Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

The Penthouse... The American Dream...

Here is some GREAT advice on Selling your home this Spring (or anytime)...

5 Things to Avoid When Selling Your Home this Spring

By Paul Owers

RISMEDIA, Monday, April 09, 2012— (MCT)—Home sellers find that interest from prospective buyers heats up in the spring as many families look to get settled in a new place before the school year starts in August. But the traditional March-through-May buying season can be a dud for sellers who don’t deliver what they promise or who stand over buyers as they open cupboards and peek in bedrooms. “Some sellers are their own worst enemies,” said Michael Citron, an agent in Broward County, Fla. Here are five things that turn off prospective buyers: -A cluttered house or one that smells. When sellers have too many possessions, buyers have a hard time imagining themselves living in the home. Sellers should put their stuff in storage—or move out altogether, if possible. Pet odors are also a big turn-off, as is a house that reeks of cigarette or cigar smoke. “If buyers smell smoke, they’ll walk out immediately,” said Jon Klein, an agent in Coral Springs, Fla. -False or misleading advertising. Sellers and their agents stretch the truth by claiming a home has four bedrooms, but the fourth room isn’t a bedroom because it doesn’t have a window and closet. Joanne Caouette, a Canadian looking to buy in Broward, said one home was advertised as waterfront but only had a water view. “It’s a waste of our time,” she said. -Sellers not committed to selling. Some sellers want to test the market, then waffle when buyers show serious interest. Others ignore offers or are insulted by what they consider low bids. “No offer is insulting,” said Bob Melzer, an agent in Boynton Beach, Fla. “It’s a point to begin.” Wishy-washy sellers don’t use lock boxes that give agents quick access, or they’re not accommodating when it comes to scheduling showings. “If you want to sell your house, there should be very few times when you can’t show it,” said Cathy Prenner, an agent in northeast Broward. -Overpricing the house. Many sellers are too attached to their homes and think they’re worth more than they are, agents say. Even though prices are beginning to stabilize, a seller who misses the target likely won’t generate much interest. Before hiring an agent, interview several. They almost certainly will have documentation that shows what comparable homes in the neighborhood are selling for. “If you set the home at market price, you’re going to get that property sold,” said Summer Greene, a real estate manager in Fort Lauderdale. -Sellers who stay for the showing. This is a pet peeve of buyers and agents, who say sellers should be long gone when prospective buyers show up. Prospective buyers want to be free to tour the home without the owners present. They don’t want to carry on a conversation or listen to why the sellers think they should buy the house. Citron strongly opposes sellers talking to buyers before they’ve signed a contract. By revealing their motivation, for instance, sellers can inadvertently give buyers more power in negotiations. “The only thing you can do if you talk to the prospective buyer is hurt the deal,” Citron said.

Homeownership Makes Tax Time Less Taxing...

RISMEDIA, Friday, April 13, 2012— With the April 17 tax deadline coming up, many individuals and families still have time to take advantage of the valuable tax benefits homeownership affords. Many are turning to the National Association of REALTORS’® consumer website, HouseLogic.com.

"Our government encourages homeownership because it benefits families, communities, and our nation's economy; homeownership is an investment in our collective futures," says NAR President Moe Veissi, "HouseLogic.com helps homeowners identify the benefits that will save them money today and plan ahead for future savings, as well."

HouseLogic.com provides tips and tools for homeowners, and devotes an entire section of its site to tax incentives for the home. Visitors can check out A Home Owner's Guide to Taxes to find helpful articles like 10 Easy Mistakes Home Owners Make on their Taxes, 12 Tough Questions (and Answers) About Home Office Deductions, and 6 Deduction Traps and How to Avoid Them that provide consumers with a wealth of information to ensure they get the maximum return to which they're entitled.

Tax benefits that encourage homeownership include the mortgage interest deduction, deductions for property taxes, and tax credits for energy-efficient remodeling projects and heating and cooling systems.

For more information, visit www.houselogic.com or www.realtor.org.

Do Your Part: Top 7 Green Cleaning Secrets

RISMEDIA, Thursday, April 05, 2012— (MCT)—Spring is here and that means it’s time for a good spring cleaning. Instead of bringing in chemical cleaners to do the dirty work, opt for a deep, green clean. Using safer cleaning products helps create a healthier home and a healthier family. Today, I’m sharing my top seven green cleaning secrets to help you do your part for your environment.

1. White Vinegar Works Wonders
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that works just about everywhere. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a germ-busting disinfectant to clean kitchen counters, bathrooms, and most floors. You can bring this mixture to a boil in the microwave to loosen stuck on food and grease. And 1 cup of vinegar to the dishwasher in order to clean its inner workings. One warning: don’t use vinegar on marble or other porous surfaces.

2. Baking Soda Solutions
Baking soda works well on most things in the kitchen because it doesn’t scratch. That makes it a good choice for countertops, oven tops, stainless steel, and the sink. If you have stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Let it sit for a while, scrub the area, and then wipe clean.

3. Tackle Bathroom Blues with Borax
Borax is an effective mold killer and works well on hard water deposits. Use a paste to scrub the sides of the tub to a sparkling white, or mix a solution of one cup borax with one gallon of hot water to eat away at mold in tile grout. In addition, a cup of borax left in the toilet bowl overnight leaves it fresh and clean.

4. Choose Air Fresheners That Don’t Pollute
Many popular air fresheners contain a host of man-made chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution and the manufacturers aren’t required to list the ingredients on the label. These “air-fresheners” can actually leave dangerous levels of hormone disrupting phthalates or formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) behind. Fresh air, baking soda (sprinkled in everything from garbage cans to tennis shoes), soy candles, or essential oils are healthier options.

5. Green Your Laundry Routine
Green up laundry day by switching to a phosphate-free plant-based detergent. For softer clothes add ¼ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener (use less for HE machines). The smell of vinegar disappears as the clothes dry.

6. Break the Paper Towel Habit
You can wean your family off paper towels by keeping a drawer of reusable cloths nearby. Whether you choose kitchen towels, washcloths, or cut up old t-shirts, the key is in quantity. Make sure you have plenty of options on hand for wiping down the counters or cleaning up an unexpected coffee spill.

7. Safely Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste refers to items such as old paints, chemical cleaners, used motor oil, and more. These items should never be thrown in the trash where they can contaminate our air, land, and water. Locate a full service recycling facility in your area by using the search engine at Earth911.com.

When you spring clean this year, there’s no need to pollute your home or the planet. Instead, find non-toxic solutions to tackle every project on your list. You can find a complete list of green cleaning recipes at DoYourPart.com/Columns along with my must-have items for every green cleaning kit. It’s an important way to Do Your Part for the environment and your family.

Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of “Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living” available at DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com.

HAMP Extension Offers Homeowners Hope...

Restoring the American Dream: HAMP Extension Offers Homeowners Hope

By Keith Loria

RISMEDIA, Friday, April 06, 2012— During President Barack Obama’s most recent State of the Union address, he spoke about the American Dream of owning a home and how that dream has been shattered for many due to the collapse of the housing and mortgage markets over the last few years. However, Obama offered hope to homeowners recently by extending the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which can help many homeowners refinance and take advantage of historically low interest rates.

HAMP also offers incentives to mortgage lenders to encourage them to refinance and modify existing mortgages by lowering interest rates and reducing mortgage balances to the current value of the property.

Launched by the federal government in 2009, HAMP was slated to expire on December 31, 2012, but was extended for one year until December 31, 2013. The extension of the program included an expansion of the eligibility rules to make it available to even more homeowners.

It is believed that millions of additional homeowners will now be eligible to take advantage of the federal program to bring down the costs of owning a home and even help many avoid foreclosure altogether.

In February, new eligibility criteria were released to mortgage lenders and servicers and homeowners may begin submitting applications under the new rules in May. Until then, homeowners can submit applications for modifications under HAMP to their lenders under the existing eligibility guidelines.

There are several changes to the HAMP guidelines that homeowners should be aware of:

-Homeowners found to be ineligible under the current debt-to-income ratio of 31 percent may now be eligible under the new criteria.

-Previously, non-owner occupied homes and owner-occupied homes with tenants were not eligible. However, the new guidelines would allow tenants in part of the home as long as the home is owner-occupied, or the owner intends to take occupancy. It is believed that approximately 700,000 landlords will be eligible under the revisions to HAMP.

-People who were approved for a HAMP trial period, but did not make the payments as scheduled, would be eligible for consideration for a modification under the new eligibility criteria.

-Homeowners who missed payments under an approved HAMP modification, as opposed to a trial period, would be eligible to reapply under the new rules.

In addition to the HAMP extension, the Obama administration announced that it would triple incentives to owners of mortgages that reduce home loan debt and expand eligibility to borrowers struggling under the weight of other liabilities such as medical bills. The extension will apply to all loans, including those held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage financiers.

For more information about the new HAMP guidelines, contact our Lender today.

An UPSCALE Concierge Service that caters to...

Premier Concierge is an upscale concierge service that caters to busy professionals and employees in our local business community. Bonded and insured, we have been in business for over twelve years. We maintain a staff of motivated, knowledgeable employees who are ready to assist with your every need.  Our staff is a group of mature individuals with extensive background checks.

Think of us as your own personal assistant, helping you to accomplish all the responsibilities and obligations for work, family and yourself that you just cannot achieve on your own. Whether it is because of an overwhelming schedule or because the errands have become too numerous to complete, we handle the day-to-day tasks and we get the job done. Premier Concierge restores that sense of life balance and personal control.

 

Misty Keown, President

Premier Concierge, Inc.

Style Consultant, J. Hilburn

11700 Preston Road, Ste 660-186

Dallas, Texas  75230

P: 972.788.1587

C: 214.395.7021

http://www.PremierConcierge.net

http://www.MistyKeown.JHilburn.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/mistykeown

http://www.facebook.com/PremierConcierge

https://twitter.com/MistyConcierge

13 THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

There are some really great tips here:  The best are near the end.

13 THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

I am particularly interested in the part about the wasp spray...

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv/.com/%29

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs http://www.crimedoctor.com/ and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Protection for you and your home:
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you.
WASP SPRAY
A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection... Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE:

On the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save a life.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr.'s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S.
I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone.

Please pass this on even IF you've read it before.  It's a great reminder. 

So It's A Good Deal -- But Is It A Good Deal For YOU?

You have been looking and hunting for that "deal" in this buyer's market -- and you think you've found it -- but have you? Understanding what constitutes a Good Deal may be more personal than you think. The thrill of the search and looking at real estate can put your head in a spin and your heart may become attached to a certain home. However, when you get to the point of putting in an offer, step back and make sure you have a clear mind about the property -- not just the price.

Price Is Not Everything

While the price of the home may be attractive, it isn't cheating to ask why it is so low. Is the home in need of repair? Are there permits required to make those repairs? How extensive are they? Can you live in the dwelling while those repairs happen? Are you capable of doing the repairs yourself, or will you hire someone to accomplish the tasks? Do you have the constitution to deal with the repairs -- are you able to make decisions, do the research, hire the right people, and have the tools/time you need?

While price may be a driving factor, in real estate it is often location. Did you find a good price but in a location that you are compromising? If so, this is one factor you cannot change. Think hard if you are compromising on this one. Commuting a long distance takes time and gas, which can be figured as dollars, making that low price not so low.

Look at features of the home, landscape, location or neighborhood that make it uniquely suited for you, or that affect the price. Understand these before you buy. Even if you never plan to have children attend the local schools, you still might want to know about the schools in your area - it is part of the entire profile of the property you are buying. Look at hospitals, bus routes and other aspects of civil services in the area, too. Some people want to be close to everything, some prefer to be off the main flow - but most importantly: does the profile of this property feel right for you?

When The Price Is Not The Price

A large home with poor insulation, an aging furnace or heating/cooling system, older windows, roof in need of repair or other "big ticket" needs can quickly affect your budget after you buy. Have an expert evaluate features like pools and hot tubs, as these attractive perks might not be in good repair or cost more than you expect to operate and maintain. And remember: pools need to have adequate fencing and safety features. If you need to add them, it could be expensive.

Smaller homes might require that you rent office or storage space off site -- also affecting your budget. And don't forget property taxes, homeowner's or condo fees -- these are annual expenses that must be considered. Don't forget to look at driveways and sidewalks, if you are responsible for these. Often overlooked, replacing or repairing sidewalks that present liability issues might be a pricey fix.

Issues around location can also lead to hidden costs. Longer commutes, poor or inadequate parking, security systems for homes and cars, or costs to keep the home at the level of the neighborhood can add to your expenses. If you plan to work from home, or have clients into your home office, be certain that your business is welcome in the neighborhood. Some cities or communities have strict regulations about running a business from your home. If you cannot use your property in the way you want or need to, then it might not be good for you.

Know Thyself: The Key To Knowing A "Good Deal"

Understand how you deal with stress. If you can't handle the stress of a remodel or complicated/lengthy transactions, getting a house that is in foreclosure or requires extensive work might not be such a good deal. Permits require understanding codes or hiring contractors who do -- but ultimately the homeowner is responsible if there is a permitting issue. Moving itself is stressful, so consider when your "good deal" brings any extra stresses with it. Some people thrive on getting a good deal and doing home projects, so they have extra energy to deal with such things. Know if this is you.

Personal Style -- You always dreamed of a cozy urban oasis, but you are about to settle for a suburban family home. Are you really ready for lawn-care 101? Have you compromised your personal style for a price tag? Allow yourself to really feel good about who you are and what you want. Compromising your personal style is probably not something that you can put a price on.

Health issues -- You have seasonal affective disorder, and light makes all the difference. Who needs a southern exposure and big windows -- that's what those fancy light fixtures are for, right? Determine if making the house suitable for your needs will require extensive remodeling or big work-arounds. If you are compromising on issues that affect your health, do so carefully. If mobility is an issue, doorways and bathrooms could need to accommodate wheelchairs... and what about stairs? Homes in wet areas can have mold issues, which can be expensive to deal with. Be realistic and conservative with any home issues that could affect your health.

Work -- Are you or someone living in the home planning to commute to a job? Is the building/property/neighborhood suitable to working from home? Location is one aspect of this question, but proper light, heat, sound-proofing or other issues may make work related issues a bigger deal than you first imagine. Consider the availability of communications like phone, internet, and other essentials if you plan to work from the property. If clients come to your home office, will you need a separate entrance or more parking? Again, understand the local regulations for running a business from your home in any situation where you are considering doing so.

Know The House And How It Fits YOU

Does the house have what you want? If you are compromising on things like storage, closets might be built, or furniture could remedy some of that -- but building a garage, or adding an attic or basement might not be possible or practical. Look at the house with a critical eye, seeing how it matches with what you are really wanting to buy. The fewer compromises you make, the happier you will be long-term.

Upkeep and Maintenance: Notice elements of the home or property that require work to maintain. Pay attention to things like decks, countertops, bathtub surrounds, floors, fencing, landscaping and other areas where there might be work to do seasonally. Are you prepared to do that yourself, or will you hire this work out? Does the climate affect materials in such a way that decks or fences will need to be stained or replaced more frequently? Can you keep up with all the grout involved in that fancy tile work? If a property requires more work, attention, or money for upkeep than you can afford, perhaps the good deal is just not a good fit for you.

Community: Remember, when you buy a property you are buying into a community. What is the climate of the neighborhood? Are there issues to cause you personal concern? Evaluate the people who live in the area. Are there a lot of rentals, or do people own their own homes? How are the schools and local stores? Do you feel comfortable walking the streets, driving around, parking your car? What are the social opportunities and would you partake in them? Are you a person of faith or do you have strong political leanings? Buying into a neighborhood can call all of these questions into the forefront. Getting to know the tenor of the community and neighborhood can aid you in determining if there are issues to consider, especially if you are home a lot. Driving or walking around the neighborhood at different times of day and on the weekends might give you a better idea of the people in the area. A perfect home can be an island in a stormy sea if you don't feel good in the area.

Going For It

Your hard work in considering all the above is just part of the due diligence when buying a home. Answering honestly will pay off in all sorts of ways. You will go in to your new home with open eyes and hopefully a good deal -- just make sure it is good deal for YOU. 

You have been looking and hunting for that "deal" in this buyer's market -- and you think you've found it -- but have you? Understanding what constitutes a Good Deal may be more personal than you think. The thrill of the search and looking at real estate can put your head in a spin and your heart may become attached to a certain home. However, when you get to the point of putting in an offer, step back and make sure you have a clear mind about the property -- not just the price.

Price Is Not Everything

While the price of the home may be attractive, it isn't cheating to ask why it is so low. Is the home in need of repair? Are there permits required to make those repairs? How extensive are they? Can you live in the dwelling while those repairs happen? Are you capable of doing the repairs yourself, or will you hire someone to accomplish the tasks? Do you have the constitution to deal with the repairs -- are you able to make decisions, do the research, hire the right people, and have the tools/time you need?

While price may be a driving factor, in real estate it is often location. Did you find a good price but in a location that you are compromising? If so, this is one factor you cannot change. Think hard if you are compromising on this one. Commuting a long distance takes time and gas, which can be figured as dollars, making that low price not so low.

Look at features of the home, landscape, location or neighborhood that make it uniquely suited for you, or that affect the price. Understand these before you buy. Even if you never plan to have children attend the local schools, you still might want to know about the schools in your area - it is part of the entire profile of the property you are buying. Look at hospitals, bus routes and other aspects of civil services in the area, too. Some people want to be close to everything, some prefer to be off the main flow - but most importantly: does the profile of this property feel right for you?

When The Price Is Not The Price

A large home with poor insulation, an aging furnace or heating/cooling system, older windows, roof in need of repair or other "big ticket" needs can quickly affect your budget after you buy. Have an expert evaluate features like pools and hot tubs, as these attractive perks might not be in good repair or cost more than you expect to operate and maintain. And remember: pools need to have adequate fencing and safety features. If you need to add them, it could be expensive.

Smaller homes might require that you rent office or storage space off site -- also affecting your budget. And don't forget property taxes, homeowner's or condo fees -- these are annual expenses that must be considered. Don't forget to look at driveways and sidewalks, if you are responsible for these. Often overlooked, replacing or repairing sidewalks that present liability issues might be a pricey fix.

Issues around location can also lead to hidden costs. Longer commutes, poor or inadequate parking, security systems for homes and cars, or costs to keep the home at the level of the neighborhood can add to your expenses. If you plan to work from home, or have clients into your home office, be certain that your business is welcome in the neighborhood. Some cities or communities have strict regulations about running a business from your home. If you cannot use your property in the way you want or need to, then it might not be good for you.

Know Thyself: The Key To Knowing A "Good Deal"

Understand how you deal with stress. If you can't handle the stress of a remodel or complicated/lengthy transactions, getting a house that is in foreclosure or requires extensive work might not be such a good deal. Permits require understanding codes or hiring contractors who do -- but ultimately the homeowner is responsible if there is a permitting issue. Moving itself is stressful, so consider when your "good deal" brings any extra stresses with it. Some people thrive on getting a good deal and doing home projects, so they have extra energy to deal with such things. Know if this is you.

Personal Style -- You always dreamed of a cozy urban oasis, but you are about to settle for a suburban family home. Are you really ready for lawn-care 101? Have you compromised your personal style for a price tag? Allow yourself to really feel good about who you are and what you want. Compromising your personal style is probably not something that you can put a price on.

Health issues -- You have seasonal affective disorder, and light makes all the difference. Who needs a southern exposure and big windows -- that's what those fancy light fixtures are for, right? Determine if making the house suitable for your needs will require extensive remodeling or big work-arounds. If you are compromising on issues that affect your health, do so carefully. If mobility is an issue, doorways and bathrooms could need to accommodate wheelchairs... and what about stairs? Homes in wet areas can have mold issues, which can be expensive to deal with. Be realistic and conservative with any home issues that could affect your health.

Work -- Are you or someone living in the home planning to commute to a job? Is the building/property/neighborhood suitable to working from home? Location is one aspect of this question, but proper light, heat, sound-proofing or other issues may make work related issues a bigger deal than you first imagine. Consider the availability of communications like phone, internet, and other essentials if you plan to work from the property. If clients come to your home office, will you need a separate entrance or more parking? Again, understand the local regulations for running a business from your home in any situation where you are considering doing so.

Know The House And How It Fits YOU

Does the house have what you want? If you are compromising on things like storage, closets might be built, or furniture could remedy some of that -- but building a garage, or adding an attic or basement might not be possible or practical. Look at the house with a critical eye, seeing how it matches with what you are really wanting to buy. The fewer compromises you make, the happier you will be long-term.

Upkeep and Maintenance: Notice elements of the home or property that require work to maintain. Pay attention to things like decks, countertops, bathtub surrounds, floors, fencing, landscaping and other areas where there might be work to do seasonally. Are you prepared to do that yourself, or will you hire this work out? Does the climate affect materials in such a way that decks or fences will need to be stained or replaced more frequently? Can you keep up with all the grout involved in that fancy tile work? If a property requires more work, attention, or money for upkeep than you can afford, perhaps the good deal is just not a good fit for you.

Community: Remember, when you buy a property you are buying into a community. What is the climate of the neighborhood? Are there issues to cause you personal concern? Evaluate the people who live in the area. Are there a lot of rentals, or do people own their own homes? How are the schools and local stores? Do you feel comfortable walking the streets, driving around, parking your car? What are the social opportunities and would you partake in them? Are you a person of faith or do you have strong political leanings? Buying into a neighborhood can call all of these questions into the forefront. Getting to know the tenor of the community and neighborhood can aid you in determining if there are issues to consider, especially if you are home a lot. Driving or walking around the neighborhood at different times of day and on the weekends might give you a better idea of the people in the area. A perfect home can be an island in a stormy sea if you don't feel good in the area.

Going For It

Your hard work in considering all the above is just part of the due diligence when buying a home. Answering honestly will pay off in all sorts of ways. You will go in to your new home with open eyes and hopefully a good deal -- just make sure it is good deal for YOU.

What You Need To Know About Cancellation Of Mortgage Debt...

Please click on the below link to learn about the cancellation of Mortgage debt...

http://rismedia.com/2012-03-11/what-you-need-to-know-about-cancellation-of-mortgage-debt/

HUD Announces More Than 42 Million Dollars In Counseling Grants to Help Families Find and Keep Housing...

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, March 21, 2012— As part of its continuing effort to help families find decent housing and to prevent future foreclosures, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced more than $42 million in housing counseling grants to 468 national, regional and local organizations. As a result of this funding, hundreds of thousands of households will have a greater opportunity to find housing or keep their current homes. See list of all counseling agencies awarded funding today.

“The HUD-approved counseling agencies this funding supports are crucial in helping struggling families on a one-to-one basis to manage their money, navigate the homebuying process, and secure their financial futures,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “We fought hard to persuade Congress to restore funding for housing counseling in HUD’s budget and now we’re working to make these important resources available as quickly as possible.”

Housing counseling grants will assist families in becoming homeowners, many for the first time, and remaining homeowners after their purchase. They also provide assistance to renters and the homeless, and offer financial literacy training to individuals and families.

“These funds are complemented by the roughly $2.5 billion provided to the states as part of the $25 billion mortgage servicing settlement. Most states can use those funds for foreclosure prevention activities such as housing counseling and legal aid services,” added Secretary Donovan.

More than $36 million in grant funds will directly support the housing counseling services provided by 27 national and regional organizations, 6 multi-state organizations, 16 State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs) and 419 local housing counseling agencies. In addition, HUD is awarding $2 million to three national organizations to train counselors who will receive the instruction and certification necessary to effectively assist families with their housing needs.

Counseling agencies will also receive $4 million to help assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM). These agencies will provide counseling for the rapidly growing number of elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs, and other living expenses.

National and regional agencies distribute much of HUD’s housing counseling grant funding to community-based grassroots organizations that provide information and guidance to low- and moderate-income families seeking to improve their housing conditions. In addition, these larger organizations help improve the quality of housing counseling services and enhance coordination among counseling providers.

Grant recipients help homebuyers and homeowners realistically evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and downpayment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult process. In addition to providing counseling to homebuyers and renters, these organizations assist homeless persons in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live.

Grantees also help combat predatory lending by helping unwary borrowers review their loan documentation, and avoid potential mortgage scams, unreasonably high interest rates, inflated appraisals, unaffordable repayment terms, and other conditions that can result in a loss of equity, increased debt, default, and even foreclosure. Likewise, foreclosure prevention counseling helps homeowners facing delinquency or default employ strategies, including expense reduction, negotiation with lenders and loan servicers, and loss mitigation, to avoid foreclosure. With foreclosures at critical levels nationwide, these services are more important than ever.

HUD awards annual grants under the housing counseling program through a competitive process. Organizations that apply for grants must be HUD-approved and are subject to monitoring and oversight to maintain their HUD-approved status.

Read a summary of each grant, organized by state.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.