On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

12-Pack of Bud

11-Wrasslin Tickets

10-A copenhagen

9-Years probation

8-Table dancers

7-Packs of Red Man

6-Packs of Spam

5-Flannel shirts

4-Big mud tires

3-Shotgun shells

2-Huntin dogs

And some parts to a Mustang GT…..

You know ur a redneck if:

-You buy ur wife a pair a earrings that double as fishin lures

-You can burp the entire chorus to Jingle Bells

-You’ve ever misspelled anything in Christmas lights

-You leave cold beer and pickled eggs for Santa Clause

Courtesy of Jeff Foxworthy

Directions for Making Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Yield: It really depends on the size of the pumpkin and the size of your pie plate. If you use a 6″ pie pumpkin and a full deep dish 9″ pie plate, then it should fill that pie to the brim and maybe have enough extra for either a small (4 inch) shallow pie (or a crustless pie – see step 11).
Some people manage to make 2 full pies, especially if they use shallow pie plates and/or 8 inch pie plates.
Ingredients and Equipment
Equipment

A sharp, large serrated knife
an ice cream scoop
a large microwaveable bowl or large pot
1 large (10 inch) deep-dish pie plate and pie crust – or two small pie plates (9 inch) and crusts (Metric: a 10 inch pie plate is a pie plate with a diameter of 25 cm, and a depth of almost 5 cm)

Ingredients

a pie pumpkin (see step 1; you can use different types of pumpkin or even a butternut squash)
1 cup sugar (see step 10 for alternatives) (metric: 200 grams)
1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (metric: 3.8 grams)
1 teaspoon ground cloves (metric: 2 grams)
1 teaspoon ground allspice (metric: 2 grams)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (metric: 1.25 grams)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) (metric: 20 grams)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, I don’t use any)
4 large eggs – to reduce fat and cholesterol, you may use egg whites (like “Egg Beaters) instead, and vegans may want to use Ener-G (see this page for more information about egg substitutes)
3 cups pumpkin glop (ok… “sieved, cooked pumpkin”) (metric: 0.7 litre)
1.5 cans (12oz each) of evaporated milk (I use the nonfat version) for best results. (metric: each can is about .35 liter, or about a half liter total))
If you can’t get canned evaporated milk, make your own from nonfat dried milk and make it twice as concentrated as the directions on the box call for!
If you can’t get nonfat dried milk, just use milk.
If you are lactose-intolerant, use lactose-free milk or soy milk.
One visitor tried fresh whipping cream (unwhipped) and reported the pie “turned out wonderful! “
Another suggests using coconut milk, if you are allergic to dairy.

Note: if you do not have cinnamon, cloves, allspice and ginger, you can substitute 3 teaspoons of “pumpkin pie spice”. It’s not exactly the same, but it will do.

Note: If you can’t get evaporated milk, you can substitute nonfat dried milk – make it twice as concentrated as the directions on the box say to reconstitute it. It won’t be the same as evaporated milk, but it ought to come close.

Recipe and Directions

Yield: One 9-inch deep dish pie or two 8-inch shallow pies
Step 1 – Get your pie pumpkin

“Pie pumpkins” are smaller, sweeter, less grainy textured pumpkins than the usual jack-o-lantern types. Grocery stores usually carry them in late September through December in the U.S. In some parts of the country, they are also called sugar pumpkins or even “cheese pumpkins”. Go figure that one. Note: the Libby’s can of cooked pumpkin is just there for reference – it is the small can, so that gives you an idea of the size of a typical pie pumpkin. They’re only about 6 to 8 inches in diameter (about 20 to 24 inches in circumference). TIP: If you’re in a pinch and can’t find a pie pumpkin, here’s a tip: butternut squash taste almost the same! Commercial canned pumpkin is from a variety of butternut, not true pumpkins! If you insist on using a regular Jack O’ Lantern type pumpkin, you may need to add about 25% more sugar and run the cooked pumpkin through a blender or food processor to help smooth it out.

Just like selecting any squash, look for one that is firm, no bruises or soft spots, and a good orange color. One 6″ pie pumpkin usually makes one 10 inch deep dish pie and a bit extra; or two 9 inch shallow pies! If you have extra goop, you can always pour it into greased baking pans and make a crustless mini pie with the excess (and the cooked pies do freeze well!)

Step 2 – Prepare the pumpkin for cooking

Wash the exterior of the pumpkin in cool or warm water, no soap.

Cut the pumpkin in half. A serrated knife and a sawing motion works best – a smooth knife is more likely to slip and hurt you!

Step 3 – Scoop out the seeds…

And scrape the insides. You want to get out that stringy, dangly stuff that coats the inside surface. I find a heavy ice cream scoop works great for this.

Note: SAVE THE SEEDS:

The seeds can be used either to plant pumpkins next year, or roasted to eat this year! Place them in a bowl of water and rub them between your hands. then pick out the orange buts (throw that away) and drain off the water. Spread them out on a clean towel or paper towel to dry and they’re ready to save for next year’s planting or roast.

Step 4 – Cooking the pumpkin
There are several ways to cook the pumpkin; just choose use your preferred method. Most people have microwaves and a stove, so I’ll describe both of those methods here. But others make good arguments in favor of using a pressure cooker or baking in the oven. At the end of this document, I’ve included alternative instructions to replace step 4, if you’d rather use a different method.

Method 1 – Put it in a microwaveable bowl

Remove the stem, and put the pumpkin into a microwaveable. You may need to cut the pumpkin further to make it fit. The fewer the number of pieces, the easier it will to scoop out the cooked pumpkin afterwards. Put a couple of inches of water in the bowl, cover it, and put in the microwave.

Method 2 – Steam on the stove top

You can also cook it on the stove top; it takes about the same length of time in a steamer (20 to 30 minutes). I use a double pot steamer, but you could use an ordinary large pot with a steamer basket inside it!

Method 3 – Bake in the oven

You can also bake the prepared pumpkin in the oven, just like a butternut squash. This method takes the longest. Basically, you cut and scoop out the pumpkin as for the other methods, place it cut side down into a covered oven container. Cover the ovenproof container (with a lid), and pop it in an 350 F (165 C) oven. It normally takes about 45 minutes to 90 minutes (it can vary a lot!); just test it periodically by sticking it with a fork to see if it is soft!

Step 5 – Cook the pumpkin until soft

If you are microwave-cooking the pumpkin, cook for 15 minutes on high, check to see if it is soft, then repeat in smaller increments of time until it is soft enough to scoop the innards out. Normally it takes 20 or 30 minutes in total.

Step 6 – Scoop out the cooked pumpkin

Whether you cook the pumpkin on the stove, microwave, or even the oven, once it is cooked until it is soft, it is easy to scoop out the guts with a broad, smooth spoon, (such as a tablespoon). Use the spoon to gently lift and scoop the cooked pumpkin out of the skin. It should separate easily an in fairly large chucks, if the pumpkin is cooked enough.

Note: there are many varieties of pumpkin and some make better pies that other (due to sugar content, flavor, texture and water content. Drier, sweeter, fine-grained pies; the small (8″ across) ones called “pie pumpkins” are best.

Watery pumpkin?
If your pumpkin puree has standing, free water, you may want to let it sit for 30 minutes and then pour off any free water. That will help prevent you pie from being too watery! Beyond, that, I have not found that the water makes a difference – I wouldn’t be TOO concerned about it!

Step 7 – Puree the pumpkin

To get a nice, smooth consistency, I use a Pillsbury hand blender. By blending it, you give the pie a smooth, satiny texture; rather than the rough graininess that is typical of cooked squashes. A regular blender works, too (unless you made a few frozen daiquiris and drank them first..). Or a food processor or even just a hand mixer with time and patience. With the hand blender, it just takes 2 or 3 minutes!

Step 8 – Done with the pumpkin!

The pumpkin is now cooked and ready for the pie recipe.
Note: You may freeze the puree or pie filling to use it later! Just use a freezer bag or other container to exclude as much air as possible. It should last a year or more in a deep freezer On the other hand, you may NOT “can” it.

Step 9 – Make the pie crust

Yes, I know there are ready-made pie crusts in the frozen section at the store, but they really are bland and doughy. A flaky crust is easy to make! Again, note that unless you use large, deep dish pie plates, you may have enough for 2 pies. It is also time to start preheating the oven. Turn it on and set it to 425 F.

Step 10 – Mix the pie contents

All the hard work is behind you! Here’s where it gets really easy. If you start with a fresh 8″ pie pumpkin, you will get about 3 cups of cooked, mashed pumpkin. The right amount of ingredients for this is as follows:

1 cup sugar – or 1 cup Splenda, or 3/4 cup honey (honey may make a heavier pie, though)
1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
one half teaspoon ground ginger
one half teaspoon salt (optional, I don’t use any)
4 large eggs
3 cups pumpkin glop (ok… “sieved, cooked pumpkin”)
1.5 cans (12oz each) of evaporated milk (I use the nonfat version)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) (metric: 20 grams)

Mix well using a hand blender or mixer.
Note: You may substitute 4 teaspoons of “pumpkin pie spice” instead of the cinnamon, cloves, allspice and ginger. But I think you get better results with the separate spices.

Note: The vast majority of people tell me this is the best pumpkin pie they’ve ever had. It’s light and fluffy – however… if you want a heavy, more dense pie, use 3 eggs instead of 4 and 1 can of evaporated milk instead of 1.5)

Step 11 – Pour into the pie crust

I like a deep, full pie, so I fill it right up to about one quarter to one half inch from the very top. Don’t be surprised if the mixture is very runny! It may start as a soupy liquid, but it will firm up nicely in the oven! Note: the pie crust is brown because I used whole wheat flour! Tastes the same, but is healthier.

TIP: If you put the empty pie crust on your oven rack, with the rack slid partially out, you can fill it there and avoid making a mess while carrying the pie to the oven!

TIP: What do you do if you end up with more filling than will fit in your pie crust(s)? Easy! Of course, you can make another, smaller pie crust and fill a small pie pan… or just grease any baking dish, of a size that the extra filling will fill to a depth of about 2 inches, and pour the extra filling in.. then bake it. It will be a crustless pumpkin pie that kids especially love! You can also use it in making pumpkin muffins or pumpkin bread!

TIP: You may want to cover the exposed edges of the crust with strips of aluminum foil to prevent them from burning! Some people make their own crust cover by cutting the rim off of a disposable aluminum pie pan!

Step 12 – Bake the pie

Bake at 425 F (210 C ) for the first 15 minutes, then turn the temperature down to 350 F ( 175 C ) and bake another 45 to 60 minutes, until a clean knife inserted into the center comes out clean. I use a blunt table knife to test the pie.

Step 13 – Cool the pie

And enjoy! Warm or chilled, with whipped cream , ice cream or nothing at all – it’s great! You can even freeze the pie after cooking it. I just lay a piece of plastic wrap (cling film) tight on the pie, after it cools down, then pop it in the freezer.
Later, I take the frozen pie out of the freezer, put it in the fridge for about 24 hours, and then either heat it in the oven (350 F for about 15 minutes; just to warm it up) or the microwave for a few minutes.

Alternative Cooking methods for step 4

If you don’t have a microwave, or prefer another method, try these:

Stove top steaming – Place your steaming basket or grid in the bottom of a large pot. Put enough water so it won’t boil dry in 20 minutes, and yet is not so high that the pumpkin is touching the water level. You may need to add more water during the cooking. Add the pumpkin prepared in step 3, and get the steamer going. The cooking time is only between 8 and 12 minutes, depending on the range (gas or electric), and the pumpkin literally falls off the skin.

Pressure cooker – Place your grid in the bottom of the pressure cooker. If your pressure cooker came with directions, follow those for pumpkin and/or winter squash, like butternut squash. If, like most people, you’ve long since lost the directions, try this: Add enough water to just touch the bottom of the grid or shelf that you will place the pumpkin on. Add the pumpkin prepared in step 3, put the lid with the gasket, the weight and anything else your cooker requires in place, and turn the heat on high. Once it starts hissing, turn it to medium or medium high. The cooking time should only be about 10 minutes, and the pumpkin should literally fall out of its skin.

Crock pot – Clean and slice the pumpkin and set the temperature to either high or low (depending on how soon you are able to get back to the kitchen). The crock pot is forgiving enough that the pumpkin can be left in it for a time even after it is tender, at least on the low setting. Turn off the crock pot and let the pumpkin sit in it awhile. A lot of liquid will be released as the pumpkin cools. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scrape out the flesh, place in a wire strainer, and mash with a spoon to release additional liquid. Leave the pumpkin in the strainer and place in the refrigerator for several hours to drain off any remaining liquid.

Source: www.pickyourown.org

If you’re planning on putting your home on the market, determining your asking price is one of the most important decisions you will make.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you can start off with a high asking price, and then just cut the price later if you need to. If you want your house to sell quickly, overpricing is not a good strategy.  When you price your home too high, potential buyers will likely ignore the listing. Then, when you eventually drop your price, buyers will see just how long the house has been on the market and they’ll assume you’re a desperate seller, which you may be at this point. It also sends the signal that there is room for even more negotiation. However, if you price too low, well, no one wants to leave money on the table.  So how do you go about determining a fair price?

Do Your Research

It’s necessary for sellers to understand what’s happening in their local market. A recent survey found that 17 percent of sellers who bought in 2007 or later were more likely to base their asking price on the price they paid for the home. What sellers may not realize is that nationwide, home values are back to 2003 levels. So if you’re basing your sale price on what you paid in 2007, that’s likely too high a price. It’s important to look at what’s happening with home values in the market area. You should ask your agent to search for and find recent  Homes for Sale|sold homes, comparable to your own and check home value trends, foreclosure stats, and price-cut information so you can set your price based on local market conditions.

Check Out the Competition

Check out the active competition in your area: Are a lot of homes for sale? At what price point and in what condition? Your real estate agent can help you easily obtain this information. If you find a home similar to yours that has been for sale for a long period of time, it likely means buyers don’t think the home is priced correctly for the market. Once you see the “Sold” sign, find out how much above or below the list price it sold for. This will give you an idea of how the market is behaving and how aggressive you can be in setting a price.

Use Your Agent

Rather than just listening passively to what your agent recommends, or on the flip side, insisting that you know best, engage in a real conversation about what buyers are looking for in this market and how your home stacks up. Are there improvements you can make so buyers would be willing to pay a higher price? Discuss your timeline to sell and if you should price differently based on that timeline.

Get Your Home Inspected

Yes, buyers will most likely hire a home inspector, but sellers should, too. Hire a licensed inspector to evaluate your home’s major systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, roof, etc). Nobody’s home is perfect, yet sellers are often blindsided by demands for costly repairs they didn’t anticipate on systems they have never had issues with. Often, sellers feel stuck after possibly agreeing on a purchase price of less than they originally asked. Then, once their home is under contract and off the open market for 10 to 20 days, they are asked to make costly repairs or reduce the price even more. On the positive side, if systems show up as being in good working order after a pre-inspection, sellers can use this information as a marketing tool.

Be Realistic

Once you think you’ve come up with a good price, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see what else you could get for the asking price of your home. Often sellers are too emotionally attached to their homes to objectively place a value on the property. Once you start looking around the rest of what else is selling for that price, you might have a better idea of how appealing your house is in the current market.

10 GREAT…WELL DECENT  Halloween Jokes

So long sucker! #9 Why does a witch ride a broom?

Vacuum cleaners get stuck at the end of the cord. #8 How can you tell when a vampire has been in a bakery?

All the jelly has been sucked out of the jelly doughnuts. #7 Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

He had no guts. #6 Why do ghosts like to ride elevators?

It raises their spirits. #5 Why do demons and ghouls hang out together?

Because demons are a ghouls best friend! #4 Why did the dyslexic vampire starve to death?

He couldn’t find any dloob. #3 Why can’t boy ghosts make babies?

They have Hollow-Weenies! #2 Why don’t mummies take vacations?

They’re afraid to relax and unwind. #1 How do you know when you’re too old to Trick or Treat?

You get winded from knocking on the door.
You’re the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.
When the door opens you yell, “Trick …” and can’t remember the rest.
By the end of the night, you have a bag full of restraining orders.
]]> http://yourlakerealtor.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/a-little-halloween-humor-very-little/feed/ 0 tblack513 http://yourlakerealtor.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/ok-who-to-choose/ http://yourlakerealtor.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/ok-who-to-choose/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:59:33 +0000 Todd Black http://yourlakerealtor.wordpress.com/?p=181 ]]> Real Estate: Choosing the Right Agent

Finding the right real estate agent to help you sell your home (or to help you buy one, in the case of a buyer’s agent ) is everything. Real estate transactions are complicated, and if you’re like most home buyers, all your assets are on the line. But all real estate agents aren’t created equal. Some realtors get personally involved every step of the way, while some farm out a lot of the work to other brokers. The amount of formal education a realtor has, the knowledge they have about the neighborhoods you want to buy into and the real estate listings they have access to vary widely.

Before you get started, it’s important to understand exactly what (or who) you’re shopping for. Many people use the terms “realtor”, “real estate agent” and “real estate broker” interchangeably, but they aren’t mutually inclusive. A real estate agent is a person who has a real estate license from the state in which they practice (keep in mind, though, that the requirements for getting a real estate license in most states are pretty minimal). A realtor is a real estate agent who has earned additional certification from the National Association of Realtors. And a real estate broker is a realtor who has yet more training and a different license than either real estate agents or realtors.

Confused yet? For the most part, the exact title of the real estate professional you work with isn’t as important as the level of commitment, energy and local knowledge he or she may have. But trying to find the real estate agent who embodies all the above can still be a challenge. Read over the following tips for choosing a realtor (or real estate agent, or broker) and you’ll be ahead of the game:

• There are a few types of real estate agencies out there – small ones, large ones, franchises and independent agencies – but don’t get too hung up on the differences. The individual agent is more important than the real estate agency.
• Know what type of representation you’re looking for. Most real estate agents are seller’s agents, meaning they only represent sellers’ interests (to the disadvantage of buyers). This is great if you’re a seller, but if you’re looking to buy a home inquire about buyer’s agents – brokers who represent the buyer’s interests in real estate transactions – at any agency you look at.
• To find the right agency, do some legwork. There are lots of real estate agencies listed in the phonebook (and online). But if you pick one at random you’ll probably regret it. Explore the neighborhoods you’re interested in buying into and look for realtors / brokers nearby.
• Search for real estate agents, not individual homes or properties. You may be looking through your newspaper’s real estate section one day and fall in love with a home that a particular real estate agent is listing. However, the agent might tell you that property is taken, but they have others you’d love. Less reputable agencies will often use this bait and switch trick to lure in customers. Chances are you’re not going to get the first home you fall for anyway. The long-term relationship you have with your real estate agent is more important than any particular home.
• Look for experience. The real estate profession has a high rate of turnover, which means lots of untested agents are constantly moving in and out of agencies. If you’re considering working with a particular realtor or broker, ask how long they’ve been practicing. If it’s been less than two years, keep looking.
• Look for commitment. Many real estate agents only practice on a part-time basis and they might not have the time or drive to give you the attention you deserve. Also, many brokers are only interested in representing properties within a certain price range. If your home isn’t in it, they might not give it their all.
• Interview real estate agents you’re interested in working with. Experts suggest you sit down with at least three prospective realtors, so you can get a feel for them and what they can do for you. Don’t be afraid to ask them how well they know your neighborhood and exactly how often you’ll hear from them. Ask for references and check them. Evaluate prospective agents based on personality as well. Your relationship with your real estate agent will be a working one, and if you don’t think you’d work well with him or her, it won’t work out.
• Ask friends to refer you to real estate agents they’ve had good experiences with.
• If you’re looking for a realtor, you can start your search at the National Association of Realtors’ website; they have listings of realtors in your area.
• Select a real estate agent who can work with your schedule. If you can only see homes on evenings and weekends, you won’t go very far with an agent who only works days.
• Ask any prospective real estate agent what they’ll do to sell your home. It sounds elementary, but not all agents work the same way. Some brokers will advertise your property and spread the word to other agents they know. Others will just add your property to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service, a directory of homes for sale) and wait for inquiries. The more proactive your realtor, the better.

Source: 123movers.com

The Top 5 Contractor Scams and how to Avoid Them:

Calculate how much your remodel will cost and add it to the value of your house. If the number is more than 10% above your neighbors’ house values, you’re over-improving.

A.  I am an avid OU fan.

B.  I am an avid LSU hater.

That being said, just wanted to point out something to the supposed “all knowing” media types that vote in the A.P. poll; Although I am an LSU hater, I will be the first to admit that LSU has played a very difficult schedule thus far.  In addition, Oklahoma played very poorly, in a 10 point win over Missouri this past Saturday.  This week the new A.P. poll has come out, and LSU has replaced OU as the #1 team in the nation.  At this point in the season, arguing over that is totally silly.  However, media voters point out that their decision was based upon OU’s poor performance this past Saturday, contrasted by LSU’s “wonderful” performance.

FYI, game stats from Saturday’s games, courtesy of espn.com

LSU/W. Virginia: Total offense LSU – 366 yards, Total yards given up by LSU – 533

OU/Missouri: Total offense OU – 592 yards, Total yards given up by OU – 532

By the way, OU wasn’t exactly playing Saint Mary’s school for the blind.  Missouri is every bit the team that West Virginia is….I’m just sayin’!!!!    

You are not alone if you have some reservations about buying a home. While those issues are just a few of the risks that are present when buying real estate, there are many more. Although these issues have been around forever, it’s only been recently that typical buyers have become better about doing their due diligence and taking the time, energy and effort to lower their risk on real estate.

The process is not overly complicated, yet it is time-consuming. We’ve put together a list of items that you should check off as your go through the home buying process to avoid some unwanted surprises.

Here’s how to lessen the chances of something going wrong with your purchase:

Understand the Home Buying Process

You should have a full understanding of the purchasing process from the start. Review the contract you will be signing early on and understand how to shop for the right property. You should understand different terms like: making an offer, contingencies, appraisals, mortgage financing, and when your earnest money deposit becomes “at risk.”

Make Financial Sense

Investment Property: Start by penciling out the deal. You should determine the total cash you will invest and what “cash on cash” rate of return you project to earn. Bank CDs pay 1 percent, Bonds 5 percent, but real estate is riskier—so what should you earn? Five percent is the suggested rate. Value appreciation may come down the road and certainly will help, but be sure and count your cash first.

Personal Residence: Should you rent or own? There are some simple guidelines to follow here. If you plan to own for less than five years, you should remain a renter. You are not throwing away money renting and you will avoid a lot of stress. Buying for the long term is your best move. But don’t buy just to buy something—buy the property you “love” and that will make you happy.

Be Smart

Hoping to snag that once-in-a-lifetime deal on a foreclosure or short sale? If you’re trying to chase some “great” deal at the courthouse auction, or through a distress sale, it may only be a waste of time and energy with little chance at success. Be prepared. Buying a foreclosure or short sale is complex and the purchase can get held up. Try the more conservative approach and search for a traditional sale on listing websites.

Real Estate and Taxes

Buying to save money on your taxes? Most couples buying residences under $300,000 get little in net tax savings. People with higher incomes and more expensive homes get the biggest tax benefit. Surprised? Meet with your CPA to determine what, if any, tax benefits you will earn.

Getting a Fair Deal in Financing

It has become easier to get a “fair deal” in a mortgage because of new federal regulations. Regardless, you should understand your Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and how to dissect it to make sure you get that fair deal. Mortgages are for the long term, so take some time to interview a couple of lenders and understand your mortgage so you can make a good decision.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Condition

This is one of those items that most buyers do not even know to review. The finances and operations of an HOA are becoming a huge risk issue nowadays. If you do not understand and review them, you may get a surprise in the form of sharply higher fees or special assessments in the years to come. Meet with a knowledgeable person to help you decipher them. The goal is to avoid a community where the association is in really bad shape.

Home Inspection and Fix Up Costs

Having a home inspection is one of the most important things you can do as a buyer. During the inspection you should be putting together a list of what needs to be repaired and replaced. Then you can take your list to a home improvement store to get a feel for the total costs to bring the property up to the standards you desire. This should help you negotiate any seller’s credits and/or terminate the deal if the costs are too much.

Property Insurance

Insurance policies cover certain risks and have a maximum payout on any loss related to those risks. It is up to you to determine the maximum policy amount you want based on construction quality, cost to rebuild and your risk tolerance. The top issue is failing to increase coverage amounts over time as the cost of rebuilding increases. It’s suggested to meet with your agent and have a once a year checkup.

Title Insurance, Title Issues, and Lot Lines

This is another purchasing task that few people review. And while the risk of an issue is very low, the potential losses are huge. Taking fifteen minutes to review your title abstract and history as well as the plat or a survey of the parcel and then walk the property to verify the information. It could save you endless headaches and financial stress down the road.

Other Investments

Fixer uppers, flipping, vacation rentals, second homes, apartment buildings, condos, hotels, land or building a home also have significant risk issues that should be evaluated carefully, before you make the decision to take on one of these investments.

Buyer Beware!

Taking the time to learn the risk issues and do the proper due diligence before you buy can significantly reduce your risk of something going wrong. And while it’s hard work, it is much easier than straightening out a “predicament” after you close escrow.

Source: USNews.com

NCAA Division 1A may be the only major sport that does not boast an official “playoff” system.  At least, that is what the pundits claim.  In my opinion, that is categorically false.  What makes college football so exciting?  The fact that EVERY game counts.  The entire season is one long playoff, in a system that relies heavily on the “what have you done for me lately” media mentality.  Case and point; last season, in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks actually got into the playoffs with a 7-9 regular season record!!!  Ridiculous that in a professional sports league teams can gain entry into post season with .500 or lower marks during the regular season, (see MLB, and NBA for further examples.)  SO, in this BCS era of major college football, what, or more specifically WHO is the consistent media darling, and fly in the ointment?  Answer: The Boise State Broncos.

Proponents of the “little guy” would say that Boise is being illegally held out of the BCS title game.  For crying out loud, state legislators from non-BCS AQ (automatic qualifying) conferences are even getting in the act.  Wait a sec….don’t we have bigger issues to deal with in Washington that whether or not Boise State, Nevada, or the University of Utah should gain entry into the National Title game?  GEEEEZE

Seems as though every year there are talking heads on ESPN, NBC, CBS that feel Boise State is being slighted, while only a scant few of the experts totally understand why Boise State, TCU, Utah, etc., do not belong in the BCS National title game.  My argument is not that these teams lack talent.  ALL of these teams have quality wins under their collective belts, over the last decade.  The argument that they are just “Not good” simply does not hold water.  They are good teams, that’s not the issue.  The issue is simple; to play in the BCS title game, you have to EARN it, every week.  Folks may think I have something against Boise State, TCU, Utah, BYU, etc. That is not true.  Admittedly, I do get tired of the media cramming these teams down your throat as “poor mistreated” teams.  I don’t have an agenda against these teams.  The fact is simple: THEY DON’T PLAY ANYBODY.  If Boise wants to get in the “Big” game with the “Big Boys”….. get out of that Junior college conference that they’re in!  What has TCU, and Utah done recently?  They have taken steps to improve their strength of schedule, to “Earn” the right to play in the BCS title game.  Granted, TCU didn’t make a huge jump in competition, going to the Big East, but at least they are trying.  Utah has made a big move up, transferring to the Pac 12.  Meanwhile Boise continues to play one, maybe two competitive teams a year.  That just isn’t enough to “Earn” a trip to the BCS title game.  One or two games, and 10 scrimmages doesn’t get it done.

Again, this is not a personal attack or vendetta against Boise State.  They simply DO NOT have to slug it out, week in and week out as other BCS Conference schools do.  Take a look at the table below.  This is the AP top 10, as of now.  Ask yourself; “How would Boise State fare, if they had to play the schedules that ANY of these other teams have?”  Keep in mind, these types of teams play these schedules EVERY year.  Boise is undefeated seemingly every year.  I know it’s not every year, but seems that way.  Does Boise go undefeated every year playing Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Nebraska, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Texas Tech?  Well, that’s what these BCS conference schools have to deal with EVERY weekend, EVERY year.  Until Boise State is in that situation…..they simply should not be included in the BCS title talk.  Wellll, that should stir some folks up!! 

These 10 low cost tips will get you started on turning your house into a “show home”. This is critical because if you want to get the most money for your home and sell more quickly, you need potential buyers (and their agents) to feel it’s a “hot property”.

1. Consider the curb appeal.

Landscaping is nice, but not in everyone’s budget. At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed, leaves raked, or snow shoveled. Consider a hanging or potted plant for the entrance. Sweep the porch, deck and all walk ways and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house.

Scrub your front door, porch, outside railings and steps. This is cheaper than repainting and makes a world of difference. Once the outside entrance is clean, decide if the paint really needs a touch up.

2. Get rid of clutter!

Pick one closet or area at a time so the task isn’t as daunting. Look at every item with a very critical eye and ask yourself why you’re keeping it.

Remember that how you live in your home and how you sell your house are two entirely different things.

Forget about hanging onto items for a garage sale. Pick your favorite charity and donate it. You paid for these things long ago, why not just give them away to others who REALLY need them?

You’ll probably have to edit the same closets a number of times to really whittle them down to the “essentials”. If rooms and closets still look cramped, rent a storage locker.

Removing clutter is an important starting point. A home staging professional will also know how to draw attention to the room’s best features and create a focal point, as seen here in a home office staged by Debra Gould for her home staging company Six Elements Inc.

3. Turn excess inventory into cash.

If you have a collection of items for projects you never got around to, return them. This also applies to the two-year supply of light bulbs, canned goods or paper products sitting in your basement.

Without a receipt you won’t get cash, but you will have a store credit that you can use once you move. Less clutter and less stuff to pack, move and unpack again!

4. Watch where the eye goes.

There are speedy and low cost solutions to many of the little problems that together make a home seem shabbier than it needs to.

Walk along each corridor and into every room and check where your eye is drawn (better yet, ask a critical friend or family member). If the eye is drawn to the chipped white paint on the door frame, take some “white out” and fill it in. If it’s those old nail holes in the wall, see if you can hang a picture to cover them.

Glue any peeling wallpaper. If it’s really horrible and you can’t afford the time or money to fix it properly, hang pictures and strategically place baskets. You won’t cover the problem entirely (which would be wrong anyway), but you will draw your audience’s attention away from the problem and onto something more visually pleasing to focus on.

5. Find a fix-it person.

Ensure cupboards open and shut and that no taps are dripping. Look in all rooms for things you never got around to fixing and decide which ones might be distracting to potential buyers. No, it’s not OK for door handles to fall off, even if you have learned to ignore it!

6. Clean, clean and clean again.

Most mortals can’t live in a spotless environment all the time. This can be one of the more stressful aspects of having your home on the market— but it’s worth the effort to sell your home for top dollar. You can hire a professional service to come in and deep clean everything; then take 20-30 minutes each day to maintain it.

Don’t neglect hallways. They lead potential buyers through your home and should be bright and clutter free. Remember you’re trying to maximize the feeling of space in your home!

Appliances should sparkle even if you’re not including them with the house. After all, you might throw them in later as a negotiating tool. Counter tops, taps, sinks and bathtubs should be shiny and free of water spots.

If you have a pedestal sink, don’t forget the dust that collects on top of the plumbing where it attaches to the wall. If the whole sink is spotless and the taps aren’t dripping, it will look new!

Dust shelves and vacuum or “Swiffer” the floors. Naturally, all beds should be made. At a recent open house for a home listed over $500,000 (and over 60 days on the market), they hadn’t even bothered with these two simple steps! It made you wonder what bigger things had been neglected.

Remember clean windows let in more light and look newer. Hire a service if you have to— it’s worth the investment.

If all this attention to detail seems over the top, remember that a very clean home leaves the impression that the house is well cared for. This helps put buyers at ease— especially a first time buyer who may be worried about the responsibilities of owning a house.

7. Let in some air.

Open some windows for at least 10 minutes. There is nothing worse than walking into a stuffy house or one that smells of smoke and pet odors.

8. Let in some light.

It might be mood lighting to you, but if you’re trying to sell your home, keep it bright! Dimly lit rooms tend to look small and dingy— especially during the day.If you have a particularly dark room, consider investing in a floor lamp that will bounce light off the ceiling.

If your walls are so dark that they’re sucking up all the light, consider repainting. You can even buy a small can of a lighter shade of your wall color, mix it with glaze and rub it onto the wall. It will reflect light and give the room a more open feeling. This approach saves much of the preparation and clean up involved in repainting.

9. Don’t forget fresh flowers.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fresh flowers throughout your home. Even a daisy in a bud vase brightens a bathroom counter. Ask your florist which blooms last a week. You can also use potted flowering plants that are in season for a low-cost solution. Don’t use plastic or obviously fake flowers, especially in an expensive home!

10. Carefully consider music.

Soft background music can help create a soothing environment and camouflage neighbor and traffic noise. But make sure the volume is very low. Blaring TVs are definitely a no-no, but you’d be surprised how many people leave them on for showings!

Does your house look like a show home yet?

Step back and look at your home with the eye of a highly critical buyer. One of Debra Gould’s clients said it well when he described what he called “the sock on the TV syndrome.” In other words, something has been sitting for so long in one place in your house that you don’t even see it anymore.

By the way, this client hired Debra after his $949,900 home had sat on the market for 6 weeks without a single offer. His agent wanted to drop the list price by $50,000, so he called Debra instead. After 6 hours of rearranging almost all the contents in his home, he got three offers and sold at 98% of his original asking price.

Source: www.StagingDiva.com