Why You Do Repairs Before You Sell

Repairs, renovations and upgrades are a must-do before you put your house on the market. All existing systems, including windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical must be in perfect working order. You may not have to replace or upgrade every item. But you need to know that buyers in this marketplace expect that the home they purchase is in perfect working order. The benefit for you is that this buyer pays you top dollar for a home that is “toothbrush ready.” That’s a real estate expression that agents often use to signify a house that is move in condition without any further preparation. “Just bring your toothbrush.” 

4 Reasons Why Repairing Before You Sell Saves You Money 

1. Your potential buyers won’t be distracted by problems and repair items; they will focus on your home’s positive, not negative, features. 
2. Your actual cost to fix items will always be less than a buyer’s estimate. 
3. Your purchase negotiations won’t drag on and on over minor repair issues.
4. You won’t have to do a price reduction to reflect the estimated (over-inflated) cost of repairs.

Ignoring Repairs Costs You Money!

You want to make the big bucks when you sell? You want to sell quickly? Then you are just going to have to bite the bullet and do all the needed repairs. It’s important to complete all these repairs before the sale because you are going to have to do them eventually. Yes, that’s right, somehow and at some point these repairs will cost you! And if you don’t do them before sale day, you’re going to be selling your house for a lot less than what these fixes cost. And here’s the real bottom line: Fixing them now is the most cost-effective way to take care of them. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you. Simple as that. So just do them! 

Saving Money on Repairs     

The least expensive way to deal with problems and repairs is to address them before you sell. Waiting to have the buyer inspect and then ask for a credit or price reduction always results in the cost of the repair being overestimated—costing you money. It also forces the negotiations to drag out longer—costing you money. It can force you to reduce the price of your house—costing you money. But most importantly, even the littlest repair or problem will distract your buyer as they walk through your house deciding if they want to buy and how much they want to offer. It takes them out of their positive emotional experience and forces them to focus on problems…not positive aspects. Again…and big time….costing you money!

Excerpted from Michael Corbett’s Blog on trulia.

What Can We Learn From Terry Fox?

This is a moving and inspirational video that we know you’ll like:

Check Out These Inspirational People

Know Anyone Born In July?

People born between June 22 and July 22 are often compassionate, resourceful, tenacious and imaginative. Fiercely protective and nurturing, they are family-oriented and also inclined to take in strays.

They also tend to be trustworthy and responsible. They are usually good prospects as business partners, as well as for friendships and romantic relationships.

Business Sense

They have a lot of common sense and a practical outlook on life, which makes them good business people and shrewd investors. They have a talent for making money and investing it wisely. Many people in this category start successful businesses and most have a lot of good business ideas. Businesses involving liquids, food, hospitality, children, animals or boats are particularly favored.

Passionate and Protective

Many of the people born during this time are quick to blow up and quick to forgive. They are aggressively protective of friends and family, and will not tolerate anyone saying bad things about those they love. Although they are usually gentle, they can turn ferocious when threatened and show a surprising amount of physical and emotional strength. They are fiercely protective of the weak and vulnerable, and many take in and nurture strays. These folks are particularly good with vulnerable adults, animals and children, able to intuit their needs and provide the support they require.

Relationship-Oriented

Most people born in this month need a mate, a nest and children to make their lives complete. Their placid, giving natures often create marital harmony, though some freedom-loving individuals might find love smothering. Unless the ascendant is in a more fickle sign, Cancers tend to be loyal, not only to lovers, family and friends, but also to their countries of origin, which manifests as a fierce patriotism.
Most of these people are homebodies, but they are also sociable with those close to them (though some are painfully shy outside of their inner circles). Although they prefer to live with others, these others are generally close friends and family members rather than casual acquaintances.

Self-Sacrificing

These people have a tendency to spoil their mates, children and animals. They are often the ones to take care of various extended family members as well and often, they need to be needed.
However, some people born during this time devote their entire lives to their mates and their children at the expense of developing their own talents. This can lead to a martyr complex if they’re not careful.

Extremely Sensitive

People born during this month usually overreact to criticism because words can wound them more deeply than blows. They may seem tough or crabby, but this is a mask designed to hide their vulnerability from others. They are prone to worry and moodiness and their tension may be experienced as a stomach upset, heart palpitations or tightness in the chest.
Some of them grow depressed as a result of the self-pity that comes from dwelling on real or imagined slights. Interestingly, they have a tendency to complain a lot about minor problems but meet major traumas with quiet stoicism. These folks can withstand physical hardship but they have trouble with emotional hardship.

Intuitive and Empathic

People born during this time are highly intuitive. Many of them have a strong, almost psychic link with at least one family member, if not all of them. In general, they tend to be good at assessing the moods and feelings of others and offering comfort if needed.
In general, they are very empathic and quick to comfort those who are sick and suffering. Many of them get taken advantage of by unscrupulous people because they can be quite gullible and eager to help.

Keep Cool In July Without Burning Cash!

No-Cost and Low-Cost Tips to Save Energy This Summer

Here you'll find strategies to help you save energy during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the spring and summer.

If you haven't already, conduct an energy assessment to find out where you can save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long-term energy savings.

Also check out no-cost and low-cost tips to save energy during the winter.

Use Your Windows to Gain Cool Air and Keep Out Heat

• If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
• Learn more about natural ventilation.
• Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows.
• Find out about window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.

Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently

• Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
• Find out how to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings.
• Also see ENERGY STAR's June 5, 2008, podcast for video instructions on operating your programmable thermostat.
• Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

Use Fans and Ventilation Strategies to Cool Your Home

• If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
• Learn more about using a ceiling fan to increase cooling efficiency.
• Find ENERGY STAR ceiling fans.
• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
• When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).
• Find ENERGY STAR ventilating fans.

Keep Your Cooling System Running Efficiently

• Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment.
• Learn about operating and maintaining your air conditioner, evaporative cooler, or heat pump.
• Find guidelines on hiring a professional service for air conditioner maintenance.
• Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Learn additional tips for operating a room air conditioner efficiently.
• Vacuum registers regularly to remove any dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the air flow through your registers.

Don't Heat Your Home with Appliances and Lighting

• On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
• Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10%–15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat.
• Learn more about your options for efficient lighting.
• Find out when to turn off your lights.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR lighting products.
• Take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.
• Learn more about strategies for efficient day lighting.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air drying both dishes and clothing.
• Learn more about efficient dishwashing and laundry.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Learn more ways to reduce your hot water use.
• Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher, and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions will add some heat to your home.
• Learn more about avoiding heat buildup in your home

Keep Hot Air from Leaking Into Your Home

• Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
• Learn more about air sealing new and existing homes.
• Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
• Find how to select and apply the appropriate caulk.
• Learn how to select and apply weather stripping.
• Find out other ways to improve the energy efficiency of your windows.

Lower Your Water Heating Costs

Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.

• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands.
• Find other strategies for energy-efficient water heating.