Websites To Make Travel Planning Easier . . .

Organizing travel has never been easier. Beyond airfare and accommodations, websites can help with everything from budgeting to translation and everything in between.

Try a few of these websites when planning your next trip:

Find out what other people have spent and share your experience with others using the resources and travel budgeting tool at this site: www.budgetyourtrip.com

A directory of information about the different electrical outlets in foreign countries is at: www.voltagevalet.com

If you don’t know the native language, refer to: http://translate.google.com

Learn the culinary habits of the country you are visiting with this helpful directory: www.foodbycountry.com

Save Hundreds On Electronics . . .

Do you want a bargain on your next cell phone, TV, computer, or digital camera? Then take advantage of the billions of dollars worth of brand name electronics that are returned to the stores each year. Many times there is nothing wrong with the product, a person simply changed their mind. But the store can no longer sell it as a “new” product.

Check the following websites to find electronics in nearly new condition that are classified as refurbished: www.shopping.hp.com/outlet;
www.store.apple.com (click under “special deals” on the left side);
www.dell.com/outlet; or
www.supersonic.com.

Be sure to take these cautious measures:

• Learn how the manufacturer defines “refurbished.” Most stores will tell you how they classify items. You can also search a manufacturer’s website for information on how they get their refurbished products for sale, or email their support department.

 

• Search for items that clearly have been returned unused because of 30-day return policies or products sold for a discount due to minor cosmetic damage. Make sure to get a good warranty and return policy.

 

• Confirm that all the components of a new product are included. Go to the website of the manufacturer’s new products to learn what should be included with your model of the item.

I am thinking of selling my home later this year. What can I do to fix it up and net more from the sale?

Q.  I am thinking of selling my home later this year. What can I do to fix it up and net more from the sale?

A.  Remember when you put your home up for sale it becomes a product on display. Getting rid of clutter makes it easier for potential buyers to walk through the property and see themselves living there. You may also need to tackle a few home improvement projects to get a good price for your property.Start with the walls. Freshly painted walls in a neutral color invite a potential buyer to imagine the home with their things in it. You want enough wall decoration to make your home attractive, but it is easy to overdo it. When removing wall decor to paint, leave most of it packed away.Freshen up the kitchen. Kitchens often sell a home. You will want to make sure it is bright, clean and reasonably updated. Consider replacing the hardware or adding a new backsplash between the countertops and hanging cabinets. If you have to replace appliances, stainless steel is an option that offers clean lines and is easy to keep clean.

Enhance the curb appeal with neat, trim landscaping. Your home will likely be viewed on the internet before a buyer visits the property. A clean exterior makes better looking photos and helps your home look more valuable.

To get more information about how to prepare your home for the market, ask about my Free Consumer Report “Home Seller’s Guide To Moneymaking Fix-Ups,” a guide to help you realize the most profit from your home.

If you have any other real estate questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at: (509) 758-8500 or email me at results.realty@gmail.com.

Four Healthy Habits Of High-Energy People . . .

Would you like more energy throughout the day? The secret to beating fatigue is not in your next cup of coffee or energy drink. For lasting energy, try these natural ways to pump yourself up:

#1:  Get some exercise. I know the last thing you want to do when you have low energy is put on your sneakers and head out for a brisk walk. But many scientific studies prove that walking, a light jog, or even lifting a few weights can boost your energy levels in no time flat.

#2:  Take a nap. If you’re too tired to even exercise, you might need a nap. Researchers at the University of California confirmed that a midday snooze can make you refreshed and more productive. A short nap where you wake up before going into a deep sleep works best. Set a timer so you don’t oversleep.

#3:  Take a break. If you’re not able to lie down, try going outside for a few minutes. On a clear day, the sun’s rays will improve your mood and make you more alert. Even if it’s not sunny, taking several short breaks throughout the day refreshes your energy and helps your brain focus.

It’s also important to keep your heart healthy by scheduling down time on weekends and taking regular vacations. A study of people who didn’t take vacations over a five-year period indicated a 32% greater risk of dying from coronary heart disease (over the next nine-year period) than those who got away at least once a year.

#4:  Chew some gum. Did you know the cultural habit of chewing gum dates back to the ancient Greeks popping wads of tree resin in their mouths to improve their breath? Recent studies indicate that chewing gum improves mental performance because it increases blood flow to the brain. Chew sugar-free gum to avoid a mid-afternoon crash.

For optimum performance, build all four of these habits into your lifestyle. You’ll be more productive at work and have more energy to do active things with loved ones and friends.

Best Places to Stash Cash and Most Stolen Items At Home.

Most Stolen Items At Home . . .

These are the items reported by the website www.homesalarm.com. Some of them made the list because they are simply easy to find in the average home. In order, the most stolen are:

1. Cash (see where to stash below)
2. Tools and building supplies
3. Home electronics
4. Bicycles and parts
5. Jewelry, Furs, and Silver

Best Places to Stash Cash . . .

You may think you have your stash in a safe place, but burglars know where to look. www.frugaldad.com suggests the following places to hide your cash:

• In the freezer between used meat trays and wrapped in aluminum foil.
• Behind the cardboard backing of a picture frame that is hard to reach.
• Under something heavy like an entertainment center or piano.
• Inside a used soup can on a shelf.

Q. What can I ask the seller to pay for when buying a home?

A.  Remember, everything you ask from a seller is a concession in their mind. Whether you’re asking them to lower the price, make a decorating allowance or contribute to your closing costs, they are primarily interested in the bottom line dollar proceeds at closing.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Negotiations can be tough if you try to get the seller to both lower the price and also make other concessions or contributions to your closing costs too. It can actually compromise your ability to come to an agreement.

Appraisers are now asked to consider the dollar value of any seller concessions when they determine the value of the home you are purchasing.

Lenders will limit the contributions made by the seller without lowering your loan amount. It is important for you to ask your lender what they will allow the seller to pay.

If you’d like to learn more about the home-buying process and how to get the home of your dreams at a price you can afford please call me at: (509) 758-8500 or email me at results.realty@gmail.com.

Or, if you have any other real estate questions, we’re here to help.

Cindy Perttu – 208-791-7771
T R Wilson – 509-552-9510
Tammy Brown – 208-790-3007
Blake Harrington – 509-552-1563
results.realty@gmail.com

Four Things Locksmiths Don’t Want You To Know

If you get locked out of your home or simply need new locks, here are some insider secrets to protect yourself and your pocketbook:

1. Check all your doors before you call.  They often arrive at the house and try another door, find it unlocked and charge you for the service.

2. Be careful of scam artists posing as professionals.  Some quote a great rate on the phone and claim they have a special lock at a higher price when they arrive. Find reputable pros at: www.findalocksmith.com.

3. Replace thumb-turn deadbolts near windows.  Whatever the locksmith says, you need to use a double cylinder lock that uses a key near windows. Why? Because it is too easy for a criminal to break a window, reach in, and unlock the door.

4. Cheap locks are easily defeated.  Purchase a “Grade 2″ lockset. It’s more secure and durable than Grade 1, but you don’t need Grade 3 which are for commercial buildings and can be expensive. You may want to ask your locksmith to install high-security locks with keys that can’t be replicated at the hardware store.

First Aid Hot and Cold Rules…

Knowing when to use hot or cold for injuries can be very confusing. Here are the general rules.

Heat increases circulation. Use it for chronic pain like tight muscles in your lower back.

Cold reduces inflammation. Acute injuries such as a newly sprained ankle can benefit from applying cold.

Alternating Hot and Cold is helpful when you have soft-tissue damage or overstretched ligaments. Try 20 minutes of cold each hour in the first 24 hours. Applying 20 minutes of warmth each hour for a few more days should reduce affects of injury. If you still have inflammation after 72 hours, you should call a doctor.

Closing Cost Perceptions

Reblogged from Real Estate & Bits from Judy:

I had a recent interesting discussion with a homebuyer who is planning to buy a home for the first time in a long time.  I was struck by some of her impressions of what her costs would be.  And I thought it might be worth sharing that information with you.

She asked about the sales tax in this county.  She was anticipating paying 7.75 – 8.25% in sales tax on the purchase of a home. 

Read more… 202 more words

Good information for buyers to know, thank you for the post.

Who Wants To Win Patt’s Garden Center Gift Card?

Guess who won last month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month’s quiz. And the winner is…drum roll please: Mary Scharnhorst of Lewiston was the name drawn from all those who correctly answered my quiz question.

Who won the World Series in 1903?

a) Yankees    b) Red Sox    c) Americans    d) Giants
The answer is c) Americans. You may have answered the Boston Red Sox, but at the time, the name of the team was the Boston Americans. So, let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

What is the most populated time zone in North America?

a) Pacificb) Eastern

c) Central

d) Mountain

EMAIL ME AT: results.realty@gmail.com OR Call Me At (509) 758-8500 And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!