The Real Estate Market is better than you believe! In 2011, the buzz about the housing market was that it is extremely slow, sellers can’t sell, buyers won’t purchase, and banks won’t lend mortgage money.  The reality is... sellers are selling, buyers are buying and banks are providing mortgages.  With consumer price inflation rising, consumers are looking to lock-in steady payments by taking long-term fixed –rate mortgages, however obtaining a mortgage has gotten a bit more stringent. Some qualified buyers have been denied the opportunity to buy in today’s market due to the banks overly restrictive mortgage underwriting situation.  Banks require excellent credit scores and a down payment toward the purchase price.  So if you have what the banks require then go for it, as there is no better time to purchase a home with such historic low mortgage rates making your purchasing power even greater.

Winter is the dreariest season of all.  The cold weather helps put a chill on real estate sales.  It may not be the first choice of a season for selling your home but what if you have to sell your home?  What if you have no choice but to put your house on the market?

I began as a painter in San Francisco in the early 80’s. At that time I had the good fortune to work for a painting contractor who was the worst slob I had ever met. I called him “Top Off” because whenever he opened a can of paint it was as if he was running a blender with the top off. It got everywhere. I was fortunate to work for him though because I picked up a little trick for cleaning spilled paint; specifically latex paint spilled on a carpet. Here’s how it went.

I have been married for 22 years and my husband still reacts to wasps in the house by trying to swat them.  Just recently he nearly tore apart the bathroom trying to get one. Hearing the commotion I chased him, my husband, out and within a minute had captured and removed the wasp from my house - intact and alive.

Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home and carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. If already installed, test them. Replace batteries every daylight savings time change.

1. Avoid Overload:

Check for over-loaded extension cords.

1. Don’t Get Tippy:

If young children are in the home, bookshelves and other furniture should be secure with wall brackets to prevent tipping.

1)Install programmable heating/cooling thermostats  (You will save an average of 20% heating costs).

2)Replace regular incandescent bulbs with “energy star” compact fluorescent bulbs (Save up to 75% on your electricity usage).

1. Look for UL: The UL Mark appears on products that have been tested, verified and inspected for safety. Make sure to look for it to keep your holidays safe and bright.
2. Watch cord Placement: Extension cords should not be placed under rugs or heavy furniture, tacked up or coiled while in use.