One Stop Realty's Real Estate Services Blog

Real Estate Information

THE BUZZ
Spring is in the air and real estate continues to show signs of recovery. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, eased 0.5 percent to 96.5 in February from 97.0 in January, but is still a full 9.2 percent above Februrary 2011 numbers.
The chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, commenting on this "uneven but higher sales pattern," predicts that if activity is sustained near present levels, existing-home sales will see their best performance in five years. He expects sales will rise by 7–10 percent in 2012.
It's also worth mentioning that the median national list price was up by 6.82 percent last month compared to February 2011. While higher list prices do not always mean higher sales prices, they may signal an increase in seller optimism that the market has begun to turn around.
 
 
 
JUST ASK
 
Q: I’m looking to apply for a mortgage in the near future. How can I improve my credit score?
A: You’ve probably heard the routine answers of how to improve your credit score – pay your bills on time, keep your balances low, don’t apply for new credit when you already have plenty. Here are a few tips you might not be aware of:
Dust off your oldest credit card. Credit history is important and the longer you have a card the better it looks to reporting agencies. What’s more, if you stop using your oldest card, issuers may stop updating them to credit bureaus.
Don’t close unused credit card accounts. Canceling a card may actually lower your score.
Don’t consolidate your accounts. Rather than shuffle your balances to a lower rate card, keep several small balances.
Add an installment loan to your credit mix. A quick way to improve your score is to show you’re responsible with other types of loans, such as auto, personal and student loans.
Rather than pay down your highest interest cards, pay down the ones closest to their max. As a rule of thumb, you should keep your balances at 30% or less of their max.
If you need to shop for a personal loan, submit your applications within a two-week period. A cluster of credit inquires won’t be looked at unfavorably if they fall within a short period of time.
 
 
 
MY TOWN
 
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 82 percent of all unwanted electronic equipment winds up in landfills. TVs, computers, audio players, phones and other related devices amount to almost 2 percent of municipal waste. And it’s increasing at an annual rate of 8 percent. Instead of dumping that old device, why not donate it to an environmentally responsible recycler, or any one of the numerous charities who can repurpose it?
Don’t wait. Since the value of electronics decline at a fast pace, take that unused electronic device out of the closet and donate it as soon as you can.
Clear the hard drive. Make sure you maintain your privacy by wiping the hard drive clean of any and all data on your phone, computer, or PDA. Not sure how? If you’re a PC user, check out this article at PC World. If you’re using a Mac, read this article at MacWorld.
Got owner’s manuals, keyboards, connection cables and software? Include them all in your donation.
Now, where do you donate? The EPA has a comprehensive listing of donation spots. Enter your city at sites like TechSoup and Earth 911 to locate drop-off sites near you.

Posted at 04:30PM Apr 05, 2012 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

212 Evergreen Circle

212 Evergreen Circle
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Posted at 03:36PM Jan 17, 2012 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving

As the Holiday season approaches, we are reminded of those who have helped us along in our journey of life and profession.

Clearly we don't get enough opportunity to personally say "thank you" 
even though we are greatful every day.  Yet at this special time, we want to personally express our deepest appreciation for placing your confidence in us, and supporting our practice with your friendship and referrals.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.  May the joy of the holidays extend to you and your family now and throughout the coming year.

Posted at 03:40PM Nov 24, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

105 Valley View

105 Valley View Ct.
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Totally renovated 3 years ago. All new kitchen with stainless appliances, hardwood, replacement windows, roof, insulated garage doors. Tons of storage everwhere. Bonus room being used as 4th bedroom. Large concrete drive. 16 x 16 deck. Click here for more information.

Posted at 09:22AM Nov 02, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

467 Sanders Ferry Rd

467 Sanders Ferry Rd
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Over 4,000 SF of spacious living! Boat Dock (Holds up to 45' Boat) HUGE REC ROOM in Basement with lots of windows viewing the lake! Convenient to Full Service Marina & City Park! Glassed Florida Room (37x14) Call for details! Motivated Seller!!! For more information click here

Posted at 09:31AM Sep 01, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

127 Nathan Forest

127 Nathan Forest Dr.
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Posted at 03:31PM Aug 31, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

380 Acres on Tyree Springs Rd

380 Acres on  Tyree Springs Road
Hendersonville, TN 37075

What an opportunity to own a large tract of land in one of Sumner County's most desireable areas for just $3,682 an acre. White House Water on Tyree Springs Rd. Access to property from Tyree Springs, Brick Sulpher Road and Webb Lane (private road). For more information click here.

Posted at 10:14AM Aug 29, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

176 Allen Drive

176 Allen Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Better than new ! New 30 year 3D roof--New siding and gutters--New custom kitchen cabinets with SS appliances--New tile bathrooms with custom cabinets and fixtures--New doors and hardware throughout--New ceiling fans--New hardwood and carpet--New Hardwood. For more information click here 

Posted at 03:15PM Aug 23, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

Mortgages: 7 Things You Don't Want to Learn the Hard Way

The more you understand about mortgages before you sign a mortgage contract, the more you can save in interest charges and other borrowing costs.
JUL 12, 2011
Realty Times

Experience is a good teacher, but when it comes to mortgages—whether you're arranging a new one or renewing—learning by experience can be expensive.

The more you understand about mortgages and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) before you sign a mortgage contract, the more you can save in interest charges, lender fees, and other borrowing costs.

1. Consider the Source:

The internet is a great research tool, but separating unbiased facts from marketing and misinformation can be tricky.

Often we are most vulnerable when we are intent on learning about something important to us. Our guard is down. Be cautious about which content you act on, and where you share personal information. According to the recent 2011 Mortgage Consumer Survey, released by the national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the internet provided recent real estate buyers with on-line mortgage calculators (86%) and financial self assessments (54%). The most popular search-engine key words used by buyers included interest rates (86%), mortgage options (76%) and mortgage calculators (69%). This CMHC survey, and consumer information like it, is equally accessible to legitimate and not-so legitimate companies developing and selling financial services and products. Taking time to research and understand mortgage details is important, just remain sceptical of special deals and too-good-to-be-true offers. Print information you want to act on as proof of what a company is offering, so you can hold them to it.

Resource: CMHC provides free online tools, such as the Household Budget and Mortgage Affordability Calculators, and publications, such as Homebuying Step-by-Step: http://www.cmhc.ca.

2. What's In It for Them?

Real estate and mortgage professionals, and the organizations they represent, may be offered referral fees—as money or incentive points—by lenders that want their business (that's your mortgage).

Professionals should disclose (ideally, in writing) the conflict of interest before you make any decisions or sign anything. Can you receive the best interest rate and mortgage terms when the professional is distracted by an additional incentive?

Ask whether there is a referral fee or incentive involved in all "I've got a great …" recommendations you receive. Be sure you, not the professional, are getting the best deal. For instance, being led to a bank does not give you the range of mortgage choices that a referral to an independent mortgage broker would. Thorough professionals normally offer at least three excellent choices when referring clients to ensure consumers understand the full spectrum of choices open to them.

3. Will Match to Get Your Business

Most people shop around for the best price on appliances, cars, and vacations, but do little comparison shopping for the best mortgage terms. If they did, it could save tens of thousands, or more. Remember, it's not just the interest rate but the total borrowing cost that you want the best deal on.

Use a mortgage broker for comparison shopping, and you'll have the added benefit of their track record with lenders. Since the broker represents more volume than your one mortgage, you may get an even better deal.

One lender advertising a terrific rate or a line of credit feature will not be the only lender ready to provide that service. Just ask, and you may get that feature plus added benefits with a lender you prefer.

4. What Is the Real Cost?

It's not just the interest, but the total cost of borrowing that is vital to understand. What will it cost you to pay off the principal early? What is the charge to set up weekly or biweekly payments? What if you have to switch back to monthly? What is the cost for shifting from variable to fixed? What is the total cost of discharging the mortgage if you sell your real estate? When will legal fees be added? Will cash backs have to be repaid? Ask about all situations since this mortgage will run for decades. Get all the details about cost before you sign.

The long-term implications of your mortgage are more important than a quarter-point difference in interest rate. For instance, should you choose a fixed rate or variable? If you cannot afford to be wrong about this choice, go fixed and pay off principal as quickly as possible. If you have a financial cushion, solid job, and little consumer debt, a variable mortgage may save you money. The risk is worth it since, if rates rise quickly, you'll be able to cover additional expense.

Banks and other lenders do not make billions in profit by missing opportunities to charge fees and take bonuses (that's penalties to you). They can also change their policies and offerings anytime they like.

5. Rates Up, Mortgage Size Down

As interest rates go up, the size of mortgage you qualify for goes down. Even if you are prepared to take on significant debt, you won't be allowed to. With buying power reduced, you may have to settle for a smaller property or a lesser neighbourhood.

When interest rates are on the rise, a preapproval can make a financial difference to buying power. The borrower is approved at a rate that the lender commits to for a period of 60, 90, or more days, even if rates for the same term go higher.

Some lenders include heating and utility costs in calculating what a borrower can afford. This means properties with poor insulation and higher heating costs may only qualify for lower mortgages.

6. Who Knows???

Since most buyers, on average, spend almost a year planning their home or condominium purchase, they are often exposed to a few market and rate changes in the process. There are lots of economists projecting and calculating interest rate patterns, but no one knows what will happen next. It is probable that rates will rise, but when and how fast is anyone's guess.

According to Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada: "With monetary policy continuing to be set to achieve the inflation target [2%], our institutions should not be lulled into a false sense of security by current low rates. Similarly, households will need to be prudent in their borrowing, recognising that over the life of a mortgage, interest rates will often be much higher."

Resource: When will interest rates go up and by how much? Go to the source—the Bank of Canada. The link to a recent plain-language speech by BC Governor Carney explains what's happened and happening in housing, but even he does not know what exactly will trigger rate changes, and when.

7. Buying Day Is the Big Unknown

How many houses, semis, or condominiums must you view to find the one you want to buy? When will you be able to make an offer and have it presented? Will the offer be accepted? Your new home may be the first or the 15th you see. It may be the first one you make an offer on, or the 5th. Not even the most experienced lender, mortgage broker, or real estate professional can predict how quickly you'll find and buy your home. But they'll all agree that doing your mortgage homework first gives you the flexibility to act quickly when the ideal home appears. Don't get left with "if only I'd..." regrets, or be stuck with an unnecessarily-expensive mortgage.
Copyright ? 2011 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.

Posted at 10:30AM Jul 15, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

Forbes: Nashville America’s No. 3 boom town

What cities are best positioned to grow and prosper in the coming decade?

To determine the next boom towns in the U.S., Forbes, with the help of Mark Schill at the Praxis Strategy Group, took the 52 largest metro areas in the country (those with populations exceeding 1 million) and ranked them based on various data indicating past, present and future vitality.

We started with job growth, not only looking at performance over the past decade but also focusing on growth in the past two years, to account for the possible long-term effects of the Great Recession. That accounted for roughly one-third of the score.  The other two-thirds were made up of a a broad range of demographic factors, all weighted equally. These included rates of family formation (percentage growth in children 5-17), growth in educated migration, population growth and, finally, a broad measurement of attractiveness to immigrants — as places to settle, make money and start businesses.

We focused on these demographic factors because college-educated migrants (who also tend to be under 30), new families and immigrants will be critical in shaping the future.  Areas that are rapidly losing young families and low rates of migration among educated migrants are the American equivalents of rapidly aging countries like Japan; those with more sprightly demographics are akin to up and coming countries such as Vietnam.

Many of our top performers are not surprising. No. 1 Austin, Texas, and No. 2 Raleigh, N.C., have it all demographically: high rates of immigration and migration of educated workers and healthy increases in population and number of children. They are also economic superstars, with job-creation records among the best in the nation.

Perhaps less expected is the No. 3 ranking for Nashville, Tenn. The country music capital, with its low housing prices and pro-business environment, has experienced rapid growth in educated migrants, where it ranks an impressive fourth in terms of percentage growth. New ethnic groups, such as Latinos and Asians, have doubled in size over the past decade.

Two advantages Nashville and other rising Southern cities like No. 8 Charlotte, N.C., possess are a mild climate and smaller scale. Even with population growth, they do not suffer the persistent transportation bottlenecks that strangle the older growth hubs. At the same time, these cities are building the infrastructure — roads, cultural institutions and airports — critical to future growth. Charlotte’s bustling airport may never be as big as Atlanta’s Hartsfield, but it serves both major national and international routes.

Of course, Texas metropolitan areas feature prominently on our list of future boom towns, including No. 4 San Antonio, No. 5 Houston and No. 7 Dallas, which over the past years boasted the biggest jump in new jobs, over 83,000. Aided by relatively low housing prices and buoyant economies, these Lone Star cities have become major hubs for jobs and families.

And there’s more growth to come. With its strategically located airport, Dallas is emerging as the ideal place for corporate relocations. And Houston, with its burgeoning port and dominance of the world energy business, seems destined to become ever more influential in the coming decade. Both cities have emerged as major immigrant hubs, attracting on newcomers at a rate far higher than old immigrant hubs like Chicago, Boston and Seattle.

The three other regions in our top 10 represent radically different kinds of places. The Washington, D.C., area (No. 6) sprawls from the District of Columbia through parts of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. Its great competitive advantage lies in proximity to the federal government, which has helped it enjoy an almost shockingly   ”good recession,” with continuing job growth, including in high-wage science- and technology-related fields, and an improving real estate market.

Our other two top ten, No. 9 Phoenix, Ariz., and No. 10 Orlando, Fla., have not done well in the recession, but both still have more jobs now than in 2000. Their demographics remain surprisingly robust. Despite some anti-immigrant agitation by local politicians, immigrants still seem to be flocking to both of these states. Known better s as retirement havens, their ranks of children and families have surged over the past decade. Warm weather, pro-business environments and, most critically, a large supply of affordable housing should allow these regions to grow, if not in the overheated fashion of the past, at rates both steadier and more sustainable.

Sadly, several of the nation’s premier economic regions sit toward the bottom of the list, notably former boom town Los Angeles (No. 47). Los Angeles’ once huge and vibrant industrial sector has shrunk rapidly, in large part the consequence of ever-tightening regulatory burdens. Its once magnetic appeal to educated migrants faded and families are fleeing from persistently high housing prices, poor educational choices and weak employment opportunities. Los Angeles lost over 180,000 children 5 to 17, the largest such drop in the nation.

Many of L.A.’s traditional rivals — such as Chicago (with which is tied at No. 47), New York City (No. 35) and San Francisco (No. 42) — also did poorly on our prospective list.  To be sure,  they will continue to reap the benefits of existing resources — financial institutions, universities and the presence of leading companies — but their future prospects will be limited by their generally sluggish job creation and aging demographics.

Of course, even the most exhaustive research cannot fully predict the future. A significant downsizing of the federal government, for example, would slow the D.C. region’s growth. A big fall in energy prices, or tough restrictions of carbon emissions, could hit the Texas cities, particularly Houston, hard. If housing prices stabilize in the Northeast or West Coast, less people will flock to places like Phoenix, Orlando or even Indianapolis (No.11) , Salt Lake City (No. 12) and Columbus (No. 13). One or more of our now lower ranked locales, like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, might also decide to reform in order to become more attractive to small businesses and middle class families.

What is clear is that well-established patterns of job creation and vital demographics will drive future regional growth, not only in the next year, but over the coming decade.  People create economies and they tend to vote with their feet when they choose to locate their families as well as their businesses.  This will prove   more decisive in shaping future growth   than the hip imagery and big city-oriented PR flackery that dominate media coverage of America’s changing regions.

Posted at 03:39PM Jul 13, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

Summer Pool Safety Tips

Great summer memories are made in the backyard pool.
JUN 28, 2011
Realty Times

Great summer memories are made in the backyard pool. Everyone, no matter their age, can enjoy cooling off and taking a dip.

Swimming is a great way to spend time together as a family and it's a perfect way to beat the heat. Precautions and care should be taken, however, to ensure all parties stay safe.

First, be sure your children (and any adults) know how to swim. Most community recreation centers and YMCA's offer swimming lessons. Parents who are proficient swimmers may even choose to become their children's swimming instructor at home. Making it a fun experience can take the pressure off the child. Everyone can learn how to swim, it just takes time and patience.

In the instance, though, that you have guests or children you can't swim, be sure they stay in the shallow end of the pool or that they wear a lifevest.

Remember, teaching children how to swim doesn't guarantee their safety. Children must be watched at all time when they are in a pool. Drownings and accidents can happen in a matter of minutes. Simply stepping inside to answer a phone call can be enough time for a child to slip into the pool and drown.

If an accident does occur, be sure that whoever is watching the children, be it a sitter or yourself, is trained in CPR. From the Red Cross to the American Heart Association, there are a number of organizations that offer certification classes.

For extra safety during any play-date or party, have an "on-duty" lifeguard at all times. That means at least one adult is in charge of watching the children at any given time. Consider taking shifts and sharing the responsibility with other parents at the gathering.

As a second line of safety, keep your pool area in tip-top shape. Toys should always be picked up, so as not to be a temptation for children. There are also numerous security features on the market. Many homeowners have security covers or fences installed to keep children and pets from entering the pool area. Fences should have gates that latch and are child proof. If you don't have pets that will trip them, alarms are a great way to keep track of who is in the pool area. Perimeter alarms can be set to sound when a subject is within a foot or so of the fence or pool. Motion detectors can be even more sensitive and will let you know when any child has made their way to the backyard.

Next, having a family discussion about pool safety is important. Talk about dangers of pools, what is off-limits and when, and what to do if someone is injured. You may even want to have practice drills. Children should always know how to call 9-1-1 if needed as well. There may come a time when it is the adult that needs help.

As the last stage of safety, be sure that you have the correct amounts of chemicals in your pool. Too much chlorine can injure your eyes and is hard on your body. Too few chemicals and you could have a breeding ground for bacteria. If you lack confidence in your own ability to maintain the pool, be sure to contract with a professional who can come weekly to clean the pool and adjust chemical levels.

The bottom line is accidents happen fast. Be sure to take all the necessary precautions that will make your summer fun ... and cool!

Posted at 09:40AM Jun 30, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

Green Living: Low-Impact Summer

It gets so busy during the summertime.
JUN 21, 2011
Realty Times

It gets so busy during the summertime. Sometimes it feels as though time has literally sped up. Softball games, family reunions, and camps mean running from point A to point B in a hurry. It's easy to lose sight of the small things.

Little changes are how we make a big difference with the environment. From taking shorter showers to upgrading our appliances, there are ways each day we can help Mother Earth enjoy the Summer as much as we do!

How can you have a low-impact Summer? Our experts give us the following tips.

First, support your local growers. Get produce at your area's Farmers' Market. Buy fruits and veggies in the "grown local" section of your favorite grocery. This may not seem like a big deal, but it supports local commerce and reduces the amount of fuels needed to transport your produce.

The next step also pertains to our food. Grow it yourself! Growing a simple vegetable garden is easier than you think. Most of the work goes into good prepping. Periodic weeding and harvesting are simple manual tasks that deliver real fruits of your "labor." Save money on your electric bill and contribute to a "new" way of living that is spreading across the country.

If you grow your own garden, consider being as natural or organic as possible. There are a plethora of wonderful products on the market that help keep bugs at bay.

Natural bug repellants are available for humans, too! Geraniums secrete a scent that drives mosquitos away. Mix a few drops of essential oils (citronella, orange, and rose geranium) into a spray bottle of water. Use this to spray down your legs and arms before any trip outside or to the garden. Not only will you smell good, you'll be a "no bug zone."

Are you looking for ways to save on energy and fuel costs? Start with your travel habits. Cars, even the most energy efficient models, consume mass amounts of gasoline, which has been refined from oil. The amount of energy and pollution that is involved in refining these products would astound you! Be organized and plan trips to the store. Also consider carpooling or using public transit! Your city may have HOV lanes, or high occupancy vehicle lanes. This means if there is more than one person in your car, you get a free pass around the rush hour traffic! If you have a walkable city, use your legs to wak or bike.

On the inside of your home you can save energy by upgrading your appliances. Newer Energy Star appliances use a fraction of the energy that their older counterparts did. You'll be surprised how much your electric bill drops in the first month!

Keep your home and yard cool for years to come by planting shade trees. Trees give our environment so much. They deliver loads of oxygen, all while consuming our nasty carbon dioxide. They help to reduce global warming with this effect! And of course, the give us shade to enjoy those evening glasses of iced tea.

Little habits add up to big change. Don't be too hard on yourself. Every day is a new day. Pick one thing to change today. PIck another next week and start a new habit.
Copyright ? 2011 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.

Posted at 09:45AM Jun 23, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

The Basics of Tile

Homeowners today are short on cash, and while the remodeling market is on the upswing, many homeowners are choosing to do-it-themselves.
JUN 14, 2011
Realty Times

Today's homeowners are short on cash. While the remodeling market is on the upswing, many homeowners are choosing to do-it-themselves. Making improvements to your home can be a great way to add value, especially if you keep costs low.

One popular project among DIYers is tiling. Local home improvement stores offer weekend classes on how to tile. Check for the times available in your area. There are also a wide range of instructional videos available on YouTube that can steer you in the right direction. Sometimes it helps to see what to do in addition to reading what to do.

The first step is to measure your room. How many square feet of tile will you be needing? To figure this, pull back out that old elementary school geometry and take the multiply the length times the width. An 8 foot by 10 foot room, for example, will have 80 square feet. You'll need this figure to help you know how many tile to buy. Pricing is also generally by the square foot.

Types of Tile

Price ranges widely depending on what material you buy. There's a huge variety of tile, from large to small, slick to textured, decorative to utilitarian. The choice is yours! Porcelain and ceramic tile are less expensive that marble and travertine. Both options are durable and are made to last. The latter, however, will give any space an upgraded look. Entryways and sunrooms are complimented by slate and saltillo tiles.

Supplies

Knee pads

Chalk line

Tile cutter or saw

Tile nippers

Mortar and bucket to mix it in

Drill attachment for mixing mortar

Trowel to spread mortar

Tile. Always get a little extra. Tiles can break during installation and you'll also want a few extra to keep for replacements down the road.

Plastic tile spacers

Grout and bucket to mix it in

Trowel to apply grout

Sponge to remove excess grout

Sealant

Sealant application bottle
Now that you have your supplies, here is a simply run-down of how you install tile.

Application

First, clean the area thoroughly. You don't want any pieces of dirt or old mortar on the floor, since it will cause unevenness. Next, have a game plan. Where are you going to start your tile? Will you have the grout lines perpendicular to the door or will you have them angled? Laying out a chalk line on the floor ensures an even first row.

Next, mix the mortar and spread only a small amount at a time. It dries quickly! Place your first tile square with the chalk line. Press it firmly into the mortar and use a plastic spacer to get the next tile spaced perfectly. Continue your way around the room. You'll need to make cuts at certain points. A tile saw works best, but use what you have!

Next, you'll want to remove your spacers and let your tiles set for 24 hours. Don't walk or move the tiles during this time. The mortar needs time to set up.

Once you have your tiles in place, it's time to grout them! Mix your grout and then trowel it between the tiles. After 10 minutes, use a wet sponge diagonally to clean off the excess grout. Allow this to dry 72 hours before sealing your grout.

Working with tile isn't "rocket science". An amateur can do handle this project. Have faith in your abilities and you'll have something you've done with a real sense of pride and ownership.

Posted at 02:20PM Jun 17, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

Caring for Wood Laminate Floors

Laminate wood flooring has been growing in popularity over the last decade and it's easy to see why.
JUN 07, 2011
Realty Times

Laminate wood flooring has been growing in popularity over the last decade and it's easy to see why. It is durable, less expensive than many of its hardwood counterparts, and relatively easy to install yourself.

This product got its start in the late 1970's with a brand many people still recognize, Pergo. It's popularity took an upswing in the United States in the mid 1990's and has gained ground, literally, since then.

The main aesthetic upside of laminate flooring is its resemblance to natural hardwoods. In many cases the untrained eye can't tell them apart. For housing flippers, and budget conscious home improvers, wood laminate can be a wonderful option. Available for as little as eighty or ninety cents a square foot, laminate is a wonderful option that can cost less than carpet. Price isn't the only upside of this flooring, though, and there are higher grade options that boast the same benefits with a more luxurious look.

Even amateur handy-men can handle the installation of these floors, though be sure to stock up on knee pads and nap breaks. These floors typically go in one of two ways. They can glue directly to your subfloor or there may be an underlayment used to create a "floating floor." In all cases, pieces fit together on a tongue and groove system that is hit into place with a rubber mallet. You'll need a way to measure and make cuts on your "boards." Our experts recommend a table saw. This can help you safely make exact cuts.

Cleaning laminate floors is a breeze. In fact, the best cleaning solution is one of the most traditional. A simple 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water mixture easily removes grease and dirt, leaving your floors sparkling clean. Some homeowners swear by a simple soap and hot water mixture to clean their floors as well.

A microfiber mop will help soak up any extra moisture, which if left standing can damage your floors, as well as leave streaking. Cleaning with the grain of the floor can also help reduce the appearance of streaks.

If you want to cut the smell of the vinegar, which isn't that strong in this mixture, you can always add a few drops of essential oil. Lemon and lavender are two favorites, but you can choose whatever scent suits you best! Simple sweeping or vacuuming will suffice for most days, however.

Do not use traditional wood floor products that contain wax. This wax residue builds up over time, ruining your laminate's surface.

There are specific consumer products available for cleaning wood laminate floors. Armstrong® makes a whole line of cleaners, most available at your local home improvement stores, for laminate floors. These cleaners contain no wax and don't require any rinsing, making clean-up quick and easy.

Laminate wood floors can be a great option for many households. It's affordable, stands up to wear and tear, can be used in kitchen and baths (with proper sealant), and looks like a million bucks.
Copyright ? 2011 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.

Posted at 02:52PM Jun 09, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]

10 Reasons to Sell

When does a homeowner consider selling?
MAY 31, 2011
Realty Times

When does a homeowner consider selling? From money problems to the need to downsize, the reasons vary by owner. Here are ten common reasons an owner takes to the market.

1. Risk of Foreclosure. This is listed as number one because around one-third of all sales in today’s current market are distressed properties. Many homeowners find themselves in mortgages they cannot afford, whether due to job loss or to rising monthly payments. It is far better for their credit score to sell or short sale before they are foreclosed upon.

2. Job Loss. This goes hand in hand with number one. If you have lost your job, but are still not behind on your payments, now could be a good time to take a pre-emptive strike to avoid foreclosure.

3. Relocation. Sometimes it’s necessary to follow a job or to move for a better job. These homeowners, including members of the military, sometimes find themselves needing to sell in a hurry.

4. Healthy Seller's Market. You won’t find this trend in most of the nation. In fact, most areas of the nation are still experiencing lukewarm sales and depressed home values. There are, however, spots that are hot beds of activity. These homeowners may wish to sell to make a profit or to avoid the risk of attempting to sell later in a down market.

5. Downsizing. Baby Boomers are now entering retirement. As they are faced with empty nests and changes of pace, many will decide to sell in order to downsize to smaller, more manageable homes.

6. Dream House. It is a great time to buy. Home values are affordable and interest rates are at historic lows. If a homeowner has a solid amount of equity in their current home, it may be a good time to sell and move up to their dream home.

7. Changing Locations. A downtown loft may have been a perfect choice for a young bachelor, but as a family evolves and children enter the story, a move may be needed to get to the best school district.

8. Need Money. Your home can be one of your biggest assets. If you are in need of some liquid money, selling can free up cash.

9. Investors. There are investors that may sell to avoid taking further losses on already depreciated values. They may also sell flipped houses in order to make a quick profit.

10. Family Needs. Sometimes a move is necessary in order to deal with family matters. An ailing parent or grandchildren in need may prompt a move.
Copyright ? 2011 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.

Posted at 12:45PM Jun 01, 2011 by One Stop Realty, LLC Real Estate Services in General  |  Comments[0]