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.