CT Properties Blog

Decorate for Personal Style

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:29:42 -0500

By Teresa Opdycke
Photo: © Randy Romano / iStockphoto

Every family maintains an identity that filters into the home. If making your home impressive while retaining the unique flavor of your family is important, implement the following decorating tips.

Surround Yourself with What You Love - Only you know what you love and what brings you a sense of tranquility or excitement. Use the things you love to decorate your home. If you love the quilt your grandmother made, but you live in a glass and steel high-rise, use the quilt as a geometric piece of art on a large wall.

If you take the things you love and make a passionate decorating statement with them, coming home will always be a pleasure.

Know Your Colors - Mixed shades of violet may be all the rage this year, but if you abhor violet and purples in any hue you'll hate being in style. Know your emotional colors and use them to color your home. The colors that make you smile, make you feel calm, happy, excited, or dreamy, create the look. Personal colors make people feel a certain way and using them in your home inspires you and sets a mood unique to you.

Think Textures - Textures in a room add interest. Combining the rough, knobby look and feel of a woolen throw against the smooth canvas fabric on a sofa adds appeal. Use textures as a focal point or accent such as bamboo shades combined with satiny fabric covered cornices. Just think rough and smooth to come up with texture combinations for feel appeal.

Know Your Style - You could hire a top interior designer, but if your home doesn't reflect your personal style then you're not going to like it for long. Knowing your style means understanding that you prefer casual to formal, natural rather than contrived, or French Country over minimalist. Before starting an interior-decorating project, define your personal style.

Paneling a Problem? Paint It!

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:24:55 -0500

By Ellen Russell
Photo: © Jinyoung Lee / Dreamstime
Many homes built or remodeled in the nineteen-seventies and eighties have extensive, dark wood paneling throughout the home. What was once considered vogue has become something of a decorating nightmare for homeowners. Although updating and replacing wall paneling with sheet rock is the best permanent solution, it is also an expensive, messy, and time-consuming process. If replacing paneling is not an option for you, then painting over dark paneled walls is one fast economical solution to improve upon the look of your home.

Use a Quality Primer - Since paneled walls usually have a very smooth, slick surface, you will need to apply primer to cover the paneling and create a surface that the paint can readily adhere to. An application of primer also adds a layer of color so that less paint is necessary.

Begin by painting the deep-set, beveled lines of the wall paneling before you paint the entire wall surface. Use a good quality, thin paintbrush (one half to one inch wide) and paint in all the lines of the paneling.

Next, cut in two to three inches along all edges and corners. Cutting in refers to painting the edges and corners of the walls with a paintbrush, filling in the areas where a paint roller cannot reach or would scrape adjacent walls and ceilings.

With edges and grooves prepared, paint the wall surface with a paint roller. Start at the top of the wall and work in patches three or four feet square. Roll paint in a "W" shape to avoid roller marks, drips, and streaks. With the first area filled, paint the adjacent area below, working from the top of the wall down. Repeat the process throughout the room, continuing to work in "W" formation, until the entire room is covered with paint.

Other Creative Ways to Disguise Paneling - Another decorative way to work with paneling is to achieve a wainscoting effect. Paint the paneling as described above, then hang a trim board along the walls midline. This works especially well if paneling exists only on the bottom third or half of the wall, but can be done as well by choosing an upper wall and lower wall paint color to cover the paneling. Another option is to have the top half of a paneled wall skim-coated with plaster and painted or wallpapered, then create the wainscot look by painting and trimming the bottom half of the panel.

Living with paneling is not a must simply because you don't have the time or money to invest in ripping out and remodeling the walls entirely. A weekend paint project can breathe new life into a paneled interior.

It’s time for potential home-owners to go ahead and buy in this so-called “buyer's market”

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:04:33 -0600

While today's market plays to their advantage, buyers, who should be swooping in to make the most of reduced housing costs and favorable interest rates, are sitting by, waiting.

It is up to you, as a competent and informed real estate agent, to mobilize your potential buyers to invest in home ownership now. When the market turns, today's bargains will be yesterday's missed opportunities.

While it is conceivable that home prices may drop further, it is likely that these decreased prices will be accompanied by increased financing costs due to rate cuts by the Fed. This means that any money saved on paying less for a house in a few months time will be offset by your client having to pay off their mortgage at a higher interest rate making "playing the waiting game" a waste of time (and very little fun).

This rate increase isn't just speculation. Just a couple of weeks ago, in early February, the fixed mortgage rate jumped a full half-percent, making it the fastest rate increase in 20 years.

The table below demonstrates how even as home prices may drop, monthly mortgage payments basically stay the same; due to increased interest rates:

Scenario 1:
Prices decrease by 5% and interest rates increase by 0.5%

Scenario 2:
Prices decrease by 10% and interest rates increase by 1.0%

Today

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Home Price

$218, 900

Home Price: -5%

$207,955

Home Price: -10%

$197,010

Interest Rates

6.04%

Interest Rates: +0.5%

6.54%

Interest Rates: +1.0%

7.04%

Monthly Payment

$1,054

Monthly Payment

$1,056

Monthly Payment

$1,053

Table: Kadlec, Dan. "Ignore the Headlines!" Time 25 February 2008

Why should your clients spend months in a situation that they want out of when they can begin their new lives in their new home today, with less interest?

Tips to Enjoy Christmas More

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:25:49 -0600

By K.M. Forsyth
Photo: © Kati Molin - dreamstime.com
Although we all have dreams of the perfect Christmas, very few of us can manage to pull off Christmas like a Martha Stewart event without nearly losing our minds in the process. Here are three suggestions to help you keep your sanity and perhaps adjust your expectations so you can enjoy the holidays instead of enduring them.

Go for Happy, Not for Broke - A quick poll of your friends will probably yield the same result. Their best memories of Christmas rarely revolve around gifts. Generally our fondest Christmas memories are of people and places, not of things.

This year think of giving fewer gifts (less shopping means less stress). Maybe draw names from a hat or decide that only the youngest members of the family get gifts, and instead give a donation to a charity that everyone in the family agrees on. Even better, donate an afternoon of your families time to a charity. Something that will make you grateful for what you have and give you the gift of feeling good about helping others.

Let Someone Else do the Work - It's time to delegate. Let other people help you get ready for the holidays. They don't even have to be family members. Shop online and take advantage of free gift-wrapping. Order a big batch of Christmas baking from the bakery and then only make a single recipe of your very favorite shortbread to round out the trays.

In most cities you can even have your Christmas dinner made and delivered to you. Some hotels have a Christmas dinner in their dining room. If you are stressed about the meal, why not take everyone out for dinner this year. Just be sure to make your reservations early.

It's All in Your Point of View - Christmas brings out the perfectionist in all of us. We bring a lot of stress on ourselves by wanting the perfect tree with the perfect decorations set in the perfect spot. This year try and keep in mind that the tree will not make or, more importantly, break your holiday.

Even if the centerpiece is not quite what you wanted, or you forgot to get the wreath for the door this year, relax. Chances are you are the only one who knows, unless you tell - so don't!

What is Home Equity?

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:24:23 -0600

By Susan M. Keenan
Photo: © Kutay Tanir - iStockphoto.com

The equity of a home is calculated by taking the current market value of a home and subtracting the debt owed on the property. For example, the current market value of the home is $250,000 and the current amount of money the homeowner still owes to his lender is $115,000. If you subtract the debt of $115,000 from the market value of $250,000, the home's equity is $135,000.

Since the initial down payment builds up equity in the property, the larger the down payment on the home, the larger the amount of equity in the home. In many cases, a larger down payment will equate to a better positioning stance for acquiring a loan as well. Most often, the home and its accompanying land and structures are used as collateral to secure the mortgage. The value of the property is used to ensure the lender that he will not lose his investment.

Once a homeowner has lived on the property for several years and paid into the home loan or mortgage, the equity of the property increases according to the amount of each monthly payment that went toward the principal portion of the loan. If more than one loan has been taken out using the home as security for the loan, the balance of each loan must be subtracted from the current market value of the property to obtain the current equity.

Be "Green" in the New Year

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:22:45 -0600

By ARAcontent
With the trend focusing on being more eco-friendly, these tips will not only make a difference for the environment and add some green in your wallet, but also make you feel good about yourself for keeping your resolution throughout the New Year.

Light Years Ahead - Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) not only last ten times longer than incandescents, but also use 75 percent less energy. Their cost of approximately $7 each may seem steep at first, but you will save up to $60 in electricity per light over their lifetime.

Control the Flow - According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense program, Americans consume an average of 100 gallons of water each day. This would fill 1,600 drinking glasses! By installing a water saving aerator in your bath faucet, such as Moen's Water Saving Aerator, you can reduce water flow from the standard 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to 1.5 gpm-reducing overall consumption by 30 percent.

Take It Down a Degree - According to the Alliance to Save Energy (www.ase.org), you can subtract 5 percent from your utility bill for every degree you lower your home's temperature.

Here Comes the Sun - During cooler months, keep your blinds or drapes open throughout the day to let in natural solar heat. This simple trick can reduce your heating bills by 10 percent.

Blocking out sunlight with exterior blinds or shutters during the summer can also cut your utilities by up to 33 percent.

Indulge in a Shower - By switching from a bath to a shower, you not only save time, but also money. A typical ten-minute bath requires 30 to 70 gallons of water versus 25 gallons under a 2.5 gpm showerhead.

To conserve even more resources, install Moen's new Water Saving Showerhead. With a flow of 1.75 gpm (industry-standard is 2.5 gpm), it uses 30 percent less water and helps reduce energy costs, as less hot water is used without sacrificing the shower's performance.

Feel the Heat - Have your furnace checked yearly to make sure it's running properly and efficiently; and tuned every two years. Not only will you save 10 percent on your heating bills, but you'll also save approximately 2,500 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Dish Duty - Although bottled water and disposable plates and cups may be enticing for easy use and clean up, they aren't so earth-friendly-heading straight from your trash into landfills. In fact, one billion plastic water bottles end up in landfills every year. Instead, enjoy your food and beverages on washable serving wear. Running a full load in an Energy Star-rated dishwasher only uses 4 gallons of water.

Follow these tips and you'll be on the right track for a "green" New Year! For more information on the new Water Saving Showerheads and Aerators, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Make the Most of Your Home's Assets

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:21:16 -0600

By J. A. Young
Photo: © dreamstime.com
When preparing to sell a home, it is necessary to assess the house's main selling points. A house's best features don't always speak for themselves to buyers and they might require some highlighting on the part of the sellers. This article discusses ways to make the most of your homes best features.

The assessment process should go room by room. While no room or feature is likely to be completely ideal in every instance, the goal is to play down any negatives and play up all the positives. If the master bedroom is on the small side, then it will be necessary to convey its cozy appeal. Perhaps it has a great view that can be emphasized with new window treatments. Maybe excess furniture could be removed so the room appears larger.

Consider the special features each room offers that make it unique from other rooms.

For example, a kitchen with a built-in hutch might display an elegant collection of china as opposed to various boxes of dry cereal.

Or, a breakfast nook could be set with matching place settings to give potential buyers an idea of its daily use. Play up high ceilings with dramatic light fixtures in keeping with the home's architectural style. Instead of covering them up, keep new windows visible to buyers and highlight them with simple and spare accents.

Sometimes the key to a sale is simply highlighting the home's extraordinary feature(s). This might be a loft in the garage or a covered patio. These extraordinary assets must be kept neat and orderly in order to show them off in their best light. Rather than fill a spacious wrap-around porch with loads of bushy plant containers, place several well-chosen healthy plants in a few spots to highlight all of the room.

The idea for sellers is to make the home stand out by focusing on its best attractions. So, do not keep new carpeting covered up and be sure to draw buyers' eyes to hidden features in some way.

Fantastic Face-lifts for Your Kitchen and Bathroom

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:39:57 -0600

By Jill Moore
Photo: © Stephen Coburn - dreamstime.com
If you are looking for inexpensive and easy do-it-yourself projects that will help you increase the selling potential of your home, look no further. With a little creativity and an eye for detail, your kitchen and bathroom can become the best selling point of your entire house.

The very first thing you should do when trying to improve the look of a kitchen or bathroom is to replace the faucets. This simple job will brighten up the overall look of your entire room.

Poor lighting or unattractive ceiling fixtures can make a room feel drab and dull. You will definitely want to make sure a new light fixture has been installed in the bathroom and kitchen.

When you are shopping for light fixtures, look for lights on a track that can be pointed in different directions. Not only are these attractive, but also they are very functional. After you have replaced your lighting fixtures, scout for any other dark corners or overlooked areas of the room. Add appropriate light fixtures to these spots, as well.

Windows are another key spot for making sure your kitchen and bath have adequate lighting. Even if your windows look new and clean, some types of curtains may actually darken the room, or cause it to feel small and dark. Consider removing curtains and replacing them with simple blinds to allow as much light as possible. If you prefer or need curtains, choose light, sheer fabrics.

Unused corners can be fantastic to convert into shelf space. Even building a small shelf in a hidden corner of the bathroom or kitchen adds storage space and visual appeal. Also, look for any unused wall space to hang mirrors. Mirrors help bring a sense of openness to a room, and they can even create the illusion of more space. This works especially well with large mirrors, or medium sized mirrors hung in sequence.

Is Refinancing Your Home Right for You?

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:35:24 -0600

By Susan M. Keenan
Photo: © Ken Cole - dreamstime.com

Homeowners often find themselves in a position to refinance an existing home loan. The reasons to do so are varied. In many cases, the interest rates on the currently available mortgages have dropped and the homeowner can realize monthly savings if their home is refinanced.

If your income has increased dramatically and you can now afford a home loan with a shorter term, you may want to refinance. Remember that on shorter term loans the monthly payments will be larger, but the loan will also be paid off much more quickly.

Some homeowners find themselves in the uncomfortable position of dealing with rising interest rates as their adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) switch up to the next level.

Higher mortgage payments can place homeowners in a financial bind that screams for the relief of a home refinance.

If you are a homeowner who originally purchased a home as a starter home but have decided to live there long term, the original home loan might not be amenable to this new circumstance. In this case, refinancing the home can be a wise option.

If you are a homeowner with an interest only mortgage, you may prefer to build up equity in your home now, rather than waiting for the interest only portion of your home loan to switch over. Refinancing an existing interest only mortgage can bring savings over an extended period of time and help build up equity faster.

Refinancing a home is also a good way to get additional cash for remodeling purposes. Depending on the terms of the refinance loan, you might be able to borrow more than you need to pay off the existing loan. This will give you additional funds for remodeling projects.

Whatever the reason for refinancing a loan, the end result is usually a positive one. The homeowner typically saves money, builds up equity faster, or both.

Three Things to Consider Before Making an Offer

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:24:54 -0500

By Angela Baca
Photo: © Kathy Wynn - dreamstime.com

Are you about to make an offer on your dream home? This article examines three things that potential homebuyers should take into consideration before they make an offer on a home.

Choose The Right Realtor - Your first consideration is to hire a licensed realtor. Your realtor can advise you during each step in the home buying process, from getting pre-approved for a mortgage to closing the deal. This can be the most confusing and stressful time for a buyer, and having an expert to help you through the whole process will make it much easier.

A Home Inspection is Important - Your second consideration is to ask that your realtor insert a contingency clause into the offer that the house passes a home inspection. Construct an offer that you agree upon together. If you have already visited the home, you may have noticed some features of the house that need to be inspected. Perhaps you noticed obvious problems like faulty insulation or wood rot. Insisting on a home inspection is crucial to protecting your financial interest in the transaction.

Make The Right Offer - The third consideration is to talk with your realtor about the right offer. You need to look beyond the obvious points like the home's square footage, upgrades, list price, market value, and previous selling price. After touring the home with your realtor, reflect upon the need for repairs that you have already observed. For example, if you are looking at a 12-year-old house that still has its original roof, consider lowering your offer based upon the known problem of investing soon in a new roof.

Making an offer is a final step toward buying a home. Use your realtor to protect yourself during each stage of this process. Buying a home is not a small endeavor, and while some people are able to do it alone, most will find the experience to be overwhelming. Your real estate agent can make the process go smoothly by applying professional knowledge and skill to your particular situation. Some things to consider are, good schools, proximity to shopping, parks and recreation.

Home Maintenance List

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:23:08 -0500

By James Isaac
Photo: © Jupiter Images

To ensure your home stays in good repair, it should be checked at least once a year. Below is a checklist of the things you should check in and around your house.

Heating System & Hot Water Heater - You should have your heating system serviced and all the filters changed every year. Draining your hot water heater and removing the sediment that has gathered at the bottom of the tank over the last year, will not only prolong the life of your water heater, but will also ensure that it runs in top condition year round.

Roof & Gutters - Clean your gutters and drain pipes of leaves and debris. Your drain pipes should be positioned so that any precipitation drains away from your house. Check your roof for any missing shingles or damage. You also need to check your ceilings indoors for any water damage or leaks around windows, vents and corners that are prone to leakage over time.

Siding & Paint - Do a slow walk around your home and look for any cracks or peeling in your house siding or paint. Replace any caulk that may be dried out and cracking. You can use a carpet knife as a simple effective tool to cut away old caulking from house siding. Slide the blade alongside it from both directions and then use the carpet knife to lift the old caulk intact.

Windows & Doors - Check all of your doors and windows for drafts. Replace any seals that seem worn or damaged. Those small cracks that get neglected can be the equivalent of leaving a window open year round, wasting energy and increasing the work of your heating and cooling systems.

Filters & Water Faucets - The filters in your home should be replaced or cleaned once a month or as needed. Remember to check and clean your air conditioner, dryer vent, room fans and stove hood. Always keep furniture and draperies away from heating and cooling vents.

Check all faucets throughout your home for leaks to keep from having larger problems from neglect. By keeping a check on your faucets and replacing washers to stop the leaks you are also conserving on your energy bill.

Safety Devices - Check and replace batteries in carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors at least twice a year. If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is in good working order.

Factors That Determine The Value of Your Home

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 07:57:43 -0500

By E. E. Kane
Photo: © Hanna Mariah - dreamstime.com

A quick sale of your home may depend on not overpricing your property, especially in a competitive market. To determine the value of your home, ask your realtor for a comparative market analysis (CMA). Here are some factors that your realtor will consider when pricing your home to sell.

The most important factor that affects your home's value is location. A house in a desirable neighborhood will be much more valuable than the same house in a less desirable neighborhood. Some things to consider are, good schools, proximity to shopping, parks and recreation. Also take into consideration that being close to a good job market will add value to your property.

The square footage of your home and property are a large factor when determining its value. Your home's value increases based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms that it has. But whether you will get a fair market value, or more, depends on your home's condition. If your home needs a new roof, heating or cooling system, this will detract from the value of the home. Even things like dated counters and floors can negatively affect your home's value.

It is usually a good idea to update your home, but consider carefully how much of an investment you can afford in the house you are selling. If your home is in need of updating, any repairs or improvements you make will only bring the home back into the fair market value range. It will not necessarily increase the value of your home. To ensure you get the best return on your home improvement dollars, consult with your realtor before making major home improvements.

If you don't want to take on a major home improvement project, such as adding rooms, investing a bit of time and money to paint walls can make an amazing difference in the appearance of your home. Also taking care of the small, obvious repairs and fix-ups will convey to buyers and brokers that you have been a conscientious caretaker of your property.

Taxes and Short Sale on Real Estate

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:55:55 -0500

Thursday, August 16, 2007

By Ilyce R. Glink
Inman News

Q: I am in a very bad situation. I bought my house 18 months ago for $358,000. Now, similar homes in the area are selling only for $345,000.

I tried to sell the property but I'd have to come up with almost $30,000 to close, and that's money I just don't have. I can't afford the payments anymore, and yet, if I don't sell the property or figure out a way to come up with the payments, I'm going to be forced not to pay them.

I want to try to convince my lender to do a short sale. Can I do that before being late on my payments? Help!

A: You're in an incredibly difficult situation. From where I sit, you have only two options at the moment, neither of them particularly pleasant: You can either get a part-time second job to help increase your income (so that your payments are affordable), or you can sell your home and find a way to get $30,000 in order to pay off the lender.

You can ask the lender to do a short sale. If you don't have any other assets, the lender may agree to it, but that will bring up another unpleasant subject: income taxes.

What you may not realize is that the IRS treats a short sale as income to the borrower. So if you owe $350,000 on your loan, but sell your home for $330,000, you owe $20,000 to the lender. If the lender accepts the lesser amount (known as a short sale), the IRS will see the missing $20,000 as "phantom" income. You'll then owe income taxes on the phantom income.

I know this seems unfair, so I hope you can figure a way out of this problem. Please talk to a good real estate attorney about how short sales work and whether this is truly a good option for you at this time.

Reduce your capital gains tax even further

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:53:21 -0500

How to use property improvements to recalculate cost basis

Thursday, August 16, 2007

By Ilyce R. Glink
Inman News

Q: I want to sell my house and downsize to a condo. My parents, who are both deceased, transferred their house to me back in 2001, when they were alive.

They bought the home in 1966 for $38,750. Today it should sell for about $650,000. I now know that this was a mistake because of the huge capital gains tax I will owe on the property. I am single, so I have only a $250,000 exemption, which means I'll have a big tax bill to pay.

I'm trying to make the best of a bad situation. In calculating the cost basis for the property, how does one distinguish between a home improvement and a repair?

Can an improvement such as a fence be counted more than one time? We've put in three fences over the 40 years since the house has been built.

Also, I want to know if it's OK to estimate the cost of some of these improvements, since some of them took place 35 to 40 years ago and there is no formal documentation for them. Also, my parents took out a mortgage when they first purchased the house; can this be considered an improvement?

Finally, I just had both the outside and inside of the house professionally painted; can this be counted as an improvement? (I think that I already know the answer to this one). Thanks! I hope that you can answer my questions!

A: Yes, transferring ownership to you via a quitclaim deed was a mistake. I'm glad you recognize that now, although it would have been better to consult an attorney in the beginning.

And while you'll have a big tax bill to pay, you have to think about the silver lining -- at least the property has risen dramatically in value and you'll wind up with a big chunk of that cash.

When it comes to calculating the cost basis, you can include anything that was a structural fix, including adding or replacing fences, replacing the roof, adding rooms to the property, gut-renovation and home improvement such as a new bathroom. But you cannot include decorating, nor can you subtract the cost of the original mortgage.

You should take a look at a booklet published by the Internal Revenue Service: Publication 523, "Selling Your Home." It has some good examples and guidelines you need to follow to compute the basis for the home.

The booklet has a laundry list of items that are considered improvements to a home. Among those items are fences. In looking at the items you may also recognize other improvements that you or your parents added to the home, including landscaping, new windows, insulation and new kitchen appliances.

But if you installed various fences in the many years you or your parents lived at the home, you won't be able to add the cost of installing multiple fences to your cost basis. According to Publication 523, you will be able to add only the cost of the most recently installed fence to the cost basis of the home.

Since there is no formal documentation, you'll have to estimate based on your knowledge of what was done to the property. Please talk to a good accountant who can assist you with this. If you have no written paperwork to support your expenses, you may have trouble supporting your claim if you were to get audited by the IRS.

Before you add it all up, don't forget to include the costs for purchase and sale, including the commission, advertising or marketing costs, and any other fees you paid.

Protect Your Home During Vacation

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:42:26 -0500

By J. A. Young
Photo: © Jeff Clow - dreamstime.com

Since summer time is popular for family vacations, a lot of burglars take advantage of this time to scope out and break into homes that are unoccupied. Here are a few things you can do to protect your home while you are on vacation.

House Sitter - A house sitter is one of the best protections against break-ins. This person should be a trusted neighbor, relative or friend of the family who can call the police if something happens.

To help your house sitter or the person checking on your home, make a list of things about your house such as where the power boxes are, where the water lines are and other important details about the house.

You could also make a list of other people that would be able to help with the house sitting just in case one person can't cover all the responsibilities, like feeding pets and watering plants.

Alarm System - An alarm system for your house is an excellent deterrent to prevent a robbery. Studies have even shown that in-active security cameras that are visible to prowlers will deter a break-in. If you set an alarm before going on vacation, you should alert anyone who has access to your home so they don't accidentally set it off.

Mail and Newspaper - Remember to call your newspaper service to put your newspapers on hold until you return. Most newspaper services will happily oblige. Also contact the post office to put your mail on hold. Mail can usually be put on hold for up to thirty days and can be setup two weeks before the date you want it to start. An alternative is to have a friend collect the papers and mail each day.

Other Precautions - According to experts, the best measure of protection is to make it look as if you are still at home. Some simple solutions are to put a motion detector on the outdoor lights and set a timer on the TV and indoor lights so they turn on during evening hours and your home looks lived in.

Use Color to Decorate Like a Professional

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:41:08 -0500

By Mary Ward
Photo: © Paul Hill - dreamstime.com

Color can completely transform the look of a room and turn an ordinary space into an extraordinary showplace. Color can evoke specific feelings and moods; it can open up a room to make it appear larger or close it in to give it a cozier feel. Don't be afraid to add color to your walls or to accessorize with bold choices. Using color is the easiest, most affordable way to enhance your home.

Set the Mood - Warm colors such as shades of orange, red and yellow are invigorating. Choose these colors if you want to revitalize your room and give it a brilliant new glow. Consider adding warm colors to rooms with soft and cozy throws, pillows and window treatments.

Do you want to transform your room into a relaxing sanctuary that calms and soothes the body and the mind?

Choose colors on the cooler side of the spectrum. Consider various shades of pink, blue, mauve, green, or anything in between. Accessorize with soft and comfy pillows and throws in soft colors, and consider new window treatments to compliment your décor.

Enlarge a Space - Avoid painting your walls pure white because it can look sterile. If you want your home to look well decorated, include color in your decorating scheme. To make a room appear larger, paint the ceiling white, but paint the walls in light colors of your choice. Just a hint of color is all you need since you can draw it out with window treatments, furniture and accessories, such as throw pillows and rugs.

Choosing Paint - Keep in mind that small paint samples available in stores can be deceiving. It's difficult to tell how an entire room will look when considering a one-inch square sample. Bring samples home and envision the entire room painted in the samples you're considering. Experiment with various types of lighting and intensities, and take your time when making your final choice.

Fitted Slipcovers - If you're tired of your old furniture, give it a completely new look with quality fitted slipcovers. There are slipcovers available in dozens of colors, materials, textures, and patterns. Choose high-quality fitted slipcovers to compliment the existing colors in your room, or begin redecorating your home with exciting new colors.

Home Inspection for Sellers

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:38:58 -0500

By Celeste Stewart
Photo: © dreamstime.com
Although the person buying your home will get it inspected before they purchase it, there are some very good reasons for you to get your home inspected before putting it on the market. Here is a list of three great reasons to inspect your home before selling it.

1. Your home sale is less likely to fall through due to surprise problems found by the buyer's home inspection.

If a buyer discovers problems during their home inspection they are more likely to back out of the purchase. It is to your advantage to have a problem-free home inspection that will inspire a buyers confidence. If problems are discovered before your home goes on the market, you can correct them before a potential buyer steps foot in your house.

2. A home inspection can give you greater leverage in the negotiating phase.

In a high stress home sale a buyer can use minor home problems as an excuse to ask for expensive repairs or even a significantly lower sale price. If your home is inspected and the repairs are completed before it is put on the market, you are less likely to be hassled with last minute home repairs or paying for overpriced materials to satisfy a demanding buyer.

3. A home inspection is a tool to help you with full disclosure.

A homebuyer will be more receptive to problems that are disclosed to them up front, than ones they discover through a home inspection. If you find problems during your home inspection, you can work with your realtor to determine whether to repair the problem or to list the home "AS IS" with full disclosure. Another option is to make the necessary repairs and have the home re-inspected for a clean report to show to potential buyers.

Finding perfect house is all about timing

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:49:42 -0500

Have I been looking long enough?

Monday, July 02, 2007
By Dian Hymer

It's not uncommon for buyers to look for six months or more before finding the right house or condo to buy. Sometimes, it takes even longer if listings are in short supply. Lucky are the home buyers who find a great property that suits their needs soon after they start their search. But, finding the right property earlier than anticipated can pose a problem for some buyers.

Common concerns are: Have I looked long enough to understand the local market and the range of housing options available? Could there be another, even better listing on the market, perhaps at a better price? Will an upcoming listing be more appealing? Should I wait and see what else might come along, or should I go for it?

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Don't pass over an ideal property just because you found it quickly. Instead, complete due-diligence investigations to satisfy any concerns you may have about the property before you make an offer. You could regret it if you don't buy the listing and it takes years to find another suitable property.

First, search the Internet, if you haven't already, to see if there are similar listings on the market in the area where you want to live. Ask your agent to show you as many of these as possible, unless you can rule out a listing based on your criteria without having to a look at it.

For example, you may need a main-floor bedroom and bath for an aging parent who visits frequently. You can usually get a sense of the floor plan of a house from the information provided on the Internet. If critical information isn't provided online, your agent can check for you. Look at as many homes as possible that might suit your needs. This will help you to decide whether to go ahead or wait for something better.

A critical variable to consider before making your decision is how often listings like the one you're considering become available. Ask your agent to provide you with a list of similar listings that sold within the last six months or one year.

You won't be able preview these listings. So, ask for your agent to give you as many details about the properties as possible, including how long they took to sell and whether they sold for more or less than the list price. You might want to drive by the listings so that you can at least get a curbside impression of how they compare with the listing you're considering.

You may find that listings similar to the one you like come along frequently. They don't sell quickly and rarely for over the list price. In this case, there's no urgency to buy quickly.

However, if you discover that listings like the one you covet come on the market infrequently, you should seriously consider going ahead with an offer. Certain kinds of properties in certain areas are always difficult to find. An example would be a charming home in move-in condition in a popular neighborhood that is within walking distance of great restaurants.

When these homes come on the market, there is often pent-up demand. You may not be the only buyer who has been waiting for just such a listing. This means that you could end up paying more than the asking price if you end up bidding in competition with other buyers who want the same kind of a property you do.

THE CLOSING: Don't pass up a good listing because you don't think you know enough to make an informed decision. Instead, accelerate your due-diligence investigations so that you are prepared to make an informed decision.

Preventing and Cleaning Mold and Mildew

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Tue, 01 May 2007 19:26:54 -0500

Preventing and Cleaning Mold and Mildew
By Ellen Russell
Photo: © Matthew Bowden - Fotolia

Mold and mildew growth in the home can be the cause of serious allergies and respiratory problems. The best course of action against mold and mildew is thorough cleaning and prevention.

The key to preventing mold and mildew growth is to regularly clean areas that are frequently moist, like bathrooms and showers. Wiping down surfaces with vinegar helps kill mold and mildew growth, and prevent future growth. The most effective cleaner to use to kill mold and mildew growth is household bleach or bleach-based household cleansers.

No amount of cleaning will completely control mold and mildew growth where water and moisture continue to infiltrate the house. The source of the moisture must first be dealt with.

Bathrooms will never be completely free of moisture because of frequent showering. However, the situation can be alleviated with ventilating fans and windows. Run fans any time showers and baths are run. Open windows to thoroughly dry bathrooms when possible.

Other sources of leaking water and moisture must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent large mold and mildew infestations. Follow these pointers for drying moisture problems and fixing sources of mold-growing water. Increase ventilation.

Use dehumidifiers in humid home areas.
Insulate cold pipes to prevent sweating.
Properly vent appliances like dryers.
Repair leaking pipes and fixtures.
Clean infected areas and surfaces.

It is important to note that large mold and mildew problems require professional assistance to properly deal with the infestations. Areas larger than ten square feet should be cleaned professionally. Heating and cooling systems penetrated by mold and mildew need to be cleaned by HVAC system professionals.

Homeowners may use the following procedures to deal with mold and mildew growth in areas less than ten square feet.

Wear an N-95 rated respirator, gloves and goggles.
Use a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.
On wall surfaces, do not paint over mold; clean the area with bleach solution first (or paint will peel).
Paint mold prone areas with alcohol based paint.
Launder removable fabrics (with bleach if possible).
Wipe surfaces with vinegar (mild mold and prevention only).

The only reliably effective treatment for mold and mildew problems is cleaning with the bleach solution, but note that it may damage surfaces. Consult professional contractors for further information, however, there may be no alternative. Plan to refinish surfaces and replace carpeting for heavy mold problems. There is no effective means of cleaning mold from carpeting and equally porous materials that cannot be laundered.

The Downside of For Sale by Owner

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Tue, 01 May 2007 19:25:08 -0500

The Downside of
For Sale By Owner
By Penny Harmon
Photo: © creasuite - Fotolia

When a homeowner decides not to enlist the assistance of a real estate agent in selling their home, their home will be considered a For Sale By Owner or FSBO. This article outlines some of the downsides of selling For Sale By Owner, as well as for those purchasing an FSBO.

One of the major downfalls of selling FSBO is that these homes are likely to stay on the market longer.

Many prospective buyers will simply pass on a FSBO home because they want to feel protected in their purchase and they prefer to do this with the assistance of a reputable agent. They also understand that it is difficult for a homeowner to be objective in their pricing because they may be very emotionally attached to the home.

When a home offer on a FSBO does come in, it is often much lower than expected because the potential buyer feels he or she should get a much better "deal" because they are dealing directly with the homeowner.

An enormous advantage of enlisting the help of a realtor is that they are already educated about the real estate market and they have established marketing connections that lead to a quicker sale and higher home offers.

Another plague of selling FSBO is the barrage of bargain hunters and home tourists. Although these people may seem like potential buyers, they are simply looking for a "bottom dollar" purchase or having an evening adventure taking house tours to get remodeling ideas.

A real estate agent that is showing your home generally will pre-qualify all buyers before setting up a showing on your home. They will make sure your home is only shown to serious prospective buyers.

Septic Care and Maintenance

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:39:05 -0500

Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems that use the soil to treat small wastewater flows, usually from individual homes. They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where centralized wastewater treatment is impractical and unnecessary. Click here for complete detailed information for the care and feeding of your spectic system.

To find out more Home Buyer Advice visit www.CTproperties.net

Inexpensive Kitchen Upgrades

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:34:51 -0500

By ARA

Here are some inexpensive kitchen upgrades you can make that will have a huge impact:

1. Paint the Room
2. Update the Lighting
3. Change the Faucet and Sink
4. Change Cabinet Hardware
5. Upgrade the Countertops

Granite and stainless steel were the hot trends in the 1990s, but because of their expense and need for greater upkeep, there's now a renewed interest in synthetic countertop materials that combine both style and function.

One that's getting a lot of attention these days is Wilsonart HD, a high definition laminate that is available in hundreds of colors and patterns so you're guaranteed to find exactly the look that you want. Log on to www.countertop.com or call (800) 433-3222 to request samples.

Click Your Mouse to Find a House

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 13:58:25 -0500

...because your move matters

Find a Listing
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57 Vista Terrace

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 13:27:11 -0500

This Sprawling Ranch is set on .99 acre and offers 2 fireplaces, updates thru-out, new Kitchen, Bath rooms & mechanicals. Enjoy the luxory of the open floor plan with huge rooms and hardwood floors thru-out. Intercom sys. Great entertaining inside & out. Perched on beautiful level corner lot.

Besure to view this homes Virtual Tour

Property Type:	Single Family
Cross Street:	Wolf Hill to Vista
Area Name:	104
Style:	Ranch
Design:	Ranch
Year Built:	1962
Stories:	1
Square Feet:	2648
Garage:	2 Attached
Heat Type:	Oil
Air Conditioning:	CAIR
Lot Size:	.99

FEATURES & AMENITIES:
Fireplace:	Y
Number of Fireplaces:	2
Additional Features:	Sprawling open floor plan
Exterior Features:	Brick, Wood

ROOM INFORMATION:
Total Bedrooms:	3
Total Dining Rooms:	1
Total Living Rooms:	1
Total Full Baths:	2
Total 1/2 Baths:	1
Master Bedroom:	16 x 17 with Full Bath
Living Room:	14 x 21 with FP
Dining Room:	12 x 14
Basement:	Full unfinished

SCHOOL INFORMATION:
Elementary School:	Chapman
High School:	Cheshire
Middle School:	Dodd
School District:	Cheshire

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Listing Price:	$449,900
Annual Taxes:	$7,329

Organize Your Closet Space

Ruth and Sam Ratner (CT Properties) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 10:10:23 -0500

By Elizabeth Walling
Photo: © Any Presentations

The first step to closet organization is sorting through what is causing your clutter. You may be surprised at the amount of items in your closet that can be stored away, donated, or even sold. Although parting with seldom used items may be difficult, it will make your regularly used items more accessible. A rule of the thumb is that any item that hasn't been used within two years should be discarded.

Once you have parted with as much as possible, it's time to organize what you have left. Sort items into similar categories, such as shirts and blouses, heavy sweaters, slacks and pants, full-length clothing, belts, jewelry, hats, purses, and other accessories. Decide what clothing items need to be hung up on racks and what can be folded and stored in drawers or bins. This will give you a basic idea for what kind of storage you need in your closet. You may need more racks for full-length clothing, or you may be able to double up racks if you have more shirts and blouses that don't take up as much vertical space.

If you have a lot of small accessories, storage units with small drawers will help you organize these items. You can also use colorful bins or classic wicker baskets to organize smaller accessories. For people with many belts, neckties, or hats, special organizers can be bought to store these items in a way that makes them easily accessible without taking up a lot of space. You can even spring for the more extravagant electronic revolving tie and belt racks if it is within your budget.

If you have limited floor space and lots of shoes, vertical storage is a good option. Vertical racks and shelves can be installed to store shoes, or you can opt for canvas shoe storage models that hang from closet racks or on the back of doors. This will free up a lot of floor space and give you better access to your footwear.

In most closets, the top shelf is a disaster zone of disorganized piles stacked up to the ceiling. Adding shelves, drawers, or decorative storage bins to your top shelf easily solves this problem. Once you have a structured way to store things on your top shelf, you will find it much easier to keep this area from becoming a mess.

The back of the closet door is an ideal spot for organizing with hooks. Robes, jackets, hats, belts, and purses are a few examples of the items that can easily be hung on hooks installed on the inside of your closet doors.