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Would You Want to be Your Neighbor?

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Sep 4, 2010

Good neighbors are often not mentioned because the faults of bad neighbors are generally more obvious to everyone. Loud music, blaring TVs, frequent parties, driving too fast, messy yards, obnoxious pets, and being perpetually inconsiderate are some main offenses. However, just because good neighbors aren't discussed as often as poor ones, it doesn't mean being a good neighbor goes unnoticed. Here are some ways you can be the type of neighbor you would want.

Welcome new neighbors with a card, a plate of goodies, or just a friendly introduction. Everyone wants to feel like they have found their "home," and being kind and welcoming to new neighbors can help build lasting friendships.

Maintain your yard. You don't have to be the envy of all your neighbors with the greenest, most well-kept lawn. In fact, depending on where you live, the time of year, and your water supply, that can sometimes be more annoying than a dead lawn. Just water and mow your lawn as necessary, and pick up stray toys at the end of each day. Also, this should go without saying, but never park a vehicle on your lawn.

Slow down. You don't want to be the person who is known for speeding out of your driveway. Be aware of children playing outside, runners, bikers, and other vehicles in your neighborhood.

Be conscious of your music volume and the time of day you listen to loud music.

Invite neighbors over for dinner. Host a barbeque or party to get to know your neighbors.

Give your neighbors fair warning if you're going to have a large party or if cars may be parked in front of their homes. Even better, give them an invitation to the party.

Maintain control of your pets. Don't allow them to roam the neighborhood, and always clean up after them. Don't let your dog keep your neighbors up by barking outside all night.

When new neighbors move in, offer to help unload moving trucks and unpack boxes.

Offer to make meals for families with a new baby, an ill family member, or families who have recently lost a loved one.

Know and follow your HOA guidelines and/or city ordinances.

The simplest way to be a good neighbor is to be polite and considerate. Smile, wave, and strike up conversations. Do what your mother always taught you, and treat your neighbors as you want them to treat you.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Sep 3, 2010

Repair Water Stains on Walls and Ceilings

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Sep 1, 2010

Water stains on ceilings and walls are ugly, but they're also instant red flags to potential home buyers. Don't risk losing a sale due to unsightly stains that can cause undo concern about water lines and the integrity of your home.

Properly repair, prepare and paint over stains for a fresh appeal. If you have purchased an investment property or a fixer-upper home of your own, these very basic steps will add value and aesthetics with very little work.

Identify and Repair the Source

Every water stain has an origin. Identify the source of leaky water and stop it before attempting to make any repairs to the surface. Common sources are leaky roofs, leaking water pipes, and sometimes condensation or leaks from evaporative coolers. Other sources will be fairly (and woefully obvious) such is the case when a water pipe bursts or your home is subjected to a flood.

Assess the Damage

Carefully assess the extent of damage water has caused to the surfaces and structure of your home. This will largely depend on:

the amount of water causing the damage
the amount of time the water remained on the stained surface
the type of surface subjected to excess water

Replace wallboard that has lost integrity due to prolonged or excessive exposure to water. Take a small blade and scrape away a portion of wallboard to see how deep the damage is. Large areas may require you to remove and replace wallboard. If damage had occurred behind the wallboard, create a source of ventilation to allow air to move through the wet area and dry it. Even if your walls or ceilings are dry, leaving wet materials it is an invitation for mold and bacteria to grow in the dark, damp area.

If you're concerned about electrical damage, hire a professional electrician to test the integrity of your electrical system where water damage occurred.

Allow all stained areas to completely dry before attempting to repair or paint them.

Repair

Small damaged areas can easily be repaired with wall plaster and a putty knife. The method of repair will, again, depend on the extent of the water damage.

Prepare

Proper preparation is absolutely necessary if you want to cover water stains and keep them covered. Although you can paint over a water stain, it's more likely than not the stain will eventually seep through.

Sand the surface lightly with 100- to 150-grit sandpaper. Clean the area to be painted thoroughly. Remove any debris with a dry cloth or large brush and thoroughly vacuum the surrounding area. Wipe the area you want to repair again with a dry cloth.

Paint over the stain with a pigmented white oil or latex-based primer. This is key to stopping the stain from showing through the paint. Allow it to dry according to the paint manufacturer's instructions.

Sand the area lightly before applying paint.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Jun 30, 2009

Building a New Home? Choose Colors You Can Live With!

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 29, 2010

You're building a new home. That's great! Once you've selected the location, hired a builder and decided on a floor plan, you'll begin working on the interior design of your home. The colors you choose to adorn your walls will play a major role in the overall look and feel of your home.

Colors can have an amazing effect on our physical and mental well-being. In most cases the impact is subconscious. Whether you're planning your new home or painting a home that's new to you, colors are important.

I should note, if you're preparing a home to sell, stick with very plain, neutral colors and let homebuyers choose their own favorite accents. You never know when a color may evoke the wrong emotion in a home shopper.

Before you decide on paint colors, take these factors into consideration:

emotional appeal for which you are striving in each room, sometimes called the room's "mood."
lighting styles, sources and intensity
carpeting color and texture

What Mood are You In?

Different colors have different effects on individual, but some pretty good generalizations can be made about many. The mood can be intensified or diluted with various shades.

Looking for tranquility? Try blue, a color that can actually slow your pulse rate and lower your body temperature. Some claim blue can even reduce your appetite.

Other words associated with the color blue are:

Harmony
Unity
Loyalty
Security
Confidence
Cold
And . . . sorry, depression

Be careful how you use blue. You'll want to stay on the lighter side of things to avoid unintentionally bringing people down.

Ready to kick in some high energy? Look to red. Can't imagine painting a wall red? Reconsider.

Red evokes a sense of high energy in some and warmth in others. Used correctly, red can create feelings of:

Love
Speed
Strength
Desire

Overdone, red can also evoke a sense of:

Danger
Anger
Violence

Did you know the Chinese consider red to represent luck? This probably isn't the best color for a hyper-active child's room. Painting a work-out room? Pump it up with red.

Do you love nature and the environment? Green is a great color to put you at ease with its calm, cool appeal.

Green can evoke feelings of:

Health
Youth
Spring

I don't want to lead you astray, so I should add that green has a tendency to inspire jealousy and envy too.

Simplicity and harmony are best represented by white. Never discount the power of white when choosing colors for your home. White is clean, peaceful and innocent.

White can be boring if its overused and improperly complemented with home décor - so don't go crazy with white, but use it where you are looking for a sense of purity such as in a nursery or cleanliness in a laundry room.

You Choose the Colors and Make Your Choices Consciously

There are so many, many colors from which to choose. Do a little of your own research and find out what a color can do for you. If you consciously choose colors with a goal in mind, you're more likely to stir in yourself and your family members the emotions and feelings you want to have in your home. Consider researching different colors' meanings as they apply to your own religion and beliefs.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Jun 30, 2009

Offering Seller Incentives in Lieu of Homebuyer Tax Credit

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 26, 2010

After the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit expired in April this year, pending sales of existing properties fell 30% in May according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

If you are a current seller in this market, you may already feel the severe effects of the end of the federal tax credit. If you want to sell your home, there are a number of incentives you can offer to homebuyers in lieu of the homebuyer tax credit.

Lower your price. This seems obvious, but to really make it count, you may have to price your home low from the beginning to get multiple offers. Buyers are much more aware of the economy than they ever have been, and often, a lower price is much more appealing than any free perk. Also, buyers have access to an unlimited amount of data, and they will know if your home is priced too high.

Pay closing costs. Offer to pay a portion of the buyer's closing costs. Under the FHA mortgage program, sellers can provide credits up to 3% of the sale price (previously 6% but was changed to 3% in April 2010) to off-set closing costs. Sellers cannot, however, directly pay any portion of the buyer's down payment.

Update the interior. Offer to install new carpet, use a fresh coat of paint, and replace light fixtures.

Include appliances. Many new homeowners don't own a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher or microwave. Including appliances that are already in the home is very enticing to many homebuyers.

Another option for sellers is to hold off until next year. Many market analysts are predicting the country won't see a steadily growing market until spring 2011. Most importantly, be patient. Statistics show that on average, it takes 21 showings to sell a home. However, offering incentives in lieu of the homebuyer tax credit, which caused a surge in home purchases over the past 18 months, is one way to help you sell your home faster.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Aug 24, 2010

Americans' Struggle to Save for Down Payment Reflected in NAR Survey

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 23, 2010

If you're struggling to save money for a down payment on a home, you're not alone. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has released results of the 2009 Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey and the "survey says" down payment and closing costs are still among the greatest obstacles to buying a home.

It's true that the home prices are at historic lows in many areas of the country. Generally, those conditions are considered to create a "buyer's market." However, struggling Americans are struck by poor economic conditions in many aspects of their lives. The ability to save for a rainy day - or for a down payment on a new home - is impacted by the country's recent economic crisis.

And some federal incentives such as the First-Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit and some state incentives such as Utah's $6,000 incentive to buyers of newly constructed homes are helping. But, the hurdle still remains difficult for many would-be homeowners to overcome.

According to NAR, "The Housing Pulse Survey is an annual telephone survey of 1,250 urban and suburban adults in the top 25 media markets, designed to assist NAR in gaining information on consumers' attitudes and concerns about housing opportunities." American Strategies and Myers Research & Strategic Services conducted the survey for NAR's Housing Opportunity Program.

Granted, 1,250 consumers is a relatively small sampling given the millions of potential home buyers. However, the study has continued over a period of seven years and has come to be accepted as a fair indicator of consumer attitudes.

Americans are also, understandably concerned about job security. It's hard to make a big financial commitment if you're not sure you'll have a job tomorrow. According to the survey, two-thirds of Americans worry about being laid off or unemployed. Eight out of 10 of the people surveyed said that issue gets in the way of buying a home.

Luckily, there are many actions Americans can take to better position themselves to buy a home. This issue is in no way insurmountable, but it will take work and patience. Potential homebuyers who want to take advantage of clearance-priced homes should start planning now:

Plan tax strategies now to reduce your overall tax bill
Create a budget and stick to it
Reduce spending
Deal with debt head on
Start saving
Carefully research savings options that will yield the most return on your investments

Concerns Expressed in the 2009 Housing Pulse Survey

Following are some other key results derived from the survey. This information comes directly from the NAR website at http://www.realtor.org.

Eight in 10 Americans (82 percent) still consider having enough money for downpayment and closing costs to be the biggest obstacle to buying a home.
Two-thirds of Americans think job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem; 83 percent cite these issues as a barrier to homeownership.
83 percent of Americans still believe buying a home is a good financial decision.
Three-fourths of those surveyed also believe now is a good time to buy a home, a number that has increased steadily the past two years.
The number of those who feel buying and selling activity has stabilized or stayed nearly the same has grown significantly, up more than 44 percent since last year.
The majority (58 percent) report that activity in their market has slowed.
Regarding home sales, nearly eight in 10 say it's harder to sell a home in their area today than it was a year ago, despite the fact that nearly three-fourths of respondents say home prices are less expensive.
Foreclosures remain a real concern among survey respondents. Slightly more than half (51 percent) say foreclosures are a big to moderate problem in their area.
The rate of foreclosures is generally seen as stabilizing; 41 percent say the rate of foreclosures in their area is about the same as last year.
Ninety-two percent of respondents said neither they nor members of their immediate family have experienced a foreclosure in the past year, yet it is still a personal concern for many. One in five respondents said they are very or fairly worried that they will have difficulty making their mortgage payments over the next year.
Thirty-two percent say it's a big or moderate worry that they, or a member of their family, may have their home repossessed or foreclosed because they are unable to pay rising monthly mortgage payments.
In 2008, more than half of respondents (54 percent) were open to the federal government taking a more active role in overseeing mortgage and lending practices - the number dropped this year to 47 percent.
Forty-two percent of Americans believe the country is back on the right track, more than double the number last year (16 percent).

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Jul 10, 2009

Credit Report Basics: What to Know When Buying a Home

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 20, 2010

Many prospective homebuyers overlook the process of checking their credit report prior to applying for a loan. The information in your credit report can affect your interest rate, your down payment, or whether or not you can even buy a home.

Mortgage lenders want to know they will be repaid. Your credit report, which is a detailed record of your credit history, helps lenders determine a potential buyer's ability to repay their loan. Usually, mortgage lenders put the most emphasis on the following aspects of your credit report:

Past payment history
Current debts
Length of credit history
Number of new credit accounts you've opened or applied for
Types of credit you have

How Can I Get My Credit Report?

There are currently three companies that maintain credit information: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. You are entitled to one free credit report per year by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. However, this credit report will not give you a credit score. If you want your credit score, you'll likely have to pay an additional fee.

Each of the credit reporting agencies also give you the option to purchase the full report and score they maintain. There are also options to purchase a "3-in-one" report which is a detailed overview of the information and scores from each of the three agencies. Be cautious of "free reports" with hidden fees unless you prefer a monthly credit monitoring service fee.

By reviewing your credit report in advance, you can determine the possibility of obtaining a loan with a good interest rate before applying for your loan. You can also catch any errors that may hinder the loan process.

What Does My Credit Score Say About Me?

The information provided by the three credit reporting agencies is used to create your FICO score, which is a number from approximately 300 to 850. Lenders will use your credit score when considering you for a loan, and if it's considered good, you'll have an easier time getting approved. If it's considered bad, you'll have more difficulty getting approved for a loan and likely pay a higher interest rate and down payment than somebody with good credit. You can get all three of your FICO scores from myFico.com.

If each of your FICO credit scores is 760 or higher, your credit is considered excellent. If your FICO scores are between 700 and 759, your credit is considered good. If your FICO scores are less than 700, or if you don't know your scores but know your credit reports list negative items, then it's time to start rebuilding your credit.

Don't be surprised if you discover that the credit scores from each of the three agencies are different. In reality, all three of the bureaus offer FICO credit scores using the same formula. The difference in these scores is largely because the bureaus don't necessarily all share the same data. For example, one bureau may list more accounts for you than another. Because these differences are common, it may be beneficial to pull and examine your credit reports from all three bureaus before you apply for a mortgage loan.

How Can I Fix Errors on my Credit Report?

There are generally two types of errors you might see on your credit reports:

Inaccurate information which might include errors with your personal information or account information that is not yours. For example, if your credit report reflects a store credit card you know you never opened, then that error needs to be fixed immediately. It could be a data mix-up, or it could be a sign of identity theft.

Accurate information that should have already expired from your report.

One study states that 79% of credit reports reviewed had some form of error in them.

The Internet has made the process of fixing errors convenient, and the government has regulated the process. When you dispute information on your credit report, the reporting agencies are required to investigate the dispute in a timely fashion. If they find that your dispute is legitimate, or if they are unable to verify the item one way or the other, they must remove said item from your credit report.

Hiring a credit repair company to handle this process for you isn't recommended. They generally charge you a large amount to do what you can easily do yourself.

What Can I Do to Improve My Credit?

Items that hurt your credit score are:

Bankruptcy
Outstanding (unpaid) debts
Late payments
Credit card balances near the credit limit on those cards
Liens (both outstanding and paid)

Depending on what it is, negative information can stay on your credit report for seven to ten years. A bankruptcy filing must come off after 10 years. All other information including civil suits, judgments, collection accounts, and any other adverse items come off after 7 years from the date of delinquency. It's possible for these items to last longer than the law allows, so it's important to review your reports once each year to make sure items are removed when they are supposed to be.

To maintain good credit or improve bad credit, follow these tips:

Don't close accounts. Having too many open accounts can hurt your score, but once you've opened the accounts, you can't repair your credit report by closing the account. When you close accounts, your total available credit shrinks. Closing older accounts can also make your credit history seem younger than it actually is.
If you want to apply for credit, do so in a fairly short period of time. The FICO score treats multiple inquiries in a 45-day period as just one inquiry and ignores all inquiries made within 30 days prior to the day the score is computed.
Correct all errors on all three reports.
Pay all your bills on time.
Be consistent in paying down your debt.
Apply for credit sparingly.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Aug 17, 2010

The American Dream is within Your Reach

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 17, 2010

Financial Wounds Heal with Planning, Discipline, Determination

"Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems. Without discipline we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems, with total discipline we can solve all problems."

-- M. Scott Peck, M.D., The Road Less Traveled

If you're like the majority of would-be homeowners today grappling with financial difficulties, take heart. The American Dream of owning a home is within your reach.

No matter how bad your financial situation is today, there are steps you can take to improve your ability to buy a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2009 Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey, down payment and closing costs are among the greatest obstacles to buying a home. Home prices are down and while it's a buyers' market, the current economic climate is tough right now. People are concerned about job security. High prices are taking huge bites out of tight budgets.

Fight the frustration with the best weapons of all, planning, discipline and determination.

In his book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck, M.D. said, "Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems. Without discipline we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems, with total discipline we can solve all problems."

The desire to own a home is only the first step. It's a good step, but it's one that requires careful consideration. How badly to you want to own a home? To what lengths will you go to achieve your dream? It's okay to brainstorm - dream even - about the home you will one day own. Dreaming is never enough. Action is required. There's no better time than right now to get started.

1. Write it down.

Get your dreams out of your head and onto a piece of paper. Ask yourself some tough questions and write down the answers. Here are some examples of questions you might ask. If you have a partner, include that partner in the conversation:

Why do I want to buy a home?

When can I realistically expect to be able to buy a home?

When will I buy a home?

What kind of a home will I buy?

Where will my new home be located?

What are the most important considerations in searching for my home?

How much should I expect to pay for a home?

How much money will I need to make a down payment on my home?

How much should I expect to pay for closing costs?

How long will I remain in my first home?

2. Examine obstacles.

This step requires total honesty. What is keeping you from achieving your dream? Systematically examine every obstacle. Evaluate reasons for the existence of each obstacle and identify multiple solutions.

3. Set goals.

Start from the end. Imagine where you will be in one year, two years or five years. Draw a road map if you have to and label the path you will take to get to where you want to be. Be sure to include the hurdles you will have to jump over and hoops you will have to jump through. There will be mountains to climb and rivers to cross. Now that you have identified the obstacles, you can deliberately eliminate them one at a time.

Some obstacles on your list might be:

Overspending
High debt-to-income ratio
Poor credit score
Lack of savings
Not enough income

Some possible solutions on your list might be:

Overspending

Track spending for two weeks to see where money leaks occur in your budget. Create a strict budget. Separate wants from needs. Find ways to cut back such as packing a home lunch instead of eating out, carpooling to save gas, renting movies to watch at home instead of going to a theater.

High debt-to-income ratio

Make a list of creditors. List them in order based on the amount you owe each. Concentrate on paying off the smallest bills first. When one bill is paid, take the monthly amount of money you spent on that bill and apply it to the next. Make a commitment to avoid taking on any additional unnecessary debt.

Poor credit score

Now that you're accepting responsibility for your finances you can begin to improve your credit score today. Get a copy of your credit report. Federal law entitles you to one free credit report in a 12-month period from each major credit reporting agency. You can easily obtain your free report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Dispute any errors. You can also call the three major nationwide consumer credit reporting companies for your free report:

Equifax: 1-877-576-5734; www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com/fraud
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com

Do whatever you have to do to get in good standing with your creditors. Call them, negotiate with them, keep the promises you make to them. Show a sincere effort to rebuild your credit and you will find debtors are willing to help you achieve your goals. Pay your bills on time.

Lack of savings

Pay your bills, but pay yourself first. The loss of a job, illness, emergency repairs, travel and other unplanned expenses will throw your carefully-planned budget into chaos if you're not prepared. Identify a certain percentage of your income - start small if you have to - and put it away in an emergency fund. Eventually your emergency fund will grow and you will start a new savings account for your down payment!

Not enough income

If your expenses are higher than your income and you have shaved as many frills as possible from your spending, it may be time to take on a second job. Also, consider selling personal items you no longer need and are willing to part with in order to live your dream of owning a home. Look for higher-paying promotion opportunities at work.

4. Design your plan.

Your plan will include specific dates, goals and road markers on your map to success. Create a timeline and monitor it carefully. Review your plan each night before you go to bed. Identify milestones and celebrate when you reach those milestones. These can include paying off a bill, acquiring a certain amount of savings, reaching a goal income level and more.

5. Visualize yourself in your new home.

Can you see it? Can you feel the warmth of your new home around you? Can you actually imagine yourself living the American dream? Do it often. Close your eyes and feel the satisfaction of achieving your goal - a goal that once seemed impossible. Talk openly about the day you will move into your new house. Stay positive, focused and committed.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Jul 10, 2009

A Home Inspection Could Save More than It Costs

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 14, 2010

A home inspection today could save you thousands of dollars tomorrow. It's true. No matter how sound your new home may seem, stuff happens. Some problems are just unforeseeable, especially to the untrained eye.

Avoid nasty surprises that crop up after your loan is closed by hiring a professional, licensed and certified home inspector to thoroughly examine your new home before you sign on the dotted line.

Many mortgage lenders today actually require a home inspection before releasing loan proceeds. Often an inspector will identify small problems with the potential to become big problems. Mortgage lenders who require home inspections want to make sure their collateral holds its value and you, the buyer, should require it too.

Home Inspection an Investment in Your Investment

Professional home inspectors can vary significantly in price. The old adage, "You get what you pay for," applies to home inspections too. Many home inspectors charge a flat fee. Others charge by the square footage of living space. Some charge a percentage of the home price. Home inspectors may even charge by the hour - generally around $100 per hour.

If you're already strapped to come up with a down payment and closing costs, the price can seem like a lot. On the other hand, compare it to the cost of a new heating and cooling system that could go on the blink within weeks after you purchase, or some other catastrophic undetected required repair and you'll begin to realize what a bargain a home inspection really is.

When hiring a home inspector, ask about specific costs up front. Ask for a published list of items that will be included in the inspection. Ask to review a contract before you agree to hire a professional. And, never be afraid to ask for references. A quality home inspector will be delighted to provide you with references that tout his or her great work.

Your home inspection should include, at minimum, the following:

Roof
Structure
Exterior grading
Attic
Electrical system
Plumbing system
Water heater
Air conditioning
Heating
Appliances
Doors
Windows
Crawl spaces
Sprinkler system
Swimming pool
Septic tank
Sea wall
Docks

A thorough home inspection report will help you rest easy knowing the home you are purchasing is up to par. Or, based on a home inspection you will be able to anticipate the cost of repairs needed to bring the home up to your and your lender's standards.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Jul 10, 2009

Natural Disaster Preparation: Will You Be Ready?

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 11, 2010

Throughout history, natural disasters have wreaked havoc on families, homes, communities, and even entire nations. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), every state in the country has been hit by flooding, fires, or destructive high winds. There are also 41 states that have a significant earthquake hazard.

Advanced planning and preparation can be the key to a quick response and a quick, safe recovery if you happen to face a natural disaster.

First Aid Supplies

In the case of a natural disaster, or any home emergency, it is important to have basic emergency and first aid supplies readily available, and every family member should know where these supplies are located and how to use them. These supplies should include:

Prescription and other OTC medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, anti-diarrhea medication, anti-nausea medication, cold medicine, throat lozenges, etc.
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid instruction book
Blankets and sheets
Antibiotic ointment
Sterile gauze pads
Assorted bandages
Small, sharp scissors
Instant ice pack
Adhesive tape
Absorbent cotton balls
Antibacterial soap
Water purification tablets
Small bottle of bleach
Multipurpose knife/tool
Large and small plastic bags

These items should be stored in a durable, waterproof container. Update items annually as some, such as medications, may expire.

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Your family members should all be prepared to respond to a natural disaster. Take time to discuss and practice for emergency situations. Teach responsible family members how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity. Make sure your children know how to safely exit your home. Designate a gathering place near your home as well as another meeting place in the occasion that you are separated.

Knowledge of first aid procedures can be invaluable. The Red Cross chapter in your community can assist you in finding a helpful class for your family. FEMA also has some material to assist children in learning more about disaster preparedness.

Preparing your Home

Consult your local building authority for the base flood elevation in your area, and determine whether your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Secure large appliances, such as your refrigerator and water heater, with flexible cable, braided wire, or metal strapping to keep them from falling over.
Every home should have an ABC-rated fire extinguisher.
Anchor propane tanks and gas cylinders.
Make sure your house number is visible from the street in case emergency personnel need to find your home. Some cities offer a program to paint your house number on the curb for a small fee. The best place for your house number is near the front door or slightly above eye level and lit by a light.
Permanent shutters are the best protection for high winds. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels.
Roofs can be the first to go in severe storms. Simple metal straps can keep roof rafters tied to the top wall of the house and prevent uplift during high winds.
Foundation bolts cost around $2 each and can save thousands of dollars worth of damage if high winds, floods, or earthquakes try to force a house off its foundation.
Keep important records, such as mortgage papers, medical records, insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, stock and bond certificates, tax records, an inventory of your assets and personal items, and other vital documents in one central location where they can easily be transported if you must leave the area quickly. Keep all papers in a water- and fire-proof container.
Check your homeowner's insurance coverage. Floods are not covered by homeowner's insurance policies. However, flood insurance is available through the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program.
Make food storage a priority. Have at least a five-day supply of food and water for each family member on hand. Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers, and replace it as necessary. Food should be non-perishable goods such as canned or sealed-package items.

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Aug 9, 2010

Go Green and Increase the Value of Your Home with Xeriscaping

Jennifer Jolley

Posted by Jennifer Jolley on Aug 8, 2010

Water is a precious commodity. So is time. Many of today's home shoppers are looking for homes with landscaping that is attractive, easy to maintain and ecologically friendly. Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that can help you achieve all of these results with careful planning.

Whether you are landscaping a new home, improving a home for sale or protecting your property investment, landscaping is an important element to consider.

Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that:

uses less water than traditional turf landscaping
is easy to maintain
focuses on native plants
provides habitat for native wildlife
takes advantage of natural landscaping qualities to maximize existing features
can significantly improve the value of your home and property

You can achieve a beautiful xeriscape in any yard. Create xeriscaping all at once, or slowly incorporate the conservative method of landscaping over time.

Carefully study the yard you want to xeriscape. Create a plan. Determine which features of your yard are best suited for drought-resistant plants, shade-loving plants, sun-loving plants, turf, decorative rocks and other non-living yard decorations.

Next, set goals. Work on the xeriscape one area at a time. Identify your main goals for each area. Do you want to eliminate high water consumption landscaping features by replacing it with low-maintenance plants? Do you want to attract butterflies or other forms of beautiful wildlife that will add to your yard's appeal? Do you want to highlight existing features such as rocks, trees, and natural terraces? Create a plan for each area of the yard.

Focus on soil development. Good soil will provide more nutrients to your drought resistant plants. Soil that drains quickly, yet stores water is ideal. Strategically add organic material to soil and aerate it often. Many local extension offices and agriculture departments of colleges and universities offer soil testing. Soil testing will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your soil and help you determine what to add with the most positive impact.

Determine which plants are best suited to your yard's natural environment. Once you have determined which plants to use in your xeriscaping, group them together based on the amount of water, soil type, and level of maintenance each plant requires. Plants with high water needs should not be mixed with plants that require little water. Plants that like shade should not be mixed with plants that require full sun.

A carefully-developed watering system can save water, time and ultimately money. Even if you develop one area at a time, plan your entire watering system so you can build upon the irrigation system as you work on each area.

Dress plants with plenty of mulch to help them retain water. Mulch can include leaves, wood chips, tree bark, pine needles and even gravel. A mixture of these can be ideal. In addition to helping the plant retain water, mulch will help regulate temperature, reduce weeds and prevent erosion.

In areas where you do use turf, identify drought-resistant species that grow well in your location.

Most importantly, maintain your xeriscaping regularly to preserve its aesthetic and environmentally friendly appeal!

Originally authored by Ashley Smith on Aug 10, 2009