The Sunday real estate open house is a longstanding ritual in the real estate marketplace, and many homes have been sold on a lazy Sunday afternoon. When used properly, open houses can be a great marketing strategy.

According to the experts, the following steps will help you get the most out of your real estate open house and increase your chances of selling your home for the price you want.

-Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in holding a successful open house. While many home sellers are comfortable with an open house, others are not. If you choose not to host an open house, there are other ways to sell your home.

-Be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent the day before the open house. Take careful notes and follow all of his/her recommendations.

-Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house. Remember that your real estate agent is trying to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, not criticizing your decorating style or choice of accessories.

-Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like. It is crucial that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.

-Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression.Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.

-Ask the real estate agent to create a professional-looking sign in sheet for all visitors. It is important to get the name and phone number of all attendees to the open house.

-Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house. This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if a good prospect attends.

-Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance, if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members. For instance, the local garden club may be very interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful outdoor garden.

-It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house. A punch bowl is also an attractive addition.

-Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your pets until the open house is over.

-Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.

-Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins. Not only will the aroma mask any unpleasant smells, but it will create a warm and inviting ambiance as well.

-Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. A home that is too hot or too cold can make visitors uncomfortable, and lead them to wonder about the quality of the heating and air conditioning system.

-Play soft music in the background during the open house. Background music helps set a good mood for visitors.

-Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house. This will allow fresh air and sunshine in and help give the impression of a larger space.

-If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help make guests at the open house feel more at home.

Following the guidelines outlined above, chances are your public open house will be a big success. Even if the home is not sold at the open house, the prospect contacts gained and the word of mouth exposure may well result in a sale.

“We live in challenging times. Unemployment remains high, and the U.S. lead in technology and science is slipping as many foreign countries gain ground. But some U.S. cities, though slowed by the Great Recession, still thrive by lifting good old American innovation to new levels. And that will help put more Americans back to work and keep our international edge,” says the staff at Kiplinger who recently named the top 10 best cities for the next ten years.  How do you think our area ranks?

Provided by the Business Insider and originally posted here.

Every U.S. state experienced job losses during the recent downturn, but thanks to the right mix of industries, natural resources, and skilled workers, some states have a far lower unemployment rate than the 9.5% national average.

Want to crack the jobs problem? Let’s start by studying these sources of American strength…

First, a broad look at America’s situation

Unemployment Rate: 9.5%

The economy: Agriculture (1.2% of GDP), Industry (21.9% of GDP), Services (76.9% of GDP)

Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Now, the Top 10 States For Jobs

1. North Dakota: Powered by agriculture and commodities

Unemployment Rate: 3.6%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 5.9%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Agriculture, petroleum, food processing, and tourism dominate the nation’s most job-friendly state.

Education: 25.7% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Lower than average)

2. South Dakota: Gets a big boost from government, but also has services and agriculture

Unemployment Rate: 4.4%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 5.1%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: The service sector (especially retail, health, and finance firms) dominates South Dakota’s economy, although government-related enterprises also form a large chunk of the GDP. Ellsworth Air Force Base is the second-largest single employer here. Agriculture also contributes heavily to the economy, but its influence is waning.

Education: 25.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Lower than average)

3. Nebraska: An agricultural and transport hub, with some diversity as well

Unemployment Rate: 4.7%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 4.8%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Another state reliant on its agricultural sector, Nebraska also specializes in freight transport, telecommunications, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation. And, not to mention, it has the nation’s third-wealthiest person amidst its GDP rank.

Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Average)

4. New Hampshire: Powered by agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and a highly educated population

Unemployment Rate: 5.8%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 3.7%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Another agricultural heavyweight (dairy products, cattle, and apples dominate on the list of products), New Hampshire also produces machinery, electric equipment, rubber, and plastic products. Due to its famous ski slopes, the state is also a tourist hub come winter. New Hampshire also doesn’t have a state income or sales tax and boasts one of the nation’s highest median salaries.

Education: 32.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Higher than average)
5. Vermont: Driven by agriculture and industries utilizing the state’s highly educated population

Unemployment Rate: 6.0%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 3.5%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Farming (especially dairy production and logging) is the bread and butter of Vermont’s economy, although manufacturing, insurance, tourism, and quarrying are also major players. Vermont’s housing is also quite affordable, as the state ranks 17th in mortgage affordability nationwide.

Education: 33.6% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Higher than average)

6. Hawaii: A tourism magnet with a large population of affluent Americans

Unemployment Rate: 6.3%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 3.2%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Tourism dominates this tax-heavy state while food and apparel exports play more minor roles (given the distance of the islands from all other land source). Also, rich folks apparently love to camp out in Hawaii as much as they might like Florida (the state had the highest percentage of millionaires in the general population).

Education: 29.2% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Higher than average)

7. Kansas: Powered by agriculture, energy, and aerospace

Unemployment Rate: 6.5%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 3.0%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Kansas isn’t the land of Dorothy anymore, although it is still a major grain producer and retains its agricultural roots. These days, the state is also a major oil and natural gas producer and is also a hub of the aerospace industry.

% of adult population with a Bachelor’s degree or more: 28.8% (Higher than average)

8. Wyoming: Riding commodities, tourism, and perhaps its tax policies. Doing well despite low levels of education.

Unemployment Rate: 6.7%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 2.8%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Mineral extraction, agriculture, and tourism drive Wyoming’s largely rural economy. The tourism industry alone accounts for over $2 billion of the state’s annual revenue. The state is also known for its unusual tax policies — no individual or corporate income tax and only a 4% sales tax on select items.

Education: 23.4% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Lower than average)

9. Minnesota: A state with manufacturing, raw materials, and high education

Unemployment Rate: 6.8%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Again, the theme here is diversity. Minnesota’s economy is home to a variety of firms in the finished products, services, and raw materials sectors and 33 of the nation’s top 1000 publicly-traded firms have headquarters in the state.

Education: 31.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Higher than average)

10. Iowa: Outperforming with a diverse economy plus agriculture

Unemployment Rate: 6.8%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: While commonly perceived as an agricultural hub, Iowa actually boasts a surprisingly diverse economy with jobs in the manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance, and government services — all of which contribute to a strong hiring market. The S&P gave the state a Triple-A rating in 2009 (only one of nine to hold the position then).

Education: 24.3% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Lower than average)

Now that summer is beginning to wind down and cooler weather is on its way, it’s time to get some of the routine home maintenance out of the way before it gets too cold. If you don’t prepare your home in the fall season, and clean up the yard, when spring comes along, you could be left with an unsightly mess. Lisa Udy, a Realtor in Utah offers the following tips to prepare your home for the cold months ahead.

Clean out the rain gutters – If you have rain gutters on your home, fall is the best time to get them cleaned. Cleaning rain gutters isn’t that difficult of a task, it’s just a tedious one. The easiest way to get rid of the junk is to use a high pressure hose, and then use a small trowel to get rid of the rest of the debris. Once you have gotten rid of all the debris, give your gutters a final spray.

Take care of your pots and planters – If you’re like most homeowners, you have some planters or potted plants sitting around the yard. Before it gets too cold, be sure to empty the dirt out of any pots or planters and put them in a place where they won’t freeze. If you don’t empty or store your planters, there’s a good chance they will either crack or fall apart.

Rake the leaves – Keeping your yard free of leaves is an important task for homeowners. If you have numerous trees in your yard and piles of leaves that you don’t take care of, you might find that your grass is dead once spring arrives. Leaves can smother your lawn and replacing a lawn can cost a lot of money, so it’s a good rule of thumb to get rid of the leaves in the fall.

Weed and feed the lawn – The best time to weed and feed the lawn is in the fall. If you add weed killer in the fall, the weeds will store the poison in their roots during the winter season, and will prevent a breakout in the spring. By feeding your lawn with fertilizer in the fall, you are promoting healthy root growth, and this will help your lawn grow greener and faster in the spring.

Give your tools a tune-up – Once you have finished your fall maintenance chores, make sure you clean your tools and store them in a dry place so they will be in working order once spring arrives. Be sure to store metal shovels with the head upwards, as this will help detour rusting when it dries. Sheers need to be oiled up, wheel barrels should be left upside down and don’t forget to spray off the underside of the lawnmower.

Originally posted by RisMedia/Lowes

As the U.S. housing market struggles to rebound, many homeowners are stuck with hard-to-sell properties longer than expected. Some frustrated home sellers who must relocate for a new job opportunity, want to downsize or simply want to buy a new place have left homes empty. Vacant or unoccupied homes can leave the homeowner exposed to loss and liability that may not be covered by their insurance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The Pending Home Sales Index, released today by the National Association of Realtors, dropped 2.6 percent to 75.7 based on contracts signed in June from 77.7 in May, and is 18.6 percent below June 2009 – another sign of the stagnant housing market.

“In many cases, people who have been trying to sell their homes for awhile have moved forward with their plans regardless, leaving a vacant home on the market,” said NAIC President and West Virginia Insurance Commissioner Jane L. Cline. “Having an unoccupied home can create several insurance implications that typically are not covered under a standard homeowners policy.”

The Added Risks of Vacant Homes
Homeowners policies are meant to insure homes that are occupied, so they generally include exclusions for neglect or property abandonment on a home left vacant or unoccupied for a specified number of consecutive days.

In insurance terms, a vacant home is one the resident has moved out of and taken his/her belongings with him/her. An unoccupied home is one where the resident is not staying at the home, but the furniture and other belongings remain.

Because vacant and unoccupied homes pose a higher risk for damage than occupied homes, insurance companies insure these properties differently and usually at a higher price. These risks include:

– Break-ins: When a home has been unoccupied for awhile, it can show signs that nobody is around – unkempt lawn, full mailbox, no lights on – that can tip off burglars to an easy target.

– No emergency response: Without anyone home to call 911 or respond to emergencies, a manageable problem – such as a small electrical fire – can turn into a much larger, more costly disaster.

– Property liability: There is no one present to prevent others from entering the property or to supervise activity, which could increase the likeliness of an accident on the premises or property damage when the owner is not there.

Keeping A Vacant Home Properly Insured
The definition of vacancy and unoccupancy can vary from policy to policy. Some insurers may not pay claims if a home is vacant for 60 days or more. Some policies might automatically shift to a different amount of coverage (e.g. liability insurance only) after a specific number of days unoccupied.

Many homeowners policies have a “vacancy clause” that can be triggered if the homeowner is gone for an extended period of time. If this happens, the homeowner could violate the terms of their contract and some or all of their coverage may not apply in the event of a loss.

“Before you decide to leave a home vacant or unoccupied for a long period of time, talk to your insurance agent or company to learn how they define vacancy and unoccupancy, and whether the company will pay claims if a house is unoccupied,” said Cline. “Be honest about your situation, because while an extra policy might cost more, it could save you money down the road should there be an accident or damage to the home.”

Many insurance companies offer an endorsement that will provide coverage for a dwelling that is unoccupied for an extended period of time. Vacancy policies can also be purchased for different term lengths to cover a few months to a year, depending on the need.

The cost of vacancy coverage depends on the company and state in which the property is located, but costs usually are higher than a typical homeowners policy due to the overall increase in risk.

Original post by Lowes/RisMedia

The economy is stabilizing. Home prices are holding. It’s not just as good a time as ever to buy a house. It’s one of the best times ever.

ForSaleByOwner.com presents five overlooked reasons why now is a great time to buy a house.

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today’s record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system – and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines…again. Now that appraisers have more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market, today’s deals will make it over the finish line.

5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by “workforce housing” programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today’s low mortgage rates.

Originally posted by Lowes/RisMedia

The dog days of summer are here, alive and well. Getting out in the garden and keeping your lawn green are very important but so is conserving water. Remember – it’s the summer; it’s going to rain. From checking the kitchen faucet to watching your laundry loads, there’s plenty we can all do to save water.

Here are some tips from Pennsylvania American Water on how you can conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of water consumption both indoors and outside the home:

1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy test to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water. (An added benefit of watering less often is that fewer, deep-soaking waterings encourage deep root growth and stronger turf.)

2. Water in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.

3. Set your lawn mower one notch higher to make your lawn more drought-tolerant.

4. Use drip irrigation hoses to water plants, and water in the early morning or evening.

5. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway, or patio.

6. Forego the hose and wash your car with a bucket and sponge instead.According to EPA WaterSense, a hose left running can waste as much as six gallons per minute while a bucket and sponge uses only a few gallons to do the job.

7. Keep a bottle of cold tap water in the refrigerator. You’ll avoid the cost and environmental impact of bottled water and you’ll have cold water available in the summer without running the faucet.

8. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.

9. Adjust the water level of your clothes washer, so that it matches your load size.

10. Regularly check your toilet, faucets and pipes for leaks and have them fixed promptly. An easy test for toilet leaks from EPA WaterSense: Place a drop of food coloring in the tank. If the color tints the water in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

Original post by Lowes/RisMedia

The summer is officially upon us. And what that, comes weeds, bugs and, of course, more time needed to tend to your lawn.

Here, learn how you can make the most of the season with these summer lawn care tips:

1. Proper watering and water conservation is important at any time of year, but particularly when heat and a lack of rain lead to water deficits and drought.

2. Evaluate your lawn regularly for signs of irregular color and texture. These can be signs of damage that may result from pests or disease.

3. Proper year-round lawn care keeps a lawn healthy and prevents weeds, disease and pests. But sometimes, insects you may not notice can travel from the yard to your home. To stop them, hire pest control to keep the bugs on the outside. You can also reduce their outside presence by treating the lawn for insects such as fleas and ticks and fire ants.

4. While lawns are generally the focal point of most yards, don’t forget about trees and shrubs. Well-maintained landscaping adds dimensionality to a home and increases its value.

5. In the heat of the summer, you may be tempted to mow your lawn in shorts and flip flops, but remember, you need to stay safe: wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

6. Also, no matter what outdoor activity you’re enjoying, be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water.

7. The essentials of good summer lawn care are watering, fertilizing and proper mowing. However, sometimes an underlying problem (such as bare spots or severely damaged turf) requires additional measures.

Original post by Lowes/RisMedia

Sometimes all a home really needs is a littile bit of organization…in this case, not to sound cliche, but a little bit certainly does go a long way.

It’s easy to get bogged down by clutter throughout our daily lives. And, if you’re renovating, project remnants compound the problem. Here are some tips, courtesy of Lowe’s, to help you stay clutter-free:

Daily Clean-up
If you stay on top of simple chores every day, the bigger organization projects won’t appear as overwhelming. Keep the house tidy by doing the small stuff daily. Make your bed each morning. After meals, do the dishes. And keep dirty laundry off the floor and in the hamper.

Storage Under the Bed
A lot of people forget the amount of storage a bed (or any other raised furniture) provides. You can store a lot under your bed in storage containers and boxes. The same can apply for sofas and chairs that have ample clearance. Just make sure your storage is out of sight with skirts. Think outside of the closet. The underside of your bed is the perfect place to store comforters, bedspreads and pillowcases.

Give Your Shoes the Rack
Often, closet floors suffer from shoe infestations. A cobbler’s clutter can be easily solved with a tiered shoe rack. A shoe rack organizes your footwear while keeping them readily available (a luxury not afforded if you’re using stacked boxes). A rack also keeps shoes in better condition, as they are kept away from the dirt and dust that collect on the floor. As you begin organizing, remember to keep shoes grouped by type and color. Heels, flats and sneakers should have their own sections. If your collection exceeds a rack, hang additional pairs from the inside of your closet door.

Kitchen Zoning
Your kitchen will house a wide range of dinnerware, food, storage and cooking items. Create separate areas for each kitchen activity. Keep your baking utensils, appliances, pans and sheets grouped together. And designate a specific spot on the countertop or island for use. Do the same for your grilling, frying and juicing needs.

Food storage can also get messy. Make sure your plastic food containers are adequately stored by size and shape. And clean out your refrigerator regularly. Don’t forget to keep an opened box of baking soda in the fridge’s corner to help control odors.

Finally, set up a shelving system for your pantry, and group your foodstuffs accordingly. Remember, it’s best to not mix your cereals with the kitty litter. Cans – separated by vegetable and fruits – go on one shelf, while grains go on another. Spices should get their own rack.

Manage Magazines and Mail
Keep your magazines stored in a specific location instead of sprawled throughout your house. Group your periodicals by title and date. Give your mail the same treatment. Group your bills separately from other important letters and announcements. And trash junk mail immediately. Remember to shred any mail that may contain personal information. Baskets and racks help control the printed pages, especially if you’re an avid reader.

Tame the Toys
Keep toys stored in plastic bins or hampers that are low to the ground. You want to make sure toy storage is easily accessible for your child. As kids grow, they’ll start cleaning on their own. You can even make tidying up another game to play (e.g. shoot hoops with stranded Legos). Like the rest of your belongings, try to specialize each container. Keep one for books and crafts, and another for larger toys like trains or stuffed animals.

In the Garage
Garages usually become a default space for sporting goods, garden supplies and tools. If poorly managed, a garage can quickly become an eyesore. Keep your garage organized with wall systems, cabinets, worktables and shelving units. There are also specialized containers for nails, screws, nuts and bolts to help minimize the mess. Keep sporting goods, like bicycles and skiing gear, on hooks hung from your garage’s walls or ceiling. Gardening supplies, like fertilizer and pesticides, should be properly sealed and stored out of reach from children.

Like the organization projects inside, keep your garage’s contents separated by their function: tools with tools, toys with toys, etc.

Originally posted Lowes / RisMedia

Home appraisals are a necessary step in the process of selling or refinancing your home. While many homes today aren’t worth as much as they were when they were bought, it is crucial for homeowners to be realistic when it comes to getting their home appraised.

If you are in the process of getting your home ready to be put on the market or interested in refinancing, the experts at Equity Mortgage Lending offer the following things to keep in mind as you prepare for your home appraisal.

• The appraiser will need approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete the inspection phase of the appraisal process, which includes: exterior photos of the front and rear of the home and a photo of the street in front of the property; measurements of the exterior of the home, garage and any outbuildings; a walk-through inspection of all rooms and levels of the interior of the home including the basement.
  
  
• Get organized. Put together a checklist that will help you get ready for your appraisal and get the results you’re looking for.
  
  
• Be flexible when scheduling the appointment.
  
  
• Have a copy of your home’s blueprint to help verify measurements and lot size.
  
  
• Provide a list of improvements made to the property since the purchase. Improvements that should be noted include adding a pool, patio, updating your kitchen or bathroom and any room additions, etc.
  
  
• Allow your appraiser access to the entire property, including access to any crawl space or attic areas.
  
  
• Keep in mind that a clean home makes a good impression. Be sure to trim the lawn, clean the pool and garage, repair cracked windows or torn screens, check for leaky faucets and secure gutters and down spouts before your appraisal.
  
  
• Point out any amenities that may not be obvious to the appraiser: sprinkler systems, patios, pools, security systems, built in vacuum, etc.
  
  
• Provide a copy of last year’s tax assessment information.
  
  
• Know what year the house was built and when improvements were made.
  
  
• The first thing appraisers look for is comparables, so be prepared and have a list of recent sales of similar properties in the immediate neighborhood.

Original post by Lowes and RisMedia