Ten Things that will add value to your home -Article Seven

Seventh article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

MATURE TREES

Keeping it simple yet typical for the neighborhood is a good rule of thumb. You don’t have to spend a small fortune on plants either. It is the general consensus that mature trees are worth $1,000. What are the best types of landscape trees for your yard? You can choose landscape trees to liven up your yard for all four seasons. Check with your local landscaping company to research those types of trees that will bring value to your home and property, while giving you shade and aesthetic qualities to the eye.

Appraiser John Bredemeyer remembers one $250,000 home in Omaha that had no landscaping at all. "It was stark," says Bredemeyer, former national chair of government relations for the Appraisal Institute, a professional group for real estate appraisers. "It just stood out as unappealing."

TYPES OF TREES:

Evergreen Ornamental Trees

Evergreen trees are saviors in winter, deserving of our care. The foliage of these ornamental trees brightens winter landscapes and affords windbreaks that save money on fuel bills. As foundation plantings evergreen yew trees should receive pruning care to keep them shrub-size and obscure unseemly concrete. Evergreen trees are valued as privacy screens, or "living wall" privacy fences.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees provide edible landscaping and can enhance a landscape aesthetically if arranged and maintained properly. They take special pruning and care.

Ornamental Flowering Trees

Flowering trees are among the most prized specimens of the yard and make a bold statement of promising the return of warmer weather in the north. It is important to pay attention to the tips of caring for them, where they grow best and their planting zones. 

Fall Foliage Trees

Fall, foliage trees will add a spectacular addition to your landscape as they bask in the glow of their beautiful and breathtaking view of their autumn leaves. From the red and orange autumn leaves of maples to the yellow autumn leaves of aspens, don't miss out on the colorful displays you'll get by planting these magnificent fall foliage trees!

Trees for Birds and Butterfly

It is always a special treat to watch butterflies, hummingbirds and other wild bird’s attraction to certain trees and shrubs and as with landscaping, as plant-lovers we usually appreciate watching the local wildlife too. Planting trees useful for attracting birds and butterflies will bring you total enjoyment of the song and color they bring to your yard. 

Japanese Bonsai

The Japanese Bonsai takes special tools, pots and plant pruning techniques. There are both indoor and garden bonsai plants. Plants suited to bonsai pruning include ficus, azalea, Japanese maple trees, Chinese elm, bamboo, wisteria, gardenia and juniper.

Shade trees

This classification of trees is self-explanatory. Shade trees are grown specifically to shield a yard from the sun’s rays, providing welcome cool in summer. Those trees with spreading canopies will be most successful in blocking out the sunshine across wide areas.

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in Utah
Pictures - Fotosearch stock photos

Mortgage rates hit low of 4.36 percent

If this isn't good news for BUYERS, I don't know what it will take to get you off the fence and moving on these incredible rates while they are the lowest in recorded history!

MORTGAGE RATES DROP AGAIN  (Click here)

Ten Things that will add value to your home

Sixth article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

It has been the movement towards houses and apartments over the last couple of decades for large open spaces. Today’s home buyers like the light, airy and spacious feel. The most popular in today floor plans is the typical great room extension into the kitchen giving a large open space with lots of light. Not many buyers walk into a dark house and say, “I love this.”

Large open floor plans have definite advantages over their closed-off rooms of the Victorian area. It gives you space, light and flexibility. One might immediate think of the open space New York lofts in the mid-20th century. Even now we are finding homeowners remodeling their older homes by knocking down walls to get a bit of this openness and bohemian feel. Open space floor plans are great but it takes caution when it comes time to decorate them.

Here are a few tips for making it all work:

1. Keeping a continuous Flow. Maintaining one type of floor covering for the entire area will go a long way in giving the space the unity you are trying to create. Popular today are wood or simulated wood flooring which adds warmth while creating and elegant and soothing effect. Wall colors are best kept light and bright which will highlight the light and space of the open floor plan rather than sabotaging it. Finally, keep your furniture all within the same scale or tonal range. Go with either all dark woods, or birch and lighter woods. For example, having a modern mid-century living room area and boasting your dining room with all European furniture will not work unless you combine and bring in elements of both periods into both rooms.

2. Creating Subtle Yet Defined Spaces. If your living room, dining room and kitchen area are one, wide area you will still want to create defined areas for each so it clarifies what function each of the areas serve. This is best obtained by creating your furniture groupings. Lining furniture up against a wall would give an incomplete feel like looking down a long Wal-Mart food isle as opposed to floating furniture grouping in the middle of a room giving a totally opposite effect and feel which in turn will encourage conversation. You can also incorporate the use of room dividers to help define spaces such as book shelves, screens, wall panels, sliding doors that can close off an area or disappear to leave a room wide open.

3. Lighting is Crucial and Sets the Mood – Here you can get creative as lighting gives you the opportunity to give your open space more definition. Popular today are recessed lights, pendants, accent lights, track lights – all will aid in setting off one area from another. Do your homework and spend time walking around your favorite store that features home décor and repair. There are lots of classes and books available at these big giant home-builder supply stores that supply the how-to and have great ideas for those of us who just can’t see it or envision the effects in our heads.

4. Simplify – The secret to any open floor plan is simplicity in living and definitely does not have a clutter feel or any redundancies. To do this you must eliminate all unnecessary furniture. By paring down furniture that does not have a viable function in the spirit of an open floor plan, this will prevent your home from looking like a budget furniture showroom.

5. Choosing the right furniture – It stands to reason if you have open room design, some of your furniture most likely will float in the middle, especially like a couch grouping so you want to choose furniture carefully like an architect, artist or sculpture to check out all the angles.

ShirLee McGarry® with Principal Realty Group is a freelance writer in Utah

Photos from Fotosearch stock photography

National Housing Indicators

EXISTING HOME SALES (June) 5.37 Million units*

EXISTING HOME MEDIAN PRICE (June) $183,700

HOUSING STARTS (June) 549,000 units*

NEW HOME SALES (June) 330,000 units*

*Seasonally adjusted annual rate source - National Association of Realtos®

NEW HOME SALES

June 10     + 23%               May 10     -36.7%

Sales of new one-family houses in June 2010 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 330,000.

This is 23.6% above the revised May 2010 estimate of 267,000.

Source U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

Graphics - Fotosearch

NAR Calls on USDA to Restore 502 Guarantee Program

NATIONAL NEWS: NAR CALLS FOR US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RESTORATION OF 502 RURAL HOUSING GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM

On August 13, 2010, National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) President Vicki Cox Golder sent a letter to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary calling for the restoration of the Rural Housing Service's Section 502 Rural Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. While RHS has been issuing conditional commitments since May 2010 NAR believes this is not sufficient as many lenders are hesitant to offer a loan without the full guarantee of RHS.

In May 2010, the funds for this program were exhausted, meaning consumers have been unable to access this program. In July, Congress authorized additional credit authority and premium changes to this program to restore its availability to homebuyers. The President signed that bill into law on July 29, 2010. The objective of the new law was to restore the program and NAR implores USDA and RHS to be proactive in implementation.

Rural homebuyers should not be denied access to a program Congress has restored. In addition, many rural homebuyers finalized contracts on their homes before April 30, 2010, assuming they would be able to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit. Because it will be several months before RHS adequately updates its systems, residents in rural communities that were relying on the $8,000 tax credit will lose their piece of the American dream. This is a significant amount of money for residents earning less than 115 percent of median. 

Update from NAR Weekly Newsletter for  8/18/2010

All in the Day of a Realtor: Ten Things That Will Add Value to Your Home

All in the Day of a Realtor: Ten Things That Will Add Value to Your Home: "Fifth article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home Curb appeal The longer I'm in this business, the more I'm con..."

Ten Things That Will Add Value to Your Home

Fifth article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

Curb appeal

The longer I'm in this business, the more I'm convinced about the importance of a home's "first impression" upon the buyers. It seems that in our very busy world, home buyers almost always favor a home that is in move-in condition. And since most buyers lack the imagination to see what a difference their personal touch could make on a home, it's very important to make a good first impression.

First impressions are everything. A house that appears tidy and well-cared-for will sell more quickly and for more money. A good first appearance can add as much as 10 percent to the value of the home.

A majority of home buyers decided whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb appeal – this means the view they actually see when they do a drive by or arrive for a showing. To make it inviting enough for them to want to come inside your home, by spending a little time working on the exterior appearance can give you that leverage.

TAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR HOME…

One of the best ways to really see your home as potential buyers might see it as they drive by is the next time you come home, stop across the street far enough away from the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings. Park where potential buyers would and walk towards the house and look around as if it were your first visit.

Take photos of the exterior of the home. It is better to do this in black and white because when they are in color it is distracting and it is easier to see existing problems.

1. What is your first impression of the house and yard area?

2. What do you consider your home or lot’s best features? How can you enhance them?

3. What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?

4. Is the walkway clean and tidy? What can be done to make it more attractive?

Start making a list of the problem areas you discovered. It is always best to start with the clean up and repair chores first, then start projects that will make the property more attractive.

• Clean windows and gutters

• Pressure wash dirty siding, decks and driveways

• Make sure the sidewalks are edge and remove any weeds between concrete or bricks

• Paying special attention to your landscaping is absolutely crucial during the selling process

• Keep your lawn freshly mowed, flower beds free of weeds, and add some additional outdoor lighting to brighten up the pathways.

• Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded

• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home’s roof

• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof or driveway

Don't Forget the Rear View

Expand your curb appeal project to include your back yard. Buyers doing a drive by will try their best to see your back yard if it is visible from another street or neighbor’s yard.

How Does Your Home Measure Up With Evening Curb Appeal?

• One of the best ways to improve evening curb appeal is with outdoor lighting

• String solar lights along your driveway, sidewalks, and near important landscaping element

• If your budget allows, add a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch

• Make sure any lighting that's visible through front doors and windows enhances the home's appearance.

Unfortunately most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't take a second look at a house if the first look doesn't appeal to them. On the other end of the spectrum, those home buyers who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan to do. 

A Few Curb Appeal Tips

• If you can budget it, a fresh paint job does wonders for a dingy house. Make sure that it keeps with the look and time of the area. You do not want to paint with bright colors that will detract and turn off buyers but will also affect the value of your home and the neighborhood. 

• Install a more attractive front door, maybe something with leaded glass inserts.

• If your budget won’t allow the cost of a new door, consider replacing plain doorknob hardware with something more attractive.

• If new hardware is beyond your budget, repaint or stain the door and polish the hardware.

By making a list, taking pictures and brainstorming, you'll find that there's usually always a solution to most problems- one that lets you stay within your budget. The trick is to find the areas where improvements are needed and bring most value, then work on them within your means.

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in Utah

Pictures -fotosearch.com

Five Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

For all the folks with cell phones.
(This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

1. Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find Yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

2. Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ' remote ' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

3. Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

4. How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

If your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally......

5. Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411 or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

Photos from fotosearch stock photography

Ten Things that will add value to your home

Fourth article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

People are into the “Natural” of Things

According to those in the industry that sell the newest of floor coverings, consumers definitely like natural material. It seems overall the general public have gone back to an appreciation for historically true materials. Very popular today is also the simulated variety which works just as well and the look is as popular as ever.

When it comes to bathrooms or kitchen floor coverings, the in-thing is tile or wood rather than the out-dated linoleum, which does not hold up as well and can tear, rip or gouge easily.

For the rest of the house, it is agreed that wood or laminate products have definitely taken over in popularity over wall-to-wall carpeting. If you do have carpet, you should make sure it is well-maintained so when potential buyers walk in they don’t think…”Gee, I’m going to have to spend thousands of dollars to replace all this carpeting.

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in Utah

Pictures - Fotosearch stock photos

ShirLee McGarry Receives VIP Woman of the Year from NAPW

ShirLee McGarry, Realtor in Salt Lake City Receives VIP Woman of the Year from NAPW - National Association of Professional Women

Click here to see the Website online or paste the following in web browser:

http://www.napw.com/profile/10396870/ShirLee-McGarryMFACPSGRISFRAuthor/

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is one of the most exclusive and rapidly growing associations of female executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the United States

The National Association of Professional Women is an exclusive network for professional women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower. NAPW members enjoy a wealth of resources and services dedicated to the enhancement, empowerment and promotion of their careers.

NAPW provides seminars, podcasts, webinars, keynote speeches, educational tools, and fosters career development skills that enable our members to achieve personal and career success.

Ten Things that will add value to your home

Third article of ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

MASTER SUITE - WALK-IN CLOSET

No doubt about it, one of the top on the wish list that adds excitement to buyers motivation, is all about having a master suite with the luxurious bathroom,  lounging area and if space allows don’t forget the walk-in-closet.

However, sometimes this just isn’t an option so you have to put your thinking cap on and get creative with making the most of limited space. It’s amazing what little touches and a great deal of organized thought can do to give the appearance of a well thought out closet while getting rid of the dead spaces that collect everything forgotten in the pile of heaven only knows area.

Even if you do not have the space needed for a walk-in closet, you can give the appearance of a much larger area by careful planning and use of the closet organizers you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot. You can even find a variety of quick put together vinyl closet organizers at Wal-Mart that are easy to install. The effect created from the unorganized closet to an organized closet is amazing.

The use of baskets to store items on closet shelving is also effective, again freeing up clutter and allowing more space.   In many of the older homes with small closet area, there is a lot of lost cubicle space lost, especially with the top shelf that leaves empty space clear up to the ceiling, which could possibly give you two additional shelving areas.

If your budget is limited the use of plastic containers are also effective especially for shoe storage. You can also use the back of the closet door to mount various types of racks to hang or store items.

Again, think cubicle and plan to use every available nook and cranny of the smaller closet and stack or make additional shelving in this area, you will be amazed at how much more room it gives you eliminating all the clutter and items left on and/or around the floor area.

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in UtahPictures - Fotosearch stock photos 

Ten Things that will add value to your home

Here is the second article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

MODERN BATHROOMS

Today it’s all about the ‘Master Bath’ as buyers are looking for “The Ultimate Master Bath” that will give them more than a little room to roam. The big plus is the “Queen Bee Bathroom” as I call it; this is the dream bathroom that has a garden tub that is a spa or a whirlpool tub, separate shower, and separate room for the commode.

It always brings a smile to my face when I ask clients who have this feature how they like it and how much they use it. It is amazing to know just how many do not use the jetted tub very often for one reason or another…it is mainly there to use just in case they get in the mood. Regardless, it is a big feature to most buyers. I can guarantee I would use a jettedl tub at least once a week with all the aromatherapy candles and oils available to soothe this tired bod at the end of a hectic week!

Another feature that buyers want is separate showers with steam and/or multiple jets. A must is the double sink, and a separate room for the toilet. I remember an article that interviewed the actor Michael Cain and when asked what contributed to the success of marriages, he said, “having a double sink in the bathroom.” I have to totally agree with him because we women need our space!

As with all bathrooms, it is very important when remodeling to accommodate all these neat features so they run properly by making sure that the plumbing and water heater can handle the job. What good is it to have a $25k bathroom with new fixtures but no one thought it important to upgrade the pipes? 

Piping has to be large enough to carry an adequate volume of water. Equally as important, the water heater has to be big enough to accommodate it. In reality, you need a minimum of a 75-gallon hot water heater but today most of my clients have opted for 100-150. With all the energy efficient water heaters available today, your costs are kept to a minimum as opposed to having an old unit that can’t handle the job efficiently. Nothing could be worse than taking a shower and suddenly being doused with ice water from the arctic! That would be a wake-up call after-the-fact!

When remodeling, you can find  many money-saving rebates on qualifying energy-efficient appliances or upgrades for your home.
Rebate website
Energy Star

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in Utah
Pictures -  Fotosearch stock photos

Ten Things That Will Add Value To Your Home

Here is the first of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home.

UPDATED KITCHEN

Ask any Woman or a Realtor®… 
An updated kitchen is critical. In todays fast pace world, families like a big open kitchen with lots of workspace. Having solid surface counters and high-quality flooring such as wood, laminate, tile or stone replaces the old fashion linoleum floors of past decades. And they want newer appliances in good working order.

Even if the kitchen is not huge, it should have counter-tops that are serviceable, that will not have to be replaced soon and all the cabinetry in good condition. It also adds a warm and spacious appeal if the kitchen opens into another room, what we call in today's modern homes a 'Great Room.' Families are looking for that openness. It also is a plus to have a window over the sink.


Re-think your organization skills in cupboard usage in order to keep counters clear of clutter. I’ve always loved the saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

It is important to be wary of renovations that are out of character with the community, such as granite countertops in a subdivision where plastic laminate is the norm. Will it sell faster? Yes. Will it sell for more? Not if the additions you’ve done are significantly higher qualities
than the rest of the neighborhood.

ShirLee McGarry® with Principal Realty Group is a freelance writer in Utah
Photos from Fotosearch stock photography

Top 10 States for REOs

More than 500,000 properties were foreclosed on in the first six months of 2010, and lenders are on track to exceed 1 million REOs for the year – a record number since the beginning of the recession, according to the RealtyTrac U.S. Foreclosure Market Report.

 State January to June 2010 REOs

1. California 92,318
2. Florida 54,940
3. Arizona 39,017
4. Michigan 38,910
5. Texas 31,216
6. Illinois 27,137
7. Georgia 26,392
8. Ohio 20,516
9. Nevada 17,747
10. Tennessee 12,809

http://www.realtytrac.com/landing/half-million-reos-first-six-months-of-2010.html?a=b&accnt=258962

Landscaping Tips: What Not To Plant to Protect Your Loving Pets

Common Poisonous Plants to Animals

Being ever conscious about what my new little Chihuahua puppy safety since his curiosity gets the best of him at times, I have caught him many times eating or chewing on anything he can find in my yard and garden. I know that when some animals have an upset stomach they will eat grass, etc. This really got me to thinking when I noticed Scooter throwing up and found that he had been chewing on a spring bulb that had worked its way to the surfaced in my flower garden. Here is a list of common plants I found on the ASPCA website (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) that will make your pets sick and/or might have serious consequences...even death.

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Pothos
Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/17-common-poisonous-plants.html

ShirLee McGarry Earns CHS Certified HAFA Specialist Certification

ShirLee McGarry of Principal Realty Group has completed the Certified HAFA Specialist training course and received the (CHS) Certified HAFA Specialist certification August 6, 2010.

This certification program for REALTORS® is presented by C.A. R. Education along with AssetPlanSA, a ce

As a ‘Certified HAFA Specialist’ the Realtor®

• Understand the current US distressed housing market and get an in depth review of Treasury’s Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program (per Treasury Supplemental Directive 09-09 Revised).
• Know how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s HAFA programs are different from the Treasury’s non-GSE version
• Receive leads from AssetPlanUSA’s Certified HAFA Real Estate Professional Network, if available
• Get HAFA program and Servicer updates for 1 year after registration
• Receive a desk reference ‘HAFA Summary’, as well as GSE and non-GSE versions of key HAFA example contracts

TOP FIVE REASONS PEOPLE GO BANKRUPT

Bankruptcy Filings in America Alarming

Over the past few decades, we have seen the rise in the bankruptcy statistics in America and they are alarming. The number of people who are unable to pay off their debts is staggering.  Congress recently addressed the issue with legislation, making it hard to qualify or file for bankruptcy.

In a recent Harvard study the top five are as follows:

1.    1. MEDICAL EXPENSES

The study indicates that 62% of all personal bankruptcies, medical expenses are at the top of the list. Interestingly enough, the study also showed that 78% of filers had some form of health insurance, thus eliminating the myth that this only affects the uninsured.

For sure, serious diseases or injuries can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills that quickly wipe out any savings or retirement, collect funds, or home equity accounts. Once all the sources available are wiped out, bankruptcy may be the only shelter left whether or not a patient or his family were able to apply health coverage to a portion of the bill.

2.     
        2. JOB LOSS

Whether due to downsizing, layoff, termination or resignation, the loss of one’s job can be devastating. A few are fortunate to receive severance packages, usually equal to 3-months of one’s salary. However, many may find pink slips on their desk or lockers or called into the office after giving a full day’s work to be informed they are being let go without any prior notice. If one does not have an emergency fund to draw from (usually at least 6-months of earning saved) this only worsens the situation and many start using credit cards to pay bills which is pulling the noose tighter and only prolonging the inevitable.

The loss of health insurance coverage and the high cost of COBRA insurance also drain the all ready limited resource any job seeker might have.  Job seekers unable to find employment for an extended time period may not recover from the lack of income to keep the creditors from hounding them.

3.    3.  POOR/EXCESS USE OF CREDIT

We see this a lot as some people simply can’t control their spending. They are the buy now, got-to-have-it and keep up with the Jones type. Credit card bills, installment debt, car and other loan payments can eventually accelerate to where they are out of control and eventually the borrower is unable to make even the minimum payment on each type of debt. If a borrower has no means to obtain a debt-consolidation loan, then bankruptcy is usually the alternative.

Overall the statistics show that most debt-consolidation plans fail for various reasons and usually only delay filing for those found in this situation. A home-equity loan can be a good remedy for unsecured debt in a few cases; once it is exhausted, irresponsible borrowers can face foreclosure on their homes if they are unable to make this payment as well.

4.    4.  DIVORCE/SEPARATION

Divorce creates tremendous financial strain on both partners. The top strain are the legal fees, which in some circumstances can be astronomical, followed by the division of marital assets, decree of child support and/or alimony, and the ongoing cost of keeping up two or more separate households after the split. In most cases the legal costs alone are enough to force some to file, while garnishment of wages to cover back child support or alimony can strip the ability to pay the rest of their bills. Spouses who fail to pay the support dictated in the agreement often leave the other completely destitute.

5.     5. UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

Loss from theft or casualty such as earthquakes, fires, floods or tornadoes, for which the owner is not insured can force some into bankruptcy. Many homeowners are not aware that they must take out separate coverage for certain events such as earthquakes. Those who do not have coverage for these types of peril can not only lose their homes but most of their possessions as well. They face the future with having to not only pay to replace the items but also find immediate food and shelter. Those who lose their wardrobes in such a catastrophe may not be able to dress appropriately for their work, which could cost them their jobs.

The choices to declare bankruptcy are many. But in most cases, common sense, sound financial planning and preparing for the future can head off this mounting problem before it become a reality. Those who are facing this possibility should seek a credit counselor or financial planner before choosing this alternative. Bankruptcy should be the last option.

Based on article from Investopedia article by Mark P Cusssen.  Edited and written by ShirLee McGarry.

Backyard Summer Entertainment Ideas

When it comes to entertaining outdoors, there's no place quite like your very own backyard. Many families enjoy the warm summer weather by spending as much time outside as possible, and one way of doing that is by making it a fun place to be.

Get Out Your Grill

The smell of a freshly grilled hot dog or hamburger… the unmistakable taste of a meal that's been prepared outdoors… the excitement of getting together with family and friends for a barbecue… these are all things that you are sure to enjoy and, if you really want to get things cooking, you will get out your grill and cook up something that your entire family will love.

A cookout is a fantastic idea for summer entertainment, which means it is perfect for both small and large groups. Whether you prefer a quiet dinner with your family or you want to make your outdoor grilling adventure into a party by inviting your friends from the neighborhood, outdoor grilling is a fun way to make use of the summer heat.

Host A Pool Party

If you have a pool in your backyard, there's no better time than summer to put it to use. When the sun comes out and the temperature heats up, a pool party is the perfect way to spend the day cooling down. Before you start picking out your swimsuit, make sure that the pool is properly cleaned and ready for guests. In addition, make sure that there are flotation units for those who need a little help in the water and towels for everyone to dry off when they step out.

Hosting a pool party also means having something to eat and drink for your guests. Whether you've planned lunch or just a light snack for everyone, make sure that you have something on hand to curb those cravings. If you're inviting children over for a pool party for the youngsters, make sure that you have their parents' permission beforehand.

Sports Fun

Believe it or not, many homeowners enjoy setting up a backyard sporting event and inviting everyone to join in. Whether it's volleyball, horseshoes or just a friendly game of basketball, there's no better court than home court. If you plan to create a sporty atmosphere, make sure that you have plenty of water on hand for everyone to drink. It's also important to refrain from playing when the sun is at its peak, which is typically in the early to mid-afternoon hours. Instead, wait until it cools down before heating up your backyard with some friendly sporting competition.

June Housing Sales Report

JUNE 2010 – Monthly Indicators in the Housing Market for Utah

Just received updates from Utah Association of Realtors and the word is to think and act global when looking at the whole picture. With all the crises with the European Debt, oil spills and of course the less than desirable job growth figures, all factors put a big stress on the stock market, the general consensus is that the local housing market could have performed much worse.
June found buyers being cautious, as pending sales declined 23.9 percent from June 2009. A majority of buyers bought during the credit period in May. This affected sellers to lose interest as new listings dipped 7.4 percent from last June.

I was surprised to learn that even though there was slow buyer activity, inventory levels still decreased 5.3 percent compared to last year. The UAR report realized from the mix of various home closings, the June Median Sale Price of $199,900 was a minor 2.5 decrease since last June.
With congress recently extended the closing date to September 30th for tax credit buyers, we might see a slight boost as vacations come to a close, children are back in school. Overall the general report says that we can expect the market to remain mostly flat with only the possibility of minor gains as demands slowly finds its way back into the market.”

This report is based off of data provided by the Wasatch Front
Regional Multiple Listing Service, the Iron County Multiple Listing
Service, the Washington County Multiple Listing Service, the
Carbon/Emery Multiple Listing Service, the Central Utah Multiple
Listing Service, the Grand/San Juan Multiple Listing Service, and
the Park City Multiple Listing Service.