Make a Santa video!!!!
Have some fun and send it to your friends and family.
http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home?emst=J7hJPJNEUA_1314687_46797_7
Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Holiday fun!!!
Try this at your next gift exchange party! So much fun!!
*INTRUCTIONS: GET
IN A CIRCLE, PASS GIFT PACKAGES RIGHT OR LEFT AS CUE WORDS ARE *
READ……
|
The
Right Family Story
|
||
|
|
The
Right Family
Christmas
was almost here and Mother Right was finishing the Christmas baking. Father
Right, Sue Right, and Billy Right returned from their last-minute Christmas
errands. "There's not much left to be done," said Father Right as
he came into the kitchen.
"Did
you leave the basket of food at the church?" asked Mother Right. "I
left it right where you told me to," said Father Right. "I'm glad
my shopping is done," said Billy right. "I don't have any money
left."
The
hall telephone rang, and Susan Right left to answer it. She rushed right back
and told the family, "Aunt Tillie Right left a package for us right on
Grandma Right's front porch. I'll go over there right now and get it,"
she said as she left in a rush. Father Right left the kitchen and brought in
the Christmas tree.
By
the time Susan Right returned, Mother Right, Father Right, and Billy Right
had begun trimming the tree. The entire Right family sang carols as they
finished decorating. Then they left all the presents arranged under the tree
and went to bed, hoping they had selected the right gifts for their family.
Now
I hope you have the right present for yourself, because that's all that's
left of our story...except to wish you a merry Christmas... Isn't that
right??
From:
|
|
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Great news on Short Sales.....
The good news just keeps continuing.
As we anticipated, C.A.R. today received a letter from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), obtained by the State Board of Equalization, clarifying that California families who have lost their home in a short sale are not subject to state income tax liability on debt forgiveness “phantom income” they never received in a short sale.
Last month, in a letter to California Sen. Barbara Boxer, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognized that the debt written off in a short sale does not constitute recourse debt under California law, and thus does not create so-called “cancellation of debt” income to the underwater home seller for federal income tax purposes. Following the IRS’s clarification, C.A.R. sought a similar ruling by the California FTB. Now with the FTB’s clarification, underwater home sellers also are assured that they are not subject to state income tax liability, rescuing tens of thousands of distressed home sellers from California tax liability for debt written off by lenders in short sales.
We are pleased with the recent clarifications issued by the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board, which protect distressed homeowners from debt relief income tax associated with a short sale in California. We would like to thank Sen. Boxer and BOE member George Runner for their leadership in obtaining this guidance from the IRS and FTB. Distressed California homeowners can now avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy and can opt for a short sale instead, without incurring federal and state tax liability, even after the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 expires at the end of this year.
Sincerely,
Kevin Brown
2014 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Kevin Brown
2014 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Thursday, November 21, 2013
OF THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW, WHO WOULD BE THE NEXT PERSON TO MAKE A MOVE?
OF THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW, WHO WOULD BE THE NEXT PERSON TO MAKE
A MOVE?
Here are the 5 ways I can help them with a successful
transition:
1)
Provide a comprehensive market analysis on the
home they are selling or provide market trends for the area they moving to.
2)
If they are “fixing up” to get ready to sell, I
can provide data on which projects will get the highest resale return on
dollars invested and help them to prioritize which projects are most important
to a buyer so they know how to get the most from their budget and sale.
3)
I can refer them to a list of quality people,
vendors and contractors to assist them with projects beyond their ability or
time constraints.
4)
I will advise them to speak with their financial
consultant for possible tax consequences of their sale.
5)
If they are buying, help them work with a local
professional to get prequalified for their loan and complimentary credit check
to make sure there are no issues to deal with, before they make a commitment.
This also puts buyers in a stronger bargaining position.
6)
If they are out of my immediate market area, I
will provide them with a list of professionals that will give them the same
great care that I would provide; personally.
Well, okay that’s 6 ways, BUT I always go the extra mile for
your referrals. All you have to do to help the people you care about is call or
email me, with their contact information. The sooner, the better, friends don’t
let friends talk to strangers and gamble with what is most likely their largest
asset or purchase. I look forward to hearing from you soon! I’m never too busy
for your referrals.
Sincerely,
Kerri
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Why You Should Consider Listing Your Home Over the Holidays
The holiday season can bring many stresses of its own without adding a home sale to the list. This can keep many sellers on the sidelines or send them pulling their houses off the market until the new year rings in.
But contrary to what you may think, this time of year can actually be a fantastic sweet spot for sellers. Holiday buyers are serious and motivated. Consumer confidence is higher than at any other time of year. And relocating families tend to have more time and reason to shop for a new home over the holidays.
Perhaps the biggest compelling reason the holidays are a good time to list your home is the simple fact that there are fewer homes on the market at this time of year, which means less competition.
In addition, limited inventory has driven up prices in many markets through the year. The national median price for existing homes was $199,200 in September, according to NAR's latest monthly statistics. That was up 11.7% from the same month a year ago and it was the 10th consecutive month of double-digit year-over-year growth.
Mortgage rates also play a factor in holiday home sales. We've been seeing a rise in rates, with Freddie Mac reporting its latest average on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 4.35%, up from 4.16% the previous week. Consecutive weekly climbs in interest rates tend to motivate buyers even more.
We know this first hand, and that's why we’ve created a special holiday program to help sellers navigate listing their home over the holidays without sacrificing their sanity or precious time with family.
Our Holiday Marketing Program is designed with seller privacy in mind. There are no for-sale signs in your yard, no lock boxes on your door, no open houses and no advertising identifying your home.
Instead, we’re offering to market your home to our sphere of serious buyers and show your home only by appointment. No fuss. No inconveniences. But you'll be able take advantage of opportunities you'd otherwise miss by waiting until the new year.
And on January 1, 2014, if your home has not sold, it will automatically convert to our exclusive home marketing program. You won't have to start from scratch.
We created this program because in our experience we know that there are a lot of opportunities for sellers over the holidays, but we understand why a homeowner would not want to deal with the stress of listing their home during this time.
If you're interested in learning more, ask an me for more information.
Happy Holidays!
But contrary to what you may think, this time of year can actually be a fantastic sweet spot for sellers. Holiday buyers are serious and motivated. Consumer confidence is higher than at any other time of year. And relocating families tend to have more time and reason to shop for a new home over the holidays.
Perhaps the biggest compelling reason the holidays are a good time to list your home is the simple fact that there are fewer homes on the market at this time of year, which means less competition.
In addition, limited inventory has driven up prices in many markets through the year. The national median price for existing homes was $199,200 in September, according to NAR's latest monthly statistics. That was up 11.7% from the same month a year ago and it was the 10th consecutive month of double-digit year-over-year growth.
Mortgage rates also play a factor in holiday home sales. We've been seeing a rise in rates, with Freddie Mac reporting its latest average on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 4.35%, up from 4.16% the previous week. Consecutive weekly climbs in interest rates tend to motivate buyers even more.
We know this first hand, and that's why we’ve created a special holiday program to help sellers navigate listing their home over the holidays without sacrificing their sanity or precious time with family.
Our Holiday Marketing Program is designed with seller privacy in mind. There are no for-sale signs in your yard, no lock boxes on your door, no open houses and no advertising identifying your home.
Instead, we’re offering to market your home to our sphere of serious buyers and show your home only by appointment. No fuss. No inconveniences. But you'll be able take advantage of opportunities you'd otherwise miss by waiting until the new year.
And on January 1, 2014, if your home has not sold, it will automatically convert to our exclusive home marketing program. You won't have to start from scratch.
We created this program because in our experience we know that there are a lot of opportunities for sellers over the holidays, but we understand why a homeowner would not want to deal with the stress of listing their home during this time.
If you're interested in learning more, ask an me for more information.
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Housing Market Gains
Top Lenders Forecast Housing Market Gains Despite New Ability-to-Repay Rules
SAN FRANCISCO (November 10, 2013) – In a rare gathering of CEOs and senior executives from the biggest names in mortgage lending, Realtors® were told to expect market growth in 2014 and to prepare their buyers for transactions with heavy documentation requirements.
NAR President Gary Thomas and CEO Dale Stinton moderated the candid discussion today during the “Straight from the Top: Insights from Lending Leaders” session at the 2013 Realtors® Conference and Expo, where the top mortgage industry executives expounded on new regulatory hurdles that could temporarily restrict lending to some buyers, but will likely even out over time.
The Qualified Mortgage, or ability-to-repay rule, will become effective in January 2014 and contains a number of underwriting standards that will constrict mortgage availability and deny credit to some first-time homebuyers, said Bill Emerson, CEO of Quicken Loans. The QM rule requires significant documentation from consumers to justify lenders’ underwriting decisions; lenders face strict penalties if a loan is made outside of the specific criteria.
Kevin Watters, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, agreed that lower- and moderate-income buyers, as well as self-employed buyers who don’t have a consistent flow of income, might have a tougher time in the new lending environment. “We need to work together to help first-time buyers into affordable housing options.”
“It’s important for Realtors® to be educated about the new documentation requirements so they can work with buyers and meet lender expectations,” said Matt Vernon, home loan sales executive for Bank of America.
Mike Heid, president of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, added that Wells Fargo is using new technologies to create learning tools to help consumers prepare to be homeowners, even before they find the house they love.
The new lending standards and documentation requirements are making some potential borrowers anxious about competing with cash buyers in the real estate market. Thomas asked the panelists to share their average approval timelines.
Vernon said that in California, Bank of America’s mortgage loan officers can process and approve loans in 16 days and always strive to quickly deliver approvals. He said that the approval process can move more swiftly when borrowers are educated about lender’s application requirements.
“Our mission is to get someone approved. With clarity and transparency, buyers will know exactly what is needed of them. We want to do this in a manner that is as stress free as possible for consumers and Realtors®,” said Emerson.
Heid agreed and said, “The way to compete against a cash buyer is to build a process that has no surprises as you go.”
Stinton turned the conversation to the debate over reforming the secondary mortgage market and asked the lenders whether they fear the risk of mortgage security “putbacks” and how that impacts underwriting. A putback occurs when a bank is liable for misrepresenting the creditworthiness of a borrower to the entity that buys the loan, and the bank is forced to buy back the mortgage.
Watters said fears over putbacks are real and Heid agreed. “The putback fear is still there and we’re working to put it to rest,” said Heid. “The time is right for that. If the government-sponsored enterprises weren’t in conservatorship, the issue of put backs wouldn’t be there. We need a world where everything is more of a natural market and we need competition with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conservatorship should end.”
Thomas followed up by asking whether immediate steps should be taken to reduce the government role in the housing finance market. Emerson said that the security of their guarantee needs to stay, not the actual government entities.
“I think if we want the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, you need the government guarantee,” said Watters. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage needs the government guarantee because not all banks can soak up the size of the market.”
When asked whether private investors are ready to take a bigger role in the secondary mortgage market as the government’s footprint shrinks, the executives provided varied responses. Heid said that more certainty is needed before taking action.
“We’ve already started to do some private label securities,” said Watters. “People are getting back into the marketplace, which is a good thing. We might not be ready to take it all on, but we are headed in the right direction.”
The lending leaders unanimously agreed that consumers will see a healthy increase in the market next year, keeping pace with gains made in 2013. Mortgage originations will dominate the 2014 housing market as interest rates creep up and refinancing trends downward.
Heid said that while home values will continue to increase as the market continues to heal, the economy is the wild card and the downturn would be a game changer. “In spite of the economic crisis, Americans still want to be homeowners. That hasn’t changed one bit,” he said. “Homeownership is at the heart of what we do and that is worth preserving.”
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
NAR President Gary Thomas and CEO Dale Stinton moderated the candid discussion today during the “Straight from the Top: Insights from Lending Leaders” session at the 2013 Realtors® Conference and Expo, where the top mortgage industry executives expounded on new regulatory hurdles that could temporarily restrict lending to some buyers, but will likely even out over time.
The Qualified Mortgage, or ability-to-repay rule, will become effective in January 2014 and contains a number of underwriting standards that will constrict mortgage availability and deny credit to some first-time homebuyers, said Bill Emerson, CEO of Quicken Loans. The QM rule requires significant documentation from consumers to justify lenders’ underwriting decisions; lenders face strict penalties if a loan is made outside of the specific criteria.
Kevin Watters, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, agreed that lower- and moderate-income buyers, as well as self-employed buyers who don’t have a consistent flow of income, might have a tougher time in the new lending environment. “We need to work together to help first-time buyers into affordable housing options.”
“It’s important for Realtors® to be educated about the new documentation requirements so they can work with buyers and meet lender expectations,” said Matt Vernon, home loan sales executive for Bank of America.
Mike Heid, president of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, added that Wells Fargo is using new technologies to create learning tools to help consumers prepare to be homeowners, even before they find the house they love.
The new lending standards and documentation requirements are making some potential borrowers anxious about competing with cash buyers in the real estate market. Thomas asked the panelists to share their average approval timelines.
Vernon said that in California, Bank of America’s mortgage loan officers can process and approve loans in 16 days and always strive to quickly deliver approvals. He said that the approval process can move more swiftly when borrowers are educated about lender’s application requirements.
“Our mission is to get someone approved. With clarity and transparency, buyers will know exactly what is needed of them. We want to do this in a manner that is as stress free as possible for consumers and Realtors®,” said Emerson.
Heid agreed and said, “The way to compete against a cash buyer is to build a process that has no surprises as you go.”
Stinton turned the conversation to the debate over reforming the secondary mortgage market and asked the lenders whether they fear the risk of mortgage security “putbacks” and how that impacts underwriting. A putback occurs when a bank is liable for misrepresenting the creditworthiness of a borrower to the entity that buys the loan, and the bank is forced to buy back the mortgage.
Watters said fears over putbacks are real and Heid agreed. “The putback fear is still there and we’re working to put it to rest,” said Heid. “The time is right for that. If the government-sponsored enterprises weren’t in conservatorship, the issue of put backs wouldn’t be there. We need a world where everything is more of a natural market and we need competition with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conservatorship should end.”
Thomas followed up by asking whether immediate steps should be taken to reduce the government role in the housing finance market. Emerson said that the security of their guarantee needs to stay, not the actual government entities.
“I think if we want the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, you need the government guarantee,” said Watters. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage needs the government guarantee because not all banks can soak up the size of the market.”
When asked whether private investors are ready to take a bigger role in the secondary mortgage market as the government’s footprint shrinks, the executives provided varied responses. Heid said that more certainty is needed before taking action.
“We’ve already started to do some private label securities,” said Watters. “People are getting back into the marketplace, which is a good thing. We might not be ready to take it all on, but we are headed in the right direction.”
The lending leaders unanimously agreed that consumers will see a healthy increase in the market next year, keeping pace with gains made in 2013. Mortgage originations will dominate the 2014 housing market as interest rates creep up and refinancing trends downward.
Heid said that while home values will continue to increase as the market continues to heal, the economy is the wild card and the downturn would be a game changer. “In spite of the economic crisis, Americans still want to be homeowners. That hasn’t changed one bit,” he said. “Homeownership is at the heart of what we do and that is worth preserving.”
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
How to Deal with Tough Financial Times
From time to time in everyone's life they struggle financially. It can be for whatever reason. When times like that fall upon you financially, it's not the time to fold up and go hide underneath a rock. Instead, mentally strategize for success, even if it means reshuffling everything you're about.
The first thing you should do when financial disaster strikes is think positive. Sure, adversity is guaranteed to take an emotional toll on you, if you feel that you're going broke. To think positive in the midst of financial uncertainty gives hope for a better financial future. Financial education in and outside of the college classroom is the best way to learn ways to build you up. Not everyone who achieved millionaire or billionaire status today took the traditional route of going through college. They most likely started their own business from the knowledge gained about how to secure and maintain vast wealth.
Believe it or not, many of today's most affordable financial magazines provide a way for the everyday person to gain just as much financial knowledge, in comparison to a college student studying for a finance degree. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to subscribe to a financial education magazine. In fact, when you do subscribe, what you're actually doing is making an investment in yourself. It's always those inspiring articles people read somewhere in a publication that brings out a hidden creative idea in the back of your mind to start a business, or, discover a unique way to grow your 401k, get a grant, or whatever.
Last but not least, along with striving for excellence to get financially organized, exercising and eating healthy can also help keep your spirits up during a financial downturn. It may sound silly to some people to work out and try to keep your health up to par, but actually, the endorphins that are increasingly flowing in your body before and after workouts will help you feel happier. You have to believe in yourself to overcome many of life's challenges in order to prosper. Education, exercise, and faith will help see you through tough financial times, because setbacks are only temporary.
The first thing you should do when financial disaster strikes is think positive. Sure, adversity is guaranteed to take an emotional toll on you, if you feel that you're going broke. To think positive in the midst of financial uncertainty gives hope for a better financial future. Financial education in and outside of the college classroom is the best way to learn ways to build you up. Not everyone who achieved millionaire or billionaire status today took the traditional route of going through college. They most likely started their own business from the knowledge gained about how to secure and maintain vast wealth.
Believe it or not, many of today's most affordable financial magazines provide a way for the everyday person to gain just as much financial knowledge, in comparison to a college student studying for a finance degree. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to subscribe to a financial education magazine. In fact, when you do subscribe, what you're actually doing is making an investment in yourself. It's always those inspiring articles people read somewhere in a publication that brings out a hidden creative idea in the back of your mind to start a business, or, discover a unique way to grow your 401k, get a grant, or whatever.
Last but not least, along with striving for excellence to get financially organized, exercising and eating healthy can also help keep your spirits up during a financial downturn. It may sound silly to some people to work out and try to keep your health up to par, but actually, the endorphins that are increasingly flowing in your body before and after workouts will help you feel happier. You have to believe in yourself to overcome many of life's challenges in order to prosper. Education, exercise, and faith will help see you through tough financial times, because setbacks are only temporary.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Food drive
Intero Real Estate & Kerri Anne Kuipers
We are doing a food drive
for the Contra Costa County Food Bank.
Let’s
GO BIG and get involved. Drop off the food items
at our offices.
Let’s
make a difference!
Top Ten Most Wanted Food Items
1. Canned Meat, Fish & Soups
2. Canned Ready to Eat Meals
3. Canned Vegetables & Tomato Products
4. Peanut Butter (plastic container)
5. Iron Rich Cereal (45% or more of daily value)
6. 100% Fruit Juice (48 oz. or less plastic bottles)
7. Canned Fruit (in juice)
8. Dry Beans (any type)
9. Enriched Rice or Pasta
10. Powdered Milk
Brentwood Discovery
Bay
8640 Brentwood Blvd 1540 Discovery Bay Blvd Ste B
Brentwood, CA 94513 Discovery
Bay, CA 94505
Contact Kerri Anne
Monday, July 8, 2013
Enlarge Your Living Space
Your Home - Enlarge Your Living Space - 5 Optical Illusions Tips
I am quite sure everyone wants a big and nice house with a lot of space. However we often need to live in smaller areas. This is not a big problem, as we have prepared for you some great optical illusion tips to help you make your home brighter and more spacious.
Avoid the dark colors
The secret of the comfortable and spacious interior is to use a reasonable quantity of dark colors. For example, if you choose the furnishing of the room to be in dark colors, then the walls should definitely be bright colored – this solution will make the different elements contrast and it will help you to make the room more spacious.
Use accents in the rooms
The focus can be created by using colors – you may paint one wall in a different color, or you can put color wallpaper, and paint stripes on. If you choose floral wallpaper, its elements should necessarily be large; the same applies to ordinary wallpaper - repeating the pattern of big ornaments creates a sense of space. Horizontal stripes always make the room look wider and vertical stripes make it longer.
Avoid using contrasting colors
When you enter a room, your eyes move slowly from the floor, then they shift to the walls and finally they reach the ceiling. If the floor, walls and ceiling are similarly colored your eyes will move smoothly along the line and the space will seem larger. If all three elements are in contrasting colors, the eye will distinguish them and space automatically becomes less spacious.
Use the vertical space
When we live in a small house, it is common to feel like there is no room for any more items. Think again - the walls in most cases remain empty except for some paintings or frames. You have the option to put various shelves to store some of the items and to make more space in the room. This will open up the room and make it more vibrant.
Avoid the heavy curtains
Some large halls and living rooms usually have heavy curtains descending from the ceiling to the floor, creating a flow throughout the room. In small rooms however it is better to avoid heavy curtains as they are hard to clean and will make the space look darker and smaller.
Avoid the dark colors
The secret of the comfortable and spacious interior is to use a reasonable quantity of dark colors. For example, if you choose the furnishing of the room to be in dark colors, then the walls should definitely be bright colored – this solution will make the different elements contrast and it will help you to make the room more spacious.
Use accents in the rooms
The focus can be created by using colors – you may paint one wall in a different color, or you can put color wallpaper, and paint stripes on. If you choose floral wallpaper, its elements should necessarily be large; the same applies to ordinary wallpaper - repeating the pattern of big ornaments creates a sense of space. Horizontal stripes always make the room look wider and vertical stripes make it longer.
Avoid using contrasting colors
When you enter a room, your eyes move slowly from the floor, then they shift to the walls and finally they reach the ceiling. If the floor, walls and ceiling are similarly colored your eyes will move smoothly along the line and the space will seem larger. If all three elements are in contrasting colors, the eye will distinguish them and space automatically becomes less spacious.
Use the vertical space
When we live in a small house, it is common to feel like there is no room for any more items. Think again - the walls in most cases remain empty except for some paintings or frames. You have the option to put various shelves to store some of the items and to make more space in the room. This will open up the room and make it more vibrant.
Avoid the heavy curtains
Some large halls and living rooms usually have heavy curtains descending from the ceiling to the floor, creating a flow throughout the room. In small rooms however it is better to avoid heavy curtains as they are hard to clean and will make the space look darker and smaller.
Enlarge Your Living Space
Your Home - Enlarge Your Living Space - 5 Optical Illusions Tips
I am quite sure everyone wants a big and nice house with a lot of space. However we often need to live in smaller areas. This is not a big problem, as we have prepared for you some great optical illusion tips to help you make your home brighter and more spacious.
Avoid the dark colors
The secret of the comfortable and spacious interior is to use a reasonable quantity of dark colors. For example, if you choose the furnishing of the room to be in dark colors, then the walls should definitely be bright colored – this solution will make the different elements contrast and it will help you to make the room more spacious.
Use accents in the rooms
The focus can be created by using colors – you may paint one wall in a different color, or you can put color wallpaper, and paint stripes on. If you choose floral wallpaper, its elements should necessarily be large; the same applies to ordinary wallpaper - repeating the pattern of big ornaments creates a sense of space. Horizontal stripes always make the room look wider and vertical stripes make it longer.
Avoid using contrasting colors
When you enter a room, your eyes move slowly from the floor, then they shift to the walls and finally they reach the ceiling. If the floor, walls and ceiling are similarly colored your eyes will move smoothly along the line and the space will seem larger. If all three elements are in contrasting colors, the eye will distinguish them and space automatically becomes less spacious.
Use the vertical space
When we live in a small house, it is common to feel like there is no room for any more items. Think again - the walls in most cases remain empty except for some paintings or frames. You have the option to put various shelves to store some of the items and to make more space in the room. This will open up the room and make it more vibrant.
Avoid the heavy curtains
Some large halls and living rooms usually have heavy curtains descending from the ceiling to the floor, creating a flow throughout the room. In small rooms however it is better to avoid heavy curtains as they are hard to clean and will make the space look darker and smaller.
Avoid the dark colors
The secret of the comfortable and spacious interior is to use a reasonable quantity of dark colors. For example, if you choose the furnishing of the room to be in dark colors, then the walls should definitely be bright colored – this solution will make the different elements contrast and it will help you to make the room more spacious.
Use accents in the rooms
The focus can be created by using colors – you may paint one wall in a different color, or you can put color wallpaper, and paint stripes on. If you choose floral wallpaper, its elements should necessarily be large; the same applies to ordinary wallpaper - repeating the pattern of big ornaments creates a sense of space. Horizontal stripes always make the room look wider and vertical stripes make it longer.
Avoid using contrasting colors
When you enter a room, your eyes move slowly from the floor, then they shift to the walls and finally they reach the ceiling. If the floor, walls and ceiling are similarly colored your eyes will move smoothly along the line and the space will seem larger. If all three elements are in contrasting colors, the eye will distinguish them and space automatically becomes less spacious.
Use the vertical space
When we live in a small house, it is common to feel like there is no room for any more items. Think again - the walls in most cases remain empty except for some paintings or frames. You have the option to put various shelves to store some of the items and to make more space in the room. This will open up the room and make it more vibrant.
Avoid the heavy curtains
Some large halls and living rooms usually have heavy curtains descending from the ceiling to the floor, creating a flow throughout the room. In small rooms however it is better to avoid heavy curtains as they are hard to clean and will make the space look darker and smaller.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Natural Bug Repellent
Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent:
1. Put 32 oz apple cider vinegar into large glass jar (at least 1 qt. with airtight lid)
2. Add to the jar: 2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
3. Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.
4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles, preferably in fridge.
5. To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.
6. Use whenever you need serious bug control!
It may not smell great at first, but the smell goes away as it dries. Keep bugs from biting this summer – naturally.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Summer is here!!!
Now that the summer break is here (or almost here), we need to think about how to entertain our kids. There are many activities parents can plan for their kids during the summer and here are some of them.
There are many "drop-off and pick-them-up" activities that parents can get their child involved in, like karate or dance school. Some colleges have activities for kids during the summer as well. The best way to find activities is to look in the local newspaper or in the phone book. The internet has a great deal of information for things to do with children during the summer. It is great to keep the kids' brain working during the summer break. The earlier you start the better. Some places take reservations very early and some programs will fill early, too. Start your planning today.
On weekdays kids could go to camp. A lot of people are getting out of the tradition of sending the kids away for the whole summer to a secluded forest with a bunch of teenagers and a couple of adults. There are now camps that have a meeting place where you can drop the kids off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. The camp will drive a bus to the site every day so the kids still have a camp-like experience but not the whole "spend-the-night" thing. They will still get to do activities like swimming, hiking, sports, and arts and crafts.
Taking a couple of weeks to go on vacation is a great way to get a break from it all. A lot of places have packages for early booking and the longer the stay, the better the deal. There are also good deals as more people come. Some hotels will give a discount if more than one room is booked. Amusement parks will give discounts to families and some offer deals for kids or senior citizens if the grandparents come along. If a person cannot travel for two weeks straight, then there is always traveling on weekends. The family can pack up the car to leave on a two hour drive on Friday and come back on Saturday. It could be a camping trip or going to the next town to shop and sight-see.
Whatever you plan for this summer, make sure that your kids will get a balanced vacation with a mixture of relaxation, physical and brain activity.
There are many "drop-off and pick-them-up" activities that parents can get their child involved in, like karate or dance school. Some colleges have activities for kids during the summer as well. The best way to find activities is to look in the local newspaper or in the phone book. The internet has a great deal of information for things to do with children during the summer. It is great to keep the kids' brain working during the summer break. The earlier you start the better. Some places take reservations very early and some programs will fill early, too. Start your planning today.
On weekdays kids could go to camp. A lot of people are getting out of the tradition of sending the kids away for the whole summer to a secluded forest with a bunch of teenagers and a couple of adults. There are now camps that have a meeting place where you can drop the kids off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. The camp will drive a bus to the site every day so the kids still have a camp-like experience but not the whole "spend-the-night" thing. They will still get to do activities like swimming, hiking, sports, and arts and crafts.
Taking a couple of weeks to go on vacation is a great way to get a break from it all. A lot of places have packages for early booking and the longer the stay, the better the deal. There are also good deals as more people come. Some hotels will give a discount if more than one room is booked. Amusement parks will give discounts to families and some offer deals for kids or senior citizens if the grandparents come along. If a person cannot travel for two weeks straight, then there is always traveling on weekends. The family can pack up the car to leave on a two hour drive on Friday and come back on Saturday. It could be a camping trip or going to the next town to shop and sight-see.
Whatever you plan for this summer, make sure that your kids will get a balanced vacation with a mixture of relaxation, physical and brain activity.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Mothers day is May 12th!!!
Mother's Day is something to constantly celebrate, but what is it exactly? It's a celebration of those who took care of us while we were growing up — a celebration of life and true labor — and the meaning of sacrificing one's time and energy for another human being. While this might sound like a lecture on the importance of motherhood, there certainly isn't a place like home, and there's certainly nothing like a mother to take care of us. Celebrating them once a year certainly isn't enough, so most sons and daughters do something to make this day truly wonderful.
We have Anna Jarvis to thank for this. She started with a celebration of her own mother in 1908 and began a campaign to increase awareness. Jarvis decided to set the official celebratory date as the second Sunday in May. As the movement spread worldwide, it merged with similar traditions in other countries — like "Mothering Sunday" in the British Isles. This led to the present day "Mother's Day."
Monday, May 6, 2013
We love chocolate!!!
Personal Interest - 20 Fun Facts About Chocolate
Chocolate is known throughout the world as a delightful treat and loved by billions of people. Would you like to learn a little more about it? Here it is:
1. Ancient Aztecs thought chocolate had magical powers; like the ability to give them strength.
2. Chocolate was consumed by the ancient Aztecs as a frothy beverage, somewhat like hot chocolate we drink today.
3. Chocolate contains over 300 mineral properties that are beneficial to your health.
4. Chocolate comes from a plant, called Theobroma cacao, which translates "Food of the Gods".
5. Dark chocolate has more antioxidants than green tea and just as many as blueberries.
6. White chocolate really isn't chocolate. It's made from cocoa butter, the substance you get by pressing cocoa beans. Cocoa butter is absent of the cocoa solids used to make chocolate.
7. Chocolate does contain chemical elements that really do boost your mood and produce a euphoric feeling.
8. Eating chocolate gives you the same feeling as falling in love. This is probably why Valentine's Day and chocolate go hand in hand.
9. Chocolate comes from the Aztec word "xocolatl" which means "bitter water".
10. Switzerland is one of the top countries for chocolate consumption. The Swiss consume about 22 lbs of chocolate, per person, per year.
11. Cocoa beans were used as currency by the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Perhaps this is where the saying "Money grows on trees" came from.
12. Allowing chocolate to melt in your mouth produces the same or even stronger reactions as passionately kissing.
13. Hershey is the oldest and largest chocolate company in the US.
14. Cadbury is the most popular chocolate in the UK.
15. Most cocoa comes from West Africa.
16. The most expensive chocolate in the world is $2,600 per pound. It's called Madeleine and is made by Fritz Knipschildt, a chocolatier in Connecticut.
17. Chocolate is beneficial for proper blood flow to the lungs and other organs.
18. The minerals in chocolate help to increase brain power and function.
19. Thomas Jefferson, third president of the US, was quoted as saying "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain."
20. One of Hershey's ads reads: More Sustaining Than Meat."
1. Ancient Aztecs thought chocolate had magical powers; like the ability to give them strength.
2. Chocolate was consumed by the ancient Aztecs as a frothy beverage, somewhat like hot chocolate we drink today.
3. Chocolate contains over 300 mineral properties that are beneficial to your health.
4. Chocolate comes from a plant, called Theobroma cacao, which translates "Food of the Gods".
5. Dark chocolate has more antioxidants than green tea and just as many as blueberries.
6. White chocolate really isn't chocolate. It's made from cocoa butter, the substance you get by pressing cocoa beans. Cocoa butter is absent of the cocoa solids used to make chocolate.
7. Chocolate does contain chemical elements that really do boost your mood and produce a euphoric feeling.
8. Eating chocolate gives you the same feeling as falling in love. This is probably why Valentine's Day and chocolate go hand in hand.
9. Chocolate comes from the Aztec word "xocolatl" which means "bitter water".
10. Switzerland is one of the top countries for chocolate consumption. The Swiss consume about 22 lbs of chocolate, per person, per year.
11. Cocoa beans were used as currency by the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Perhaps this is where the saying "Money grows on trees" came from.
12. Allowing chocolate to melt in your mouth produces the same or even stronger reactions as passionately kissing.
13. Hershey is the oldest and largest chocolate company in the US.
14. Cadbury is the most popular chocolate in the UK.
15. Most cocoa comes from West Africa.
16. The most expensive chocolate in the world is $2,600 per pound. It's called Madeleine and is made by Fritz Knipschildt, a chocolatier in Connecticut.
17. Chocolate is beneficial for proper blood flow to the lungs and other organs.
18. The minerals in chocolate help to increase brain power and function.
19. Thomas Jefferson, third president of the US, was quoted as saying "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain."
20. One of Hershey's ads reads: More Sustaining Than Meat."
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Why Home Sales Slipped in March
By Gino Blefari
President & CEO
Intero Real Estate Services, Inc.
If you've been following housing market news this year, you may have been surprised by the latest home sales numbers to come out this week. Sales of existing homes stalled at 4.92 million, dropping 0.6% in March from February.
But what about this hot spring we've all been anticipating? What about the great recovery and growth period we're supposed to see in 2013? What's going on here?
The problem is lack of homes. There's plenty of demand from buyers, but just not enough to choose from on the market.
Some areas are experiencing multiple bids, which can frustrate buyers after they've been outbid a handful of times and turn them away.
And in some cases, we see sellers being affected as well. For those in tight markets, they may not feel confident enough to list their homes until they know for sure they'll be able to find a new one to move into.
Despite the decline in March sales from February, home sales were still 10.3% higher than the same month a year ago, marking the 21st consecutive month of year-over-year increases. That's good news, and a good indicator of how the market is trending in the big picture.
Demand is still strong, according to the National Association of Realtors, which reported buyer traffic is 25% above a year ago. But the drop in available homes has put upward pressure on prices. And some buyers are getting frustrated and priced out.
The national median home price was $184,300 in March, 11.8% higher than a year ago. The increase was the highest gain since November 2005.
Total housing inventory was up 1.6% to 1.93% homes for sale, representing a 4.7-month supply at the current pace. For-sale inventory was 16.8% below what it was a year ago, showing how lack of supply is truly impacting the pace of sales and overall market activity.
What happens next?
At the rate things are going, we can likely expect more price increases, driven by continued tight markets with some increases in new home building to balance supply.
At some point, prices will reach a tipping point where more sellers are able to sell because values will meet their needs.
Until then, buyers need patience and the ability to act fast; sellers need motivation or the right price points to get out from an underwater mortgage. We have an interesting second half of the year ahead!
By Gino Blefari
President & CEO
Intero Real Estate Services, Inc.
If you've been following housing market news this year, you may have been surprised by the latest home sales numbers to come out this week. Sales of existing homes stalled at 4.92 million, dropping 0.6% in March from February.
But what about this hot spring we've all been anticipating? What about the great recovery and growth period we're supposed to see in 2013? What's going on here?
The problem is lack of homes. There's plenty of demand from buyers, but just not enough to choose from on the market.
Some areas are experiencing multiple bids, which can frustrate buyers after they've been outbid a handful of times and turn them away.
And in some cases, we see sellers being affected as well. For those in tight markets, they may not feel confident enough to list their homes until they know for sure they'll be able to find a new one to move into.
Despite the decline in March sales from February, home sales were still 10.3% higher than the same month a year ago, marking the 21st consecutive month of year-over-year increases. That's good news, and a good indicator of how the market is trending in the big picture.
Demand is still strong, according to the National Association of Realtors, which reported buyer traffic is 25% above a year ago. But the drop in available homes has put upward pressure on prices. And some buyers are getting frustrated and priced out.
The national median home price was $184,300 in March, 11.8% higher than a year ago. The increase was the highest gain since November 2005.
Total housing inventory was up 1.6% to 1.93% homes for sale, representing a 4.7-month supply at the current pace. For-sale inventory was 16.8% below what it was a year ago, showing how lack of supply is truly impacting the pace of sales and overall market activity.
What happens next?
At the rate things are going, we can likely expect more price increases, driven by continued tight markets with some increases in new home building to balance supply.
At some point, prices will reach a tipping point where more sellers are able to sell because values will meet their needs.
Until then, buyers need patience and the ability to act fast; sellers need motivation or the right price points to get out from an underwater mortgage. We have an interesting second half of the year ahead!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Pandemonium!!!
Most people don't realize that home Prices are going up! Inventory is down, homes are being sold over asking and are getting on average, over 5 offers! SO if you were thinking of selling.... NOW is the time!!!
Contact ME today!!
Kerri@InteroDB.com
Contact ME today!!
Kerri@InteroDB.com
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Heating up...
The market is really Heating up! Low inventory, low interest rates, and tons of buyers. If you have been thinking of selling your home, NOW is the time. Email me for a market analysis of your home or neighborhood and get ready to move, FAST!
Kerri@interodb.com
Kerri@interodb.com
Thursday, February 14, 2013
We are in a HOT market!!!
Hot, Normal, and Cold Markets
Hot Market
This is an extremely competitive market and is advantageous to the seller. Sometimes, homes will sell as soon as they are listed or even before homes are listed. Typically, during a hot market, multiple offers will be made on each home and more often than not, homes will sell for more than the asking price. It is even more crucial to be prepared and to be ready as a buyer when the market is hot. It can be easy to get caught up in the bid for a home, but if you are prepared (pre-approved, solid in price range, realistic about your needs), it is easier to remain focused on your housing needs and price range.
Normal Market
In a normal market, there is a fairly large number of homes available and an average number of buyers. This market does not necessarily favor the buyer or the seller. A seller may not have as many offers on their home, but he or she may not be desperate to sell either. Again, it is the buyer’s responsibility to be prepared. During a normal market, the chances to negotiate are higher than in a hot market. As a buyer, you can expect to make offers at lower than the asking price and negotiate a price at least somewhat less than what the sellers are asking.
Cold Market
In a cold market, houses may be listed for more than a year and the prices of houses listed may drop considerably. This market is advantageous to the buyer. As a buyer, you have the time to make an offer that works to your best interest. It is not uncommon to low-ball and to find that sellers are accommodating to meet your needs. Keep in mind that even though this market is a great time for buyers, you do not want to lose your dream home by being unrealistic. Your goal is to get your dream home at the best possible price.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Prices are going up....
December home sales and price report
| find the article at: | http://www.car.org/newsstand/newsreleases/2013releases/decembersales |
California home sales and price close on high note in December;
housing market posts strong performance in 2012
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 15) – California home sales and prices both posted gains in December, with the median price posting strong double-digit gains for six straight months, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported.
“A rush to complete sales of higher-priced homes by the end of the year to avoid an expected increase in capital gains due to the “fiscal cliff” pushed up sales of homes priced $500,000 and above by nearly 42 percent from December 2011,” said C.A.R. President Don Faught.
Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 522,510 units, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. Sales in December were up 0.8 percent from a revised 518,460 in November and up 0.9 percent from a revised 517,730 in December 2011. The statewide sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2012 if sales maintained the December pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.
The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home climbed 5 percent from November’s $349,300 median price to $366,930 in December. December’s price was up 27 percent from a revised $288,950 recorded in December 2011, marking the tenth consecutive month of annual price increases and the sixth consecutive month of double-digit annual gains. The substantial increase in price was due in large part to a significant increase of higher-priced properties, while inventory constraints continued to constrict sales of lower-priced homes. Price increases are not expected to continue at a high pace into 2013.
“The positive fundamentals in the housing sector continued to attract potential homeowners and investors, which resulted in strong housing sales in the fourth quarter. Sales for 2012 rose 5.4 percent, reaching 525,120 for the year as a whole, slightly above our projection,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “With sales in the higher-end market remaining strong throughout the year, the price gain at the state level surpassed our expectations, increasing 11.6 percent from $286,040 in 2011 to a preliminary $319,340 in 2012.”
Other key facts of C.A.R.’s December 2012 resale housing report include:
• California’s housing inventory was further constrained in December, with the Unsold Inventory Index for existing, single-family detached homes dropping to 2.6 months, down from 3.1 months in November and a revised 4.3 months in December 2011. The index indicates the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate. A six- to seven-month supply is considered normal.
• The 30-year fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.35 percent during December 2012, unchanged from November, but down from 3.96 percent in December 2011, according to Freddie Mac. However, adjustable-mortgage interest rates edged down in December, averaging 2.54 percent, down from 2.57 percent in November and down from 2.79 percent in December 2011.
• The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home edged up to 38.1 days in December 2012 from 37.5 days in November but was down from 58.7 days for the same period a year ago.
housing market posts strong performance in 2012
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 15) – California home sales and prices both posted gains in December, with the median price posting strong double-digit gains for six straight months, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported.
“A rush to complete sales of higher-priced homes by the end of the year to avoid an expected increase in capital gains due to the “fiscal cliff” pushed up sales of homes priced $500,000 and above by nearly 42 percent from December 2011,” said C.A.R. President Don Faught.
Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 522,510 units, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. Sales in December were up 0.8 percent from a revised 518,460 in November and up 0.9 percent from a revised 517,730 in December 2011. The statewide sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2012 if sales maintained the December pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.
The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home climbed 5 percent from November’s $349,300 median price to $366,930 in December. December’s price was up 27 percent from a revised $288,950 recorded in December 2011, marking the tenth consecutive month of annual price increases and the sixth consecutive month of double-digit annual gains. The substantial increase in price was due in large part to a significant increase of higher-priced properties, while inventory constraints continued to constrict sales of lower-priced homes. Price increases are not expected to continue at a high pace into 2013.
“The positive fundamentals in the housing sector continued to attract potential homeowners and investors, which resulted in strong housing sales in the fourth quarter. Sales for 2012 rose 5.4 percent, reaching 525,120 for the year as a whole, slightly above our projection,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “With sales in the higher-end market remaining strong throughout the year, the price gain at the state level surpassed our expectations, increasing 11.6 percent from $286,040 in 2011 to a preliminary $319,340 in 2012.”
Other key facts of C.A.R.’s December 2012 resale housing report include:
• California’s housing inventory was further constrained in December, with the Unsold Inventory Index for existing, single-family detached homes dropping to 2.6 months, down from 3.1 months in November and a revised 4.3 months in December 2011. The index indicates the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate. A six- to seven-month supply is considered normal.
• The 30-year fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.35 percent during December 2012, unchanged from November, but down from 3.96 percent in December 2011, according to Freddie Mac. However, adjustable-mortgage interest rates edged down in December, averaging 2.54 percent, down from 2.57 percent in November and down from 2.79 percent in December 2011.
• The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home edged up to 38.1 days in December 2012 from 37.5 days in November but was down from 58.7 days for the same period a year ago.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Great news!!!!
Congress passed legislation extending the Mortgage Debt Relief Act for homeowners who do a Short Sale through 2013. When a homeowner sells their home, the IRS won't treat the debt forgiven by the bank as income, which means they won't owe taxes on that amount, therefore allowed a seller to short sale their home without immense tax consequences.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Now is the Time!
Now is the time to list your house for sale! The inventory is extremely low. Homes are getting 10+ offers and most are going well over asking price. Contact me today for a Market Value Analyses of your home! This could be your time to MOVE!!!
Looking for a NEW home?! I can help with that too. There are many great new communities. I have access to floor plans and can educate you on what's out there.
Kerri Anne Kuipers
925.382.6722
Kerri@Interodb.com
RE#1371935
Looking for a NEW home?! I can help with that too. There are many great new communities. I have access to floor plans and can educate you on what's out there.
Kerri Anne Kuipers
925.382.6722
Kerri@Interodb.com
RE#1371935
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