https://activerain.com/blogs/candace en-us https://activerain.com/blogsview/1081312/refinace-can-be-a-bad-idea- Don't just buy into that refinancing is a good deal for you! It may lower your monthly payment but...... Think about this: If they say you are going to save $50 a month, ask what the cost is to do the refinance. They will tell you we can do it with no out of pocket expense for you. We will just finance your cost into your mortgage.  It will cost on average $3200 to refinance. Now you are paying on $3200 for 30 years. Lets say you had paid your mortgage for 3 years, so you are down to 27 years left now your back to 30 years. You added 3 years and at least $3200 onto your mortgage. What have you gained? If you go to sell in a few years that additional $3200 will hurt you. You would have to stay in that home for several years to save the difference on what it cost you to refinance. Banks make money off you refinancing!! Candace Kunkel (RE/MAX On The Move) Mon, 18 May 2009 10:10:43 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1081312/refinace-can-be-a-bad-idea- https://activerain.com/blogsview/888154/this-may-be-your-year-to-appeal-you-property-taxes If you are in an area that you know the current market value of your home is less then it was a year ago, consider appealing your property taxes. You shouldn't continue to pay property taxes based on a higher value. Higher taxes may also make a property less appealing and affordable to buyers. How do most counties figure what to charge a homeowner?  Residential property values are based on the amount a willing buyer would pay a willing seller without duress. Key word is "without duress" this means, if you have a lot of foreclosures in your area, the county does not have to lower your value based on those sales. Assessments are generally not reviewed on an annual basis, so a property's assessment will never be 100 of market value.  In Butler and Sedgwick County, the comparables are a year behind the current year that we are being tax on. It may be next year before you see a decrease in your value. I strongly feel it will be difficult to get the county to lower our properties value because the governing bodies need MONEY! If your home value seems to be out of line here are some steps for you to follow: 1. Make sure the county has the correct information on your home. 2. Public records are available for you to find out what other homes are appraised for in your area. You can use these for comparables. 3. Make sure you are familiar with the comparables the county used to assess your             value. If you know those homes where in better condition such as; updating, new  carpet, new roof, and fresh paint then you need to point that out to the county.  Make a list of the positive and negative items that affects the value. 4. To find out the value of your home; you can call your local Realtor request them to run comparables or pay for a professional appraiser to do an appraisal. Last thought- taxes will go up if in your area if the local mill levy has increase. That has nothing to do with the value of your home. For example; school, road or city improvements can increase taxes. Good Luck Candace Kunkel (RE/MAX On The Move) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:05:21 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/888154/this-may-be-your-year-to-appeal-you-property-taxes https://activerain.com/blogsview/855510/auto-bailout I did not believe in the bail out, because I have a small business and know the government would never come by my rescue if I had to close my doors.  Car companies have made millions for years; they should have saved for a rainy day just like I was told to do. I hate to see people lose their jobs and see the cars I have grown up with go away. We can't keep printing money without having gold to back it up. The car companies can file their bankruptcy and continue to build their cars. If they develop new hybrids and other fuel-sippers and convert old SUV plants into factories turning out hot cars able to compete with those from Toyota and Honda. Then maybe they will be successful again. All America's are going to have to learn to be leaner in the next few years. The UAW members need to realize in order to have jobs they need to come to grips that thirty-five dollars per hour, unbelievable work hours and great benefits are not a reality to make this happen and be successful. A job is better then no job. Candace Kunkel (RE/MAX On The Move) Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:57:46 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/855510/auto-bailout https://activerain.com/blogsview/337205/how-green-remodeling-pays-off- Green remodeling can pay off - not only in lowered utility bills, but also in buyer appeal when the property is sold.Here are some green things to consider.Site selection. Prefer infill development instead of a new subdivision in a far-flung new suburb that gobbles wetlands and displaces animals.Energy-efficient products. Choose Energy Star appliances, double-paned windows, low-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.Spray foam insulation. Seal the home with insulation that doesn't let the heat or cooled air leak out.Sustainable wood flooring. Select flooring certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which protects forests by managing the amount of wood harvested annually. Locally made products. Buy products made less than 250 miles away to reduce transportation costs. Granite, for instance, is generally imported from afar.Nontoxic paint. Use paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - chemicals that evaporate into the atmosphere. Look for Green Seal certified brands.Source: St. Petersburg Times, Susan Thurston (12/28/07)How are you GOING GREEN?  Share your ideas and tips. ;) Candace Kunkel (RE/MAX On The Move) Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:42:43 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/337205/how-green-remodeling-pays-off- https://activerain.com/blogsview/35592/pet-peeves-when-selling-your-home- Pet PeevesYour family pet may be a show dog, but that doesn't mean prospective homebuyers will be happy to see him when they look at your house. Even though Fido might be a bona fide family member, the  fact is some people simply don't like dogs or other animals. They might be allergic to animals or maybe they are afraid of animals that are especially large, loud or jumpy.    One solution is to crate your pet during the open house. It is best if they're not home. A pet - even a cat - can be a distraction, and you want to eliminate any distractions when you're trying to sell your house. You don't want a cat rubbing up against someone and leaving them feeling unsettled.            Sellers need to remember the non-visual distractions as well: Don't forget to clean up the pet's toys, wash his bedding and hide the litter box. Take care of neutralizing odors and, if necessary, have carpets professionally cleaned. Candace Kunkel (RE/MAX On The Move) Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:56:23 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/35592/pet-peeves-when-selling-your-home-