First, they’ve found that while investors know very well that the stock market has its ups and downs, some will still base investment decisions on the assumption that what’s happening now will continue in the future. For example, the home buyer driven by a hot market will engage in bidding wars, assuming that the market will continue to heat up. The buyer believes he or she has to buy now or lose out.

Second, they’ve found that other investors follow the “anchoring” concept, in which they hold off selling an asset in hopes that it will increase in value despite evidence to the contrary. In this scenario, home buyers stubbornly anchor themselves to an offering price even though the seller and buyer are only a few hundred dollars apart.

Third, they’ve found that some investors buy too much house for their budget or they forget about the crumbling foundation, because they love the seller’s decor.

Fourth, they’ve found that other investors fail to see beyond the clutter as to possibilities of a home.

To prevent such problems, the emotional home buyer needs the perspective of a real estate agent. Such a professional can separate the emotion from the investment so your dream house won’t become a nightmare.

If you’re wondering what’s happening to prices in your area, or you’re thinking about selling your house, I’ll be able to help.

Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.

I won’t try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.

I’ll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.

And maybe I’ll also give you the “inside scoop” on what’s happening in the housing market near where you live!

Just give my office a call or reply to this email to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by at the office.

With a bit of planning and preparation, they might be your ticket to a great vacation destination or family outing.

After all, in tough economic times every little bit counts.

Following are four tips to help you get the most out of your frequent flyer miles:

1. Think Big: The best overall savings come from accumulating enough points for big trips rather than short overnight stays. Just be sure to watch out for expiration dates.

2. Routine Savings: Streamline record keeping and compile points by using a credit card for routine purchases. However, make sure you pay off the balance each month to avoid paying interest on everyday items like groceries.

3. Remain Flexible: It’s often possible to get some great seats if you are willing to be flexible with dates, times and even destinations. For example, rather than departing from a busy airport, try one with a little less traffic. Ditto for flying on holidays or during peak periods. Opt for off-peak periods instead.

4. Ask about Partner Perks: Many major airlines allow frequent flyer miles to be used on partner flights if you ask. Stick to the same carrier or alliance to boost the odds of obtaining the best seats.

A sheepish pizza delivery guy is met at the door by a lingerie-clad lady and enticed inside to share her pizza.

Cue disgusted teen boy, who announces: “You’re not a delivery boy …Dad. No wonder I don’t have any friends.”

Ah, yes, the time-honored tradition of date night, when a married couple with kids steals time from their busy schedules for a weekly rendezvous.

Everybody seems to be doing it – even President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle.

They’ve been spotted all over Washington enjoying each other’s company.

According to Arthur Aron, a professor of social psychology at State University of New York at Stony Brook, you need to introduce some novelty into the game.

In an article that appeared in the New York Times, he suggested that new experiences with your partner fool the brain into re-creating the same feelings and releasing the same hormones you had in the early stages of romantic love.

If you don’t think you can keep the romance alive by revisiting old haunts, then try something new.

Walk on the beach, visit the zoo or even take up the tango.

And don’t talk about money or the kids. Talk about those things you love to do.

“When people talk about their passions, they light up and the brain chemistry changes,” says a blogger named jpwriter at Ehow.com.

Some rooms have natural focal points, such as a fireplace, architectural details or a picture window with a view.

But if your room has none of these, you could try placing a large piece of furniture such as an armoire or a tall bookcase along one wall, using an ornate mirror or large painting, or adding a table with your favorite collectibles arranged on it.
If you have a large, flat-screen television, this might make a suitable focal point, but many people prefer not to make a TV the center of attention, as it can look unattractive when switched off.

The focal point doesn’t have to be on the wall – an area rug placed under a coffee table can also work well. A fireplace is perhaps the best focal point in a living room. To accent it further, place a painting or mirror above the hearth.

First, find out how much energy is being used, by keeping a log and reading your meter each week. At the end of four weeks, add up the kilowatts used and divide the total by the number of days to get your average daily usage. Once the audit is complete and changes are made, monitor usage again. The next step is to walk around the house and check for the following:

Inside

• Any air leaks and gaps at baseboards and where the walls and ceilings end up joining

• Air leaks around electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames and baseboards

• Gaps and cracks in weather stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches and air conditioners

• Gaps around pipes and wires

• Air leaks from mail slots

• Rattling from windows and doors, and daylight leaking in around frames

Outside

• Air leaks where two building materials meet

• Improperly caulked doors, windows and outdoor outlets

• Cracks in the mortar, foundation or siding

• Missing insulation in the home’s structure

• Improperly functioning heating/cooling equipment

• Filters that need to be replaced on forced-air furnaces

Define Needs Versus Wants: Make a list of your needs versus wants in the new home. For example, if you have a large and growing family then four bedrooms might be a necessity, while a pool might be negotiable.

Select a Location: Spend some time driving around town, researching schools and local amenities, crime rates, and other safety considerations. Select three to five areas to focus your search on.

Get Pre-Qualified: Find out how much you will be eligible to borrow and begin the paperwork so you are prepared to move quickly should a great deal arise.

Contact an Agent: Ask family and friends, perform a search for real estate agents that specialize in your target area, or consider using the services of a buyer’s agent. Let them know the price range you have been approved for, the type of home and zip codes of interest.

Read, Set and Search: Sign up for automatic listing notifications and begin viewing prospective properties online. Ask your agent for additional photos, virtual tour links and a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report, if available, which gives the insurance claim and loss history for residential properties. Once you find a property of interest, take a few minutes to google it before actually driving out in person. It’s often easy to see areas of concern from an aerial view as opposed to in person.

An environmentally friendly home will probably have:

1. Effective insulation – to ensure even temperatures throughout the home

2. Energy efficient windows – to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer and to protect furniture and flooring from the discoloring effects of the sun

3. Tight construction and ducts – to reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise and to improve indoor comfort and air quality

4. Efficient heating and cooling systems – to improve home comfort and use less energy

5. Efficient products – such as light fixtures and appliances with an energy-efficiency designation.

If you’re wondering what’s happening to prices in your area, or you’re thinking about selling your house, I’ll be able to help.

Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.

I won’t try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.

I’ll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.

And maybe I’ll also give you the “inside scoop” on what’s happening in the housing market near where you live!

Just give my office a call or reply to this email to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by at the office.

Volunteer vacations are relatively new phenomena that combine domestic or international travel with the opportunity to help others while enjoying yourself.

Depending upon the program, location and other specific criteria, room and board is often part of the experience, making it an affordable way to visit areas that might otherwise have been out of the question.

Some programs actually pay a small stipend for those that volunteer for longer-than-average durations.

If you are considering a volunteer vacation it is important to plan ahead, especially for overseas locations.

A passport/visa will be needed and you may have to get vaccinations.

Many programs have a limited number of spots available, or there may be qualification criteria, so make sure you apply early.

You can learn more at the following websites:

* http://charityguide.org/volunteer/vacations.htm
* http://www.americanhiking.org/volunteervacation.aspx
* http://www.globalvolunteers.org
* http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/service.aspx
* http://www.independenttraveler.com
* http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/volunteer/index.shtml

Be Sincere: Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is – and isn’t – really important. Peer pressure, expectations of family and friends, and even your own fears all tend to inhibit the ability to admit what you really want. Audit your emotional state by writing down the most important people, events and feelings you have experienced in the past year and what you would do differently next year. Make it meaningful.

Take Small Steps: Rather than trying to tackle all of life’s little challenges at once, take small steps instead. Make a list of things that are incomplete for 2010 that could be finalized during 2011. Next, make a list of things you would at least like to begin next year, including any assets or special information that will be needed. It’s a great way to build on success, rather than becoming frustrated with failure, which comes from an “all or nothing” mentality.

Eliminate Negativity and Naysayers: Let’s face it, trying to reach a new goal is tough enough even without the influence of naysayers and other negative influences. Trying to climb to new heights with a boulder of negativity on your shoulders is a burden you don’t need. Eliminating negative people, actions and activities from your life not only increases the odds of reaching your goals, but more importantly it enhances your enjoyment of the entire process.

1) Best Time of Year to Put Your House on the Market

Conventional wisdom dictates that spring is the best time for selling a home.  The weather is getting warmer, the school year is coming to an end, and people who have just received their tax refunds may now have extra cash to use for a down payment on a home.  However, since not everyone can sell a home in the spring, here are some other seasonal factors to consider. According to annual home sale data from the National Association of Realtors, the slowest selling months of the year are typically January and February, since fewer home sales occur during the holidays.  In spite of this, with less competition in the marketplace, you may be able to ask for a higher price for your home, or a quicker closing.  Additionally, temperate locations like Florida and California don’t see the seasonal fluctuations in the housing market, where house-hunters are almost always looking.  And a late winter or early spring in the Northeast may extend the typical “selling season.”  These seasonal variations, as well as a variety of local factors, will all influence the housing market in your area.  Be sure to talk to your real estate agent regarding the current state of the market and how it will affect the sale of your home.

2) Open House Strategy and How to De-Clutter

At an open house, first impressions count, so you’ll want to enhance your home’s perceived value. Make your home inviting by taking care of bothersome minor repairs; clean bathroom and kitchen counters and clear them of dishes and clutter. Arrange storage areas neatly and put unused items in a closet. If you have pets, consider having a neighbor watch them for the duration of the open house. It’s a good idea for you to be absent during the open house, also. If you must be present, let your agent do the talking.

Decorate your home to sell by arranging the furniture to look as spacious as possible. Add color and fragrance to any room with fresh flowers. Lastly, don’t forget the outside of your home. Put away all gardening equipment and neatly arrange outdoor items like firewood or furniture. Even take a hard look at your mailbox and make sure it reflects the value and character of your home.

3) Features to Accentuate

While you may have long determined which aspects of your home you love, having a fresh set of eyes assess its best features is a smart idea. If you’re considering selling your home, take the time to walk through it methodically with your real estate agent. Together you can determine which features of the home should be accentuated.  Does your home have a wonderful view? Make the most of it by sprucing up window treatments and arranging furniture to draw the eye toward the windows. Perhaps the location of your house is truly incredible. Your real estate agent can help accentuate this feature in sales and marketing materials.

4) Desired Price and Bottom Line Price

It’s great to shoot high, but when determining your home value, it’s also important to identify your bottom line. By assessing recent home sale statistics in your area, your real estate agent can recommend an appropriate target price range. Working with your agent, you can set an initial asking price, as well as privately determine the absolute lowest price you would comfortably accept for selling your home. By crunching the numbers and setting parameters early on, you can avoid emotional rollercoasters during the process of receiving, countering and accepting offers.

5) Disclosures

When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In most states, it is illegal to fraudulently conceal major physical defects in your property, such as a basement that floods in heavy rains. And many states now require sellers to take a proactive role by making written disclosures on the condition of the property. Ask your real estate agent for the particular laws of your state.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

1. Take a good hard look at your home. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Make a list.

2. Watch for sale signs in your neighborhood and go to open houses. Start thinking about how your home compares.

3. What have other similar houses in the area sold for? Most homeowners are a bit unrealistic about what their house is worth. You want to be on the same wavelength as your real estate agent when the time comes to set a price.

4. Research the market. How long do houses stay on the market in your neighborhood? Is it a hot market for sellers right now?

5. Know what it will cost to sell your house. Will you pay for a home inspection, legal costs or renovations?

6. Spruce up the house. You know you’ll have to do it eventually, so why not present your house in its best light now? De-clutter and finish uncompleted do-it-yourself projects. Outside, tidy up the property, sweep the steps and change the light bulbs. It will allow others to see your house in a new light.

7. Select a real estate agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is the best way to source a realtor with a proven track record.

8. Take your time. Selling your home for the best price may take longer than you anticipate. Don’t add to the pressure by setting unrealistic time limits.

Here are the pros and cons of living in a condo or townhouse.

Pros
• A condo or townhome is low maintenance; landscaping and maintenance of the exterior structure are typically handled by the homeowners’ association (HOA).
• Many communities offer amenities such as pools, tennis courts and clubhouses.
• The proximity of neighbors may give you a greater sense of security.

Cons
• HOA dues increase your monthly outgoings and can rise in the future as maintenance and repair costs go up.
• Available parking for guests may be limited.
• Typically, there is less storage space than in a detached home.

The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It’s also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs if you don’t have a home inspection.

Most houses have defects or need repairs, and many problems can be serious. A home inspection will point out any safety hazards and alert you to major repairs that will be necessary.

A home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades who is familiar with everything from structures and electrical and plumbing systems to insulation, heating and cooling systems, and roofs.

During an inspection, the inspector will make an intensive visual examination of your home, concentrating on areas such as the foundation; exterior walls and roof; attic, basement and garage; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and the home’s interior.

The inspector should then present a written report that details findings and suggests repairs. It’s always advisable that you attend the inspection, which may take two to three hours. But don’t expect the home inspector to provide cost estimates. Your best bet is to contact two or three contractors.

When looking for a qualified home inspector, don’t overlook recommendations from friends or your real estate agent, but be aware that there are other resources to help you.

The National Association of Home Inspectors Inc. (NAHI) provides standards of practice and a code of ethics, as well as training courses for potential members. Some states now license home inspectors, but many do not. In states that don’t, it’s important to establish that the inspector is qualified and is a member in good standing of an organization such as NAHI. The Better Business Bureau can also help you.

Remember that the inspection report won’t guarantee you’re set forever once the suggested repairs are completed. Houses still need regular maintenance and repair, and as the homeowner, that’s your job.

Here are some etiquette insights to help you survive:

Group Gifts Are In: Show your appreciation to the big boss by teaming up with others in the office to purchase an appropriate gift. Group giving reduces the perception of kissing up while sending a strong message of support and solidarity.

For Sentimental Reasons: Close friends or that special someone you might work with deserve a little extra attention, but be sure to set aside time away from the workplace to exchange gifts. It preserves the integrity of the relationship without subjecting it to gossip, rumors or even envy.

Give Great Gifts: Gift giving is not about how much is spent. In fact, it’s a bad idea to spend a lot of money since it often makes the recipient feel obligated to respond in kind or feel ashamed at his or her gift. Instead, search for something that emphasizes respect and charity. Making a donation to a favorite charity or selecting a small but unique item is always in style. To really mix things up, consider a fun theme or something that reflects the corporate culture in a unique way.

Other Useful Tips: Always remember to send thank-you notes. Also, watch your words and even sense of humor to avoid inadvertently hurting the feelings of a well-intentioned but gift-challenged co-worker. Finally, it is a good idea to avoid religious, political or other hot-topic themes both when selecting a gift and during the office party.

Quick Clicks: Capture the moment when you can. Rather than risk the dreaded fake smiles and stiff poses, simply keep clicking. Some of the best pictures are those that are taken before or after the main event.

Stick to Solids: Ask participants to wear solid colors. Plaid, paisley and other heavy designs tend to detract from the full impact rather than enhance it.

Lighten Up: Good lighting can transform an ordinary picture into an extraordinary photograph, so take time to cultivate an area that compliments subjects and their surroundings. Early mornings or late afternoons create a warm glow for outdoor shots, while candles or seasonal lights add interest and warmth to indoor settings.

Move Around: Static photos tend to look boring. Good photographers understand the need to take photos in a variety of settings and from different angles. Mix it up and keep your eyes open for those fun moments when people don’t realize they are being photographed. It’s the stuff memories are really made of.

Young at Heart: Most holiday celebrations have a lead photographer, but impromptu shots add to the fun and tell the rest of the story. Hand out disposable cameras to the kids and other party participants to create an atmosphere of fun and discovery.

Price: The number one reason most homes do not sell is that they aren’t priced competitively. It’s important to price the home right when first putting it on the market. The right price attracts attention. Once buyers see a home on the listings month after month, they assume something is wrong.

Bad Impression: Clutter, grime and lack of cleanliness are three huge reasons why your home might not sit well with potential buyers. Ask your agent for an honest appraisal of the property, and then take action before listing.

Taxes, Insurance and Homeowner Association (HOA) Fees: High property taxes, inability to obtain affordable insurance and escalating HOA fees can dramatically impact the desirability of a given property. Take time to shop around for the best insurance rates, provide a complete breakdown of services and other benefits derived from the HOA fees, and consider petitioning for an evaluation of property taxes if appropriate.

Showing Restrictions: Don’t become your own worst enemy. Try to remain as flexible as possible when showing the home. It might take a bit more effort, but it is well worth the reward when trying to sell a home quickly.

Comps: Comparing a property to others is the most commonly method of establishing price and value. Age, size, location and amenities are compared to other properties in the area. Unfortunately, this method doesn’t work well for unique homes or those lacking nearby comparisons.

Income Potential: Another popular method is to determine the amount of income the property would generate if rented or used in another endeavor like a small business or hobby.

Return on Investment: Calculating the ROI is a good measure especially for those buying income producing property or “fixers” in need of extensive renovation or repair. The ratio between money invested into the property versus the anticipated return (often using leveraged funds) is particularly useful for those who purchase real estate as an investment.

Distressed Properties Defined: Contrary to popular opinion, distressed properties are not always in bad shape. In fact, the term “distressed” has less to do with the condition of the house than it does with the status of the mortgage. Basically a distressed property is one that the bank has foreclosed or for which the current mortgage is worth more than what the owners are able to ask when selling.

How to Find a Distressed Property: Finding a distressed property is actually a simple process these days. Research indicates that approximately 25% to 45% of all properties recently sold may be considered distressed. With an estimated 300,000 more of these properties entering the market each month, it’s a trend likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

Benefits of Buying a Distressed Property: One of the benefits of purchasing a distressed property is the ability to save a substantial sum over the previous selling price. Combined with historically low interest rates and other possible incentives, distressed properties offer a unique buying opportunity. Lower sales prices often mean decreased closing costs, reduced private mortgage insurance and even lower insurance and taxes.

Cautionary Considerations: Buying a distressed property isn’t without drawbacks. They are often sold as-is and may require substantial repairs or maintenance. Likewise, purchasing a distressed property may require more time, especially in the case of a short sale. Waiting for bank approval may result in missed opportunities for other prospective properties. It’s essential to perform due diligence and understand the total cost of purchasing a distressed home, including condo or homeowners association fees. Working with a qualified agent is one way to save money and protect yourself against the pitfalls associated with distressed properties.