The Fabulous Home Project

Mortgage Time!

2010-03-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

On February 16th, 2010, Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced three changes to the mortgage insurance rules, which will come into effect on April 19th, 2010.

The good news is that most mortgage consumers will not be significantly impacted by the three latest changes. The intentions of the new rules are to curb speculation housing and encourage homeowners to use their homes as a savings tool, rather than borrowing home equity to pay down loans and credit cards.

Rule #1
Minimum down payment requirements for non-owner-occupied homes will increase to 20% from 5%, and the way that rental income is considered has been scaled back as well. This rule will have the most dramatic impact of all three changes, but only on real estate investors. Being required to put more money down and being able to use less potential rental income for qualifying purposes will displace many new real estate investors (who currently only make up around 4% of all mortgage consumers in Canada).
This change is intended to avoid any kind of future housing bubble in Canada by curbing speculation building. The recent economic downturn caused builders to stop building and many new homes sat vacant through the early stages of 2009. When rates started to drop and buyers began to gobble up property that had been on the market for some time, the supply/demand ratio started to lead to higher demand and higher prices.

Rule #2
All borrowers will have to meet qualification standards for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term (such as one- or three-year terms).
Current standards for mortgage qualifying are typically based on a lender’s three-year fixed rate (if you’re opting for a variable rate, home equity line of credit, or one-, two- or three-year fixed-rate product, which typically carry a lower interest rate). This qualifying standard has, in the past, been sufficient to protect consumers from rates increasing over the term (at least on paper). Essentially, the government is forcing people to prepare for a likely rate hike over the next five years.
Considering the average difference between discounted three- and five-year fixed rates is only between 0.30% and 0.49%, this should truly not have a drastic impact on the average mortgage applicant – if, in fact, the new rules intend to have mortgage applicants qualify based upon discounted rates. It is still unclear if the upcoming alterations are meant to have Canadians approved based upon “posted” five-year rates, which would mean a difference of over 2%!

Rule #3
The maximum amount Canadians can withdraw when refinancing their mortgages will be reduced from 95% to 90% of the value of their homes.
This final change will likely have the most impact on those Canadians who have a current government-backed insured mortgage and would like to take advantage of the equity in their home to do some debt consolidation in the future. In recent times, with rates at historical lows, it’s been advantageous for consumers to roll their unsecured debt into their mortgage to decrease monthly payments – so much so that the government has sought an end to this trend of high loan-to-value mortgages.
This does not, however, stop consumers from overspending and taking on large amounts of credit card debt. In some cases, the ability to borrow the equity in one’s home to pay off debt has saved people from bankruptcy and kept them in their homes. Hopefully this change doesn’t backfire on the government’s intentions.
Only time will tell if the government’s measures to curb spiking house prices and encourage equity savings will be a positive change for Canadians.
Prior to this announcement, there was wide-spread speculation that the government was going to change current mortgage policies to include a minimum 10% down payment, an increase from the current 5%, and a reduction in amortization from a maximum of 35 to 30 years. Luckily for first-time home buyers in Canada, these rumours have not proven true.
As always, if you have any questions about these new mortgage rules or your mortgage in general, I’m here to help!

If you’re self-employed, you may have a more difficult time obtaining financing for your real estate purchases than you encountered prior to the credit crisis thanks to tighter lending criteria in lieu of the recent recession. But if you can prove your income, show you’re up-to-date on your taxes and that you have solid credit, your chances are greatly improved.
There are essentially two types of self-employed or business-for-self (BFS) borrowers – those who can prove their income and those who cannot, and must instead use a stated-income mortgage product.
By providing the required documentation, you’re much more likely to be approved for a mortgage if you qualify based on your income. The trouble is that if you cannot prove your income, you pose a higher risk in the eyes of lenders. In mortgages, as in most other things, pricing is based on risk – the riskier the lender perceives you as a borrower, the higher the interest rate you will be required to pay on your mortgage.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers default mortgage insurance for BFS clients through a stated-income mortgage product up to 95% loan to value (LTV) – meaning the down payment can be as low as 5% of the purchase price – but the income has to make sense based on your occupation. This is important, because the chances of finding lenders to fund this type of deal are significantly boosted if the mortgage is insured.
Lenders and insurers are well aware of the tax write-offs that BFS borrowers can leverage, but these deals are accepted or declined based on average incomes for specific fields, as well as your credit rating. It pretty much goes without saying that those with credit blemishes will have a tough time obtaining traditional mortgage financing if they’re self-employed.

Getting pre-approved
While BFS mortgage financing is viewed on a case-by-case basis, if you work with me to obtain a pre-approval, you can be confident you have access to mortgage financing and you will know how much you can spend before you head out shopping for a property.
It’s important to note, however, that there is a significant difference between being pre-approved and pre-qualified. In order to obtain a pre-approval, the lender fully underwrites the deal, whereas with a pre-qualification only the most basic details are considered.
Should a pre-approval and/or mortgage default insurance be unobtainable, the maximum mortgage amount you are likely to qualify for is between 50% and 75% – meaning you will need a much larger down payment.

Alternative financing
If you do not qualify for traditional financing all is not lost, since you may be eligible for alternative – or private – funding.
As a mortgage professional, I also have access to private investors who are willing to lend money to BFS individuals looking to obtain mortgages. Although you will pay a higher interest rate, this route may enable you to acquire funds to purchase a home.
Private financing is equity based, meaning that the lender’s decision will be based on a specific piece of real estate as opposed to just focusing on your credit score. Private lenders want to know that the property is marketable and that they will be able to easily sell it should the mortgage go into foreclosure.
When you get into the private-lending realm, not only are the rates higher, but the mortgage terms are also shorter – typically for 12 months at a time. If you do end up in a private mortgage, your goal should be to build up your credit so you can head back to a traditional lender within 12 months – where you will receive better interest rates and, overall, more mortgage options.

Low Interest Sets The Stage For Lending

2010-02-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

With interest rates at an all-time low, many Canadians can take advantage of the savings by refinancing their mortgages to consolidate debt, make home renovations, invest in real estate or other ventures, or moving up the property ladder.
Following are ways to take even further advantage of this excellent rate environment by paying down your mortgage faster.

Tip #1

Prepay early in the mortgage
Make extra payments as early as you can after getting a mortgage because the loans are interest-heavy upfront and the faster you pay down your principal, the more interest savings you will accumulate over the long run. Within the first five to seven years of your mortgage is where the largest portions of interest payments are contained. This not only will save you thousands of dollars in interest payments, but it will also increase the speed at which you are accumulating equity in your property. Many mortgage products allow you to make up to 20% more in payments per year.

Tip #2

Make an annual lump sum payment
Whether you use your tax refund, receive an inheritance or get a Christmas bonus, you should apply as much as possible directly to your principal. Most lenders allow you to pay 20% in lump sum payments per year without penalty. I can help you determine exactly how much you can prepay and what maximum percentage of your principal you are allowed to pay without penalty each year.

Tip #3

If your payments go down, don’t lower the payment amount
If you are on a variable-rate mortgage and the rates go down your payment will also often go down. Instead of making the lower mortgage payments, however, it’s best to call your lender and let them know that you would like to continue making payments for the original amount. I can help you determine if there is a charge for making the extra payment. Even with the charge, in most cases, it is still worth it and will help you pay down your principal faster.

Tip #4

Round up your payments even if it’s just a little
If your monthly mortgage payment is $776.22 and you were to round up your payment an extra $23.78 a month to $800 – that’s less than a dollar a day – you would effectively reduce your mortgage amortization from 35 years to just over 32 years right away or from 25 years to just over 23 years.

TIP #5

Increase your payments with your pay increases
If your income increases, try not to keep your mortgage payments the same. Although the disposable income is a joy to spend on unnecessary luxuries in the short-term, the long-term benefits of being mortgage free faster and saving those interest payments will far outweigh the short-term joys. Pretend that your income did not increase and maintain the lifestyle that you are currently living.

Tip #6

Increase the frequency of your payments
You can also change the way you make your payments by opting for accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments. Not to be confused with semi-monthly mortgage payments (24 payments per year), accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments (26 payments per year) will not only pay your mortgage off quicker, but it’s guaranteed to save you a significant amount of money over the term of your mortgage. Basically, with accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments, you’re making one additional monthly payment per year.

As always, if you have any questions about paying your mortgage down faster, I’m here to help!

Transitioning from renter to homeowner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout your lifetime. It can also be a stressful experience if you don’t plan ahead by building a budget and saving prior to embarking upon homeownership.

Budgeting is a core ingredient that helps alleviate the stress associated with money issues that can sometimes arise if you purchase a home without knowing all of the associated costs – including down payment, closing expenses, ongoing maintenance, taxes and utilities.

The trouble is, many first-time homeowners fail to carefully think about their finances, plan a budget or set savings aside. And in this society of instant gratification, money problems can quickly escalate.

The key is to create a realistic budget based on your goals. Track your spending and make your dollars go further by sticking to your budget once it’s in place. Budgeting offers a step-by-step formula for figuring out how to best save your hard-earned money to invest in homeownership.

Start by listing your household income, then your household expenses, and review your spending habits. All of this can be done on a pad of paper or on a computer spreadsheet.

Keeping receipts for everything that you purchase will enable you to accurately keep track of where your money is going each month so that you can review and make necessary changes to your plan on an ongoing basis.

Examine all areas of your life from entertainment to the type of food you buy, where you buy your food and clothes, and how and where you travel. Also look at your spending personality and make necessary adjustments. Are you a saver, a splurger, a spontaneous shopper or a hoarder? Become smarter with your money and avoid impulse buying.

If you find you’re spending a lot of money in one area, such as entertainment for instance, set aside a reasonable amount each month and prepare to stop spending money in this area once your budget has been exhausted.

Budgeting provides you with the opportunity to re-evaluate your needs and wants. Do you really need the magazine subscriptions, the gym membership and all the other things you may spend money on each month? Although everyone needs some “me time” to wind down, could you not get that by taking a walk or reading a good book you borrowed from the library?

If you can set your budget solidly in place before you head out home or mortgage shopping, you will be far more prepared to purchase your first home.

Following are three top tips to help you prepare for the purchase of your first home:

1. Set up a savings account. You can deposit a predetermined amount into this account each pay period that you will not touch unless it’s absolutely necessary. This will enable you to put money aside for a down payment and cover closing costs, as well as address ongoing homeownership expenses such as maintenance, taxes and utilities.

2. Save up for big-ticket items. As you accumulate money in your savings account, you will be able to also save for specific purchases to help furnish your home – avoiding the buy now, pay later mentality, which can have a negative impact on your credit when you’re seeking mortgage financing.

3. Surround yourself with a team of professionals. When you’re getting ready to make your first home purchase, enlist my services as a licensed mortgage professional and find a trusted real estate agent. Experts are invaluable to you as you set out on the road to homeownership because we help first-time buyers through the home purchase and financing processes every day. Experts can answer all of your questions and set your mind at ease. I have access to multiple lenders, and can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know exactly what you can afford to spend on a home before you head out house hunting, while a real estate agent will be able to match your needs with a house you can afford. Both parties will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. And, best of all, these services are typically free. Experts will also be able to refer you to other reputable professionals you may need for your home purchase, including a real estate lawyer and home appraiser.

Contractor Warning Signs

2009-11-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

With many homeowners opting to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit by fixing up or remodelling their homes, it’s always wise to educate yourself on signs of contractor fraud to ensure you don’t end up paying for work that never gets completed.

Following are five red flags that may indicate a contractor is not legitimate:

The company does not list a number in the phone book. This may indicate a fly-by-night operation that will be here today and gone tomorrow. They may seem legitimate in the beginning but, as soon as you make your first payment for the job, they may vanish.
Asks you to pay for the entire job up front. This contractor will be long gone well before your project gets underway. Or, worse yet, the contractor may have started the project, leaving you with a ripped up home and depleted funds.
Only accepts cash. A legitimate business should have the appropriate financial accounts in place to accept a variety of payment options from clients, including personal cheques and credit cards. If a contractor only accepts cash, you probably won’t see them again once they receive a payment.
Solicits door-to-door. Most legitimate contractors find enough work through word-of-mouth referrals and advertising. If they need to drum up business by going door to door, they probably are not an established, local operation. Chances are this contractor is running a fly-by-night business.
Offers exceptionally long guarantees. The contractor may be making promises that can’t be kept solely to sucker you into hiring them for the job. The contractor could be inexperienced or may be running a fly-by-night business.

The best way to protect yourself from contractor fraud is to seek referrals from people you trust who can vouch for the contractor including friends, family, colleagues or your mortgage or real estate professional.

It’s also important to read and understand every word of a contract before signing it. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

Also keep in mind that you should never sign a contract with a service professional who makes promises that sound too good to be true. Chances are, this contractor needs to create these incentives to attract customers. If that’s the case, the contractor’s record can’t speak for itself.

Be especially wary of contractors who try to scare you into signing for repairs that they say are “urgent”. Before agreeing to any additional costly repairs, seek a second opinion.

If you’re thinking of embarking on some home improvements, feel free to call me to discuss financing options. I may even know of a trusted contractor in your area who could get the job done well.

Not So Fabulous Greenhouse

2009-03-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

When we purchased our house last fall, one of the things I was most excited about was the back yard -- lots of room for a garden -- and a cement pad that looked like it was just waiting for a greenhouse.

We started keeping an eye out on Craigslist and UsedVictoria for people who might be getting rid of greenhouses and I started researching where to buy greenhouses. By the time February rolled around I was really itching to get something in place for the spring planting season. An inexpensive plastic/vinyl over aluminum frame "Deluxe Greenhouse" caught our eye while at Home Depot and we decided it would do.

Weather was not in our favour for several weeks -- we've had a rougher winter than usual -- but today, at last, we had a few hours of sunshine, enough to open the box and put it all together.

I was pleased to see that no tools are required but in hindsight, I will warn you that brute strength is needed to push some of the connections together. To get to the single page of instructions, I first had to unpack everything from the box.

The instructions were not completely clear (colour-coding would have been nice) and as a result, my first attempt at the base had to be taken apart when I realized I had used size B instead of size C in eight sections. Once I got the hang of it, I asked our daughter to help and she was able to pitch in but it took adult pressure to make sure the pieces fit properly. This became much clearer when we tried to put in the shelves which only fit when all the connections were tight.

Once the roof portion was complete, I had to get the plastic/vinyl cover on. This turned out to be a little like getting a double size fitted sheet on a queen size bed. Eventually, I got it in place and as I tried to secure it to the frame, one of the ties came off in my hand. Not a good start. Next I tied the door area to the frame, splitting another seam. When I finally got around to zipping the door shut, another seam split about an inch. Sigh. Duct tape will be added.

The last step was securing the corners to stakes that go into the ground; I had placed it close to the edge of the pad so that three of the four stakes could be put in the ground, the fourth corner is secured under a concrete stepping stone.

Even before putting it through the paces of holding plants, I wouldn't recommend this product. It was quite difficult to put together and seems flimsy. I have no idea if it will stand up to wind or rain; we should have saved up for a more fabulous greenhouse.

Recession Relief For Americans: Federal Housing Tax Credit

2009-02-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

Hopeful home owners can cash in on, newly enacted legislation providing a tax credit upto $7,500 for first-time home buyers might just be the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers who purchase homes after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Here are some questions and answers about the tax credit. You should consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your individual situation and how this tax credit may impact your ability to get a home. It's important to keep in mind that the tax credit is no substitution for being able to afford to pay for a mortgage and maintain a house.

Who is eligible to claim the $7,500 tax credit?
First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible for the tax credit, whether it's a new home or a resale. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur after April 8th, 2008 and before July 1st, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs.
What is a "first-time home buyer"?
In the US, the law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. If you have a vacation home or rental property, but it isn't your principal residence then you still may disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
How can you claim the tax credit?
Easy: claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return when file your annual report after the purchase. No other applications or forms are required. Pre-approval is not necessary. Prospective home buyers will want to make sure they qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests.
What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home purchased by an eligible first-time home buyer will qualify for the credit. The home must be used as a principal residence and the buyer has not owned a home in the previous three years. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condos, mobile homes and houseboats.
Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, can I hire a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own?
Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been "purchased" on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.

In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.
What is "modified adjusted gross income"?
Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. Look for this on the forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). The AGI includes all forms of income: wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.

To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts such as foreign income, foreign-housing deductions, student-loan deductions, IRA-contribution deductions and deductions for applicable education costs.
If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
You may still qualify: it will depend on your income. Partial tax credits are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the limits. The credit is not available for individual taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income of more than $95,000 and for married taxpayers filing joint returns with an AGI of more than $170,000.
What's an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $7,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,750.

Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $7,500 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,625.

Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
Does the credit amount differ based on tax filing status?
No. The credit is in general equal to $7,500 for a qualified home purchase, whether the home buyer files taxes as a single or married taxpayer. However, if a household files their taxes as "married filing separately" (in effect, filing two returns), then the credit of $7,500 is claimed as a $3,750 credit on each of the two returns.
Are there any circumstances for which buyers whose incomes are at or below the $75,000 limit for singles or the $150,000 limit for married taxpayers might not be able to claim the full $7,500 tax credit?
In general, the tax credit is equal to 10% of the qualified home purchase price, but the credit amount is capped or limited to $7,500. For most first-time home buyers, this means the credit will equal $7,500. For home buyers purchasing a home priced less than $75,000, the credit will equal 10% of the purchase price.
Is the tax credit refundable?
The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.

For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 after he or she files their income tax return. If the taxpayer qualified for the $7,500 home buyer tax credit, the taxpayer would receive a check for $6,500 ($7,500 minus the $1,000 owed).
What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $7,500 in income taxes and who receives a $7,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $7,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $7,500 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,125 (15 percent of $7,500), or lowered from $7,500 to $6,375.
Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
No. The tax credit cannot be combined with the MRB home buyer program.
Does the credit have to be paid back to the government?
Yes, the tax credit must be repaid. This will not be something you can keep. Home buyers must repay the credit to the government, without interest, over 15 years or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from the sale. For example, a home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is filed. If the home owner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven.
Why do I have to pay back the money? I want to keep the cash!
Congress’s intent was to provide as large a financial resource as possible for home buyers in the year that they purchase a home. In addition to helping first-time home buyers, this will maximize the positive impact on the housing market. The goal is to kick-start the economy use the same mechanism that seized it up. The goal of the program is to increase home sales. The repayment requirement reduces the effect on the Federal Treasury and assumes that home buyers will benefit from stabilized and, eventually, increasing future housing prices.
If the money must be repaid, isn’t the first-time home buyer program really a zero-interest loan rather than a traditional tax credit?
Yes. Because the tax credit must be repaid, it operates like a zero-interest loan-- one the bank cannot call you on when they fall on hard times. Assuming an interest rate of 7%, that means the home owner can save the equivalent of up to $4,200 in interest payments over the 15-year repayment period. Compared to $7,500 financed through a 30-year mortgage with a 7% interest rate, the home buyer tax credit saves home buyers over $8,100 in interest payments. The program is called a tax credit because it operates through the tax code and is administered by the IRS.
If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?
Yes. The law allows taxpayers to elect to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.
For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit may be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount for you and your family.
Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2008 tax return?
Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding from their payroll deductions. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the future home buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the down payment. Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.

Recession Help for Canadians : The Renovation Tax Credit

2009-02-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

To provide needed stimulus in these challenging economic times, the Harper government has a plan to stabilize the construction industry and cushion its potential for a free fall.

Home Renovation Tax Credit

Home renovations can represent a smart investment in the long-term value of a home and generate broad-based economic activity. They can also reduce energy consumption and the long-term cost of owning a home. To support economic growth during these challenging times, Budget 2009 proposes to introduce a temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).

The HRTC will provide a temporary incentive for Canadians to undertake new renovation projects or accelerate planned future projects, thus providing timely stimulus to the Canadian economy while boosting energy efficiency and the value of Canada’s housing stock.

How the Temporary HRTC Will Work

The proposed HRTC will provide a temporary 15 percent income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010, pursuant to agreements entered into after January 27, 2009. The credit may be claimed for the 2009 taxation year on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, and will provide up to $1,350 in tax relief.

Who Can Claim the HRTC

The HRTC will be family-based. For the purpose of the credit, a family will generally be considered to consist of an individual, and where applicable, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner. Family members will be able to share the credit.

The amount eligible for the credit will be based on the total value of eligible expenditures incurred across all eligible dwellings. A dwelling will generally be considered eligible if it is used for personal purposes. This will include a house, a cottage, and a condominium unit.
It is estimated that about 4.6 million families in Canada will benefit from the HRTC.

Benefits of the Temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit—Examples

The following examples illustrate how homeowners can benefit from the HRTC.

1. Sally and Ed are a couple who have recently purchased a house. To take advantage of the temporary HRTC, they decide to replace their windows and improve the insulation in their home in 2009, instead of waiting, incurring $10,000 in expenditures. After taking account of the $1,000 minimum threshold, a 15-per-cent credit will be available on $9,000 in eligible expenditures, providing tax relief of $1,350.

2. William and Marie are a couple who are planning to purchase a more energy-efficient furnace for their home, and build a deck at their cottage sometime later. To take full advantage of the temporary HRTC, they decide to do both projects in 2009 rather than waiting. They pay $5,000 for the furnace and $3,500 for the deck. They also decide to have the area around the deck landscaped for $2,500, bringing their total costs to $11,000 ($5,000 + $3,500 + $2,500). Marie claims a credit of $1,350 on the maximum allowable amount of $9,000. This credit is in addition to the ecoENERGY Retrofit grant that William and Marie expect to receive for installing a more energy-efficient furnace.

3. Karen and Heather are sisters who share ownership of a condominium unit. They each incur $7,500 in expenditures renovating the kitchen in the condominium, in part to provide access for Heather’s wheelchair. Karen and Heather each claim a $975 credit on eligible expenditures of $6,500 ($7,500 – $1,000).

This credit is in addition to the Medical Expense Tax Credit that Heather may claim on the portion of expenses eligible for that credit.

Expenditures Eligible for the HRTC

It is proposed that the HRTC be claimed for renovations and alterations to a dwelling or the land on which it sits that are enduring in nature. For example, homeowners will be able to claim expenditures for major renovation projects such as finishing a basement, renovating a kitchen, or building an addition. Costs associated with such projects will be eligible for the credit, including permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.

Routine repairs and maintenance normally performed on an annual or more frequent basis (e.g. cleaning, lawn fertilization, and snow removal) will not qualify for the credit.

The cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics and construction equipment will not be eligible.
Individuals will need to keep receipts for expenditures, and may claim the HRTC when filing their income tax returns for 2009.

Examples of HRTC-Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures

Eligible

Renovating a kitchen, bathroom or basement

New carpet or hardwood floors

Building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall

A new furnace or water heater

Painting the interior or exterior of a house

Resurfacing a driveway

Laying new sod

Ineligible

Purchase of furniture and appliances (e.g. refrigerator, stove, and couch)

Purchase of tools (I totally need a reciprocating nail gun!)

Carpet cleaning (I need to live in squalor?)

Maintenance contracts (e.g. furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, and pool cleaning)

The HRTC will complement support provided by the Government for Canadians to undertake energy-saving improvements to their homes. Federal grants paid through the ecoENERGY Retrofit program will not reduce the value of claims made for these expenditures under the HRTC.

Eligible renovation expenditures claimed under the Medical Expense Tax Credit may also be claimed under the HRTC.

The effectiveness of the HRTC will be enhanced to the extent that retailers also encourage homeowners to undertake renovations to their properties.

It is estimated that this measure will cost $500 million in 2008-09 and $2.5 billion in 2009-10. It's ONLY eligible for work carried out this year. So hire the guys and tell them to bring their hammers. It's Building Time!

Bridge to a New Home

2008-10-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Are you moving from your current fabulous home to your next? If you already own a home, chances are you are going to need to consider bridge financing to purchase your next home to make ends meet between selling your current home and buying the next.

Bridge loans are secured loans, requiring you to pledge your property as collateral. The lender will approve an amount of up to the full value of the property. This way, you can borrow greater amounts for purchasing a new home.

Residential bridging loans are short-term financial arrangement. This implies that the money is borrowed for few weeks to a year. It is when you have found the money from own source like by selling some old property that you can repay the principal amount in one time. Until then, you have the option of making the interest payments only.

However, despite being secured loans, interest rate is generally higher. This is because these are short-term loans.

See the full original article by Eva Baldwyn.

Add to the Fabulous: Dig out your Basement

2008-10-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

The cost to dig a basement hole on our 1800 sq. ft. house was only $790. However, I have a feeling you want to know more than simply the cost of digging the basement hole.

Some of the other costs that you likely want to know about are::

........You need to dig the basement hole, which as I said was $790.
........How about pouring footings and foundations, which costs $6 to $7K
.......Then there is pouring flatwork cement for a tune of $1.00+ per square foot x 1800 sq ft = $1800.
.......Putting in sub-rough plumbing which can be $1,000 plus the cost of gravel and the excavator's charges.

.......There's the windows for your basement which includes window bucks of close to $500 (4 windows) and the corrugated window wells of $500 ...total $1000 + or -.

.......The actual windows cost $400+ depending on if you have a walkout basement with sliding glass doors, which would be plus the cost of the sliders.

.......Sealing the basement walls to prevent water leakage through the walls will be another several hundred dollars.

.......The cost to backfill around your basement adds a few hundred more.

.......Now the last question is how big is your basement going to be?

That $790 figure of digging a basement suddenly became a whole lot more didn't it? The reality is, however, that the real cost only involves a few of the above: digging the hole, flatwork cement, and windows, window bucks and window wells.

You still have to either poor a cement slab, or put in footings and foundations, which in the case of the later, go down to frost level. You still have backfill whether you have a basement or not. You still have sub-rough plumbing, with gravel before the slab. With a slab you will have furnace ducting to consider too.

Even though you have all the above items to consider in building a basement, it is still only a few thousand dollars more to add a basement, in comparison to the total cost of building your home.

Considering that your home may be worth $250 thousand to $400,000, your basement will probably only cost $7K-$10K+ added to the cost. All things considered, there isn't a better investment for that extra 10K in comparison to doubling the living space of the first level, that a basement adds.

As an example, consider the storage space it adds to your home. If you didn't have to rent storage space, what would it save you each month? Or wouldn't it be nice to park the car in the garage instead of using it for storage space?

In addition, the basement maintains an even temperature of around 59 degrees all year, so the cost of air conditioning in the summer is drastically reduced when compared with air-conditioning an upper story with the same amount of floor space.

If you build your home on a hillside, a walkout basement makes for a nice feature opening up the basement so it doesn't feel so “deep” in the ground.

Many people are putting home theaters in the area of the basement that doesn't have any windows.

The furnace, hot water tank and water softener can all go in the basement utility-furnace room and not take up precious main floor living space.

Some areas of the country are too close to sea level to have a basement, but if you live inland, having a basement is a real advantage when compared to the cost of putting one in. To dig a basement is a an economical way to increase the square footage of your home.

In reality, what is the cost to dig a basement? Very little, and the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

A Fast Lesson In Mortgage Terminology

2008-10-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (a.k.a. ARM Loan): An Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a home loan where the interest rate adjusts throughout the term of the loan. ARM Loans usually have an initial interest rate that is lower than that of a Fixed-Rate Mortgage. This low interest rate is locked for a set length of time. Once that time has expired, the interest rate can go up based on market factors. The lower initial interest rate helps those who can't afford a fixed-rate mortgage get financing for their home. However, the interest rate will most likely increase after the initial term of the low interest rate expires.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): APR is the interest rate quoted by the lender plus additional home loan costs. Additional costs include origination fees, points, etc. APR is often higher than the stated interest rate. This is because the additional costs will alter the originally advertised interest rate accordingly.

Bridge Financing. A method of financing, used to maintain liquidity while waiting for an anticipated and reasonably expected inflow of cash. Bridge financing is commonly used when the cash flow from a sale of an asset is expected after the cash outlay for the purchase of an asset. For example, when selling a house, the owner may not receive the cash for 90 days, but has already purchased a new home and must pay for it in 30 days. Bridge financing covers the 60 day gap in cash flows.

Another type of bridge financing is used by companies before their initial public offering, to obtain necessary cash for the maintenance of operations. These funds are usually supplied by the investment bank underwriting the new issue. As payment, the company acquiring the bridge financing will give a number of stock at a discount of the issue price to the underwriters that equally offsets the loan. This financing is, in essence, a forwarded payment for the future sales of the new issue.

Bridge financing may also be provided by banks underwriting an offering of bonds. If the banks are unsuccessful in selling a company's bonds to qualified institutional buyers, they are typically required to buy the bonds from the issuing company themselves, on terms much less favorable than if they had been successful in finding institutional buyers and acting as pure intermediaries.

There are 2 types of bridging finance. Closed bridging and Open Bridging.

Closed bridging finance is where you have a date for the exit of the bridging finance and are sure that the bridging finance can be repaid on that date. This is less risky for the lender and thus the interest rate charged are lower.

Open bridging is higher risk for the lender. This is where the borrower hasn't got an exact date for the bridging finance exit and may be looking for a buyer of the property or land.

Closing Costs: Closing costs are the expenses involved in finalizing a mortgage. Closing costs include lender/agency fees, loan origination costs, escrow payments, title insurance, attorney fees, etc. Closing costs are often shared between both the buyer and the seller.

Escrow: Escrow is at the end of the mortgage process where a neutral third party obtains the documentation and money involved in the transaction until the transaction is complete. An escrow account is also used to hold the property tax and insurance monies that are collected during payment of the loan.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan where the interest rate stays the same. It does not fluctuate while the loan is being paid off. Financing for fixed-rate mortgage loans are commonly spread out over 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. This type of loan is popular because there are typically no surprises. Since the interest rate remains the same, the monthly mortgage payments are static, and don't change year to year.

Points: Points are a percentage of the principal of the loan used to lower the interest rate of a loan. There are two types of points: Discount Points and Origination Points. Discount Points reduce the interest rate of a loan by having the lender pay more at closing. One point equals one percent. So, if you want to lower your interest rate by one percent, the borrow needs to pay one percent of the principal at closing. However, this does not lower the principal amount. It merely lowers the interest rate. Origination Points are used is the same fashion and utilized to cover the loan processing expenses.

Principal: Principal is the original amount borrowed from the lender. It does not include interest or other fees. It's the lump sum the borrower gets from the lender.

Knowing the lingo involved in your mortgage will help you stay on top of the mortgage process and allow the entire process to run smoothly. Read up on these terms and keep yourself out of the dark.

Building Permit Gotchas

2008-09-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

Almost every county, township, or municipality has a local department that is dedicated to reviewing residential house plans and issuing permits to build. If you are hiring a licensed general contractor to build your home, the GC should be intimately familiar with the local building codes and procedures for permits.

But, if you are going to manage the construction project yourself, by being an owner builder, you need to learn all you can from your local permit office before signing a purchase contract for a piece of land - and before starting any owner builder construction loan application process.

Owner builders, because they are their own general contractors, are fully responsible for the building permits. You need to know your county's requirements before moving forward. It may end up causing you to change your mind on the land and home design you picked.

Even if you are hiring a builder, remember that the house will still be yours. Stay involved with the planning and permitting process.

The building departments around the country all go by slightly different names, such as The Office of Code Compliance, The County Plans Examiner Office, The Office of Building Permits, etc. The name isn't really important, but the function is.

The purpose of these local building departments is to protect residents from building homes that are structurally unsound. And, in doing so, they protect future homeowners from buying a house that was built improperly. Thus, they are protecting the value of all of the homes in the county.

Consider a county in which homes have been poorly built. Think of how that will affect the value of the rest of the homes in the area.

No one wants to buy in an area where the quality of the homes cannot be trusted. So, when you are jumping through hoops as an owner builder to get your building permits, try not to get too frustrated. The county office is actually trying to protect you, your safety, and the value of your home.

Every county (or town, etc.) is different, though. Some counties only require a couple of sets of stock blueprints. Other counties, require the full nine yards, from engineered prints to soil tests to site plans to engineered sub-flooring and trusses.

For extremely strict counties or states, owner builders may become overwhelmed with this process if they do not have professional help. You may consider hiring an architect or engineer who can easily take you through the process.

Also, visit the building department as soon as you have determined that you want to buy land in that area. Owner builders, especially, should go in person, instead of just calling by phone. By going in person, owner builders can pick up important documents that the county may provide. And, you will have better access to the people who can answer your questions.

10 Questions Owner Builders Should Ask the Local Building Department:

Are you allowed to apply for permits before the land is officially deeded in your name? If not, and you are doing an owner builder construction loan that incorporates the purchase of the land, talk to your loan officer about what you will need to do to close on the loan.
Ask about all the permit fees involved and find out when you have to pay them. Some counties allow you to pay after the permits are approved and ready for pickup. Other counties force you to pay upfront. Depending on the answer to this question, it may affect your costs out of pocket with your construction loan.
Ask about any other fees involved with building. For instance, are there impact fees and highway taxes and school fees, etc? In some areas, such as most counties in California, these extra impact fees can cost thousands of dollars.
Ask about the timeline involved. How long does it take to issue permits? Owner builders often underestimate the amount of time required to get fully approved permits.
Ask about the most common mistakes and delays that people make, including contractors and other owner builders.
Ask if they are familiar with the architect or blueprint source that is providing your plans.
Ask if you can get an initial plan review and foundation permits issued prior to the full set of building permits. If the county takes a long time to issue permits, sometimes owner builders can speed up the process by getting the foundation permits issued to allow construction of the foundation and sub-flooring while the county reviews the rest of the plans. This could save you precious months, depending on your county.
What is the way to track permitting progress? Do they tell you how many plans are in front of you? Is there an online tracker?
Ask about the building codes that are used by the county. Are there additional code requirements on top of the standard building code, such as snow load requirements or high wind requirements? Many counties follow building codes that are stricter than the standard code. For owner builders, this may mean that the plan you bought online will need additional, local engineering.
What about the code inspections during construction? Get a list of all of the stages that will require an inspection by the code compliance inspector. Being familiar with this list will help any owner builder plan their work management strategy and construction timeline.

All of these questions are important. But, pay special attention to the first question if you are buying land and doing an owner builder construction loan. Your failure to know when you can apply for permits could stop your loan process in its tracks. The smart owner builder will stay ahead of the game by immediately contacting the local building department as soon as a lot is chosen.

By knowing the rules early, the majority of mistakes and delays can be avoided. This will make your entire owner-builder experience more enjoyable.

How to Turn Your Building Plans into Approved Permits
Most house plans include everything you need to build your home; however, additional items may be needed to obtain a building permit. You will need a site plan which shows the location of your house on the property, the property line, and the setbacks. Other items may or may not include a septic tank system design if your lot is not serviced by the city or county sewer system.

Depending on the part of the country you live in, you will need to insure your house plans are in compliance with local codes. Many areas have specific energy codes and/ or special engineering requirements that are to be followed. For instance, the west coast area have strict engineering requirements for areas subject to earthquakes. Areas such as Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southeast coast line are areas with high risk of hurricanes requiring special engineering to withstand such risk. North east areas such as New York, New Jersey, Baltimore and surounding areas require houseplans to stamp by a local licensed professional such as an architect or engineer. Building in these areas, will likely require the need to hire a local licensed structural engineer to analyze the house plans and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you are unsure as to what is required in you area, check with your building department. They usually have some form of written instructions listing all of the items they require to submit for and obtain a building permit.

You will want to submit your plans and other require documents for a permit as soon as possible so you can begin construction at your scheduled time. Residential permits can take up to 3 months if everything is in order. If it is rejected for any reason this can extend well into your schedule and disrupt the entire building process in the beginning. So be smart and properly plan for the permitting process.

U-Pak-- and pack and pack

2008-08-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

In preparation for staging, we had to dump most of our stuff into a portable, self-storage locker. Different companies provide this services (U-Pak is one). Done right, these can hold a tremendous amount of stuff: over 420 cubic feet of items-- the equivlant of a 1 bedroom suite. In packing your container here are some important tips:

Use regular sized boxes. It would be perfect if you could use nothing but the same sized boxes. If you cannot do that, you can aim for either two or three sizes that hook together. Or, aim to get a least 20 boxes of the same shape. The goal is to get enough boxes of the same shape to do one entire layer of boxes. Our favorite: paper boxes like those you find at print shops. They hold a handy weight, they are strong and they are usually free (or they should be).
Pack heavy on the bottom, light on the top. Books at the bottom; teddy bears on top. U-Paks will get moved and stored for a week to a month. It's important to remember that gravity is working all the time. If your stuff will survive a day before getting crushed, how will it fare after two months of weight?
Layering is okay (Shelves are your Friend, Episode I). When you have table tops and removable shelves, you can use these over top of a layer of boxes. They will distribute the load and prevent crushing. You can also use these vertically to prevent avalanches (what I have dubbed 'crudalanches') of stuff.
Fill the voids (Shelves are your Friend, Episode II). When you pack a layer of boxes, but in a layer of furniture. Then, pack items in another around the furniture. This is important for two reasons: 1) it uses the maximum amount of space; 2) if you don't fill the spaces, stuff could shift and end up in these holes but end on their sides or busted open; 3) if the furniture is heavier, it is less likely to move. When you move in a bookshelf, make a point of filling the shelves.
Clothes are good (so are cushions and blankets). When you pack clothing, try to pack them in sturdy garbage bags. Don't overstuff the bags, you want them to have about the area of a shirt and about 4"-8" thick. Use these soft flat bags to fill in the gaps. This will limit motion, settling and breakage.
Don't be afraid to repack. This is tetris. If you have a big gap of space, pull out several boxes and leave them near the door. Try to pack them again and do a better job. Don't go nuts, but be willing to back up and and re-try.
Go for a consistent height. My goal is always to pack to the ceiling. If you cannot get to the ceiling, make sure everything is consistently packed to about the same height.
Lock off the last layers. Save some large items (shelves, couches, etc.) When you get to the end of the U-Pak (the door), put in these large items so that they in the doorway and in the corner so that should you have a crudalanche the items will not spill out the door. In one of these, I was lucky: I had broken down some industrial shelves and had these sturdy 6'6"" bars available. I hooked them into a shelf at the door so that if anything travelled, it would hit the bars and the bars would hit the side of the doors.

Solutions For Packing You Self Storage Unit

2008-08-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Moving home or undergoing a house renovation etc can come with its ups and downs as well as its thrills and frustrations but one way that you can make the whole process a lot easier is by enlisting the help of a self storage unit but if you are using the help of a self storage unit you need to make sure that you pack the self storage unit in the correct way.

In order to make sure that you have gathered all of the household items and personal belongings that you want to place into storage as well as making sure that all of these items are placed into the storage unit in the best way you need to be organised.

Whatever situation you are in that has meant you have needed to enlist the help of a self storage unit you should make a list of all the items that you are placing into storage so that you have a record of where all of your items are.

The one aspect that people always seem to have trouble with when it comes to getting their belongings into storage is packing. This is because it is guaranteed that you will probably need more boxes and packaging material than you originally think that you will so it is a good idea to always buy more packaging material and boxes than you actually need just to make sure that you have enough to cover all of the items that you want to place into storage. Also boxes come in all shapes and sizes so no matter what you want to store you can do; however it is not advised that you store precious items such as jewellery and financial or legal papers.

The purpose of packaging the items that you are placing into storage is primarily to protect and preserve them and secondly to improve the presentation of them. This protection is needed when your items are being transported to the self storage unit as you may encounter uneven road surfaces that cause the vehicle to jolt on the road, which could potentially damage your items if they aren't protected properly.

You will need packaging items such as boxes, bubble wraps, un-printed packaging paper and packaging tape. All of these items will help to cushion your items whilst you are getting them over to your self storage unit. As previously mentioned make sure that you buy more than you need of these as any unused supplies can be returned after you have got all of your items over to the unit.

When you are packing all of your belongings it is a good idea to fill your boxes completely and store heavy items in smaller boxes for easier lifting. If you are storing clothes you can get a special wardrobe shaped box in which you can hang your clothes.

As a general rule when you are placing your items in your self storage unit you should place heavy items at the rear of the unit and then work your way forwards and upwards with your lighter and more fragile items. Also the items that you need more access to should be placed near the front of the storage unit. You also need to take into account if you need walking space within your self storage unit, depending on whether you do you may have to leave room for a walk way.

Make sure that all of your items are safely and securely placed in your self storage unit and ensure that when it comes to removing your items you can do so with ease.

Helen is the web master of Keep Safe Self Storage, who are specialists in providing you with all of your Self Storage needs, including all of the Packaging Material you will need. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Cox

Adventures in Home Sales - Part 1: Staging

2008-08-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

We are packrats. We love to get stuff. People love to give us stuff: so much so, that prior to my 40th birthday, I asked scrubbed my wish list and replaced it with "A House." I figured if I said, "Matches and gasoline" and something happeneded, I would be in serious trouble.
So, step 1 of the prep work is the stager. Staging: two things are staged. Crime scenes and house sales. So, you need to stage so that people see your place. Because so many places are staged you fall behind by honestly showing your home as it normally looks. It's like being the one Playboy bunny who doesn't have breast enhancements. You don't want to do that what bunny does: make up for it by being cheap.
Our realtor (great guy), sent in his stager. She gave us a long and painful assessment of our situation.
If you don't have money for a stager, here is a cheap and less annoying way to achieve the same:

Book a night at a nice hotel. If you are in the thick of home selling, you will need the getaway.
Bring a digital camera.
Take LOTS of photos when you first come in-- even before you bring in your bags. Cupboards, bedroom, etc.
Take the pictures home and go over them with a fine-tooth comb. You want to make your home look like the hotel.
- Devoid of character.
- Neutral colors.
- Calm and uncluttered.
- Ironically, you make your place looking liveable by making it look like no one lives in it. It's the burger concept: if someone else takes a bite out of your burger (proving it's fit to eat), it becomes much less appetizing.
Hide everything you can until your home looks like those hotel photos. Our solution: use a U-Pak. It's a combo-move: we will load items into a shipping container. The container gets stored for a few months at their warehouse. Then it gets delivered to your new home. It's like a moving truck, with a terrific pause button feature.

Purge to be Fabulous. How to Have a Yard Sale

2008-08-16T09:36:00.001-07:00

This from Howcast:

All it takes is some advance planning—and a little psychology—to unload all your junk in a yard sale.
You Will Need

* Poster paper and markers
* Card tables
* Plastic grocery bags and cardboard boxes
* A cash box and small bills and coins to make change
* An extension cord
* A mirror
* A classified ad (optional)
* A clothing rack (optional)
* Refreshments (optional)

Step 1: Have a co-sale

Get as many friends, neighbors, and relatives to participate as you can. The bigger the sale, the better everyone will do.
Step 2: Advertise

Advertise your yard sale a few days ahead of time by putting up clearly marked signs with the date of the sale on them in thick black lettering that can be read from a car. Place the signs every 50 feet or so, with arrows. If you’re selling a lot of stuff, place a classified ad in the local paper, or post an online ad on Craigslist.

If you take out an ad, be specific about some of the stuff you’re selling, like “toddler-size boys’ clothes” or “exercise equipment.”
Step 3: Find ways to display goods

Assemble as many card tables as you can; items sell better if they’re neatly displayed, as opposed to strewn on the lawn. If you’re selling clothes, hang them from a clothing rack.
Step 4: Spruce up sale items

Spruce up the items you’re selling as best you can. Shiny knickknacks and clean, pressed clothes will sell better than stuff people are afraid to touch. Use pretty ribbon to bundle loose items.
Step 5: Collect grocery bags and boxes

Start accumulating grocery bags and boxes. People will buy more if you make it easier for them to carry off their purchases.
Step 6: Prepare a “free” box

Take everything you want to get rid of that you can’t imagine anyone paying for and put it in a carton clearly marked “FREE.” Stick it in a prominent place near the curb to attract passersby.

If you have a lot of toys, put them in a “take one free” box for children.
Step 7: Be able to make change

Keep at least $50 in coins and small bills in your cash box so you can make change.
Step 8: Price items

Figure out what you want for an item and then mark it up a bit; people like to haggle. A good rule of thumb is to charge a quarter of the original cost for items in good condition.

Do a little sleuthing. You don’t want to sell a candy dish for 50 cents and then find out it was worth $500. Check your prices against online auctions sites, like eBay.
Step 9: Provide an electrical cord

If you’re selling electric items, snake an extension cord from the house so people can test the goods.
Step 10: Have a mirror

Have a mirror so people can see how hats, scarves, jewelry, and such look on them.
Step 11: Group like items

Group like items—kitchen stuff on one table, tools on another.
Step 12: Put out refreshments

Put out refreshments. Providing coffee, lemonade, and cookies will most likely pay for itself by encouraging people to linger longer.
Step 13: Be flexible

Be flexible about prices, especially as the day winds down. Do you really want to lug all this stuff back inside your house?

The world’s longest yard sale takes place every summer along a 630-mile stretch from Ohio to Alabama.ya

10 Big Mistakes from Homesellers

2008-08-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

You’ll sell your house faster — and for more money — if you avoid these common pitfalls.
You Will Need

* A thorough housecleaning
* An open mind
* Home improvements

Step 1: Declutter your home

Get rid of as much clutter as possible. Stuffed closets, extraneous furniture, exercise equipment in living quarters, crowded countertops, overflowing cabinets, and endless knickknacks make homes seem smaller than they are. Consider putting some things in storage.
Step 2: Hide your pets

Hide all evidence that you own animals. Just because your potential buyer loves his own pets doesn’t mean he wants a house that reeks of yours. Get rid of pet stains and odors (pay a professional if you have to) and send the four-legged family members to a neighbor’s house when you show your home.
Step 3: Be scarce yourself

And, while you’re at it, make yourself scarce during home showings. You know how you feel about those annoying salespeople who follow you around the store, making you uncomfortable? That’s how potential home buyers will feel about you.
Step 4: Don't discount the first offer

Think carefully before you reject the first offer on your home; studies show it is usually the highest bid you get. And the longer you hold out for a better offer, the lower your chances are of getting it, because people start to think that something must be wrong with a house that’s been on the market for so long.
Step 5: Always negotiate

Don’t take lowball offers personally, or you’ll lose a lot of potential buyers. Instead of viewing them as insults, look at them as starting points for negotiation.

To attract the most buyers, list your home a few thousand dollars below a major round number. If you’re hoping to get about $200,000, for example, list it as $199,000, not $205,000. You don’t want to miss out on buyers who have set $200,000 as their cutoff point.
Step 6: Out with the old

Toss or change anything that makes your home look tired—worn carpeting, old throw rugs, dirty light switch covers. Give every room a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. Don’t let cost deter you; this is truly a case where you’ve got to spend money to make money.
Step 7: Remember curb appeal

Don’t discount the importance of a good first impression from the street. Trim hedges, reseed the lawn, plant some flowers, wash the windows, scrape and repaint the front door and windowsills, and put some oversized potted plants at the entrance.
Step 8: Depersonalize your home

Rid your home of all your treasured personal touches—family photos, the kids’ artwork on the fridge, religious artifacts, bowling trophies, your ceramic pig collection, the shrine to Elvis. They will only make it more difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves in your home.
Step 9: Aim for light and bright

Because home buyers are nearly unanimously looking for a light, bright house as opposed to a dark, dreary one, do what you can to make that happen. Ditch the heavy drapes, take down dark wallpaper, put in high-wattage light bulbs, and get rid of wood paneling.
Step 10: Fix anything that's broken

Fix whatever is broken before you list your home. It’s almost always cheaper to do it yourself than to let the buyer use it to bring down the price.

Most realtors say that the kitchen is the room most likely to attract — or repel — a potential buyer.

Ideas on Staging

2008-08-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

Staging is the art of using marketing and decorating techniques to create an environment that buyers can aspire to. "If I buy this house, I can live like this." Stagers use the art of "positioning" to create several "emotional connection points" throughout the home so that when a buyer steps into the house they "feel home." "This is it." "This is the one." What does feeling home look like? For Home Stagers it's a combination of eight elements analyzed in each room in order to create a lasting impression for the home buyer:

1. First Impressions - Room by room, we will walk through and take note of our first impressions, what grabs us, what glares at us and what gives to us a feeling of home?

2. Eliminating Clutter - The packing starts now as we pack away a good percentage of everything in the room in order to create a more clean, open and spacious feel.

3. Emphasizing the Positive - While Downplaying the Negative - Finding your beautiful focal points, we will emphasize what we love about the room and hide or distract the negative aspects of the rooms.

4. Lighten Up - Focusing on lighting and color, we will make each room into a bright, warm and inviting space that buyers can respond to.

5. Home Buyers Appeal - In order for a buyer to "feel home" they need not be reminded of this being your home. We'll depersonalize the space while retaining the warmth and fun of photos.

6. Odor free/Cleaning/Repairs - The dirty work speaks for itself but is many times overlooked because you've lived here for so long. Let's get rid of the buyer's mental "repair list" by doing it ourselves.

7. Modernizing - Updating your style and building simple accessories out of what you already have to create clean lines and form. In some cases, we'll recommend purchases as valuable "investments" in the staging process.

8. "Emotional Connection Points" - Creating the "Wow Factor". This is the fun part and is a huge focus of our positioning strategy. We'll show you how to build in these subtleties in order to make the buyers subconsciously desire to live here and "feel home". The "emotional connection points" are where marketing strategy really comes in to play

You are eight critical steps away from selling your home quickly and for more money. The process is started in the consultation by having the seller put on "buyers eyes" as a first step in transforming their home into what home buyers will desire and buy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Lynn_Johnson
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Art-of-Home-Staging&id=1112049

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Value Building Renovations

2008-07-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to remodel or renovate either your kitchen or your bathroom, you are in luck when it comes to adding value to your home. While some remodeling projects add little or no value whatsoever to a home, fixing up a bathroom or kitchen can increase your sale price and can definitely give the best return over other rooms.

If you can only remodel one room, how do you choose? A number of experts will claim that renovating your kitchen will have the highest impact, although adding a second bathroom should almost always be worth the time and money, too.

In this day and age, people want their kitchens to be convenient, up to date and to have a look fitting for guests. The kitchen also tends to be a much more visible area of your home, which makes it a top priority if you use it often. Because a kitchen provides a slightly higher return on investment than a bathroom, it may be wise to begin with a project in the kitchen.

There is no question that a bathroom remodel will also yield a higher return than much of the rest of the house, though. So if you feel that your bathroom is extremely out of date and even looks drab, make it a priority. The standard you use for your decision should always be the best choice for you and your family.

Be careful, however, when choosing renovation projects. Some additions will not only cost you more money, but they can cost you a potential future buyer, as well. An addition that can really detract from the value in many neighborhoods is the swimming pool. You may wonder why anyone would hesitate to buy a home with a swimming pool. But if you have ever owned one, you know that the liability and maintenance involved are more hassle than it's worth. Only put in a pool if it is something you really will use and you know there is a market for homes with pools in your neighborhood.

Take care to avoid making your home so large that it stands out among other homes in the neighborhood, too. Over-renovating can actually lose you just as many good buyers as a home in desperate need of updates. So do some research before you remodel and make sure your home will fit nicely with the standard set by other neighborhood homes.

If you are planning to sell your home soon, many renovations may not be worth either the time or effort that it takes to master a large project. But if you know you will reside in your home for many years, choosing a remodeling project that will make you happy is always the best solution.

Chris Brown is a regular contributor to Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling and Kitchen Remodeling websites. Chris also takes pride in many of his own do-it-yourself projects around his own home.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

Keeping Your Air Conditioner Conditioned

2008-07-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

All mechanic devices need regular maintenance if you want them to continue working for years to come. When an air conditioning unit is not maintained properly, it will break down some day in the near future. When it breaks down, you will need to pay a lot more money for a major repair when compared to regular servicing.

Now, let us discuss top 6 ways to maintain your air conditioning unit:

Make sure there is nothing covering the condensing unit. This is to ensure that it can draw air into the cooling system and cool the room effectively. If you found that you have stored some items near or on the condensing unit, you should remove them right away.
Change your air filters regularly. This is the most important thing that you must do in order to maintain your aircon unit properly. Filters that are not clean will reduce efficiency of your aircon unit and cause it to work harder. This will increase your monthly electrical bill. Keeping your filters clean can keep your home cooler, as well as saving you money and repair costs.
Check the access panels. You need to ensure that access panels are in place and properly secured. You should also remove all impediments near the exterior of your air conditioning unit.
Check your thermostat. Your thermostat should be set to cooling mode if you want your home to be cooler.
Always check your air conditioning unit way ahead of time. You will not want to find out that your air conditioning unit is not working on a warm and humid day. Therefore, maintain a good habit to always check your aircon unit routinely. Let it run for a few minutes and ensure that it is working properly. If it is not working, at least you still have the time to look for an aircon servicing company to service your unit.
Hire a professional air conditioning servicing company to clean your unit. If you want your aircon unit to perform at the highest level of efficiency, you will have to keep it clean. You can always outsource this work to a professional aircon servicing company to handle this tedious job for you.

These are 6 ways to maintain the air conditioning unit of your home. If things are not too complicated, you can do the maintenance yourself. However, if it involves cleaning of sockets and other more complicated parts of your unit, you should always outsource this job to a professional technician.

Author Resource:-> To seek professional aircon repair services, visit the website below now:

Click Here --> Aircon Repair services at www.EricoolAircon.com

Feel free to publish this article on your website as long as you keep the resource box intact.

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Turntable for your car!

2008-07-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

This from Project Marbella:

Turntable For the Tightest Driveways
Originally uploaded by projectmarbella

Car turntables for tight driveways!
This is a great product for those of use with either tight driveways or difficult garages.
Can either be hand operated or driven with an electric motor.
Contact projectmarbella@yahoo.com for a free quotation.

Inexpensive Kitchen Renovation Ideas

2008-06-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

Unless you are able to financially build the home of your dreams, your house will lack certain aspects that you would prefer. If homeowners decide to decorate or remodel a part of the house the most practical place to start would be the kitchen. The kitchen draws comfort and warmness to it, not to mention that it is a place where food is made for a family and guests. One of the best ways to enhance the look of a kitchen is to add tiles to it. You may not necessarily like tiles on the floor, but if they are against the wall in the kitchen, they turn out absolutely beautiful. Adding tiles to your kitchen is a perfect way to add your very own taste into the area of your home where you may spend a large amount of time in.

When it comes to adding tiles to your kitchen, it is important to remember that you do not have spend money on the most expensive tiles or the even the most extravagant to add a certain warmth to it. You can purchase plain, but yet colorful tiles if you are on a budget and just add a constant pattern to it. With the colors of your tiles, you can go on to match little decorative items. You can purchase kitchen jars that vary in size and place them where you would most likely use them in the kitchen. The great thing about them is that you can store ingredients that you use on a regular basis or certain ones that you buy in large quantities. For example, these kitchen jars are ideal to store your flour, sugar, and coffee in. They are tightly sealed lids allow for the freshness of the products to remain. Their convenience will prevent you from always going to the pantry to dig up flour and other things whenever you need them.

Another great way to decorate your kitchen is to buy pictures. There are ceramic pictures available in just about any store that carries home products. The great thing about such pictures is that they are much different from framed pictures in the sense that framed pictures may be too formal or elegant to be placed in a place like a kitchen. Moreover, the warmth of the colors that are used in these certain pictures creates an even more welcoming feeling into your kitchen. While they vary in size, they also vary in the messages. Many of them contain messages that elicit humor, adding greater warmth to your personalized kitchen. However, one chooses to decorate their kitchen, it is important to remember not to over do it. There is not use in decorating a kitchen with items that you will always have to move around when you want to bake.

My name is Lia Allayne and I am a style designer. For more in depth information about the hottest trends in kitchen decorating and design, visit my style blog at http://decorate.pebblez.com

Article Directory: EzineArticles

Start with a Plan : Your Kitchen Renovation

2008-06-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Our home is very personal, we will often fill it with the very best things that we can afford. Things that we enjoy, this way our houses represent our personality. If you ask many people which the favorite room of their house is then they will probably say it's their kitchen. The kitchen is a very useful space, but it is also commonly used for meeting friends and family. How many times have you stood talking waiting for the kettle to boil? Too many to count I'll bet!

This is why when considering home renovation projects the kitchen is one of the most important rooms that needs to be updated. In order to make kitchen renovations a success you need to come up with a fantastic kitchen renovation plan which makes it look perfect, while also still being a functional and useable space. We're now going to look at some of the interesting kitchen renovation tips which can make kitchen renovation much more successful.

Amazing kitchen renovation tips
You should stop for a moment and think about what it is you intend to gain from renovating your kitchen, what will the new kitchen look like? You should write down a list of all the areas that you will be concentrating on, and list any appliances that need to be replaced.

Once you've got your plan you shouldn't just start. You should actually ask other people in your family for their opinion. You don't need to hire an interior decorator, but you do need to get some external input. Remember everyone in your family will be using your kitchen, so it's got to be a room that everyone will enjoy otherwise there is no point in starting the project.

You may also get some interesting ideas that you hadn't previously thought of. It would also be a good idea to read some of the kitchen design magazines as these will help to give you some interesting design tips for your kitchen. These magazines are very useful as they also give you ideas where you can get the materials required from.

You should then decide whether you want to do the work yourself, or whether you want to hire a professional to do it for you. It's completely up to you, if you feel comfortable then go for it!

Peter Mason's detailed articles can be found on a lot of websites with reference to free scroll saw projects and Christmas scroll saw patterns. Recording his experience in detailed writings, the reviewer improved his know-how on things related to free scroll saw plans and free scroll saw projects.

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Instant Hot Water : Just Add Water

2008-06-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

In today's society people take for granted the small things such as hot water running from their shower or tap up until the point where you get into a cold shower right after your children who have spent at least two hours playing and then using the shower after and you are dismayed to realize that you are out of hot water and have to wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to you getting hot water again.

Now the world has changed with advanced technology, where you can find what is known as a tankless instant hot water heater, which will supply you with as much hot water that you need, whenever you need it.

The Merit of An Instant Hot Water Heater

The obvious advantage of an instant hot water heater is that you will never run out of water. You will get as much as water you need. The other important benefit is that these types instant hot water heaters work without a tank and what that means is a lot more added space for you to accomplish what you wish with it and as we are all aware you never can have enough space.

Some Places To Locate Instant Hot Water Heaters

The majority of top home appliances companies today produce instant hot water heaters such as, Whirlpool, lBosch, and/or Rinnai; it is crucial you get a instant hot water heater from a manufacturer that has made them for a while and has a good reputation of creating quality products since it is an item that you will use each and every day and the potential of it breaking down should be minimized as much as possible.

The majority of home appliance department stores have in stock brand name instant hot water heaters and/or you have the option to research online for a dealer location that is close to you.

Helpful Tip

Making an Investment in a instant hot water heater is a long term investment and despite the fact that you should do some shopping for bargains and look for the best prices by analyzing all brands that are available on the market you should not make a determination that is based on money.

Instead you should also focus on quality and that will in fact end up saving you a great deal in the long term by saving you the problem of getting it repaired as brand name products might be costly. That is due to the fact that they are constructed with parts and materials and that are high quality.

Take a look on the internet and replace your older bigger heaters with the more convenient, as well as space saving instant hot water heaters and enjoy all the advantages of never ending up running out of water ever again regardless of who spends any amount of time taking a shower.

Author Resource:-> Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of home improvement. If you would like to learn more go to Propane Water Heater advice and at Natural Gas Water Heater tips.

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Helping Children Cope With The Move

2008-06-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Moving to a new home is a time of uncertainty and change for children too. Giving up all that they know is a big deal so doesn't expect children to just transition without giving you grief through a move. Here are some tips to help you and your children cope with this situation.

Let your children know about the process and what occurs when packing for moving. As soon as you realize that the move is really going to happen start to discuss the matter. The more time the children have to think about and prepare for the move, the easier it will be for them.

Give your children the opportunity to express their feelings, and try to be honest about your own. Most children feel angry and sadness about the move. These responses are normal, natural and to be expected. Child physiologists will advise you pretty much on the same suggestions as mine.

You can also help older children to make an address book. Knowing they can stay in touch with their friends is an important part of a successful move. Start to gather information from your new town in Florida, Atlanta or Seattle, share this with your kids so that they can start to visualize what it will be like there.

In this day and age, perhaps you could help them set up their own email address or their own blog on a social networking site. This way kids can keep in touch with their friends over the internet.

Younger children may have spent extra time in childcare or with friends, so don't be surprised if they are clingier when they're around you.

During the actual moving day parents need to really stay as positive and calm as you can? I know this is easier said than done at such a stressful time. Babies especially pick up on their mother's mood and are very sensitive to stress. The last thing you need when you're packing is an unsettled baby on your hands.

Involve your children in the packing process. Older children can put their own belongings in boxes, and kids of all ages will enjoy decorating the boxes containing their things. By doing this will make finding your children's things easier once you're at the new house.

Even if you've hired professional movers to move you, still let your kids do some of their own packing. It doesn't matter if you are moving from Florida, Atlanta or Seattle, moving is moving. Your kids need to feel like they have some control over their own destiny.

Author Resource:-> Get additional tips for preparing your family for moving at Movers Florida and movers seattle. For packing tips go to Movers Atlanta if that is where you are considering relocating to with your family.

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Renovating Your Bathroom On the Cheap

2008-06-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

new_oasis
Originally uploaded by triviaqueen

The bathroom is the second most used room within the home and so it makes sense that you want it to look its best. You need to feel relaxed within the bathroom and if it is looking old then it could bring down the atmosphere of the whole room.

Now updating your bathroom to look elegant and beautiful can cost quite a lot of money. That is why many homeowners consider doing their bathroom renovations themselves. It is certainly a good idea for those who are on a tight budget as it can really help to save potentially a lot of money on hiring professionals. Here you will find some easy tips to follow if you are thinking of decorating your bathroom yourself.

The Importance of Accessories

When you are starting out with your bathroom renovations, it is important to consider the accessories that you will be putting into the room. Accessories are everything in a room such as the bathroom and so they are not something that you should forget about. Perhaps you could do with a new rug for example? Or perhaps you need to install a new cabinet and storage? You can find really good deals on bathroom accessories if you look around and they are perhaps one of the cheapest parts of a bathroom renovation project.

Another thing which is recommended to change the feel of the bathroom is changing the color scheme a little. Just changing the color of a few things in the room can make a big difference. For example, you could just change the color of the toilet seat or the toilet roll holder and that would make an instant difference to the atmosphere of the room. Or if you want to make a bigger change then why not opt to change the tiles? That can be a slightly trickier job but it really can make all the difference.

Finally updating the paint job is another easy task to do yourself. Sometimes all that is needed to improve the look of any room is a fresh coat of paint. So by painting the bathroom you should find that it gives it a whole new look.

Overall when it comes to bathroom renovations it really doesn't have to be complicated. As long as you focus more upon the small things within the room then you should be ok. It is possible the easiest room within the home to decorate yourself and you can find bathroom accessories practically everywhere that you go. If you do get stuck for ideas then why not look on the internet for inspiration or in your local hardware store? You can also find ideas in home improvement magazines. So if you have not yet considered making changes yourself then why not consider it today?

Robert Carlton regularly publishes news stories on information associated to replace a window. You can see his writings on replacement vinyl windows at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com and other sources for replacement vinyl windows information.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

Funding Your Fabulous Renovations

2008-06-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

If you have chosen to renovate your home then you know the price can easily exceed your predictions. Home renos tend to have what is known as "scope creep." This is when the renovations start and as they progress new things or problems cause there to be more work than originally predicted. This can be difficult to deal with is funding is limited so its a good idea to build contingencies into your financing plans right at the start. That way when the surprises pop up, you will be ready for them.

When thinking about renovation financing there are two likely candidates for you to consider. The home equity loan and the home owner's line of credit. The amount available for a home equity loan is based on the amount of equity that you have built up in your home. This loan is sometimes referred to as a second mortgage. It is calculated by taking the value of your home and subtracting the amount left outstanding on the original mortgage. If you own your home outright, then the amount would be the home's value. As an example, if you have a home that is worth $250,000 and you have already paid off $110,000 then your accumulated equity would be $140,000. The value of the property is what guarantees the loan so the interest rate is low as well as they payments. It is also normal to be able to secure fixed interest rates for such loans.

The other popular financing option is the home owner's line of credit. This loan does not have a finite amount save for the limit which is once again decided by your equity. This is a popular option as it allows for a lot of room when considering costs. The loan operates much like a credit card, with a variable interest rate. This is certainly the most flexible of the options and does not have a definite end date. The line of credit remains open for as long as you need it and do not close it out.

The best way to discern which type of loan is proper for your needs is to confer with a financial expert or banker. Prioritize your needs and try to find a loan that is tailor made for you. Remember that your home is going to be on the line as collateral so be sure to plan your payment schedule carefully and within what you can afford to pay. Make sure that you research all your options here and find what work s for you and for your budget.

Frankie Bastek is a professional and experienced Realtor® specializing in the Orange County area. For the best service and advice concerning Laguna Niguel real estate, check out http://www.homefindings.com

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Home Renovators: Tips for Choosing A Winner

2008-06-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

With a clearly defined list of wants and needs, a realistic budget and product research completed, you're ready to interview renovators.

The main objective is to find a professional renovator with the skills to accomplish the range of work in your renovation. Keep in mind you'll be opening your home to the renovator you select for weeks or months, so look for someone you want around your home on an extended basis.

The initial meeting helps you get to know a renovator and discuss your plans. You're laying the groundwork for your project, so take your time and don't be rushed.

At the second meeting, each renovator will prepare an estimate/proposal that includes a written estimate, a specifications list and maybe a few rough sketches. There may be a fee for this.

The one thing that is hard to judge from a proposal is overall quality of workmanship. The best way to tell if a renovator can do what he promises is to check references.

Look at past projects and talk to homeowners. Some people skip this step, figuring renovators will only offer up positive references.

But some renovators may feel that poor references are better than none at all. And some may try to bluff with false references. Always check!

Also, make sure when looking at estimates that you're comparing apples to apples. Get enough detail so that the level of service and quality offered by each renovator is comparable. A lower estimate may seem more attractive, but not if it doesn't provide the same quality process and end product.

This is the last step in selecting a renovator. Once you're satisfied with the references and estimate, it's time to get a firm quote. To provide this, the renovator must have a design.

The design sets out the specifications. This is a written recipe for the job. Along with the plans, they explain what's to be done in enough detail so that different renovators working from the same design would produce the same result.

There's typically a fee to produce the design, which usually can be applied to the total project cost.

Once you've selected a renovator and you are both clear on what's to be done, the next step is to draw up a detailed written contract. I'll have more on that next week.

There's been a quiet revolution going on in the new home building industry.

I say quiet, because it didn't gain as much public interest as we thought it would. It actually started a decade ago with an exciting new way of building called R2000.

Today, the revolution continues with the addition of new names such as EnerGuide and Energy Star. This revolution has changed the face of our industry in response to public interest in the environment and a desire to have a role in energy conservation.

It's an exciting time for today's new home buyer. With the many products and services available, the castle of your dreams is possible. And if you have a desire to be environmentally responsible, the industry is ready and waiting.

The Ontario Building Code recently incorporated aggressive changes in support of energy efficiency and will continue to raise the base level for building in the years to come.

While all builders must now comply with requirements such as improved windows, doors, insulation levels and heating equipment efficiency, many builders are well ahead of these mandated changes. That's where Energy Star comes in.

Many builders have taken up the challenge to further advance the energy efficiency of new homes by offering features that also enhance the comfort, quality, afford ability, sustainability and indoor air quality of their new homes by incorporating options.

These are just a few of the innovative features included as part of many builders' standards or upgrades that provide homebuyers with remarkable benefits.

Building science plays a key role in understanding how an energy efficient home is designed and constructed, and how features integrate so the home works as a system.

Construction of the building envelope is one of the most important factors in making sure energy efficient features perform at maximum efficiency. A very air-tight envelope reduces drafts, heat loss, cold rooms and risk of mould and mildew in wall cavities and unconditioned spaces as well as dust and noise infiltration into the home.

Several builders in London and area have chosen to participate in one or more of a growing number of energy efficiency and performance labelling programs that require independent testing of homes to verify the quality and integrity of the building envelope.

From EnerGuide for New Houses, which is an excellent measuring tool to help builders assess the level of efficiency in their homes, to Energy Star for New Homes and the R2000 program, which place strict guidelines and testing requirements on participating builders to meet a high level of energy efficiency, new home construction is on a continuous improvement course.

The other important aspect of these improvements is their effect on the environment. Greenhouse gas emissions, a major contributor to climate change, are reduced significantly as efficiency improves. For example, a home meeting Energy Star or R2000 standards cuts greenhouse gas emissions by about two to four tonnes a year.

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How to Choose A Good Mover

2008-06-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the cheapest quote offered from a household or corporate moving company may just be the one that suits you best. However, don't always assume that the cheaper quoting moving company won't be cutting corners someplace else in the service they provide you to save them money. You need to make sure that you scour your contract very well because the quote that's too good to be true usually is.

I think it really depends on what your needs are at that period in time and what state you are moving to. I recommend that you take full advantage of the moving companies free quotes that are provided free of charge all over the internet. Sometimes people say that as a rule to any comparison shopping that you don't take the highest or the lowest bid. Sift through the bids that all come in close proximity from one another and compare services

So now that the choosing issues are behind you, now you need to consider a few important things. What you need to understand is that just because the price quoted may seem fair but you need to consider what services are you getting with that price quote. In other words, I think to get the best deal, it's more important to understand what you're getting for that low quote rather than just simply taking the lowest offer.

If you're wondering why it is best to have a full understanding of what services are included with your moving quote it's because you might take certain services for granted and find a big surprise when it comes time to move. Packing and unpacking is a very important part of moving and to consider. You don't want to be left with no surprises. Moving is stressful enough.

Here is another think to think about, does the moving company move furniture from upper levels of your home? The last thing you need to be surprised about is realizing that the mover you chose doesn't carry furniture up stairs. Does the moving quote include insurance to cover any damages while moving your personal items?

Do you need a moving company to place your boxed items in their respective rooms? Most low-quoted companies don't provide that luxury, so make sure you get what you want before accepting the deal. It really is difficult to move large furniture up a flight of stairs if it's just you and your spouse or partner that you have to rely on. Having movers and packers do that for you is the best part of the services a moving company has to offer.

Another important factor to consider with a moving company is how you will pay for the service. Beware of movers that demand payment in cash only. It doesn't matter if you're moving to Florida, Dallas or Atlanta. Make sure you get a contract that clearly explains all terms of the move and expectations. All movers are required to accept payment by check, money order, credit card or cashier's check.

p>In a nut shell, it pays to be patient and search thoroughly for the best deal. There's no better source than the Internet. Take advantage of filling out one form to get free multiple and various company quotes. This will save you a lot of time because you'll instantly receive moving quotes from a number of movers in your area for you to use in your search for the perfect mover to suit all your needs.

Remember that all the on-line moving company resources provided to you are free from Florida, Dallas and Atlanta movers and you are never under any obligation to use the companies you inquire about. Take your time and be thorough. You will thank me in the end.

Author Resource:-> Explore our site and learn more about moving company selection process with Movers Florida. You Can Get More Tips with Movers Atlanta. Visit Here for Moving Terms at Movers Dallas to save yourself time and money.

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Fabulous Home = Healthy Home

2008-06-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

When you think about adding healthy items to your home, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a piece of exercise equipment. While this is a great start, there are many more additions and renovations that may improve your health and help you to get fit.

Why purchase a treadmill or bench press that will sit unused in your garage for years? Think about taking your basement, garage or spare room and turning it into a complete home gym. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it can be more appealing that a piece of equipment that is hiding away somewhere in your home. Find or purchase a spare television to use for aerobic workout or to keep you entertained while you strengthen those muscles. Keep all your work out accessories stored together, but put them in a place that is easily accessible so that you won't feel as if it is too much of a hassle to work with. You might also add a small refrigerator or water tank to your gym for convenience.

If a home gym is too much for you to deal with, think about adding a hot tub. They are known for their many health benefits and can provide entertainment, as well. Some say that having a soak in the hot tub will not only relieve the pressure and stress of everyday, but it can also lower your blood pressure and encourage good sleep. A whirlpool may even have the same benefits. There are many claims that in addition to lowering blood pressure, a hot tub or whirlpool tub can also relieve specific ailments such as migraines and arthritis. So if you suffer from chronic pain, a hot tub may be perfect for you.

A lot of people never think about a sauna and don't know the health benefits it can provide. A sauna raises your body temperature and boosts immune function because of this. And just like a hot tub, it can also lower pressure. And, while a sauna should not be your only form of fitness, it can contribute to weight loss. However, this is not significant enough by itself. You need to exercise several times a week to actually lose weight. Nevertheless, the benefits are great enough that installing a sauna may help your health. Just remember that if you are pregnant or have other health issues, consult a doctor before using it.

Finally, anything you add to your home that will get you up and moving can boost your fitness level. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. Just do something that will add to your health.

Chris Brown is a regular contributor to Family and Health, Exercise Equipment Review, and Sauna Review Check out these terrific sites to keep your family happy and healthy.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

Get it in writing : Moving Quotes

2008-06-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Help protect yourself against fraud from movers because whether you're relocating from Florida, Seattle or Boston, moving is always difficult and come with a lot of decisions that need to be made suddenly.

Making sure that your move is protected by a moving company contract. This is the first thing that needs to be done to protect yourself. Make sure that the company you chose has ample insurance just incase of an accident or theft.

These are the three most important terms you can educate yourself with when having to move from one state to another or even city to city. Rates can vary from state to state like Boston, Seattle, or Florida. More importantly your quotes need to be free.

Understand that moving companies can issue three different types of estimates, (Non-Binding) Estimate, Binding Estimate, and Not-to-Exceed Binding Estimate. You need to get familiar with this terminology so that you can understand the differences better. It is to your advantage not to choose non-binding estimates because that is when rates go up.

You need to know how much the truck weighs before your things are loaded in order to calculate your household's weight. This is your right as a consumer. Generally the industry standard is about 20% more than what is generally expected.

Changes go on a written Addendum, i.e., the change order they must fill out and you both sign prior to the move. Always make sure that you get a binding estimate for your protection against price increases.

You may not be able to move in your new home in the expected time frame you initially considered, but yet you did your homework and got several free binding quotes and are wondering now what do you do.

As long as you have it in writing you generally have about 60 days for your estimate to keep at the price and terms stated. Especially if you have a family to consider not having to scout around again for a good rate is better for you and your family.

The kind of estimate that gives you the best of both worlds is the third type of estimate. This third type is called a Not-to-Exceed Estimate.

The movers give you a Binding Estimate, then weigh the vehicle and reduce the price if the weight is less than anticipated. This is where you can save a lot of money.

This is what you would want so make sure that this is actually an option with movers.

Author Resource:-> Discover facts and get quotes from NYC Movers. Better understand moving with info from Movers Dallas and Movers Atlanta.

Article From Article Friendly

5 Things to Think About When You Decorate Your Bathroom

2008-06-04T18:29:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking about renovating your bathroom or ensuite this list will help you think about all the considerations before you begin.

Lighting. With the range of activities we all perform in a bathroom lighting should be one of your first considerations.

How much light do you want?

Can you make your window bigger while retaining your privacy?

Would you like to consider a one way window?

Do you want fluorescent lighting or normal lighting?

Space and functionality. While a bigger shower, bath, or vanity unit might seem like a great idea you need to carefully work out where everything is going to fit.

If you have more room in the shower but then not enough room to comfortably bend down to get into your vanity unit cupboards this might not a great trade off. (This is especially important in smaller ensuites.)

How many people do you expect will be in the bathroom at the same time?

Do you need a double sink or two mirrors?

How often do you use a bath. Do you really need one and if so, how big?

What sort of shower and door do you want? A swinging door needs the room to swing.

Style. We all have our own preferences and tastes and it important you like this room and feel good when in it. But there are a few other consideration as well as your personal taste.

What is the current style of the rest of the house?

For the main bathroom the kitchen is one room you may want to think about in particular.

If it's the ensuite you're renovating, consider the style of your bedroom.

Are you likely to change the current style in the near future?

What is the likelihood you may sell in the near future?

Any bathroom renovation should add value to your home. A very unusual style may limit the added value.

Water conservation. This is now a very real issue and will become more important to us all over time.

Do you want to consider water saving functions such as shower heads, depth of the bath, etc.

Do you want to pipe in tank water for functions such as flushing the toilet?

Do you want to use the waste water in your garden and so have the pipes set up from the beginning?

Cost / budget. All good projects have a budget. Decide early on what you can afford and then prioritise accordingly.

There are a range of great bathroom photos to get your juices going as well as important information about waterproofing at our web site Welcome Home Maintenance

Jeff Richardson

http://www.waterproofingaustralia.com.au

Article Directory: EzineArticles

Tight Budget : Fabulous Art

2008-03-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

There are zillions of cheaper and even free ways to turn your walls into decorative, artistic and interesting show pieces. So, do not stall your dreams and ideas due to lack of funds. You too can become a proud owner of creative and beautiful walls.

Use the artwork made by your kids
Kids come in handy if you supply them with ample paints and colors to draw for you. Not only displaying on the fridge, you could also turn their artwork into a collage. You could run into any discount store. Then buy a large piece of white poster board that may cost you merely $2-$3. You could creatively arrange your kid’s artwork on it. Then glue or tape each piece in place and leave it to dry totally. Then use some tapes or staples to hang it up. You have a wall hanging ready for the bedroom or the living room wall!

Buy poster-coloring packages for kids to get more artwork
With some more money to spend you can have new decors for your walls. Plus, you could treat the kids as well. Poster-coloring packages are easily available for less then $3-$5 each, depending on each package of poster sizes. Usually they contain 2-4 different pictures in each pack including markers as well. These packages can be bought from several discount and dollar stores. These come in various styles like plain paper style or in thicker cardboard with black velvet style.

You can buy them in accordance to whatever style pleases your kids and you. The kids are then left alone to color the pictures with all their heart. After they are through with coloring, you can post them up on your bedroom or living room walls by again using tapes or staples. As a mom, you could use your kid’s artwork for years to decorate their room.

Use Commercial Displays
Retailers use funky shapes to peddle their wares. Then they get bored with them and throw them out. We got 10 forms (see left) for nothing.

Use craft displays
You could use your Afghans, quilts, quilt blocks and many such items inherited over the years by you as wall displays. This is especially useful for someone who loves crafts like crochet or knitting, quilting and sewing.

Be your innovative self
You too can create designs especially for wall hangings with colorful quilt blocks, provided you have a love for sewing! How? Well, you could just use fabric of different shapes, colors and patterns by sewing them together and sticking them on the walls.
With a little more money, you could also have a photo frame with a mat from your local shop. After buying this, simply mount your hand crafted colorful quilt patterned blocks into the photo frame and hang it on the walls. Voila! Your wall décor is ready. It not only looks artistic but has a wonderful coordination of colors too. Not only it is inexpensive but also can be created quickly.

Article Source http://www.freearticalespro.com/Article/Wall DÉcor That Fits Your Tight Budget

For more information about tapestries, please visit our website.

Not Sun Tzu : The Art of Cleaning House

2008-03-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

Before you begin cleaning
In order to know what needs to be cleaned, it helps to keep a list of important cleaning projects and chores that need to be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual basis. Be cautious when using any type of cleaning solvents; some individuals may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents and some solvents can even damage the case. One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter that you don't need. Most of the time, this is the only cleaning you'll need to do.

Don't have time for cleaning?
For people don’t have the time to clean their own homes, fortunately there are an increasing number of green cleaning services out there to help get things spic and span. Remember, cleaning your own windows is a big job, and it can be tedious and frustrating, not to mention time consuming and dangerous. And here's a tip: If you've just put some cleaning fluid on your cloth and tried wiping off a fingerprint, and there's still some there, wet another spot of the cloth (or a new cloth) and wipe again. I believe this would make my cleaning routine not only faster, but also more focused, less stressful, and possibly even (ok, maybe this is a stretch) enjoyable.

Cleaning Products Available
Instead of opting for cleaning products that annihilate everything in their path, there are plenty of natural products and methods that keep a house clean and fresh-smelling without the toxic side effects. As the health and environmental impacts of conventional cleaning products become more thoroughly understood, more and more brands of healthy, green, and effective cleaning products have started hitting the market and competing for that coveted place of honor under your sink. Green Seal is another standardization organization that is certifies cleaning products among other things. With a couple of new products on the market, it is possible to sanitize everything from food to fabrics in a manner that doesn't harm the environment. Some cleaning products, however, can contain harmful chemicals that contaminate the environment and endanger human health. A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are also available, as healthier and environmentally responsible alternatives.

Cleaning Alternatives
Using ordinary household glass cleaner on special screens, especially cleaners with ammonia can remove anti-glare protection and/or other special surfaces. This delayed effect is particularly seen in glass cleaners. Borax, ammonia and baking soda are safe alternatives that can clean and disinfect to meet hospital standards and are much cheaper than name brand cleaners. This will reduce the toxic cleaners needed for rugs as vinegar and water works great for cleaning non-carpet floors.

Thinking Green
Utilized correctly, green cleaning can help to reduce many of these health and environmental hazards. Use the formulas described above or purchase 'green' commercial alternatives and most importantly of all when replacing your cleaning products, don’t just throw the old ones in the trash.

Article Source http://www.freearticalespro.com/Article/The Art Of Cleaning

Albert Ghero is a cleaner in bolton,

Fabulous Bathroom

2008-03-05T09:14:00.001-08:00

new_oasis
Originally uploaded by triviaqueen

Ever since we moved in, we swore we were going to reno the bathroom. Nearly 7 years later and we finally completed the reno. It was challenging on several levels, but we did it ourselves and the result is rather amazing.

We didn't replace the tub, but we did tear down the tile surround and replaced it with a polystyrene surround. We also replaced the outdated and oversized vanity and basin with a smaller model and a matching medicine cabinet.

The peel-and-stick tiles were removed and replaced with small ceramic tiles and the light fixture was replaced with something more complementary to the space. Finally, we replaced the big old 70s toilet with a new streamlined 6L model.

The finishing touches were some paint, wood trim, and a new shower curtain. The room is still the smallest space in the house but it is much more manageable at last.

Fabulous Printer - O, Brother!

2008-01-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

I'm really going to miss the Brother Printer we agreed to review back in November. Our two-month test drive has come to a close for the Brother HL-4070CDW, a full-colour laser printer with a built-in duplexing unit and we will soon be boxing it back up.

Unpacking and setting up the printer was relatively easy -- the hardest part was following the 1-2-3 instructions for loading the toner because the label for step 3 was inside the printer! However, once that was done, it was pretty straightforward to set up on the network and install the drivers on our computers (Acer laptops running Windows XP). We sent the first print page within a couple of hours of unpacking the printer.

Over the past two months I have printed craft and knitting patterns, Coffee Haiku innards (which required some tinkering with the duplexing settings), CuppaJoe Cozy tags (on cardstock), photos, business cards, articles, documents and more. Overall, the printer was fast, relatively quiet, and clean (bear with me, I am used to smudgy ink jets). I wasn't happy with the quality of the photos -- primarily the flatness of the colours -- but at least they printed without any trouble. For the odd quick photo this printer would be OK but I would not recommend using it as a primary photo-printer.

The only thing that prompted me to curse loudly was printing the CuppaJoe Cozy tags; the cardstock would not go through the duplexing unit and it took me some searching to figure out which panel I needed to open to remove the jam... and the subsequent jams (I tried several times). It's possible that it says something in the user guide about the maximum paper weight for duplexing but I didn't read it. That said, just having a duplexing unit in a home printer was a huge time-saver (not to mention paper-saver) and it is probably the one feature I will miss the most.

The HL-4070 retails for about CDN$650/US$500 and for a small business or home-based business it would be a front-runner if not my first choice; from forms with itty-bitty small print to full colour brochures and reports, this machine performs without complaint. For the average home users it's probably overkill.... but we aren't average, and I really want one of these.

---

UPDATE - Feb 2008

After waiting to find out how to ship this huge printer back to Brother, we were told that we were going to be given the option to keep it -- our response was, of course, "Yes, please" and so it continues to crank away many, many pages of printed matter (surprisingly, we have barely dented the "consumables" -- toner is still over 90%). After years of cursing at ink-jets and other lesser printers, the Brother HL-4070 CDW continues to be a real treat to use, so I am very thankful to be able to keep it in our fabulous home.

User Generated Power

2007-11-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

As storm season approaches, I start to make a mental checklist of where the flashlights, spare batteries and hand-crank radio have been stowed. I will also be re-filling our emergency supply kit soon.

The one thing we don't have that would be really fabulous is a small generator. What I love about Freeplay's Weza is that it's people-powered by way of a foot pedal (you can also plug the unit into your wall to charge it, but the foot pedal is pretty cool). Weza is a Swahili word for "power" -- totally appropriate for something that can generate enough energy to jumpstart a car or charge personal electronics.

The photo above, taken by Flickr user DCMetroblogger, shows someone using a Weza to power an XO laptop -- another fabulous item about which we will be blogging in coming weeks.

Got Asthma? Might be your cleaning spray....

2007-10-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Before you reach for that bottle of furniture spray, air freshener or window cleaner, consider this:

Using household cleaning sprays and scented air fresheners as little as once a week can raise a person's risk of developing asthma, the European study says.

Fifteen per cent, or one in seven, adult asthma cases could be attributed to use of cleaning and deodorizing sprays, according to the study.

The study included more than 3,500 subjects across 22 centres in 10 European countries.

Source: CBC.ca, "Household cleaning sprays linked to higher asthma risk" 12Oct2007

For a truly fabulous home, try making your own cleaners. It's easy and there are plenty of how-to guides:

Clean and Green
Pantry Recipes for Homemade Cleaning Supplies (Organized Home)
Natural Cleaning and Green Cleaning by Miah (Green Parenting)
Non-toxic Home Care (Eartheasy)

And if you don't want to make your own, there are plenty of "green" cleaners on the market. Cynthia Hubert at The Sacramento Bee recently did a comparison of green vs traditional cleaners; here's a snapshot of the winners.

New options for solar power....

2007-09-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Most people, when they think of solar panels, think of big bulky rectangular frames that are awkwardly perched on rooftops. Now, though, solar is blending in.

Check out Sunslates™ solar roofing tiles -- from a distance they look no different from shingles when properly installed.

Of course, for portability, I really want to get my hands on the Brunton Solarroll™ which you can drape over a tent, car, balcony or whathaveyou to power small appliances or recharge your cellphone.

Salad Rolls : The Snack for Fabulous Entertaining

2007-08-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Deodorizers

2007-08-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Deodorize Your Kitchen Sink
The garbage disposal is great for keeping the dregs of dinner from lingering, but the resulting odors are more stubborn.
Solution: Give the disposal something nicer to chew on. Run hot water, drop orange peels down the hatch, and turn on the switch. Lemon, lime, and grapefruit rinds also do the trick.

Deodorize Your Freezer
Those UFOs (unidentified frozen objects) in the freezer make your piecrust smell like a substance from another planet.
Solution: Wipe the freezer with a cotton pad dampened with pure vanilla extract. Refrigerator shelves will benefit from a wipe-down with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.

Deodorize Your Car
Your car has been there for you through every trip to the vet, the recycling center, and fast-food joints, but you don’t want to be reminded of that every time you get behind the wheel.
Solution: Drop a potpourri wax tart into a cup holder. The tarts, used in fragrance burners, are sold by candle makers.

Deodorize Food Storage Containers
Saving leftovers for lunch is virtuous; chucking containers because you can’t get rid of the smell of vegetable curry isn’t.
Solution: Soak plastic containers in warm water and baking soda overnight. Bathe glass jars in a mixture of one teaspoon powdered mustard and one quart warm water.

Deodorize Your Clothes
Your vintage woolens are back in style, but they bear stale odors picked up during their stint in fashion purgatory.
Solution: Spritz garments with a small amount of vodka; hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area (spot-test first). Straight vodka kills bacteria, but it doesn’t leave a scent.
Tip: Fabric-softener sheets have a curious ability to restore olfactory harmony. Place one or two at the bottom of the laundry hamper.

Deodorize Your Carpet
Carpets can collect unpleasant odors, particularly in high-traffic areas and in spots where pets like to nap.
Solution: Cordon off the zone and sprinkle liberally with baking soda, then vacuum up a few hours later. Can’t keep everyone away that long? Do a quarter of the rug at a time.

Deodorize Your Pet
Your dog may be able to tell you’re cooking hamburger from across the room, but you shouldn’t be able to smell his favorite blanket from the same distance.
Solution: Toss it in the dryer (30 minutes on medium) with a home-dry-cleaning bag and cloth from Dryel (www.dryel.com).

Deodorize Your Basement
Guests wouldn’t know that your beautifully appointed basement used to be a dank concrete bunker — until they take a whiff.
Solution: Cut an onion in half, place it on a plate, and leave it in the basement overnight. Once the initial salad-bar aroma dissipates, you’ll have fresh (non-oniony) air. Like magic!

How To Unshrink Wool Clothes

2007-06-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Say you nuked your wool garment in the wash, here's how to fix it.
1. Place the wool item in a sink full of warm water.
2. Soak for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the item and squeeze out excess water.
4. Let dry on a towel.
5. Carefully stretch and pull the item back to its original shape. Voila!

Why are we talking about wool in the summer? Because we recently threw our smelly winter cap in the wash and it came out a kitty-cat chapeau. Bookmark this tip in your brain for the next time you forget to read your wool item's care label.

Quick Fix for Card Clutter

2007-05-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

I tend to grab business cards -- I find them easier to use for reference than looking up businesses in the phone book. The problem is, they were adding a lot of clutter to my bulletin board.

To fix the problem I grabbed a binder ring (also called book rings), a hole punch, and my stack of cards. I punched a hole in the centre of one short side of each card (some are "upside down" in the stack because I tried to avoid punching out address information). Then I just slipped them all on the binder ring and hung it on a pin.

The result is an easy to flip through stack of information that takes up much less space. Fabulous!

The Alienware m9700: You can't be a Fabulouse techie without a Fabulous Laptop

2007-03-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

This from Game-Boyz.com:
At first sight, this Alienware notebook is a thing of beauty. The unit I reviewed was clad in an eerie metallic smooth green finish with rubber detailing. The Alienware icon and its xeno blue eyes light up when the computer is on, eliciting an “oooh!” from onlookers. It’s love at first sight.

Here are the stats at a glance:

Processor
- AMD Turion64 ML-44 processor (2.4GHz)

Chipset
-NVIDIA nForce4 SLI
Memory
- Two SODIMM sockets - 2x1GB DDR 400 Unbuffered Non-ECC memory
Graphics
- Dual NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS 256MB (MXM) SLI Enabled
Drives
- 2 x SATA/66 - Dual 100GB Hitachi 7200rpm SATA HDD RAID 0 1.5 GB/s 8MB Cache - 8x Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
Communications
- 10/1000 Mbps Ethernet - Realtek 802.11b/g Wireless LAN - 56K v.90 Fax/modem - Integrated Bluetooth device
Display
- 17" TFT LCD
Audio
- Stereo speakers with integrated subwoofer - Intel High-Definition Audio
I/O Connectors
- 1 x Power port - 1 x Lock jack - 1 x Ethernet port - 1 x Modem port - 1 x Headphone jack - 1 x Microphone jack - 1 x SPDIF jack - 1 x PCMCIA slot - 1 x TV-out port (S-Video) - 1 x TV-in port (S-Video) - 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports - 1 x VGA-out port - 1 x DVI-out port - 1 x 4-pin mini IEEE1394 port - 1 x Multimedia (MMC/SD/MS/MS Pro) Card Reader

Software
- Microsoft Media Center XP OS

I commonly use an Acer 5672. Its stats are inferior to the Alienware machine, but not drastically short of the mark, so it’s apt to compare them. I became familiar with the Acer’s quirks—it’s tendencies to jam up or crash. I knew where these weak points were: using video—multiple sources of video, heavy use of the drive (lots of searching, large file access, deleting swaths of files), pushing gaming capabilities (3D rendering, online play, etc.). In short, the Alienware machine worked perfectly. This speaks to how the peripherals play with one another. We’re dealing with open architecture—all of these pieces farmed together to give you the stats you desire. Too often does a spotty OS try to coordinate video card, audio card, network traffic and memory with less than successful results. It feels like Alienware worked to find a combination of components that played well together then backed that combo up with the right drivers. The result is a stable experience—great performance that stands up to the pounding of real usage. Manufacturers are so prone push computers out the door “Now! Now! Now!” that I almost assume that a laptop or desktop will have great stats yet buggy in the execution of those components. The m9700 handles great.

The video performance out of the m9700 is phenomenal. I took its resolution up to 1920 across then I cried ‘uncle’ as the “Start” button became a miniscule icon in the far corner and I brought it back down into a compromise of resolutions. I tried pushing the capabilities by playing video along with other apps and a copy of Civ IV running in the background. I saw no signs of stuttering or impeded performance and the Romans continued their march of the Greeks without interruption.

This machine came Media Center ready and that was a real treat. It fluidly pulled in TV feeds, stored them on its spacious hard drive and burned them onto DVD in speedy fashion. My one complaint is that the coax connection is different from the TV/AV standard. In my small town, I had to scour all of the TV/video and computer shops to find a compliant plug. Had this shipped with the laptop, it would have been nice. The laptop bristles with ports and connectors, brimming with capacity for expansion. If your goal were to make this laptop a desktop replacement, it would be a fine candidate.

The software I used to put the m9700 included the games of Civilization IV and Rome; video editor Adobe Premiere; MS Office 2003; Macromedia DreamWeaver and Fireworks. Civilization IV can be a demanding mistress, but running on the m9700 it handled fine with full-fledged animations and handling complex battles with ease. Rome never looked so good coming through this laptop. The real strengths of the m9700 were exposed with Adobe Premiere: it sucked down clips via firewire and handled them easily. I was able to throw whole strings of editing commands and filters at my video project and it didn’t choke. While my Acer will take hours to process a video for DVD burning, the m9700 screamed through the compositing process and was burning my video within 30 minutes.

The terrific performance of this machine comes at a price. This machine kicks out more heat than an EZ-bake oven. Over the long term, this heat has to go somewhere—either into tabletop beneath your machine, or back into the components. This is common for high performance laptops but I wish the makers had paid more attention to this issue. This heat is a display of energy: running off of batteries, the best I could get out of this machine while gaming was 80 minutes. There are plenty of ways to tune down the energy drain, but then your performance takes a hit: dimmer screen, lower graphics quality, clipped off peripherals (like Bluetooth or WLAN). Taking these steps to extend your battery life doesn’t extend the lifespan by much, which means you’re tethered to the wall for the most part.

This is a terrific piece of hardware. It performs the best of any laptop I have tinkered with. If cost were no object (this unit going for -gulp- $3,348), I would leap at this Alienware laptop. Unfortunately, Alienware doesn’t cheat the curve: you pay a premium for the stability and performance. But the result is out of this world.

Fabulous Health

2007-02-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

We are always trying to "eat better food" and "get more exercise" but we seldom manage to do both for any lenghth of time. So, one way I help my health is to take supplements... a multivitamin (with iron), ColdFX (a ginseng extract which keeps many colds at bay), and Evening Primrose Oil (this is just for women... to keep me from turning into a complete beast with the full moon....). These can get pricey, though we have found buying ColdFX in the larger size to help offset that cost. Evening Primrose is widely available, and I get my multivitamin from Zellers.

Fabulous Brew?

2007-01-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

I recently received an AeroPress™ "Coffee and Espresso Maker" to review for the Coffee Crew and after many uses, I can say it makes a decent cup of coffee, but not a fabulous one.

What the AeroPress™ is:

- a vaccuum press system
- easy to use
- easy to clean
- great for camping and travel use
- cheaper than pod brewers

What the AeroPress™ isn't

- an espresso maker
- a replacement for drip coffee
- something that inspires me to write in superlatives

In Canada, the Aerobie® AeroPress™ retails for just under $40, about the same as a French press ($35) or mid-range drip coffee maker ($20-$60); more than stovetop espresso makers ($15-$25); and less than countertop espresso makers ($60-$175) or pod brewing systems like Tassimo™ ($75-$200).

Of that list, I absolutely hate making coffee in a French press -- it never tastes right and cleaning the press is tedious, time-consuming, and messy. If you like a French press brew, though, then I highly reccommend the AeroPress™ -- you will be able to get a similar brew the first time you use it.

I haven't tried any of the pod brewers, but most reviews are not glowing; my daily brew comes from a drip coffee maker, and for espresso I really miss my little stovetop model which consistently produced the best espresso I've made -- my countertop espresso maker never really measured up.

The AeroPress™ will have a place in our Fabulous Kitchen, though: when I feel like a single cup of coffee or decaf, it's the easiest solution. In the morning, I can press a quick cup straight into a travel mug, pop out the used grounds, rinse and go. In the evening, it saves making a full or even half pot of decaf that only I'll drink.

The Cramped Chef Series

2006-12-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

Scotch Eggs
Egg wrapped in sausage. How could you go wrong?

Big Mike
Two layered burger without the saliva.

Savory French Toast
Bread stuffed with yummy ingredients. A brunch time favorite

Nifty radiant heating panels

2006-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

If someone says "radiant heating" to me, I think of elaborate plumbed underfloor systems in dream homes... but, by the look of these Revolution XP panels at Invisible Heating Systems, they can be retrofit snugly into walls or ceilings.... neato.

tags: alternative heating, home renovation

Pest Control

2006-09-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nothing can make your home unfabulous faster than an infestation of something creepy or crawly. We recently did battle with fruit flies. I suspect they started on the bananas, but they established themselves pretty well and were feasting on bread we had on the counter (ewwww... dozens of flies inside a plastic bag of bread? Yechhh!) and who knows what else. Apparently, they can even feed off the slime in a kitchen drain or a soured sponge or mop.

We refrigerated all the food and bleached every surface, but the flies still seemed to be breeding. After a web search, we found instructions for a simple trap -- basically a paper funnel in a jar baited with a slice of fruit or cider vinegar.

We set it on the counter and within minutes, two flies were already trapped. We left it overnight and now it is full. From here, we will take it outside and dispose of the pests. The nice thing about the trap is that no chemicals need to be used. Fabulous!

Smart Car : The Linux of Automobiles

2006-08-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

We rented a Smart Car, FourTwo. Not just any but the peppy cabriolet variant. We had imagined that a Smart car could be a fabulous addition to our fabulous lives. These are tiny, intended for two passengers. They are legendarily good on fuel. They are easy to park. That about ends their good points.

The Smart Car has a clutchless standard transmission. A plus and a minus intimate higher and lower gears. Gone is the clutch grind when you ride the clutch. Gone is chance of jumping from 1 to 3; 2 to 4. In its place, the transmission makes you guess when its in Neutral and Reverse. You think you’re in gear, but nuh-uh. You have to guess as you drift in the wrong direction. As side effect of this: rollback. You have as much chance for rollback as with a true standard.

We rented it, took it away and stopped it to show it off to others in the family. Then we tried to restart it. No go. The gear indicator flashed a key symbol. The manual made no note of what this meant. So, after much frustration, we phoned the dealership. This was a security feature. If the car was shut off for more than five minutes, you need to toggle the alarm on the remote to de-immobilize the ignition. What good is that? If you’re using the keys to start the car, you have what you need to de-immbolize the starter.

The model we tried out was big on vibration. Gear shifting happened sometime after you shifted gears. Every so often the car would gear shift for you. The creature comforts found in other cars were absent: no air conditioning; the “fan” has all of the power of a five year old blowing through a pixie straw; the stereo is drowned out by the engine noise. Some of the symbols are cryptic. Some are explicit—like the real temperature scale on the engine temperature.

In the city, it rattled and jerked. As a commuter car on short hops, it failed. On the highway, its pluses showed themselves. It was a smoother ride until I stuck my hand out of the open roof. That threw off the aerodynamics so much so that it made it difficult for the driver to control. Because of its small size, it is a flea on a road full of SUVs. This became very apparent when a Purolator delivery truck (BC plates: 4231 JK) changed into our lane and almost ran us off of the road. Did he not see our small profile or was he a lousy driver?

I call the Smart Car, “the Linux of Automobiles.” Similar to the computer operating system: this vehicle has non-standard features; it’s compact; it’s inexpensive; it’s perplexing; it’s low on frills; it’s seems cool, handy and alienating at the same time. I’ve often said that Windows users use their computers; Linux users are hobbyists. I feel the Smart Cars appeal to people who would rather own a Smart Car than use and enjoy a car.

Would I buy one of these? No. Would I take one for free? Yes. Would I trade in an icy cold, refreshing can of Coca-Cola to obtain a Smart Car? No way.

Fabulous Cabinets

2006-08-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

While they aren't quite fabulous yet, our kitchen cabinets are further away from their hideous 1970s faux woodgrain laminated beginnings.

Step 1: sand the laminate -- not enough to see the particle board underneath, but enough to roughen the surface.

Step 2. paint with primer -- the primer we were recommended includes lead (!!) so care was taken to paint with doors wide open. It took two coats for a good base.

Step 3. paint with melamine paint -- the melamine takes quite a while to dry and it also took two coats so this was lengthly. It was suggested we use a "high density foam" roller, but I really didn't like the bubbly texture it produced, so we went back to a regular roller and a brush (the brush actually produced the best results).

Fabulous Ride....

2006-08-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

For a while we have been debating about adding a second vehicle to our "fleet" -- we currently own a minivan which suits our needs nicely, though it means one of us is bussing or walking to get around otherwise and it uses the same amount of gas regardless of how many people are inside.

So, we have been looking at other vehicles. Most recently, we have been eyeing the Smart Car (which has been available in Canada for two years but is only now being introduced in the United States) and various electric bikes (like those at GWEV). We hope to test drive the Smart Car later this month, and we'll follow with a review.

Every time I get close to talking myself into an electric bike, I talk myself out of it again -- either because the weather turns or because I can't imagine doing anything but getting to and from work on one (no big shopping runs; no passenger). Still, I have yet to take one for a spin.

At least we don't have too many parking issues around here, though, and the City has recently introduced "small vehicle" spaces to make room for more scooters and smart cars parking downtown. In New Jersey, though, they had a different problem: Giant Robot Imprisons Parked Cars [Wired News].

Can't Afford an X-Box? Go Old School!

2006-08-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

Plug and Play electronics are a far cry from the early console sets, with their battered cartriges, clunky consoles, and high pricetags. Now for between $10 and $20 you can get a dozen games in one controller -- which is a great deal for parents or anyone else who doesn't want to spend hundreds of dollars for gaming.

So far, we have three plug and play units in our fabulous home: Atari and Intellivision game collections and Etch-A-Sketch wired which even allows you to shake the controller to erase what's on the screen! The game units are great -- they plug in any standard RCA inputs on your TV or VCR and they are small, so the three of them take up much less space than any modern console plus games. Even better, especially for families, the games are engaging, built for a range of ability levels, and clean.

The Atari collection of 10 games includes Asteroids, Breakout and Centipede, along with the very very basic Pong. Intellivision 25 is jam-packed with space and sports games including Space Armada (like Space Invaders), the Tron-like Snafu, Baseball, Basketball and even Pinball. Ease of play varies from game to game and while the Atari game mimics the classic controller, the Intellivision games are packed into what looks like a classic x-Box control pad.

The Etch-A-Sketch unit is a bit different. There is a screen for classic Etch-A-Sketch drawing, complete with a red frame on the screen, but there is also a connect the dots section, tracing, mazes, and more. Lots of fun, especially for younger kids.

The market for these games exploded a few years ago, and shows no sign of slowing down. Unfortunatley, a lot of newer ones are seriously novelty-driven (like the Sponge Bob Square Pants game, where his nose forms the joystick handle). That said, there are still a couple I would like to pick up, including one of the Namco collections (with Pac Man or Dig Dug) and the Plug and Play Pinball.

I highly recommend all of the plug and play sets we have:

Buy Atari TV Games Console from Amazon.com
Buy Etch-A-Sketch Wired from Amazon.com
Buy Intellivision 25

Solar Lights Are Great

2006-08-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

When we did up our garden, I wanted to have something out there to light it up at night. My mom got some electically powered night lights and I had to follow this cryptic routine to wire them around her garden. Then I set up her timer. About two months a year (one in the Fall; one in the Spring), the timer is right. Apart from that, it looks like it's saying to crooks, "We're probably out of town."
Then, I thought about Solar Lights for our garden. You can seat them anywhere. As long as they don't get a lot of shade, you're in business. They click on when darkness falls and peter out when the charge runs down (usually after bed time). I used only the small stake style. There are lots of variants. If I had a pond, I would likely use the floating style. There are some lantern style and tiki style. They emit this faint, LED, ghostly light. It illuminates the garden and accents it. You could put in dozens of lights. If you don't like the configuration, change them. My only problem: I wish I had many more of them.

It's Getting Too Hot In Here!

2006-07-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

We've just weathered our first blistering heat wave in the region (Victoria/Puget Sound and environs). But it's only July. August is waiting for us like a fire breathing dragon. In our homes we can blast the air conditioning, sleep in front of a fan, cloak the windows with dark blinds. What about our cars?
Cars are sitting ducks all of the beating heat. Here are some ways I try to get the van to bearable temperature:

Air conditioning (here's to hoping it won't give up). You can't run air conditioning all of the time, but you do need air circulation. Without air circulation, your interior could peak at 140 degrees or higher. The ideal solution: the Auto Cool Solar Car Fan it can hang off of your window, use solar power to turn the fan and all the while your car is keeping cool. Make the sun into your friend. Using solar power, this will reduce that up 30 degrees or more. Heck, there's no reason you can't perch one in each window.
Drive in the shade. If neccessary, shape your errands around what side of the road is getting the shade.
Windows open (sometimes). On the highway: leave the windows open to take advantage of the speed; in the city open them when you're in the sun and you can vent heat. If you can get the temperature out and you can park in the shade-- close the windows.
Use shades for your windows. Even if you have to improvise with a hunk of cardboard, keeping the sun out and you will keep the heat out.
Multi-task. I found this out by accident: I had some partially dry laundry. I left it in the windows and on the dash. That made the car look like a gypsy caravan, but the clothes were dry and the car was cool.

Home Beautification on a Budget

2006-07-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

We did these accent walls of bright orange. Unfortunately, they looked a little blank. My wife came upon a concept that seemed to suit us fine.
Start with a canvas. Buy some lightweight spackle and a notched putty knife. Apply the putty in a pattern. Waves; swoops, you name it. Next, choose some colors of poster paint that you like and paint broad sections. Segregate the colors with a bordering color. In this case, we use black to make a nice divide. It's cheap, it's easy to and it's kind of fun.

Here's more imagery on the whole project.

Table Mate: A Laptop Saver

2006-07-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have this recurring waking nightmare: I am in my living room, enjoying my laptop while on the couch. I want it at the right height, so I balance in the arm of the sofa. I get distracted and WHAM! My laptop hits the floor. How could I get past this dilemma? http://www.tvproducts4less.com/table-mate-2.html
The table mate is a foldable tv tray that makes eating, working at a laptop or many other things a lot easier. TV Products for Less is selling theirs at a price point of $5 less than what is offered on TV, with a week (or less) delivery time, instead of 6-8 weeks, as seen on the tv ads. These little tables have a versatile, adjustable tray and the height of legs is variable. My laptop need not quiver fearfully on the arm of the couch any longer.

What Could Biodiesel Do In Your Home

2006-05-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

There is an E-Book available to give you the low down on biodiesel and its role in your life. It's a darn shame you buy so much expensive electricity from your local electric company, when Jeff, Timothy, and Jean make their own using biodiesel! This fantastic eBook will show you how to set up your own electric company running on biodiesel fuel in your back yard.

Organization Helpers

2006-04-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Easy Organizer
The easiest way to organize every bit of information in your life!

Tons of easy to use forms, checklists, logs and information sheets for important family information, goals, planning, personal growth, home maintenance, cleaning, inventory, gardening, home office, computer, vacation and more!

Click Here for more details.

Holiday Planner
The easiest way to get organized for the holidays!

No matter what time of year it is, it's never too early to get organized for the holidays. Tons of easy to use forms, checklists, logs and information sheets to help you get organized for the holidays, including holiday To Do lists, planning sheets, holiday dinner guides, holiday cards, decorations, holiday budget and much more!

Click Here for more details.

You could always use a little help with organization. I know I could.

You Can't Be Fabulous, If You Carry Too Much Debt

2006-01-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

By now, you've probably received some of your credit card bills from your Christmas spending spree. Everyone bemoans the credit card bills. We usually spend out all of our free cash on Christmas presents and treats; but rarely dip into our credit cards. I think we're in the minority: many people who go right over the top and get their debt out of control. So, in honor of this least wonderful time in a debtor's life (January), I have posted a new section on my site : Debt and How Get Out of It

The Killer of High Interest - Debt isn't your problem: it's interest. Strategic how to get out debt as fast as possible with the dollars available.
How Your Debt Ceiling Can Come Crashing Down - You can't fix your debt if it looks like you owe too much. Your debt ceiling may be holding you back from a low interest exit to your debt dilemma.

What's this all about then?

2006-01-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Mike and I have a house. More precicely, we have a strata townhouse but we would rather have a private fully-detached house. In the meantime, we are working toward making our home, which we share with one child and two cats, a little more fabulous. Check in here for updates on home renovations, reviews of home electronics and small appliances, household products, retail establishments and more.