Bloom Time!

What a beautiful time of the year, the trees and flowers are in bloom and Mother’s Days is upon us.  For all the Moms out there (yours truly included) it feels especially great to be a Mom and recognized for all those great achievments by your children and loved ones.

 I also love this holiday because of the amazing array of budding flowers- usually given to us Moms!

I love this time of year for a lot more reasons, but I especially enjoy walking around the city and seeing many vegetable stands and hardware stores turn into flower filled garden shops – they all seem to sell flats of annual flowers bursting with color. Why not take advantage of the bounty and create a container garden?

Even the smallest patio, porch, stoop, terrace or even indoor coffee table can be enhanced by a container of flowers. I like annual flowers (check out the list of my faves’ below) for their continuously blooming color.
            Get creative in your choice of containers. Traditional terracotta pots can be painted in a variety of colors with acrylic paints from the craft store. Or, use a vintage soup terrine, wooden boxes, ice buckets, decorative tins, even tiny teacups and coffee pots for your “garden.” Match the container to your garden or living room décor. The type of containers you use it limited by your creativity!
            If you plan to use a container that does not have a drainage hole, line the bottom with gravel before planting, or use Barbara K! power drill and the appropriate bit to drill a ½ to 1-inch hole in the bottom of your planter.  Cover the hold with a shard of pottery or a stone to keep the dirt from falling out while allowing excess water to drain. Use a growing mix made especially for container plants – they are usually sold right next to the flowers you’re buying. Since containers dry out fairly quickly, check the mix everyday and water as needed. Don’t over water, but don’t allow the planter to stand dry for days on end. Some flowers, like geraniums, like drying out between watering but other flowers like to take a drink more often Check the label on your plants for specific watering instructions.My favorite flowers:
Alyssum

Begonia

Coleus

Geraniums

Impatiens

Marigolds

Nasturtiums

Pansies

Petunias

Salvia

Snapdragons

Make Me an Offer!

May and September are the two prime times for stoop sales – happily coinciding with season-change cleaning binges we should all be having. Late spring is an especially good time: the chill is gone and it’s not too hot to sit on your front steps all day greeting neighbors and passersby. Selling your stuff not only if a profitable way to get rid of perfectly good furniture, accessories, toys, working electronics and even clothing – it’s a great way to meet your neighbors.

Other benefits: if you have kids it gets the to put possessions in perspective – it gives them a sense of entrepreneurship and handling money teaches them math skills. Consider having your stoop sale with a couple of other neighbors or friends who have extra stuff. The more the merrier – and large sales attract more buyers. Use the cash you make for some family fun (a special dinner out, a trip to a museum or theme park), or a treat for yourself (some cool new sunglasses perhaps).

Some communities may have rules about tag sales, but most New York City neighborhoods and suburban areas allow you to set up shop anytime. Here are my top tips for sorting and selling your stuff:

1.               Plan the sale for either a Saturday or a Sunday, not both. Stoop sales are fun, but exhausting and you’ll most likely get rid of all the good stuff in one day anyway.

2.               Devote the weekend before your sale to sorting, organizing and pricing. Use small white stickers to price each item (people are more prone to buy if they have an idea of what you are charging – many people dislike to ask what everything costs).

3.               Make sure you have lunch made and cold drinks available so you can eat while you work. Having to close up shop for lunch runs could man missing out on some great customers!

4.               On the Tuesday before your sale pin up homemade flyers around your neighborhood – be sure to give a general address (Bergen Street between Nevins and Bond) and list specific items for sale (“Many children’s toys, antique armoire, coffee table, vintage dishes.” Please be sure to remove the flyers after the sale!

5.               Go to the bank and exchange large bills ($10s and $20s) for one and five dollar bills. Get one roll of quarters and dimes. Keep your money in your pocket or in an apron tied around your waist. Moneyboxes have a way of “walking off.”

6.               Be flexible. If customers want to be several items give them a good deal – for example, offer to take off 20% from the total price.

7.         Barrgain with enthusiastic buyers, but don’t feel you have to accept lowball offers. 

Empower Yourself!

If I Can Do It So Can You! 

Happy Mother’s Day!

Barbara K

Spring Fling!

May is nearly here, which means it’s time to get your nest ready for warmer weather–without breaking the bank.  I’m an optimist – I’ve already packed away all my long sleeved tops and winter gear and filled my drawers with summer tanks and shorts.  I’m also getting a jump on the season by getting spring projects done so I can go to the beach guilt-free when the thermometer does edge skyward. Here’s my springtime checklist – along with a few wise purchases and affordable ways to help your home spring forward for the season.  

“Splurges” That Are Worth the Price

In the spirit of the season, there are five items, none of them are significantly costly (after all, whose spending money like water these days?) you can indulge in to dress up your nest for warmer weather, without breaking the bank.

1. Window coverings- Heavy drapes and dreary mini blinds getting you down? This is the perfect time to lighten and brighten your shades and curtains. Replace mini blinds with natural bamboo or matchstick blinds, available everywhere from discount stores to big home centers and specialty stores. Switch out heavy velvet drapes (store them until fall) with cotton panels or sexy sheers! 

2. Material change-  Change the entire look of your rooms by replacing a drab or broken doorknob.  There are so many styles to choose from and this is a project you can do on a weekend.  Go to any home center or hardware store and pick out the style that best suits your taste.  Make sure you keep all the parts organized.  All you will need is a screwdriver or power screwdriver for quicker action and the appropriate hardware that usually comes with the doorknob. Remove the existing doorknob by loosening the two screws that hold the plate on.  Pull the doorknob apart and remove them and then the two screws holding the bolt. To install place the trim piece between the new doorknob and the door and insert the doorknob into the hole in the door.  Insert the other doorknob with the trim piece on the opposite side of the door making sure the two are aligned. Insert the screws and tighten.

 

3. Swap out accessories-  Décor is in the details. Switch cranberry and pine candles in crimson and forest green for white and cream floral scented pillars. Hide dark colored pillows with bright, cheerful slipcovers. Get rid of pinecone potpourri and replace with a bowl of lemons or rose petals. Store the furry throw and replace with a light hand woven cotton ethnic style blanket.

4. Get fresh!  Take a look around – does your bedding need refreshing? How about springing for a set of new fluffy white Egyptian cotton towels? A new tablecloth and napkins might be just what your next dinner party needs. Or, a set of margarita or martini glasses, a lemonade pitcher or some new cocktail plates can make your old set of dishes (and your table) seem somehow new and exciting.

5. New planters- If you have a porch, balcony or desk that could use some color, consider changing terracotta or plastic planters for new and colorful ceramic containers. A few easy care annuals planted inside, and you’ve got yourself a low-maintenance, stress-free Garden of Eden right outside your door.

6. A place to sit - A bistro table and chairs, or a classic picnic table are two inexpensive ways to create that outdoor room you’ve always heard (and maybe dreamed) about. There is no reason to invest in an outdoor kitchen or giant fire pit – some simple and comfortable seating, decorated with fun colorful pillows from a local (but stylish) discounter is all you really need. Inexpensive, oversized beach towels make perfect and practical, whimsical and washable tablecloths. Or, placed on the floor of your beck or balcony with a few big floor pillows, they come a pretty perch for casual lolling and luxuriating!

My Springtime Checklist! 

1.     Scrub-a-dub-dub. It isn’t called “Spring Cleaning” for nothing. Dust bunnies, cobwebs, grim and grit has all got to go.

2.     Wash your windows — Nothing brings in light like washing away winter grit.

 3.     Filters- Clean or replace filters in cooling units.

4.     Call in the pros- Spring is the perfect time to get your carpets, rugs and upholstery cleaned.

5.     Declutter- While you’re giving the floors and walls the clean weep, you may as well empty out your closets and drawers, tabletops and cabinets. Get two bins, one marked “keep” the other “get rid of” and go to it. Be cold, he heartless, be unforgiving. And don’t forget to get a receipt when you donate your stuff to the Goodwill or Salvation Army.

 6.     Shower Curtain- Replace the shower curtain liner in your bathroom, if you use one. Mold and mildew can build up and exacerbate allergies and asthma.

7.     Let the air in- Open your windows, even if you think it’s a bit chilly outside. Just one hour of fresh air flow creates circulation and improves your home’s air quality (yup, even in the city).8.     Mirror It-Hang large mirrors in your living room or bedroom instead of art- work.  Large mirrors bring sparkle and light into rooms, and give it a chic, modern look. 

 Barbara’s tip- to locate an exact spot on your wall for the more heavier mirrors use construction paper or newspaper.  Trace the paper over your mirror or picture and u se tape to hang on the wall so you know the exact spot and your not fumbling with the heavy mirror.  I do it all the time!

8.     Rearrange your furniture. Call a friend, put socks on the legs of heavy pieces to avoid scratching the floor, and see if you can come up with a new seating or home office arrangement. It’s the perfect thing to do after you’ve cleaned everything.

9.  Add life-  Now is the time to make an early visit to the local nursery or home center for fresh herbs. Plant them in a bowl or urn and place them near a sunny window for fresh foliage and calorie-free flavoring for your food. Later, if you have a place for them, you can pop them in an outdoor bed. This more than anything will remind you that summer is just a moment away.

10.  Complete indoor projects- Are there any home improvement or craft projects you started over the past few months but have not completed? Now is the time to finish them up – reserve a weekend for doing so. Your attention will soon be turned to the out of doors, and if you don’t get those projects finished now (painting your bedroom, refinishing a chair, completing a scrapbook) they will be staring you in the face (accusingly) come September.

11.  Take it outside-  If you live in the ‘burbs’ or in a town house, now is the time to clean gutters of leaves left over from last fall. Check to make sure the trim on the exterior of your house needs touching up or total repainting. If so, book painters early as they get super busy in the summer.

12. Sweep it away-  The leaves and other debris from a long winter may have accumulated on your front stoop or on a balcony or backyard. Clean it up now, and remove and replace any dead plants.

Now, have some fun , invite some friends over and have a Spring Fling Party!I   If I can do it so can you!

Barbara K

I know I might sound like a broken skill saw , but if it takes one of my power drills and a big fat hole in someone’s head to get them to realize that there’s no time like the present to buy a home than at least I’ve accomplished my mission!  My mission of course is to empower and give power to the weak, the strong and everyone in between.

 I will say it again and now even more so.  With interest rates lower than they’ve been in years now it’s time to stake your claim.  The following will offer you my real world advice on almost everything you will need to know when buying a new home.

So what are you waiting for? No cute studs here…go out and get one! (and save one for me!)

                       Invest In a Nest!

Buying my first home was very exciting and one of the best investments I have ever made.   It’s a true home and a place where I love inviting my friends and families. Many people, and women in particular, think about buying a house but don’t quite know how to begin. However, you can do it, and why not do it now? Buying a condo or house is always a wise investment, whether it’s your primary residence or a property you plan to rent or sell. You can use your investment to upgrade to another bigger, better home, or take the equity you have earned and turn it into money for education, entrepreneurial pursuits, renovation projects, or retirement. Owning your own place opens the door to endless possibilities. Buying a house is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make, but it’s not out of your reach, here are my top tips to get you on the right road.

1. Know  Your Credit Score

The most important part of qualifying for a mortgage isn’t how much of a down payment you can make, it’s how good your credit score is. The better your credit, the more easily you can secure a mortgage loan (even more so in today’s real estate climate) even without a fat bank account or a high-paying job. The first and most important action you should take is to get your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.  You have to get all three reports because the companies and utilities that extend you credit don’t report to all three bureaus.  You can access the reports for free at least once a year and checking your own credit does not count as an inquiry

            Your credit score is based on the information in the credit report. In the simplest terms, the score indicates how likely you will be to pay back a loan in full and on time; it reflects your credit history, how much debt you currently carry and how much debt you’re already approved to carry in the future (add up the credit limits on your credit cards for the answer), how long your credit history is, and how timely you are in paying bills. The higher the number, the better your credit is, ranging from a low of 300 to a perfect score of 850. Do everything you can to improve your score—it’s even more important than saving money, in my opinion! Why? Because the higher your score, the better the interest rate you will get, although gone are the days of “no money down”!

 Improve Your Credit Rating

The first time many people see their credit report is when they are about to purchase a home or a car. Because it can take about 3 months (and sometimes much longer) to change a credit score, if the score is wrong or low at that time, it could be too late to fix it. You could lose that fabulous apartment! Don’t let that happen—start changing your score today. Here are six proven ways to improve your score:

1. Check and correct your credit history

Thirty-five percent of your score comes from your credit history. Unfortunately, 70 percent of credit reports contain errors—mistakes that can adversely impact your score! Mistakes range from the misspelling of names, to reporting wrong addresses or places of employment, to confusing the accounts of people with the same name, to including outdated information. You can and should report errors to each of the credit bureaus since they do not share information. You can file disputes by phone or by mail, but you may find that it is most convenient to dispute errors online. Once the credit bureaus receive a dispute they have 30 days to investigate. If they cannot verify the information in that time, it is deleted or corrected by default. Once you dispute information, the onus is on them to prove it. If your payment was late once or twice and the creditor reported it to the credit bureau, you can ask the retailer or credit card company to issue a letter of correction. For example, many retail stores would prefer to keep your business by issuing a correction than lose it by refusing to. Always follow up on promised corrections by rechecking your credit report.  Even when some of the accounts are closed, having dozens of them may make lenders assume that you are not a stable credit risk.

2. Pay down high balances

The amounts you owe on revolving credit accounts are responsible for 30 percent of your score.  Pay down balances, your credit score can go up by reducing your balance.

3. Make history with your credit 

It’s good to have some activity and history on the account.

4. Think twice about new credit

When you open a new credit card account, the creditor makes an inquiry to one of the credit bureaus to evaluate your history. The number of recently opened accounts and credit inquiries accounts for 10 percent of your score. (Note that checking your own credit report doesn’t count as an inquiry, however.) 

5. Pay with cash

Using debit cards and cash is a good way to control your debt (and therefore maintain a great credit score).

6. Pay all your bills on time

Late payments can have a substantial negative impact on your score. For example, you can raise your score by as much as 20 points simply by paying bills on time for 1 month!

 

Define What You Want

Make a list of things that are important to you…this will keep you focused.

1.What’s your lifestyle?

2.What’s important to you?

3.What about house style? (modern, traditional?)

4.Location is important?

You might get a good deal on a house in a neighborhood that’s “up and coming,” meaning that the boundaries of a better neighborhood or town are being pushed farther out to include other streets, sections, or towns. An indication that a neighborhood is on the upswing is when you see a lot of home improvement activity and new construction.

If you simply must have a house in an established and popular location, it will cost more. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that if a location is really desirable you may have to make serious concessions on your wish list or be ready to roll up your sleeves and put sweat equity into a fixer-upper. I happen to love fixer-uppers and would buy one any day of the week. I always say, buy the least expensive house in the most expensive neighborhood!

Fixer-Uppers

When I see a house that needs help I immediately get excited and see dollar signs. A house that needs work is like money in your pocket, because as soon as you make even one improvement on a needy house, your equity in it—as well as its resale value—increases. In fact, unlike most people, I stay away from renovated houses. Why pay someone else for work you can do to your exact specifications yourself? Don’t be afraid of work, which can you money at the same time.

 Pre-construction

Condos and houses have a financial advantage,  because the time it takes to build them and that’s time during which your deposit is working for you in escrow. Historically in the past 5 years once an apartment house or development is completed, the price almost without exception goes up. Look at it this way: You have not done a thing and yet the value of your house and your equity has increased!

 Raw Land Often raw land can be converted into a construction loan, which then can be converted into a mortgage when the house is built. The advantage of these convertible loans is that there’s one loan application and one loan closing. The lender finances the construction of the home and, when it’s ready for occupancy, the loan converts into a mortgage.

Understand the Language of Mortgages

Once you have found the land, house, or condo of your “dreams,” you will most likely need to apply for a mortgage. There are different kinds of mortgages, each representing a different way of financing the purchase of a house. Talk to your mortgage broker or lender to figure out which one is best for you. Here are the two most common types:

Fixed rate: This type has both a fixed term (usually 15 or 30 years) and a fixed interest rate, both determined at the start of the mortgage. The monthly payment of principal and interest doesn’t change during the term of the mortgage. A fixed-rate mortgage is a good idea if you plan to live in the house for more than 5 years and interest rates are predicted to go up.

Adjustable rate: The interest rate on your mortgage will be raised or lowered according to the current interest rate. The monthly amount for your principal and interest payment will go up or down with these rate changes. If rates go down, you win. If they go up, you can lose. This type of mortgage is best if rates are low and you don’t expect to stay in the house for more than a few years.

Get Preapproved

Pre-approval gives you a lot of leverage when buying a house. The seller sees it as an advantage because he or she knows you are a serious buyer able to close the deal very quickly because you’ve already secured the loan. To get pre -approved, you provide the same information to the lender that you would if you applied for a mortgage after making an offer. Your income, credit history (and credit score), debts, and assets will be verified. The lender then issues a letter stating that your mortgage is approved for up to a certain dollar amount for a certain period of time. Once you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, avoid taking on any substantial new debt and make timely payments on all of your existing debts.

Go to the Pros

Hire (the right) Real Estate Attorney-  There are many attorneys out there (believe me I’ve dealt with the very good ones and the very bad ones).  Make sure he specializes in residential real estate transactions and just like hiring a contractor ask for 3 references of transactions he has completed.

Select a Mortgage Broker

You can get a mortgage directly from a bank, a mortgage company, or a credit union, but I believe you can get the best deal on a mortgage through a mortgage broker.

First ask for details on each potential loan:

Is the rate fixed or adjustable? What is the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR)? Expressed as a yearly rate, this includes the interest rate, points, broker fees, and any credit charges you may have to pay.

How do the points translate into dollars? A point is a fee paid to the lender or broker for the loan. Ask each potential lender for a quote in dollars (rather than just the number of points) so you’ll know how much you will have to pay at the closing.

Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) required? If you put down less then 20 percent, lenders generally require you to purchase PMI to protect them in case you fail to repay the loan. Find out the exact monthly cost of PMI and how long you will be required to carry it.

Once you find the best possible terms, ask the broker for a written rate lock. It should stipulate the interest rate, how long the lock-in will last, and the number of points to be paid. Locking in protects you from a rate increase if interest rates go up while your loan is being processed.

 Credit ResourcesCredit Agencies

Experian

Mailing addresses:475 Anton Boulevard Costa Mesa, CA 92626or955 American Lane Schaumburg, IL 60173Telephone: 888-397-3742 Web site: www.experian.com

Equifax Information Services, LLC

Mailing address:Disclosure DepartmentP.O. Box 740241Atlanta, GA 30374Telephone: 800-685-1111Web site: www.equifax.com

TransUnion LLC

Mailing address:P.O. Box 1000Chester, PA 19022Telephone: 800-888-4213[NEE1] Web site: www.transunion.com

Annual Credit Report Request Service

Annualcreditreport.com is the official site that helps consumers obtain the free credit report they are entitled to annually, as required by law.Mailing address:Annual Credit Report Request ServiceP.O. Box 105281Atlanta, GA 30348-5281Telephone: 1-877-322-8228[NEE2] Web site: www.annualcreditreport.com Credit Repair

Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s credit repair page at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/repair.htm for information.

Make an Offer!

Congratulations! You’ve found a home you love. But hold on! Before you submit an offer, visit the property at night and on weekends. Walk around the neighborhood. Make sure it’s comfortable and quiet (or lively and loud, if that’s what you’re after). Take a close look at the adjacent houses. Do the neighbors maintain their homes?  If everything checks out, don’t show your enthusiasm to the seller or the seller’s agent. They can and will use that information to get more money from you.

Before making an offer, ask your agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA). This informal report lists the addresses of recently sold homes in the same neighborhood, along with the date of the sale, the price, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You can find similar information on websites that list recent sales in your area offer should be comparable to those selling prices, which may not be the same as the seller’s asking price.

If you make an offer and the seller accepts it, insist that the contract include two escape clauses: a financing (or mortgage) contingency and an inspection contingency. If for some reason you can’t get a mortgage, the financing contingency releases you from the contract and guarantees that you will get back any deposit money you put down on the house (called earnest money).

The inspection contingency will release you from the contract and ensure the return of your deposit if a licensed professional inspector finds any damage or structural flaws in the house during a thorough inspection.

Who are these people?

An inspector is someone who looks at a home’s basic structural features and reports on them to you in writing. They usually charge a flat fee for the service, typically from $500 to $1,000.

What kind of training and certification do they need?

An inspector should have several years of experience and be certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Ask the inspector if he or she has errors and omissions insurance, too. This gives you some level of protection should the inspector overlook or forget to mention something important.

How long does an inspection take and what should happen?

Depending on the size of the property, an inspection should take 2 to 4 hours. Carve out some time to accompany him or her on the inspection. The inspector will look at all the basic structural features of the house, including:

Foundation: Is there evidence of cracks, shifting, or excessive moisture?

General Construction: How good is the quality of the general construction?

Exterior: If the property is a house, does it need exterior repairs or maintenance? What is the approximate age of the roof? What is the estimated remaining life of the roof? Is the condition good? What about landscaping? Have mature trees or shrubs close to the house caused damage to the home’s foundation?

Pests: Is there any indication of pests, such as rodents, termites, carpenter ants, or other insects?

Attached Structures: What is the condition of any attached structure ?

Plumbing: What is the overall condition of the plumbing system? Is there evidence of leaks or water pressure problems?

Electrical: Do any dangerous electrical situations or code violations exist? What is the electrical output capacity?

Heating and Cooling Systems: What are the ages of these systems?

Interior: Do doors and windows open and close properly? Are floors firm and level?

Kitchen: Are appliances functioning properly? Is the plumbing, including the dishwasher connection, in good repair?

Baths: Is the floor solid? Is there evidence of old or new water leaks?

Attic and Basement: Are the floor and ceiling joists solid? Is there any indication of water damage or mold?Radon testing: Is there an unacceptably high level of radon in the home? Homes all over the United States have been found to have some level of radon according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An elevated rate is considered to be 4pCi/L or higher. Check the EPA Web site (www.epa.gov) for more information.

Purchasing Home-Owner’s Insurance

You’re almost done, but before you seal the deal you need to show proof of insurance on the property. An independent insurance agent sells policies from a variety of insurers and can help you find the best policy. The best policies cover the cost of replacing the home and its contents in case of fire, theft, or other disasters—even terrorist attacks (in New York City, for example, many insurers now offer terrorism riders). You can also purchase riders for flood and hurricane damage, which may be especially important if you live in a region of the country that is prone to these events.

 

Close the Deal

Closing is the process you go through to finalize the deal you made to buy the house, assume ownership, and take possession of the property. Closing procedures vary from region to region. In some areas, the buyer, seller, and real estate agents all attend. In other areas, only the buyer and his or her agent attend, along with the closing agent. The closing happens in a lawyer’s, title companies, or escrow company’s office. The seller’s attorney prepares the deed and coordinates all the other paperwork with the buyer’s attorney or closing agent.

There is a lot of paperwork involved in a real estate transaction. Get your pen ready! Here is a list of the common documents that are prepared for a closing:

Settlement statement

Contract

Loan papers (for the buyer) giving the monthly payment amount, which includes real estate taxes

Title insurance (from the buyer)

Proof of home-owner’s insurance (from the buyer)

Title or deed

Down payment and closing costs (from the buyer)

Payoff for any existing mortgage

Funds available to the seller upon recording the new deed

Beyond the Down Payment: Closing Costs

Closing costs are expenses associated with the loan you take out to buy property. Most but not all of these costs must be paid on the day you finalize your purchase. Luckily, you will have a fairly good idea of how much you will have to set aside for closing costs because the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires that lenders and mortgage brokers give you what is called a good faith estimate of the loan-related expenses due at the closing. Here is a list of the fees most commonly included in closing costs:

 

Loan origination covers the lender’s costs of processing the loan. Measured in “points,” each one of which represents 1 percent of the loan amount, the fee varies among lenders.

 

A loan discount or “discount point” is a charge imposed by the lender or broker in exchange for lowering the interest rate on the loan. Each point costs 1 percent of the loan amount and lowers the rate by 0.125 percent.

 

Appraisal fees pay for an appraisal report, which the bank or lender requires to establish the property’s worth before issuing you a loan to buy it.

 

Credit report fee pays for the reports the lender uses to check your credit history.

 

Title search and title insurance fees ensure that the property is not subject to liens or other problems. Some states require you to hire a lawyer to conduct a title search; others allow you to hire a title search company to do this work.

 

Notary and recording fees may be charged by the closing agent to have loan documents notarized and the new deed recorded in your community’s public record.

 

A lender’s inspection fee is charged when you build a home or buy a house or apartment that is under construction. The fee covers the cost of the routine inspections the lender requires to monitor construction and then release funds as work progresses.

 

Home inspection is considered a closing cost, even though you pay for it before the actual closing date. Specialized inspection costs, such as radon tests and pest inspections, also fall into this category.

  

Wow, you’re ready to go…if I can do it so can you!!

Barbara K

Buyer’s delight 

Sick of spending all that money on a summer rental? Buying a summer home could be one of the best investments you’ll ever make. It was for me — not on only do I love my weekend place in the Hamptons and think of it as my true home (even though I spend most of my week living and working in Manhattan), but the property has also appreciated a lot in the past few years.  A vacation place can be a great investment. In the right location your house will increase in value over time, and a resale can be very profitable. And you can rent your home out for a few week or months each year and it can an actually pay for itself. (When I bought my first home in the he fabled beach community, it was still not affordable for me, so II rented it out as soon as I closed to pay for the he mortgage.) 

If you’re just starting out and have limited funds, established trendy communities like the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Miami Beach might be out of your price range. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a fabulous location elsewhere. The following are near New York City, and are also close to more expensive towns. That means the  prices in these areas will likely continue to rise.  

New York State: Your best bet is to head for the hills, like the Village age of Catskill (Greene County), Kingston on (Ulster County) and Narrowsburg (Sullivan County). ). Real-estate agents in the area say all three have strong summer and fallrental markets. 

Pennsylvania: This is state has a much lower property-tax rate than New Jersey, and towns along Delaware are just as beautiful as the ones across the Hudson. Pike County, for example, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, due to its proximity to New York, its fabulous natural resources and its high quality housing stock. Take a tour our of Milford (Pike County), ) Honesdale and Hawley (Wayne County).

 New England: Some towns in the picturesque  Berkshire Hills might be out of reach, but you can still find great deals in others — check out Berkshire County, where you’ll find the towns of Lee, Becket and Otis. The drive is beautiful, and there’s plenty to do and see   once you’re there: Jacob’s Pillow Dance Company, Tanglewood, the Berkshire Theatre Festival, the Norman an Rockwell Museum and Laurel Lake are just a few.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when searching for that perfect second home: 

1.     When assessing potential location, look at the surrounding area. Cute antique shops, upscale restaurants, gourmet food emporiums and well maintained public gardens and  parks are sure signs of a vibrant community. 

2.     Your vacation home should be easy to get to either by car or plane. You want to spend the weekend at your house, not getting there. Even if your dream pad has to be in Florida, it should atleast be fairly accessible to an airport.  

 3.     The area should have an active rental market. (Ask your real -estate agent about it when you’re looking for places to buy.) If  rentals have been on an “in-season on”  upswing, there’s a good chance there here will be a market for your house. Also, a good rental al history increases the resale value of a house. 

 4.     The home should be low-maintenance. If you love to garden, go ahead and buy a house that sits on some land but be honest with yourself — how much downtime do you really want to spend doing household chores? Look for easy-to-care-for siding and simple landscaping.

If I can buy a house, so can you! 

 Empower Yourself!

If I Can Do It So Can You!

Barbara K

Preparing to Rent Your Home 

If you have taken the plunge and bought a second home you can help pay for it by renting it out for the short term, during high seasons (like summer and fall). While it is true that you might not be able to enjoy the house during prime periods for the first few years of ownership, the rental income can certainly add to your bottom line, help pay the mortgage and increase the overall value of your history. (now you will have a rental history) That’s what I did when I bought my first house in the Hamptons (read about it in my book Invest in Your Nest). I could not have afforded that house if I had not rented it out during the summer.

 

Here are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, check with your community, owner’s association to make sure renting your place out to more than one family living in a house is allowed. ( that is more of a share situation common with Hampton rentals.

Second, finding renters takes time out of your busy schedule. Do you really want to be fielding phone calls at work from Craig’s List ads? I don’t. Hire a local real estate agent, one who has a track record with rental properties and who has a screening procedure in place. He or she can also help you set the monthly or seasonal rate.

 Check with your tax pro about the income implications from renting out your place.  If you’re simply planning on having a couple of friends take it over for a couple of weeks you probably don’t have to report the money you make…but you also cannot deduct any expenses related to it. So if your best friend’s summer fling boyfriend breaks a window you can try to get him to pay (don’t bet on it) or eat the repair costs yourself (more likely).  If you plan on making regular rental income part of your overall financial plan, and want to let the house for the a good part of the summer and fall, then you must report the income – but you can take deductions related to repairs and maintenance.   Typically the entire summer rental income is paid in advance by the renters . Also, the renters pay for the maintenance of the house including landscaping,cleaning, pool etc. In addition, make sure that all utility bills are changed to the renters name.  You don’t want to get stuck at the end of the summer paying a huge electric bill for the pool heater! The security deposits are usually equal to 10% of the total rental cost. This security deposit will cover any unforeseen damage to your home . Make sure that the Rental contracts include a provision that says that the renter pays for any damage to your home.  Finally, “dress” your home with simple but sturdy furnishings – that’s what places like  K-Mart,  Target, and Wal-Mart are for. Futons and sturdy rocking chairs for the living rooms, and a table with four chairs for the dining room are fine. Twin and double beds, nightstands, and a chest of drawers for each bedroom are perfect.  Provide a set of simple white china and inexpensive flatware, and a basic set of pots and pans for the kitchen. Stock the linen closet with sheets and towels, but recommend that your tenants bring their own beach towels.

 

For more advice log on to my website at www.barbarak.com and remember… 

 If I can do it so can you!

Empower Yourself,

Barbara K

I don’t know about you, but if my kitchen were my entry hall, the house would certainly stop there!  Forget my beautiful living room or cozy TV room, or even the amazing picture of SLASH playing guitar in my bedroom.  My kitchen is a great space that I took special pride in when I built my home…I always focus on the kitchen first.

I think it’s true for many people– the kitchen just ends up being the place everyone congregates, even if you live on a steady diet of frozen and take-out food.  I’m not a cook but that did not stop me from building the best kitchen I could and making it look as if I can cook!

High funtionality, visibility and frequent use are what make a kitchen so valuable.  It’s one of the bet rooms to put money into because it realizes the greatest return on investment in terms of both your own use and future resale value.  You can see a 85 to 150% return on your investment with minor remodeling and 80 to 95% with major gut renovation, especially if you plan on selling within 2 or 3 years of the project’s completion.  In the meantime, you add so much to your life by having a modern, comfortable kitchen– no matter what it’s size and how humble your talents as a cook.  It does not matter!

 What does matter are materials.  MATERIALS MATTER! I don’t think you should skimp on kitchen materials.  Buy the best you can afford and spend money wisely by choosing items with high-quality construction, timeless design (think simple and elegant so you won’t tire of them quickly), and high functionality.  There’s lots to consider in a kitchen, from the designer to the cabinets, appliances, countertops, doors , archways , windows and more.  For now I would like to introduce you to the various countertops to choose from that have come such a long way in recent years.

Countertops Can Make Kitchens Look New!

Out of date or worn countertops makes a perfectly nice kitchen with good cabinets look shabby and old. And that means just one thing and it is good news: a new countertop can make your old but still good looking kitchen cabinets look brand new and fabulous. Since you’re not spending money on an entire kitchen redo – which can cost upwards of $40,000 dollars depending on the size and bells and whistles – you can afford to splurge on a great countertop that will show off your cabinetry. And there are so many options in countertops now, from affordable granite to marble, concrete, quartz, and even paper – yup, you read right, paper!

            Here’s a look at my favorite new luxury countertop options:

Natural stone is gorgeous and it is my favorite countertop material. Granite, limestone, slate, marble and soapstone all have a very rich, high-end look. Stone is extremely heavy, durable and resistant to heat. Granite and limestone are porous and need to be sealed periodically. They cost anywhere from $75—$300 per linear foot, installed.          

   Engineered stone is a composite of quartz and resin. Because it combines a hard natural material with a strong resin it is more scratch and stain resistant than solid surface and looks like stone but has none of the upkeep in terms of sealing. Depending on the brand, it can cost from $50 to $110 per linear foot, installed.

Concrete is resistant to heat and scratches. But it is porous and is prone to staining unless carefully sealed. Fossils, glass, and even bits of jewelry can be imbedded in concrete for a truly personal counter. It costs from $75—$150 per linear foot, installed.

Paper is one of the latest countertop materials to hit the luxury building market. Manufacturers harvest wood pulp from managed forests, and treat it with resin. It is then cut to size and baked – it comes in a whole range of colors from naturals to reds, blues and greens. It is a very durable – scratch, stain, and heat-resistant, made from a sustainable, “green” product, is ultra-modern looking and cost from $110-150 per linear foot, installed.

Well I hope you enjoyed reading my blog on kitchens and countertops.  There is much more to cover in kitchens…but next week I will blog about getting your bathroom in the best shape possible.  I will review various options and tell you what features are worth paying for and which ones are best left on the showroom floor! Remember to visit me at www.barbarak.com for more tips and my latest in cool tools.  

 Until then “Screw Bang & Drill” the Barbara K way!!

If I Can Do It So Can You!

Peace, Love & Tools…

Barbara K                                

 They say it’s the year of the rat but I think it should more like the year of the frog.  Everything in my “book” should be GREEN!  Not only is green one of my favorite colors but I’ve instilled effective methods in my home that makes it easy and fun for my son and I to practice what we preach and take part in doing everything we can to be kind to our enviornment.

I send Zach to school with reusable sandwich “boxes” instead of wrapping them in plastic bags- they are plastic and fit a sandwich perfectly.  He also takes a drink in a thermos-so retro but so green!  No more juice boxes and no more waste and expense.  I can also control what I give him for lunch this way.- no pre packaged food. Homemade is better.  I try to pack just one napkin and utensils that can be washed and reused to further minimize waste. 

And Zach has a sturdy knapsack made out of recycled materials- Green Earth and Office Supply and wwwworldofgood.com sell good ones in kid friendly colors and styles- and they last for years.

 Now we stretch computer paper by using both sides of it instead of tossing it in the recycle bin after just one side is used…teachers understand and appreciate this.  And we shred some of our paper to use as packing material (we just used it during our last move) and even mulch in the garden.   I also now buy “processed chlorine free” (PCF) paper, and the highest percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) or post consumer waste (PCW) content.  Staples and Office Max both sell good versions of this greener paper.  I also look for school notebooks with the same paper- Earth Friendly Second Nature Brand makes good  ones. 

And of course Zach gets very involved in the household recycling, which we are committed to.  He knows where to put bottles, cans and paper and helps keep our home recycling center, organized neat and also ready with a hammer and nails in case he needs to fix something!  

Go Green and Stay Green At Home!  My top 10 for energy and cost saving tips that are easy in your home.

1. Change standard bulbs to fluorescent models - they last longer, use less electricity. According to energystar.gov: “If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.” Wow! 

2. Lower your thermostat by 1 to 5 degrees and you will save a bundle of money and home heating fuel. 

3. Install low flow toilets, showerheads and faucets to save on water - and water bills. 

 4. Don’t let faucets leak - that wastes water too. It’s easy to replace a leaky faucet yourself!  Check out www.barbarak.com for more information. 

5. When replacing floorings - choose natural fibers in rugs such as wool,see grass, cotton and silk over synthetics which create more pollution in production and can emit bothersome fumes, especially to those of you who have allergies or who have children with allergies. 

6. Putting in a hardwood floor? Consider bamboo instead. It is sustainable,meaning bamboo trees grow fast and easily replace those that are cut down for wood - or use reclaimed wood taken from old houses and barns. 

7. Take recycling a step further and consider buying vintage fixtures for renovation projects. Beautiful sinks, tubs, doors, and windows can be found at salvage shops - you get something original and totally one of a kind, and you stop perfectly good stuff (sometimes made even better than new) from ending up in a land fill. 

8. Recycle newspaper by shredding it and adding it to your compost pile. 

 9. If you have a small lawn, try mowing it with a push mower instead of one that uses gasoline or electricity. You get a good workout and it’s free and has no environmental impact. Clippings can go into your garden compost. 

10. Buy and use biodegradable cleaning products or make your own. Fume free,and with no dangerous chemicals (for you and the earth) means cleaning is safe and healthy. For example, avoid products that contain chlorine bleach and ammonia, phospahtes,  diethylene glycol, nonylphenol ethxylate, and butyl cellosolve, and instead opt for fume free products (read labels) or make your own with pantry items most everyone has on hand, such as baking soda (with a little water it makes a great bathroom cleaner); vinegar and water kills mold; sodium carbonate (washing soda like Borax) cleans clothes and a host of other household surfaces.

Thanks for visitng my blog, hope you got some great information and remember to log on every week for more fix-it advice and tips on saving money and time for easy care-free living in your home.

“If I Can Do It , So Can You”!

Love , Peace & Tools,

Barbara K

   

 Think Ahead For 08, Top Ten Tasks To Tackle And Seven Repairs Everyone Should Know How To Do!!

 The tree is on the sidewalk, the last of the eggnog has been sipped, and your mother-in-law’s fruitcake has been discreetly left out for the birds. Football season is coming to a close. So, it’s time to think ahead about a few home improvement tasks that you might have put off at the end of the year. Here’s my top ten to tackle now and seven repairs everyone should know how to do – a great way to get a jump on spring-cleaning.

 1.      Install a programmable thermostat. It’s not to late to start saving on heating bills. Replacing your old thermostat with a programmable is a simple job that can be completed in an afternoon – or even quicker by an licensed electrician if you are unsure of your wiring skills (although most thermostats, available at home improvement stores, come with complete instructions).

 2.      Clean or replace filters in heating and cooling units.

3.      Replace the water filter attached to your main line, your sink, and/or your water pitcher.

4.      Clean blinds and shades. You can cut down on allergic reactions by dusting off your window coverings (an area of the home that is often -forgotten). 

5.      Send rugs out to be steam cleaned or rent a carpet cleaner and do-it-yourself.

 6.      Flip all the mattresses in house. Remember, back to front and top to bottom.

7.      Replace the shower curtain liner in your bathroom, if you use one. Mold and mildew can build up and exacerbate allergies and asthma.

8.      Tale advantage of January thaw to remove any remaining fallen leaves and branches from around your property, sidewalk in front of your house, or on your balcony, if you have one.

9.      Wash your car, inside and out. Salt and sand can damage the finish one your car so spring for the protective coating at the car wash. Vacuum inside as well - the grime on the floor of the car, from winter weather tracked in on your shoes and boots, can wear out the inside of your car too.

10.    Replace the welcome mat in front of your door with a coir mat that helps remove snow and dirt from your shoes – and gives a warm welcome to old and new friends.   

1. Adjust cabinet door hinges

A lot of cabinets these days use “European” style hinges, and they can become loose, which makes the door lean to one side and inhibits that does not shut all the way. It is simple to adjust these hinges so they are in alignment. Some European hinges have one screw connecting the two halves and others have two. Either way you need a Philips screwdriver. Loosen or tighten the screw or screws counter-clockwise to move the door to the left, and clockwise to move it to the right. (righty tighty lefty loosey)

2. Repair a cracked/broken tile
Time: About 45 minutes
 
What you need:
·      Bucket for water
·      Grout to match what’s already on the floor
·     Hammer
·     Matching replacement tile
·     Notched trowel
·     Putty knife
·     Safety glasses
·     Sponge ,     Grout saw
·     Tile adhesive (for this job you can used pre mixed adhesive, no need to mix thinset)
·     Wood or cold chisel
·     Work gloves
·     Tile cutter (optional is you are replacing a tile that has been cut to fit in a particular space)
1.    Isolate the damaged tile or tiles so that other tiles don’t get damaged in the process. (It’s likely that you’ll have to break up the cracked of damaged tile with a hammer in order to can get it out.) To protect the surrounding tiles from your hammer’s shock waves, remove the grout that surrounds it with a grout saw.  A grout saw is very inexpensive and easily found at any home improvement center or hardware store. Simply drag the saw blade through the grout.  It will take some time to cut all the way through (up to 20 minutes), but it’s time well spent. You could also use a rotary tool with a cutting tip to take out the grout, but unless you already have one, a grout saw is cheaper and just as good. If you do use a rotary tool use safety glasses!
 
2.    Once you’ve removed all the grout around the damaged tile, lay a hand towel over the tile and hit it with hammer until the tile is broken into 2-inch pieces. Put on your work gloves and remove the pieces. Discard them.
 
3.    Use a chisel to remove the adhesive from the floor. Take care not to gouge the floor or backerboard. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying debris.
 
4.    Vacuum up any small rubble. If the floor’s not completely clean, the replacement tile won’t adhere properly.
 
5.    You should have one full box of extra tiles on hand (for just this sort of occasion) but if you don’t you can buy a new one. If you can’t find an exact match, try to find one that closely resembles it.  A slightly mismatched tile is better than a broken one.
 
6.    If you are replacing a tile that has been cut to fit a space, measure it by taking the replacement tile and placing it on top of the area where the old tile was removed. Line up the edges by matching the tile pattern, if there is one, and use a crayon to mark the cut line. Use a manual tile cutter to make the cut along the line you made. It makes a series of cuts in the tile. You can then snap the tile (where gloves and safety glasses) along the line.
 
7.    In this situation, it’s better to butter the back of the new tile than trying to trowel adhesive onto the floor. Use a putty knife to butter the back of the tile with adhesive.  Create even notches in the adhesive with the trowel.
 
8.    Place the tile in the opening and tap it down gently with a hammer covered with the towel, or even better a rubber mallet. Be gentle - you don’t want to break another tile! Make sure it is level with the other tiles.
 
1.   Let it dry for 24 hours before applying grout.
 
2.   Use a grout float to press the grout around the edges of the tile. Use a sponge or towel to wipe the excess from the top of the tile. After about 30 minutes, wide any grout that has that has formed on the tile away. Wait another day before walking on it.
  3. Repair a hole in drywall
Small and medium holes
What you need:·     Fiberglass tape
·     Joint compound
·     Putty knife
·     Fine grit sandpaperIf the hole is two inches of less, repair it with fiberglass tape.
1.    Fill the hole with joint compound and stretch tape across the hole.
2.    Apply two or three coats of joint compound on top. Allow drying time between each layer and sand between coats.
3.    Prime and paint when the final layer is dry and sand.
 
 

4. Clear a clog in the toilet or overflowTime: About 20 minutes

What you need:
 
· Bucket of water
· Closet or toilet auger
· Flanged plunger
· Shop vac or bucket and mop

How to get it done:
 
1.   Place the cup of the flanged plunger over the drain outlet, and plunge up and down rapidly while maintaining a seal around the lip of the cup.
 
2.   Slowly pour a 2-gallon bucket of water into the bowl to clear the drain. Repeat plunging, if necessary.
 
3.   If that doesn’t work, an object may be obstructing the drain. A closet auger, sometimes called a toilet auger, will help. Push the auger cable into the trap until the bend sits in the drain opening. Crank the auger handle in a clockwise direction to break up the clog or snag obstructions. Continue to crank as you retrieve the cable and pull the obstruction out of the trap.
.
Note: If more than one toilet or drain in your home is backing up, the point where the waste lines come together could be blocked. Long augers are available for these situations and are best used by a licensed plumber. Here’s what the plumber will do: If the main drain line doesn’t have a clean-out access, long augers or “snakes” can be inserted directly through the toilet flange. This may require temporarily removing the toilet.

5. Clear a clogged sink drain

Time: About 15 minutes

What you need:

·Plunger
· Rag

How to get it done:

1.   Remove the drain stopper. You may have to remove the pivot rod to free the stopper. (See instructions in the previous project.). Some pop-up stoppers lift out directly and others turn counterclockwise. If it’s a kitchen sink, remove the strainer.
 
2.   If you are clearing a bathroom sink, stuff a wet rag in the sink overflow opening to prevent air from breaking the suction of the plunger. The overflow is the opening located in the sink under the faucet area or opposite it. If you are clearing a double kitchen sink, remove the strainer and stuff a wet rag in the drain of the other clog-free sink.
 
3.   Place the plunger cup over the drain and run enough water to cover the lip of the cup. Use the handle to move the center of the cup up and down rapidly and forcefully without breaking the seal of the plunger lip.

 
If cleaning the pop-up stopper and plunging doesn’t get rid of the clog, you may have to clean out the sink trap.  That’s the U-shaped pipe below the sink. Cleaning it out seemed pretty daunting to her, especially since it requires loosening and temporarily removing the trap so it can be emptied of build up that is obstructing the water.  It’s also a job that a plumber will charge big bucks for, so why not learn to do yourself?

Remove & Clean a Sink Drain Trap
Time: About 30 minutes
 
What you need:

·     Adjustable wrench
·     Bottle brush
·     Bucket
·     Clean rags

 
How to get it done:
 
1.   The trap is the U-shaped pipe directly under your sink. Place a bucket under the trap to catch water and waste material.
 
2.   Loosen the slip nuts on the trap bend with pliers or a pipe wrench. Then unscrew the nuts by hand and slide them away from the connections, then carefully pull off the trap bend.
 
3.   Dump out waste material, and clean the trap with a small bottlebrush. Inspect the slip nut washers for wear, and replace them, if necessary.
 
4.   Reinstall the trap, and tighten the slip nuts. Don’t over tighten or you could strip the nuts. Test the drain by running water. If it leaks, tighten the slip nuts another 1/4 turn.
 
6. Repair a noisy fan
Time: About 45 minutes
What you need:
· Phillips head screwdriver
· Pliers
 
 
How to get it done:

1.   Check the fan blades to see if they are loose. If your fan is installed from the ceiling by a rod that extends down from the electrical box to the motor, check the connection between the rod and the motor and tighten any and all loose screws.
 
2.    If the ceiling motor is attached directly to the ceiling examine the ceiling mounting and tighten any and all loose screws.
 
3.   Measure the distance of the blades from the ceiling. It is important that all the blades reside on the same plane. Hold one end of the measuring tape at the ceiling while rotating the blades manually to check the distance.
 
4.   If a blade is not level or equally distanced to the other blades, you must gently bend the blade that is out of place. It is easier to do this step with an extra pair of hands. One person should hold the fan while the other person bends the blade.
7. Free a stubborn drawer

Time: 10-15 minutes
 
What you need:

• Soap or candle
• Block plane

How to get it done:

1. If the drawer doesn’t operate smoothly when you open and close it, remove it and rub a candle or even a clean white bar of soap over the top and bottom sides.

   2. If that doesn’t work, the drawer might have become too big for its opening. Remove the drawer and run a block plane along the top edge of the sides. Don’t take off too much - remove just a bit and keep testing until the  drawer operates smoothly.

If I can do it so can you!! Barbara K

 Holiday Home – in Under 2 ½ Hours 

If you’re like me, you’re super busy at holiday time (and probably all the time). That often means preparations for holiday decorating come later in the season than you hoped – especially when it comes to projects around the house. Well, I have a 5-step, foolproof game plan for “holiday preparedness” that is easy to implement, simple, and effective. You’ll be ready to spread holiday cheer and toast the New Year in style in no time.

1. De-clutter and give back

Time: 2 hours

Clean up, make way for new toys, and teach the art of giving and recycling to your kids all at the same time. Devote a morning, afternoon or evening to going through your child’s toys to identify what he or she no longer uses, what is still in good condition, and then donate those items to a shelter, charity, or mom’s club. Recycle plastic broken or worn toys on trash day, and toss those that do not meet recycling requirements.

2. Add greenery

Time: 30 minutes

Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas with a trimmed tree, you can still add some natural scent and texture to your home, which is seasonal and should carry you through to the New Year. Boughs of holly or fir branches simply placed or draped on the mantel or arranged in vases, large and small, adds color and life – just what’s needed as we head deep into winter.

3. Light up your life

Time: 30 minutes

Fairy or string lights add twinkle and sparkle to your home – and are easy to hang. New LED and battery operated lights make adding lights to your dÃ