Top 5 DIY Staging Tips

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Top 5 DIY Staging Tips

If you are preparing to put your home on the market this summer, it’s important to realize that every prospective home buyer that comes through your doors will view your home differently. And with today’s highly competitive market, it’s critical to include effective staging as part of the marketing of your home. The objective is to make sure your home stands out and garners the broadest appeal possible.

An experienced real estate agent can help you select a home stager to work with, or you can work with your agent to stage the home yourself. Here are five great tips to get you started:

1. Remove the personal. Any items or artwork that speak to your personal family life need to be removed – photos, kids’ projects, trophies, etc. Home buyers need to see a neutral canvas on which they can begin to envision the home as their own. They need to see how their own personality can take shape in the home.

2. Tone it down. Look at your home objectively. If your paint and décor includes bright and/or unusual colors, or bold-patterned wall papers, consider turning the volume down a notch. Neutral colors across the board are your best bet.

3. Open the shutters. Natural lighting plays a huge part in increasing your home’s spaciousness and overall appeal. Buyers want a home that is sunny, bright and inviting. So be sure to remove all heavy drapery and blinds.

4. Reduce the retro. You may love your antique armoire or ’50s kitchen set, but most home buyers are looking for something new and fresh. Dated-looking furnishings and décor are usually an instant turn-off.

5. Scale it back. You might not care that your king-sized bed takes up 90% of your bedroom, but oversized furniture in a too-small space will make rooms look smaller. Put your big stuff in storage for the time being.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

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

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Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Car's Mileage

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Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Car's Mileage

The kids are out of school and chances are your summer plans include some sort of road trip. With gas prices well over $4 in many areas of the country, however, reducing your car’s gasoline consumption is critical to reducing the impact the trip will have on your wallet. And, as with most cost-cutting tactics, it’s the small steps you take that will add up to savings. Adhere to the following top 10 mileage-friendly steps and start spending some of that gas money on yourself and your family.

1. Drive smoothly – Chill out behind the wheel. Aggressive driving habits—i.e., speeding up to red lights, slamming on the brakes—actually lowers gas mileage.

2. Slow down – Most cars get the best fuel efficiency between 45 and 55 miles per hour. Driving at more than 60 mph can cut efficiency by up to 23%.

3. Reduce idling – Get out of the drive-through lane and park your car instead. Idling wastes more gas than turning off the engine and restarting. If your wait is over 20 seconds, turn the engine off.

4. Use lower-grade fuel – Regular unleaded gas won’t hurt most engines, even if premium is recommended. Unless your engine starts to knock or ping, stick to the lower grade.

5. Travel light – An extra 100 pounds of weight in the trunk or back seat can reduce mileage by as much as 2%.

6. Go without AC – Turn on the ventilator instead. It’s the most fuel-efficient way to cool your car. But don’t open the windows. Driving fast with the windows open burns more gas than the air conditioner.

7. Replace or tighten the gas cap – Wait until you hear the click after fueling up. Fuel evaporates through loose or broken gas cap seals, reducing mileage by 2% or more.

8. Check your tire pressure – Improperly inflated tires have a higher rolling resistance, which reduces efficiency. Keeping your tires at the recommended pressure can increase gas mileage by 3% or more.

9. Change the oil – Energy-conserving or synthetic motor oil can reduce engine friction and improve efficiency by up to 2%.

10. Replace spark plugs – Misfiring spark plugs can cut gas mileage by as much as 30%.

While none of the above steps are difficult or time-consuming, they can have a big impact on your number of visits to the pump. Travel safely—and cost-effectively!—this summer.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

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

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Top 10 Ways to Prevent Roof Leaks

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Top 10 Ways to Prevent Roof Leaks

While roofing problems are obviously exacerbated by rain, there are other insidious, but lesser-known sources that contribute to roof leak issues. Whether you’ve got a new home or an older one, most roof shingles, on average, can go 15 years without needing repair—but a roof can deteriorate well before the 15-year mark, and the longer you wait to repair it, the more expensive the repair will likely be.

By being aware of the various problems that can lead to major roof leaks, you can catch them early, avoid expensive repairs, and prolong the life of your roof. Of course, this is especially critical if you are approaching the home-buying or –selling process. Home inspection company Pillar To Post recommends that you keep a close watch for the following roofing red flags and correct them as soon as possible:

1. Incorrect shingle installation. Even the strongest shingles won’t stand up to rain if they’re not properly installed. Improper joint locations and a lack of underlay are two issues that are particularly hard to see, but can be extremely problematic.

2. Structural sagging. A sagging roof structure is often the result of moisture retention, and nearly always foreshadows, or coincides with, a leak issue.

3. Water “ponding.” Clogged roof drains and indented areas on flat roofs can cause water pooling—which is basically a leak waiting to happen.

4. Damaged nails. Even on shingles that have been expertly installed, nails are the first thing to show wear. Corroding nails leave microscopic holes that invite water in.

5. Improperly hung gutters. Gutter placement is critical and just a tiny shift caused by strong wind can tamper with the gutter system and divert rain onto the roof.

6. Moss. As moss gathers, it retains more and more moisture that you might not be able to see—until it starts dripping into the attic.

7. Insufficient insulation. Pre-1980s homes, in particular, may not have an adequate vapor barrier; if they don’t, a replacement is warranted—surface patching and minor repairs will just amount to wasted money.

8. A deteriorating chimney. Cracks, eroded joints or decaying caps in the chimney allow moisture and water to seep in.

9. Poor past repairs. From improper plastering to inadequately plugged-up holes, any past repairs that look like they’re DIY are probably not up to code and are not apt to provide leak protection in the future. Have a professional evaluate and correct as necessary.

10. Don’t forget the attic. Many leaks can actually originate in the attic so be sure not to terminate any vent or exhaust pipes in the attic.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

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

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Turnaround: 4 Months and Counting?

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 Mobile: 925-788-7589 Fax: 925-402-8022 BCorsi@Rockcliff.com Top 5 Members are uniquely qualified to not only help you get educated on important information related to your real estate interests and pursuits, 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 Turnaround: 4 Months and Counting? RISMEDIA, Friday, June 10, 2011—Price declines will end and average U.S. home prices will stabilize by Labor Day. Prices in even the hardest-hit markets will level out by the end of 2012. That’s the latest prediction from the authoritative Moody’s Analytics and Fiserv, Inc, after an analysis of home price trends in 375 markets tracked by the Fiserv Case-Schiller Indexes. More Top Stories Great Finds Offers Tips for Staging a Home to Sell RISMEDIA, Friday, June 10, 2011—San Francisco interior design specialist Christine Reddy, owner of Great Finds, a service that sells luxury brands of furniture samples at up to 80 percent off retail, is often consulted for her expertise in staging a home for sale. She offers steps homeowners can take to improve the look of their home—and explains why small investments like hiring a professional and purchasing a few, quality, discount furniture pieces can make a home much more attractive to potential buyers. The Business of Growing: The Top Nine Challenges of Growing an Entrepreneurial Business and How to Tackle Them RISMEDIA, Friday, June 10, 2011—For many, achieving the American Dream means taking control of their destiny, quitting their 9 to 5, and opening the doors to their very own business. These brave entrepreneurial souls have shaped American enterprise, and today, they’re playing the very important role of helping to drive the nation’s economic recovery. And if you’re one of these brave souls—pouring your blood, sweat, and tears into running your own business—Professor Ed Hess stresses that there’s no time for rest. Once you’ve got your start-up off the ground, he says, the daunting task of growing your business to the next level must begin. Housing Affordability Rises to Record Levels RISMEDIA, Friday, June 10, 2011—Nationwide housing affordability during the first quarter of 2011 rose to its highest level in the more than 20 years it has been measured, according to National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) data released recently. Protect Your Home: Top 7 Home Burglary Tricks RISMEDIA, Friday, June 10, 2011—To help homeowners enjoy their summer with greater peace of mind, FrontPoint Security, a nationwide leader in wireless home security, released its list of Top 7 Home Burglary Tricks—featuring tips to help consumers identify and take simple steps that can keep their homes safer from burglars. 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: 5 Easy Steps to Utilize Home Security Systems Remodeling? Know which Projects Will Increase Your Home's Value 10 Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home 11 Ways to Move on a Budget 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.

Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows

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Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, homeowners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream, according to a new survey conducted by The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The survey—conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.—polled 2,000 people who are likely to vote in 2012. According to NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, “The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership. An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the homeowners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.”

Despite the challenging real estate market, people who don’t currently own a home report they want to buy a house, says Neil Newhouse, a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies. Almost three-quarters of those who do not currently own a home, 73 percent, said owning a home is one of their goals. And among younger voters who are most likely to be in the market for a home in the next few years, the percentages are even higher.

Other notable survey results include:

• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80 percent of homeowners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a downpayment and closing costs are the biggest barriers to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

To view slides of the poll results, visit www.nahb.org/VoterPoll.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

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

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La promo des totems, pensez à vos expositions

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La promo des totems, pensez à vos prochaines expositions
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11 Ways to Move on a Budget

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11 Ways to Move on a Budget

Whether you are planning an out-of-state move, or even moving across town, the costs associated with moving your possessions from one location to another can be a significant burden, especially given today’s economy. If you are planning on moving during the busy summer season, the following tips from Two Men and a Truck will help you save both time and money.

1. Pack all items into boxes and tape all boxes closed with packing tape. Do not use duct, Scotch or masking tapes.

2. Label all boxes by room and contents to save time when movers unload them from the truck into your new home.

3. To reduce load time, as you pack your boxes, take them to the garage or to a common area on the main floor.

4. Disassemble and reassemble items such as beds, cribs, entertainment units, etc., yourself.

5. Make sure all electronics are disconnected and wires are removed or taped tightly to the item.

6. Be prepared for the movers. Packing or disassembling items while the movers are present will increase load time and costs.

7. Move all miscellaneous unboxed items such as lamps, pictures, toys, yard tools, etc., yourself.

8. Disconnect washers/dryers/refrigerators and other large appliances to save time.

9. Reserve ample parking for the moving trucks, as long walks add to the load and unload time.

10. Make sure there is a clear walkway for the movers to get to and from the truck.

11. Be at the new location on the day of the move so movers know where to place furniture and other items.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

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

This email was sent by RISMedia, Inc. on behalf of Barbara Corsi.
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