Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays


Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for the holidays so your guests will feel welcomed and comfortable


1.Create Space for Guests- Move family’s luggage to a spare bedroom, clear out your coat closet, and have an umbrella stand handy if it is raining. This will provide them with a welcoming space for their belongings.

2.Freshen up the Bathroom- Once the bathroom has had its usual cleaning, set out guest hand towels and a new bottle of hand soap.

3.A Warm Glow- Light some candles but be sure to keep an eye on them if they are in places such as a bathroom or hallway.

4.Entryway Impression– Sweep your steps and front porch area to eliminate leaves, cobwebs, and dirt. Shake out your doormat and remove any clutter. Replace any outside lights that burnt-out. Keep in mind, your entryway is really your home’s first impression.

5.Quick Decorations- Make a centerpiece out of a wooden platter and some small white pumpkins or a vase full of fall branches. Use fall colored placemats to spruce up your table.

Most of all enjoy spending time with your family and friends! Have a wonderful Holiday!

Safety tips for Deep Frying Your Holiday Turkey

SAFETY Tips for Deep Frying your Holiday Turkey (w/ Video)




Each year more than 45 million turkeys are prepared for Thanksgiving holiday feasts. And each year fire fighters are called to at least 1,000 major fires and explosions due to DEEP FRYING TURKEY accidents!! These fires have caused more than $15 MILLION in property damage!



Deep frying a turkey is a cooking fad that took off about 10 years ago; many claim it is the best way to prepare a delicious, juicy turkey. However it is also the MOST dangerous cooking method. People have been known to set themselves and their homes on fire. More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day. It is an easy time to get distracted and it only takes seconds for a fire to get out of control.



We urge you to keep these tips in mind to help PROTECT your FAMILY and HOME!



Read directions – Take some time before the big day to read ALL instructions on your deep fryer; be fully informed. Make sure you buy a thermostat if your fryer does not have one.



Stability – Fryers can easily tip over. Place your fryer on a flat stable surface, FAR from your home! Do NOT cook your turkey in your garage or on a wooden deck.



Don’t overheat the oil – Always use an accurate thermometer. If the oil overheats it could combust. Best oils to use are peanut, canola, or safflower oil.



Measure – DON’T guess how much oil your fryer will hold (most will hold 5 gallons). Best method is to place your turkey in the empty fryer (turned off!), fill it with water, and then remove the turkey. This will show you how much oil your fryer will hold WITH your turkey in it! Too much oil will overflow and cause a fire.



DRY YOUR TURKEY – This is one of the biggest causes of fryer fires. Why does the fire start and react so violently? Water left on your turkey boils when it hits the hot oil causing steam. Steam expands at a volume 1,700 times greater than water volume. The expanding steam pushes the oil out of the fryer, down the pot and onto the burner assembly where the oil will burst into flames! Be certain your turkey is completely THAWED and as DRY as possible! Dry the cavity of the turkey as well and never stuff a turkey that you will be deep-frying!



Shut off the gas – Always turn off the gas while you lower your turkey into the pot (and when you remove it). Once your turkey is in the pot, you can turn the gas back on. This will help prevent a fire if the oil spills over the sides of the pot.



Don’t get burned – Wear heavy leather gloves. The pot, lid and handles on the fryer will get extremely hot. A typical kitchen hot pad will NOT protect your hands from the high heat of the fryer. The pot and oil will remain hot for several hours after cooking; keep children and pets away from the fryer until cooled.



Go Slow – Lowering your turkey slowly will help prevent from boiling over. It will allow any small amounts of moisture to cook off gradually, as opposed to putting it all in at once.



Stay focused – NEVER leave your turkey fryer unattended, even when pre-heating! Constant adult supervision is highly recommended!

Check out the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hQYTMFCLy5E

Safety videos such as this one have been released to illustrate the dangers of this cooking trend; reducing property damage claims in the past year. PLEASE pay attention to the cooking directions closely this holiday; don’t let your family and home become one of the horrifying statistics.



HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Home Equity Loans

Home Equity Loan$


A new car, home improvements, debt consolidation, a dream vacation; one of these could be the reason you are considering a loan. Perhaps a home equity loan would be the most practical type of loan for your personal financial situation.



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A home is a source of great pride and satisfaction; it can also be a source of equity. Equity refers to the cash value that has accumulated in your home since you began making regular payments. It is the difference between what your home is worth and your outstanding mortgage balance.



Why do people opt for a home equity loan? Simple, the interest rate is lower. Your rate will depend on your credit history, earnings, etc. but will typically be lower than credit card rates or a personal line of credit.



Another reason is the ability to have a longer repayment term because it is secured by the largest asset you possess, your home! A home equity loan could be amortized for up to 15 years, if approved by your lender. Since your home is the collateral on the loan, it must be paid back before you decide to sell. Also keep in mind that should you default on the loan, the lender could foreclose on your home. Be sure this is the right time for you to take this financial risk and that you can afford to make the payments. A home equity loan or line of credit does require your collateral to be your primary residence.



More reason to consider this financial tool…many times a home equity loan is tax deductible (contact your tax professional for more information).



What is the difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit? A loan is a one-time funding to you. You will receive the funds you’ve borrowed and will re-pay it in predictable monthly payments. Should you need more money, you are not able to access the funds you have already paid back. You would need to apply for another loan.



A home equity line of credit is a revolving, variable-rate line of credit that allows you to access some of the funds again once you have paid them back. For example if you borrowed $8,000 and have re-paid $5,000 of it, you can use that $5,000 again if the need arises. With a line of credit your payments can vary depending on the current amount you have borrowed; the rate may also fluctuate.



Keep in mind the terms, rates, and features will vary by lender. Protect yourself, save money…shop around, compare, and negotiate!

Outdoor Holiday Decorating Safety

Benefits of Home Ownership extend to kids

How to Avoid Potential Deal Breakers

How to Avoid Potential Deal Breakers


It is highly beneficial to work with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can advise and guide you through your home buying or selling experience. Since the unexpected is still a possibility, below are steps on how to avoid potential deal breakers.



Foreclosure date falls before buy date: With the high number of foreclosures in today’s economy, this is all too common. You find the perfect home, sign the papers, and then the home is foreclosed before you can secure your funding and seal the deal!

How to avoid: Find out the foreclosure date in the beginning and work hard to get everything done as quickly as possible!



Credit problems: The amount and type of debt you have can influence your ability to get a mortgage. Lenders do not like to see delinquency on loan payments, arrears on child support, or a high debt to income ratio.

How to avoid: Prepare ahead of time and take the steps to clean up your credit. Do your best to make timely and full payments on all your debts. Another thing to avoid…do not make large purchases (appliances, new car, etc.) until after your mortgage has been funded!



Who owns what? A home buyer thinks they are getting a 6000 sq. ft. lot, only to find out otherwise. Lot lines, shared driveways, and fences can be big stumbling blocks in a real estate transaction.

How to avoid: Review the title report carefully! They are not always easy to read, but take the time to do so carefully. Still not sure, have your real estate agent review it with you!



Proposed property use: Planning to run a business from your new home? Your dream may fizzle, if the home is not zoned for a particular use or if a homeowner’s association has the ability to deny your request.

How to avoid: Be sure to check into the zoning requirements and review any by-laws that may exist for the home.



Personal property and fixtures: Disputes over fixtures and personal property are common. It’s important to know the difference. Wall-mounted TV’s have become a frequent issue! Property that is permanently attached or fixed to real property which once removed will cause “permanent” damage to the real property is considered a fixture. Fixtures remain with the property!

How to avoid: Home sellers – if it is something special to you, remove or replace it before you list your home. Also make sure it is excluded when the offer is written.



Unexpected inspection findings: On a purchase of this size, home buyers should know what they are getting. Inspections can be deal breakers when an agreement cannot be reached on who will pay for repair costs, should a problem be discovered.

How to avoid: Sellers can have inspections done prior to putting the home on the market and can have problems fixed in advance. Home Buyers still have the option to get their own inspections performed. Repairs almost always cost the seller less if the buyer knows about if before making an offer.



Being an educated consumer and being “prepared” for the unexpected

goes a long way with holding a deal together

Be a Savvy Home Buyer

Be a Savvy Home Buyer


When searching for a home, you will find some things you can live with, but others should raise a red flag! Read on to discover the pitfalls you’ll want to avoid and which ones you can fix!



Some Red Flags

Asbestos – Asbestos has been proven to pose serious health risks. Check attics and around plumbing for asbestos insulation. Be sure to opt for a home inspection when looking at older homes if the insulation looks worn or is disintegrating.



Plumbing and Wiring – Amateur plumbing could cost big bucks if you have to rip out pipes and replace floors or walls because of leaks! This is also true for novice electrical work. Non-professional wiring can lead to shorts and cause sparks and fires. Look for exposed wiring in the basement and S-traps under the sinks; these are sure signs of shoddy workmanship!



Buried Oil Tank – Removal of an old tank can be very expensive! If left intact, you run the risk of an environmental issue; the clean-up and repairs from this could easily cost upwards of $40,000! Since this is a hidden pitfall, be sure to ask the home seller and check all details of the home’s listing information.



Water damage –Water damage found on basement walls could indicate poor drainage around the home and result in having to hire expensive experts to dig, repair, and re-grade! Water spots found in high corners could be a sign of a leaky roof or pipe damage. Check out this blog post on dealing with water damage in a flooded basement.



Shaky foundation – Take notice of uneven floors, crooked chimneys, cracks in the bricks, or even doors and windows that stick. These can all be signs of a structural issue with the home’s foundation. Serious structural issues could cost thousands of dollars if you need to repair!



Pests – Hard to spot on your own, you’ll want to hire an inspector to check the home thoroughly before buying! Wood-destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.) could cost you thousands, if undetected and untreated!



Problems you can fix:

Old Roof – Old does not necessarily mean bad, just make sure you start saving $ right away so you are prepared to replace in the future.



Ugly carpet or wallpaper – Not deal breakers! Can easily be replaced, as long as they are not being used to disguise a bigger problem!



Electric appliances – If you prefer gas, you can replace them and have a propane tank installed or the gas company run a line to your home.



No Central A/C – Window units can be used until you decide to spend the money to have a system installed.



Being a smart home buyer can make

your biggest purchase, your best purchase!

Winterize Your Home

Winterizing Your Home   


For those of you dreading the long, cold months of winter that lie ahead, taking the time this fall to follow these simple steps will save you money on heating while keeping you warm.



Block the leaks – With energy costs on the rise, nothing makes more sense to homeowners than checking for any and all leaks around your home. On a breezy day, walk around and check the obvious sources of leaks: windows, doors, electrical outlets, etc. Caulking and adding outlet gaskets are two easy fixes for these trouble areas.



Windows – As you check for leaks, it is also a good time to replace your screens with storm windows.



Clean the gutters – This may be an ongoing chore through-out the fall season. Keep all spouts, gutters, and drains free of leaves and debris. Clear gutters will keep water moving away from your home and prevent icy clogs and back-ups.



Reverse the fans – Not often thought about, but your ceiling fans can impact the comfort of your home during the winter. Adjusting the fan to rotate in a clockwise direction will push warm air down into the living area.



Wrap the pipes – A pipe burst in the dead of winter is a nightmare! Check for un-insulated pipes in your home (crawl spaces, garages, basements) and get them wrapped. Remove hoses and drain all water from outside faucets before the first frost.



Check the furnace – This should be done monthly to keep the furnace filter clean and air flowing efficiently. Replacing the filter is an easy way to keep your home comfortable ALL year round. An annual “check-up” by a professional is also a good idea.



Thermostat –Turning the temperature down a few degrees when you leave is a huge energy saver; every degree lower can save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat is a great way to eliminate this from your morning to-do list.



Insulate – Check the attic and other unfinished areas. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 12 inches of insulation. If you decide to add more insulation, avoid the type with paper backing, this will act as a vapor barrier and cause moisture problems.



Check the chimney – Last but not least…take a look at your chimney if you plan on using it over the winter. This should be done at least once a year, more often if you are using a woodstove. A chimney cap is also good idea for keeping foreign items out of the chimney. If not in use, close the damper to avoid cold drafts.



Stay Ahead of “Old Man Winter” and Protect Your Home!

Obama Victory Keeps Focus on Pending Rules, Reforms

Obama Victory Keeps Focus on Pending Rules, Reforms

Breakfast Ride on Sunday

Yeah the weather is suppposed to be ugly for the next couple days but by the weekend it's supposed to be around 60.
Plenty warm enough to get out and ride unless you're a complete poser.
So why not Support Citizens Fire and Rescue in Mechanicsburg and their breakfast buffet on Sunday 11 November?

7:30 AM - 11:00 AM

208 South York Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Home Cost v. Price

Cost vs. Price Explained


by The KCM Crew on November 7, 2012 · 0 Comments



We have often talked about the difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As a buyer, you must be concerned not about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain.



Yesterday, we reported that the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is projecting that mortgage interest rates will inch up over the next twelve months. On Monday, we explained that many experts are calling for home prices to also increase over the next year.



What Does This Mean to a Buyer?

Here is a simple demonstration of what impact certain changes would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $200,000 today:

5 States With the Highest Foreclosure Inventories

5 States With the Highest Foreclosure Inventories

Value of Takeaways when selling

A time-honored business principal maintains that consumers generally base their buying decisions on emotion. Only later do they use logic, often to rationalize their emotional decisions.

Homesellers, working closely with their agents, will prepare their homes to evoke positive and personal emotions for those who come inside. They should also create “takeaways” that will keep those fond memories resonating in prospective buyers.

“One effective takeaway is a personal letter from you describing your experience of falling in love with the home when you were the buyer,” said Kay Steele Faulk, a Lake Village, Ark. freelance writer.

The letter, presented on brightly colored stationery, can describe the fun of meeting your new neighbors and the warm friendships you’ve established in the neighborhood. It can also recall joyous holidays around the home, show pictures of your home during special times and list neighborhood activities scheduled throughout the year.

“You should recall a memorable moment of coming home, such as after the birth of a child or after a long vacation, because these are all things buyers can relate to emotionally, they will serve to reinforce the positive feelings buyers experienced at your home,” Faulk said. “And to satisfy buyers’ logic—which they will use to justify their emotional connection to your home—also describe the loving care you’ve given the home while there.”

Once all the words are in play to touch upon the emotions, then it’s time to write about things that will relate to buyers’ practical sides.

Russell Goldstein, a New Jersey-based writer who often helps homebuyers prepare personal letters, stresses that this is the perfect way to say all the little things you can’t always place in advertisements and fliers.

“You can list your routine maintenance tasks plus any remodeling, updates or upgrades you’ve done in the years you have lived there,” he said. “Include anything that gives buyers a sense of confidence in your home’s current condition, and be sure to mention any special features you paid high dollar for, such as thicker exterior walls, which have better insulation values. These are your home’s key marketing details that make it a better buy than the competition down the street.”

A second effective takeaway is a home brochure created around high-quality color photographs of your home’s interior and exterior. “Use photos that highlight your home’s most appealing features,” Faulk said. “Just be sure each photo has a caption or short description that helps buyers remember. Even with a brochure, you still need that all-important section meant to satisfy buyers’ logic. This can simply be a descriptive sentence followed by a list of your home’s key marketing details and the T.L.C. you’ve given [the home] as owner. To make for easy reading, use bullet points to highlight each item of your list.”

If you’re good at writing warm personal letters or if you have the ability to create a professional-looking brochure, it’s quite acceptable to save money by doing it yourself. If not, turn to a professional copywriter to create a compelling takeaway that ensures a lasting emotional connection with buyers.

How to Inspect Windows & Doors to Stop Air and Water Leaks

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  How to Inspect Windows, Doors to Stop Air and Water Leaks

  Inspect windows and doors regularly to stop air leaks and water seeps that create high energy and repair bills. We’ll show you how. Read

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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®