The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Tamil Nadu government about a flood of appeals to the apex court by persons seeking protection from criminal defamation cases registered against them by...
http://goo.gl/LWtB9Q
Monday 30 November 2015
Six yards of woven magic
Give your wardrobe a face lift with a vibrant design from the annual Tussar Festival that brings fine saris from West Bengal
http://goo.gl/c2Pbwr
http://goo.gl/c2Pbwr
Sunday 29 November 2015
TN likely to receive rainfall in next 24 hours
Districts of coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to receive rain on Monday.
“A low pressure area would form over Southwest bay and adjoining Southeast bay during the next 24 hour...
http://goo.gl/lXLSv4
http://goo.gl/lXLSv4
A journey to a book...
It was Founders’ Day at the Madras Book Club recently and the special lecture for the occasion was by Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Civilian, Diplomat, Governor, Author and Member of the Madras Boo...
http://goo.gl/XI0SP8
http://goo.gl/XI0SP8
Saturday 28 November 2015
IMD predicts heavy-to-very-heavy rains in TN for next two days
The low pressure over Bay of Bengal will bring rains to Tamil Nadu and Puduchery on Saturday, the Regional Meteorological Centre today said, warning of ‘heavy to very heavy rains’ for the two days...
http://goo.gl/Qzx0C2
http://goo.gl/Qzx0C2
Neighbours show they care
Youngsters get together to help those affected by Adyar floods
http://goo.gl/lqau4B
http://goo.gl/lqau4B
Friday 27 November 2015
Newcomers get plum posts in TN BJP
Napoleon appointed vice president, Kutty Padmini and Gayathri Raguram elevated in the organisation.
http://goo.gl/p19qJ8
http://goo.gl/p19qJ8
Paradise atop treacherous waters
RIJUTA DEY suggests looking beyond London and travelling to Cornwall, where you can tuck into fish pie and warm apple crumble, while gazing at the arresting sight of ocean waters dashing against a cliff face
http://goo.gl/NLv1z0
http://goo.gl/NLv1z0
Thursday 26 November 2015
A breath of fresh air
Flautist Rakesh Chaurasia talks to Chitra Swaminathan about the challenge of performing with tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain at the Aadi-Anant concert in Chennai on November 28
http://goo.gl/3B47n5
http://goo.gl/3B47n5
Disturbing and provocative
Chandrasekhara Kambar’s “Shivarathri” is a complex work of dramatic art.
http://goo.gl/PnvCfW
http://goo.gl/PnvCfW
Huawei unveils the veritable, but sleek, monster of a phablet that is the Mate 8
Huawei officially announced the Mate 8, the sequel to last year's Mate 7. With a 6-inch display, the Mate 8 has both feet planted firmly in phablet territory, though the high screen-to-body ratio should make using the phone easier than you think. The post Huawei unveils the veritable, but sleek, monster of a phablet that is the Mate 8 appeared first on Digital Trends. http://goo.gl/yYrtmL
Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately
Coming to you live from the depths of Melbourne winter – while the rest of the country (almost) is springing into spring, we’re still freezing our butts off. Fingers crossed we’ll start to see the sun soon! Here’s what I found interesting lately around the web: How to use a $5 Twitter ad To Redefine [...]
Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger
Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately
The post Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately appeared first on @ProBlogger.
http://goo.gl/vrrdMJ
http://goo.gl/vrrdMJ
India's NSG membership to impact regional peace, stability: Pakistan
Pakistan had demanded that NSG should follow an objective, equitable and non-discriminatory approach for admitting new members. http://goo.gl/hRfLIo
A breath of fresh air
Flautist Rakesh Chaurasia talks to Chitra Swaminathan about the challenge of performing with tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain at the Aadi-Anant concert in Chennai on November 28
http://goo.gl/3B47n5
http://goo.gl/3B47n5
Wednesday 25 November 2015
What Can and Can't Go Down a Garbage Disposer
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains what foods should and should not go into garbage disposers http://goo.gl/L9eeSj
Thanksgiving Toolbox: Peel the Potatoes With a Drill
Filed under: Home Improvement, How ToZillowBy Zillow TeamThe big game's on, family and friends have gathered, and there's so much to do. Save yourself some time with this speedy trick for peeling potatoes lightning fast. 1. Gather your supplies: a pile of taters and your power drill (with a thoroughly washed bit). Zillow2. Get your potato in position and grab your peeler. Zillow3. Ready, set, peel! Zillow4. Get those bad boys into boiling water and cross "Peel potatoes" off your to-do list. Happy Thanksgiving! Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/IsLRDd
Summer Savings: 5 Ways to Decrease Your Energy Bill
Summer is in full swing and as the temperature rises, so can the electric bill. When you’re ready to escape the sun, you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about seeking cool relief inside your home.
http://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/summer-savings-5-ways-to-decrease-your-energy-bill/
Tuesday 24 November 2015
What it costs to produce a barrel of oil
Everyone in the energy industry is suffering as crude oil prices have slumped. But some are hurting more than others, including the U.K., Brazil, Canada and the U.S. http://goo.gl/CbN3Uo
Thanksgiving Toolbox: Peel the Potatoes With a Drill
Filed under: Home Improvement, How ToZillowBy Zillow TeamThe big game's on, family and friends have gathered, and there's so much to do. Save yourself some time with this speedy trick for peeling potatoes lightning fast. 1. Gather your supplies: a pile of taters and your power drill (with a thoroughly washed bit). Zillow2. Get your potato in position and grab your peeler. Zillow3. Ready, set, peel! Zillow4. Get those bad boys into boiling water and cross "Peel potatoes" off your to-do list. Happy Thanksgiving! Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/IsLRDd
Nestle finds labor abuse among its Thai seafood suppliers
Global food giant Nestle has confirmed that its Thailand seafood suppliers are engaged in abusive labor practices. http://goo.gl/cz89AL
Monday 23 November 2015
Americans jam the roads and the skies in record numbers
It's been a record year for travel in the U.S., thanks to an improving economy and cheap gas prices. http://goo.gl/0QDU7Y
On Common Ground: Winter 2016 Issue Now Available
Learn about bicycle-friendly places, the healthy food movement, and reconnecting with nature in the winter issue of On Common Ground. This semi-annual publication presents a wide range of views on smart growth issues, with the goal of encouraging dialog among REALTORS®, elected officials and other interested citizens.
http://goo.gl/JmH56w
http://goo.gl/JmH56w
Not buying a home was my smartest financial move
Homeownership in America peaked in 2004 when nearly 70% of adults owned their homes. Today that number has fallen to under 64%. http://goo.gl/7yQ1PR
Monday Morning Cup of Coffee: Rate-hike implications and a warning from Yellen
Visions of turkey and stuffing are dancing in our heads, but there will still be plenty of housing news this week, including October existing and new home sales data. And what's with this Orange County house with 19 bathrooms?
http://goo.gl/JcZtyb
http://goo.gl/JcZtyb
How to Get Rid of Private Mortgage Insurance
Filed under: Financing, How To, RefinancingAlamyBy Christine DiGangiIf you want to buy a house but can't pay 20 percent of the cost upfront, a lender will want you to have private mortgage insurance. PMI protects the lender from loss if you can't make payments on a loan with less than a 20 percent down payment.PMI increases a borrower's monthly mortgage payment, which is why most borrowers don't want to shoulder it. Short of saving up a sufficient down payment, however, there are only a few ways to avoid PMI or get rid of it.1. Take Out a Second MortgageOne way to avoid PMI is to take out what's sometimes called a piggyback loan or an 80-10-10. In this scenario, you'd take out a mortgage for 80 percent of the value (so it doesn't require PMI), make a 10 percent down payment and take out a second loan for the remaining 10 percent. You could borrow that 10 percent in the form of an installment loan or a home equity line of credit."It's not always a good idea," said Casey Fleming, a mortgage adviser for C2 Financial Corp. and the author of "The Loan Guide.""If you use two loans, you will avoid mortgage insurance, but you should go in with a plan to get rid of the second mortgage as soon as you can," Fleming said. "Second mortgages are expensive."Whether an 80-10-10 is a smart option for you depends on a lot of factors, but it's something to consider.2. Have Your Lender Pay for ItLender-paid mortgage insurance is what it sounds like: Your lender pays the insurance company instead of you. The lender will bump up your interest rate to cover the cost, so even though you're not paying the mortgage insurance directly, you're still paying for it by way of interest."The justification for doing this is [the homeowner] can deduct all of the interest, where mortgage insurance is not readily deductible," Fleming said.The important thing to note here is you can get rid of mortgage insurance, but you're stuck with the interest rate for the life of the loan.3. Ask Your Lender to Remove ItThe Homeowners Protection Act requires lenders to remove PMI from a loan after the loan balance has fallen to 80 percent of the home's original purchase price, but there's a way to get rid of it quicker. Keep an eye on your home's value. When your home appreciates in value, your loan balance becomes a smaller percentage of your home's total value. Once your remaining loan balance is at or below 80 percent of your home's current value, you can ask your lender to remove PMI."As soon as you believe you've got 20 percent equity, that's the point at which you should think about contacting your lender," said Joe Parsons, senior loan officer at PFS Financing in the Northern California suburb of Dublin. You will need to pay for an appraisal, and depending on the kind of appraisal your lender requires and where you live, that appraisal could cost several hundred dollars. Parsons recommended using a real estate site such as Zillow to keep track of your home's value. That can help avoid wasting money on an appraisal when your property may not yet have appreciated enough to get rid of PMI.Parsons said he has encountered people who have paid PMI for years longer than they needed to, so it's important borrowers know to pay attention to property values and ask their lenders to remove mortgage insurance when the time is right.Another thing to know: Most contracts require the borrower to pay PMI for at least two years, regardless of home value, Fleming said.4. RefinanceAsking your lender to remove PMI isn't always an option. For example, FHA loans require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. In that case, the only way to get rid of it would be to refinance. You could also refinance a conventional loan with insurance to a loan without it."In some cases where the rates have decreased, then it can make sense to refinance, even if the rate is only dropping a quarter or half a percent," Parsons said. The lower rate, combined with the savings of eliminating PMI, can save the borrower money. Keep in mind there are costs associated with refinancing, and you reset the clock when you take out a new loan.Parsons and Fleming mentioned refinancing as a way to get rid of insurance only when mortgage rates have gone down."I wouldn't refinance just to get rid of the [PMI]," Parsons said. "Usually there's a cheaper way."Another way to avoid mortgage insurance for U.S. military veterans is to take out a VA loan , but that's not an option for every borrower.There are dozens of factors to consider when deciding how and when to borrow to buy a home. As you figure it out, one of your top priorities should be to build good credit, because it will heavily factor into your mortgage approval and pricing. To see where you stand, you can check your free credit score every 30 days on Credit.com. Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/P6iJZA
Latin America's worst year since global recession
This year will be the worst year of economic performance for Latin America since the recession. It's also arguably the worst region among emerging markets. http://goo.gl/NpeFuv
Epic oil glut causes super tanker 'traffic jams'
The world has so much oil that 'traffic jams' are forming of oil tankers that have nowhere to offload their oil. http://goo.gl/naa0Ps
Sunday 22 November 2015
Epic oil glut sparks super tanker 'traffic jams' at sea
The world has so much oil that 'traffic jams' are forming of oil tankers that have nowhere to offload their oil. http://goo.gl/naa0Ps
Black Friday: Will Santa help stocks rally?
Stock markets have been hit with headwinds this year. Is the so-called 'Santa Claus' rally a reality or myth? http://goo.gl/X42zV4
How to Not Burn Down the House While Cooking the Turkey
Filed under: How To Getty ImagesIf you decide to deep fry a turkey, move away from the house and use a long-handled tool, as this firefighter shows. By HomeInsurance.com The countdown to turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie has begun. Thanksgiving's arrival means many of us are scouring the closet for pants with stretchy waistbands so we can prepare to feast. The holiday is all about giving thanks and spending a day with loved ones. But cooking the festive Thanksgiving meal can lead to fires. And fires can lead to injuries, deaths or property loss, so make sure to follow some safety suggestions for this holiday. Check the Stats Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for cooking fires in homes, accounting for about three times as many fires as any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Each year between 2011 and 2013, Thanksgiving Day produced an average of 2,100 residential building fires, resulting in $28 million in property damage, 50 injuries, and 10 deaths, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration. What causes most Thanksgiving fires? More than 71 percent of fires were attributed to cooking, and the highest percentage of fires (24.6 percent) occurred between noon and 3 p.m., the report said. Eyes on the Prize Er, turkey. Leaving food unattended while it was cooking was the leading cause of Thanksgiving cooking fires, according to the NFPA. You'll want to visit with your guests during this holiday, but it's far more important to pay attention to what's in the oven or on the stovetop so that you don't become a statistic. Also, assign guests items to bring for the meal. Having a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner will prevent you from doing all the cooking, so you won't be trying to cook multiple dishes at once. Giving your undivided attention to one dish at a time will help to keep food from burning and starting fires. And when you want to chat with your guests while you're cooking, call them into the kitchen with you. Leaving the room while food is in the oven or on the burners is a risky move that makes your insurance provider sweat. Don't Wear Loose Clothing While Cooking Let's set the scene: You're wearing a baggy sweater as you cook vegetables in oil or butter, and you divert your attention to talk to a family member. A fire ignites, and, in a panic, you attempt to move the pan to the sink to run water over it. When you move the pan, your loose sleeve connects with the flames and, in a flash, your entire arm is on fire. There are several things wrong with this scenario. The first is that you should avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes while cooking, as it puts you at an increased risk to catch fire and be injured. Secondly, never move a pot that's on fire, or try to put out a grease or oil fire with water. It's best to put a lid on top of the pot to smother the fire, leave the pot where it is, and turn the heat off when the fire has been tamed. Getting distracted while cooking is also a no-no. Keep Fire Hazards Away From the Stove Just like ill-fitting clothing is a hazard that can easily ignite, so are things like potholders, wooden utensils, towels, and flowers. Keep these items away from burners and the oven to reduce the chances of having a kitchen fire. It's also important to keep pets out of the kitchen. Say you just turned off the burner, but your pup comes sniffing around, puts his paws up on the counter, and accidentally slides a towel on top of the still-hot burner without you noticing, causing it to be engulfed in flames. Avoid this type of scenario by keeping the dog in a gated room and keeping other hazards at bay. Know the Biggest Risks Frying is the greatest risk for home fires. So if you're deep-frying the turkey this year, take extra precautions. Keep the fryer away from the house and on even ground. The fryer should be set up more than 10 feet away from the home, and on level ground to keep the oil even. Completely thaw and dry the turkey first. Only fry a turkey after it has been fully thawed and dried off to reduce the possibility of splattering grease, which can ignite fires. Keep children and pets away, and have a fire extinguisher nearby. The last thing you want on Thanksgiving Day is for a child or pet to knock over the fryer and get injured. If You Have a Thanksgiving Day Fire The majority of non-fatal Thanksgiving Day fire injuries occurred when people tried to fight the fires themselves. If your home catches fire when you're preparing Thanksgiving dinner and you don't have a fire extinguisher on hand, just get everyone out of the house. Keep yourself, your family, and your guests safe. You can call 911 when everyone has evacuated. The good news is that property damage and liability coverage for incidents involving fires are typically eligible for coverage under standard home insurance policies. That's something to be thankful for. Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow or AOL Real Estate. Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/NcQvS3
Friday 20 November 2015
How to Upgrade to a Bigger Bath Fan
Switch out to a bigger fan to keep moisture off bathroom walls—without opening a window
http://goo.gl/qmiDi9
http://goo.gl/qmiDi9
Money really can buy happiness, Harvard prof says
Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton explains why money can buy happiness, it just depends how you spend it. http://goo.gl/qUrFhq
In the News: Local Association Tackles Redeveloping Abandoned Properties to Improve Communities
The Richmond Association of REALTORS® and the Partnership for Housing Affordability recently offered two workshops designed to encourage the redevelopment of abandoned properties. The events brought together developers, lenders, government officials, non-profit leaders, and REALTORS® to discuss strategies for improving communities through the revitalization of vacant buildings.
http://goo.gl/DQR9Ld
http://goo.gl/DQR9Ld
What FHA loans mean as large banks step away
With federal agencies taking action against several large lenders, many banks are pricing FHA loans to absorb the costs associated with the hundreds of layers of federal, state and local regulatory requirements. As a result, larger lenders are choosing to leave the FHA arena, presenting a great opportunity for smaller independent mortgage lenders.
http://goo.gl/lYGIsG
http://goo.gl/lYGIsG
Thursday 19 November 2015
Should real estate agents "fire" know-it-all homebuyers?
Real estate agents are vital in the role of helping people find the perfect home. But what should you do if it's those same people who prove problematic?
http://goo.gl/OYD0Ly
http://goo.gl/OYD0Ly
Wednesday 18 November 2015
Create a Festive Holiday Dining Room
DIY touches, from a textured table runner to turned wood candlesticks, lend this spirited eating area welcome warmth http://goo.gl/ydJVf3
Should real estate agents "fire" know-it-all homebuyers?
Real estate agents are vital in the role of helping people find the perfect home. But what should you do if it's those same people who prove problematic?
http://goo.gl/OYD0Ly
http://goo.gl/OYD0Ly
Love it or Hate it: What to Do After Every Open House
Filed under: Buying, How To Shutterstock By Paula Pant Even if you didn't fall in love, every open house is an opportunity to learn still more about what you're really looking for in a home. You can learn a lot from a visit to an open house, from whether a home is really as amazing as it looks in photos to whether the street noise is tolerable. But one thing that isn't always so clear after visiting an open house is what to do next. Whether you've fallen in love or never want to set foot in a certain neighborhood again, how do you best put that information to use? Here are the key steps buyers should take after an open house. You've Fallen in Love? Do This You've fallen in love with that Florida home for sale in Boca Raton, and you're ready to make an offer: Huzzah! Here are your immediate next steps. 1. Determine your best offer. Talk with your real estate agent to figure out your initial bid. Kimberly Ehardt, a Texas real estate agent, says your agent can help you find comparable home sales in the area, look up facts such as how long the property has been on the market, and help you factor in any repairs the property may need. "Don't make a move without an agent," she says. 2. Be prepared to hurry up and wait. Accepting an offer is a big decision for the seller too, and as soon as your agent hears something, you'll be the first to know. The waiting is the hardest part, so try to find ways to distract yourself. 3. Don't jump the gun. When in doubt, listen to your gut. If you're worried you may be offering more than you'll be comfortable with, scale down. It's better to lose the property and find another that fits your budget than to win the bidding war and be house-poor. 4. Don't forget the inspection. Getting your bid accepted is only the first step. If the home inspection reveals any major problems the sellers aren't willing to address, you could still find yourself needing to walk away. If You're on the Fence When you're feeling lukewarm about a home, sometimes a little thoughtfulness can help sway you in one direction. Here are some tips to help you determine whether a home is right for you. 5. Sleep on it. Don't let a false sense of urgency push you into making a decision you're not 100 percent sure about. If the thought of sleeping on it and potentially losing the home to a more aggressive buyer leaves you brokenhearted, that could be your answer right there. If not, give it a good night's rest and see how you feel in the morning. 6. Know your must-haves. Writing out a list of qualities you consider non-negotiable and deal breakers should definitely be on your home-buying checklist. Compare this property with this list. What matches up? What doesn't? 7. Schedule a personal tour. Open houses can be misleading. The sellers' agent (or the seller himself) is extolling the home's best features, there's mood lighting and fresh-baked cookies, and you hear other buyers ooh and ah. If you're really not sure about a house, make an appointment with your agent to take a second look. "Bring a friend or family member who can offer a fresh perspective," Ehardt says. 8. Consider your lifestyle. If you're a light sleeper and the home is on a busy, noisy street, it probably won't work for you in the long term. If you have a big, active family and there's a tiny backyard, no amount of great rooms inside will keep everyone happy. Imagine yourself living in the home and ask yourself if the fit is right. 9. Consider the add-ons. The cost of a home is often more than just the final closing price -- you'll also want to tally any additional costs you'll incur, such as fixtures and appliances you want to upgrade, items that need repair, and your maintenance costs. (Read: That vaulted ceiling in the main living area can drive up your energy bills.) After considering all these extras, does buying the home still feel like a good deal? 10. Come back at different times of day. That quiet neighborhood you loved on a Sunday afternoon could become mayhem during rush hour or on a Friday night. Make sure you like the property at all times of day. 11. Trust your instincts. Indecision is rarely a 50/50 split. There's often a gut reaction or a little voice in the back of your head pulling you in one direction or the other. Listen to these instincts for a clue into what you're really thinking. When You Hate the Open House, Learn From It If you absolutely could not wait to get out of that open house, don't give up just yet. It's OK. There are lots of things you can apply to your house hunt even if you feel as if every house you've seen so far isn't even in the ballpark. Here's the key to following up after an open house you didn't love. 12. Identify the issues. Knowing what you didn't like about a property, and why, can help you hone your search so you have success in the future. Whatever your turnoffs with this home -- location, layout, style -- remember these qualities as you consider visiting new listings. 13. Expand your horizons. Maybe you thought you wanted a ranch-style home, but you're beginning to realize a Tudor or split-level might be a better fit for you. Maybe you're running out of solid options in your target neighborhood, so it's time to broaden your search into similar areas you hadn't yet considered. 14. Don't settle. It can be frustrating to visit home after home that just isn't doing it for you. But don't let frustration tempt you to settle for something that isn't right for you. While no home will be "perfect," there's a difference between making a few small compromises and making a big mistake you'll have to live with for many years to come. Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/fR6ywE
Love it or Hate it: What to Do After Every Open House
Filed under: Buying, How To Shutterstock By Paula Pant Even if you didn't fall in love, every open house is an opportunity to learn still more about what you're really looking for in a home. You can learn a lot from a visit to an open house, from whether a home is really as amazing as it looks in photos to whether the street noise is tolerable. But one thing that isn't always so clear after visiting an open house is what to do next. Whether you've fallen in love or never want to set foot in a certain neighborhood again, how do you best put that information to use? Here are the key steps buyers should take after an open house. You've Fallen in Love? Do This You've fallen in love with that Florida home for sale in Boca Raton, and you're ready to make an offer: Huzzah! Here are your immediate next steps. 1. Determine your best offer. Talk with your real estate agent to figure out your initial bid. Kimberly Ehardt, a Texas real estate agent, says your agent can help you find comparable home sales in the area, look up facts such as how long the property has been on the market, and help you factor in any repairs the property may need. "Don't make a move without an agent," she says. 2. Be prepared to hurry up and wait. Accepting an offer is a big decision for the seller too, and as soon as your agent hears something, you'll be the first to know. The waiting is the hardest part, so try to find ways to distract yourself. 3. Don't jump the gun. When in doubt, listen to your gut. If you're worried you may be offering more than you'll be comfortable with, scale down. It's better to lose the property and find another that fits your budget than to win the bidding war and be house-poor. 4. Don't forget the inspection. Getting your bid accepted is only the first step. If the home inspection reveals any major problems the sellers aren't willing to address, you could still find yourself needing to walk away. If You're on the Fence When you're feeling lukewarm about a home, sometimes a little thoughtfulness can help sway you in one direction. Here are some tips to help you determine whether a home is right for you. 5. Sleep on it. Don't let a false sense of urgency push you into making a decision you're not 100 percent sure about. If the thought of sleeping on it and potentially losing the home to a more aggressive buyer leaves you brokenhearted, that could be your answer right there. If not, give it a good night's rest and see how you feel in the morning. 6. Know your must-haves. Writing out a list of qualities you consider non-negotiable and deal breakers should definitely be on your home-buying checklist. Compare this property with this list. What matches up? What doesn't? 7. Schedule a personal tour. Open houses can be misleading. The sellers' agent (or the seller himself) is extolling the home's best features, there's mood lighting and fresh-baked cookies, and you hear other buyers ooh and ah. If you're really not sure about a house, make an appointment with your agent to take a second look. "Bring a friend or family member who can offer a fresh perspective," Ehardt says. 8. Consider your lifestyle. If you're a light sleeper and the home is on a busy, noisy street, it probably won't work for you in the long term. If you have a big, active family and there's a tiny backyard, no amount of great rooms inside will keep everyone happy. Imagine yourself living in the home and ask yourself if the fit is right. 9. Consider the add-ons. The cost of a home is often more than just the final closing price -- you'll also want to tally any additional costs you'll incur, such as fixtures and appliances you want to upgrade, items that need repair, and your maintenance costs. (Read: That vaulted ceiling in the main living area can drive up your energy bills.) After considering all these extras, does buying the home still feel like a good deal? 10. Come back at different times of day. That quiet neighborhood you loved on a Sunday afternoon could become mayhem during rush hour or on a Friday night. Make sure you like the property at all times of day. 11. Trust your instincts. Indecision is rarely a 50/50 split. There's often a gut reaction or a little voice in the back of your head pulling you in one direction or the other. Listen to these instincts for a clue into what you're really thinking. When You Hate the Open House, Learn From It If you absolutely could not wait to get out of that open house, don't give up just yet. It's OK. There are lots of things you can apply to your house hunt even if you feel as if every house you've seen so far isn't even in the ballpark. Here's the key to following up after an open house you didn't love. 12. Identify the issues. Knowing what you didn't like about a property, and why, can help you hone your search so you have success in the future. Whatever your turnoffs with this home -- location, layout, style -- remember these qualities as you consider visiting new listings. 13. Expand your horizons. Maybe you thought you wanted a ranch-style home, but you're beginning to realize a Tudor or split-level might be a better fit for you. Maybe you're running out of solid options in your target neighborhood, so it's time to broaden your search into similar areas you hadn't yet considered. 14. Don't settle. It can be frustrating to visit home after home that just isn't doing it for you. But don't let frustration tempt you to settle for something that isn't right for you. While no home will be "perfect," there's a difference between making a few small compromises and making a big mistake you'll have to live with for many years to come. Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/fR6ywE
Create a Festive Holiday Dining Room
DIY touches, from a textured table runner to turned wood candlesticks, lend this spirited eating area welcome warmth http://goo.gl/ydJVf3
Tuesday 17 November 2015
Love it or Hate it: What to Do After Every Open House
Filed under: Buying, How To Shutterstock By Paula Pant Even if you didn't fall in love, every open house is an opportunity to learn still more about what you're really looking for in a home. You can learn a lot from a visit to an open house, from whether a home is really as amazing as it looks in photos to whether the street noise is tolerable. But one thing that isn't always so clear after visiting an open house is what to do next. Whether you've fallen in love or never want to set foot in a certain neighborhood again, how do you best put that information to use? Here are the key steps buyers should take after an open house. You've Fallen in Love? Do This You've fallen in love with that Florida home for sale in Boca Raton, and you're ready to make an offer: Huzzah! Here are your immediate next steps. 1. Determine your best offer. Talk with your real estate agent to figure out your initial bid. Kimberly Ehardt, a Texas real estate agent, says your agent can help you find comparable home sales in the area, look up facts such as how long the property has been on the market, and help you factor in any repairs the property may need. "Don't make a move without an agent," she says. 2. Be prepared to hurry up and wait. Accepting an offer is a big decision for the seller too, and as soon as your agent hears something, you'll be the first to know. The waiting is the hardest part, so try to find ways to distract yourself. 3. Don't jump the gun. When in doubt, listen to your gut. If you're worried you may be offering more than you'll be comfortable with, scale down. It's better to lose the property and find another that fits your budget than to win the bidding war and be house-poor. 4. Don't forget the inspection. Getting your bid accepted is only the first step. If the home inspection reveals any major problems the sellers aren't willing to address, you could still find yourself needing to walk away. If You're on the Fence When you're feeling lukewarm about a home, sometimes a little thoughtfulness can help sway you in one direction. Here are some tips to help you determine whether a home is right for you. 5. Sleep on it. Don't let a false sense of urgency push you into making a decision you're not 100 percent sure about. If the thought of sleeping on it and potentially losing the home to a more aggressive buyer leaves you brokenhearted, that could be your answer right there. If not, give it a good night's rest and see how you feel in the morning. 6. Know your must-haves. Writing out a list of qualities you consider non-negotiable and deal breakers should definitely be on your home-buying checklist. Compare this property with this list. What matches up? What doesn't? 7. Schedule a personal tour. Open houses can be misleading. The sellers' agent (or the seller himself) is extolling the home's best features, there's mood lighting and fresh-baked cookies, and you hear other buyers ooh and ah. If you're really not sure about a house, make an appointment with your agent to take a second look. "Bring a friend or family member who can offer a fresh perspective," Ehardt says. 8. Consider your lifestyle. If you're a light sleeper and the home is on a busy, noisy street, it probably won't work for you in the long term. If you have a big, active family and there's a tiny backyard, no amount of great rooms inside will keep everyone happy. Imagine yourself living in the home and ask yourself if the fit is right. 9. Consider the add-ons. The cost of a home is often more than just the final closing price -- you'll also want to tally any additional costs you'll incur, such as fixtures and appliances you want to upgrade, items that need repair, and your maintenance costs. (Read: That vaulted ceiling in the main living area can drive up your energy bills.) After considering all these extras, does buying the home still feel like a good deal? 10. Come back at different times of day. That quiet neighborhood you loved on a Sunday afternoon could become mayhem during rush hour or on a Friday night. Make sure you like the property at all times of day. 11. Trust your instincts. Indecision is rarely a 50/50 split. There's often a gut reaction or a little voice in the back of your head pulling you in one direction or the other. Listen to these instincts for a clue into what you're really thinking. When You Hate the Open House, Learn From It If you absolutely could not wait to get out of that open house, don't give up just yet. It's OK. There are lots of things you can apply to your house hunt even if you feel as if every house you've seen so far isn't even in the ballpark. Here's the key to following up after an open house you didn't love. 12. Identify the issues. Knowing what you didn't like about a property, and why, can help you hone your search so you have success in the future. Whatever your turnoffs with this home -- location, layout, style -- remember these qualities as you consider visiting new listings. 13. Expand your horizons. Maybe you thought you wanted a ranch-style home, but you're beginning to realize a Tudor or split-level might be a better fit for you. Maybe you're running out of solid options in your target neighborhood, so it's time to broaden your search into similar areas you hadn't yet considered. 14. Don't settle. It can be frustrating to visit home after home that just isn't doing it for you. But don't let frustration tempt you to settle for something that isn't right for you. While no home will be "perfect," there's a difference between making a few small compromises and making a big mistake you'll have to live with for many years to come. Permalink | Email this | Comments http://goo.gl/fR6ywE
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