Top 5: How to Enjoy Your Fireplace...Safely

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How to Enjoy Your Fireplace…Safely

As we enjoy this holiday week and invite friends and families to our home, the fireplace often serves as the iconic focal point of our get-togethers. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), approximately one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances.

My colleagues and I in the Top 5 in Real Estate Network® know how important a fireplace can be to making a house a home. But we also know the hazards they can present when proper safety precautions aren’t taken. Following are some important tips for safely enjoying your fireplace and protecting your family and home:

1. Yearly fireplace maintenance is crucial. Gas and wood-burning fireplaces require yearly maintenance in order to work effectively. If you light fires frequently, consider having this done twice a year. Chimneys should be inspected and cleared each year by a certified specialist—a professional real estate agent can recommend a good chimney sweep in the area. Burners and controls for gas fireplaces should be vacuumed and brushed at least once a year.

2. Check smoke detectors and fire alarms often to ensure they are working properly. Also, make sure you have enough in your home. The USFA recommends installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside of sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long-life smoke alarms.

3. Keep the fire manageable. Small fires produce less smoke and are easier to control. Make sure your fireplace screen or cover fits securely in order to prevent any embers from escaping.

4. Monitor carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless poison produced whenever gas, oil or wood is burned. CO is controlled by proper maintenance and ventilation of fuel-burning appliances. Carbon monoxide monitors should be used in any home that has a fireplace.

5. Enable proper ventilation. Air is vital for fireplaces to function properly and for preventing CO buildup. Never cut off the air supply to the flame. Make sure that necessary vents and dampers are open, and do not shut the flue until the fire is almost out. Leaving a window open a few inches can also help circulate fresh air and prevent back drafts.

6. Only burn the proper materials. Use only seasoned hardwood, such as oak, ash or maple. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup in your chimney, which can lead to chimney fires. Lighter fluids, flammable liquids, cardboard and trash should never be used to start a fire.

7. Ensure the right conditions outdoors. Keep your roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris, says the USFA. A clogged chimney, cracked masonry or a blocked vent can greatly increase the chance of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodic outdoor inspections for low-hanging branches or other debris should be performed throughout the winter.

Of course, be sure to never leave your fireplace unattended. A watchful eye is often the best safety measure there is. If you would like more information on home safety, please e-mail me. And be sure to pass these important tips onto your friends and loved ones, too. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi
J. Rockcliff Realtors
Office: 925-253-7045
Mobile: 925-788-7589
BCorsi@Rockcliff.com
http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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Top5: 10 Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

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10 Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

Moving into a new home is indeed one of the most exciting times of your life. That’s why it’s important to start out on the right foot and start caring for your home—and protecting your investment—right away.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, my clients often ask me what are the most important areas of a home to consistently maintain. Here are 10 key trouble spots home maintenance experts advise you regularly check on so that they don’t turn into larger, more expensive, problems down the road:

1. Windows and doors – Be sure to regularly check seals around all your doors and windows to keep drafts out. This simple measure can result in big savings when it comes to your heating and cooling bills.
2. Safety devices – Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries twice a year. Also, keep small fire extinguishers in appropriate places.
3. Roof – In early fall, check around vents, skylights and chimneys for cracks or leaks and repair or replace tiles as necessary.
4. Gutters – Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to prevent clogging, and always make sure they drain away from the house.
5. Fireplace – Have a chimney sweep assess any fireplaces to check for cracks and creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
6. Filters – Clean or replace furnace filters once every month or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans regularly.
7. Air conditioner – When you cover your outdoor furniture for inclement weather, be sure to cover your air conditioning unit as well.
8. Refrigerator – Test door seals to ensure they are airtight. If you have a coil-back fridge, the coils should be vacuumed twice a year.
9. Faucets – Check for leaks in kitchens and bathrooms and replace washers as necessary.
10. Siding and paint – Look for cracks or peeling areas. Repaint or replace caulk as necessary.

These are just a few home maintenance tips to be aware of. For more information, feel free to e-mail me and be sure to pass these tips along to your fellow new homeowners!

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi
J. Rockcliff Realtors
Office: 925-253-7045
Mobile: 925-788-7589
BCorsi@Rockcliff.com
http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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Top5: Tips for Saving on Heating and Cooling

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Tips for Saving on Heating and Cooling

With the holiday season now in full swing, you are undoubtedly busy ... whether it's shopping for gifts, preparing for guests or gathering with friends. What you probably won't notice through the hustle and bustle of the season is your heating bills rise. Did you know that as much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling?

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I can offer you some vital information that will help you make smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system...all of which can have a big effect on your utility bills -- and your peace of mind.

Here are some tips from ENERGY STAR to help you increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system:

Change your air filter regularly
Check your filter every month, especially during heavy-use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool -- wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system -- leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.

Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts
Ducts that move air to and from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20% -- and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.

Consider installing ENERGY STAR-qualified heating and cooling equipment
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR.

Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment.

Ask about proper installation of your new equipment
Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30% -- costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment's life.

Taking a few small steps can be all you need to save some energy and a bit of money. If you are interested in more helpful tips, such as these, please e-mail me. Also, please feel free to forward this information along to anyone you believe might be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi
J. Rockcliff Realtors
Office: 925-253-7045
Mobile: 925-788-7589
BCorsi@Rockcliff.com
http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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Top5: How to Maximize Year-end Tax Planning

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How to Maximize Year-end Tax Planning

As another year comes to a close and we make our plans to ring in the New Year, it behooves all of us to put some time aside for important tax preparations. A few simple steps taken now can leave you in a much better position by the time April 15 rolls around.

Since I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, my clients often come to me for financial and tax advice, in addition to their real estate-related needs. I've worked with a great network of financial planners and attorneys over the years, who have shared many valuable tax tips. Most of these experts are expecting higher income and capital gains taxes in 2011, in addition to uncertain amendments to tax laws. That's why certain steps should be taken now so that they are "grandfatherd in" before the changes occur.

While it is essential that you consult with your own accountant and/or attorney, here are some strategies to consider for minimizing your tax burden, provided by Ken Rubinstein, a tax and asset protection attorney with New York-based Rubinstein & Rubinstein:

1. Sell appreciated property before loss of capital gains treatment and avoid tax via Charitable Remainder Trusts and international tax planning strategies (e.g. tax advantaged foreign annuities and foreign private placement life insurance).
2. Convert 401(k)s to Charitable Remainder Unitrust IRAs before the government taxes 401(k)s.
3. Consider taking income in 2010, rather than deferring income to 2011 with its likely higher tax rates. As a corollary, you may wish to defer losses to 2011 to offset expected 2011 income at higher tax rates.
4. Consider a Dynasty Trust. Such a trust allows the preservation of assets for one's immediate and remote descendants, along with offering asset protection from creditors, as well as a delay of the estate tax bite for many generations.
5. It is also possible to minimize the tax on appreciated assets by exchanging such assets for a foreign annuity policy. The exchange of assets for an annuity policy is neither taxable nor reportable (at least until 2012). Further, capital gains within the annuity policy would not be taxable.

Again, please be sure to consult with your own tax professional before embarking on any of these suggestions. You can also e-mail me at any time for more information ... and please forward this email to your friends and colleagues. We can all use some good advice when it comes to taxes!

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi
J. Rockcliff Realtors
Office: 925-253-7045
Mobile: 925-788-7589
BCorsi@Rockcliff.com
http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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The Corsi Report

The Corsi Report

DECEMBER 2010 MARKET UPDATE Season's Greetings All My Friends, As 2010 comes to a close, let's review two real estate trends from this past year: affordability and stabilization. Affordability: 2010 marks the year of the lowest mortgage rates in the history of 30-year fixed loans. This trend began in the spring of 2009. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports that since April 2009 these lower rates have helped more than 8.3 million homeowners refinance. Annual borrower savings are estimated at $15.2 billion. Stabilization: Prices are stable and even on the rise in some areas. According to HUD's web info at www.hud.gov/scorecard, the latest housing figures confirm continued signs of stabilization. To avoid foreclosures in depressed areas around the country, more than 3.73 million loan modifications took place between April 2009 and August 2010. Affordability + Stabilization + more buyers = rising prices: Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, predicts an upswing of sales this spring. Historically, more single people buy in the fall and winter months, while more families buy in the spring and summer. There are some great opportunities in real estate right now in our area. As we enter the holiday season, know that I am here to help you or your friends with any real estate questions or needs.   BARBARA'S CURRENT SALES ACTIVITY Featured Listings: PENDING, 2027 Ellington Terrace, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 -  $380,000 Beautiful setting. Move in condition. Updated including recessed lighting, dual pane windows, flooring, paint & crown moulding. Dining room, breakfast bar, pantry, & good size kitchen make eating a delight. Vaulted ceiling, recessed lighting & classy fireplace makes relaxing easy. SOLD, 68 Oakmont Ave, Peidmont, CA 94610 -  $1,080,000 This elegant home features a lovely country kitchen, new appliances and an inviting breakfast room. There are three large bedrooms on street level. Hardwood floors, plantation shutters, 2 fireplaces. A large family room or guest unit on lower level lead to Garden Patio & Double Garage. PENDING, 1913 Meadow Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 -  $565,000 Great house for large family or someone who wants a hobby room and office. Low maintenance yard. Wonderfully updated home. Award Winning Acalanes & Walnut Creek school district. Great comute location. JUST ASK Q: Is another housing bubble possible in the upcoming future? A: A bubble results from what economists call "pent up demand" - A surge in spending after a period of economic decline. There are many buyers in our area who are interested in moving into a more appropriate home, and many who have the means to do so. And, while I think that this spring we will see increased sales, I do not foresee another housing bubble in the next year. The good news is that in my core market, the 24/680 Corridor, we currently have 4.7 months of inventory, less than half the national average. Our local area is tending to feel more stable. Two of the main factors that would jumpstart a spurt of sales are an increase in job creation and the loosening of credit availability. Mortgage rates are low as I have mentioned, but the number of buyers who can access mortgages is fewer due to new stringent lending rules. I work closely with excellent mortgage lenders and can help you take advantage of this market when you are ready. Let me know if you have any questions.   MY TOWN A holiday past-time I've enjoyed is meeting up with friends or family after dark, bundling up in warm clothes, and going for a drive or walk down some of the local streets known for houses decked in bright lights and taking in the show, then heading back home for hot cocoa. It's one of those simple pleasures that brings loved ones together and only happens during the holiday season. Of course with the internet, if you don't know of local light displays in your town, you can search for them on the web. It's a cinch to locate a light show in your town. And the homeowners are happy for the publicity. With all the work they put into bedecking their homes and yards, they want an audience! Just go to your favorite search engine (Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc...) and search for "Christmas lights map," or just "Christmas lights," followed by your town or the nearest major metropolitan area for a list of sites that will give directions to your local light show. Enjoy the season!   FYI In December, real estate slows while people turn their attention to their family traditions. I decided to research how traditions vary around the globe. Here are a few December traditions that you may find interesting. In Sweden, the height of the Christmas celebrations is December 24th on Christmas Eve. Their Christmas feast, otherwise known as the famous Swedish Smorgasbord, features ham, pickled herring, and rice porridge. According to legend, anyone who finds a whole almond in his or her porridge will be married within the year. In Israel, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (or Festival of Lights) is most widely celebrated. According to the Jewish Talmud, when the Jewish people regained control of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, there was only enough consecrated oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil continued to burn for eight days. Hanukkah is a special time for families to celebrate the festivities of joy and thanksgiving. In Venezuela, Christmas festivities celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. Venezuelans often display the Pacebre, or Nativity scene. On December 25 children awake to find their gifts around the Christmas tree. Tradition has it that it is the Child Jesus who brings gifts to the Venezuelan children instead of Santa Claus. Throughout the world, people celebrate by gathering for meals. Whether your holiday meal includes turkey, ham, pickled herring or other traditional favorites, I hope you can look around the table and share your blessings with those you love.

Contact Info: Barbara Corsi DRE #01368803 J. Rockcliff Realtors GRI, SRES, Top 5 in Real Estate Follow me @ orindarealestate.blogspot.com Orinda, CA 94563 M: 925.788.7589 bcorsi@rockcliff.com www.BarbaraCorsi.com Forward to a friend: Know someone who might enjoy my eNews? Please click here!

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Homeowners Hope for Easier and More Streamlined Modification Rules

Hello, Valued Member! Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Members are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date, helpful real estate information. This monthly newsletter, "Real Estate Matters," offers articles on a range of topics that will inform you in your real estate pursuits. Having trouble seeing this email? Click to view it as a web page. Add newsletter@rismedia.com to your address book to ensure email delivery. Buying Selling Owning Financing Home Improvement My Website My Listings Barbara Corsi GRI, SRES Realtor J. Rockcliff Realtors My Website Member, Top 5 in Real Estate Phone: 925-253-7045 Cell: 925-788-7589 Fax: 925-402-8022 Email Me Are More Streamlined Loan Modifications on the Horizon? This month’s newsletter provides a detailed look at the foreclosure probe and homeowners' hope that streamlined modification rules will help simplify the process. Real Estate Matters also offers some tips to save you time and money on home appraisals; a guide to navigating today's housing inventory; a look at housing recovery factors; ways to prevent identity theft and more. Top 5 Members are uniquely qualified to not only help you get educated on these matters, but make them as effortless as possible. Only Top 5 Members can provide you with the kind of exclusive information found here in Real Estate Matters - a monthly look at what's really happening in the housing market. It's a privilege to provide you with this important information. Enjoy this monthly e-newsletter, and as always, your feedback is welcomed - call or email any time! This Month's Top Story Homeowners Hope for Easier and More Streamlined Modification Rules as Result of Foreclosure Probe RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—(MCT)—Union County, N.C., homeowner Barry Lancett signed two agreements with a national lender this year to modify the terms of his mortgage but still received a disturbing piece of paperwork: a foreclosure notice. “A deputy comes to your door and delivers it in front of the community,” said Lancett, who later avoided foreclosure but is still dealing with lingering issues. “It was humiliating, to say the least.” More Top Stories 10 Appraisal Tips that Will Save You Time and Money RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Mortgage rates are at near-historic lows, but sinking home values are often lowering appraisals as well. If you are considering refinancing your home, what do you need to know about the appraisal process to help ensure you get the best possible appraisal on your home? Top 10 Ways to Guard against Identity Theft RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Consumers today are well aware that having their identity stolen can be a financial and emotional disaster. Most know better than to give out PIN or credit card numbers over the phone or the Internet unless they are very sure who is on the other end of the line. Tips on How Buyers Can Sift through Housing Inventory Effectively and Efficiently RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Five years ago, a serious buyer who was pre-approved for a mortgage loan typically spent three to four weeks looking for a home and usually visited 15-20 homes. Now the search can take much longer with the amount of inventory on the market. Housing Market Recovery Depends on Jobs and Access to Credit, Says NAR RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Although the recent trend of rising long-term borrowing rates may mean higher mortgages for consumers in the coming months, the greater obstacles to housing market recovery are job creation and availability of credit, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis. “Modest changes in mortgage rates are less important to a housing market recovery than the number of people who are able to obtain mortgages,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Have You Heard About The Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking SystemSM? Sign up to receive my free, weekly e-Articles - brief, compelling, home-related informational articles that you or your family and friends will find helpful in pursuing your real estate goals! Here are some article samples recently sent out to my Real Estate Social Network: 7 Moving Mistakes that Can Cost You How to Rent Your Vacation Property ... Fast 6 Ways to Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape Top 5 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season Email me for more information. * This monthly newsletter is brought to you by your Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Member Agent and is intended as educational information only. RISMedia's Top 5 Real Estate Network® is a network created by, for, and of "leading real estate professionals" who are dedicated to providing "leading real estate information to consumers." The RISMedia Top 5 in Real Estate Network is backed by the commitment and resources of RISMedia. Top 5 was created to fill a profound void in how high-impact consumer relevant information was presented by leading real estate industry members to increasingly sophisticated, discerning, and demanding consumers, in order to both sustain and elevate the ongoing viability and appeal of the industry's leading professionals. For more information, visit www.top5inrealestate.com RISMedia, publisher of Real Estate magazine, is dedicated to providing real estate professionals with the most up-to-date news, information and business development resources in the industry. To submit questions, comments, suggestion, press releases or story ideas, please e-mail realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com. RISMedia, Inc./Top 5 in Real Estate Network® 69 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851 P (203) 855-1234 F(203) 852-7208 www.top5inrealestate.com © 2010. RISMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email is intended for: bcorsi3.lizzie17@blogger.com. If you wish to edit your subscription or unsubscribe from Real Estate Matters, please click here.

Top5: Top 5 Ways to Spend Less this Holiday Season

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Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season

While the holidays should be a joyous time for all, unfortunately, financial pressures can make this time of the year stressful and depressing for many. There are countless ways, however, to stop holiday spending from spiraling out of control in order to get back to the true meaning of the season.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I often play the role of financial advisor to many clients. After all, owning a home is most likely the biggest investment you'll make, so being prudent regarding spending is a must ... especially in today's economy.

There are many great organizations out there that offer wonderful advice on managing your finances, such as The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), a nonprofit entity dedicated to helping distressed homeowners navigate financial challenges (www.995hope.org). HPF offers the following great tips for curbing holiday spending:

1. The number-one rule of financial management is creating a budget and the holidays are no exception. Instead of just random spending, create a detailed budget for gifts, travel, entertaining, cards, decorating, etc. Create a budget for each person on your shopping list and don’t go over it.
2. Stick to this budget by only taking cash, not credit cards, with you when you shop. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.
3. Avoid the expense of the office grab bag or Yankee swap by suggesting your employer make a donation to a local charity instead; ask employees to contribute gently used clothing, canned goods, winter coats, etc. This will not only save everyone money but emphasizes the true spirit of the season.
4. If this is your first year in a new home, don't feel pressured to invest in a full set of ornaments for your tree. Collect those gradually over the years and, in the meantime, decorate with paper snowflakes, popcorn and cranberry garlands, spraypainted pine cones, and other homemade ornaments. The effect will be charming and memorable for years to come.
5. Streamline the preparations and costs of your holiday get-togethers by sticking to appetizers only. Ask everyone to bring an hors d'oeuvre and serve beer and wine only.

Not only will the above tips help you spend less, but they will help eliminate many of the common stresses that accompany the holiday so that you can truly enjoy the season with family and friends. Feel free to contact me via e-mail for more cost-saving ideas and please forward this information to others ... after all, we could all benefit from spending less this year!

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi
J. Rockcliff Realtors
Office: 925-253-7045
Mobile: 925-788-7589
BCorsi@Rockcliff.com
http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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