For Your Clients: 10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your Home's Appeal
By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, September 4, 2010--When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. The experts at BuyOwner.com offer the following recommendations for preparing a house for sale and staging it for showings.
Tip #1: Refresh the exterior
First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:
-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.
-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.
-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
-Washing windows.
Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape
Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:
-Mowing and edging the lawn.
-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.
-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.
-Weeding and mulching plant beds.
-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.
-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.
-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.
Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance
The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:
-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.
-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.
-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.
-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.
Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture
A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to declutter your home include:
-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.
-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.
-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.
-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.
-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.
Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean
The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:
-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.
-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.
-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.
-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.
-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.
-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.
Tip #6: Make minor repairs
The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:
-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.
-Lubricating door hinges and locks.
Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:
-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.
-Installing under-cabinet lighting.
-Replacing light fixtures.
-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.
-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.
Tip #8: Stage furniture
Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:
-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.
-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.
-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.
-Turning an awkward space into a home office.
-Setting the dining room table with your best china.
-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.
Tip #9: Light up the house
Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:
-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.
-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.
-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.
-Turning on all the lights for a showing.
Tip #10: Add fresh touches
You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:
-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.
-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.
-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.
-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.
-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
Remodeling tips
For Your Clients: 10 Tips for Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor
RISMEDIA, September 3, 2010-- With the U.S. economy facing the lowest home sale statistics in fifteen years and home values continuing to slide in many regions, it's not surprising to hear that housing trends point towards a large percentage of American homeowners looking to improve and maximize their existing property investment versus buying a new home. When deciding to undertake a remodeling project however, there are several invaluable tips to keep in mind as you discuss your home make-over with potential contractors.
Through advice and stories shared by both contractors and consumers, StageofLife.com, a blogging resource for homeowners, discovered 10 important tips on how to find a trustworthy home remodeling contractor to help ensure the right person or company is hired for your next home improvement project.
Tip #1: Does Your Contractor Have Proof of Insurance?
Ask the contractor to have his insurance company mail or fax a copy of his current contractor insurance card to you. If the contractor can't do this - stay away. Why? If there is an accident at your home, you are then liable. This also applies to any sub-contractor or employee that the contractor may use - those individuals should have active insurance cards faxed or mailed to you as well.
Tip #2: Did You Check References and See Photos?
Ask for at least three references - with two of them being for the same type of project you are planning - and then call the references. Additionally, ask the contractor to provide photos of previous work, especially for the same type of project. If he produces lawn and garden photos and you're planning a bathroom remodel, you may want to check out another contractor.
Tip #3: Does Your Contractor Take Debit or Credit Cards?
Besides your ability to earn a few points, bonus miles, or cash back on your project, a good sign that a contractor is financially savvy and has a bank behind his business is his ability to take debit and credit cards. This doesn't just apply to big contracting companies. Many small, one-man shops will take cards if they have a good relationship with their business bank or credit union.
Tip #4: Manners and Appearance?
If the contractor drove his vehicle to your home to give you an estimate, take a look at the way he keeps the equipment and vehicle. Are things clean? Neatly arranged? If not - that's a big warning. The way a contractor treats his tools is a direct connection to how he'll treat your home. During the initial meeting, does the contractor present himself in a professional way? Do you feel comfortable around him or his employees? They will be working in your home after all.
Tip #5: Clean Up Policy?
Ask about the clean-up policy. For example, if your home improvement is a multi-day project, will the contractor be cleaning up at the end of every day or will he leave the dust, wood chips, and other mess laying there for day #2? The more mess in your home - the more it gets tracked around. Many homeowners find themselves with mouths gaping wide after the contractor has left for the day and their floors and home are dirty and messy around the project area.
Tip #6: Will the Contractor Put It In Writing?
Is your contractor willing to put both his bid and the scope of work in writing? If not - walk away immediately. You'll be surprised how many homeowners have been duped by contractors who verbally tell you what's included in their scope of work, but will then, in the middle of everything, require extra money to finish the remodel, thus holding you hostage with an uncompleted home project.
Tip #7: Availability?
Can the contractor get the job done in your timeline rather than his timeline? There's nothing more frustrating than if a contractor tells you that a job will be done by a certain date and then it isn't . On the flip side, if you can't find a good contractor that's willing to commit to your timeline, your expectations may be too high and you may need to adjust your timeline.
Tip #8: Does Your Contractor Use "Subs?"
Does your contractor plan on doing everything himself? Or will he "sub out" work to the "trades?" For example, if you are remodeling a bathroom, you may need a plumber, electrician, and carpenter. It's okay if the contractor subs work out to these specific trades - it shows he wants the work done right.
Also, it's fair to say that you can expect your contractor to make money off the trades, or other sub-contractors, by marking up those quotes for the project. That is a standard practice to help the general contractor recover costs in the time it takes to manage the schedule. If you don't want to spend the extra money on your contractor marking up the trade quotes, then you should prepare to project manage the remodel yourself, but know this may limit your options on contractors willing to work with you.
Tip #9: Quoting & Billing Procedure?
Ask the contractor about his quoting procedure. Will it contain general information, or will it be specific? For example - most contractors will charge you for a fuel surcharge, material up-charges, waste removal, labor, etc. Some will show you these exact costs in a line item invoice, but others roll it up into one big bill. How much detail do you want? You should clarify that with your contractor upfront.
Also - what is the payment or billing policy? Is money required upfront? If so, go back to #1 and #2 above to make sure you have the contractor's references checked and have a copy of his contractor's insurance.
Tip #10: Did Your Contractor Get the Permits?
Ask your contractor to take care of the permits. Although permits cost you money, the inspection process is meant to protect you from poor workmanship and to make sure that everything is being built to code.
By following these 10 tips for hiring a home contractor, you'll feel more confident that you've found the right contractor for your remodeling job.
RISMEDIA, September 3, 2010-- With the U.S. economy facing the lowest home sale statistics in fifteen years and home values continuing to slide in many regions, it's not surprising to hear that housing trends point towards a large percentage of American homeowners looking to improve and maximize their existing property investment versus buying a new home. When deciding to undertake a remodeling project however, there are several invaluable tips to keep in mind as you discuss your home make-over with potential contractors.
Through advice and stories shared by both contractors and consumers, StageofLife.com, a blogging resource for homeowners, discovered 10 important tips on how to find a trustworthy home remodeling contractor to help ensure the right person or company is hired for your next home improvement project.
Tip #1: Does Your Contractor Have Proof of Insurance?
Ask the contractor to have his insurance company mail or fax a copy of his current contractor insurance card to you. If the contractor can't do this - stay away. Why? If there is an accident at your home, you are then liable. This also applies to any sub-contractor or employee that the contractor may use - those individuals should have active insurance cards faxed or mailed to you as well.
Tip #2: Did You Check References and See Photos?
Ask for at least three references - with two of them being for the same type of project you are planning - and then call the references. Additionally, ask the contractor to provide photos of previous work, especially for the same type of project. If he produces lawn and garden photos and you're planning a bathroom remodel, you may want to check out another contractor.
Tip #3: Does Your Contractor Take Debit or Credit Cards?
Besides your ability to earn a few points, bonus miles, or cash back on your project, a good sign that a contractor is financially savvy and has a bank behind his business is his ability to take debit and credit cards. This doesn't just apply to big contracting companies. Many small, one-man shops will take cards if they have a good relationship with their business bank or credit union.
Tip #4: Manners and Appearance?
If the contractor drove his vehicle to your home to give you an estimate, take a look at the way he keeps the equipment and vehicle. Are things clean? Neatly arranged? If not - that's a big warning. The way a contractor treats his tools is a direct connection to how he'll treat your home. During the initial meeting, does the contractor present himself in a professional way? Do you feel comfortable around him or his employees? They will be working in your home after all.
Tip #5: Clean Up Policy?
Ask about the clean-up policy. For example, if your home improvement is a multi-day project, will the contractor be cleaning up at the end of every day or will he leave the dust, wood chips, and other mess laying there for day #2? The more mess in your home - the more it gets tracked around. Many homeowners find themselves with mouths gaping wide after the contractor has left for the day and their floors and home are dirty and messy around the project area.
Tip #6: Will the Contractor Put It In Writing?
Is your contractor willing to put both his bid and the scope of work in writing? If not - walk away immediately. You'll be surprised how many homeowners have been duped by contractors who verbally tell you what's included in their scope of work, but will then, in the middle of everything, require extra money to finish the remodel, thus holding you hostage with an uncompleted home project.
Tip #7: Availability?
Can the contractor get the job done in your timeline rather than his timeline? There's nothing more frustrating than if a contractor tells you that a job will be done by a certain date and then it isn't . On the flip side, if you can't find a good contractor that's willing to commit to your timeline, your expectations may be too high and you may need to adjust your timeline.
Tip #8: Does Your Contractor Use "Subs?"
Does your contractor plan on doing everything himself? Or will he "sub out" work to the "trades?" For example, if you are remodeling a bathroom, you may need a plumber, electrician, and carpenter. It's okay if the contractor subs work out to these specific trades - it shows he wants the work done right.
Also, it's fair to say that you can expect your contractor to make money off the trades, or other sub-contractors, by marking up those quotes for the project. That is a standard practice to help the general contractor recover costs in the time it takes to manage the schedule. If you don't want to spend the extra money on your contractor marking up the trade quotes, then you should prepare to project manage the remodel yourself, but know this may limit your options on contractors willing to work with you.
Tip #9: Quoting & Billing Procedure?
Ask the contractor about his quoting procedure. Will it contain general information, or will it be specific? For example - most contractors will charge you for a fuel surcharge, material up-charges, waste removal, labor, etc. Some will show you these exact costs in a line item invoice, but others roll it up into one big bill. How much detail do you want? You should clarify that with your contractor upfront.
Also - what is the payment or billing policy? Is money required upfront? If so, go back to #1 and #2 above to make sure you have the contractor's references checked and have a copy of his contractor's insurance.
Tip #10: Did Your Contractor Get the Permits?
Ask your contractor to take care of the permits. Although permits cost you money, the inspection process is meant to protect you from poor workmanship and to make sure that everything is being built to code.
By following these 10 tips for hiring a home contractor, you'll feel more confident that you've found the right contractor for your remodeling job.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Credit Scores
What do you advise a financially fit homebuyer to do to increase their credit score or make themselves more attractive buyers, to qualify for the lowest mortgage rates?
A: A FICO score of 700 (FHA)/740 (Conventional) or better qualifies you for the lowest rates. In fact, it qualifies you just as well as a higher score, so if you’re at or over 700/740, there’s no loan qualification rationale for investing effort into boosting it. But these are firm breaking points. The difference between a score of 698 and a score of 700 (in an FHA loan scenario) can cost you a quarter of a point in interest, or thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
I’ve found that people asking about how to boost their credit to qualify for the best interest rates is similar to people asking me how to lose weight: I tell them the truth, then their eyes glaze over when I give them the straight dope, no magic bullets. No one wants to hear: eat vegetables, cut the sugar, and exercise; similarly, they don’t want to hear pay your bills on time, every time.
But I’ve been asked this question a lot recently, so here goes, anyway!
1. Pull your reports online – get them for free, no strings attached, at the government authorized website AnnualCreditReport.com. This doesn’t get you your actual FICO scores, but it does get you the content of your report. Look for errors that could be depressing your score, like accounts that don’t belong to you, balances that are actually lower than reported, old debts that are paid off that should have been removed entirely (7 years for credit cards, 10 for bankruptcies).
2. Consider reopening accounts you thought were open but have been closed because you haven’t used them in so long - it will help boost your utilization ratio, one element of your credit score that is dependent on how much available credit you have.
3. Pay down some debt. This both decreases your debt-to-income ratio (36% is the goal, including the proposed mortgage payment) and increases your credit score, if you do it right (see the next tip).
4. Don’t close any accounts. Instead, spread your debt out. The ideal utilization ratio is about 20-30% of your available credit overall, and on any given account. Closing accounts reduces the amount of credit that is available to you, so it makes it look like you’re closer to being maxed out.
So if you have one card that’s near its max and several others that have zero balances and you’re trying boost your score a bit, quickly, consider balance transfers to spread our your debt more evenly, aiming for 20-30% of the available credit on each card.
5. Use your credit regularly – and pay it on time, every time: Having a good FICO score doesn't happen because you have sound personal finances, including no debt. FICO scores are a measure that shows that you have a history of responsibly using and managing and repaying your debt on an ongoing basis.
6. Finally, check in with your mortgage broker. Have them pull your report and score, as the report they pull is the one they’ll have to go by in the final analysis. If you’re really close to a score level higher, that would empower you to qualify for a lower rate, they can actually run a credit diagnostic on your score and generate some recommendations for which actions you could take to raise your score by the needed few points. Then many of them can do what’s called a ‘Rapid Rescore’ – once you’ve paid that bill off, they can actually submit a request directly to the credit bureaus to update that information and your score in just a few days.
None of these tips will get someone with a 500 credit score to a 700 (other than a massive debt reduction program). But if you’re trying to get a little boost to get you over a credit score hump, these can be potent, and save you beaucoup bucks in interest.
Psst - you should follow Trulia and Tara on Facebook, too!.
A: A FICO score of 700 (FHA)/740 (Conventional) or better qualifies you for the lowest rates. In fact, it qualifies you just as well as a higher score, so if you’re at or over 700/740, there’s no loan qualification rationale for investing effort into boosting it. But these are firm breaking points. The difference between a score of 698 and a score of 700 (in an FHA loan scenario) can cost you a quarter of a point in interest, or thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
I’ve found that people asking about how to boost their credit to qualify for the best interest rates is similar to people asking me how to lose weight: I tell them the truth, then their eyes glaze over when I give them the straight dope, no magic bullets. No one wants to hear: eat vegetables, cut the sugar, and exercise; similarly, they don’t want to hear pay your bills on time, every time.
But I’ve been asked this question a lot recently, so here goes, anyway!
1. Pull your reports online – get them for free, no strings attached, at the government authorized website AnnualCreditReport.com. This doesn’t get you your actual FICO scores, but it does get you the content of your report. Look for errors that could be depressing your score, like accounts that don’t belong to you, balances that are actually lower than reported, old debts that are paid off that should have been removed entirely (7 years for credit cards, 10 for bankruptcies).
2. Consider reopening accounts you thought were open but have been closed because you haven’t used them in so long - it will help boost your utilization ratio, one element of your credit score that is dependent on how much available credit you have.
3. Pay down some debt. This both decreases your debt-to-income ratio (36% is the goal, including the proposed mortgage payment) and increases your credit score, if you do it right (see the next tip).
4. Don’t close any accounts. Instead, spread your debt out. The ideal utilization ratio is about 20-30% of your available credit overall, and on any given account. Closing accounts reduces the amount of credit that is available to you, so it makes it look like you’re closer to being maxed out.
So if you have one card that’s near its max and several others that have zero balances and you’re trying boost your score a bit, quickly, consider balance transfers to spread our your debt more evenly, aiming for 20-30% of the available credit on each card.
5. Use your credit regularly – and pay it on time, every time: Having a good FICO score doesn't happen because you have sound personal finances, including no debt. FICO scores are a measure that shows that you have a history of responsibly using and managing and repaying your debt on an ongoing basis.
6. Finally, check in with your mortgage broker. Have them pull your report and score, as the report they pull is the one they’ll have to go by in the final analysis. If you’re really close to a score level higher, that would empower you to qualify for a lower rate, they can actually run a credit diagnostic on your score and generate some recommendations for which actions you could take to raise your score by the needed few points. Then many of them can do what’s called a ‘Rapid Rescore’ – once you’ve paid that bill off, they can actually submit a request directly to the credit bureaus to update that information and your score in just a few days.
None of these tips will get someone with a 500 credit score to a 700 (other than a massive debt reduction program). But if you’re trying to get a little boost to get you over a credit score hump, these can be potent, and save you beaucoup bucks in interest.
Psst - you should follow Trulia and Tara on Facebook, too!.
Housing market report
Housing prices up in June
But worry persists as foreclosures, unemployment remain bloated.
By Kirsten Valle
kvalle@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Wednesday, Sep. 01, 2010
Charlotte-area home prices continued to inch up in June, a closely watched index released Tuesday shows.
Prices in the metropolitan area rose 0.7 percent from May, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Home prices climbed in June in 17 of the 20 market areas the index tracks, stayed flat in two and declined in one.
The index shows housing prices have begun to rebound from the lowest point of the housing crisis. But other recent indicators signal a difficult road ahead, as first-time homebuyer tax credits have ended, foreclosures continue and unemployment remains inflated.
Mecklenburg home sales fell 11 percent in July, for instance, over the year before, and the average home price climbed just 1 percent that month, remaining below the levels of a few years ago.
Charlotte has held up better than other markets in some respects, but it continues to lag on the Case-Shiller index, the latest data show.
Charlotte-area prices fell 2.7 percent in June from June 2009 - one of only five markets to experience a year-over-year decline, the index shows. That's well below the average gain of 4.2 percent for the Case-Shiller index's 20 markets.
The index is one of the most precise measures of home values because it tracks repeat sales. Like stock market indexes, Case-Shiller reflects changes in price, not an actual price.
Las Vegas remained among the weaker cities, the report found, with home prices falling 0.6 percent from May and 5.2 percent from June 2009. But other markets showed improvement: California's major cities, for instance, have moved from some of the hardest hit to three of the four leading cities, based on year-to-year gains, the index shows.
Still, worry persists.
"While the numbers are upbeat, other more recent data on home sales and mortgages point to fewer gains ahead," said David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P index committee, in a statement Tuesday. "... If this relative weakness in demand continues, it will likely filter through to home prices in coming months."
Kirsten Valle: 704-358-5248
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/09/01/1658732/housing-prices-up-in-june.html#ixzz0yN6kXyNj
But worry persists as foreclosures, unemployment remain bloated.
By Kirsten Valle
kvalle@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Wednesday, Sep. 01, 2010
Charlotte-area home prices continued to inch up in June, a closely watched index released Tuesday shows.
Prices in the metropolitan area rose 0.7 percent from May, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Home prices climbed in June in 17 of the 20 market areas the index tracks, stayed flat in two and declined in one.
The index shows housing prices have begun to rebound from the lowest point of the housing crisis. But other recent indicators signal a difficult road ahead, as first-time homebuyer tax credits have ended, foreclosures continue and unemployment remains inflated.
Mecklenburg home sales fell 11 percent in July, for instance, over the year before, and the average home price climbed just 1 percent that month, remaining below the levels of a few years ago.
Charlotte has held up better than other markets in some respects, but it continues to lag on the Case-Shiller index, the latest data show.
Charlotte-area prices fell 2.7 percent in June from June 2009 - one of only five markets to experience a year-over-year decline, the index shows. That's well below the average gain of 4.2 percent for the Case-Shiller index's 20 markets.
The index is one of the most precise measures of home values because it tracks repeat sales. Like stock market indexes, Case-Shiller reflects changes in price, not an actual price.
Las Vegas remained among the weaker cities, the report found, with home prices falling 0.6 percent from May and 5.2 percent from June 2009. But other markets showed improvement: California's major cities, for instance, have moved from some of the hardest hit to three of the four leading cities, based on year-to-year gains, the index shows.
Still, worry persists.
"While the numbers are upbeat, other more recent data on home sales and mortgages point to fewer gains ahead," said David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P index committee, in a statement Tuesday. "... If this relative weakness in demand continues, it will likely filter through to home prices in coming months."
Kirsten Valle: 704-358-5248
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/09/01/1658732/housing-prices-up-in-june.html#ixzz0yN6kXyNj
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Open Homes
Tips for a Successful Real Estate Open House
By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, August 31, 2010--The Sunday real estate open house is a longstanding ritual in the real estate marketplace, and many homes have been sold on a lazy Sunday afternoon. When used properly, open houses can be a great marketing strategy.
According to the experts at Buy-and-Sell-House-Fast.com, the following steps will help you get the most out of your real estate open house and increase your chances of selling your home for the price you want.
-Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in holding a successful open house. While many home sellers are comfortable with an open house, others are not. If you choose not to host an open house, there are other ways to sell your home.
-Be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent the day before the open house. Take careful notes and follow all of his/her recommendations.
-Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house. Remember that your real estate agent is trying to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, not criticizing your decorating style or choice of accessories.
-Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like. It is crucial that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.
-Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.
-Ask the real estate agent to create a professional-looking sign in sheet for all visitors. It is important to get the name and phone number of all attendees to the open house.
-Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house. This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if a good prospect attends.
-Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance, if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members. For instance, the local garden club may be very interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful outdoor garden.
-It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house. A punch bowl is also an attractive addition.
-Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your pets until the open house is over.
-Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.
-Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins. Not only will the aroma mask any unpleasant smells, but it will create a warm and inviting ambiance as well.
-Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. A home that is too hot or too cold can make visitors uncomfortable, and lead them to wonder about the quality of the heating and air conditioning system.
-Play soft music in the background during the open house. Background music helps set a good mood for visitors.
-Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house. This will allow fresh air and sunshine in and help give the impression of a larger space.
-If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help make guests at the open house feel more at home.
By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, August 31, 2010--The Sunday real estate open house is a longstanding ritual in the real estate marketplace, and many homes have been sold on a lazy Sunday afternoon. When used properly, open houses can be a great marketing strategy.
According to the experts at Buy-and-Sell-House-Fast.com, the following steps will help you get the most out of your real estate open house and increase your chances of selling your home for the price you want.
-Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in holding a successful open house. While many home sellers are comfortable with an open house, others are not. If you choose not to host an open house, there are other ways to sell your home.
-Be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent the day before the open house. Take careful notes and follow all of his/her recommendations.
-Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house. Remember that your real estate agent is trying to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, not criticizing your decorating style or choice of accessories.
-Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like. It is crucial that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.
-Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.
-Ask the real estate agent to create a professional-looking sign in sheet for all visitors. It is important to get the name and phone number of all attendees to the open house.
-Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house. This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if a good prospect attends.
-Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance, if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members. For instance, the local garden club may be very interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful outdoor garden.
-It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house. A punch bowl is also an attractive addition.
-Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your pets until the open house is over.
-Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.
-Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins. Not only will the aroma mask any unpleasant smells, but it will create a warm and inviting ambiance as well.
-Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. A home that is too hot or too cold can make visitors uncomfortable, and lead them to wonder about the quality of the heating and air conditioning system.
-Play soft music in the background during the open house. Background music helps set a good mood for visitors.
-Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house. This will allow fresh air and sunshine in and help give the impression of a larger space.
-If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help make guests at the open house feel more at home.
Taxes on a second Home
For Your Clients: Can I Deduct Taxes on Second House?
By Claudia Buck
RISMEDIA, August 31, 2010--(MCT)--Do I pay taxes for household workers? Can I take a deduction for a second home used by family? The IRS' Jesse Weller and the California Franchise Tax Board's Brenda Voet tackle those questions from readers.
QUESTION: I bought a house a mile from my primary residence with the specific intent of renting it in the future to my daughter. If my daughter lives in the house this year and pays the utilities in her name (but pays no rent), does the house still qualify as a second residence?
ANSWER: Yes, you are considered to have personally used the second property all year because your daughter used it as her primary residence. Accordingly, you may deduct the entire amount of the property tax and mortgage interest as itemized deductions.
Q: If I hire people to work in my yard or do housekeeping, is there a limit to the amount I can pay them without having to fill out 1099s like an employer does? And if there is a limit, does it only apply for one person, or can I hire another for the same limit for a different type of work?
A: When a taxpayer hires people to work in and around his/her personal household — such as housekeepers, baby sitters, gardeners and yard workers — those workers may be considered employees.
Although you usually do not need to complete a Form 1099 for paid work that is performed in and around your home, you may need to issue a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. You also may be responsible for withholding and paying employment taxes on wages paid to workers who qualify as your employees.
Usually a household worker is considered an employee if the payer can control both what work is done and how it is done. If the worker controls how the work is done, the worker is normally considered self-employed and not an employee.
For example, (individuals) who work in your home like carpenters, builders and plumbers are normally self-employed, independent contractors and are not employees. Self-employed workers usually provide their own tools and offer their services to the general public.
To answer your question about the payment threshold: If you pay an individual household employee cash wages (including wages paid by check or money order) of more than $1,700 in 2010, you generally must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes from all cash wages.
You have the option to pay your employee's share of taxes from your own funds rather than withhold it from their salary. You are not required to withhold federal income tax from wages you pay to a household employee, unless your employee asks you to withhold income tax and you agree. In some situations, you also may be responsible to pay federal unemployment taxes on a portion of the cash wages.
If you must withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, or if you withhold federal income tax, you will need to file a Form W-2 for each employee after the end of the year. In that situation you will also need to file a Schedule H, Household Employment Taxes, after the end of the year with your Form 1040 individual income tax return.
By Claudia Buck
RISMEDIA, August 31, 2010--(MCT)--Do I pay taxes for household workers? Can I take a deduction for a second home used by family? The IRS' Jesse Weller and the California Franchise Tax Board's Brenda Voet tackle those questions from readers.
QUESTION: I bought a house a mile from my primary residence with the specific intent of renting it in the future to my daughter. If my daughter lives in the house this year and pays the utilities in her name (but pays no rent), does the house still qualify as a second residence?
ANSWER: Yes, you are considered to have personally used the second property all year because your daughter used it as her primary residence. Accordingly, you may deduct the entire amount of the property tax and mortgage interest as itemized deductions.
Q: If I hire people to work in my yard or do housekeeping, is there a limit to the amount I can pay them without having to fill out 1099s like an employer does? And if there is a limit, does it only apply for one person, or can I hire another for the same limit for a different type of work?
A: When a taxpayer hires people to work in and around his/her personal household — such as housekeepers, baby sitters, gardeners and yard workers — those workers may be considered employees.
Although you usually do not need to complete a Form 1099 for paid work that is performed in and around your home, you may need to issue a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. You also may be responsible for withholding and paying employment taxes on wages paid to workers who qualify as your employees.
Usually a household worker is considered an employee if the payer can control both what work is done and how it is done. If the worker controls how the work is done, the worker is normally considered self-employed and not an employee.
For example, (individuals) who work in your home like carpenters, builders and plumbers are normally self-employed, independent contractors and are not employees. Self-employed workers usually provide their own tools and offer their services to the general public.
To answer your question about the payment threshold: If you pay an individual household employee cash wages (including wages paid by check or money order) of more than $1,700 in 2010, you generally must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes from all cash wages.
You have the option to pay your employee's share of taxes from your own funds rather than withhold it from their salary. You are not required to withhold federal income tax from wages you pay to a household employee, unless your employee asks you to withhold income tax and you agree. In some situations, you also may be responsible to pay federal unemployment taxes on a portion of the cash wages.
If you must withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, or if you withhold federal income tax, you will need to file a Form W-2 for each employee after the end of the year. In that situation you will also need to file a Schedule H, Household Employment Taxes, after the end of the year with your Form 1040 individual income tax return.
Friday, August 20, 2010
New Home Sales in New Bern
New home sales in the New Bern area have been steady as compared to 2009. Through 8-20-2010 there have been 202 new home sales. There are currently 305 new homes listed in the MLS although some of these are proposed construction. Of these only 13 percent are over $200,000. All this equates to a 10-11 month inventory of new homes. The defination of a buyers market is over 6 months of homes for sale.
For the same time frame in 2009 there were 204 new home sales. At first glance it looks like sales this year are about the same as last. However, some builders are giving deep discounts to buyers. This is not healthy for anyone in the long run as it will hurt everyone's appraisals.
For the same time frame in 2009 there were 204 new home sales. At first glance it looks like sales this year are about the same as last. However, some builders are giving deep discounts to buyers. This is not healthy for anyone in the long run as it will hurt everyone's appraisals.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
More to life than money?
In Difficult Financial Times, Sense of Purpose is Key to Happiness
By Robert Powell
RISMEDIA, August 3, 2010--(MCT)--When it comes to feeling as though you're enjoying the good life, money matters. Make no mistake about it. But it's just one critical ingredient, according to a new study.
Being healthy, creating deep relationships with family and friends, having a sense of purpose, and feeling like you belong are major components of a happy life. What's more, those ingredients are just as true for those in their 20s as those in their 70s — and in the midst of a recession, too, according to MetLife's Mature Market Institute 2010 Meaning Really Matters study, which is based on the work of Richard J. Leider, author of "The Power of Purpose."
Being healthy and wealthy have always been two well-known ingredients of happiness, but the study also shed light on what it takes to live the good life and what type of people are living one.
If you're happy, age might have something to do with it. In 2010, almost half of those aged 45 to 74 said they were living the good life compared to just 29 percent of 25- to 44-year-olds.
But how do you know whether you're living the good life? In the study, MetLife said those living the good life uttered such comments as "Being spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy," "Having enough money not to worry about whether or not I can pay the bills; good friends to share life with" and "Having a safe, healthy, and happy life with family and friends."
MetLife said 74 percent of those living the good life were completely content, as opposed to only 24 percent who weren't living the good life. What's more, those living the good life generally look forward to each day, consider themselves very happy, are in control of their lives, and are highly optimistic about their future.
The chief component is having a sense of purpose, according to the study. That sense of purpose is "interrelated with vision — having clarity about the path to the good life and focus — knowing and concentrating on the most important things that will get you to the good life." Over eight in 10 (82 percent) of those who feel their lives have purpose are living the good life compared to 35 percent for those who are not living the good life.
The good news, at least for those who equate wisdom with age, is this: The older you are, the more likely you have vision and focus. Younger Americans, not so much — proving once again perhaps that youth is wasted on the young. Likewise, MetLife reports that older Americans (those age 45-74) are more likely to focus more on meaning-laden activities like spending more time on helping others and making their community a comfortable place to be than younger people, while younger cohorts plan to spend more time on such crass activities as generating, managing, and accumulating money.
But even though the young (and even some older folks) lack meaning in their lives now doesn't mean it will last forever. "If people are dissatisfied with their lives — if they feel it lacks meaning — they can do something about it," the study said.
"Discovering purpose is an ongoing quest rather than a one-time trip to an exotic land," the study said.
What's more, MetLife says one's purpose "is likely to change a number of times as one grows older and their experiences and goals expand and shift."
So what's the trick to leading the good instead of the bad life? Well, according to MetLife, you can greatly improve your chances by looking at your long- and short-term plans, including "a situational assessment of where you are today."
Specifically, MetLife recommends the following:
First, envision your long- and near-term future. Think about your life two or three years out and ask yourself the following questions. Then think about your life 20 years from now and ask yourself the very same questions.
Picture yourself in two or three years and then in 20 years. How old are you? What goals do you have for yourself?
What are you doing? How much are you working? If you are working, what are you doing? Are you spending the amount of time you would like with friends and family? What kind of daily routine do you have? What do you like to do with your free time?
Where are you living? Has your residence changed? Are you living in another state or location from where you are today? What kind of community are you living in? What do you like about where you live?
How are your loved ones? How close do your loved ones live to you? What are your loved ones doing? How often do you see your loved ones? What important changes in their lives have they experienced?
Second, get a sense of your wealth. What's the point of having the good life without money? Exactly. MetLife says the other thing you need to do is ask yourself the following questions about money.
Do you know what your assets are worth?
Do you know your net income?
Do you know your total spending?
Is there any money left over to help reach your goals?
Said MetLife: "Assess the information you have put together and consider whether your current financial and legal situation is on track to support your near-term and long-term goals."
Last but not least, MetLife recommends not just creating and acting on the plan, but protecting it as well. Why is that so important? As everyone knows, stuff — bad and good — happens in life.
"Living the good life also means weathering significant changes and transitions caused by positive or negative 'trigger events' such as job loss, marriage, illness, the birth of a child or grandchild, divorce, moving, retirement, and the death of a loved one," the study said.
Knowing in advance that you'll have to weather such storms will go a long way toward improving your odds of living the good life. L'chaim.
(c) 2010, MarketWatch.com Inc.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
By Robert Powell
RISMEDIA, August 3, 2010--(MCT)--When it comes to feeling as though you're enjoying the good life, money matters. Make no mistake about it. But it's just one critical ingredient, according to a new study.
Being healthy, creating deep relationships with family and friends, having a sense of purpose, and feeling like you belong are major components of a happy life. What's more, those ingredients are just as true for those in their 20s as those in their 70s — and in the midst of a recession, too, according to MetLife's Mature Market Institute 2010 Meaning Really Matters study, which is based on the work of Richard J. Leider, author of "The Power of Purpose."
Being healthy and wealthy have always been two well-known ingredients of happiness, but the study also shed light on what it takes to live the good life and what type of people are living one.
If you're happy, age might have something to do with it. In 2010, almost half of those aged 45 to 74 said they were living the good life compared to just 29 percent of 25- to 44-year-olds.
But how do you know whether you're living the good life? In the study, MetLife said those living the good life uttered such comments as "Being spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy," "Having enough money not to worry about whether or not I can pay the bills; good friends to share life with" and "Having a safe, healthy, and happy life with family and friends."
MetLife said 74 percent of those living the good life were completely content, as opposed to only 24 percent who weren't living the good life. What's more, those living the good life generally look forward to each day, consider themselves very happy, are in control of their lives, and are highly optimistic about their future.
The chief component is having a sense of purpose, according to the study. That sense of purpose is "interrelated with vision — having clarity about the path to the good life and focus — knowing and concentrating on the most important things that will get you to the good life." Over eight in 10 (82 percent) of those who feel their lives have purpose are living the good life compared to 35 percent for those who are not living the good life.
The good news, at least for those who equate wisdom with age, is this: The older you are, the more likely you have vision and focus. Younger Americans, not so much — proving once again perhaps that youth is wasted on the young. Likewise, MetLife reports that older Americans (those age 45-74) are more likely to focus more on meaning-laden activities like spending more time on helping others and making their community a comfortable place to be than younger people, while younger cohorts plan to spend more time on such crass activities as generating, managing, and accumulating money.
But even though the young (and even some older folks) lack meaning in their lives now doesn't mean it will last forever. "If people are dissatisfied with their lives — if they feel it lacks meaning — they can do something about it," the study said.
"Discovering purpose is an ongoing quest rather than a one-time trip to an exotic land," the study said.
What's more, MetLife says one's purpose "is likely to change a number of times as one grows older and their experiences and goals expand and shift."
So what's the trick to leading the good instead of the bad life? Well, according to MetLife, you can greatly improve your chances by looking at your long- and short-term plans, including "a situational assessment of where you are today."
Specifically, MetLife recommends the following:
First, envision your long- and near-term future. Think about your life two or three years out and ask yourself the following questions. Then think about your life 20 years from now and ask yourself the very same questions.
Picture yourself in two or three years and then in 20 years. How old are you? What goals do you have for yourself?
What are you doing? How much are you working? If you are working, what are you doing? Are you spending the amount of time you would like with friends and family? What kind of daily routine do you have? What do you like to do with your free time?
Where are you living? Has your residence changed? Are you living in another state or location from where you are today? What kind of community are you living in? What do you like about where you live?
How are your loved ones? How close do your loved ones live to you? What are your loved ones doing? How often do you see your loved ones? What important changes in their lives have they experienced?
Second, get a sense of your wealth. What's the point of having the good life without money? Exactly. MetLife says the other thing you need to do is ask yourself the following questions about money.
Do you know what your assets are worth?
Do you know your net income?
Do you know your total spending?
Is there any money left over to help reach your goals?
Said MetLife: "Assess the information you have put together and consider whether your current financial and legal situation is on track to support your near-term and long-term goals."
Last but not least, MetLife recommends not just creating and acting on the plan, but protecting it as well. Why is that so important? As everyone knows, stuff — bad and good — happens in life.
"Living the good life also means weathering significant changes and transitions caused by positive or negative 'trigger events' such as job loss, marriage, illness, the birth of a child or grandchild, divorce, moving, retirement, and the death of a loved one," the study said.
Knowing in advance that you'll have to weather such storms will go a long way toward improving your odds of living the good life. L'chaim.
(c) 2010, MarketWatch.com Inc.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Energry Savings
6 Tips to Keeping Your Home Cooler
By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, August 3, 2010--Wow, it's hot outside! The summer's in full swing with no signs of cooling. And while you may be tempted to crank up the A/C, remember - you won't be nearly as excited to see that electric bill next month.
To save some money -- and, don't forget, energy! -- here are six tips that might just help.
1.Avoid heat build-up in your home – The best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out. This can be done by closing the drapes on windows facing the sun (east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon). You should also try to avoid heat-generating activities, such as cooking, on hot days or during the hottest part of the day. If you are cooking, use your range fan to vent the hot air out of your house. By reducing the amount of heat in your home, you will have to use less energy to cool it.
2.Use ventilation and circulation to cool your home – Instead of automatically turning on the air conditioner on hot days, try cooling your home with window and ceiling fans. Circulating air can make your home feel cool and comfortable in a much more efficient way than air conditioning. There is also the option of a whole house fan (a large ventilating fan installed in you attic that expels hot air out of your home) which can circulate air throughout your entire home.
3.Keep air conditioning efficient and to a minimum – When you do have to use air conditioning, there are ways to make it more efficient. First of all, turn up the temperature setting on your air conditioner by a couple of degrees. Most people keep the temperature setting lower than it needs to be, hence using more energy than is needed to keep your home cool. It is recommended that you keep the temperature at about 25° C (77° F). Also, remember to turn off your air conditioner once your home has reached a comfortable temperature. By coupling minimum air conditioning with reducing the amount of heat entering your home, you can keep it cool without using excess energy. It isn’t recommended that you leave your air conditioner on when you leave your house, but if you’re going to do so, turn the temperature setting up a few more degrees while you’re gone to about 28° C (82° F). Also, remember to turn off your air conditioner if you’re going to be away from your home for more than a day. It is also important to make sure your cooling vents aren’t blocked so that the energy being used is going towards actually cooling your home and not being wasted. Furthermore, keep rooms that don't need cooling, such as closets, closed off when you're air conditioning.
4.Make sure your home isn’t losing cool air – By weather-stripping and caulking around windows, doors and electrical outlets on outer walls, you can prevent losing cool air from your home and prevent hot air from getting in. Improve your home’s insulation on outer walls, again to keep cool air in, and hot air out. You should also consider installing storm doors for the same reasons if your home doesn’t already have them. If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed. These provide an extra barrier against the escape of cool air. All of these options will make cooling your home more efficient and will save you money on your energy bill.
5.Select energy-efficient cooling systems – If you’re in the market for a new cooling system, there are many new technologies that are much more efficient than older versions. As with other appliances, you should look for the Energy Star logo and compare the amount of electricity each uses.
6.Use the coolest parts of your home – On hot days, parts of your house will naturally stay cooler than others. For example, if you have a basement it will remain cool even during the hottest part of the day (this is because the cool air in your home will sink down to your basement). One way you can reduce the amount of energy used to cool your home is to do more in cooler areas of your home. This way, you won't have to use energy to stay cool.
By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, August 3, 2010--Wow, it's hot outside! The summer's in full swing with no signs of cooling. And while you may be tempted to crank up the A/C, remember - you won't be nearly as excited to see that electric bill next month.
To save some money -- and, don't forget, energy! -- here are six tips that might just help.
1.Avoid heat build-up in your home – The best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out. This can be done by closing the drapes on windows facing the sun (east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon). You should also try to avoid heat-generating activities, such as cooking, on hot days or during the hottest part of the day. If you are cooking, use your range fan to vent the hot air out of your house. By reducing the amount of heat in your home, you will have to use less energy to cool it.
2.Use ventilation and circulation to cool your home – Instead of automatically turning on the air conditioner on hot days, try cooling your home with window and ceiling fans. Circulating air can make your home feel cool and comfortable in a much more efficient way than air conditioning. There is also the option of a whole house fan (a large ventilating fan installed in you attic that expels hot air out of your home) which can circulate air throughout your entire home.
3.Keep air conditioning efficient and to a minimum – When you do have to use air conditioning, there are ways to make it more efficient. First of all, turn up the temperature setting on your air conditioner by a couple of degrees. Most people keep the temperature setting lower than it needs to be, hence using more energy than is needed to keep your home cool. It is recommended that you keep the temperature at about 25° C (77° F). Also, remember to turn off your air conditioner once your home has reached a comfortable temperature. By coupling minimum air conditioning with reducing the amount of heat entering your home, you can keep it cool without using excess energy. It isn’t recommended that you leave your air conditioner on when you leave your house, but if you’re going to do so, turn the temperature setting up a few more degrees while you’re gone to about 28° C (82° F). Also, remember to turn off your air conditioner if you’re going to be away from your home for more than a day. It is also important to make sure your cooling vents aren’t blocked so that the energy being used is going towards actually cooling your home and not being wasted. Furthermore, keep rooms that don't need cooling, such as closets, closed off when you're air conditioning.
4.Make sure your home isn’t losing cool air – By weather-stripping and caulking around windows, doors and electrical outlets on outer walls, you can prevent losing cool air from your home and prevent hot air from getting in. Improve your home’s insulation on outer walls, again to keep cool air in, and hot air out. You should also consider installing storm doors for the same reasons if your home doesn’t already have them. If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed. These provide an extra barrier against the escape of cool air. All of these options will make cooling your home more efficient and will save you money on your energy bill.
5.Select energy-efficient cooling systems – If you’re in the market for a new cooling system, there are many new technologies that are much more efficient than older versions. As with other appliances, you should look for the Energy Star logo and compare the amount of electricity each uses.
6.Use the coolest parts of your home – On hot days, parts of your house will naturally stay cooler than others. For example, if you have a basement it will remain cool even during the hottest part of the day (this is because the cool air in your home will sink down to your basement). One way you can reduce the amount of energy used to cool your home is to do more in cooler areas of your home. This way, you won't have to use energy to stay cool.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
New Craven County Tax Rates
The following are the new tax rates, per hundred valuation) for Craven County and the surrounding municipalities. Let me know if you have any questions.
Craven County=.4728
City of New Bern=.41
City of Riverbend=.265
City of Trent Woods=.19
City of Havelock=.465
City of Vanceboro=.46
Cove City=.15
Bridgeton=.50
City of Dover=.30
Regards,
Steve Tyson
252 514 9157
Craven County=.4728
City of New Bern=.41
City of Riverbend=.265
City of Trent Woods=.19
City of Havelock=.465
City of Vanceboro=.46
Cove City=.15
Bridgeton=.50
City of Dover=.30
Regards,
Steve Tyson
252 514 9157
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)