How to Evaluate a Home’s True Potential - 12/28/07 04:50 PM
If you're thinking about buying a home, you've probably developed a pretty clear mental picture of what your new home should be like. But remember that even a home that's not in ideal condition can still have great potential.
Here are some tips to help you look beyond bad decorating, old carpet and ugly wallpaper to see a jewel in the rough:
The floor plan is extremely important. Look at entrances and exits, where the rooms are located and how foot traffic will flow throughout the home. A good floor plan is worth a lot, especially when you consider the cost of … (0 comments)

How to Give Your Home a Positive Image with the Right Scents - 12/18/07 12:55 PM
Taking advantage of a smell's strong, almost subconscious effects on the brain is an easy way to accentuate your home's positive image.
For a warm, inviting scent, boil a pot of water on the stovetop, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla, and add some cinnamon or cloves. The aroma of fresh-baked bread or cookies is another sure-fire winner.
While some smells create positive images, others create negative impressions and should be avoided. Cigarette or cigar smoke can make even a clean house seem dingy.
To absorb airborne smells, place a small bowl with half an inch of white vinegar in the room … (0 comments)

When was the Last Time You Did a Fire Safety Check? - 12/17/07 12:52 PM
In these hectic times it's easy to overlook fire safety and safety precautions in your home. Here's a list of things you can do to ensure the safety of you, your family and guests:
• Replace the old batteries in your smoke alarms with new ones. Test each alarm to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home - at least one per story near bedrooms or in hallways.
• Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they're fully charged. Many models have a fixed lifespan before they must be … (0 comments)

Featured Local Business of the Week: Mrs P's Bakery - 12/14/07 01:29 PM
Treat yourself, your family and friends this holiday season to Mrs P's Bakery (http://www.mrspscookies.com) on Wenatchee Ave. Trust us when we say, there is no better choice in Wenatchee for freshly baked goodies like cookies, bars, scones and much more! And should you have the opportunity to meet Mrs P, you'll be blown away by her good nature and love.
Just be careful, you may become addicted!
Happy Holiday,
Blaine & Erin Davidson
… (1 comments)

Effective Tips for Cleaning Your Garage - 12/12/07 12:58 PM
Does it seem as if the things in your garage multiply almost overnight? For most people cleaning their garage is an onerous task. Here are some effective tips for gaining space to actually park your car.
Gather all items you're not using and have a garage sale, donate the items to charity or take them to the dump.Dust the walls and corners; get rid of the spider webs.Hang heavy-duty wall hooks for larger items like yard tools, bicycles or exercise equipment that are taking up floor space.If you don't have shelves, consider buying adjustable steel shelves on wheels available at warehouse stores.Get … (1 comments)

How to Organize a Block Watch—and Why! - 12/10/07 02:25 PM
A Block Watch is simply an extension of what you're probably already doing: watching out for your neighbors' property and taking action in case of an emergency or suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
Joining or starting a Block Watch doesn't require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings or take on extra responsibilities. You don't have to patrol the neighborhood or chase burglars. Block Watch just involves being alert as a part of your everyday life.
For example, when you go to the window to open or close the drapes, stop for a second and glance around the … (0 comments)

How Value-Added Features Affect the Sales Price of Your Home - 12/07/07 03:00 PM
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, a recent report by the National Association of Realtors measured how certain characteristics influence the value of a property. Here are some of the findings:
A remodel adding an additional 1,000 square feet of living space increases a home's market value by just 3.3%. Adding an extra bedroom adds about 4% to the price while an additional bath can add 24%.Houses advertised as "fixers" sell for 24% less than other houses. A garage adds about 13% to the price. Central air conditioning adds about 12% to the price. A basement increases a home's … (0 comments)

Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 12/6/07 - 12/06/07 02:59 PM
A delightfully easy and fresh tuna dish...
Seared Tuna with Herb Salad
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 6-oz 1-inch-thick ahi tuna steaks
8 cups coarsely chopped fresh herbs: dill, chervil, basil, chives
Cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt
Course black pepper
Whisk 4 tablespoons oil and lemon juice in small bowl; salt and pepper to taste. Heat BBQ on high. Brush tuna with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 1 minute on each side, until grill marks appear but still rare. Place herbs in large bowl with cherry tomatoes and toss in dressing to coat. Top salad with Tuna and serve.
… (0 comments)

How to Use an Appraisal and Inspection When Buying a Home - 12/05/07 02:39 PM
Ever wonder about the difference between a property appraisal and an inspection, and how each is used during the home buying process?
An appraisal is a formal written assessment of the value of a home or property. A lender usually requires an appraisal to determine the market value of the property to make sure the amount borrowed does not exceed the value of the property being purchased. An appraiser is usually hired by the lender and their fee is one of the expenses included at settlement or closing.
An inspection is an onsite assessment of the systems and structural integrity of the property. … (0 comments)

Important Real Estate Documents to Keep in a Safe Place - 12/04/07 02:29 PM
As long as you own your home, here is a list of important real estate documents you'll want to keep in a safe place:
Property deed: keep it for as long as you own the property. Closing statements: keep statements for three years after your purchase to show capital gains. Home improvement: some remodeling projects can reduce a potential capital gains hit when you sell your property, so save your receipts and consult your accountant. Warranty information: keep until the warranty expires. Loan papers: keep until paid off or refinanced, or in the case of mortgages that have tax-deductible interest, keep … (0 comments)