1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 … (0 comments)
foreclosed properties: Pricing Tips
- 02/27/10 04:49 AM
Tips for Pricing Your Home •· Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities? •· Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against new homes? •· Consider your contingencies. Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you'll receive? For example, do you want to be able to move in four months? •· Get an appraisal. For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home's value. Be … (3 comments)
foreclosed properties: Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
- 02/25/10 02:30 PM
Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting INGREDIENTS: 1 cup canola oil 2 cups sugar 2-1/2 cups flour 2 eggs 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla 4 cups chopped and peeled tart cooking apples 1 cup chopped pecans DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine oil and sugar. Beat in eggs. Sift together dry ingredients and add to the egg mixture. Mix in the chopped apples and bake in a 13x9-inch pan for 55 minutes. Cool then ice with the cream cheese frosting. CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: … (0 comments)
foreclosed properties: Sticky Chicken
- 02/24/10 02:11 AM
Sticky Chicken INGREDIENTS: 3 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 tsp. finely minced gingerroot 1 4-lb whole roasting chicken 3 minced garlic cloves 1 whole orange, sliced 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 3 Tbsp. orange juice DIRECTIONS: Rinse chicken and drain well. Pat the chicken with paper towels to dry. Place garlic and orange slices inside chicken. Spray a 4-6 quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray and place chicken inside. Combine honey, soy sauce and gingerroot in small bowl and pour over chicken. Cover crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be fork tender and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken … (0 comments)
foreclosed properties: Spinach Dip
- 02/22/10 04:44 AM
Spinach Dip INGREDIENTS: 1 (9 to 11-ounce) package, frozen spinach 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1 clove garlic, minced 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS: Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain thoroughly. Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Chill several hours before serving with vegetables or chips. For a milder dip, mix in a little cottage cheese before serving. Yield: 1 2/3 cups. Have a real estate related question or problem? Reply to this message or call me today! … (7 comments)
foreclosed properties: Chicken Fried Steak & Gravy
- 02/21/10 05:53 PM
Chicken-Fried Steak and Gravy INGREDIENTS: 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 or 5 (4-ounce) cube steaks 38 Saltine crackers (1 sleeve), crushed 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons salt, divided 1-1/2 teaspoons black pepper, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 4-3/4 cups milk, divided 2 large eggs 2 to 3 cups peanut oil Fresh chopped parsley (optional) DIRECTIONS: Salt (lightly) and pepper steaks on both sides. Combine cracker crumbs, 1 cup flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper. Whisk together 3/4 cup milk and eggs. Dredge steaks in cracker … (1 comments)
foreclosed properties: Banana Bread
- 02/19/10 09:42 PM
Banana Bread INGREDIENTS: 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cup bread flour or unbleached all-purpose 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well. Sift the dry ingredients together and combine with the butter mixture. Blend well. Add the bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Stir … (3 comments)
foreclosed properties: Cheap Paint
- 02/17/10 06:33 AM
Despite the various ways in which homeowners can enhance their home's value, perhaps none has the same impact as a brand new coat of paint. Although it's not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination, it makes sense when you consider that a few $20 cans of paint can result in adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your property value.As your real estate professional, I can help you with any and all or your real estate needs! Call or email me today! … (2 comments)
foreclosed properties: Moisture
- 02/16/10 12:29 AM
No matter what kind of home you own, excessive condensation and moisture can cause serious problems. Mold, wood rot and other dangerous moisture can be cured by either improving the ventilation within your home or insulating the property more consistently. However you address the problem, the worst thing you could do is ignore the issues and let it spread throughout the home's infrastructure. If you've noticed signs of excess moisture in your home or you simply have questions about homes in general, call or email me. As your real estate professional, it's my job to make sure you have all the … (1 comments)
foreclosed properties: Lamp Shades
- 02/15/10 04:12 AM
Unlike doing major alterations to your property, changing the lighting in your home doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, I often recommend starting with lampshades that will alter the lighting style of your home. Since lamps are often a focal point in any room, changing the shades can dramatically change your home's appearance.As your real estate professional, I can help you with any home improvement questions you may have. Call or email me today! … (1 comments)
foreclosed properties: Simple Savings
- 02/13/10 11:46 PM
There are many little things you can do to help keep your energy costs down. Make sure the registers and vents for your heating and cooling system aren't obstructed by furniture or other objects. Clean or replace the air filter in your heating/cooling system regularly (monthly in most cases) to help it run efficiently. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically coordinate indoor climates with daily and weekend patterns. Keep the lint trap and vent hose on your clothes dryer clean. Wash clothes in cold water when possible, and do laundry in large loads. Do full loads when using the dishwasher. Use … (3 comments)
foreclosed properties: Let there be light
- 02/13/10 01:19 AM
No matter how much time and effort you spend on making your home the best it can be, it will all be in vain if you don't provide the perfect lighting scheme to showcase your efforts. Alternative lighting such as track lights or even colored lighting can accentuate the overall style and feel of your property. You've worked hard for your home; shouldn't you give yourself a little time in the spotlight? Call or email me and I can show you how! … (2 comments)
foreclosed properties: Going Tankless
- 02/12/10 12:51 AM
New advances in home heating appliances are giving homeowners new alternatives in keeping their heating expenses in check. One such innovation is the tankless water heater, which utilizes a heat-on-demand feature that helps lower energy bills. With both gas and electric models available in a variety of sizes, this heater may be the perfect choice for your home.If you would like to discuss any of your homeowner needs, feel free to call or email me. I want to make your home work for you! … (1 comments)
foreclosed properties: More Buyers
- 02/10/10 02:50 AM
As a real estate professional, I'm in the business of making dreams come true for all my clients, regardless of current market conditions. That's why I'm in contact with buyers and sellers in the area who may still be looking for the match for their needs. If you know anyone who could benefit from my expertise, have them call or email me. I welcome the opportunity to work with them. … (0 comments)
foreclosed properties: Property Taxes
- 02/09/10 01:03 AM
Of all the charges assessed to homeowners, perhaps none is more frustrating than their property tax. Since property taxes are based on the county assessor's estimate of your home's value, oftentimes this calculated value is considerably different from the true market value of your home. Why not protect your investment? By keeping you informed of the real estate market, I can help you better manage your home. Call or email me today! … (2 comments)
foreclosed properties: Frigid Adjustments
- 02/08/10 02:00 AM
Adjust the refrigerator control to a warmer setting. If going on an extended trip, consider emptying the fridge and turning it off. If you turn off your fridge, remember to leae the door open to prevent mildew. You should also check your refrigerator and freezer door seals to be sure they're in good shape.
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foreclosed properties: Solar Energy
- 02/05/10 02:23 AM
Tired of paying an outrageously high energy bill every month? Then you should consider looking into replacing your conventional energy sources with solar energy. Whether it's heating your home or keeping your swimming pool at a comfortable temperature, you may be able to use solar energy for a number of specific applications that the local power company doesn't want you to know about.Feel free to pass on this information to any of your friends or family, and call or email me with any other questions or concerns you may have! … (0 comments)
foreclosed properties: Security
- 02/04/10 06:37 AM
When assessing the vulnerabilities in your home security, you first need to assume the mindset of a would-be trespasser. What features make your home attractive to trespassers? Do you have unruly brush or trees obstructing your home from the street? Are there structures that invite trespassers to climb over your gates or fences? Are your doors and windows adequately bolted when locked? By identifying and addressing security risks in your home, you take an important step in preventing any would-be criminals from targeting your property. If you would like to discuss other ways in which I can help you with real … (0 comments)
foreclosed properties: Electric Induction Cooktops
- 02/03/10 12:49 AM
Installing new cooking surfaces in the kitchen is an excellent opportunity to rein in your energy expenses, all while still maintaining the overall design of the house. Utilizing principles similar to microwave ovens, electric cooking surfaces provide the same temperature control as gas along with the safety that most conventional cooking surfaces lack. They can be found at most home improvement and appliance stores. Are you interested in making the most out of your home? If so, call or email me and let's make your home work for you! … (1 comments)
10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership 
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