Interesting fact from the Real Estate Book:

Real Estate Online Shoppers increased to 5.1 Million from Feb 2007 to Jan 2008

Reported by 2008 comScore Networks, Inc

With the increasing number of internet shoppers, it is increasingly important to obtain a web presence. Considering the number of real estate sites and blogs that there are out there, which ones do you think are the most visited and worth the time spent?

Industry experts suggest that any changes you make to your home should be "projects with payback". Looking at your home as an investment is a smart way of protecting your future.

Project Suggestions are:

1. Improve curb appeal. Not only the landscaping but the exterior of your home. (Faded paint or shutters)

2. Windows need updating? Go for Energy-efficient glass packages with Energy Star ratings that can help reduce power bills. A great selling point in the future.

3. Evaluate your major home components, such as roofing and siding, on a yearly basis. It 's smarter and more cost-effective to replace aging items before they break down.

4. Add elegance to your home by replacing key windows in hallways, entryways and bathrooms with decorative glass windows.

5. A quiet area to enjoy at the end of the day or a special spot for a morning cup of coffee. (A small breakfast room or sunroom)

6. A garden window

7. Front porch

8. Replace cramped, old shower stall that's out-of-date and hard to clean.

9. Replace toilets with high-efficiency water saving toilets. An average home can save 4,000 gallons of water a year by installing WaterSense rated high-efficiency toilets.

10. Master Bath renovation (transform into a low-maintenance oasis in the home)

Good luck and happy updating!

Saving Tip:

Don't just renew your home, health, automobile or other insurance without reviewing your policy and coverage. Add on any new purchases or improvements made to your home. Ask your agent to re-evaluate your coverage, any new ways to lower your costs and consider improving your home security and safety to qualify for better discounts.

Shop around to compare prices and services from several reputable companies. There are always new products, therefore prices are competitive.

Pay premiums one or twice a year to save 5-10% the cost of the policy.

Happy Saving!

Fishing for information on the internet can be very time consuming, however you can run across things of great value!

I recently read an article describing the bathroom as the new den. I agree that the master bath is a major focus point for today's buyers. (It's the only place in this busy world that we live in that we can just "take a minute")

An upgraded bathroom helps sell a home and can be a good investment.

After polling several areas across the country the trends seem to be:

1. Large airy showers with hinged doors and heavier glass. Expanding the shower is a major plus!

2. Jucuzzi tubs are being replaced by soaking tubs. These jetless tubs are deep and insulated.

3. Allow more sun/light, people are installing sky lights or windows for a brighter natural light.

4. Steam Bath. This is definately an upgrade, however it is included as one of the new trends.

5. Change the ventilation with a remote fan (with the motor elsewhere), it is about 10 times more powerful that the standard exhaust fan

6. Separate water closet (more privacy the better)

7. Flat screen tv's

8. Vertical storage with smaller storage drawers is working well while saving space.

9. Dual vanities a must

10. Grab bars in the number one room where accidents happen.

11. Heated tile flooring

12. Move away from linoleum and glazed tile toward porcelain tile, stone tile or even glass tile.

13. On demand water heaters and other green products. All these popular trends can't compare to the environmental friendly kind. Any way to conserve energy or use less water is on the rise!

March's tips:

1. Check and Repair window screens and screening on porches before bug season arrives.

2. Build or repair fences and arbors to get ready for planting season.

3. Repair deck boards if needed and maintain deck by removing protruding nails and replace with coated or galvanized screws, check and tighten bolts in deck supports, and clean and seal wood deck as necessary.

4. Check the operation of your garage door opener.

5. Check foundation for cracks caused by drought, if large cracks develop, call a contractor to check for settling.

Hope these are helpful! Check back monthly for more tips!  Thank you for reading!

Just a reminder for Spring Forward!

March 9 turn your clocks ahead!

Hope all is well for everyone, and remember The Sandy Johnson Team is here for all of your real estate needs!

WANTED TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE USING A HOME EQUITY LOAN OR HELOC IN 2008

http://www.bankrate.com/baw/news/FinancialForecast/expert_predictions_home_equity_strategies_a1.asp

WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU A NEW LISTING!

3BR/2BA RANCH HOME

IMMACULATE HOME WITH FRESH PAINT & WELCOMING FLOORPLAN, VAULTED GREAT RM AND BREAKFAST AREA, PRIVATE SCREENED PORCH & DECK WITH GAS GRILL HOOK UP, READY TO MOVE IN!

1829 OAKDALE RD, 1301 SQ.FT., $129,900

 YORK MLS NUMBER 1049143----CHARLOTTE MLS NUMBER 751698

Recommendation for February:

As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, you are taking part in a ritual of comfort and enjoyment handed down through the centuries. However, if you don't give some thought to the condition of your chimney before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires.

Have your solid fuel venting system inspected annually, and have it cleaned and repaired whenever needed.

Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood verses soft wood considerations). Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke. Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire.

Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed.

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that you call on certified chimney sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.