5 Ways to Pay It Forward

7 Photography Tricks You Didn't Know Your Smartphone Can Do

Just when you thought you needed to purchase external devices such as fisheye lens or tripods, now, there’s an alternative solution! In this video, the guys at COOPH demonstrate some creative smartphone photography tips and tricks that you can do with your iPhone 5S.

REALTORS®: Six-Month Single Family Home Outlook “Moderate”

REALTORS’® confidence about the outlook for the next six months for single-family homes is still generally “moderate” in many states, according to the September  REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey: http://www.realtor.org/reports/realtors-confidence-index 

The graphs below show a measure of REALTORS’® confidence for the single family residential market on a state-by-state basis.[1]  An index above 50 indicates that there are more respondents who viewed their markets as “strong” or “moderate” compared to those who view them as “weak.” The higher the index, the more respondents there are with “moderate” or “strong” outlook. 

Many states had an index greater than 50, the highest in North Dakota and the District of Columbia, states with strong economic and job growth. 

REALTORS® Confidence Index: Outlook in Next Six Months for Single-Family Homes Based on July 2014-September 2014 RCI Surveys

Posted in Economist Commentaries, by Scholastica (Gay) Cororaton, Research Economist on October 28, 2014

Source

Should You Buy or Sell This Year?

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Understanding the Market with Top Realtor Nina Bhanot

Listen to me on the radio with Andy Tuttle at 660AM The Answer. I discussed what is happening in the market this month, the most competitive price ranges and the types of Buyers looking in the 4th quarter of the year. I also highlighted the Real Estate Deal of the Week, get all the details on this great home!

Simple Ways to Get Rid of Pests

Late Summer Checklist for Homeowners

Make sure all your doors and windows are in good working order and that none of the locks, caulking or weather stripping has to be replaced. Check the glass and screens for cracks or tears and repair or replace them as needed. Don’t forget to clean the window tracks and oil all door hinges.

Check the Gutters
Break out the ladder and check the gutters around your house for clogs, leaks or loose connections. If you don’t have gutter guards to help keep out leaves and debris, it’s best to install them now before fall arrives—they can save you some serious time and effort down the road.

Look For Leaks
Check your basement for cracks, leaks or any other signs of moisture. If you spot any major problems, have them repaired and waterproofed professionally. For smaller jobs, you can probably do it yourself and save the cost of a contractor.

Test Your Smoke Detectors
Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are functioning properly by pressing the “Test” button. If your detectors run on regular batteries and you haven’t changed them already this year, put a fresh one in each—it could save your life. Depending on the manufacturer, you should replace the units every five to ten years.

Change Your HVAC Filters
Your AC unit can get quite a workout during the dog days of summer, so make sure you check your HVAC filter. A dirty HVAC filter can make your home’s system work harder than it should and be less effective. You can save on HVAC filters now with special offers from American Home Shield®.

Prepare Your Garden
If you’ve got a vegetable garden, you’ve probably still got tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to harvest. While it’s too early to plant, you can start making room for fall vegetables like beans, peas and broccoli. As for the lawn, you’ve still got some watering and mowing left to do before it’s time to fertilize in the fall.

Clear Out the Clutter
Late summer is a good time to get rid of stuff that’s been collecting dust in the attic, basement or garage. Have a yard sale and turn your old books, clothes and furnishings into some cold, hard cash. Your place will look better, and you’ll have plenty of room for new fall goodies.

Top Trends in Bathroom Renovations!

Camouflage scratches on your wood and hardwood floors

You can hide a damaged finish on antique furniture or any fine woodwork by applying a coat of pigmented wax, such as Briwax, or a pigmented polishing fluid, also known as scratch cover, which will make fine scratches all but disappear.

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