Thursday, May 30, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Gardening Ideas
Planting your Garden
No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden”.
~Hugh Johnson
It may seem like there is no end in sight to these cold days of winter but time passes quickly and spring will be here before you know it. Now is the perfect time to do a bit of garden brainstorming. Some things to consider may be what type of garden you want to plant, how big or small it will be, and what purpose will your garden serve. Read on for some helpful gardening tips…
Wildlife Garden
One perk of a garden is watching the wildlife it attracts. If you provide food, water and a place to nest, they will come. Some plants attract more wildlife than others. If you want to ensure you’ll always have guests in your garden, it’s good to know which ones to plant.
Butterflies -A butterfly bush will attract them, but a wider variety of plants will entice other species to visit your garden.
•§Butterfly bush, Red Hot Poker, Iris, Lavender, Rosemary, Zinnia, Bee Balm, Phlox
Birds- Trees or plants that produce seeds or berries, a birdbath and a nesting “space” will draw wild birds to your backyard haven.
•§Eucalyptus tree, Yucca, Iris, Beech Tree, Lime Tree, Rosemary, Crabapple, Elderberry, Oregon Grape
Hummingbirds- Hummingbirds are drawn to things that are red and very fragrant.
•§Honeysuckle, Red Hot Poker, Yucca, Iris, Lily, Lavender, Canna, Cardinal Creeper, Bee Balm
Fragrant Garden
Now you can enjoy a fragrant garden by creating a sweet-smelling haven right in your own backyard. Where you live will dictate the kind of plants you grow and what time of year to enjoy them. Also consider whether you are looking for plants to enjoy in the garden or to cut and bring indoors.
Gardenias – They don’t have much of a stem, but float well in water and make beautiful short bouquets
Peonies – Low-maintenance, deer-resistant flowers that are easily cut for bouquets and arrangements
Irises - Look delicate, but are actually tough, drought-tolerant flowers that thrive in sunlight
Sweet peas – Come in a variety of different colors, some with stronger scents
Lilies – Come in many vibrant colors, making them great both for bouquets
Rosemary – Brings fragrance to the garden and flavor to the kitchen
Lavender – Smelling lavender helps reduce anxiety
Family Garden
This garden isn’t about finding all the right plants, it’s about creating a space children, adults, and pets can all enjoy together.
Create play areas surrounded by cheerful plants that attract butterflies
Rotate toys to prevent boredom
Include plants children can help with and call their own
Hang a simple tire swing from a sturdy tree branch
Water features are nice, but be sure your children are old enough to enjoy it and it doesn’t pose any danger
Look for and talk about the various wildlife that visits your garden
Dogs can enjoy the garden too by creating a shady rest spot for them and setting clear boundaries (raised) to keep them out of other areas
Plant a pad of catmint for your feline family members; they love it!
Vegetable Garden
Enjoy the delicious harvest that a small vegetable garden can provide. Things to think about…
Start small so you are not overwhelmed by care and maintenance. A 10’x12’ garden provides a surprising amount of food
Most vegetables enjoy 6 hours of sunlight a day
A healthy garden requires rich, well-drained soil. Use an organic fertilizer.
Soil temperature is as important as air temp. Don’t plant your seeds too early!
Have protective gear readily available for unexpected frost
Keep a layer of organic mulch on your garden to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
A low fence can help keep unwanted guests from enjoying the fruits of your labor
Plant a marigold border, they help ward off bugs
Pick as soon as they are ready, do not allow them to deplete energy from future growth
Keep it close, you will be more likely to use it
Your garden is your creation. One final thing to keep in mind; if you have allergies avoid those plants that trigger a reaction, as well as other plants in the same “family”.
“Gardening requires lots of water – most of it in the form of perspiration”. ~Lou Erickson
No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden”.
~Hugh Johnson
It may seem like there is no end in sight to these cold days of winter but time passes quickly and spring will be here before you know it. Now is the perfect time to do a bit of garden brainstorming. Some things to consider may be what type of garden you want to plant, how big or small it will be, and what purpose will your garden serve. Read on for some helpful gardening tips…
Wildlife Garden
One perk of a garden is watching the wildlife it attracts. If you provide food, water and a place to nest, they will come. Some plants attract more wildlife than others. If you want to ensure you’ll always have guests in your garden, it’s good to know which ones to plant.
Butterflies -A butterfly bush will attract them, but a wider variety of plants will entice other species to visit your garden.
•§Butterfly bush, Red Hot Poker, Iris, Lavender, Rosemary, Zinnia, Bee Balm, Phlox
Birds- Trees or plants that produce seeds or berries, a birdbath and a nesting “space” will draw wild birds to your backyard haven.
•§Eucalyptus tree, Yucca, Iris, Beech Tree, Lime Tree, Rosemary, Crabapple, Elderberry, Oregon Grape
Hummingbirds- Hummingbirds are drawn to things that are red and very fragrant.
•§Honeysuckle, Red Hot Poker, Yucca, Iris, Lily, Lavender, Canna, Cardinal Creeper, Bee Balm
Fragrant Garden
Now you can enjoy a fragrant garden by creating a sweet-smelling haven right in your own backyard. Where you live will dictate the kind of plants you grow and what time of year to enjoy them. Also consider whether you are looking for plants to enjoy in the garden or to cut and bring indoors.
Gardenias – They don’t have much of a stem, but float well in water and make beautiful short bouquets
Peonies – Low-maintenance, deer-resistant flowers that are easily cut for bouquets and arrangements
Irises - Look delicate, but are actually tough, drought-tolerant flowers that thrive in sunlight
Sweet peas – Come in a variety of different colors, some with stronger scents
Lilies – Come in many vibrant colors, making them great both for bouquets
Rosemary – Brings fragrance to the garden and flavor to the kitchen
Lavender – Smelling lavender helps reduce anxiety
Family Garden
This garden isn’t about finding all the right plants, it’s about creating a space children, adults, and pets can all enjoy together.
Create play areas surrounded by cheerful plants that attract butterflies
Rotate toys to prevent boredom
Include plants children can help with and call their own
Hang a simple tire swing from a sturdy tree branch
Water features are nice, but be sure your children are old enough to enjoy it and it doesn’t pose any danger
Look for and talk about the various wildlife that visits your garden
Dogs can enjoy the garden too by creating a shady rest spot for them and setting clear boundaries (raised) to keep them out of other areas
Plant a pad of catmint for your feline family members; they love it!
Vegetable Garden
Enjoy the delicious harvest that a small vegetable garden can provide. Things to think about…
Start small so you are not overwhelmed by care and maintenance. A 10’x12’ garden provides a surprising amount of food
Most vegetables enjoy 6 hours of sunlight a day
A healthy garden requires rich, well-drained soil. Use an organic fertilizer.
Soil temperature is as important as air temp. Don’t plant your seeds too early!
Have protective gear readily available for unexpected frost
Keep a layer of organic mulch on your garden to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
A low fence can help keep unwanted guests from enjoying the fruits of your labor
Plant a marigold border, they help ward off bugs
Pick as soon as they are ready, do not allow them to deplete energy from future growth
Keep it close, you will be more likely to use it
Your garden is your creation. One final thing to keep in mind; if you have allergies avoid those plants that trigger a reaction, as well as other plants in the same “family”.
“Gardening requires lots of water – most of it in the form of perspiration”. ~Lou Erickson
Friday, May 17, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
CONTROL IS THE KEY TO REACHING YOUR GOAL OF OWNERSHIP
Control Your Debt
When deciding if you can afford to finance a home, it is important to know how much you can afford. Lenders do not want to approve you for a loan that could potentially overload you. This is the perfect time to review your personal financial situation; comparing your monthly debt to your monthly income. You need to have the ability to cover your current bills, as well as save for the future, and pay for any unforeseen emergencies.To determine your debt-to-income ratio, you can do a few simple calculations. Information you will need:
Monthly Income – This is any regular earned income that you can document. If you can’t document it or it doesn’t show on your tax return, then you can’t use it in your monthly income figure. There are some sources of unearned income that you can use, such as alimony or lottery pay-offs.
Something to keep in mind, gross income is what you receive before taxes are deducted and most lenders will use your gross income for their calculations. Net income is the amount after taxes, which is what you actually have the ability to spend on your expenses.
Monthly Debt “load” – This includes all other monthly debt obligations like credit cards, installment loans , car loans, school loans, alimony, or child support. If it is revolving debt (such as a credit card), use the minimum monthly payment for your calculations.
(Mortgage Debt ÷ Monthly Income = ._ _ _ x 100 = _ _ %; should be less than 28%)(Mortgage Debt + Other Monthly Debt ÷ Monthly Income = ._ _ _ x 100 = _ _ %; should be less than 36%)
Lenders may use slightly different formulas and consider other various factors when reviewing your personal financial situation. However, the general rule of thumb is that your housing expense should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income and the combination of monthly mortgage expense and other monthly debts should not exceed 36%.
Depending on your individual situation, there may be some flexibility in these percentages. If you are able to make a larger cash down payment, the qualifying ratios will become less critical. Having a co-signer for your loan is another way to reduce the importance of the debt-to-income ratios.
Whatever financial route you choose to go, make sure it is something you will be comfortable with for many years. Don’t forget to factor in unusual expenses such as school
There are hundreds of loan programs available in today’s lending market. So take your time and shop around with the same care and consideration you use when shopping for your home!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Housing Market Changes in 2013
Market Changes for 2013
With it looking like the real estate market is in recovery-mode, a lot of individuals are making the leap into buying or selling a home. The housing market is very different than it used to be; even as recently as six months ago. Read on to discover some of the ways it has changed since 2012 and what the changes may mean for you, as a buyer or seller.
•Fewer Distressed-homes for Sale – With the mortgage crisis fading, so are the cheap deals for buyers. Some of this is due to a back-log in the processing of foreclosed homes. Other reasons include banks giving homeowners more opportunities to keep their homes, some are being auctioned as rentals, and finally a large number of homes are being sold off in portfolios to investors rather than being listed for sale to individual buyers. This is all good news for sellers who should see an increase in their neighborhood property values.
•More New Construction – Due to lower interest rates and an upswing in hiring, the market is seeing more activity by builders. Many buyers are welcoming the chance to buy new and have it designed their way. However, the prices for new homes are also increasing. A greater supply of new homes in the future could help slow the pace of the increases.
•Lack of Inventory – Rates are good, but the home selection is not. The supply is the lowest it has been since the fall of 2005. Many homeowners still cannot get a sale price high enough to cover their debt and provide enough money to put down on a move-up home. This should change during the year. A high demand, low interest rates, and slowly increasing home prices should prompt more sellers to list their homes. Word to the wise, if you find a desirable home, move quickly or someone else will!
•Higher Home Prices – A slight improvement in the economy and lower interest rates are boosting buyer demand, decreasing the supply, and helping to raise prices. The past few months have shown a steady incline in the price of homes. The increases should be a bit more restrained this year, which is good news for buyers.
•Luxury Home Sales Stumble – Due to the capital gains tax increase in January, a lot of luxury homeowners rushed to sell their homes before the hike. Due to this mass sell-off and home buyers taking advantage of it, a slowdown is expected on luxury home sales this year. High-end buyers will have less to choose from, but will also have less competition.
•New Mortgage Rule – A new rule to protect buyers has been announced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Not effective until 2014, many lenders will be putting it into place this year. It will require buyers’ financial information to be supplied and verified, along with their debt-to-income ratio. Buyers will no longer be allowed to purchase homes they cannot afford. Lenders can no longer offer a “teaser” rate on mortgages to mask the true rate of the loan and Lenders must also ensure that the loan has no excessive points, fees, or “hidden” features where the principal amount increases.
•Home-Equity Loans Make a Come-back – These rates have fallen as well, allowing homeowners to do some long over-due remodeling. Gradually, lenders are becoming more willing to do these types of loans with the increase in home value; giving current homeowners more financing options.
•Rates Could Rise – After reaching record lows, rates are expected to increase slightly in 2013. Costs associated with certain types of loans may also see an increase. These small changes are not expected to deter buyers.
After years of bad news, the future of real estate is finally starting to look a little brighter!!
With it looking like the real estate market is in recovery-mode, a lot of individuals are making the leap into buying or selling a home. The housing market is very different than it used to be; even as recently as six months ago. Read on to discover some of the ways it has changed since 2012 and what the changes may mean for you, as a buyer or seller.
•Fewer Distressed-homes for Sale – With the mortgage crisis fading, so are the cheap deals for buyers. Some of this is due to a back-log in the processing of foreclosed homes. Other reasons include banks giving homeowners more opportunities to keep their homes, some are being auctioned as rentals, and finally a large number of homes are being sold off in portfolios to investors rather than being listed for sale to individual buyers. This is all good news for sellers who should see an increase in their neighborhood property values.
•More New Construction – Due to lower interest rates and an upswing in hiring, the market is seeing more activity by builders. Many buyers are welcoming the chance to buy new and have it designed their way. However, the prices for new homes are also increasing. A greater supply of new homes in the future could help slow the pace of the increases.
•Lack of Inventory – Rates are good, but the home selection is not. The supply is the lowest it has been since the fall of 2005. Many homeowners still cannot get a sale price high enough to cover their debt and provide enough money to put down on a move-up home. This should change during the year. A high demand, low interest rates, and slowly increasing home prices should prompt more sellers to list their homes. Word to the wise, if you find a desirable home, move quickly or someone else will!
•Higher Home Prices – A slight improvement in the economy and lower interest rates are boosting buyer demand, decreasing the supply, and helping to raise prices. The past few months have shown a steady incline in the price of homes. The increases should be a bit more restrained this year, which is good news for buyers.
•Luxury Home Sales Stumble – Due to the capital gains tax increase in January, a lot of luxury homeowners rushed to sell their homes before the hike. Due to this mass sell-off and home buyers taking advantage of it, a slowdown is expected on luxury home sales this year. High-end buyers will have less to choose from, but will also have less competition.
•New Mortgage Rule – A new rule to protect buyers has been announced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Not effective until 2014, many lenders will be putting it into place this year. It will require buyers’ financial information to be supplied and verified, along with their debt-to-income ratio. Buyers will no longer be allowed to purchase homes they cannot afford. Lenders can no longer offer a “teaser” rate on mortgages to mask the true rate of the loan and Lenders must also ensure that the loan has no excessive points, fees, or “hidden” features where the principal amount increases.
•Home-Equity Loans Make a Come-back – These rates have fallen as well, allowing homeowners to do some long over-due remodeling. Gradually, lenders are becoming more willing to do these types of loans with the increase in home value; giving current homeowners more financing options.
•Rates Could Rise – After reaching record lows, rates are expected to increase slightly in 2013. Costs associated with certain types of loans may also see an increase. These small changes are not expected to deter buyers.
After years of bad news, the future of real estate is finally starting to look a little brighter!!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
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