The ‘Must Have’ List – What Do New Homebuyers Want? - 03/29/12 07:27 AM
When searching for a new house, most homebuyers have a mental image of their ideal abode.
Since few homes will already have every ideal amenity or luxury a buyer wants, most people break down their wish list into two categories.
a) A ‘nice to have’ list for luxury items or conveniences that may or may not be available but won’t be a deal-breaker on a suitable home.
b) A ‘must have’ list that includes those features that a buyer is actively seeking when purchasing a house.
A recent survey of new homebuyers across the United States gives an insight of what people are looking for … (1 comments)

Quick Fixes For the Kitchen When You Are Trying to Sell - 03/29/12 07:24 AM
It is a sure bet that when a prospective buyer visits your home, the kitchen will be a room that can either spark interest or leave a bad impression.
A kitchen is seen as a gathering place and an area for a lot of social interaction. Not to mention the fact that it is a food preparation area. For these reasons, a bright, well-lit kitchen with modern appliances and appeal can make or break a real estate deal.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your kitchen appear as a room where people will feel welcome. The first thing you can … (1 comments)

Five Quick Fixes to Improve Your Bathroom When it’s Time to Sell - 03/27/12 07:37 AM
Whether you are living in a small apartment or a large rambling house, no other room will take as much punishment as the bathroom. This is after all, a room you will see early in the morning and late at night and, depending on how many people are in your household, will have a lot of activity.
The bathroom will go from relatively cool one moment to steamy and humid the next when a hot shower is running. It’s no wonder that this room needs constant attention to maintain cleanliness.
When listing your home on the real estate market you should make sure … (4 comments)

Credit scores – how do they work? - 03/26/12 06:00 AM
“We’ll just have to check your credit score.” You have probably heard this phrase if you have made a purchase that requires financing.
Unless you are one of those people that have an unlimited supply of cash, most likely you’ve borrowed to buy a new car or pay for some other major expense.
While you sit and wait, a loan officer enters your name into a computer and almost immediately a number comes up indicating your credit score.
But what does this number mean and how is it determined?
Your credit score is based on a statistical analysis of your past … (1 comments)

Drowning in Debt – the Underwater Mortgage Crisis - 03/26/12 05:57 AM
It’s no secret that the U.S. housing market has taken a beating over the last few years and still remains flat-lined when it comes to recovery, but new figures indicate the number of home owners submerged under a sea of debt is still increasing with the total number of foreclosures expected to increase over the next few years.
The continuing crisis is a result of so many homeowners having an underwater mortgage.
An underwater mortgage is when a homeowner owes more money on their mortgage than the property is worth on the open market.
While many financially prudent people see this phenomenon … (0 comments)

How to Handle an Eviction Notice as a Renter - 03/24/12 12:21 PM
It won’t be the nicest ‘welcome home’ message you’ve ever received, but if you arrive home and find an eviction notice attached to your door there is no need to panic.
An eviction notice does not mean you will be out on the street the following morning surrounded by your personal belongings. What it does mean is that you need to take it seriously and correct any problems that have arisen to land that notice on your door in the first place. If your landlord has posted the notice, it is not an actual eviction notice but rather a Notice of … (0 comments)

5 Credit Mistakes That Sink Your Borrowing Power - 03/22/12 06:03 AM
Credit mistakes are easily made. However, a strong credit score is needed for the most important purchase you’ll ever make. Incredibly, a 100 point difference can mean spending  an extra $40,000 on a 30 year mortgage.
Obviously, bankruptcy and foreclosure devastates your score. But there are others that may surprise you. Perhaps you’re about to make one of these mistakes yourself?
So here are 5 simple credit mistakes that torpedo your borrowing power.
Credit mistake 1: Maxing out your credit cards
 
30% of your score is based on outstanding debt. This comes down to the amount you’ve borrowed against the amount … (5 comments)

How to Lower Your Energy Bill When Selling Your Home - 03/22/12 06:01 AM
Could lowering your energy bill help close that sale? Imagine, there’s a buyer ready to make a stunning offer. They’ve toured the house and the garden – it’s exactly what they’re after.
On the way out they ask “so what’s the average bill for this place?”
As energy costs rise, your home’s efficiency will become more important to potential buyers. But you don’t want to start rigging up wind turbines and solar panels for a house you’re selling.
Luckily, the most instant changes to lower your energy bill are also the easiest. Let’s start with…
“Lights out”
 
You’re not still … (2 comments)

Do Homes Powered by Solar Energy Sell For More? - 03/22/12 05:59 AM
Here’s a rule of thumb. For every dollar your house saves in utility costs, your home value increases $20.
Homes powered by solar energy will, on average, sell for more. Keep the rule of thumb in mind. If solar panels save you $1,500 a year, your home value increase would be $30,000. A report from the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory found that California homes with a 3.1-kilowatt solar system, sold for $17,000 more than homes without.
That’s not all. A solar powered home can have more potential buyers. Borrowers can take an Energy Efficient Mortgage. What they save in energy costs, qualifies them … (2 comments)

Will Real Estate Values Increase in 2012? - 03/19/12 08:24 AM
Ten or fifteen years ago a steady real estate market would have been considered boring and uneventful.
After six years of escalating craziness followed by three years of a downturn that has terrorized a good part of the nation, boring is starting to look pretty good.
If you are hoping to see an increase in home values in 2012 there is good news and bad news.
The good news is housing prices are definitely closer to the bottom than the top meaning they have nowhere to go but up.
While analysts struggle to read the market based on past trends, no … (1 comments)

Green Living – Tips For an Eco-Friendly Home Environment - 03/18/12 11:19 AM
Going green has certainly been the focus of many eco-friendly lifestyle choices over the past decade, and it should be.
Protecting the environment for both the current population that inhabits the planet as well as future generations that will come is just good common sense. After all, we all breathe the same air and grow our food in the same soil.
While green living may be a choice for many there is always room for improvement.
That being said, here are a few tips that will help you improve your energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint you leave behind.
Support … (0 comments)

Finding a Roommate When Renting – What to Look For - 03/16/12 06:57 AM
There are many reasons people seek a roommate when renting an apartment. The two most common reasons are to share in living expenses and for companionship.
Finding the right person who will share your living space can be a challenge, but if you go about it the right way, you can have a positive experience while cutting down on the expense of maintaining an apartment. This is especially true if you’ve just moved to a new or larger city and find the cost of renting to be higher than you expected.
You really have only two choices in finding a roommate. You can … (1 comments)

Divorced Celebrity Couples and Their Homes for Sale - 03/14/12 12:30 PM
When celebrities split, they have to deal with more than kids, managers and moms.  They often are owners of luxurious homes that need to be split or sold.  Here are 5 couples that used to be, and what became their homes for sale.
1.  Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston
One of the most talked-about celebrity break-ups of all time, the split between Brad and Jen caused more than the falling out of these Friends. It also led to them leaving their marital home, which they had shared for 4 years.  The house included super high-end features including imported mahogany floors, tennis courts, and … (0 comments)

The Importance of Your Kitchen When Selling Your Home - 03/14/12 06:11 AM
Different rooms in your home will be host to varying amounts of traffic depending on the day, or the season.  But the one room which is frequented by every member of the house – and guests – is the kitchen.
Not just for cooking anymore, the kitchen has become the hub of the home and, if you’re considering selling your home, the kitchen is one of the first rooms prospective buyers will look at.  It is the epicentre for entertaining, family meetings, homework, organizing, and more.  And in the midst of all this, the primary function of the kitchen is still food … (0 comments)

Top 5 Tips For First-time Homebuyers: Furnishing Your Home - 03/12/12 09:08 AM
As first-time homebuyers, buying your first home is one of the most exciting times in your life.  Unfortunately, your first dream home may not come with a dream budget for decorating.  But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can do to make the home beautiful, welcoming, and uniquely your own.
1.  Space out your purchases
While it’s tempting to furnish your entire house right at the beginning, it’s more budget-friendly to space out your large purchases over several months.  Give yourself some time to see what rooms you use most, and then spread your budget out accordingly.
2.  It doesn’t … (0 comments)

Moving House? Top 5 Moving Tips - 03/11/12 08:38 AM
Moving house is already stressful for so many reasons, and packing, moving and unpacking can amplify that stress ten times over.  But there are things you can do to make the move as smooth and efficient as possible, and here are some moving tips that could help.
1.  Make a list
Having a checklist of things to do, people to call and things to follow up on can save you a lot of time and hassle, and is a way to ensure that things don’t get forgotten.  Include things like transferring utilities, water, cable and internet, and completing a change of address … (1 comments)

Can Your Landlord Stop You From Smoking When You’re Renting a Home? - 03/10/12 08:03 AM
Smoking is a touchy subject, no matter which side you’re on.  It’s a legal product, but it’s illegal to use it in many places including bars and restaurants.  But while those are public spaces, your residence is private.  Even though you may be renting a home and not own it, you’re the one who spends time there, keeps your belongings there, and has to live with any stains or smells from smoking.
So, can a landlord legally ban you from smoking in a unit he rents to you?
In a word:  yes.
Unless the state in which you live expressly prohibits a … (9 comments)

Upgrade Your Living Room Design for Under $500 - 03/09/12 11:12 AM
Living on a budget doesn’t have to mean living in a time warp. If your living room needs an upgrade, it doesn’t have to mean a whole room renovation to get an upgrade. A few small things can make all the difference in updating your living room design, and all for under $500.
Slipcovers
Give your old couch and chairs a facelift with new slipcovers. You can pick a similar color and pattern to make them look fresh, or you can change the whole look of the room by going with a new color or pattern scheme. Whichever you choose, you can have … (4 comments)

Want To Buy A Home That’s A Foreclosure Property? Here Are 5 Things To Consider - 03/08/12 06:12 AM
Buying a foreclosure property can be a financial windfall. But there are a few things to be mindful of to make sure that your windfall doesn’t turn into a downfall.
Want to Buy a Home That’s in Foreclosure? Do a Home Inspection
A reputable home inspection will cost you anywhere from $250-$400. It seems like a lot of money to lay down before you even buy the home, but it is especially important for a home in foreclosure. You’ll want to know what repairs are needed to make an informed decision on whether the home is really worth it or not.
Plumbing … (0 comments)

The 5 Most Expensive Luxury Houses On The Market - 03/07/12 06:16 AM
Swimming pools, elevators and a bathroom for every occasion are just a few of the amenities you get when your budget is as unlimited as your imagination. Check out some of the mostexpensive luxury houses on the market today to see what it’s like on the other side.
Fleur de Lys, $125 million in Beverly Hills, California
This luxury house has been on the market since 2007 with no drop in price. So if you’ve got a little cash on hand, this 35,000 square foot home and its 5-gated acres of land could be yours. With 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and a … (2 comments)

Sell Your Home Successfully – Declutter! - 03/06/12 05:59 AM
So you want to sell your home and in preparation, maybe you renovated the kitchen, painted the bedrooms and put new hardwood in the living room. But if your house is full of clutter, the first impression homebuyers will get will be one of chaos and disorganization, not renovated and move-in ready.
The beauty of decluttering is that it can completely change the look of your home, and costs almost nothing except your time and perseverance. An uncluttered space will also be easier to move once you’ve sold your home – a sale that will come much faster with all the junk … (4 comments)

Celebs Who Lost Money Selling A Home in 2011 - 03/05/12 05:32 AM
Adam Brody
This star of “Scream 4″ bought his Los Angeles home from Fred Durst in 2006 for a cool $2.2 million. It seems the 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with pool, sunroom and tree-top views suited the up and comer for 5 years, but unfortunately for Brody, selling a home wasn’t as much fun as buying. He sold the home in 2011 for $1.85 million.
John Mayer
Ladies’ man John Mayer has famously lost his heart a few times, but that’s not the only thing he lost. In January 2011, he also lost $408,000 when he sold his 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom … (4 comments)

You’re Selling Your Home But Can You Still Make Money On A Flip? - 03/04/12 06:27 AM
In today’s unpredictable housing market, a lot of people are wondering if there is still money to be made by selling your home the way there used to be.
The simple answer is yes. And if you can take advantage of the high number of foreclosures, abandoned properties and people looking for a quick sale, the financial reward can be great. But there are some things to keep in mind when flipping houses in this market.
Know The Area
Do your research on the area where you want to buy the flip. Get to know the area, and stick with what you know. … (0 comments)

Taking Home Staging To The Next Level - 03/03/12 10:51 AM
Glancing through the pages of a home decorating magazine always provides a picture perfect setting of a glamorous home with professionally designed layout, furniture, and color coordinated accessories. It is those images that led to the modern concept of home staging when you place your house on the market with hopes of presenting the dwelling in its best light.
The idea is to eliminate the personal tastes of a homeowner and give potential buyers the opportunity to see themselves in this tastefully decorated abode.
A new concept in home staging has taken the process a step further. Live-in stagers will not only occupy … (4 comments)

Looking To Buy A House? What’s The Ideal Neighborhood For Raising Kids? - 03/02/12 05:27 AM
Your living requirements suddenly change with children don’t they? Now when you decide to buy a house, instead of flashy, vibrant places, you now need good public schools, affordable living and (more than ever) low crime rates.
But we can’t all live in sleepy mountain towns. Feeding your children might mean working in LA or New York, where crime rates and cost of living are generally above the national average. Picking the right neighborhood has never been more important.
But how do you find hidden gems when the choices are so vast?
A good start is to visit www.neighborhoodscout.com. Wherever you buy … (1 comments)

What Incentives Are There For First Time Homebuyers In 2012? - 03/01/12 04:04 PM
For first time homebuyers, it’s worth finding out if you qualify for any tax credits.
Many believe they’ve missed great gains, with an important tax credit that ended 2010. However, your first home can still mean a huge break of up to $8000, by itemizing all your deductions on your tax return.
Watch Harbor Financial’s video telling you more this subject. Their website,www.harborfinancialonline.com has more information on this tax break, and also a tax estimator calculator to help work out your savings.
In Canada, after buying your first home, you can claim tax credits that reduce your income tax. This is a 15% credit, … (0 comments)

 
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Lee Redwood

Toronto, ON

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Sundaybell Inc.

Address: www.sundaybell.com, Toronto, Ontario

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