Welcome to the place where we will share up to date information about "the happenings" in real estate and in the Triad region of North Carolina. I hope that you will come back to visit often as Pam's ponderings will be many! Talk to you soon ... Pam
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Random Acts of Kindness: #5
Friday, November 29, 2013
Random Acts of Kindness: #4
Ensure Your Fireplace Is Up To Snuff
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite as cozy as curling up on the sofa with a good book in front of a roaring fire. A fireplace evokes the idea of a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
However, if it isn’t properly maintained, your living room could be filled with a cloud of soot, or worse, fire. A fireplace not only creates a snug setting, but most are actually functional and can help heat your home.
Harness their heat and generate the ambiance of a softly lit living space by following the tips below to ensure yours is properly maintained and working efficiently before the first cold spell hits.
Clean It Regularly
Have your chimney cleaned out twice a year. The recommended number varies depending on how often you use your hearth. However, you should have it cleaned every fall to ensure it’s properly vented so that smoke has a way to escape.
Also, you’ll want to make sure that no animals have made their home there over the summer.
Close The Damper
Make sure you close the damper when you’re not using the fireplace. You don’t want to make your furnace work overtime because warm air is sneaking up and out the chimney.
Install A Chimney Cap
If your home doesn’t have a chimney cap, then have one installed. These help to prevent snow, leaves, animals and other debris from falling down the chimney. Caps also help keep downdrafts from gusting into your living area.
Burn Firewood Only
A fireplace isn’t the spot to burn your broken chair or ex-girlfriends photos. Painted wood, plastic and other treated wood surfaces can release chemicals into the air of your home. Worse, they can coat the interior walls of your fireplace, so you continue breathe them in for the next couple of fires.
Mount Smoke Alarms
If you don’t already have them, mount smoke alarms near your hearth and in every bedroom. Consider installing combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors if you have a home with a gas-burning fireplace.
Don’t use your fireplace without taking the right precautions. Get it cleaned, and if it’s your first use, then be sure to get it inspected beforehand. Make the hearth in your home the heart of your home by following the tips above to ensure it’s up to snuff this fall.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
New Reduced Price on this Updated Classic in Winston-Salem! |NC Real Estate Homes for Sale by Pam Boyle|
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Click here to view this property's website and more photos
Savoring The Good Things In Life
"There's always something to be thankful for. If you can't pay your bills, you can be thankful you're not one of your creditors" – Author Unknown
With Thanksgiving being tomorrow, I find myself thinking about everything I have to be thankful for. For instance, I've been a real estate agent for some time, which is a position that I enjoy and love.
What Am I Grateful For?
I'm also grateful to be able to share the knowledge that I've learned throughout the years with my clients and those of you who read my blog. It's a wonderful and rare thing to do something that you love for a living.
Most of us are so busy reaching our goals, making plans for the future, pushing and struggling to rise to wherever we feel our position in life should be, that we very rarely take the time to look back at where we started.
While it's always a good idea to have goals, to visualize and work towards them, if you never take the time to appreciate what you've done then it becomes a constant, maddening race to the finish line. Intangible things, such as happiness and satisfaction, fall by the wayside, considered unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
What Do I Savor?
With Thanksgiving drawing closer, this real estate agent invites you to think about what you have to be thankful for. Whether big or small, you'll find yourself savoring all the good things in your life.
So what are some of the things that you're grateful for? It doesn't have to be a big thing to be appreciated. Was the sky particularly beautiful today?
Maybe you caught the bus on time, or you're throwing the family Thanksgiving dinner this year and everyone is coming. If it brightens your life, brings a smile to your face, lightens your mood or warms your heart, be thankful for the experience.
Enjoy each moment as if it were your last, sipping from the cup of gratitude and appreciation; you may find that your heart is constantly filled with happiness. Your trusted real estate professional invites you to make every day Thanksgiving Day.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Random Acts of Kindness: #1
Get The Low Down On Pending And Existing Home Sales This Month
The National Association of REALTORS reported Monday that pending home sales dropped by -0.60 percent in October after falling at a revised rate of -4.60 percent in September. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, 17 percent of real estate agents reported delays in loan closings due to the government shutdown in early October.
Lenders were unable to verify borrower income through the IRS, which was closed during the shutdown. October was the fifth consecutive month with fewer pending home sales reported.
Homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are waiting to sell, and recent spikes in mortgage rates were cited as factors contributing to fewer pending sales.
Pending home sales are defined as homes for which signed purchase offers have been received and are considered an indicator of future home sales. The NAR notes that most pending sales close within 30 to 60 days of an offer being signed.
High Demand And Low Supply Of Homes Thwarts Buyers
Would-be homebuyers may be including their dream homes on their wish lists for the holidays as many areas continue to experience a short supply of homes against high demand. In desirable areas this can lead to bidding wars and homes being sold before they are listed for sale.
Cash buyers are benefitting from these situations, while first-time and moderate income buyers may be sidelined due to affordability issues and the inability to compete with cash buyers.
Mortgage rates fell last week and the previous week. While a recovering housing market has been causing home prices to rise, economists described current readings for pending sales as a "pause" in the housing market recovery and said that a significant decline in home sales could adversely impact overall economic recovery.
Regional Pending Sales Mixed
Pending sales for the Northeast and Midwestern regions increased slightly and declined in the South and West. This suggested to some economists and analysts that the formerly hot housing market is cooling off along with the weather. Some decline in home sales is expected during fall and winter months.
Sales Of Existing Homes Better Than Expected
October sales of existing homes surpassed expectations of 5.10 million sales with a reading of 5.12 million existing homes sold. Again, the government shutdown and related concerns of consumers and home builders were cited as reasons for sales falling shy of September's reading of 5.29 million existing homes sold.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Random Acts of Kindness
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never e able to repay you." - John Wooden
"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."
-Scott Adams
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - November 25, 2013
Last week's scheduled economic news was varied, but mortgage rates fell and jobless claims were significantly lower than expected. The minutes for last month's FOMC meeting were released, and confirmed the Federal Reserve's intention to leave its quantitative easing program unchanged at least for the near term.
The National Association of Homebuilders Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for November indicated that builder confidence, while still positive, dipped by one point to a reading of 54 as compared to an anticipated reading of 55, and October's revised reading of 54.
Retail Sales for October Rose By 0.4 Percent
NAHB noted that uncertainty over the federal budget and political gridlock may have kept builder and consumer confidence levels from achieving further gains in November.
The Consumer Price Index for October contracted by -0.10 percent against expectations of 0.00 percent growth and September's reading of 0.20 percent growth. The Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, rose by 0.10 percent against expectations of 0.20 percent and was unchanged from September's reading.
The National Association of REALTORS reported that Existing Home Sales for October were lower than for September's reading of 5.29 million, but slightly exceeded the expected reading of 5.10 million. October's reading came in at 5.12 million sales of existing homes.
Analysts attributed the lower reading to tight supplies of available homes in many areas and higher home prices and mortgage rates that impacted affordability.
The FOMC minutes indicated that the committee has ongoing concerns over national unemployment rate of 7.20 percent against the committee's target unemployment rate of 6.50 percent.
Weekly Jobless Claims were notably lower at 323,000 new jobless claims as compared to the prior week's reading of 344,000 new jobless claims. Analysts and investors had expected a reading of 334,000 new jobs. Analysts noted the Veterans Day holiday as a likely contributor to the lower reading for new jobless claims.
Freddie Mac provided good news in its weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey; the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell from 4.35 percent to 4.22 percent with discount points unchanged at 0.70 percent. The rate for a 15-year mortgage fell from 3.35 percent to 3.27 percent with discount points unchanged at 0.70 percent.
The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage remained unchanged at 2.61 percent with discount points unchanged at 0.40 percent. This was encouraging news for home buyers and homeowners who have recently faced rising mortgage rates and home prices.
What's Coming Up
This week's schedule for economic reports includes several of interest to mortgage and housing professionals. Pending Home Sales will be out on Monday; Tuesday's calendar is full with Housing Starts and Building Permits, the Case-Shiller Housing Market Index, the FHFA Home Price Index and the Consumer Confidence Index.
Wednesday's news includes Weekly Jobless Claims, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index and Leading Economic Indicators. No economic news is scheduled for Thursday or Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas For Your Home
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you're opening your home for the family get together, that usually means you'll be decorating.
If you've racked your mind for ideas and none sound just right, here are a few decorating ideas that might help you along your way.
Fall Leaves
Decorations don't have to be expensive, just look outside the door of your home. Brightly colored fall leaves, either randomly placed on the table or bunched in small arrangements, can really brighten up a table.
Turkey Napkins
Folded turkey napkins is a simple way to spruce up your Thanksgiving table. Use linen napkins for a classy touch.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece
A cornucopia is a great idea for the centerpiece. Filled with leaves, small pumpkins and other fall foliage or fruits, cornucopias remind us to be thankful for nature's bounty.
Candles
Candles can add a warm touch to any Thanksgiving dinner. The key for candle placement is to arrange them in places where a person's breath won't blow the flame out, generally between where people sit instead of in front of them.
Thanksgiving Wreaths
Thanksgiving wreaths can be fun to make, and a well-made wreath may even bring some surprising compliments. Tasteful and elegant at any time, wreaths made in fall colors are a beautiful addition to your decorations.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Thanksgiving baskets can be simple, inexpensive decorations for your home. Acorns or other nuts, mixed with fall leaves and a few flowers from your garden, will brighten up any room. Hang small baskets from wall hooks, or place larger baskets in corners.
No matter what Thanksgiving decorations you use, whether elegant or fun, hand-made or store-bought, the key is not to overdo it. Don't let yourself get so caught up in making the decorations perfect that you forget to enjoy your friends, family and food.
May you have many things to be thankful for in the years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Captivating in Kingsland! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Move-In Ready Home in Clemmons! |NC Real Estate Pam Boyle|
Luxurious Charm in Crosslands! 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath with upgraded amenities in Winston Salem! |NC Real Estate Pam Boyle|
If you want to take a tour, just let me know at 336-682-7653 or sold@pamboyle. We can schedule an appointment at your convenience.
Home for Sale for the Holidays? Use it to Your Advantage!
DO’s:
- White holiday lights are always in style. Accent your home’s positives with minimal string lighting along the lines of your home. And stick with white lights, yes it may be simple, but it is classy. Candle light accents in the windows also add to the design. Families driving around during the holidays will notice your home over others and may even grab a brochure when they realize it’s for sale!
- Share your cheer and don’t be afraid to celebrate. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or another holiday, it is ok to show your cheer. Put up your tree, it may accentuate the high ceilings, display your Menorah in a big window to add ambiance, and light the Kinara candles and celebrate. A home is a place where families gather and celebrate many occasions. This is no acceptation, don’t put your beliefs and celebration on hold for the sale!
- Decorate with colors that compliment. Holiday colors can clash, so be aware of color schemes that fit well together. If your house has earth tones you’re color options are pretty open from red and green to silver and gold. But if you can a cool color pallete in your home, try sticking with complimentary accents like white and gold or silver.
- Think Martha Stewart! Holiday decorating can be a great and inexpensive way to spruce up your living space without too much trouble or cost. Check out some great ideas on marthastewart.com, BetterHomesandGardens.com, and hgtv.com. Setting out a bowl of pine cones sprinkled with glitter, a homemade ornament wreath, or a simple garland can all add a simple wow factor!
- And definitely add to the ambiance of the holiday’s with scented candles, oils, potpourri, freshly baked cookies and more! This time of the year has so many yummy smells from pumpkin pie (and bread) to cinnamon and cranberry, not to mention holiday cookies. Who wouldn’t want to come in from the cold to the scent of warm cookies or hot coco?!
DON’Ts
- Inflatable Explosions are BAD. Yes they may be appealing to the kids, but they are truly eye sores and not something that will prove positive to prospective buyers. They are even worse when not inflated, and generally during daylight hours they are not… it actually looks like they died all over your lawn! “I’m melting I’m melting… ahhhhhh”
- Don’t hide your home. Too many decorations can lead buyers astray. Cluttered rooms full of decorations can hide the positive elements of your house. Decorate the mantel with simple garland and avoid personalized stockings. Make sure the tree isn’t too big for the space, and avoid doing multiple trees!
- Don’t over-emphasize your religion. While it’s important you are comfortable and able to enjoy the season, you don’t want to offend anyone. Avoid showcasing oversized nativity scenes or other religious symbols.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
3 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes That Can Cost Thousands
Buying real estate for the first time is a very exciting step in life. It is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments that you make, so it's very important to navigate the purchasing process wisely.
Many first-time home buyers make rookie mistakes that bring on negative consequences and a lot of frustration. Outlined below are common errors home buyers make, so you can learn from their missteps and avoid them yourself.
1. Buying More Than What You Can Truly Afford
Just because the bank says that you qualify a certain amount for a mortgage doesn't mean that you have to choose a house at the very top of this price range. Many people get carried away and buy the most expensive house that they qualify for.
If something unexpected happens, they may find it difficult to keep up with their monthly mortgage payments later on.
Remember that you will also have student loan payments, vehicle costs, credit card bills, health insurance, groceries, retirement savings and other expenses, so make sure that your mortgage payments will comfortably fit within your budget.
2. Failing To Get A Home Inspection
Before buying a house, you should always have a professional inspection done. Not doing so is a big mistake. You don't want to get stuck with hidden damage that could saddle you with the expense of ongoing repairs.
Hiring a professional to assess the home's condition is absolutely essential before making your final decision.
3. Disregarding Your Future
When you are buying real estate, don't just think about how the home will work for you in the immediate future. Also consider what your needs will be five, ten or even 20 years from now.
Find out the development plans for the neighborhood. Look for reputable schools if you intend to start a family. And consider whether the street's home values are likely to increase or decline in the future.
Your Next Steps
Don't let the home-buying process overwhelm you! Learn from these common first-time home buyers' mistakes, so you can avoid them.
A great next step toward planning for your first home purchase is to consult with a trusted, licensed mortgage professional who is trained in providing the best advice on how a new home will affect your budget.
5 Reasons to Sell Before Spring
Only Serious Buyers Are Out
At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere 'lookers'. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.
There Is Far Less Competition
Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. The choices for buyers will be limited. Don't wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale.
The Process Will Be Quicker
One of the biggest challenges of the 2013 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers.
There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up
If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 25% from now to 2018. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come.
It's Time to Move On with Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.
by The KCM Crew on November 19, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tech Tuesday
Monday, November 18, 2013
AMAZING New Price on this Stunning 4-Bedroom Home in Shallowford Lakes! |Pam Boyle Lewisville NC Real Estate|
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - November 18, 2013
The Veterans Day holiday on Monday contributed to a quiet week for economic news. On Wednesday the reading for the federal budget deficit for October fell from September's reading of -$120 billion to -$92 billion.
Freddie Mac Released Its Primary Mortgage Market Survey On Thursday
The average mortgage rates increased across the board, but remain below historical levels. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose by 9 basis points from 4.16 percent to 4.35 percent with discount points decreasing from 0.80 percent to 0.70 percent.
The average 15-year mortgage rate rose from 3.27 percent to 3.35 percent with discount points the same at 0.70 percent. The rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage increased from 2.96 percent to 3.01 percent with discount points moving from 0.50 percent to 0.40 percent.
Weekly Jobless Claims were released Thursday and were reported at 339,000 new claims. This was higher than the expected number of 335,000 new claims, but lower than the prior week's reading of 341,000 new claims.
In other news, Janet Yellen, the President's choice for chairing the Federal Reserve, defended the Fed's quantitative easing policy during her first confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee. QE, which involves Fed purchases of $85 billion monthly in Treasury and mortgage backed securities, was designed to keep long-term interest rates and mortgage rates low.
Credit Reporting Agency: Mortgage Defaults Reach 5-Year Low In Q3 2013
TransUnion, one of three major credit reporting agencies in the U.S., reported that mortgage defaults fell to a five-year low to a reading of 4.09 percent for the third quarter of 2013.
This reading is lower year-over-year than the revised reading of 5.33 percent for the third quarter of 2012. The reading for third quarter 2013 mortgage defaults is also lower than the reading of 4.32 percent for the second quarter of 2013.
A mortgage default is defined as a home loan that is at least two months past due on payments.
Analysts cite moderate but stable job gains, comparatively low mortgage rates and a short supply of available homes as factors contributing to improvements in the housing sector. Analysts noted that mortgage defaults have declined during the past five quarters.
As defaulted mortgage loans made before the economy crashed are foreclosed, mortgage defaults were expected to continue falling. TransUnion reported that it expects mortgage defaults to fall below 4.00 percent by year-end.
What's Coming Up: NAHB Index, FOMC Minutes
This week, the National Association of Home Builders is scheduled to release its Home Builder Confidence Index for November.
Along with the weekly releases of Jobless Claims and Freddie Mac's PMMS report on mortgage rates, the FOMC is expected to release the minutes of its last meeting. Existing Home Sales for October are also set for release.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
5 Great Questions To Ask At An Open House
An open house gives you a great opportunity to look more closely at real estate you might be interested in buying. It also affords you the chance to chat with the owner or real estate agent so you can bring up any issues or hesitations you have with the home.
Knowing what to ask can be difficult, so below are examples of questions to ask at the next open house you attend.
Why Has The Seller Decided To Sell Now?
If you ask why the seller is moving, you could learn valuable information to help determine your offer or possibly whether or not you want to buy the home.
Knowing whether the owners are about to go into foreclosure, have experienced trouble in the neighborhood, or if they've retired and completely paid off the home can help you understand how urgently they need to sell their property.
Has The Seller Had Any Other Offers?
Don't forget that you are not only negotiating with the seller for a price, you are also competing with other potential buyers. It really helps to know what you are up against.
It is important to understand that you might not get a 100% straight answer to this question as most sellers know that competition or perceived competition can cause a potential buyer to move forward more quickly and at a higher price.
If you're comfortable in this discussion, you might want to try and see if you can find out the details of any other offers.
Does The Property Have Special Ownership Costs?
Ask the agent or owner about the other costs associated with owning the property, such as Home Owners Association fees within a condo complex or a gated community. It's important to know about these extra expenses in advance so you can make an informed offer.
You may also want to ask about any pending litigation concerning the property. Litigation is not always a deal killer, but it's better to know the details before you sign closing documents.
What Furniture And Appliances Are Being Sold With The House?
Most of the time, a seller will include their major appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher with the home, but this isn't always the case. If you don't already have these items, it's important to know whether they are included in the purchase price.
Is There Anything Else That You Want To Leave With The Home?
This is an important question to ask. Especially if there are specific things in the home that you have a strong interest in. Perhaps there is custom art work or a pool table that fits perfectly in the game room.
The seller may be eager to part with those items and include them in the sale of the home or sell them at a large discount. The open house is a great opportunity to learn more about a home before making the decision to buy it, so be sure you ask the right questions.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Spice Up Your Home This Holiday Season
Updating home decor used to be more than just a small task and a lot of work. Fear no more if you have a flair for home decoration projects you are in luck. Nowadays there are so many resources and outlets to use. There are no more excuses for not being to afford a home decor project.
DIY Is The New Black
There a billion home decor and DIY magazines and websites out there but the best way to receive fresh and unique ideas Pinterest has become the new Google in DIY projects. Not only does it provide inspiration and it's easy to browse and search projects.
If you are looking to get involved in re-puporsing or recycling existing furniture and other home goods, not only can your costs stay low, but it's likely that you have the required project materials in your home already.
A Sampling Of Some Projects Include:
- Making bathrooms more private using stenciled window patterns
- Creating slip-covered, upholstered headboards
- Disguising less-than-perfect cabinet/cupboard doors with prints
- Transforming old mirrors and windows into functional message boards
- Decoupaging retro posters to revitalize old furniture
- Resuing old glass jars and creating light fixtures
- Old potato sacks can be wrapped around canvas to create tack boards
- Used tires can be repainted and used as flower pots
- Raggety old shirts can be cut up and used as new pillow cases
- Painting an accent wall adds a new energy into any room
The projects range in difficulty from basic to advanced. Some require nothing more than scissors and glue; others require advanced skills in woodworking and sewing. One thing is for certain is that there is something for everyone.
These are just a few ideas to add some spice in your home decor, the Holidays are around the corner and what a great way to get involved than doing a DIY project together. Which ones will you incorporate into the decor of your home? For more information about DIY projects and home ownership, feel free to contact your tursted real estate professional.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
4 Ways A Real Estate Agent Can Help During The New Construction Process
You've found the perfect new development and think your children would love swimming in the community pool and riding bikes on the wide streets. The new construction's sales agent gave you a price and made a strong pitch urging you to buy immediately.
The question is, should you sign on the dotted line or bring in a real estate agent to handle the contract and negotiations?
The first thing you need to realize is that the new construction sales agent represents the developer and has their investment in mind. A real estate agent is someone who will be on your side. They'll represent your interests and can help you.
Go Through The Process
If you're looking at a specific development, the sales agent might offer you a discount if you sign without using a real estate agent. This is because the sales commission for the real estate agent usually comes out of the seller's pocket.
However, most developers have this figure built into their price, so you might as well enlist a real estate agent's help and advice — it's free after all.
Decide If It's A Smart Investment
Developers are invested in the property they're trying to sell. They need to unload every lot in order to make a return on their investment, so it's likely they don't have your best interests in mind. A real estate agent will know what homes sell for in the area, what the school district is like and if it's a good neighborhood. They'll be able to recognize if it's a good fit for your family.
Negotiate With Insider Knowledge
A real estate agent knows their market and usually the local gossip. If they've heard that a developer is willing to entertain low offers, then they might have clients that could buy in a neighborhood thought to be out of their price range. Also, they'll know which upgrades a developer is likely to include in order to make the sale.
Decipher Confusing Paperwork
Buying property comes with a lot of paperwork. Contracts can be extremely confusing, so it's always a good idea to have a seasoned veteran read over yours. A real estate agent has a great deal of experience with complicated contracts and knows what phrasing should be included and where sellers slip in sneaky wording.
From making sure the new construction is right for you to ensuring you get the upgrades you want and examining the contract with a fine-toothed comb, a real estate agent will represent your interests and get you the best deal.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
How To Be Energy Efficient This Fall
Summer has been over and Fall is really here, temperatures are beginning to drop, and you’re dreading having to turn the heat on for the first time. Firing up the furnace can burn a hole in your pocket, but there’s something you can do about it. Consider these tips to help lower your heating bill.
Replace Your Air Filters
Get new air filters for your central heating and cooling. The filters get clogged and it takes more and more energy to keep your house warm. Be sure to clear out any dust bunnies or cobwebs from behind the filter. Use a vacuum if necessary.
Does Your Attic Need Insulation?
Heat rises, and if your attic is not adequately insulated, then your central heating system will be stuck sending all your hot air (and your heating bill) straight through the roof. There are three options for attic insulation: roll on insulation, spray on insulation, or polyurethane foam. Roll on insulation is the best option for the do-it-yourselfers out there, but you might consider using polyurethane foam if you plan to turn that attic space into a bedroom.
Caulk Up The Windows
Cold air is constantly sneaking into your house through the cracks in your window. Use a temporary silicone caulk to seal up your windows during the winter. When you’re ready to open them up again in the spring, the silicone caulk will crack right off without damaging the paint.
Wrap Your Pipes
Wrapping your pipes will insulate them from the cold to prevent freezing, as well as saving you money on energy bills. Use a special insulation sleeve from the hardware store or do it the old fashioned way with heat tape. This is especially important if you have pipes in an crawlspace or basement that isn’t insulated.
Let The Light In
You don’t have to buy special panels to take advantage of solar power. Open the curtains on south-facing windows, and heat up your house the natural way. With the sun’s help, you won’t need to bump your thermostat up as often.
Be Smart With The Thermostat
Don’t be afraid to turn your thermostat down a little bit. If you’re leaving the house for a while, bump it down a few degrees and give your system a rest. Try throwing an extra blanket on the bed and dropping a few degrees before bed. You’ll only see a difference on your bill. You might try a programmable thermostat as well!
Now that it’s getting cold, you can finally make some hot chocolate and put on your brand new coat, but you shouldn’t have to wear it inside. With these easy tips you can learn to keep your house warm without having to crank up the thermostat.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
When Should You Shred Your Financial Documents?
How do you know what happens to your documents when you put a piece of paper in the trash? It can be difficult to know who is seeing it and what they are doing with it. It isn't very common to burn trash anymore; therefore you can be sure that your paper garbage or recycling is likely to pass through several hands on its way to a landfill or recycling center.
Step-By-Step, Your Documents Can Get Pilfered
Every step that occurs once the trash leaves your control has risk that someone will find personal information they can use to cause you harm. One way to safeguard personal information is to shred it before it goes into the trash.
Shredding devices are available at most office supply stores. Cross-cut shredders provide more security than strip-cut shredders. You may want to consider one depending on your level of concern. Shredding services or shredding events are often offered by financial institutions or community organizations.
Properly destroying sensitive personal information is a key step in helping to keep your identity secure. You really should shred any documents containing personal information, but be cautious not to shred financial documents that you may still need.
To Shred Or Not To Shred, That Is The Question...Or Maybe It's When To Shred
The Better Business Bureau offers these guidelines on when to shred:
- Deposit, ATM, credit, and debit card receipts can be shredded once the transaction appears on your statement
- Canceled checks, credit card statements, and bank statements with no long-term significance can go through the shredder after one year; if used to support tax returns, keep them for seven years
- Monthly bill statements can be shredded one year after receiving, to allow for year-to-year bill comparisons (another good way to monitor your budget!)
- Credit card contracts and loan agreements should be saved for as long as the account is active
- Pay stubs can be shredded yearly after reconciling with your W-2 or other tax forms
- Documentation of investment purchases or sales should be kept for as long as you own the investment and then seven years after that; shred monthly investment account statements annually after reconciling with a year-end statement
- Always shred documents with Social Security numbers, birth dates, PIN numbers or passwords, financial information, contracts or letters with signatures, pre-approved credit card applications, medical and dental bills, travel itineraries, and used airline tickets.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling
Whether it’s adding a sunroom, refurbishing a bath, or modernizing your kitchen, remodeling projects can be fun and exciting and add comfort and value to your home. But, noted contractors at a home remodeling expo in California, costly planning or construction mistakes can cost you time, money, and satisfaction.
The experts advise avoiding these top five remodeling mistakes:
• Not getting a permit – A room added without a permit may not be counted as part of your total square footage when you sell. It may cost you a few bucks in the short run, but check with your city about zoning restrictions and necessary permits before you begin any project.
• Being too trendy – Home design trends go in and out of fashion. Today’s popular vessel sinks for example – the ones that sit on top of the bathroom counter like a salad bowl – could be out of favor down the line. Unless you love them unconditionally, err on the side of the more traditional when choosing colors, patterns and designs
• Lowballing – Inexpensive is good. Cheap is not, and there’s a difference. Choose quality materials from roofing shingles to kitchen cabinets because you may be in for a major disappointment when shoddy materials don’t perform as expected.
• Inaccurate measurements – If you’re doing it yourself, measure everything three times before the fabric, lumber, or granite is cut or the new refrigerator is selected. Best choice? Have a licensed contractor do the work or consult with experienced installers.
• Counting on too big a payback – While it’s true that great kitchens can sell houses, be careful of over-investing. Do the work that’s needed, but understand that your beautiful new kitchen will represent no more than 15 percent of your home’s actual resale value. New windows? They will look great and reduce draftiness, but don’t expect them to “pay for themselves” in energy costs in just the first few years after installation.
Friday, November 8, 2013
4 Quick Tips To Clean Out That Closet This Fall
Your living spaces are the most important rooms in your home. They're where you read bedtime stories, have family dinners and make many memories.
However, most of these rooms wouldn't be as inviting or function well without their valuable out-of-sight storage spaces — their closets.
Imagine clothes thrown across bedrooms and toys scattered all over the living room. Closets are essential to keeping your home organized, clean and livable.
So set aside one weekend this month to tackle your mini storerooms and turn them into orderly spaces with the tips below.
Designate A Theme For Each Closet
Every closet in your home should have a specific purpose, such as a space for only linens, cleaning supplies or coats. Don't cheat and put the vacuum in the hall closet just because it's the nearest.
Make sure you return items to their proper closet, so you always know exactly where tools or shoes can be found.
Create Specific Spaces
Whether this means adding shelving or dividers, you'll want to designate a space for each item. To do this, take everything out of the closet and prioritize it by importance. Then place the most important things within easy reach.
This might require a trip to purchase a closet storage system or bins. If there's anything at the bottom of your priority list left over, get rid of it.
Make It Look Good
If it's a space you utilize daily, such as a walk-in closet, then make it a pleasure to be in it. Every closet should have good lighting; so install bright bulbs that allow you to see what you're selecting. If you have a large walk-in closet, you could glam it up and add functionality with funky chandeliers, a built-in ironing board and a specified shoe cabinet.
Divide And Conquer
If you have children who need to share a closet, then get creative. Assign them different colored hangers and bins with labels. From bedroom and toy closets to craft and coat closets, you'll reduce confusion and frustration when everyone has their own space.
Reduce your clutter confusion by giving everything in your house its own home. By following these tips you'll soon have well-organized closets that serve specific purposes and make it easy for anyone in your family to find what they need.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Creative Ways To Recycle Everyday Household Items
Every week the trash truck comes to pick up our garbage and unwanted items, which are promptly taken to landfills. Instead of filling landfills and just buying new items to stuff our homes, we can help the earth and recycle everyday household items.
Below are a few fun and creative ideas for recycling things around your home that you might be ready to trash.
Coffee Table Into Bench
If you just purchased a new coffee table, don't give away the old one — repurpose it. Find a space in your home where you could use some additional seating, like at the end of your bed or in the entryway.
Push it up against the wall so that any drawers and shelves are facing out. Then add some cushions and pillow. Tada; a bench!
Copper Piping Into Bathroom Hardware
Whether you're going for a modern industrial look or a French country theme, old copper piping can add an attractive and interesting conversation piece to your restroom.
Utilize a U-shaped piece of piping as a toilet paper holder and long pieces of pipe as towel racks. Polish the copper and then seal it with spray lacquer so that it keeps its sheen.
Light Bulbs Into Decorations
Recycle filament light bulbs with a fun little craft project for your children. Grab paint, twine, glitter and glue. You can make flower pots and hang them in the yard as a simple green accent. Use the twine to create loops for hanging.
Pillowcase Into Shopping Bag
Take an old or vintage pillowcase, lay it flat and cut the top corners off of the open end. You'll want to cut the corners off in a half-C shape so that that there is only about a two-inch strip left in the middle at the top.
Sew that two-inch strip together and you've got your handle. This reusable shopping bag rolls up tight and is easy to wash.
Drawer Into Dog Bed
The size of your animal will dictate the size of drawer you should repurpose. A cat might like a kitchen drawer while a bigger dog would use a large dresser drawer. Strip the wood off the drawer and repaint. Remove the hardware.
Maybe stencil your pet's name on the front of the drawer. Then create a mattress using foam, batting and a soft and durable material.
Before getting rid of that broken side table or trashing those carry-out chopsticks, take a second look and tap into your creative side to see if you might be able to recycle and give them a second life.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Word Love Wednesday
Got one you love? Send it to us at sold@pamboyle.com!
Sublime in Shady Grove! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Sale in Advance! |NC Real Estate by Pam Boyle|
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Perfection in Cheslyn! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom with Bonus in Winston Salem! |NC Real Estate by Pam Boyle|
Be Proactive And Inspect Your Home Foundation
You probably had someone check your foundation when you bought the house, but have you looked twice at it since? These problems don't happen overnight.
They start small and they grow. By the time an issue comes to your attention, it might be too late. Learn to recognize the problems while they're still small and cheap. Your wallet will thank you later.
Floor Level
You might be able to tell if your floor is level just by walking on it. Some people have a knack for recognizing this problem. If you suspect your floor of being a bit off balance, grab a tennis ball and see if it stays put.
If a door has been scuffing the floor when it swings open, double check the floor. That could be your culprit. A slanted floor can be evidence of a serious structural issue. A shifting foundation can slowly pull apart your house's frame.
Sight Your Walls
Look down your wall from corner to corner and make sure there are not bumps or bulges. Walls should be flat. Grab a level and see if they're leaning at all as well. Problems with the walls can mean problems with the concrete.
Check Your Foundation
Walk around your foundation with a sturdy screwdriver, and poke your foundation firmly. If you can dig a hole in the concrete, that's a bad sign. It should be firm enough, and dense enough to keep you from causing any damage.
Just give it the screwdriver test though. If you start using the jackhammer test, you've gone too far.
Know Your Cracks
Concrete is always shrinking and expanding. It shrinks with the cold and then spreads back out in the heat. This can cause cracks, and most of these cracks are no big deal. Some of them, however, can be evidence of serious problems.
Small hairline cracks between concrete blocks are not a problem. Cracks on areas where the concrete stair-steps down to follow a slope are also not a big deal.
They are probably just caused by shrinkage. If you're worried about one, paint it over with some waterproofing paint, and make sure the crack doesn't come back.
Stair-step cracks on the walls are a bad sign, especially if the wall is bulging. Also look out for horizontal cracks, near the soil. This can mean the moisture in the soil is working into your foundation and putting pressure on the concrete. For problems like these, it's best to bring in a structural engineer.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
4 Staging Tips For Your Vacant Land For Sale
In some ways, selling vacant land is no different from selling a home. You still have to prepare it for sale, and you still need to make it look as good as possible. This process of cleaning and beautifying is called staging. Here are a few tips for staging your land.
- De-Clutter. Your buyer wants to actually see your vacant land, and clutter only blocks their vision. Remove fallen tree branches, trash, and junk like car parts and damaged buildings. Cut back large brush. Clear paths so potential buyers can easily walk around the property.
- Highlight the positive features. Do you have a section where birds like to feed? Keep it stocked with bird feeders. Is there a section filled with colorful wildflowers? Don't cut down this section when you mow. Does a group of trees form a canopy? Place a picnic table under their shade. Point out these positive features to your buyers.
- Make minor improvements. Repair any damaged section of fence around your property. Dig a pond and use the dirt to fill low areas so they are level with the rest of your land. Keep the grass mowed. These small efforts can make the difference between whether or not a buyer chooses your property.
- Mark property boundaries. When you're looking at vacant land, it's difficult to see the difference between 5, 10, or more acres. At the very least, you should place stakes (like those used by a surveyor) to show where the property begins and ends. Your buyers will want to know exactly what they are purchasing.
Make sure your vacant land is ready to sell. Let me help you sell your property fast and for top dollar. Call your trusted real estate professional today.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Wonderful in Westwin! Pam Boyle Homes for Sale |Winston Salem NC Real Estate|
What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - November 4, 2013
Last week's economic news came from a variety of sources. Most significant was the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee statement after its meeting ended Wednesday. The statement indicated that the Fed saw moderate economic growth. FOMC did not taper its purchase of MBS and Treasury securities.
The FOMC statement announced the committee's intention to closely monitor economic and financial developments "in the coming months," which suggested that the FOMC is taking a wait-and-see position on reducing its $85 billion monthly asset purchases.
Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims Fall
The Fed's asset purchase program, also known as quantitative easing, was implanted in 2012 with a goal of stabilizing mortgage rates and other long-term interest rates.
The National Association of REALTORS® reported that pending home sales fell by 5.60 percent in September. Uncertainty over the FOMC's decision concerning tapering its asset purchases during its September meeting and concerns over a then potential government shutdown.
These were noted as primary reasons for the drop in pending home sales, which are measured by signed real estate contracts. Pending Home Sales are used for estimating future closings and mortgage loan activity.
Tuesday's economic reports included the Case-Shiller Home Price Indices for August. Home prices increased by 12.80 percent year-over-year in August as compared to 12.30 percent year-over-year for August 2012. August's reading shows a dampened pace of rising home prices.
The Conference Board, a research organization, reported that consumer confidence fell from a reading of 80.2 in September to 71.2 in October. A reading of 75.00 was expected, but consumer confidence crashed as the government shutdown and its consequences diminished consumer and investor confidence.
According to ADP, a payroll administration firm, private-sector payrolls came in well shy of the expected 150,000 new jobs with a reading of 130,000 jobs. October's reading was also lower than September's reading of 145,000 new jobs.
Weekly jobless claims brought good news; new jobless claims came in at 340,000 and fell by 10,000 new claims from the previous week's 350,000 new jobless claims. Expectations had been for 335,000 new jobless claims.
Freddie Mac reported that average mortgage rates fell. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped by three basis points to 4.10 percent, with discount points down from 0.80 percent to 0.70 percent.
The average rate for a 15-year mortgage fell by four basis points to 3.20 percent, with an uptick in discount points from 0.60 percent to 0.70 percent. The rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage dropped by four basis points to 2.96 percent with discount points unchanged at 0.40 percent.
What's Coming Up
There is no housing or mortgage economic news scheduled this week other than Freddie Mac's PMMS due on Thursday.
Reporting for this week includes Leading Economic Indicators, Weekly Jobless Claims, Non-farm Payrolls and the National Unemployment Rate will be posted. The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index will be released Friday.
This week's economic reports are expected provide a general gauge of the economy and information about how consumers are responding to recent economic events and news.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Awesome Condo in Aspen Park! Pam Boyle Home for Sale Listings |Winston Salem NC Real Estate|
8 Tips On Making Candles Safe For Your Home
Candles and candle accessories are very popular. However, when not used properly, candles can be extremely dangerous, resulting in property destruction and even injury or death. Here are some candle safety tips to help keep you and your home safe.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Walking away from an open flame inside your home is just not a good idea. You never know what may happen while you're out.
- Never burn a candle near something that can catch fire. This includes drapes, lampshades, furniture, bedding, books, and carpet. A flame in your home can quickly turn into a destructive fire.
- Never burn a candle in a cracked container. A burning candle is filled with hot liquid wax that can burn you or damage your property. Only use sturdy, heat resistant candle holders.
- Keep the flame in the center of the candle. If the flame touches the candle holder, it can quickly crack or shatter the container.
- Never let a candle burn over night. Candles are not nightlights. Make sure you extinguish all flames completely before going to bed each night. The flame is out when the wick stops glowing.
- Never burn a candle within the reach of pets and children. The glowing flame of a candle is attractive to children and pets. They can easily knock over candles, which can lead to serious burns or a fire in a matter of minutes.
- Never touch hot candle wax. Liquid candle wax is hot, and it can burn you. Teach your children to follow this rule.
- Never burn a candle near a draft. The draft will shift the direction of the flame which will cause the candle to burn unevenly or start a fire in your home. If the candle flame is not burning in an upward direction, you need to move it.
If you follow common sense, you can enjoy the ambiance of candles in your home. For more information on candle safety in your home or have other questions about local real estate, please contact your trusted real estate professional.