The right information in the wrong hands can lead to some terrible outcomes. Identity theft is a crime on the rise, one that can wreak havoc on your finances and credit history, two key components in your ability to purchase a home.

Broadly defined, identity theft is when someone steals your personally identifiable information (PII) and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud. For example, someone could use your information to access an account you own (i.e. checking or savings) or use it to open new lines of credit and make purchases without your knowledge.

The best way to protect yourself is to be proactive. There are thousands of articles online and in print about what you can do. Take the time to research how you can be safer. It is much easier to take precautions now than to untangle your jumbled finances and repair damaged credit after your identity has been stolen.

Below are examples of some of simplest things you can do to protect your PII.

· Never give out your social security number (SSN) unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead offer to provide a less sensitive piece of information. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet or provide it on job applications. If you are invited for an interview, it can be supplied at that time.

· If you use online banking services, do not use the same password on different accounts. Instead create specific keys for each account and use a combination of letters and numbers (SY56G6Y).

· Use a shredder with cross-cutting action to destroy account statements, bills and other documents that contain sensitive information.

· Monitor your credit by requesting a free credit report every six to 12 months.

• Follow up on suspicious charges on your credit cards or unusual activity in other accounts. Reacting quickly can be key to keep the fraud from escalating.

8 No-Cost and Low-Cost Ways to Tweak Your Listings
Got a listing that needs a new look? Here are some inexpensive ways to make it shine.

Chances are the decor in that listing you just took is a lot like most people's wardrobes: There are a few items that went out of style a decade ago, but they're so comfortable that it's impossible to see them go.

But everything needs updating eventually. Birdsong suggests home owners cast a fresh eye on their living space, pretending that they've just moved in and are assessing the previous occupant's design choices.

1. Move it.

Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.

2. Plant it.

Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own. 

3. Paint it.

Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do? How do I want this to feel?'"  

4. Organize it.

Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail.  

5. Hide it.

Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper (available for as little as $16/roll from Creative Wallcovering) will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple two-step painting process for a more complex finish. Birdsong suggests applying a solid base coat, then a glaze. 

6. Replace it.

Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Westman suggests scanning each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store. Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches. 

7. Light it.

Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering" the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on and off at will. 

8. Clean it.

Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks on wood floors with scratch cover.

Now that global warming is no longer a theory, but a scientific fact, the onus is on everyone to do their part. And moving to a new home is perfect time to start. Think of it this way - you are starting with a clean slate. Why not make choices that are not only good for your home, but good for the planet too?
Here are five ways you can "green" your new home.

1. Change your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs now come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although these versions cost more than incandescent bulbs, they will last longer and use 66 percent less electricity.

2. Choose appliances with the Energy Star label. This sticker indicates the machine exceeds federal standards for energy consumption or has energy saving features. Look for the label when purchasing washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, dish washers, etc.

3. Control your temperature. Installing a programmable thermostat helps you save money and conserve resources by better regulating your heating and cooling.

4. Start a compost pile. Reduce the amount of trash in landfills by turning your own scraps into quality soil. Compost kits and boxes are available for purchase. It is an easy way to make difference.

5. Adopt a new attitude. Set the tone for your family that the environment is important. Following the slogan, "Reduce. Reuse. Recycle." can really make in impact now and for future generations.

Real estate is a cyclical business. For months or even years conditions may favor the buyer. Then, over time, the pendulum will swing the other way and circumstances will favor the seller.

The market forces of supply and demand help determine whether it is a buyer's or seller's market. When the supply of homes is high, the sense of urgency for buyers lessens. Because there are more homes to choose from buyers can be more selective and may wield more power during the negotiations. In turn, sellers may need to lower their asking prices to attract consumer interest.

Conversely, in a seller's market, inventory is lower. Buyers have fewer options and the sense of immediacy is heightened. As a result, the number of bids on any given listing may increase, asking prices might rise, and buying terms may become more stringent.

A second factor that influences the market is mortgage interest rates. High rates mean it costs buyers more money to borrow from a bank or lender. Higher rates can lessen consumer demand. On the other hand, when rates are lower and buyers feel they can get more for their money it can propel them into the real estate market.

If you are considering buying a home it is critical that you determine whether it is a buyer's or seller's market. Equally important is to remember that real estate is local. Different factors could make it a seller's market in one city and a buyer's in another. To help you determine which conditions prevail examine how long listings are staying on the market, compare that rate to six months ago, and look at whether homes are selling above or below asking price.

In Hollywood they are called stylists. They are fashion professionals who help celebrities shine by outfitting them in the right clothes and accessories. In the world of home buying and selling, real estate professionals fill the same role, but in this case the "star" is your home. Here are five things you can do to stage your home for sale.

Staging is an important part of the home sale process.Staging is presenting your home in its best and most appealing light to the majority of buyers. In the end, it may even lead to less time on the market and a better sales price.
1. De-clutter and de-personalize: Remove all clutter and reduce the number of personal pictures and mementos. You do not have to purge everything, but packing away items at a friend's house or in storage might be a good idea.

2. Go for an updated look: If you have well-worn, wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and replace it. If your kitchen cabinets are dated, spruce them up with new paint. Making your home look its best may take some money and some elbow grease.

3. Create a warm and cozy environment: You want your home to have a welcoming feel. Rearrange seating to create conversation areas. You want buyers to want to stay and relax.

4. Lighten up: Use table lamps to create a warm glow and mirrors to reflect the light around the room. Open up blinds and shades to let the sunshine in. A fresh coat of paint in an inviting, neutral tone will play up the sense of light and warmth.

5. Use accessories: Accent pillows, throw blankets, fresh cut flowers, bowls of polished fruit and artfully arranged books, can help you complete the sophisticated and inviting scene. Remember, you want buyers to imagine themselves living in this setting.

Your real estate professional is your greatest resource when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Work with them to create the home of your buyer's dreams.

When you set your asking price, it was with the belief that the home was worth and could ultimately earn that amount. However, if it is several weeks later and there have been no offers, or only a very few and those far under your price point, it could be time to take action.
Discuss with your agent whether or not you should reduce your asking price. Many sellers might feel discouraged at this prospect, but lowering the price to the right amount, at the right time, could work to your advantage.

It indicates to potential buyers that you understand the market conditions and are willing to make compromises when warranted. It also shows that you are truly motivated to sell the property. Both characteristics can be very appealing to buyers and their agents

Once you decide to reduce the price, work with your real estate professional to make the most of the decision. For instance, he can run tailored marketing including ads tagged, "Just Reduced" or "New Price." He can contact all prospective buyers that visited your open houses or toured the home and let them know about the reduction. He can reach out to his professional network and let his colleagues know that, "This terrific home is now available for even less!"

Also, it is important to remember that lowering the price may open your home to a segment of buyers who were previously locked out by the higher threshold.