"Selling Homes Today For Your Tomorrow"Recently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.onlinehomes4you.com/blog/Copyright OnlineHomes4You.com2023-07-10T11:52:46-07:00tag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:17304Sweet Spot For Sellers <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/bigstock-Happy-Couple-Hugging-in-Front--259472692.jpg" width="800" height="532" style="border: 5px solid black;" />
The current housing market faces a significant challenge due to the limited availability of homes for sale compared to the high demand from potential buyers. To highlight the scarcity of housing inventory, let's examine the most recent data on active listings, which represent homes for sale in a specific month, and compare them to more typical levels.
Based on a recent report from Realtor.com, the average active inventory in June was 50.6% lower than the levels seen during the pre-pandemic years of 2017-2019. It's important to note that the years 2020-2022 are not included in this comparison because they were atypical for the housing market due to the pandemic. To ensure fair analysis, these years have been omitted to avoid distorting the data.
By comparing the orange bars representing 2023 with the last normal years in the housing market (2017-2019), it becomes evident that the number of active listings remains significantly below the usual levels.
What does this mean for you? If you are considering selling your house, the low inventory presents an excellent opportunity to do so. Buyers currently have fewer options compared to more typical years, and this scarcity continues to impact key statistics in the housing market. The latest Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals some promising data for sellers:
The percentage of homes sold in less than a month has slightly increased to 74%. The median number of days on the market has decreased to 18 days, indicating that homes are still selling quickly when priced appropriately. The average number of offers on recently sold homes has risen to 3.3 offers.
In summary, when housing supply is limited, your property will receive more attention. Sellers are experiencing faster sales and multiple offers on their homes. If you have contemplated selling, now is an opportune time to take action. Let's connect and initiate the process.2023-07-08T12:22:53-07:002023-07-10T11:52:46-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3471A Guide To Understanding Home Inspections Guide To Understanding Home Inspections
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/bigstock-Air-Conditioning-Repairman-238455_1.jpg" width="325" height="233" class="img_box_right" alt="Understanding Home Inspections" title="Understanding Home Inspections" style="border: 5px solid black;" />
In short, a home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of all the major installed systems and components of a home. It is quite simply, the best way to protect against unforeseen problems and future expense. Home inspectors generally receive formal inspection training either through an independent, nationally accredited training facility or through the franchise they have purchased. Previous construction experience is obviously a big plus. All inspectors should have errors and omissions insurance and many carry liability insurance as well. Most inspectors belong to professional organizations such as <a href="http://www.homeinspector.org/" target="_blank">ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors)</a>: <a href="http://www.nahi.org/" target="_blank">NAHI (The national Association of Home Inspectors)</a>: or <a href="http://www.inspection.org" target="_blank">A.I.I (The American Institute of Inspectors)</a>, to name a few.
Inspection reports will be written and should offer photos, generally are either in a narrative format, a checklist format or some combination of the two. It is important for the inspection report to be complete, concise, accurate and easy for you to understand. It is important for the inspection report to be complete, concise, accurate and easy for you to understand.
The role of an inspector is best described as first being a “point man”, to identify and evaluate problems: second to be an educator who helps you understand the significance of the problems: whether they be major problems, safety issues or simple maintenance repairs: and third, a source for direction to expert resources to help resolve issues or problems. A thorough inspections (taking 2-2.5 hours), and inspection report should serve to put any issues discovered into their appropriate place, thus facilitating the negotiating process between yourself, your agent and the seller by helping you make well informed decisions.
Every report follows a somewhat different format; however, in general, the following areas are addressed:
The Exterior Structure, The Roofing System, The Grounds or Topography, The Garage, The Interior, The Bathrooms & Utility Area, The Kitchen, The Attic, The Heating System, The Electric System, The Plumbing System, The Crawl Space
Does a newly constructed home need a home inspection?
Certainly any home inspector stands to benefit when a client can be convinced to have a home inspection, but what is an honest answer to the question? Is there a certain age of a home at which an inspection becomes justified? It would seem the best thing to do is simply supply facts so that you can decide yourself. To begin, understand that this is an imperfect world, full of imperfect people (including local building code inspectors), working with imperfect materials. One would expect a new home to be flawless, and outwardly they may appear so, but often time’s small overlooked details can become more serious and expensive problems years down the road. In other words, every big problem that is found tomorrow started out as a small problem today. If you were to ask any group of inspectors if they have ever, “not found any faults”, with a newly constructed home, the unanimous answer would be NO. This is not to say new construction is bad, people don’t care, or workmanship these days is poor…it’s just an imperfect world! Toward that end, here’s a list of a few actual finding gathered from new construction inspections:
No insulation in attic, bath fan ducts not vented out of attic, no duct installed for clothes dryer, no insulation in crawl space, heat ducts in crawl space disconnected, electric outlets inop, exposed wiring connections, roof flashing defects, exposed nails on roof, plumbing leaks, damaged foundation vents, excessive water pressure, garage door improperly adjusted, hot water tank pressure relief line faults
In construction trades there is what is commonly called a, “punch list”, or “pick up list”, which refers to all the usual small details which must be completed to finish the job to the customer’s satisfaction. Generally this list includes cosmetic items such as paint touch up, finishing up exterior landscaping, or installing some device accidentally omitted during construction, like a garage door opener, or disposal. While a home inspection generally looks for more serious defects, hidden flaws, or safety issues, it can be also helpful in developing this list for the contractor so that he or she may complete the project to your satisfaction. After all, none of us can deny the value of a pair of unbiased and well-trained eyes.
It is hoped the above information will help you make an educated choice about whether or not to have a home inspection performed on the new property you are considering. Should you not consider this process now, it is strongly recommended you at least have an inspection performed prior to the warranty expiration on your new home. Doing so just may save you considerable personal expense after the warranty period from your contractor has expired.2020-05-02T12:21:00-07:002023-06-06T08:22:48-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3402IS MY HOME HAUNTED?
When Halloween is mentioned, we think of grinning jack-o-lanterns and little ghouls scouring their neighborhoods, trick or treating. Our children celebrate this ghost time with darling costumes and fantasies of Fairies, Witches, Super Heroes and all kinds of FUN personal alternative personas. However, it wasn’t always about pumpkins and candy. Halloween dates back to ancient times and was celebrated differently than the way we do today.
For example the Celts believed that on the night before the New Year, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. The Samhian on the night of October 31st, when the dead supposedly returned to walk the earth. Ghosts were thought to cause trouble and damage crops and enable the Druids and Celtic priests, to predict the future. To commemorate Samhain, the Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where people gathered to sacrifice crops and animals.
Well since we are speaking real estate here, how can you learn the history of your haunted home? How can you find out who lived or died on the property before you owned it or lived in it? It helps to know a friendly real estate agent or title company employee if you want to get the distant past history of your haunted land. Or better yet, talk to the neighbors, sometimes they know more than anyone.
A title company can run a title search and get what is called the “chain of title” for you. That will tell you much more than a property profile or the county records, which often go back only about 10 years. A chain of title can go way, way back-as far as Mexican or Spanish land grants in our area.
Sometimes the chain of title will also include, death certificates, so you’ll know if anyone died on the land or in the house. But don’t expect this to be absolutely perfect- no guarantees here! BOO!!!!
2019-10-04T05:31:00-07:002023-05-06T08:21:54-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3467DOUBLE DUTY STORAGE
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/3467-double-duty-storage.jpg" width="450" height="329" />
Don't throw out that old trunk or suitcase in the attic. Put it into play in your home as a decorative and functional accent piece or major furnishing. Old trunks, suitcases and other household miscellany can be holding grounds for many items. For instance, sort extra stacked suitcases by the bed for a funky night stand.
If you have a large steamer trunk-the kind used to bring belongings from overseas, use it as a coffee table in a rustic or country setting. Then, stow away extra blankets for a frosty evening of movie viewing or book reading when you need an extra layer of warmth. If you're short on family room furniture, use a trunk for and end table. Or use a trunk at the foot of the bed in an extra room to hold various sundries for overnight quests. An office is the perfect place for trunk or suitcase-extra supplies are out of sight.
Suitcases can be used alone or stacked for greater variety. Store your out of season clothes in them. Smaller styles can be placed near your entertainment center and used to house CD's or tapes. An ottoman with a removable lid can house children's activities in the family room.
Old-fashioned hat boxes can hide extra hand towels, hair supplies and other items in the bathroom. A humidor can house important papers such as warranties. Small metal boxes such as cookie or nut tins can hold stationery, while larger ones can hold your wrapping supplies for last minute gifts.
If you look around, there probably are several ways to make items do double duty.
2019-10-01T12:08:00-07:002023-06-06T08:42:01-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3433MOVE OVER | THE BATTLE OF THE COUNTER TOPS<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/bigstock-Kitchen-in-luxury-home-with-wh-16568432.jpg" width="1600" height="1067" />
Being savvy to a frustrating trend in the home buyer’s market: the overwhelming need to replace all countertops with granite.
Why this happens is obvious: it’s pretty, and at the average price of $50 per square foot, it’s affordable.It’s also the definitive middle-of-the-road choice. It’s PRETTY durable.
It’s REASONABLY easy to maintain. It’s DECENTLY customizable. It doesn’t have to be the catch-all choice for every home owner, however.
There are certain lesser known counter materials that are not only going to work better for the needs of some home owners, they’re going to look better in their surroundings.
Let’s take a look at some alternatives, and what they have to offer over the more popular granite choice.
MORE CUSTOMIZABLE THAN GRANITE: POURED CONCRETE
Though the surprisingly frank and honest website concrete-countertops.org lists the price of this option as averaging out to be roughly $40 cheaper than granite per square foot, it also makes it clear that this isn’t your budget option.
The website describes them as “typically installed in high-end, custom homes and offices.”
What they are, however, is one of the most customizable. Concrete not only can be poured into whatever shape you desire (though those curves and fancy backsplashes will cost you extra), it can also be dyed into any color that best suits a living area.
EASIER TO MAINTAIN THAN GRANITE: SOAPSTONE
Here’s an idea for those who want to install stone countertops that will be with them for life. Soapstone is a soft and unique looking material that also is not exactly cheap.
In her article for houzz.com, “Kitchen Countertops 101: Choosing a Surface Material,” Lisa Frederick lists it as marginally more expensive than concrete.
However, whereas scratches and dents are something you may find yourself living in constant fear of with other countertop materials, any blemishes can be sanded right out of soapstone.
Also, if you like a countertop with a look that will evolve over time, Frederick also points out that soapstone’s color gets darker and richer with age.
MORE DURABLE THAN GRANITE: STAINLESS STEEL
The obvious selling point is right in the name for this one: stainless. If all you want is a countertop with survivability, you can’t go more durable than this.
This is an option for those who live in their kitchen: aspiring chefs and the like. In her article, Frederick points out that they are both burn and stain resistant, as well as resistant to bacteria.
In other words, you can chop and tenderize on them all day and not have to worry about a surface that looks like it’s been through a minor war. As far as price goes, it falls into the same general area as granite or concrete.
For materials and a complete installation job from start to finish, housewyse.com lists the price between $3,000 and $4,000. Not bad for something that will last forever while looking sleek and futuristic.
BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THAN GRANITE:BUTCHER BLOCKS AND RECLAIMED WOOD
And now for the green option! In their article “10 of The Hottest Kitchen Countertops Currently Trending,” freshome.com lists these wooden countertop options as the most environmentally friendly.
These options are more casual, and are going to fit better in a house with a rustic look where the fancy-schmancy stone options would seem odd and out of place.
Of course, a wise man once said “it’s not easy being green,” and that holds true.
These require pretty constant maintenance, with <a href="http://freshome.com" target="_blank">freshome.com</a> suggesting that butcher blocks be “sealed and oiled once a month,” as well as the constant use of a cutting board.
To counter this, they also are potentially the cheapest option by a wide margin.
The cost of reclaimed wood is nearly nonexistent, while butcher blocks can go for as low as $35 per square foot according to <a href="http://countertopguides.com" target="_blank">countertopguides.com.</a>
FANCIER LOOKING THAN GRANITE: MARBLE
Just the very mentioning of marble evokes mental images of Greek statues standing proudly in pillared halls.
The brilliantly colored and instantly recognizable veined material is perfect for giving an area a high-class look. Of course, this comes with an obvious catch.
Marble isn’t something most will use in a large-scale sort of way.
<a href="http://www.Countertopguides.com" target="_blank">Countertopguides.com</a> lists its price per square foot as falling between $125 and $250.
Marble is best used to accentuate the look of an area, rather than being the primary surface material.
If, however, there is only a small counter area that needs covering, this may be the best option for giving it an eye-catching look.
EXACTLY LIKE GRANITE, ONLY BETTER: QUARTZ
Quartz is like granite’s stronger, lower maintenance, and arguably prettier cousin.
Though it tends to be more expensive, the sparkling gemstone look it’s got going for it as well as its resistance to scratches has already made the countertop snobs in my family quartz converts.
Whereas granite is going to require regular sealing, high-quality quartz shouldn’t need any sealing at all.
Be warned though, <a href="http://countertopinvestigator.com" target="_blank">countertopinvestigator.com</a> warns that quartz is often “mixed with other minerals” or have a “resin coating,” which makes for a lower quality product.
There’s a bit of a buyer-beware factor here, but for savvy shoppers this could be the ultimate granite killer.
AND JUST FOR FUN, MORE PRESTIGIOUS THAN GRANITE: ENAMELED LAVA
So you just won the lottery and want to spend your earnings making sure your countertops are the best looking in the neighborhood, eh?
Why not fashion them out of some lava stone scooped out of a French volcano?
Named the most expensive countertop in the world by: (naturally) <a href="https://www.onlinehomes4you.com/backend/blog/entries/edit/most-expensive.com" target="_blank">most-expensive.com</a>, enameled lava stone can cost as much as $370 per square foot.
On the other hand, if money was never an option and the only deciding factor was which countertop would look the snazziest in your kitchen, it’s hard to beat one that looks like solidified molten lava!
Just don’t let your significant other see your new bank account balance afterwards.
"Selling Homes Today For Your Tomorrow"
2019-09-11T06:46:00-07:002023-05-06T08:23:03-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3441ELECTRIC FAUCETS
Don't Mess With A Good Thing
Electronic Faucets May Not Be As 'Clean' As We Think
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/Electric_Faucets.jpg" width="250" height="250" class="img_box_right" />
It seems that now days everyday appliances in our lives are constantly being transformed to simplify their function- in our homes, in our workplaces and in public facilities we see this constantly.
However, easier may not always be the best route, especially when it is considered to compromise our ‘clean’ standards.
Electronic faucets are everywhere, as they were long thought to be more sanitary, with better water quality than the traditional manual faucet;
it was a common thought of most people that manual faucets were less sanitary, and more likely to harbor harmful diseases in bacteria.
These assumptions were likely based on the ‘hands free’ highlight in electronic faucets, compared to a manual faucet where you would actually have to touch the handle to turn it off and on – an absurd concept to some.
This alone should make electronic faucets ‘cleaner’ right? Not necessarily; there have been several studies which demonstrate water quality that suggests otherwise.
To compare the cleanliness and water quality between the two variations of faucets, one must look to the plumbing used in both models.
In manual faucets, the plumbing is relatively straightforward; two separate pipes feed into the faucet, one providing cold water, and the other hot.
Electronic faucets are significantly more than complex in their plumbing design compared to manual faucets. They require several valves, screens and filters in the design; these various pieces provide an ideal nesting area for several types of bacteria to grow.
Although, studies testing the water quality show more bacteria in electronic faucets than manual, the amount present isn’t necessarily enough to harm a healthy individual..
In public facilities however, like hospitals and other medical offices, these electronic faucets bring about causes for concern. Visitors/patients of these institutions are more likely to have weakened immune systems, where the bacteria found in electronic faucets could be harmful.
In our homes, it may very well be easier to have ‘hands free’ faucets, to complement our busy lives but those with traditional manual faucets should be in no hurry to adapt to the growing trends in home appliances.
Some things are just better left untouched, manual faucets might just be one them.
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2019-01-03T07:57:00-07:002023-05-06T08:23:14-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3472WINTER PROOFING YOUR HOME<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/winter_proofing_your_home.jpg" width="241" height="209" />
If you have noticed a chill in the air lately, then you may also be giving your home’s heating system some sideways glances. Is it going to be good enough? When was the last time it was serviced? And of course- the question everyone loves- how much is it going to cost me this time?
Here are some tips to keep that bill down, while keeping your house at an adequate level of toasty-warmness in the process.fore we get to the “fun” (read: exhausting) stuff, let’s focus on the simple things one can do to keep a home heated and as draft-free as possible.
The first tip is as easy to do yourself as it is to forget: change the filter of your heating system regularly! The website howstuffworks.com suggests replacing your filter once a month.
If that sounds a bit heavy on the waste factor, you could consider the advice of popularmechanics.com and buy a re-usable electrostatic filter that need only be cleaned and placed back where it was. Either way, keeping up with this will reduce the buildup of gunk that’s only going to make it harder for your heating system to do its job.
While we’re still on the simple stuff, in the article “19 Easy Home Winterization Projects” on the Popular Mechanics website, they present an easy solution for preventing drafts that- in their words- “can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use.” The solution is the “draft snake,” and it’s so comically simple you may have used one without even knowing it. Basically, roll up a towel and place it cram it under a drafty door. Bam, energy saved! The Popular Mechanics website cattily suggests adding some googley eyes to make it more aesthetically pleasing; so hey, if you’re the crafty type feel free to have some fun with it!
Unfortunately, not every solution for maximizing your winter heating is easy; they are, however, no less important. One that you won’t need to call a professional for (unless you’re afraid of heights, perhaps) is the always enjoyable task of cleaning your gutters.
The real estate section of msn.com stresses the importance of scraping and hosing them out to prevent the buildup of ice, which could potentially seep cold water into your house as it melts. They also suggest looking for “leaks or misaligned pipes” while you’re up there, and ensuring that the downspout is pointed in a direction that carries the water safely away from your house, where it can’t cause damage that could become costly over time.
Of course, in the winter you’re also going to want to make sure that nothing comes between you and a good, hot shower. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to have a hot water heater that’s properly insulated. Energy.gov recommends checking if your water heater has “insulation with an R-value of at least 24.” If it is not, they recommend insulating the heater yourself, quoting benefits such as a reduce in “standby heat losses” of as much as nearly fifty percent, which could cut down roughly one-tenth of the price of what you’re paying to keep your water heated.
This is a cheap fix that’s worth researching, and while you’re at it, Popular Mechanics suggests cranking your water heater’s temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit from the standard 140. Not only would this difference be hardly noticeable, but it could chop another 10 percent off the cost of your heat.
Really, the best defense against winter weather (and the heating costs that come with it) is having a healthy amount of foresight. Thinking ahead and doing little things to potentially lessen your energy bill can pay off big time once the bills start rolling in. For example, getting your duct system checked for potential problems could, according to Popular Mechanics, “save the average American home up to $140 annually.” They also recommend insulating windows and pipes, which will also cut down considerably on heating costs.
When it comes to insulating pipes though, keep in mind that not all of them may need it. Popular Mechanics suggests that you “check to see which pipes are warm to the touch,” as these will be the ones in need of insulation. They even mention that the federal government may partially reimburse you for the cost of doing this; “Insulation shopping” may not sound like the most fun day out, but with that in mind as well as the potential savings, it’s a pretty hard bit of preparation to ignore.
Scraping gutters and cleaning filters is one thing, but sometimes the best money saver is simply thinking ahead!2018-10-31T09:34:00-07:002023-05-06T08:23:25-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3434MOVING WITH CATS
THREE COMMON PROBLEMS MOVING WITH CATS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
The phrase "like herding cats" has long been used to sarcastically describe the impossible, and for good reason. Cats are notoriously stubborn and free-willed creatures, and moving to a new home with them can often feel like the aforementioned “herding.”
Any cat lover will tell you that they do what they want; the trick is to make them think “what they want” is possible in their new environment. Trying to move one or more cats to a new home is something just about any long time pet owner will have horror stories about. I personally have seen just about everything that can go wrong in relocating felines. That being said, I can offer up a few cautionary tales, and how to avoid similar situations.
Cat moving problem number one: The stowaway
Let’s start with a problem that can occur before you even set foot in your new place.
One cat I once owned noticed that something was amiss and simply hid in the attic and refused to show itself until I had moved out, at which time it reemerged to assume a new identity as the pet of the house’s new owner.
According to the article “Moving with Your Pet” on the ASPCA website, there are two main ways to avoid this problem:
Introduce the boxes you’re going to be using to relocate into the house earlier than you’re actually going to be using them. Cats hate change.
The second they get a whiff of something being “off,” they’re going to start forming an escape plan.
Of course, they are easy enough to trick. Convince them that the boxes you’re going to be packing with are just an innocent change of scenery.
When moving day arrives, keep them segregated. Put them in a closed off room with a few toys to keep their attention-deficit minds busy.
Move them last, and avoid letting them explore the empty house if you can.
They may make use of the moment of freedom to hide in a cubby hole somewhere and sulk indefinitely.
Cat moving problem number two: The runaway
And now for a problem that could potentially strike after the move: your cats simply refusing the new house outright and heading out in search of their old home.
A neighbor of mine once tried to bring their cat with them to a neighboring town, only for it to disappear on them the first time they let it out.
I found the cat wandering down my neighborhood days later, wearing every inch of the road he traveled on him through scrapes and cuts amid his fur.
He had apparently been on a harrowing adventure in the quest for his old food dish.
This problem has to be solved with patience. Again, cats despise change. In her article “Moving with Pets,” for Petfinder.com, Cynthia Gallagher brings up the point that while dogs are social animals that tend to be familiar with the concept of a changing environment, cats are “more focused on their surroundings.”
The key is to both ease them into the change, and remove the temptation to simply run from it.
<a href="http://aspca.org/" target="_blank">ASPCA.org</a> suggests introducing them to the house bit by bit. Start them in one room, with their litter box and a selection of their favorite toys and scratching posts.
When you let them out, don’t immediately have all of the doors of your house open. Leave a few closed and give them time to get a handle on the place.
In her article, Gallagher suggests keeping in line with the routine you had at your old place; if the litter box was in the laundry room at your old place, leave it in the laundry room at the new one.
Finally, consider taking <a href="http://www.icatcare.org/" target="_blank">icatcare.org’s</a> advice and leaving your cat inside for the first two weeks at the new place. While the idea of being locked in with a stir-crazy feline might be enough to make some grit their teeth at the idea alone, it’s preferable to having one’s cat disappear outright.
Also, keep in mind that this length of time is not written in stone as the single universal rule. Cat owners know their cat and its level of excitability, and should plan their “time in the clink,” so to speak, accordingly.
Cat moving problem number 3: The grudge holder
This is maybe the most frustrating problem for some: the cat makes the move okay, and does not attempt to run away…it just now holds a deep seeded hatred for its owner.
Cats are more than capable of holding a grudge, as my uncle learned when he carried his cat to a new home in a cat-carrier. Long story short: when it emerged, it hated him. What followed was an unpleasant and long standing grudge which resulted in a whole lot of hissing and claw-slashed hands.
It’s safe to say that cats, on average, hate cat-carriers. As was said, in the mind of a cat it’s all “location, location, location.” They get attached to what’s around them, and they thrive on freedom.
A carrier takes away both of these from them, and using one is a quick way to have one hold an unreasonable resentment towards you. Unfortunately, it’s often the only way to get them from point A to point B while maintaining an ounce of sanity.
Both the ASPCA website and Gallagher suggest acclimating the cat to its carrier by putting it around the house for some time before the move. At this point, you can begin conditioning your cat into thinking of the carrier as a safe, fun place.
Try filling it with treats, or laying down whatever your cat enjoys sleeping on inside of it (Gallagher suggests their “favorite blanket,” though most cat owners will know that a cat’s bed-of-choice can be more…unorthodox than that). It’s further suggested by Gallagher that, during the trip, the carrier be covered by “a light blanket” for the first few hours.
Moving scenery has a funny way of driving cats crazy, and limiting exposure might help them relax enough to silence a whole lot of meowing that may quickly become maddening.
The Backup Plan
Of course, cats will be cats, meaning they are apt to be completely unpredictable. One could take every precaution and still have an angry four-legged runaway. The backup plan for this is simple: make sure the cat has a tag with a name and number around its neck.
While you can’t herd cats, you can prepare for them to be what they are. If you’re lucky, you may just trick them into herding themselves.
2018-10-23T06:49:00-07:002023-05-06T08:23:40-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3417HALLOWEEN IS A SCARY EVENT, TAKE EVERY CHANCE, LOSE EVERY FEAR<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/haunted-house.jpg" width="314" height="160" />
Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits. Witches flying on broomsticks with black cats, ghosts, goblins and skeletons have all evolved as symbols of Halloween. They are popular trick-or-treat costumes and decorations for greeting cards and windows.
Black is one of the traditional Halloween colors, probably because Halloween festivals and traditions took place at night. In the weeks before October 31, Americans decorate windows of houses and schools with silhouettes of witches and black cats. Pumpkins are also a symbol of Halloween.
The pumpkin is an orange-colored squash, and orange has become the other traditional Halloween color. Carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns is a Halloween custom also dating back to Ireland. A legend grew up about a man named Jack who was so stingy that he was not allowed into heaven when he died, because he was a miser. He couldn't enter hell either because he had played jokes on the devil.
As a result, Jack had to walk the earth with his lantern until Judgment Day. The Irish people carved scary faces out of turnips, beets or potatoes representing "Jack of the Lantern," or jack-o'-lantern. When the Irish brought their customs to the United States, they carved faces on pumpkins because in the autumn they were more plentiful than turnips. Today jack-o'-lanterns in the windows of a house on Halloween night let costumed children know that there are goodies waiting if they knock and say "Trick or Treat!"
BUT THE HOUSING MARKET DOESN’T NEED TO BE SCARY
Here are the steps of the home buying process for all you witches and ghouls out there!
Step 1: Are you ready?
Think about what criteria you are looking for in a home. Are you ready financially?
Step 2: <a href="https://www.onlinehomes4you.com/contact/">Choosing a Realtor</a>
Realtors are trained to have knowledge on the housing market and are there to have your best interest in mind. People who have realtors find that they have less stress which makes it easier for them to enjoy the process of purchasing a home.
Step 3: Get Loan Pre-Approval
Find a lender that you trust. Lenders are able to give you financial advice and help you choose a loan that is the best fit for you.
Step 4: Looking at Homes
Realtors have access to the MLS which shows every house that is available on the market. With your realtors help, you can see which homes are available on the market and also have access to viewing homes in person.
Step 5: Choosing a Home
When finding the perfect home for you make sure that it meets all of your criteria, is in a price range you are comfortable with, and has that "home sweet home" feeling. If you have all of these factors, chances are that you have found the right home for you!
Step 6: Making an Offer
Realtors can negotiate for you and also have your best interst in mind. Realtors will try their best to get you the best deal for the house that you love!
Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!2018-10-03T06:13:00-07:002023-05-06T08:29:07-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3403IS YOUR STYLE ECLECTIC? WHAT IS ECLECTIC ANYWAY?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/eclectic.jpg" width="900" height="675" />
Eclectic style is by definition a combination of styles. The aim is to design an environment with a great look, artistic taste, and a specific connective element which ties the look together as one piece of work.
I also have seen a commonly published definition of eclectic is blending 70% of one design style and 30% of another; or to combine elements or particular styles from different time periods and different origins within a single project.
An “eclectic” room can be polished or rustic, masculine or feminine, stark in palette or swathed in color and pattern. Eclectic is sometimes thought as the word that describes an expression of the soul, and rightly so.
Pull out those sentimental pieces and mix in with those antiques and junk store finds. Pull out those worn rugs and they will find no difficulty in holding their own against those bright beautiful colors.
The eclectic-style home truly is for everyone, as it’s all about you and what makes your house your home. Remember, everything works together in your rooms to create a happy balance for the particular individual who has created it and not two visions are the same and that is what makes it so special.
There is only one rule to follow in creating an “eclectic style” and that is there are no rules!
2018-07-29T05:44:00-07:002019-10-05T11:29:44-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3470VIRTUAL MIRROR<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/3470-virtural-mirror.jpg" width="450" height="299" />
Online shopping is quite possibly the easiest, most efficient way to shop for almost anything these days. From the comfort of your home you can buy beauty products, jewelry, eye wear, accessories and thousands of other items all with the click of a button. But there is one flaw in this convenient shopping from home design.
What will those new Ray Ban’s look like on your face? How about that fabulous beach hat for your upcoming vacation? Sure on the flawless models they look perfect but what about on the most important person, what will they look like on you, the consumer? Several companies have recently adapted the concept of a ‘Virtual Mirror’, allowing consumers to use their webcam or upload a photo of themselves and essentially ‘try on’ their selections before purchase.
All you need is a webcam and a computer; a staple in most online shopper’s home these days.Simply by connecting your webcam to the stores secure network, you can browse through thousands of their products, selecting items you wish to ‘try on’. If you don’t want to use your webcam you can also upload an existing photo of yourself for the ‘trying on’ process.
Currently, the software is most popular in eye wear retailers. The software detects/measures your pupils and resizes your image to match that of their products. You can then scan through multiple products, watching them appear on your face as you select them.
There is a convenient option to take ‘snapshots’ of the products you like and save them to be viewed later as you determine which you would like to buy. This software is in development stages for other companies, who supply accessories, jewelry, and beauty products online. For women in particular, the ability to try different beauty products on their ‘face’ before purchasing online is revolutionary.
Some product lines are difficult to find in stores, but are readily available online. The ability to match your skin tone to products is comforting and simple. It really is a beneficial feature to those stores selling online – this software would give their site a particular edge against others. Helping consumers aid in envisioning their products on them really simplifies the buying process, and the consumers don’t even have to leave their homes.
As our world transforms further into the digital age it is only reasonable that these sorts of developments are being made in the online shopping world. Continuing to simplify the buying process for consumers at home only increases the popularity. There is a definite shift occurring in consumers buying processes/patterns and this is just another step in the digital direction.
2018-06-02T12:19:00-07:002019-10-05T11:32:41-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3069IS GETTING A HOME MORTGAGE STILL TO DIFFICULT<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/getting-a-home-mortgage.jpg" alt="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" title="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" height="410" width="750" />
Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.
Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not want to end up in a litigation situation due to loan issues.
What Has Happened to the Number of Mortgages?
Due to the strict nature and requirements of the lending companies, the number of mortgages given out has significantly dropped. A report by the Housing Financial Policy Center at the Urban Institute showed that about 6.3 million fewer mortgages were given out between 2009 and 2015. The reasons behind this statistic are strict regulations and policies. These mortgages would have been granted if the lending standards where more reasonable.
Mortgage companies rely on calculations to determine if a home buyer will become delinquent on their payment. They will not give you a loan if you are too much of a risk for them. Credit history has a huge impact on this decision since lenders can see how often you pay back your debts. The history they receive is extensive. This view into your financial past causes lenders to take less risk when lending to you for your mortgage.
The Effect on the Economy
The housing market is recovering at a slower pace than it should since less potential homebuyers are being offered loans. While the market is still recovering with positive trends, fewer buyers can create a strain on other economic factors like home goods or construction jobs. Bottom Line
After the housing market boom and bust, mortgage lenders became stricter in their lending standards. It is not impossible to get a mortgage loan, but it can still be difficult for potential home buyers. Stay on top of your credit and make sure you and anyone else who is applying are in a good financial position so you can be approved for a loan. It is important to research different companies and their requirements to ensure success in getting a mortgage.2018-04-26T12:28:00-07:002019-10-05T11:26:16-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3068WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING IN THE WINTER<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/selling-in-the-winter-attracts-serious-buyers.jpg" alt="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" title="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" height="410" width="750" />
The season you sell your home can have an impact on how much you get for your home and how quickly it sells. The season that has the most success in selling homes is spring. This is a good time of year for families moving to new school districts and is also more convenient weather for moving. Because of this trend, most people will recommend waiting to list your home until after the winter is over. Avoiding the winter is a huge misconception in the housing industry and can cause homeowners to miss out on opportunities.
Selling in the winter can give you a few advantages. There will be fewer houses on the market since most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. This gives your home more attention. Potential buyers are always looking no matter the time of year. Keeping your house on the market in the winter might bring the right buyer to your door. Real estate agents also tend to be less busy during these months and commit more time to getting your home sold.
Studies have shown winter buyers are buying because they need to move right away either for a relocation or personal situation. They will want to close quickly and allow for a much smoother sale.
Bottom Line
If you need to sell your home right away, or have some time but want to see what is out there, consider listing in the winter. Most homeowners who are going to sell will list their home in the spring, making for a competitive market. The winter allows buyers who are in a hurry to move consider your home and sell for more money than you would have in the spring.2018-04-26T12:28:00-07:002019-10-05T11:25:40-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3067COMMON THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR BEFORE BUYING YOUR DREAM HOME<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-your-dream-home.jpg" alt="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" title="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" height="410" width="750" />
It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first time home buyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the housing market.
It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home.
1. Why am I Buying a Home?
Regardless of the finances, it is important to think about what made you want to buy a home in the first place. Usually the reasons don’t have to do with money. Instead, home buyers are focused on how the house will impact their family in the future. A study done by the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard found there are four reasons people buy a home. Those reasons include schools for your children, a safe environment, more room for your family to grow, and control of your own space.
These factors are the most common reasons people look to buy a new home. When you ask yourself why you are looking to purchase a home, do any of those factors come up? Spend time with your spouse or family members who are involved in this decision and determine why you want a home in the first place. Creating this list will help when searching for a home and can help your real estate agent find the best home for your needs.
2. What is the Trend with Home Values?
Our current economy and housing market is strong. That means home values and mortgage rates are increasing. If you are looking to purchase a home but want to stay within a budget, it may be in your best interest to move quickly. It is forecasted for these trends to continue in an upward motion, causing home values to continue to increase.
3. What About Current Mortgage Rates?
The ticket price is not the only thing you should be concerned with when purchasing a home. Mortgage rates are always changing and can have a huge impact on your monthly payments. Current trends show mortgage rates are rising. This is something to consider if you are debating the right time to purchase a home, since the rates may be even higher down the road.
Bottom Line
You and your family are the only ones who can determine the right time to purchase your dream home. It is important to decide exactly why you want a new home for your family and decide on a budget that will be comfortable moving forward. This budget may affect the amount of time you have to search for a home, since home prices and mortgage rates are increasing. 2018-04-26T12:27:00-07:002019-10-05T11:27:20-07:00Jennifer Mosleytag:onlinehomes4you.com,2012-09-20:3066WILL INCREASING MORTGAGE RATES IMPACT HOME PRICES? <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/919/image/Mortgage-Rate-Projections.jpg" alt="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " title="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " height="410" width="750" />
There has been some discussion recently on home prices in relation to mortgage rates. Some believe if there is a rapid rise of mortgage rates, home prices should decrease. Logically it makes the most sense for the price of the house to drop when interest rates are rising, but this is not always the case.
This theory of home prices decreasing is typically discussed by future home buyers. As a buyer you would like to think if you are paying higher rates on your mortgage, you should be able to see a decrease in cost somewhere else. Unfortunately, these rates are rising because the economy is in better shape. As the economy succeeds, incomes rise, rates go up, as well as the price of the home.
A recent study by the John Burns Real Estate Consulting found mortgage rates have very little impact on the cost of the home. The housing market and price increases are affected by things like job growth in the area and rising wages. Coincidentally, these same factors are causing the rise in the mortgage rates since people can afford to take out more.
Bottom Line
As the economy progresses and strengthens, mortgage rates and home prices will fluctuate. It is a misconception as rates increase, home prices will decrease. Advances in the economy have shown that rates and home prices are more likely to increase together.2018-04-26T12:26:00-07:002019-10-05T11:26:49-07:00Jennifer Mosley