The most critical thing to remember while staging your residence or a client's home for resale is that less is more! How do you accomplish this when you have too much furniture?
Well, my primary recommendation is to rent space close by to store the extra stuff until you sell the home. If you are strapped for hard cash, move it to the garage and park outside if need be.
Another universal problem is that your current furniture pieces are too heavy for the space it occupies.For example, a King bed in an average size bedroom. Since you are trying to make the rooms look larger and most folks have a Queen size bed, rent or buy a inexpensive Queen or Full size bed and store your King for your next residence.
The third tip is to clear off all countertops in the kitchen and leave only two appliances for appearance sake.Remember; take advantage of the rule of three for all your arrangements. Group pictures, accessories,Decorative pillows, etc. In groups of three but keep them to a bare minimum.
A home or condo with the least possible amount of furniture and clutter is easiest to put up for sale as buyers can easily visualize how their furniture will fit.
My final tip or suggestion is to store or sell all huge pieces and substitute them with smaller pieces.This is especially true for most dining rooms where space is usually at a premium.This also applies to old and worn furniture. The main protest to this by most persons is that they can't afford new furniture. Well, I have a solution for you. I would search your area for charitable companies like Hospice, Goodwill, etc. That accepts furniture and household goodsthen sells them for virtually nothing.Then spruce them up with finishing oil for a new look. If needed, paint the using spray cans in pastel colors to match your design. Recover dining room chair seats with new, cheap fabric that gives your room a contemporary look. You can find an illustration of this in our Redesign Manual http://www.redesignmanual/ where I purchased a table and chairs, repainted them and recovered the seats for under $50.I still have the set today.
Staging a residential home requires a dissimilar mindset than doing a home redesign. The latter requires a design that appeals to you and your family. Staging a home for resale requires you put yourself and your resultant decor in the buyers mind. Since prospects acquire on emotion you must make it easy for them to envision living there. The best way is a clean, minimalist design using color sparingly or not at all on the walls and inserting color with plants and a few accessories.
Stagers, do not fail to remember about the value of landscaping. You probably are not able to redo the current landscape, but you can make it more appealing at little or no added cost. First, remove all the clutter,i.E. Hoses, toys, tools, etc. that may be lying around.Second, procure one or two colorful plants and place the in the entryway. Third, use a power washer on the driveway and sidewalks. These little things will give your house more curb appeal at little cost
Showing posts with label Home and Garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home and Garden. Show all posts
How to remodel your kitchen
If you're looking to renovate your kitchen, you've come to the right place. We're going to talk about how to create a surface level renovation, using new appliances to achieve a new, more modern look for your kitchen. Let's get started.
1. Color
: If your kitchen already has a color tone, you probably want to stick with it. White is a classic choice for appliances, black is sometimes secondary, and stainless steel is always popular because of its more modern look.
2. If you want to make appliances like your fridge and dishwasher blend in, you can work with a cabinet maker to camouflage your Sub Zero appliances.
3.Ovens
: There are many different kinds of ovens out there, but if you're serious about cooking and entertaining, you might want dual Viking gas ranges or Wolf gas ranges. These bad boys have six to eight burners rather than the traditional four and are easier to control when you're cooking than electric stovetops. You also have the option to stack your ovens on top of each other which helps you save space. This is called the modular approach, and is growing increasingly popular today.
4. Range Hoods
: These are a good investment because they prevent common kitchen odors and the irksome cooking smoke that often sets off a fire alarm. Moreover, vaporized grease can dull new kitchen surfaces while condensation and moisture can work against your home's insulation. Range hoods direct all of this matter to one common place to eventually move it outside the house.
5. Refrigerators
: You can go with the traditional freezer on top fridge on bottom, freezer and fridge side by side, or, my personal favorite, the freezer below. This style is used in Sub Zero appliances and is one of the better options for high volume refrigeration, usually with a 22 cubic foot capacity. Of course these models are more luxurious and expensive, but dang they look good.
6. Size: The average refrigerator has a volume of 18 cubic feet. A general heuristic is 12 cubic feet for two people and then 2 feet extra per person. If you're an entertainer, the more space the better and if you like your wine and you have the space, a wine fridge is a great option.
7. Dishwashers
: Technology has made the dishwasher smaller, quieter and more energy efficient than those of yore. To further reduce energy, choose a model with internal water heating, which removes the burden from your home's hot water heater. More expensive models have optional settings for china, pots and pans or crystal, while more basic ones have the standard light, medium, and heavy settings.
The kitchen is usually the center of family activity 'from cooking and eating to resting and relaxing, many families today even have a computer and TV in their kitchens. It's important to ensure that your kitchen is comfortable and that your appliances are reliable. Your refrigerator, for example, is one of the only appliances in your household that must run continuously. So choose wisely, but remember that you can look for discount kitchen appliances that are last season's models or are on sale in order to save some extra cash.
1. Color
: If your kitchen already has a color tone, you probably want to stick with it. White is a classic choice for appliances, black is sometimes secondary, and stainless steel is always popular because of its more modern look.2. If you want to make appliances like your fridge and dishwasher blend in, you can work with a cabinet maker to camouflage your Sub Zero appliances.
3.Ovens
: There are many different kinds of ovens out there, but if you're serious about cooking and entertaining, you might want dual Viking gas ranges or Wolf gas ranges. These bad boys have six to eight burners rather than the traditional four and are easier to control when you're cooking than electric stovetops. You also have the option to stack your ovens on top of each other which helps you save space. This is called the modular approach, and is growing increasingly popular today.4. Range Hoods
: These are a good investment because they prevent common kitchen odors and the irksome cooking smoke that often sets off a fire alarm. Moreover, vaporized grease can dull new kitchen surfaces while condensation and moisture can work against your home's insulation. Range hoods direct all of this matter to one common place to eventually move it outside the house.5. Refrigerators
: You can go with the traditional freezer on top fridge on bottom, freezer and fridge side by side, or, my personal favorite, the freezer below. This style is used in Sub Zero appliances and is one of the better options for high volume refrigeration, usually with a 22 cubic foot capacity. Of course these models are more luxurious and expensive, but dang they look good.6. Size: The average refrigerator has a volume of 18 cubic feet. A general heuristic is 12 cubic feet for two people and then 2 feet extra per person. If you're an entertainer, the more space the better and if you like your wine and you have the space, a wine fridge is a great option.
7. Dishwashers
: Technology has made the dishwasher smaller, quieter and more energy efficient than those of yore. To further reduce energy, choose a model with internal water heating, which removes the burden from your home's hot water heater. More expensive models have optional settings for china, pots and pans or crystal, while more basic ones have the standard light, medium, and heavy settings.The kitchen is usually the center of family activity 'from cooking and eating to resting and relaxing, many families today even have a computer and TV in their kitchens. It's important to ensure that your kitchen is comfortable and that your appliances are reliable. Your refrigerator, for example, is one of the only appliances in your household that must run continuously. So choose wisely, but remember that you can look for discount kitchen appliances that are last season's models or are on sale in order to save some extra cash.
Inexpensive Ways to Decorate Your Bathroom
When it comes to home decorating there are few rooms that have quite the impact of a bathroom
or kitchen when being decorated. There is something wonderful about taking a tired old bathroom and making it seem bright and shiny once again. Most people, however, cringe at the thought of a bathroom remodel fearing the absolute worst when it comes to their financial situation once all is said and done. The good news is that small steps can lead to big changes in rooms as small as bathrooms. These small steps do not have to have large prices in order to be highly effective.
My suggestion with a bathroom is to assess where the worst blemishes and eyesores may be. Painting the walls can be a good place to start but you should first decide whether you are planning to remove any cabinetry. This is one room where it is best to save the painting for later in the project rather than the beginning. The vanity in many bathrooms takes up a good deal of real estate. Gone are the days when chunky cabinets were the popular choice for bathrooms. Now people want the bathrooms to have the appearance of a wide-open space. This means that cabinets and vanities are becoming smaller rather than larger.
Most homeowners find that the removal of bulky cabinetry in the bathroom often leads to some degree of patching required for the drywall and noticeable gaps in flooring. These will need to be addressed fairly quickly, which means that now is a good time to select color options for the walls and flooring. Smaller bathrooms do well with lighter colors on the walls in order to give them a larger appearance. Use towels and decorations to bring in darker accents but keep the walls light and bright. Also choose paint that can withstand the high humidity of bathrooms.
Flooring in a bathroom also needs to be able to withstand high heat and humidity as this room is rather abusive to floors and walls. For this reason, hardwood is not the floor of choice for most bathrooms. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice and not terribly expensive. There are also some laminates that are designed to respond well to a high humidity environment such as will be found in a bathroom. Choose flooring that will accent the walls and the overall sense of décor you are hoping to achieve when decorating your home and bathroom, as this is not something you are going to want to change often.
The toilet in a bathroom is fairly simple to purchase but I recommend leaving it be unless it absolutely needs to be changed. This is not a simple procedure for the novice and experts are expensive. In this case "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is an excellent motto to live by. The same holds true with the shower. If, however, you simply cannot live with your shower (or bathtub) as is, you may want to try hiring professionals to come in and resurface your tub. This is much less expensive than purchasing a brand-new tub and will have yours looking bright, shiny, and as good as new. Again you can avoid the high cost of a plumber despite the fact that you are paying for professionals to resurface.
To top things off, you will be amazed at the difference that new knobs, fixtures, and hardware can make in a bathroom. Add a couple of lamps for subtle lighting and some decorative touches of your own and you have a brand new bathroom without spending a king's ransom in order to do so. The shower curtain and 'guest' towels should be your largest splurges in your bathroom, as they will tie the room all together. You shower curtains and towels will blend the colors and designs in order to create the overall atmosphere you should be hoping to achieve in your bathroom. And all of this can be accomplished one step at a time no matter how sparse your budget may be.
--------------------------------
by Gail Logan
or kitchen when being decorated. There is something wonderful about taking a tired old bathroom and making it seem bright and shiny once again. Most people, however, cringe at the thought of a bathroom remodel fearing the absolute worst when it comes to their financial situation once all is said and done. The good news is that small steps can lead to big changes in rooms as small as bathrooms. These small steps do not have to have large prices in order to be highly effective.
My suggestion with a bathroom is to assess where the worst blemishes and eyesores may be. Painting the walls can be a good place to start but you should first decide whether you are planning to remove any cabinetry. This is one room where it is best to save the painting for later in the project rather than the beginning. The vanity in many bathrooms takes up a good deal of real estate. Gone are the days when chunky cabinets were the popular choice for bathrooms. Now people want the bathrooms to have the appearance of a wide-open space. This means that cabinets and vanities are becoming smaller rather than larger.
Most homeowners find that the removal of bulky cabinetry in the bathroom often leads to some degree of patching required for the drywall and noticeable gaps in flooring. These will need to be addressed fairly quickly, which means that now is a good time to select color options for the walls and flooring. Smaller bathrooms do well with lighter colors on the walls in order to give them a larger appearance. Use towels and decorations to bring in darker accents but keep the walls light and bright. Also choose paint that can withstand the high humidity of bathrooms.
Flooring in a bathroom also needs to be able to withstand high heat and humidity as this room is rather abusive to floors and walls. For this reason, hardwood is not the floor of choice for most bathrooms. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice and not terribly expensive. There are also some laminates that are designed to respond well to a high humidity environment such as will be found in a bathroom. Choose flooring that will accent the walls and the overall sense of décor you are hoping to achieve when decorating your home and bathroom, as this is not something you are going to want to change often.
The toilet in a bathroom is fairly simple to purchase but I recommend leaving it be unless it absolutely needs to be changed. This is not a simple procedure for the novice and experts are expensive. In this case "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is an excellent motto to live by. The same holds true with the shower. If, however, you simply cannot live with your shower (or bathtub) as is, you may want to try hiring professionals to come in and resurface your tub. This is much less expensive than purchasing a brand-new tub and will have yours looking bright, shiny, and as good as new. Again you can avoid the high cost of a plumber despite the fact that you are paying for professionals to resurface.
To top things off, you will be amazed at the difference that new knobs, fixtures, and hardware can make in a bathroom. Add a couple of lamps for subtle lighting and some decorative touches of your own and you have a brand new bathroom without spending a king's ransom in order to do so. The shower curtain and 'guest' towels should be your largest splurges in your bathroom, as they will tie the room all together. You shower curtains and towels will blend the colors and designs in order to create the overall atmosphere you should be hoping to achieve in your bathroom. And all of this can be accomplished one step at a time no matter how sparse your budget may be.
--------------------------------
by Gail Logan
How to make bees wax candles
The material, which is epelled by the honeybees to construct their honeycombs, is nothing but the natural wax. The Beeswax is commonly manufactured by the by the juvenile worker bees. The worker bee has eight wax mirror production glands in the body. The pristinely manufactured wax scales are void of color and crystal clear. The worker bees masticate the wax turning it opaque. The fresh honeycomb has wax, which is virtually ashen but in stages turns into yellow or coffee due to the addition of propolis and pollen oils. But the wax in the offspring comb (a place in the hive somewhere the queen bee lay its eggs) is darker as the impurities obtain certainly collected in the offspring comb.
The wax, which is to be utilized, is to be heated firstly in the water and is prime for handling either to produce candles or as a lubricant for drawers and windows. It gives amazing results once utilized as lumber polish. The uses of bee wax varied and prety efficient and are being employed since ages. Currently many man-made waxes have befall up but the process of manufacturing candle was started with the aid of the honey wax and is currently used. The candles made of beeswax be at odds from those of paraffin. The flame of the beeswax candle is warmer and extra yellow than so as to of paraffin. The color of the flame relies on the season the wax was harvested.
The Eastern orthodox churches choose Beeswax candle the as a rule for they burn prety cleanly, with very diminutive smoke and with tiny or no drippings. The beeswax candle (Easter candle) forms the integral part of prayer in the liturgy of Roman wide-reaching Churches. This is not all; beeswax is moreover employed in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is utilized as polishing material same as the shoe-polish. It is prety frequently implemented in the course of the meeting of pool tables wherever it is utilized to fill in the screws and the seams connecting the slates.
The folks, who construct accordions, comprise of beeswax as an bonding agent. It is blended with sulk rosin, to affix reed plates to the arrangement inside an accordion. It in addition worked as lone of the ingredients in deadlock wax and moustache wax to manufacture cylinders employed by the original phonographs. Beeswax once utilized as food ingredient is recognized as E901 (glazing agent). It is utilized as a coating used for cheese. Selected have replaced it with plastic but a number of still consume beeswax to elude any distasteful flavors due to plastic. The coating of beeswax guards the food whilst it ages.
A honeycomb constructed from beeswax is nothing brief of a success of engineering. It consists of hexagon shaped cylinders (six-sided) to fit in nature side-by-side. It had been ultimately proven by mathematicians with the aim of by manufacturing the cells into hexagons, it is the prety generally efficient: The insignificantest workable measure of wax is utilized for the volume of honey it contains. It has additionally been made known to be one of the strong feasible shapes while implementing the slightest measure of material.
The color has no magnitude as to the value of the wax (other than its aesthetic appeal).
Now a days Beeswax is commercially employed for skin treatment products, soap, the coatings of enjoyables and pills, batik knack, furniture polish, for better value candles and in quilting and arduous embroidery. The beeswax assist the thread to pass all-through the tough material efficiently.
---------------------------------------
About the Author
JulioVillanueva is a candle making expert. For more great information on candle making, visit http://www.candlemakingpros.info
The wax, which is to be utilized, is to be heated firstly in the water and is prime for handling either to produce candles or as a lubricant for drawers and windows. It gives amazing results once utilized as lumber polish. The uses of bee wax varied and prety efficient and are being employed since ages. Currently many man-made waxes have befall up but the process of manufacturing candle was started with the aid of the honey wax and is currently used. The candles made of beeswax be at odds from those of paraffin. The flame of the beeswax candle is warmer and extra yellow than so as to of paraffin. The color of the flame relies on the season the wax was harvested.
The Eastern orthodox churches choose Beeswax candle the as a rule for they burn prety cleanly, with very diminutive smoke and with tiny or no drippings. The beeswax candle (Easter candle) forms the integral part of prayer in the liturgy of Roman wide-reaching Churches. This is not all; beeswax is moreover employed in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is utilized as polishing material same as the shoe-polish. It is prety frequently implemented in the course of the meeting of pool tables wherever it is utilized to fill in the screws and the seams connecting the slates.
The folks, who construct accordions, comprise of beeswax as an bonding agent. It is blended with sulk rosin, to affix reed plates to the arrangement inside an accordion. It in addition worked as lone of the ingredients in deadlock wax and moustache wax to manufacture cylinders employed by the original phonographs. Beeswax once utilized as food ingredient is recognized as E901 (glazing agent). It is utilized as a coating used for cheese. Selected have replaced it with plastic but a number of still consume beeswax to elude any distasteful flavors due to plastic. The coating of beeswax guards the food whilst it ages.
A honeycomb constructed from beeswax is nothing brief of a success of engineering. It consists of hexagon shaped cylinders (six-sided) to fit in nature side-by-side. It had been ultimately proven by mathematicians with the aim of by manufacturing the cells into hexagons, it is the prety generally efficient: The insignificantest workable measure of wax is utilized for the volume of honey it contains. It has additionally been made known to be one of the strong feasible shapes while implementing the slightest measure of material.
The color has no magnitude as to the value of the wax (other than its aesthetic appeal).
Now a days Beeswax is commercially employed for skin treatment products, soap, the coatings of enjoyables and pills, batik knack, furniture polish, for better value candles and in quilting and arduous embroidery. The beeswax assist the thread to pass all-through the tough material efficiently.
---------------------------------------
About the Author
JulioVillanueva is a candle making expert. For more great information on candle making, visit http://www.candlemakingpros.info
How to get out of Foreclosure by Refinancing
The foreclosures of a property are one thing that everyone should prevent. There are lots of ways to save your property from being foreclosed by your mortgage holder including paying off the liability in full or issuing a promissory note so you can stretched out the limit, or you can use the means of refinancing.
Definition of Refinancing
Paying off an existing mortgage and arranging a new mortgage, often with a different lender. Undertaking another loan to pay off an existing debt is what we call refinancing. In simple terms, most borrowers undergo refinancing to extend the paying back time. You can say that refinancing is a secondary loan to pay for the first one. Not only will your property be safe in foreclosure given that you are able to pay on period, you also have a form of delay to your obligation as well.
However, before you go for the thought of refinancing, first you must have to know the various kinds of loans and the details before you dive in.
Different types of loans
There are two (2) kinds of loans in financing.
First one is the secured loan, which the borrower uses a property or a security as a collateral for the loan.
- this kind of loan is closely governed by state law and will only be issued if the borrower has attained a certain level of standards from different financial organizations. An example of a secured loan is the mortgage loan, in which the borrower will approach a lender for a credit for purchasing a property or to refinance a business or an existing loan.
Second type of loan is called the unsecured loan, wherein the lender is not governed by the status of the state and it is not based on the borrower's assets. Unsecured loans comes in different forms: these are the, credit lines, personal loans from private lenders, bank overdraft, credit card debts, and corporate bonds.
Interest rates for these two kinds of loans may vary depending on the locale of the financial institution. As secured loans are governed by legal law so the interest rates are closely regulated by law; and unlike its equivalent, unsecured loans especially by private lenders are quite known in charging marginally higher interests.
Obtaining yourself a refinance lender
If you want to look for the best refinance lender, then you need to do a lot of research / analysis. One way to look for prospect is by way of the internet. Most companies / business, both private and institutional lenders, are now using the Internet to advertise / promote their companies so it is quite easy to search for them out. Try to invest time searching for the lenders with lowest interest rates so that you can get the best deal in refinancing - try not to stick with one since there are countless of lenders out in the internet where you can work with. Try to look also for a lender which has all the fees and cost placed out first hand. Scam lenders often give the good deals out without telling the borrower about hidden fees and costs. Sincere and honest lenders will give you a draft of possible costs during the transaction.
Shutting down the costs in refinancing
When you have established the right refinance lender, you have to go through the closing costs so you won't split when the lender carries them out for show. Closing cost for a refinance mortgage will include escrow and title fees, lender fees, appraisal fees, insurance, taxes and credit fees.
This might sound quite alarming at first, you will relax once you know what is concerned with all these closings costs. Major charges includes the title and escrow fees, but you are given a choice to add these fees to the mortgage balance to be paid in full later when it arrives maturity. The borrower may as well aim for a no-cost closing approach in refinancing. This method is lacking of adding fees but will contain a much higher interest rate than the usual refinance with closing cost. Understanding the cost of your refinance mortgage will not only leave you in the dark when your lender starts talking about fees, but will also give you enough support for profound transactions.
Definition of Refinancing
Paying off an existing mortgage and arranging a new mortgage, often with a different lender. Undertaking another loan to pay off an existing debt is what we call refinancing. In simple terms, most borrowers undergo refinancing to extend the paying back time. You can say that refinancing is a secondary loan to pay for the first one. Not only will your property be safe in foreclosure given that you are able to pay on period, you also have a form of delay to your obligation as well.
However, before you go for the thought of refinancing, first you must have to know the various kinds of loans and the details before you dive in.
Different types of loans
There are two (2) kinds of loans in financing.
First one is the secured loan, which the borrower uses a property or a security as a collateral for the loan.
- this kind of loan is closely governed by state law and will only be issued if the borrower has attained a certain level of standards from different financial organizations. An example of a secured loan is the mortgage loan, in which the borrower will approach a lender for a credit for purchasing a property or to refinance a business or an existing loan.
Second type of loan is called the unsecured loan, wherein the lender is not governed by the status of the state and it is not based on the borrower's assets. Unsecured loans comes in different forms: these are the, credit lines, personal loans from private lenders, bank overdraft, credit card debts, and corporate bonds.
Interest rates for these two kinds of loans may vary depending on the locale of the financial institution. As secured loans are governed by legal law so the interest rates are closely regulated by law; and unlike its equivalent, unsecured loans especially by private lenders are quite known in charging marginally higher interests.
Obtaining yourself a refinance lender
If you want to look for the best refinance lender, then you need to do a lot of research / analysis. One way to look for prospect is by way of the internet. Most companies / business, both private and institutional lenders, are now using the Internet to advertise / promote their companies so it is quite easy to search for them out. Try to invest time searching for the lenders with lowest interest rates so that you can get the best deal in refinancing - try not to stick with one since there are countless of lenders out in the internet where you can work with. Try to look also for a lender which has all the fees and cost placed out first hand. Scam lenders often give the good deals out without telling the borrower about hidden fees and costs. Sincere and honest lenders will give you a draft of possible costs during the transaction.
Shutting down the costs in refinancing
When you have established the right refinance lender, you have to go through the closing costs so you won't split when the lender carries them out for show. Closing cost for a refinance mortgage will include escrow and title fees, lender fees, appraisal fees, insurance, taxes and credit fees.
This might sound quite alarming at first, you will relax once you know what is concerned with all these closings costs. Major charges includes the title and escrow fees, but you are given a choice to add these fees to the mortgage balance to be paid in full later when it arrives maturity. The borrower may as well aim for a no-cost closing approach in refinancing. This method is lacking of adding fees but will contain a much higher interest rate than the usual refinance with closing cost. Understanding the cost of your refinance mortgage will not only leave you in the dark when your lender starts talking about fees, but will also give you enough support for profound transactions.
How To Install Solar Energy Cheaply
With the potential of a severe global energy crisis, it is wise to consider alternate power solutions for your home. Alternative power not only helps to fight the energy crisis, it also helps you save money.
The most realistic alternative power solutions today are solar power and wind power. And while wind power is a great idea, it currently requires a large amount of space and an average constant wind speed of 11 mile per hour to be effective - something many of us cannot obtain. Solar power - on the other hand - only requires abundant sun light. In addition, it can be very easy to implement if you know how.
A complete solar power system consists of different components; however most people only need to implement a few of these components to significantly reduce their energy consumption and obtain significant savings.
The solar cooker is the most popular solar energy system currently implemented in homes. With a solar cooker, you can boil, roast and bake using only sunlight. There are no gas emissions or residue, making it the most environmental-friendly cooking system available.
The solar generator is a device that runs all your electrical appliances with solar energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. It also stores energy for later use. The solar generator is also referred to as a solar lighting system.
A solar thermal system takes care of your home's temperature needs and is becoming very popular. The older ugly units are quickly being replaced by eye pleasing systems.
As solar technology has advanced, it has become more economical to build you own homemade solar energy system. Building your own solar panels used to be a very complicated process; however a new guide from Earth4Enery explains how this is now something that any "do it yourself" handyman can do for under $200.
The guide provides detailed instructions that can be easily understood by a layman. Information is also provided on how to obtain the components or preparing the homemade solar system from any neighborhood material store.
I used the guide to build my own solar energy system and start saving money on my utility bills. And if I - a person known to be "all thumbs" and dangerous with a hammer - can do it, so can you. For under $200, you can start saving $1000s on your home's energy cost.
--------------------------------
For more information on this new guide, go to http://tinyurl.com/solarsave . You'll be surprised how easy it is to install solar energy cheaply.
--------------
About the Author
Kevin Sharpe has been involved with "do it yourself" alternative energy systems for over 5 years. An advocate of renewable energy, Kevin's goal is to turn his home into a 100% renewable energy domain.
The most realistic alternative power solutions today are solar power and wind power. And while wind power is a great idea, it currently requires a large amount of space and an average constant wind speed of 11 mile per hour to be effective - something many of us cannot obtain. Solar power - on the other hand - only requires abundant sun light. In addition, it can be very easy to implement if you know how.
A complete solar power system consists of different components; however most people only need to implement a few of these components to significantly reduce their energy consumption and obtain significant savings.
The solar cooker is the most popular solar energy system currently implemented in homes. With a solar cooker, you can boil, roast and bake using only sunlight. There are no gas emissions or residue, making it the most environmental-friendly cooking system available.
The solar generator is a device that runs all your electrical appliances with solar energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. It also stores energy for later use. The solar generator is also referred to as a solar lighting system.
A solar thermal system takes care of your home's temperature needs and is becoming very popular. The older ugly units are quickly being replaced by eye pleasing systems.
As solar technology has advanced, it has become more economical to build you own homemade solar energy system. Building your own solar panels used to be a very complicated process; however a new guide from Earth4Enery explains how this is now something that any "do it yourself" handyman can do for under $200.
The guide provides detailed instructions that can be easily understood by a layman. Information is also provided on how to obtain the components or preparing the homemade solar system from any neighborhood material store.
I used the guide to build my own solar energy system and start saving money on my utility bills. And if I - a person known to be "all thumbs" and dangerous with a hammer - can do it, so can you. For under $200, you can start saving $1000s on your home's energy cost.
--------------------------------
For more information on this new guide, go to http://tinyurl.com/solarsave . You'll be surprised how easy it is to install solar energy cheaply.
--------------
About the Author
Kevin Sharpe has been involved with "do it yourself" alternative energy systems for over 5 years. An advocate of renewable energy, Kevin's goal is to turn his home into a 100% renewable energy domain.
The Home Stimulus Package - What's in it For You?
The 2009 Home Stimulus Package contains 75 billion dollars worth of funding to revive the gasping housing market in the United States. Millions of people will take advantage of this assistance; will you benefit?
First, let's look at what this program entails:
· A totally reworked mortgage.
· Avoiding foreclosure.
· Lower monthly payments, less than 31% of your gross monthly income.
· Reduced interest rate, possibly as low as 2 % for five years.
· $1,000 incentives for each year you are current with your payment, up to $5,000.
· Lengthened loan terms, if necessary.
· Possible waiver of late fees
· Possible reduction of principle.
This program is available only through approved lenders on a primary dwelling. The loan must be serviced or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, written on or before January 1, 2009, and be for an amount no more than $729,750.
The homeowner must have been struggling with a house payment, taxes, insurance and association dues included, that is more than 31% of their gross monthly income. They are able to document that they have experienced financial hardship, which is reduction of income or increased expenses not of their own making. This could be the result of job loss, death of a spouse, medical bills, military service, or even divorce. You must be able to document these events with the appropriate paperwork.
You also must be able to present a financial budget statement that presents the ability to make the modified payment with ease. The lender will also be looking for a demonstration of your commitment to making the mortgage payments in a dependable and timely fashion.
The Home Stimulus Package could help you save your home if you qualify to apply. It is most important that you do your homework and prepare well before you contact your lender.
-------------------
by Scott A. Kennedy
First, let's look at what this program entails:
· A totally reworked mortgage.
· Avoiding foreclosure.
· Lower monthly payments, less than 31% of your gross monthly income.
· Reduced interest rate, possibly as low as 2 % for five years.
· $1,000 incentives for each year you are current with your payment, up to $5,000.
· Lengthened loan terms, if necessary.
· Possible waiver of late fees
· Possible reduction of principle.
This program is available only through approved lenders on a primary dwelling. The loan must be serviced or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, written on or before January 1, 2009, and be for an amount no more than $729,750.
The homeowner must have been struggling with a house payment, taxes, insurance and association dues included, that is more than 31% of their gross monthly income. They are able to document that they have experienced financial hardship, which is reduction of income or increased expenses not of their own making. This could be the result of job loss, death of a spouse, medical bills, military service, or even divorce. You must be able to document these events with the appropriate paperwork.
You also must be able to present a financial budget statement that presents the ability to make the modified payment with ease. The lender will also be looking for a demonstration of your commitment to making the mortgage payments in a dependable and timely fashion.
The Home Stimulus Package could help you save your home if you qualify to apply. It is most important that you do your homework and prepare well before you contact your lender.
-------------------
by Scott A. Kennedy
Buying process after winning the offer
As soon as the owner has accepted your offer, you should meet with your lawyer and talk about all the responsibilities under the contract. Your solicitor should help you to understand all the expenses connected to the closing procedures, including Land Transfer Tax, disbursements and legal fees.
UTILITIES
The lawyer will also send letters to all the concerned municipal or regional utility departments, in order to verify there are no arrears or outstanding charges for gas, water or hydro expenses. These letters also verify if the equipment on the property is rented or owned and they also advise the various utility departments of the scheduled closing date, the new owner's name and the name of the seller's lawyer. Information about the billing type and whether the billing is metered, all this is also asked for by these letters.
TAXES
Your lawyer will require a Tax Certificate to confirm the current year's taxes amount and to find out any arrears and outstanding charges for taxes, both in the current year and in any previous ones.
BUILDING & ZONING
Your lawyer will also send a letter to the Building and Zoning Department, together with a copy of survey for the property. The purpose of this is to discover all the particulars of zoning by-laws and restrictions concerning the distance from the street and side and rear lines, construction type, lot and building areas, lot frontage and depth requirements and permitted uses.
TITLE & EXECUTION SEARCH
The appropriate division of the Land Registry Office will start a Search of title to the property in order to find out whether or not the seller is the owner of the property and whether or not he has the legal right to convey the property. The search also reveals if the property is not a subject to any encumbrances, encroachments, easements, liens, agreements or mortgages that were not specified in the Agreement or Purchase and Sale. It is also necessary to make sure there are no executions against the seller or previous property owners that would affect your title. This is managed by an execution search in the appropriate Sheriff's Office.
FINANCING
Buying a real estate property is one of the most important financial decisions in life. All the initial searches we have just outlined are taken care of by your lawyer. In the meantime, it is up to you to make all the necessary arrangements concerning the financial side of the business. You should have decided, prior to signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the amount of financing you will qualify for and the amount you will require to complete the business. There are always some expenses connected to mortgage financing that you haven't known about on the day of closing. Your lawyer will tell you more about these expenses when you get the Mortgage Commitment Letter from your chosen financial institution
.
BEFORE THE DAY OF CLOSING
You will also need a certified cheque to verify the balance of closing funds to your lawyer. Bring this with you when you come to sign all the documents needed a few days before the closing.
CLOSING DAY
Your lawyer will agree to meet with the vendor's lawyer at a mutually convenient time at the appropriate Land Registry Office where he will sub-search title and complete final execution searches. They will exchange documents, keys and cheques and your lawyer will manage that all the necessary documents are registered. As soon as this has been completed, you can get the keys and the seller will get the finances.
AFTER CLOSING
After the closing process has been finished, a reporting letter will be prepared by your lawyer. This letter will certify your title and explain all the details of the transaction. After moving in to your new house, it is a good idea to check all items that should be included in the purchase price according to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, are really left on the property by the seller. In case you find out anything is absent, get in touch with your lawyer as soon as possible.
-----------------------------
About the Author
Elli Davis has been real estate professional in Toronto for 26 years
UTILITIES
The lawyer will also send letters to all the concerned municipal or regional utility departments, in order to verify there are no arrears or outstanding charges for gas, water or hydro expenses. These letters also verify if the equipment on the property is rented or owned and they also advise the various utility departments of the scheduled closing date, the new owner's name and the name of the seller's lawyer. Information about the billing type and whether the billing is metered, all this is also asked for by these letters.
TAXES
Your lawyer will require a Tax Certificate to confirm the current year's taxes amount and to find out any arrears and outstanding charges for taxes, both in the current year and in any previous ones.
BUILDING & ZONING
Your lawyer will also send a letter to the Building and Zoning Department, together with a copy of survey for the property. The purpose of this is to discover all the particulars of zoning by-laws and restrictions concerning the distance from the street and side and rear lines, construction type, lot and building areas, lot frontage and depth requirements and permitted uses.
TITLE & EXECUTION SEARCH
The appropriate division of the Land Registry Office will start a Search of title to the property in order to find out whether or not the seller is the owner of the property and whether or not he has the legal right to convey the property. The search also reveals if the property is not a subject to any encumbrances, encroachments, easements, liens, agreements or mortgages that were not specified in the Agreement or Purchase and Sale. It is also necessary to make sure there are no executions against the seller or previous property owners that would affect your title. This is managed by an execution search in the appropriate Sheriff's Office.
FINANCING
Buying a real estate property is one of the most important financial decisions in life. All the initial searches we have just outlined are taken care of by your lawyer. In the meantime, it is up to you to make all the necessary arrangements concerning the financial side of the business. You should have decided, prior to signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the amount of financing you will qualify for and the amount you will require to complete the business. There are always some expenses connected to mortgage financing that you haven't known about on the day of closing. Your lawyer will tell you more about these expenses when you get the Mortgage Commitment Letter from your chosen financial institution
.
BEFORE THE DAY OF CLOSING
You will also need a certified cheque to verify the balance of closing funds to your lawyer. Bring this with you when you come to sign all the documents needed a few days before the closing.
CLOSING DAY
Your lawyer will agree to meet with the vendor's lawyer at a mutually convenient time at the appropriate Land Registry Office where he will sub-search title and complete final execution searches. They will exchange documents, keys and cheques and your lawyer will manage that all the necessary documents are registered. As soon as this has been completed, you can get the keys and the seller will get the finances.
AFTER CLOSING
After the closing process has been finished, a reporting letter will be prepared by your lawyer. This letter will certify your title and explain all the details of the transaction. After moving in to your new house, it is a good idea to check all items that should be included in the purchase price according to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, are really left on the property by the seller. In case you find out anything is absent, get in touch with your lawyer as soon as possible.
-----------------------------
About the Author
Elli Davis has been real estate professional in Toronto for 26 years
Renting Versus Buying A Home - Pros and Cons
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to just about anything you take the time to ponder and the decision on whether to buy or rent a house is no different. The trick is to compare the advantages and disadvantages and tally them up to see which is the best choice for you in your given situation. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home versus renting one so you can see how they compare and evaluate them based on your current needs and abilities.
Renting a Home - Advantages
There are several important advantages to renting a home. First of all you can usually get lease terms for almost any length you choose, sometimes even month to month so there is a limited commitment on your part and should your circumstances change you can simply give your landlord notice and move out.
Another important advantage of renting is that you don't have to do the maintenance. You don't have to cut the grass, pick the weeds or paint the trim on the house. You also don't have to make repairs or purchase major items like a new furnace or roof when they are needed because that is the landlord's responsibility.
Renting a Home - Disadvantages
Of course there are also some disadvantages to renting. You are under the landlord's rule to some extent and have to abide by their rules. You might not be able to put holes in the walls to hang pictures and you might not be able to have a pet if you want to. Another major disadvantage to renting is that your money is simply being spent and you will not see anything for it in return other than a place to live.
Owning a home - Advantages
There are many advantages to owning a home. First of all, it is an investment and you will get some, all or more than you paid back when you sell it. Also, it is your home and you are free to decorate it as you wish and live the lifestyle you choose there without having to ask for permission first. Owning a home also helps you improve your credit ranking and gives you some security.
Owning a home - Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of owning a home are that you have to do the maintenance and are the one responsible for repairs. You also have more of a commitment since you are probably signing a mortgage for 20 or 30 years and you would have to sell the home if you wanted to move sooner than that.
There you have some of the major advantages and disadvantages to help you compare the pros and cons of renting a home versus buying a home. It is important that you take these comparisons into consideration along with your personal circumstances in order to decide which option is best for you.
---------------------------------------
About the Author
The Metro House Hunters Team are leading Realtors in the Acworth Real Estate market. For more information on Acworth Foreclosures, please visit www.Cobb-County-Real-Estate.net
Renting a Home - Advantages
There are several important advantages to renting a home. First of all you can usually get lease terms for almost any length you choose, sometimes even month to month so there is a limited commitment on your part and should your circumstances change you can simply give your landlord notice and move out.
Another important advantage of renting is that you don't have to do the maintenance. You don't have to cut the grass, pick the weeds or paint the trim on the house. You also don't have to make repairs or purchase major items like a new furnace or roof when they are needed because that is the landlord's responsibility.
Renting a Home - Disadvantages
Of course there are also some disadvantages to renting. You are under the landlord's rule to some extent and have to abide by their rules. You might not be able to put holes in the walls to hang pictures and you might not be able to have a pet if you want to. Another major disadvantage to renting is that your money is simply being spent and you will not see anything for it in return other than a place to live.
Owning a home - Advantages
There are many advantages to owning a home. First of all, it is an investment and you will get some, all or more than you paid back when you sell it. Also, it is your home and you are free to decorate it as you wish and live the lifestyle you choose there without having to ask for permission first. Owning a home also helps you improve your credit ranking and gives you some security.
Owning a home - Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of owning a home are that you have to do the maintenance and are the one responsible for repairs. You also have more of a commitment since you are probably signing a mortgage for 20 or 30 years and you would have to sell the home if you wanted to move sooner than that.
There you have some of the major advantages and disadvantages to help you compare the pros and cons of renting a home versus buying a home. It is important that you take these comparisons into consideration along with your personal circumstances in order to decide which option is best for you.
---------------------------------------
About the Author
The Metro House Hunters Team are leading Realtors in the Acworth Real Estate market. For more information on Acworth Foreclosures, please visit www.Cobb-County-Real-Estate.net
How to remove Kool Aid stains on carpet
Kool Aid stains can be a nightmare, even for the most experienced professional carpet cleaner. The problem with Kool Aid stains on carpet is that no amount of scrubbing or soap will get the stains out from your carpet. This article aims to provide an easy to follow, do it yourself method to success. Please note that this carpet stain removal method is only recommended for synthetic carpet, not wool.
It's very common knowledge in the world of carpet cleaning that if it's homemade, most likely, it'll come out with just soap and water. But if there are artificial dyes in the food or drink product, soap and water, unfortunately might not do the trick. In those instances, we use bleach. I'd very strongly recommend to the reader that household Clorox bleach is not safe on carpet. Wool and nylon will completely dissolve in Clorox bleach to the point of no return. Instead resort to safer bleaching methods, like using peroxide.
Simply pour some household 3% peroxide onto the Kool Aid Stains. Next place a white towel over the stains and place a steam iron on top of it and wait 30 seconds. You should probably only put the steam iron on top of the Kool Aid stains for 20 seconds if you own an olefin carpet. Olefin carpet is significantly less heat resistant than nylon carpet. Rinse your carpet with water, blot up the excess, let cool, and repeat this process until the Kool Aid stains on your carpet are completely gone.
As always, it is suggested to always consult with your local professional carpet cleaning authority prior to doing any aggressive carpet cleaning procedures. Kool Aid may be a stain that you would prefer to have cleaned by a licensed, insured professional. If you do choose to follow the above steps, please use caution and follow the directions (most importantly, letting your carpet cool in between repetitions).
About the Author
Steam Pro Carpet Cleaners is an NYC Carpet Cleaning Company dedicated to providing the ultimate carpet cleaning experience. We assist in removing Kool Aid Stains on Carpet.
It's very common knowledge in the world of carpet cleaning that if it's homemade, most likely, it'll come out with just soap and water. But if there are artificial dyes in the food or drink product, soap and water, unfortunately might not do the trick. In those instances, we use bleach. I'd very strongly recommend to the reader that household Clorox bleach is not safe on carpet. Wool and nylon will completely dissolve in Clorox bleach to the point of no return. Instead resort to safer bleaching methods, like using peroxide.
Simply pour some household 3% peroxide onto the Kool Aid Stains. Next place a white towel over the stains and place a steam iron on top of it and wait 30 seconds. You should probably only put the steam iron on top of the Kool Aid stains for 20 seconds if you own an olefin carpet. Olefin carpet is significantly less heat resistant than nylon carpet. Rinse your carpet with water, blot up the excess, let cool, and repeat this process until the Kool Aid stains on your carpet are completely gone.
As always, it is suggested to always consult with your local professional carpet cleaning authority prior to doing any aggressive carpet cleaning procedures. Kool Aid may be a stain that you would prefer to have cleaned by a licensed, insured professional. If you do choose to follow the above steps, please use caution and follow the directions (most importantly, letting your carpet cool in between repetitions).
About the Author
Steam Pro Carpet Cleaners is an NYC Carpet Cleaning Company dedicated to providing the ultimate carpet cleaning experience. We assist in removing Kool Aid Stains on Carpet.
How to Remove Wax from Carpet
Step 1: Be patient.
The first mistake most people make when it come to stain removal is....panic. Whatever you do, NEVER attempt to remove wax with household cleaners you commonly leave under your kitchen sink. Several of those cleaning solution can cause the stain to become permanent.
Step 2: Act Quickly, if feasible.
The faster you react to the spill, you increase the possiblity of favorable results. On the other hand, sometimes the spill may occur without you knowledge (kids, pets). If this is the case, don't fret! The following steps will assit you with the removal in either case.
Step 3: Remove as much of the dried wax from the carpet as possible
There are several tools that you can use in order to remove the dried or wet wax sitting on the surface of the carpet. A butter knife or your fingernail just to name a few. Be gentle! There is no need to over agitate!! Your goal is to simply remove as much of the dried wax from the surface of the carpet as possible.
Step 4: Grab an iron and place it on the lowest steam setting.
I know what you may be thinking...."An iron??? What in the world??" I promise you that it will be ok as long as you place the iron on the lowest heat and steam setting.
Step 5: Grab an all white towel and lay it over the wax.
There is no need to fold the towel. Simply lay it flat over the wax. Be sure to use an white towel that does not have ANY other colors on it. Using anything other than an all white towel could cause the color to transfer from the towel to your carpet (YIKES).
Step 6: Place the iron on the towel over the wax.
The steam from the iron will cause the wax to transfer from the carpet to the towel. You may have to perform this step multiple times using a clean section of your towel. You will notice that the spot will disappear more with each attempt.
Congratulations! You have removed wax from your carpet!!
If need assistance from a professional provider in the Plano or Dallas Tx metroplex, visit...
Carpet Cleaning Plano Tx
Carpet Cleaning Plano
Carpet Cleaning Dallas Tx
Carpet Cleaning Dallas Tx
by Bruchard Lewis, Owner of Unique Carpet Cleaning in Plano Tx
The first mistake most people make when it come to stain removal is....panic. Whatever you do, NEVER attempt to remove wax with household cleaners you commonly leave under your kitchen sink. Several of those cleaning solution can cause the stain to become permanent.
Step 2: Act Quickly, if feasible.
The faster you react to the spill, you increase the possiblity of favorable results. On the other hand, sometimes the spill may occur without you knowledge (kids, pets). If this is the case, don't fret! The following steps will assit you with the removal in either case.
Step 3: Remove as much of the dried wax from the carpet as possible
There are several tools that you can use in order to remove the dried or wet wax sitting on the surface of the carpet. A butter knife or your fingernail just to name a few. Be gentle! There is no need to over agitate!! Your goal is to simply remove as much of the dried wax from the surface of the carpet as possible.
Step 4: Grab an iron and place it on the lowest steam setting.
I know what you may be thinking...."An iron??? What in the world??" I promise you that it will be ok as long as you place the iron on the lowest heat and steam setting.
Step 5: Grab an all white towel and lay it over the wax.
There is no need to fold the towel. Simply lay it flat over the wax. Be sure to use an white towel that does not have ANY other colors on it. Using anything other than an all white towel could cause the color to transfer from the towel to your carpet (YIKES).
Step 6: Place the iron on the towel over the wax.
The steam from the iron will cause the wax to transfer from the carpet to the towel. You may have to perform this step multiple times using a clean section of your towel. You will notice that the spot will disappear more with each attempt.
Congratulations! You have removed wax from your carpet!!
If need assistance from a professional provider in the Plano or Dallas Tx metroplex, visit...
Carpet Cleaning Plano Tx
Carpet Cleaning Plano
Carpet Cleaning Dallas Tx
Carpet Cleaning Dallas Tx
by Bruchard Lewis, Owner of Unique Carpet Cleaning in Plano Tx
25 Easy Money-Saving Tips
1. Cut out the soda and drink more water! You'd be surprised how much you will save.
2. Go over your grocery list. Try buying more off-brands. Most of the ones I've tried are just as good as their more expensive counterparts.
3. Buy clothes and shoes for you and the kids from the clearance racks. I have been buying my sons' school clothes this way for years!
4. Get movies from the library instead of renting them.
5. Same with books, borrow instead of buy. We usually only read them once anyway.
6. Go on a picnic instead of going to the restaurant. It is more fun and much cheaper!
7. Toss all your change in a "piggy bank" of some kind and let it accumulate for a few months or longer. You will think you struck it rich! (Not really, but it does add up)
8. If you have all the movie channels, cut them down a bit. Most of the movies rotate through them all anyway.
9. Do your laundry at night. The rates are cheaper.
10. Give your clothes an extra spin as it costs less to run a washer than the dryer.
11. Ask your credit card companies for a lower interest rate. Sometimes rather than lose a good customer, they will grant your wish!
12. Buy your holiday decorations AFTER the holiday. You can save up to 75% or more.
13. Turn down your heat a couple degrees more at night and throw on an extra blanket.
14. Clean behind your refrigerator at least once a year to get out all the dust and dirt that can cost you more money.
15. Save empty bread bags and grocery bags instead of buying box after box of storage bags.
16. Keep your car tune and your tires properly inflated to save money on gas.
17. Buy inexpensive fabric for cloth napkins, doilies, etc.
18. Be creative when it comes to decorating. Use sheets to make curtains. Use an old quilt as a cozy wall-hanging. Create an artful display with family photos.
19. Save the new, convenient plastic coffee cans with handles. Paint them, decorate them and use them for organizers for kids art supplies, your CDs, pens & pencils, food envelopes, recipes, craft supplies, etc.
20. Turn unused stuff into money. If you have a gift you haven't used or that shirt you bought and never wore, take them back to the store. You might not get full price, but some is better than none.
21. Use petroleum jelly to remove make-up. It is much more economical then beauty products made for removing make-up.
22. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill germs in cuts and sores rather then expensive antibiotic medicines.
23. Make windowsill or container gardens and grow herbs and fresh vegetables.
24. Instead of a night on the town, send the kids to Grandma's and have a romantic night at home.
25. Make and STICK TO a budget! Find out more by emailing budgeting@getresponse.com
2. Go over your grocery list. Try buying more off-brands. Most of the ones I've tried are just as good as their more expensive counterparts.
3. Buy clothes and shoes for you and the kids from the clearance racks. I have been buying my sons' school clothes this way for years!
4. Get movies from the library instead of renting them.
5. Same with books, borrow instead of buy. We usually only read them once anyway.
6. Go on a picnic instead of going to the restaurant. It is more fun and much cheaper!
7. Toss all your change in a "piggy bank" of some kind and let it accumulate for a few months or longer. You will think you struck it rich! (Not really, but it does add up)
8. If you have all the movie channels, cut them down a bit. Most of the movies rotate through them all anyway.
9. Do your laundry at night. The rates are cheaper.
10. Give your clothes an extra spin as it costs less to run a washer than the dryer.
11. Ask your credit card companies for a lower interest rate. Sometimes rather than lose a good customer, they will grant your wish!
12. Buy your holiday decorations AFTER the holiday. You can save up to 75% or more.
13. Turn down your heat a couple degrees more at night and throw on an extra blanket.
14. Clean behind your refrigerator at least once a year to get out all the dust and dirt that can cost you more money.
15. Save empty bread bags and grocery bags instead of buying box after box of storage bags.
16. Keep your car tune and your tires properly inflated to save money on gas.
17. Buy inexpensive fabric for cloth napkins, doilies, etc.
18. Be creative when it comes to decorating. Use sheets to make curtains. Use an old quilt as a cozy wall-hanging. Create an artful display with family photos.
19. Save the new, convenient plastic coffee cans with handles. Paint them, decorate them and use them for organizers for kids art supplies, your CDs, pens & pencils, food envelopes, recipes, craft supplies, etc.
20. Turn unused stuff into money. If you have a gift you haven't used or that shirt you bought and never wore, take them back to the store. You might not get full price, but some is better than none.
21. Use petroleum jelly to remove make-up. It is much more economical then beauty products made for removing make-up.
22. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill germs in cuts and sores rather then expensive antibiotic medicines.
23. Make windowsill or container gardens and grow herbs and fresh vegetables.
24. Instead of a night on the town, send the kids to Grandma's and have a romantic night at home.
25. Make and STICK TO a budget! Find out more by emailing budgeting@getresponse.com
Purchasing a House. Is it the right time?
With so many homes going into foreclosure now is the best time to buy a home, as there are so many deals. If you have a good credit you should have no problem purchasing a house. Mortgage rate are at a historic low reducing the cost of financing for buyers
Homes in places like Atlanta Georgia, and it surroundings, are going for a steal. Homes that were orginally price at $500,000, you can get for 3/4 or 1/2 the price.
There will come a time when more and more people will buyer, therefore house price will eventually start going up. Hence,interest rate and every thing will start going up. Therefore purchasing a home is the right chose now, as the market is good for buyers
How to Save Energy and Money
Learning to conserve on energy is becoming very important part of our household today, due to the high increase in fuel. Below are some steps that will help you save on energy and at the same time save some money
-----------------------------
Things You’ll Need:
Thermostat
Ceiling Fans
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
------------------------
Step1 *Setting your Thermostat*
The recommended temperature for summer is 78 degree, this will allow the room to remains cool. Sometimes the temperature will goes to the high 90's , so you can then set the Thermostat at 74 -78
In the Winter the recommended degree is 68, but depending on how cold it is you can go 70 degree. If you program the Thermostat, it helps to keep the house cool or warm when you away, this will help to reduce temperature from outside to inside, so it does not take up much energy when you come and turn on the unit.
----------------------------------
Step2 *Turning on the ceiling fan*
If you set your ceiling fan to spin counter-clockwise in the summer, it will helps the hot air to go away from the living space to ceiling, this helps to room to be more cooler.
In the winter allow the ceiling fan to clockwise thus the hot air will blow down , allowing the room to be warmer
----------------------------------------
Step3 *Unplug Appliances*
Unplugging all appliances when they are not been used can save a great amount of energy. Most appliances even when not in use consume at least 4 watts of energy
Step4 *Energy saving bulbs*
Compact fluorescent bulbs "use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs. Therefore replacing existing incandescent lights with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights, can save a lot of energy.
Turning off the lights when not in use is also a great way to save
-----------------------------------
Step5 *Change Filter Regularly*
Changing your filter to your furnace at least every 3 months will help the furnace operate more effectively.
Change the filter in the dryer after every load. All these tips will help you to save on energy and money
-----------------------------
Things You’ll Need:
Thermostat
Ceiling Fans
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
------------------------
Step1 *Setting your Thermostat*
The recommended temperature for summer is 78 degree, this will allow the room to remains cool. Sometimes the temperature will goes to the high 90's , so you can then set the Thermostat at 74 -78
In the Winter the recommended degree is 68, but depending on how cold it is you can go 70 degree. If you program the Thermostat, it helps to keep the house cool or warm when you away, this will help to reduce temperature from outside to inside, so it does not take up much energy when you come and turn on the unit.
----------------------------------
Step2 *Turning on the ceiling fan*
If you set your ceiling fan to spin counter-clockwise in the summer, it will helps the hot air to go away from the living space to ceiling, this helps to room to be more cooler.
In the winter allow the ceiling fan to clockwise thus the hot air will blow down , allowing the room to be warmer
----------------------------------------
Step3 *Unplug Appliances*
Unplugging all appliances when they are not been used can save a great amount of energy. Most appliances even when not in use consume at least 4 watts of energy
Step4 *Energy saving bulbs*
Compact fluorescent bulbs "use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs. Therefore replacing existing incandescent lights with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights, can save a lot of energy.
Turning off the lights when not in use is also a great way to save
-----------------------------------
Step5 *Change Filter Regularly*
Changing your filter to your furnace at least every 3 months will help the furnace operate more effectively.
Change the filter in the dryer after every load. All these tips will help you to save on energy and money
