NEW HOMES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

News Room : ENERGY STAR What is ENERGY STAR? | Newsroom Search History Partners News Archive Awards Media Resources PRODUCTS HOME IMPROVEMENT NEW HOMES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PARTNER RESOURCES -- Home > News Room -- -- News Room ENERGY STAR in the News What's New: Program Highlights Half of the States Join ENERGY STAR Challenge (December 2005) Half of the states across the nation are joining with the EPA to address critical energy issues in our communities in conjunction with EPA's ENERGY STAR Challenge. Through the ENERGY STAR Challenge, state governments will offer a variety of programs to help building owners assess how much energy their buildings use now, establish efficiency improvement goals of 10 percent or greater portfolio-wide, and make efficiency improvements wherever cost effective. EPA Press Release List of Participating States (87KB) More Information Businesses: Save on Energy Bills this Winter (November 2005) American businesses are experiencing higher than ever energy prices, which are expected to continue this winter. EPA has advice almost any business can take to save 10% or more on their energy bills this winter. The advice shares lessons learned from EPA's ENERGY STAR partners who have saved through simple steps and adopted longer term energy management strategies with even greater savings. If every business in the US saved 10% on their energy bills, Americans would save about $10 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 15 million vehicles. EPA Press Release Advice for Saving Energy EPA Recognizes 18 Leading Organizations for Efforts to Cut Energy Bills (October 2005) On October 26, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson recognized 18 organizations as ENERGY STAR Leaders for achieving significant energy savings and leading their industries in responding to EPA's ENERGY STAR Building Challenge. The ENERGY STAR Commercial Building Challenge, launched in Spring 2005, encourages building owners and managers to make their buildings at least 10% more efficient. EPA Press Release Fact Sheet (66KB) Leader Profiles (36KB) More Information on the ENERGY STAR Challenge Save Energy this Winter with help from ENERGY STAR (October 2005) In the face of higher energy bills this winter, the EPA encourages everyone to take action in their home to be more energy efficient. The average American household spends $1,500 annually on energy bills — a number that may go up as much as 50 percent this year. EPA offers five places to look and practical advice for home energy savings. EPA Press Release Home Energy Quiz (240KB) More Information K-12 Schools take the ENERGY STAR Challenge (October 2005) Ten leading associations representing state school boards, superintendents, principals, facility planners, parents, and teachers are joining with the EPA to address critical energy issues in our nation's K-12 schools. Currently, the nation's more than 17,000 K-12 schools spend $5 billion on energy bills each year. However, school districts can save up to 30 percent on their energy bills through cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. Through the ENERGY STAR Challenge, school decision-makers assess how much energy school districts use now, establish efficiency improvement goals of 10 percent or greater district-wide, and make efficiency improvements wherever cost effective. EPA Press Release Fact Sheet (82KB) Participants List (62KB) More Information EPA and DOE Announce ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day (October 2005) EPA and DOE, together with more than half of US Governors, declared October 5th ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day, and encouraged every American to change a light in their home to one that is more energy efficient. Lighting accounts for 20 percent of a home's electricity costs. ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs reduce household energy bills because they use one-third the energy of traditional lighting and last up to 10 times longer. This small step can make a big difference for our nation's energy resources and environment. EPA Press Release Campaign Fast Facts (98KB) Governors Declaring ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day (307KB) 250+ Participating Organizations (628KB) Take the Pledge EPA Raises the Bar for New Homes to Earn ENERGY STAR Label (September 2005) Builders of new homes in the United States will have to significantly increase the energy efficiency of their homes to meet the new ENERGY STAR requirements which take effect July 1, 2006. To qualify under the revised ENERGY STAR specifications, new homes must have higher levels of insulation inspected for proper installation; complete framing and air barrier assemblies that enable insulation to perform at its full rated value; windows that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements; high-efficiency and properly sized heating and cooling equipment appropriate to the climate; and more energy-efficient water heating, lighting and appliances. EPA Press Release More information ENERGY STAR Annual Report Released (September 2005) EPA recently released its annual report summarizing the success of ENERGY STAR and other voluntary climate protection programs. The report summarizes the accomplishments of these programs for 2004. For example, Americans, with the help of the ENERGY STAR, avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 20 million automobiles – up from 18 million in 2003 – while saving $10 billion on their energy bills. EPA Press Release 2004 Annual Report (1.27MB) New Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency Announced (July 2005) On July 11 the EPA, DOE and HUD announced a new multi-agency effort, the Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency, to bring greater energy efficiency to the U.S. housing market to save 10 percent or more on home energy bills over the next decade. A 10 percent savings would total almost $20 billion a year, help increase the affordability and comfort of homes, reduce demand for natural gas by more than 1 quad, avoid the need for 40 power plants and avoid the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 25 million vehicles. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR plays a large role in delivering these savings to consumers. EPA/HUD/DOE Press Release Report: Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency (3.00MB) Overview Fact Sheet: Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency (247KB) Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (141KB) ENERGY STAR Products for American Homes (186KB) Quality Installation for Air Conditioning Equipment (109KB) Case Studies: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Aurora, CO (137KB) Austin, TX (131KB) Fresno, CA (214KB) Ithaca, NY (216KB) Manlius, NY (88KB) St. Louis, MO (146KB) Suwanee, GA (108KB) EPA Announces Energy Performance Indicator for Auto Assembly Plants (June 2005) The energy efficiency of automobile assembly plants can now be rated on a national basis. EPA has recently made available a tool to help the automobile industry evaluate the energy performance of its assembly plants. This tool, the first of its kind for a manufacturing facility, compares the energy efficiency of any assembly plant producing passenger cars, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans in the U.S. to that of the entire industry. EPA Press Release Auto Assembly Plant Energy Performance Indicator EPA Offers Smart Ways to Stay Cool this Summer (June 2005) Energy use escalates when hot summer days set in across the nation. EPA's ENERGY STAR program is offering advice this summer on how to save money, remain cool and comfortable and help reduce the risks of global warming – all at the same time. Advice includes keeping your air conditioner maintained, using a programmable thermostat, sealing up gaps and cracks in the home envelope, and replacing old equipment with products that have earned the government's ENERGY STAR for energy efficiency. EPA Press Release EPA's Guide to Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling (663KB) Cool Your World Fast Facts (English) (150KB) Cool Your World Simple Steps (English) (44KB) Cool Your World Fast Facts (Spanish) (68KB) Cool Your World Simple Steps (Spanish) (49KB) New Water and Wastewater Industry Focus Announced (May 2005) EPA is launching a new initiative to increase the energy efficiency of U.S. drinking water and wastewater systems, with participation from more than 20 leading organizations. The new ENERGY STAR Water and Wastewater Industry Focus will work over the next year to develop an energy performance rating system, a guide to assessing energy efficiency opportunities, strategies for superior energy management, and innovative approaches to financing energy efficiency projects for each of the two industries. This new ENERGY STAR focus is part of a series of efforts to improve the energy efficiency of selected industries. EPA Press Release Fact Sheet (55KB) EPA announces ENERGY STAR Building Challenge (March 2005) EPA joined with more than 20 leading associations, States, and businesses to announce a national challenge for the owners of commercial and institutional buildings across the country. The ENERGY STAR Challenge encourages building owners to improve the efficiency of their buildings by 10 percent or more and to capitalize on the environmental benefits and cost savings that will result. EPA Press Release List of organizations partnering with EPA More information 2005 ENERGY STAR Awards (March 2005) EPA and DOE are recognizing 50 organizations as winners of the 2005 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards. These organizations have made outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. EPA and DOE sponsor these awards annually to recognize energy efficiency investments made by ENERGY STAR partners that saved consumers money while helping the environment. The Partners of the Year are selected from the over 7,000 ENERGY STAR partners based on their efforts to utilize energy-efficient technologies, communicate the benefits of energy savings to consumers and businesses, and encourage others to partner with ENERGY STAR. This year's award winners include Lowes Companies Inc., Food Lion, Pardee Homes, USAA Real Estate and 3M. EPA Press Release List of 50 award winners (15KB) More on Awards EPA's Public Service Announcement (PSA): 2005 ENERGY STAR Awards (2.84MB) International Power Supply Design Competition Winners Announced at Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC), Austin, TX, March 6-10, 2005 (March 2005) On March 7, 2005 at APEC's plenary session, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Energy Commission announced the winners of Efficiency Challenge 2004, an international design competition for power supply efficiency. Twelve winners were selected, including two Grand Champions: Power Integrations in the Market Ready Category and Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Open Category. All the winning entries are more energy efficient, and in many cases radically smaller than typical power supplies on the market today, demonstrating what is possible in future consumer electronics products. Efficiency Challenge APEC Presentation (62KB) Andrew Fanara, EPA, Andy Williams, ON Semiconductor, and Peter Schwartz, representing the California Energy Commission Andrew Fanara, EPA, Balu Balakrishnan, Power Integrations, and Peter Schwartz, representing the California Energy Commission Andrew Fanara, EPA, Speaking at APEC 2005 Product Picture, Power Integrations, Winner of Best in Class A1, Market Ready Grand Champion EPA Efficiency Challenge Press Release (62KB) Judging Criteria Fact Sheet (55KB) Efficiency Challenge 2004 Judge Bios (33KB) Efficiency Challenge Winner Fact Sheets (162KB) ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Near 10 Percent of Housing Starts Nationwide (March 2005) Nearly 10 percent of all homes built in 2004 earned the ENERGY STAR label. According to a recently released report, A Decade of Change in Home Building with ENERGY STAR (2.36MB), since 1995 over 360,000 of the Nation's new homes have earned the ENERGY STAR, saving homeowners an estimated $200 million and eliminating approximately 4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. EPA Press Advisory Report: A Decade of Change in Home Building with ENERGY STAR (2.36MB) More information on ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Almost 2,000 Buildings Have Earned EPA's ENERGY STAR (January 2005) As of January 1, 2005, almost 2,000 of the nation's most energy efficient buildings, representing almost 400 million square feet, have earned EPA's ENERGY STAR designation for superior energy performance. The buildings qualifying as ENERGY STAR use about 40 percent less energy than average buildings without compromising comfort or services. Press Release List of buildings (2.14MB) More information ENERGY STAR Awareness Climbs to Over 60 Percent (February 2005) Public awareness of ENERGY STAR has jumped to 64 percent of U.S. households, according to a recent nationwide survey. In many major markets where local utilities and other organizations use ENERGY STAR to promote energy efficiency to their customers, public awareness of ENERGY STAR is even higher, averaging 74 percent. EPA Press Advisory (14KB) Survey Report (1.58MB) Energy-Efficient External Power Adapters Can Now Earn the ENERGY STAR (January 2005) On January 6, 2005 EPA announced that the ENERGY STAR is now available for qualifying external power adapters. Power adapters, also known as external power supplies, are used to power many electronic products such as cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, camcorders, MP3 players, routers and other electronics and appliances. As many as 1.5 billion power adapters are in use in the U.S. – which is about five for every person. The new guidelines for power adapters will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions; in the U.S., more efficient adapters have the potential to save over 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and prevent the release of more than 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent to taking 800,000 cars off the road. Press Release More on Power Adapters Photos: CES Show , EPS Booth New ENERGY STAR Monitor Specification (January 2005) Beginning January 2005, computer monitors must meet more energy-efficient requirements to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. For the first time, the specification addresses energy consumption while monitors are in use, as well as while they are idle. Many models on the market already meet EPA's new specifications. By 2010, EPA estimates that the new requirements will result in carbon emission savings of almost 5 million metric tonnes (carbon equivalent), or the equivalent of taking more than 3 million cars off the road. The previous computer monitor requirements called for only a "sleep mode" energy-saving function. Press Release More Information News Archives Press Contact: Maria T. Vargas, (202) 343-9451 Consumer Contact Information: energystar@optimuscorp.com 1-888-STAR-YES Products | Home Improvement | New Homes | Business Improvement | Partner Resources Newsroom | Privacy | Contact Us | Site Index EPA Home EPA Search DOE Home DOE Search

land loan submission checklist

Land Loan Financing Specializing in many types of financing programs, including working with a Non-recourse loan (Non recourse loan), Apartment mortgage loan, Joint venture real estate, Commercial equity loan, Commercial rehab loan, Structured financing, and Shopping center loan. Of course we're known for our experience in dealing with: land development loans, hard money loans, apartment loans, industrial building loans, and real estate equity. land financing programs > land loan submission checklist Land Loan Submission Checklist Typical documents to be submitted to obtain a Letter of Interest/Loan Quote with amount, terms and conditions: 1. Executive Summary or Outline describing the Project: Land Loan Executive Summary 2. Borrower's Resumes: Include experiences in the area of land development 3. Financial Information: Personal financial statement for the borrower(s) and/or guarantor(s) Proposed budget for the development List of construction cost estimates 4. Sources and Uses of the loan proceeds 5. Color Photos and Aerial Photo 6. Salient Exhibits: Market survey and demographic information Site plan and location maps Competitive property analysis Phase I environmental report Copy of the latest appraisal Engineering report Purchase contract, if an acquisition Title Report Land Entitlement Checklist Development Loan Checklist Rate and terms are subject to change without notice home | loan programs | GCG news | interest rates | mortgage financing tools | apartment loan | income property loan programs land development loan | land financing checklist | real estate equity & capital structures | mortgage purchases | credit tenant loans hard money loans | about us | contact us | apply online | linkresources | subscribe to financingnewsletter Other programs include: non-recourse loan | apartment mortgage loan | joint venture real estate commercial equity loan | commercial rehab loan | structured financing | shopping center loan Need to discuss a transaction? Please contact an Account Executive . © 2006 Grace Capital Group, Inc., Irvine, CA. Please read our Website Legal Disclaimer . Grace Capital Group is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate. Site design by Specialized MarketingAgency

Florida real estate license.

Bert Rodgers Schools -- Florida Real Estate School -- A Florida Tradition Thursday, December 29, 2005 About Us Privacy Policy Contact Information What's New Law and Rule Updates Contact Information Privacy Policy About Bert Rogers -- Bert Rodgers Schools of Real Estate, Inc. A Florida Tradition Since 1958! Real Estate Online Courses Florida Sales Associate Pre-License Does your busy life keep you from attending class? Consider the Sales Associate Pre-License course online. You don't need to be a Florida resident to get your Florida real estate license. Take your real estate pre-license course and state licensing exam from anywhere in the United States! Florida Broker Pre-License Looking to enhance your real estate sales career? Your real estate sales experience ( from anywhere in the U.S. ) allows you to obtain a broker or broker associate license using our exclusive pre-license course! Also online...State Exam Preps, Post-License, and Continuing Education Real Estate Classroom Courses Florida Sales Associate Pre-License & State Exam Prep We have been providing excellence in Florida real estate license education for more than 45 years. From Tampa to Naples, join the Bert Rodgerstradition of quality classroom real estate education. Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate SchoolsFlorida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate Schools Florida Real Estate License Florida Real Estate License Florida Real Estate LicenseFlorida Real Estate License Florida Real Estate License Florida Real Estate License Florida Real Estate License Florida Real Estate License Contact Information Toll Free: (800) 432-0320 (941) 378-2900 Fax: (941) 378-3883 Headquarters: 1855 Porter Lake Drive Sarasota, FL 34240 Bert Rodgers Schools of Real Estate, Inc is a proprietary school in Florida that provides high-quality education to licensed professionals and to consumers seeking to become licensed professionals. Students may choose from a variety of learning formats traditional classroom, correspondence, and Internet-based. Permissions Policy l Privacy Policy Real Estate l Appraisal l Mortgage Brokering l Healthcare l

Denver Real Estate Site

A Denver real estate agent specializes in relocation to the Denver Metro area Denver Real Estate Directory Relocation buyers need extra help, learning about the area, schools, drive times and finding the best neighborhood to suit your lifestyle isn't easy. I can assist you with a relocation package tailored to your needs. [ Click Here for More ] Personalize your search and have results delivered to your inbox daily. This HomeFinder service is the most popular of all. [ Click Here for More ] The home buying process is easy when you know the answers; learn how to finance your home, how much it will cost and more. [ Click Here for More ] Select featured homes offering a virtual tour, so you can enjoy a tour from the comforts of your home anytime, day or night. [ Click Here for More ] search Denver Real Estate Site Are you considering a move and want to purchase a new home? Are you wondering about the suburbs of Denver and what they look like? Do you have questions about the city and the suburbs? Are you currently just shopping for information about Denver homes? You have found the right spot! Gathering information is going to be easy now. You will find the answers to your questions here. OFFERING MANY CHOICES OF DENVER HOMES The metro area has an abundance of neighborhoods that might fit your needs. I pride myself in being able to discuss these areas with you. It's important to look at all the possibilities when relocating to a new area and I can help you do just that. Here are some of the areas in the Denver Metro area to consider: OBTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION - CLICK ON THE CITY OF YOUR CHOICE... Arvada Denver Littleton Aurora Denver Tech Center Lodo Brighton Erie Louisville Broomfield Evergreen Lone Tree Castle Rock Greenwood Village Morrison Centennial Golden Northglenn Cherry Hills Highlands Ranch Parker Conifer Ken Caryl Thornton Commerce City Lafayette Westminster Lakewood Research demographics , follow links to gain visual perspective, driving times to popular Denver area locations, taxation in Colorado , links to school accountability reports , private schools , higher education in Denver, American Dream Downpayment Program and other facts helpful to a inquiring Denver relocation prospect. DENVER HOME SALES STATISTICS The Berkshire Group follows the real estate market trends in the Denver metro area. We publish the current market trends in the Denver Real Estate Update and Denver Sales Statistics . Click on the link to review the latest information about Denver home values, Denver's average days on market, list to sale ratios, etc. Denver relocation services are not exclusive to out of state (or country) home buyers. If you are relocating from an area of the city to another, you are welcomed and encouraged to use my services. As a relocation specialist I know how important it is to be able to learn about all the areas that might fit your needs. I have made it my business to compile as complete a website as possible, offering you information that you want...now! If you have additional questions please feel free to contact me either by telephone or e-mail. I promise I will answer your questions honestly and promptly and without pressure. Selling homes in and around Denver is my specialty...how may I help you? HOME BUYING DIRECTORY Buyer Broker Down Payment How to Qualify for a Mortgage Loan Application Locking in Interest Rate Earnest Money Loan Application Checklist Fico Scores Moving List Moving Pets What is PMI? Finance Glossary Financing Your Home Reverse Mortage Home Buying Process Closing Costs © Homes for sale... Beautiful Executive Home In Greenwood Village $579,900 All Execellent Cherry Creek Schools! Curved Stairway and French Doors to mainfloor Den. 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Fully finished walkout basement. Click Here for more info Property Brochure Available Here. Castle Rock Home in the Villages $220,000 Newly redone with fresh paint and new carpet, this lovely Richmond two story has a great custom deck. Located in an established neighborhood you will love the price. Why wait for new? Call Kristal Kraft at 800-319-7739. Property brochure available online. Beautiful Historic Building! True, authentic Loft! Denver Loft Property brochure available here. Enjoy living in a Denver landmark in downtown Denver! (MLS #265755 Visual Tour #57003) Where? At the Denver Dry Lofts, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 22 foot ceilings, hardwood floor, timber beams, lots of vertical interest. HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! $239,900! Additionally the seller is offering incentives to the buyer...$5,000 worth! For more information, call your broker or call Larry McGee at 303-513-1436 View the visual tour of The Denver Dry Loft here. Looking for Lofty Living? (Tour #58151 MLS #268538) $319,000 Wow! Historic, Authentic loft completely renovated in 2005 with easy access to Lodo, Coors Field, restaurants and coffee shops. Light & bright end unit with plenty of space. Huge kitchen island with slab granite, Italian cabinets, lots of exposed brick & wood beemas, sealed concrete floors, large full bath, oversized tub, high ceilings, 2 storage units and plenty of room for your workspace. To see it, Call your agent or call Susie Farrar 303-350-5838 Brochure on Walnut Street Loft Take a virtual tour of the Walnut Loft Bank Owned, Bring Offer! (Tour # 434459 MLS #266663) Boulder County Townhome w/Contemporary Styling, fully finished basement, 3 bedrooms plus a loft, fireplace, 2 car garage. Backs to a huge open space. Priced to sell at $282,900. For more information call your Realtor or call Kristal Kraft at 303-589-2022 Take the Virtual Tour here. Attractive townhome with a courtyard (Tour #430692, MLS #264811) The beautiful open floor plan in this townhome with large rooms is all updated and ready for you to move in. This end unit with a main level entry faces a greenbelt. You will enjoy your private patio with additional storage, and easy access to highways, restaurants, and shopping. Call Susie to see it today! 303-868-8399 Preview this Hallcraft Townhome in Aurora, Colorado Cute Contemporary Home for sale at Sloan's Lake (Tour #64076 MLS #262198 ) You will love this home and location, 1864 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home within walking distance to Highland Square. For more information call Laurie Reed 303-906-9172 Preview the home on visual tour Property brochure 4521 W. Hayward Place, Denver, CO 80212 Having a hard time finding a tour? Some computers will block "pop ups" preventing your computer from connecting to the tour. If this happens, hold down the "Ctrl" key and click the link. Or you can locate a Visual Tour by inputting the Tour # in the box below. FOR REALTORS ONLY - CAREER OPPORTUNITY If you are a Denver Realtor looking for a good environment in which to learn and prosper, follow this link . Kristal Kraft , ABR, CIPS, CRS Licensed real estate broker selling Colorado Since 1984 The Berkshire Group Realtors, Inc. 3801 E. Florida Ave, Suite 502, Denver, Colorado U.S.A. 80210 800-319-7738 toll free | 303-589-2022 direct | 720-554-7961 fax E-mail: Kristal Kraft, Realtor 1998-2005, © Reflective Motion Inc. | Privacy Policy | Site Credits | Disclaimer | Site Map ~2 ~3 ~4 Denver Relocation | Buy a Home In Denver | Sell a Home in Denver | Denver Map | Denver Neighborhood Profiles | Denver Sales Statistics | International Real Estate | A Bio | My Favorite Places | Real Estate Resources Denver Loft Homes | The Berkshire Group | Buy and Sell Denver | We Sell Denver | Denver Colorado Real Estate | Denver Blog

Buy Home

Home Buying - Home Buying and Home Selling Advice - Buying a Home  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Home Buying / Selling From Janet Wickell , Your Guide to Home Buying / Selling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show a house during the holidays, so home owners sometimes put off selling their homes until after the first week in January, when life starts returning to normal. If you're in that category take some time to evaluate the condition of your home before you list it with an agent or sell it by owner . Be sure to analyze your situation to determine if selling is your best move, then think about the home's curb appeal and get the interior and exterior in tip-top shape . It's not a bad idea to do a few inspections to make sure the house is ready for potential buyers. Handle as many tasks as you can now and you'll find that the sales process will be a breeze. Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers have geared-up to offer us a wide selection of appliances. You'll find gas logs to put in a hearth, freestanding gas stoves, and fully contained fireplace units that are mounted to a wall. But did you know that the dangerous gas byproducts produced by gas logs is not always vented to the outside? It's important to understand the differences between vented and vent-free logs before you buy a gas log fireplace. Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent, but what's your motivation? Do you understand the type of work real estate agents do and are you savvy about the true pay they receive for their work? It can be a rewarding career choice, but it's definitely not the best option for everyone and there are lots of things to consider before you decide that a real estate career is right for you. Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure that was stated when the house was advertised. Owners sometimes decide to sue the people who were involved in the transaction, especially if the difference is significant. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of encountering a lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage . Get it right the first time so that everyone's happy with the results. Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Buying Land for Your New Home If you've looked and looked, but can't find the perfect combination of land and house, maybe it's time to consider building. And while buying land for your new home can seem intimidating at first, you'll find it really isn't a horrible task if you fine-tune your wants and needs before you start searching for real estate. Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Buying a Home with Great Resale Potential A few generations ago it wasn't unusual for people to live in the same home for many years, somtimes the rest of their lives after becoming homeowners. We're more mobile today, always "moving up" to a larger house or relocating to a new town. So it makes sense to put some thought into buying a home with good resale value , one that will sell easily and put extra dollars in your bank account if you do decide to move. Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink What's a Quit Claim Deed? Home buyers usually receive a general warranty deed when they purchase real estate, because it's a type of deed that offers several guarantees from the seller that the title to the property is good. Another document that's sometimes used is a quit claim deed . It works perfectly for some situations, but it's important to understand the limitations of a quit claim deed before accepting one when you purchase real estate. Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink How Credit Scores Are Calculated Everyone looking for a mortgage to buy a home--and that's most of us--finds out right away that credit scores play a huge role in the types of loans and interest rates that are offered to them. It's helpful to study your credit reports and scores before you apply for a mortgage, and to do it as early as possible to give yourself time to correct errors before a lender takes a look. Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Moving Tips and Timeline Buying a home is exciting, but let's face it... moving is a chore. A big one. The only way I know to get through it without an excess of stress is to manage the moving process in little steps instead of letting it overwhelm you at the last minute. Start early and stay organized and you'll be ready for the moving truck before you know it. Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink Typical Home Buyer Closing Costs Closing costs are the expenses associated with buying real estate. You can expect to pay a large chunk of your closing costs the day the trasaction is complete, when the property becomes yours, but some closing expenses are nearly always paid before that day. There's no single set of expenses that every home buyer must pay--every transaction is different--but it's a good idea to become familiar with typical closing costs so that you'll have a better understanding of the items billed to you on your HUD-1 settlement statement . Wednesday December 07, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Important disclaimer information about this About site. 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Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Headlines Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show... Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers... Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent,... Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square...