to be in the cargo area. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold. When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions. 11. Find out what additional cost is involved. 12. Inquire if you must fax your vet records beforehand (always keep a copy with you). 13. Get the right size carrier for your pet and trip needs. 14. Ask what specific maximum carrier measurements are allowed. Your pet should be able to turn around freely and not be cramped. Food and water should be available for cargo transported animals. You may be able to buy a cheaper carrier online so shop around if you have time. Also try borrowing one from a friend or buying one from a friend. Chances are these aren't used often and you may be able to get a cheaper one if you just ask around. 15. Plan to arrive at the airline extra early. Allow time for potty breaks before you enter and give your pet the sedative. 16. Schedule boarding for your moving day. Having boxes scattered, furniture in disarray and the family stressed also stresses your pets. With people going in and out, your pets may escape. Even the most well behaved pet may flee because of the stress. It is easy for a pet to get out unnoticed with all of the confusion. If the pet is very stressed they may resist coming to your call. Consider taking your pet to the kennel 2 days before and schedule the pick up on departure day after the trucks are loaded and right before you leave. Since most people move on weekends and that's when most people board their pets, you should schedule your boarding as soon as you know your moving day. Don't wait until the last minute because you may be out of luck! 17. If you don't board your pet, you should arrange for a closed off room that will not have in and out foot traffic. Warn movers, family and children to stay out of room and not to open the door. Secure your pet at all times when doors, attics and windows are open for moving. 18. A clean dog makes for a much more pleasant car trip 19. Schedule your dogs to be groomed the week you leave. They will smell clean, their nails will be trimmed so not to ruin your car's interior and you won't be taking a dirty dog into a new home. Consider having long hair dogs shaved or heavily trimmed. You may also want to give your cats a good brushing, since they might shed more when they're stressed. 20. Let the groomer know you are moving. They may have suggestions about the groom that will make traveling with your dog easier such as shaving a particularly furry and shed prone dog. You can also request they do extra brushing to remove as much shedding as possible, trim the nails and take other measures to help with odors. 21. Be sure you request they are groomed early enough in the day to be completely dry and well brushed by the scheduled pick up time. (You don't want the car to smell like a wet dog.) 22. If you are sensitive to scents, make sure you agree on the fragrances/cologne spray used. Some shampoos also help with shedding and itching. Ask your groomer. You don't want your dog itching for the entire trip. Not only is it noisy but it is also hard on the pet since the dog may not have enough room to scratch. 23. Make your grooming appointment early and don't wait until the last week. You're making special requests and you should give them plenty of notice about what you want done so they can schedule the appropriate amount of time and personnel needed. Issue 341
May 12, 2008 HOW TO MOVE WITH PETS Part 3 of 5 24. Research your route if you driving. If you're going to stay anywhere overnight, make sure you know which hotels are pet friendly. Some hotels are pet friendly but limit pets to certain rooms. Make your reservations early to make sure you can bring your pet and get one of those rooms. The most important thing is to speak with someone directly at the hotel. Make a note of their name and department. Get a direct phone number if you can. Do not make assumptions based on what you read online! Hotels often change their policies and may have stopped taking pets. The special requests you make in an online reservation are sometimes not read. You don't want to try to check in and be turned away. Strange city, no hotel reservations can be a huge headache. Plan ahead. 25. Always put the do not disturb sign (some hotels offer pet signs) on a hotel room door if your pets are inside. Housekeeping could accidentally let them escape. Your pets could also scare people who are afraid of dogs. You should try to keep them crated. Don't leave them alone if they bark as it may disturb the neighbors. 26. Remember to tip hotel staff if they are particularly helpful with the care of your pet. Even offer an extra tip upfront if you are staying several days. This may help insure your pets get that extra bit of attention in the pet friendlier hotels. This includes housekeeping if they are having to work around the pets. You may need to coordinate a time with housekeeping to remove the pets from the room so it can be cleaned daily. 27. Do everything you can to prevent your pet from having accidents on the floor or being destructive in the hotel. The hotel may be pet friendly but chances are the fine print says you are responsible for damages caused. You don't want the hotel to charge you for $4000 in new carpet. 28. Pack some treats as well as food. Your dog may not be in the mood to eat so try to give him little treats. 29. Make a list of things you will need for the road and make sure they aren't packed to go on the truck. If you're missing something on your list, pick it up now and not wait until move day. Instead of throwing away tattered linens and pillows, you can save one or two for the pet carrier. See the "Things You'll Need" lists below. 30. Will your pet carrier fit in the car? You may need to measure and get a new one. 31. Set a small suitcase or bag aside for the traveling pets. 32. Spoil your pet during this stressful time. Let them sleep in the bed, take them for walks, take time out to play and feed them their favorite food or treats. It will improve their spirits for the actual move day. Pets are often the last thing on people's minds during a stressful move. The pets begin to feel unloved and neglected which can bring about more stress and bad behaviors. Issue 342
May 19, 2008 HOW TO MOVE WITH PETS Part 4 of 5 33. It is not uncommon for pets to refuse food and water while away from home or in a stressful situation. Keep a close eye on their intake. Offer them special treats and their favorite foods to encourage them to eat. Try to take time every few hours during moving and travel to walk your pet, set out food and water and try to get them to drink. If their appetite doesn't improve, you should contact a vet. Some sedatives can cause your pets to become thirsty and if not addressed they become dehydrated. Make sure they have access to plenty of water. 34. Keep a log of when and how much sedative you give. It will prevent you from double dosing should you forget in all the chaos of moving. 35. When you get to your new home, take time out to play with your pet. Give them time to associate their new home as a positive place. They should have updated ID tags. Go over your new yard very carefully and make sure it is dog or cat proof, there are no harmful items or chemicals, the gates close, the fence is secure and your pets can't escape. Your pet may be confused with the new surroundings. Have patience and understand this is a confusing time. Tips:
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May 26, 2008 HOW TO MOVE WITH PETS Part 5 of 5 Warnings:
Things You'll Need Dogs: • carrier of proper size • soft bedding such as blankets • pillows or even their favorite dog bed if it will fit • dog treats (try buying their favorite since they sometimes are fickle about eating on the road) • small container or ziplock bag of food • room temperature bottled water • a favorite toy • piddle pads for the hotel in case of accidents • plastic garbage bag with extra bedding (in case of potty accident in the car you can put the soiled bedding back in the bag and tie in knot) • washable bedding (old towels, old pillow that can be thrown away) to be used in the carrier in addition to piddle pads if potty accidents in car are common • can of air freshener--just in case so you won't be driving in a stinky car • chew toys or other toys that don't make noise • wet wipes or damp rag stored in a ziplock bag for cleaning messes. • copy of vet records • sedatives or other medications • leash and collar (or harness if your dog is prone to slipping out of the collar) to prevent an escape at a rest stop or hotel parking lot • new ID tags with your new address; put on your dog once you leave; if they get away at a rest area, you can be reached at your new home • paper plates or bowls for feedings. Cats: • leash or collar (or harness since cats can easily pull out of collar) • copy of vet records • paper plates or bowls for feedings • sedatives or any prescribed medications • ziplock bag or small container with food • room temperature bottled water • any favorite treat since they may get particularly fickle about eating • a favorite toy • kitty litter in a ziplock bag with disposable cardboard box tops • carrier appropriate for travel Issue 344
June 2, 2008 YARD SALE TIPS FOR SELLERS Part 1 of 3 Yard sales can bring in great pocket change and sometimes a chunk of bills. What you reel in can depend on the quality of the goods, but a lot depends on marketing and presentation. Here are some tips to help you get the most money from your sale: TIMING • Plan your sale around paydays, after the first or 15th of a month. • Avoid a yard sale on major holiday weekends. • Hold your sale on the weekend and when the weather is mild. If you have the time, make it a two-day extravaganza and make sure to have a friend or family member on hand with you. GETTING THE GOODS • Remember The Golden Rule of garage sales: “Anything goes." If you have doubts about the value of one of your items, put it out anyway. You never know when a complete stranger may want to buy your used flip-flops. • Think about where you're moving your stuff and what items might be obsolete there. A snow-blower in Miami? And don’t forget that some items might cost more to move than to replace--firewood, for example. • Clear clutter. If you haven't used something in more than a year, it's probably good garage-sale fodder. • Ask family members if it is OK to sell their stuff. It might have sentimental value. • Give boxes to family members. Ask them to put in two or three items. Allow them to keep the money from the sale of those items. • Toss broken and unmatched items. Or stick those items in a free rummage box. • Let other family, friends and neighbors know you're having a sale. They may want to participate. ORGANIZING YOUR STASH • Go through items for credit-card receipts, money or mementos. • Dust, clean and repair your items. • Use sawhorses and plywood to create a table. Borrow tables. • Sort, group and present your items like a professional showroom. Clothing should be clean, sized and sorted by gender. • Group small things in zippered plastic bags. Sell items, such as hair ornaments, in bulk. • Organize books, CDs and DVDs with the spines up so shoppers can read the titles. • Arrange items by category. • Rearrange your merchandise as items are sold. • Use newspapers to wrap fragile goods and plastic bags as totes. ADVERTISING • Place a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. It’s also good to take advantage of any free advertising in your community i.e. supermarket bulletin boards, church, school or local Internet community. Put up your signs a day or two before your sale. You can also have your sale announced for free by a local radio station that hosts a swap-and-shop program. Compose a short ad to run on Web sites. • Learn your jurisdiction's rules about placing temporary signs. • Use bright neon-colored paper and big lettering for signs. Add arrows for direction. • Create a contingency plan if it rains. Put information on sign. Issue 345
June 9, 2008 YARD SALE TIPS FOR SELLERS Part 2 of 3 PUTTING ON A GREAT SHOW! • Flag or mark water sprinklers or protruding items so cars don't drive over them and people won't trip. • Mow the lawn, water the garden and sweep the walk and driveway. • Make sure the dog isn't at home. • Try to set up everything the night before or very early on sale day. • Keep the set up simple and organized. Arrange your wares so that browsers have room to comfortably walk around. If possible, make an electrical outlet available to test appliances. PRICING • Price items realistically. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes: How much would you be willing to pay for clothing that went out of style 10 years ago? • Research potentially valuable items on eBay or in price guidebooks. • Set prices at 25 percent to 30 percent of retail, less if you want quicker sales. Be prepared to bargain. • Cut out catalog entries and prices for some of your items to allow people to comparison shop. • Stick colored dots on top of most items, so you won't have to price them individually. Then display signs that decipher the coding: Pink, 25 cents; blue, 50 cents; green, $1; etc. Avoid using masking tape. • Designate a bargain bin with items, say, two for $1. • Give quantity discounts, such as $1 each or two for $1.75. • Consider marking down everything half price for the last hour of the sale or last day. • Check your ego at the door. There’s a good chance that some of your most treasured items will be purchased for a costume or Halloween party. MANAGING YOUR MONEY • Get about $50 in change with plenty of small bills to help make change. • Create a separate table for the cashier. Consider making your cash box a fanny pack. • Leave any large bill that you're making change for in view until the transaction is completed. • Lock your house doors during the sale to prevent theft. • Secure all cash that you receive in a safe place. Keep out only enough money to make change and put the rest in the house. • Don't accept checks unless you're well acquainted with the buyer. IDEAS THAT MAKE IT EASIER • Place large items, especially furniture, at the front of the driveway to entice shoppers. • Be prepared for early birds who want first crack at your treasures. Post a starting time and stick to it. You might even want to enforce it with another sign, "Early birds pay double." • Have some toys to give to children for free to keep them occupied while parents shop. • Play relaxing background music to put buyers in a good mood. It allows customers to talk to a spouse about purchases without being overheard. • Keep a tape measure, extension cord and calculator handy. • Enlist several family members to assist customers and the cashier. CLEANING UP AFTER THE SALE • Don't litter. Remove your signs from the neighborhood as soon as the sale ends. • Decide in advance what you'll do with leftovers so they won't go back into the house. • Show some kindness and donate them to charitable organizations. Some will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods (be sure to get a receipt, as your donation may be tax-deductible). Issue 346
June 16, 2008 YARD SALE TIPS FOR BUYERS Part 3 of 3 TIPS FOR THE BUYERS AT A YARD SALE!!!! PLAN AHEAD OF TIME • Make a list of things you want and need, including measurements and sizes, and their retail prices. • If you're on the hunt for clothes, take measurements of family members — not just sizes. List inseams, sleeve lengths, waist, neck and chest measurements, and take the tape measure with you so you can check. • If you'll be looking for antiques or collectibles, read guides and look for specialized price guides to study. • Plan your route the day before or very early that morning, giving priority to estate sales, moving sales or tag sales and sales in well-to-do neighborhoods. If there's a two-day sale, you'll find the best stuff on Day 1 but lower prices on Day 2. • Go to the bank or gather small bills and change at home. Most purchases will be small, so don't expect sellers to be able to break your $20. ON THE YARD SALE DAY! • Start early. Most sales begin at 8 am. Be on time, don't be too leisurely, but be polite. Dealers or resale shop owners often arrive at the best sales before they open. • Carry snacks and water so you won't have to stop during peak shopping time. • Bring along a little wagon or something similar if you'll be in a neighborhood of sales. That way you have a place to stow your finds without heading back to the car after every house. • Pack an old comforter or throw rugs in the car to protect purchases from getting scratched or broken. • Put your money in a fanny pack. It frees your hands to shop without risk of losing your purse. And wear good walking shoes. • Add a magnifying glass and small magnet to the tape measure you're toting. You'll be able to examine details and determine the type of metal in an object. • Ask sellers to plug in electrical items to be sure they work. Ditto for battery-run items like toys. Open boxes to see if all pieces, or enough of them, are included to ensure an item will work or can be played with. • Negotiate a fair price. Few things at yard sales are a fixed price. Respectfully offer what you would take if you were selling. • If you're short on cash and need to leave a deposit, take part of your purchase with you, such as a drawer, so an item can't be sold out from under you. • Drive a big vehicle. If you're hunting for furniture, be prepared to pay and go. If you want to pick it up later, another buyer could try to outbid you. Issue 348
June 30, 2008 ARE YOU GREEN YET? CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME! ENERGY EFFICIENCY – Heating, A/C and Windows (Part 1 of 4) Here are some ideas which will Save You Money on Utility Bills and Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Get an Inspection: The idea is to keep the outside air from leaking inside, and the inside air from escaping outside! Inspect your home thoroughly for drafts and other leaks. You can also have it professionally inspected by a bonded, insured and certified Home Inspector. Check windows and doors for drafts and caulk where necessary. Inspect the electrical outlets for drafts. If you feel a draft, install gaskets behind the outlets. Also, make sure heating/cooling ducts are wrapped in insulation. Heating and Air Conditioning: Install a high efficiency furnace and cooling system with a programmable thermostat. Set the thermostat to 68% in the winter and 78% in the summer. As gas and electricity prices increase, energy bills keep rising. The average household spends $615 each year on heating and cooling. Using an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat can save up to 33% on heating and cooling per year. This will prevent enough CO2 emissions to equal removing 600 cars from the road a year. You don't have to freeze to be “Green”. But by simply adjusting your thermostat up a few degrees in the Summer and down a few degrees in the Winter, you will save about $114 on your energy bill and will keep 2 1/2 tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere (based on a 1500 sq ft home). During the winter months, for every degree you turn the heat down you'll reduce your energy bill by 5%! According to the Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat in the Winter by just one degree, you can save up to $40 a year. And in the Summer, save 3% off your bill for every degree you turn the thermostat up. If you install a programmable thermostat, you can set it to turn your home temperature up or down when you're at work or sleeping, saving around $150 a year while keeping more than 2 tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Ceiling Fans: By rotating ceiling fans clockwise in summer and counterclockwise in winter, warm air is pushed down in cool months and pulled up in warm ones. Low-E Windows: New Energy Star qualified windows can help reduce your energy bill dramatically. You can save $125 - $450 a year when replacing single pane windows, or a $25 - $110 a year when replacing double paned clear glass windows. These windows contain low-emissive (low-E) glass. Low-E glass is made with a metallic coating on the inside of the insulated glass unit which lowers the window’s ability to transfer heat and saves energy. Without compromising visibility, the low-E coating reduces fading by up to 75% by reflecting the long-wave light rays that carry heat and UV. Insulated Curtains: Insulate your windows from heat & cold with Insulated Curtain Liners. No need to go out and buy new curtains. A liner can be put behind any existing curtain to make them energy-smart . This will help you save on heating & air conditioning bills by keeping your room warmer in winter & cooler in summer. This “look” also adds "heft" to your existing curtains which can make them look more expensive. Check out Thermalsuede Liners. USE ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW SHADES Believe it or not, bamboo shades are thermal and help insulate your windows from heat and cold. They are also a “rapidly renewable" material as opposed to wood (bamboo grows almost as fast as you can cut it). Using any products made of bamboo rather than wood will help reduce our carbon footprint by saving energy & trees. Issue 349
July 7, 2008 ARE YOU GREEN YET? CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME! ENERGY EFFICIENCY – Gadgets Part 2 of 4 Here are some ideas which will Save You Money on Utility Bills and Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: OCCUPANCY SENSOR LIGHT SWITCH OK, who left the lights on? You’ll never have to ask that question again after you install wall-mounted motion-sensing switches! Simply walk into a room and your motion signals the lights to turn on automatically. And more importantly, the lights automatically go off when the sensor detects no movement for a set period of time that you choose (from 15 seconds to 15 minutes). It is easy to install and easily connects to your existing wiring, just like a regular light switch. SOLAR-POWERED ATTIC FAN Attics can reach temperatures of up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit during a hot summer day in Colorado, so ventilation of your attic is an important factor in keeping your home cool. The heat in the attic acts like a giant radiator, passing heat back into your living spaces and your cooling bill through the roof. (No pun intended!) Also, heat in the attic draws the moisture from your home up into the attic causing insulation & construction materials to deteriorate and mold. A Solar Attic Fan easily attaches to your roof and actually gives you a double savings as it will lower your air conditioning bill and is powered completely by free solar energy. They are easy to install, have no electrical wiring, so there is no cost for an electrician and no permits to pull. They are extremely powerful - a single unit can fully vent up to 1200 square feet. Place it wherever you need improved circulation: attic, lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages and even barns. POWER GAUGES A product called Kill A Watt and Kill A Watt EZ are gadgets that tell you how much power is consumed by anything plugged into it. The EZ version lets you enter your cost per kilowatt hour and it will monitor the plugged in device and give you a cost per week, month or year. WATT STOPPER AND SMART STRIP A Watt Stopper Power Strip and the Smart Strip automatically shut down outlets if not in use. CONTROL LIGHTS Intermatic Home Settings Lighting Control Starter Kit costs approximately $100 and comes with 2 lamp modules for controlling lights and a master control. This Z-Wave product can be expanded for security and other controls relatively inexpensively. SOLAR CHARGERS There are many Solar Chargers available for free and convenient charging of your cell phones, home phones, PDAs, digital cameras or other 5V devices, MP3 Players and iPods.
LED ITEMS
Research materials gleaned from Home Depot, Lowes and Regis & Kelly Today Show. Issue 350
July 14, 2008 ARE YOU GREEN YET? CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME! ENERGY EFFICIENCY – Lighting Part 3 of 4 Here are some ideas which will Save You Money on Utility Bills and Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: ENERGY STAR® COMPACT FLORESCENT LIGHT BULBS (CFLs) • If the mention of fluorescent lights conjures the image of over-lit school gymnasiums and older office buildings, think again. Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, are now available in more flattering, softer shades and are currently the most cost-effective, eco-friendly option for lighting your home • Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Although CFL bulbs cost more money, over the course of each bulb’s lifetime, you will save approximately $90 per bulb in energy costs! • CFLs consume up to 75% less energy and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. • Although CFLs are slightly more expensive than incandescents, you will see significant savings over time: CFLs will last up to 10,000 hours, compared to just 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. • Since LEDs dim for some time before they actually burn out, you'll have a warning before you need to replace the bulbs. • Incandescent bulbs operate at 350 degrees F in order to produce light, while CFLs operate at 90 degrees to produce light. The lower operating temperature of CFLs mean they are much more efficient that incandescent bulbs. • Since CFLs give off less heat than incandescents, your air conditioner will get a break in summer months, reducing your next energy bill. • Since CFLs use less power than regular incandescent light bulbs, they emit fewer harmful greenhouse gases into the environment. • CFLs are best suited to large spaces such as kitchens and family rooms since they burn brighter than incandescent bulbs. • LEDs are best suited for lights that are frequently turned on and off during the day – in the bathroom, garage, or a closet, for example – and they're cooler than both CFLs and incandescent bulbs. • Since they cast a white light, as opposed to an incandescent’s yellow tint, LEDS are easier on the eyes which makes them ideal for reading lights as well. ENERLUME|EM® - LOWER THE POWER CONSUMPTION OF THE BALLAST • The EnerLume|EM® is an energy saving device for use with new or existing fluorescent lighting systems. By timing the flow of power into the ballast, it reduces electrical consumption with negligible foot-candle loss at savings up to 15%. That means that your lights will not be dim just because they are using less power! Savings percentages are set using the EnerLume|EM® software (Windows® based) provided. This software allows the user to program changes to savings and "On/Off" as timed events. • The EnerLume|EM® is not a power restrictors. Power restrictors limit power drawn by dimming the lights. The EnerLume|EM® tells the ballast to be more efficient. It actually increases the efficacy of the fluorescent lighting system. • Installation is accomplished by "splicing" the EnerLume|EM® in between the supply feeder and the lighting panel. Suitable for three phase or single phase systems. EXTERIOR LIGHTING • Why pay for electricity when solar energy is free? Outdoor solar light fixtures give off no emissions, creating great environmental benefits. Requiring no cords and minimal maintenance, solar light fixtures can be installed virtually anywhere. On sunny or cloudy days, the solar cell panel converts light into electrical energy and stores it in the rechargeable battery. The battery holds enough energy for the light to shine throughout the night. • Solar-powered lights – charged by sunlight and automatically illuminated once night falls – are currently the best option for outdoor lighting. Solar lights have made great strides since they were first introduced: they’ve become brighter, last longer, and are now available in a wide variety of styles and design. • There are a number of attractive, energy-efficient lighting options for your backyard garden, deck, porch, and driveway, all of which provide safety at night and create ambiance for outdoor entertaining. • The beauty of solar-powered outdoor lighting is that it is so easy to install. No cords or wires mean you can place the fixtures wherever you want and move them around as necessary. • If you have electric powered Exterior Lighting, dimmers and timers are another way to control the amount of energy you use. Always make sure your outdoor security lights are on a motion-detector setting so they’re not on all night. This is irritating for your neighbors and costly for you. Research materials gleaned from Home Depot, Lowes and Regis & Kelly Today Show. Issue 351
July 21, 2008 ARE YOU GREEN YET? CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME! ENERGY EFFICIENCY – Appliances & Technology Part 4 of 4 Solar and ENERGY STAR qualified products are energy efficient products that use significantly less energy than conventional products. ENERGY STAR products come in more than 50 product categories including cordless phones, lighting, home electronics and kitchen appliances. Here are some ideas which will Save You Money on Utility Bills and Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: ENERGY STAR® ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES • For a typical home, appliances account for about 20% of the energy bills. That’s up to $380 per year. ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models saving you money and the environment. • When purchasing a new appliance, remember there are two price tags: what you pay to take it home and the energy and water costs to use it. In most households, the fridge is the biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 (or earlier) with a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model would save enough energy to light the house for 4 months. • By replacing your 10 year old refrigerator, dishwasher, room air conditioner and clothes washer with ENERGY STAR® labeled equipment, you could save about $180 a year. If every home in the U.S. replaced its existing appliances w/ efficient models, we'd eliminate 175 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. • By using energy more efficiently at home you can lower your energy bills by more than 30% (the average home in the U.S. spends $1,900 on energy a year so saving 30% is substantial). • The best time to use major appliances such as industrial strength dishwashers, washing machine, and dryers are in the evening when demands on the power grid are the least. TANKLESS WATER HEATERS • Help save the ozone by lowering CO2 emissions with a tankless water heater. • Tankless water heaters average 98% efficiency rate compared to 80% for a standard tank water heater, resulting in CO2 emission savings. • Tankless water heaters heat water only when needed, which can save you 20% on your energy bills, unlike standard water heats that store gallons of water that needs to be constantly heated and reheated. • NoT only will you save on energy bills and CO2 emissions, but on space as well. Tankless water heaters are small enough to fit in a small closet, in a cupboard or under a sink. BIG SCREEN TVS • LCD models consume much less power than plasma sets; but you should still unplug your set when it is not in use. • A Watt Stopper Power Strip and the Smart Strip automatically shut down outlets if not in use. DESKTOP COMPUTERS • Check out EPEAT or the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool to determine which products use less power and contains fewer toxic elements. • Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 Eco, the ThinkVision L197 Wide & the brand new ThinkVision L197 Wide screen monitor are the Industry's first PCs with GreenGuard Air Quality certification & made from recycled post-consumer content (PCC). LAPTOP COMPUTERS • Generally laptops consume less power and are being built with fewer toxic elements • Fujitsu LifeBook S6510 is ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant, EPEAT silver rated and RoHS compliant; even though this system has a 14-inch screen, it only weighs 4 lbs. • Sony Vaio uses Intel's Core 2 Duo Processor is ENERGY STAR® rated and delivers up to 40% more performance than previous generation of processors, while using 40% less power. Research materials gleaned from Home Depot, Lowes and Regis & Kelly Today Show. |
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