12 Home Repairs That Are Way Too Risky to Put Off

Nobody ever cheers at the thought of tackling home repairs. They’re annoying, costly, time-sucking endeavors. So often we put them off, over and over, justifying to ourselves that they can wait. Light switch doesn’t work? Whatever—you never go in that room anyway. Squeaky floors? You’re already used to them!

But there are some home improvement projects that simply can’t wait, lest you risk much bigger problems (and costly expenses) down the line. Here are 12 home repairs experts say you should never put off:

1. A leaking roof

If you see water stains on your ceiling or down your walls, get moving on the repair stat—there are a host of problems that can arise and get progressively worse with a leaking roof.

“Not repairing a leak as soon as you notice it can lead to mold, damage to the structure of your home, water damage, and even fire if water comes in contact with electrical wiring,” says Carlos de León, vice president of the León Group, an estate management company on Long Island, NY. Scared yet? Good.

2. Damaged or missing shingles

This one seems obvious, but Derek Perzylo, owner of Big 5 Exteriors in Calgary, Canada, says he regularly encounters homeowners who have never had their roof inspected.

“After a big storm, especially if there’s a lot of gusting wind and hail, it’s always a good idea to visually inspect your roof,” he says. “If you see shingles out of place, or if you see shingles on the ground, you might have some damage that could cause potential problems, like leaks, down the road.”

3. Sagging roof

Roof sagging can be caused by moisture in the attic space, says Joe Todaro, director of operations at Gold Medal Service in East Brunswick, NJ. If left untreated, the structure of the wood will weaken and settle, causing cracks in the exterior walls. Proper ventilation is essential for an attic.

4. Cracks in the foundation

Your home’s foundation may develop small cracks over time, and it’s best to address them to prevent spreading. Otherwise you might have to replace the foundation, which can cost as much as $100,000. Large cracks that go unaddressed can lead to everything from leaking to parts of the concrete collapsing.

“The damage could be life-threatening if your home is not supported properly,” León says.

5. Gas leaks

Since natural gas and propane are heavier than air, they “pool” in the low points of your home. The second you smell gas (a telltale rotten egg–like smell), call your gas company and vacate the premises until a company worker arrives.

“You risk having an explosion or fire by not doing something about a gas leak immediately,” León says.

6. Plumbing leaks

Leaking water can lead to mold, structural problems, and health issues. Homeowners should check under sinks at least once a year to ensure no water is leaking into the cabinets. If you see any, call a plumber right away.

7. Mold

Is there good mold and bad mold? Not really. When you see it, deal with it. And simply having a “mold remediation” company come in to assess things is not the entire answer, says Jeff Wilson, HGTV host and author of “The Greened House Effect.”

“The reason the mold formed in the first place needs to be sussed out and the problem fixed by a building science professional trained by an organization like Building Performance Institute,” he says.

So just to be clear: While not all molds are life-threatening, all of them—even the ubiquitous shower mold—can potentially make you sick. So it’s best to be aggressive no matter what kind you see.

8. Overtaxed or poor electrical systems

More than 40,000 electrical fires occur each year in the United States. And most of them could have been easily avoided. Some warning signs of faulty electrical work include circuit breakers blowing unexpectedly, lights flickering, and outlets and/or switches being warm or hot to the touch. Not calling an electrician can result in your home catching fire. Got it? Call the electrician.

9. Clogged gutters

Clogged gutters are easy to ignore, but they can cause substantial damage to your home if you don’t make it your business to keep them clean.

The role of gutters and drainpipes is to draw rainfall away from the home. If they’re stopped up, water begins to pool in vulnerable areas. You’ll face a higher risk for wood rot around the fascia and for foundation damage in low, sloped areas around the perimeter of your home.

Homeowners should clean out their gutters twice a year and water test them with a garden hose afterward. Make sure the water travels easily through the gutter system, into the drainpipe, and away from the home’s foundation.

10. Cracked driveways

Most driveways are pitched to direct water away from your foundation. If there are cracks and settling in your driveway, not only are they a tripping hazard, they could also lead to possible water damage in your home.

11. Damaged decks

The No. 1 danger spot with decks is when there’s worn or missing flashing, the thin layer of material that keeps water from getting into places it doesn’t belong. Without flashing, water can get into the ledger board (which connects the deck to the house) and weaken the wood and metal fasteners that hold the deck together. And if a weakened deck is overloaded, it can have expensive—if not deadly—consequences.

12. Clogged dryer vents

Removing the lint from your dryer vent isn’t just one of those things your mama nagged you to do. It could mean the difference between life and death.

“It’s not a big project by any means,” says Aaron Rovner, vice president of business development at ServiceWhale in Trevose, PA. “But if you allow lint and other fabric to sit in a dryer vent, it will ultimately cause an airflow and exhaust backup that will turn into a major fire hazard.”

So you have your work cut out for you. The good news is that you don’t have to do many of these repairs frequently. But when you see warning signs, get going pronto—or risk bigger problems down the road.

Inventory is Down

Sales are Up

Prices are Consistent

Sale to List $ is Up

Thinking of a move? The timing may be right for you!

13 HOUSE MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR FALL

1. Check around the windows and the doors for air leaks and seal with weatherstripping; replace windows if necessary
2. Check the flue on your fireplace and make sure it’s closed if you’re not using it. Clean fireplace and chimney regularly
3. Replace the filter on your heater monthly for improved efficiency
4. Service Contract for your HVAC System at least 4 times per year
5. Check on your Hot Water Heater and wrap with insulation (lifetime use is about 9 years-replace if necessary)
6. Get an automatic thermostat with programmable set back feature to adjust when you’re not at home or when you retire
7. Do an exterior inspection and make sure that downspouts clear your foundation preventing water seepage damage
8. Install gutter guard screens to prevent clogs from leaves and potential ice damming
9. Keep leaves and mulch away from the foundation to help reduce potential termite infestation-have Termite Control Service contract
10. Thin trees of dead branches, especially those that cause roof damage
11. Clean debris from sliding door tracks so that they close securely
12. Install smoke detectors change batteries – some townships now require smoke detectors in each of the bedrooms
13. Seal/repair driveways and walkways to prevent freeze/thaw damage

25 Pre-Holiday Weight Loss Tips

This is the time of year when many people gear up to lose weight.....before the holidays begin.  Here are 25 tips that may be of help if you're staring at the scale in dismay. If the list of 25 seems daunting, add them into your routine 5 at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself.

Q: How do you eat an elephant? A: One bite at a time.

1. Set a realistic weight-loss goal. Most experts recommend aiming for half a pound to 2 pounds a week.

2. Keep track. Dieters who keep track of everything they eat lose twice as much weight as those who don't, research shows.

3. Motivate yourself. Get a pair of jeans or pants that are too tight and hang them in the kitchen instead of the closet to keep yourself inspired.

4. Get help from family and friends. Dieters who have support from a partner at home lose more weight than those who don't, studies show.

5. Move it to lose it. Research shows that people who do physical activities such as walking or biking for two to four hours a week during weight-loss efforts lose an extra 3 to 5 pounds over a year.

6. Pay attention to portions. A 3-ounce portion of meat, poultry or fish is about the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards; 1 teaspoon of butter or margarine, a standard postage stamp; a cup of cold cereal, berries or popcorn, a baseball; 4-inch pancake or waffle, the diameter of a CD.

7. Clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Get rid of the foods that sabotage your weight loss.

8. Create "a dinner deck." This would include 10 favorite quick and healthful dinners written on index cards. Each card should list the ingredients for the recipe on one side and directions for making it on the other.

9. Avoid hunger. Eat regular meals and snacks. Make sure you have some protein foods such as yogurt, tuna, beans or chicken for most meals. Some research suggests that protein helps you feel full longer.

10. Keep produce on hand. Place a bowl of vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, cucumbers or carrot sticks in the refrigerator. You can eat them as a snack or when preparing meals to take the edge off your hunger.

11. Stock up on "impulse fruits." Keep things like grapes, clementines, small apples, small bananas and pears around the house. These foods are easy to eat without having to do much cutting and slicing.

12. Make some stealth changes. That will get everyone in the family eating healthier. Buy low-fat 1% or skim milk, low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese instead of the full-fat versions. Use them in recipes to cut the fat and calories.

13. Cut out liquid calories. Eliminate soda and sugary drinks such as sweetened iced tea, sports drinks and alcoholic beverages. Liven up the taste of water by adding lemon, lime, cucumber or mint.... or my favorite, the new product Mio. Choose skim and 1% milk.

14. Practice the "Rule of One." When it comes to high-calorie foods, you won't go wrong if you allow one small treat a day. That might be one cookie or a fun-sized candy bar.

15. Pace, don't race. Force yourself to eat more slowly and savor each bite.

16. Hydrate before meals. Drinking 16 ounces, or two glasses, of water before meals may help you eat less.

17. Downsize plates, bowls, glasses, silverware. Using smaller versions of your serving ware will help you eat less food naturally.

18. Adopt the motto "after 8 is too late" for snacks after dinner.

19. Buy a pedometer. Health experts recommend taking at least 10,000 steps a day, which is roughly 4 to 5 miles, depending on your stride length.

20. Treat yourself occasionally. If your chocolate craving is getting to you, try diet hot-chocolate packets. If you need a treat, go out for it or buy small prepackaged portions of ice cream bars. If you love chocolate, consider keeping bite-size pieces in the freezer.

21. Dine at a table. Eat from a plate while seated at a table. Don't eat while driving, lounging on the couch or standing at the fridge.

22. Dine out without pigging out. Figure out what you are going to eat in advance. Get salad dressing on the side. Restaurants usually put about one-quarter cup (4 tablespoons) of dressing on a salad, which is often too many calories. Best to stick with 1 to 2 tablespoons. Dip your fork into the dressing and then into the salad.

23. Get plenty of sleep. Scientists have found that sleep deprivation increases levels of a hunger hormone and decreases levels of a hormone that makes you feel full. The effects may lead to overeating and weight gain.

24. Weigh yourself regularly. That's what successful dieters and those who manage to maintain weight loss do. Some step on the scales once a week. Others do so daily.

25. Reward yourself. When you meet your incremental weight loss goals, say losing 5 pounds, treat yourself to something — but not food. Buy a CD or DVD you've been wanting or go out to a movie with a friend

Most Americans think home buying is a “good financial decision”

Has activity in the housing market increased? Nearly half of Americans in the top 50 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) believe so.

NAR recently released the results of their eleventh Housing Pulse Surveys, which showed 85 percent of Americans think purchasing a home is a good financial decision, with 73 percent “strongly” agreeing.

However, concern about housing costs still exist, but are improving. Of those surveyed, 76 percent say they do not make enough income to make housing affordable, despite a full-time job. Meanwhile, 59 percent are concerned about high rental prices, and 49 percent are concerned about high prices for homes in their area.

College debt still haunts many would-be home buyers. Seventy-eight percent, especially millenials, of those surveyed said their student debt is their biggest obstacle to homeownership.

Of respondents, two-thirds believe that house prices are more expensive than 2015

, which concerns them. Of the top 25 MSAs, 41 percent say the lack of available housing that is affordable is a problem, which is an increase since 2013.

Yet, 61 percent of current renters claim that they would like to eventually own a home, and it’s one of their highest personal priorities. That is an increase of 11 percent from 2013.

And 68 percent believe that it is now is a good time to buy a home. With rents continuing to rise, many renters are feeling the financial strain on their budget. Of millenials, 65 percent are concerned about the high cost of rent on their budget. Eighty-eight percent of respondents believe the housing market will grow, or at least remain the same.

And the top three reasons to own a home, according to the results? Home ownership means the money you spend on housing goes towards building equity, rather than to a landlord; home ownership creates the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that you enjoy; and home ownership provides a stable and safe environment for children and other family members.

CURRENT MORTGAGE RATES FOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA

3 Reasons to List Your Home NOW

When consumers are on a mission to buy something and can’t find what they want, they often encounter that frustrating feeling of slim choices in stores or online. Such is the case with housing inventory as the end of the year draws closer.

With fall in full swing and school underway, this is the time of year sellers typically consider pulling their homes off the market or delay listing it until next year.

With a faster pace of sales in many real estate markets across the country, current and future homesellers might want to rethink that strategy.

Housing choices are more limited right now, which might create pent-up demand as buyers crave new choices. Many buyers are ready to purchase, are actively monitoring property listings for “the one” and will spring into action upon learning about fresh options.

Here are three main reasons why it makes sense to put a home on the market right now:

1. Low inventory

It comes down to “Economics 101:” there are a shortage of homes for sale in many markets throughout the country in relation to buyer demand.

This creates a highly desirable atmosphere to attain the best possible price and terms for a home if sellers prep for sale the right way. Did someone say bidding war?

2. Rising appreciation

After several years of dealing with distressed sales and foreclosure inventory that caused values to decline, home prices are on the rise.

Many sellers are in an enviable position to sell and walk away with a nice profit that they can use on the next place they decide to call home.

3. Low Interest Rates

With interest rates hovering around the 3.5 percent range, the cost of borrowing money remains extremely attractive.

Couple that with a variety of attractive loan programs, and there have never been more responsible options for buyers at various price points and stages to purchase a property, whether it’s a primary or secondary residence — or investment.

Call me for a FREE MARKET EVALUATION on your property!

Data From 3rd Quarter 2016

9 Habits for a Home That Always Feels Neat and Fresh

THE 5 MINDSETS OF A CHAMPION

You can become a champion in whatever you like whether it be washing the dishes or mastering a new skill. One of the hardest things to win over is your mind, at the end of the day achieving anything usually comes from a strong mental outlook and enthusiasm for what your doing……

1- Stay Present In What Your Doing

The Power of Now!  I am putting this at number one as to me its the most important and the hardest to master. When you are present and fully engaged in what you are doing nothing can get in your way, there is no room for fear, anxiety, or other negative emotions to stop you doing what your doing to your full potential.

You can stay present whatever your doing in life, you just need to realize and acknowledge when your thinking goes out of hand and drags you into the past or future. It can seem very hard at first but eventually it becomes easier and even second nature. 

2- No Regrets Mindset

Look at your past but DON"T STARE!

You can’t changed what’s happened and truth be told whatever you have done or made a decision about was the best you could have made at that given time. If you live with this mindset your life will become far easier and less stressful….

Too many people are tied up with regrets and have their minds stuck in the past and things they may have done wrong. These don’t have to be big things they can be as small and trivial as picking the wrong piece of fruit while grocery shopping, you would be surprised how much these things play on people’s minds.Always tell yourself that whatever you did was the right decision it will save a load of mental clutter and allow you to stay in the moment.

Get into the mindset that you can’t lose with any decision you make, regardless of the outcome!

3- Having a Beginners Mind

This one does not mean dumbing down. Many smart people maintain a beginners' mind in whatever they do. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would.

Having a beginners mind will allow you to learn new stuff and do things without thinking too much about them, which is key not only to be the best at what you do, but to do whatever you want well!

Sometimes we just need to admit and say “I Don’t Know” this will not only crush your ego which always wants to know best but it will leave you with an open mind which is ready to learn, adapt and evolve.

Living with “I know” is a tremendous handicap that keeps us out of the present, and living in the past. It doesn’t allow us anything new, no surprises, no insights, no discoveries. It doesn’t allow us to unlock and understand any of the mysteries of the present moment, and it keeps us frozen in the judgments of the past.

4- Knowing What You Want

This can be for anything, in order to achieve something you need to know you what you want. For instance if you want to lose weight try and have a mental picture of how you will look once you have achieved your ideal weight or gain some muscle. Try and consider these 3 factors when figuring out what you want

• What do you want to achieve?
• What, When, Where, Who and How?
• What will you see, hear and feel when you’ve achieved your outcome?

If you lay out plans with a certain template like the one above it will allow you to envision exactly what you want making it far more achievable and putting things in perspective.

5- Not Being Dragged Down

People who are good at what they do or even just happy with life, don’t let the small stuff (or small people!) drag them down. If you let what others thing, say or do affect how you feel and act negatively then things have got to change. Remember we cannot change others and need to accept people as they are in order to live a constructive and purposeful life. Truth is there will always be people trying to drag you down.

The same goes for your mental outlook on life, don’t let the chatter box in your head talk you into negative thoughts as soon as you hear them coming, face them realise they are not you but your negative internal dialogue and let the slip or flow like a pebble passing a stream.

The earlier you catch a negative train of thought and reject it the easier life becomes as once they set in and feed on your negative emotions they can be hard to shake.

Don't let other people take up residence in your mind! And don't allow yourself to stay in 'park' when you are there!

Applying The Knowledge

These 5 mindsets can be set towards anything and should be veichles to carry you through all of life’s obstacles. They can also be more specific you could apply them to;

• Getting in Shape
• Suceeding in Your Career
• Starting Your Own Business or changing Careers
• Socializing
• Starting New Relationships
• And Ultimately ...... Finding Peace in Your Mind

“Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life. If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted. If you continue to act as you have always acted, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind.” - Anonymous

TOP 25 FITTEST & FATTEST CITIES

Top 25 Fittest Cities according to Men Fitness Magazine
1. Baltimore, MD

2. Honolulu, HI
3. Virginia Beach, VA
4. Tucson, AZ
5. Milwaukee, WI
6. Colorado Springs, CO
7. San Francisco, CA
8. Seattle, WA (1)
9. Louisville-Jefferson, KY
10. Boston, MA
11. Sacramento
12. Nashville-Davidson, TN
13. Albuquerque, NM  
14. Tulsa, OK
15. Phoenix, AZ
16. Atlanta, GA
17. Portland, OR
18. Washington D.C.
19. Oakland, CA
20. Denver, CO
21. Minneapolis
22. Arlington, TX
23. Austin, TX
24. Jacksonville, FL
25. Omaha, NE

  Top 25 Fattest Cities according to Men Fitness Magazine
1. Chicago, IL
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Los Angeles, CA
4. Dallas, TX
5. Houston, TX
6. Memphis, TN
7. Long Beach, CA
8. El Paso, TX
9. Kansas City, MO
10. Mesa, AZ
11. Indianapolis, IN
12. San Antonio, TX
13. Fort Worth, TX
14. Miami, FL
15. Detroit, MI
16. Columbus, OH
17. Oklahoma City, OK
18. Cleveland, OH
19. Wichita, KS
20. Charlotte, NC
21. San Diego, CA
22. Fresno, CA
23. Philadelphia, PA
24. San Jose, CA
25. New York, NY

CURRENT MORTGAGE RATES FOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA.

Should you buy property for your college student to use while in college?

You're already helping pay for your kid's expensive college education, so the idea of also buying a house on top of that might sound crazy. But buying a property for your kid to use while in college could have some real financial benefits and possibly turn into a profit if it's right for you.

Room and board is the second-highest expense for college students. Room and board on campus for a private, nonprofit, four-year college or university can average $11,516 a year. Going a little cheaper, on-campus room and board for an in-state public four-year college or university can average $10,138 a year, which isn't much cheaper, according to the College Board's website.

This can quickly add up after four years.

When purchasing a home for your student, it's vital to understand that owning a rental property is a business, and problems are likely to arise. Like most business ventures, a full understanding of the arrangement by everyone involved is key, even if your child's friends are also tenants - it can be great, but ... be warned ... it can also create some uncomfortable situations. 

Facts

• Purchasing real estate is a long-term investment, and typically it takes about seven years for the investment to increase in value enough to exceed the costs associated with buying and selling the property, so you've got to be prepared to stick it out for a while.  
• Although the purchase process (buyer-seller contract negotiation, inspection, closing, etc.) is similar for primary and secondary residences, you'll find major differences in getting a second-home mortgage.

Pros

• Money that would typically go toward renting an apartment or dorm instead goes to an investment in homeownership.
• Income from roommates or tenants after graduation can meet or even exceed the home's mortgage and related maintenance costs.
• The house can provide you student with increased responsibility and real-life experience.

Cons

• It's not possible to control the local housing market or economy, so an increase in value can't be guaranteed.
• Second-home loans usually require more money down and better credit scores, and lenders take an in-depth look to ensure that a second-home buyer is financially capable of paying two mortgages - they even have formulas for calculating shortages in expected rental income.
• Property tax rules and possible deductions for second homes are very complicated and vary widely, so it's important to talk with a tax professional before buying a second home.

Tips

• Carefully consider your current financial position and be sure you can fully support the extra mortgage and maintenance costs of a second home for an extended period of time, even if rental income will be provided by the students' roommates.
• Whether you're familiar with the area or not, consult with a Realtor. A Realtor can provide extensive information about the current conditions and history of the local housing market and are also usually well-versed in the idiosyncrasies of a college's location/population.
• Will the house sit empty a few months during the summer? Is it in an area that students like?
• To best ensure the house retains its own value, maintain it with proper upkeep inside and out, as well as landscaping and major systems.
• Since it can take a while to see an increase in value that's enough to offset the costs of buying and selling the property, be prepared to hold on to it for a while - purchase the property before a student starts school, and hold on to it for a few years after graduation (or through graduate school or siblings).

Now matter where you may be considering doing this, I can refer you to a TOP NOTCH Agent through my extensive network of Keller Williams Agents. Call or email me with any questions!

HOW TO SELL YOUR HOUSE QUICKLY

Ask any realtor and they'll tell you: houses that sell within the first five weeks of their listing are most likely to fetch their asking price. The longer your house lingers on the real estate listings, the more pressure you'll feel to knock the price down - and the less likely it is to sell without some incentives from you, the home seller. Even if you don't have to sell your house fast, it's the best way of getting the price that you want for it. Put your home sale on the fast track with these tips and tricks from professional Realtors.

Find a Realtor

Your best option for selling quickly is to give the job to a professional, and let their experience guide you. A realtor knows all the ins and outs, as well as what selling strategies work best in your area. They can help you set the right selling price for your property (which is the second most commonly offered piece of advice to help your home sell quickly), offer concrete suggestions for improving the chances of a sale, hook your home into the Multiple Listing Service, and guide you through every step of the selling process.

Choose your Realtor carefully, and accept their advice. He or she knows what will sell your house. A good Realtor will suggest most of the house sell tips listed below.

Set The Right Price

Every Realtor asked said that the most important factor in selling a home quickly was to price it right. Further, the most common mistake sellers make is pricing too high. Experienced real estate agents strongly suggest starting from the average price in your area and working from there, rather than starting with your desired net gain. Your best gauge to determine the right selling price for your home is the recent selling prices of similar homes in your neighborhood. Your realtor is the best source of those prices - they have insider access, after all.

Prepare Your Property BEFORE Listing It

There are a number of things you can do to make your property more appealing, and they should be done before you start showing it - and this is called home staging. 'Staging' has been known to make home sell faster. The key is being sure that your house looks its very best from the start. Now is the time to make needed repairs. If it needs sprucing up, get that done first. Fresh paint, trimmed bushes, mowed lawns and immaculate cleanliness are all important factors in making your home attractive and saleable.

After Listing, Keep The House Immaculate

Be ready to show the house at a moment's notice. Make sure you pack up the junk and rent a storage unit as clutter and junk will erode the potential equity your house will bring. If there are too much 'junk' in a room it makes the room look smaller and distracts the buyer's attention. Perform a thorough house cleaning. Make the windows shine and wipe down the baseboards. Keep the sink empty and wiped, and make sure that the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. Don't forget to eradicate unpleasant odors. It's important that your house should look as close to move-in condition as possible - all the time!

Fade Into The Background

When the house is being shown, be as unobtrusive as possible. If you've contracted with a Realtor let him or her do the selling. If you're doing the selling yourself, be available to answer questions and conduct a brief tour - but give the prospective buyers plenty of 'alone time' to explore and kick the tires.

Offer Incentives To Make The Asking Price More Attractive

Got a buyer that just loves the house, but needs a little extra boost to make the commitment? There are a number of incentives you can offer as an alternative to lowering your asking price. This is another place that a good realtor can make valuable suggestions based on their own experience. An offer to cover buyer closing costs, for instance, can bring the up-front expenses of buying your home into range for a first-time buyer struggling to meet a down payment, points and closing costs.

Other common incentives include a 'decorating allowance' or including household items and appliances in the purchase price.

Take Advantage Of Employer Help If It's Available

If you're relocating for work, check your company's relocation assistance plan. Some may cover the cost of long-distance selling, or even purchase the home and resell it, depending on the circumstances.

There you have it. Apply these tips to sell your house fast as the peak home selling and buying season is upon us

10 EXERCISE MYTHS

WARNING: Don’t weight train until after you’ve lost weight!
NO, NO, NO pleeeeease don’t believe that ! That’s one of the many myths associated with weight loss and fitness. If you’re interested in losing weight and getting fit as quickly as possible, don’t let these myths throw you off track:
Myth #1 – Some fancy exercise machine-of-the-month burns more calories than any other exercise.
FACT – One thing that many people seem to be confused about is how many calories are expended during different types of exercise. Caloric expenditure is directly related to the amount of effort an activity requires. In general, the more difficult it feels, the more calories you burn. The easier it feels the fewer calories you burn. That’s it! I  don’t care how fancy or expensive the equipment is, the harder you work the more calories you burn.
Myth #2 – Weight training with free weights is much more effective than with machines.
FACT – For the purposes of general fitness, muscle toning, and weight loss, it doesn’t matter. My suggestion is to do whichever you are most comfortable with and are most likely to do on a regular basis.
Myth #3 – Low intensity exercise puts you in the “fat burning zone” and is ideal for weight loss.
FACT – The “fat burning zone” doesn’t matter. Here’s how it got started. Your body is always “burning” a mixture of carbohydrates and fat for fuel. This mixture tends to contain a little more fat during lower intensity exercise. Somebody took this to mean that a lower intensity workout was best for losing weight.. not so!
It all comes from the same “pot”. It doesn’t matter if you’re burning a little more fat or a little more carbohydrate at any particular time in your fuel mix. It all comes from the same calorie pool. The bottom line is, how many calories are you burning.
Myth #4 – Exercising for 30 minutes two to three times per week is sufficient for weight loss.
FACT – That’s better than doing nothing but it’s not optimal. I firmly believe that God designed our bodies to be active daily. When we exercise daily we are healthier, leaner, more energetic, and the list goes on and on. Also, daily exercise boosts your metabolism like nothing else can. I recommend working up to 30 to 60 minutes of daily aerobic exercise and three days of weight training per week..... YOU"RE WORTH IT!!!
Myth #5 – You can lose fat from a specific part of your body by doing an exercise for that part of your body. For example, abdominal crunches will remove fat from your abdominal area.
FACT – You can’t spot reduce! You cannot control where fat is removed from your body.
Myth #6 – You can’t lose weight.
FACT – You CAN lose weight but it usually happens much slower than you’d like it to. Believing that you CAN lose weight is critical to making it happen. Realize that if you are consistently doing the right things, it will happen. Don’t get side-tracked by every new crazy diet or exercise gizmo. Keep plugging away at healthy eating habits and daily exercise – it will happen!
Myth #7 – You shouldn’t start weight training until you’ve lost most of the weight you want to lose because it will slow down your fat loss, or trap your fat in the muscle, or who knows what else.
FACT – Weight training is VITAL to a weight loss program because it turns up the metabolic fires that burn calories – and it tones your muscles. You should start weight training immediately.
Myth #8 – You burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach.
FACT – Exercising on an empty stomach does not affect how you lose weight. In fact, it may hinder it if you don’t have the energy to exercise. You should at least drink a glass of juice prior to your workout if you’re exercising in the morning.
Myth #9 – You should always do your weight training just before your aerobic exercise session because you burn more fat that way. I’ve even heard that you should weight train, eat two raw carrots, and then do your aerobic exercise.
FACT – The order in which you exercise does not affect how you lose weight. I always recommend weight training just after your aerobic exercise (such as walking) simply because your muscles are warm and supple and much less prone to injuries.
Myth #10 – You’ll burn more calories jogging a mile than walking a mile.
FACT – Caloric expenditure is 62 calories per 100 pounds body weight per mile traveled (walked or jogged). For example, if you weight 150 pounds, you expend 93 calories per mile walked or jogged (62 x 1.5). Of course, if you’re jogging, you’ll cover the distance in less time than if you’re walking. Thus, you’ll burn more calories in a given period of time if you’re jogging.

WHICH SEASON IS THE BEST TO SELL A HOME?

Most families want to make the purchase of their home and complete the transaction before the summer months, when the kids and family are on summer vacation. Parents are keenly aware that school registrations need to be dealt with -- and who wants to be loading a moving truck in the middle of August?

Sensibly, spring also offers the best time of year to showcase your home. After a long winter, the first hints of cherry blossoms and crocuses seem to trigger the “moving bug” in many people. Gardens tend to look their best in fresh bloom, when the leaves are on the trees. Homes appear more appealing when the weather is warming up and buyers tend to be in high spirits.

It’s also usually easier to get your home ready for sale at this time of year -- from painting inside or out, to the simple ability to keep the house cleaner without the winter muck being traipsed throughout every time someone walks through the front door. Just remember, when you sell at the busiest time of the year you will face more competition, so make sure your home shows at its best!

If you’re selling anything over a certain price (and that depends on where you live -- but we’ll say anything in the top 20% price range of your community), expect the summer months to be particularly slow. Expensive homes require buyers with big pockets -- and where are they in the summer? Most likely away on vacation, not looking for a home….so that’s where the early to mid fall selling season comes in.  

Fall is considered the next best time to list your home on the market– especially if it's a nice long Indian summer. Linked to the “back to school” mentality, with the leaves turning fabulous colors and nice cool crisp temperatures, you’ll have another good shot at selling a family home -- often to someone who’s already in your neighbourhood. That being said, be prepared to keep up that curbside appeal as the weather changes.

Some properties will sell at any time of year -- such as those aimed at first time home owners, especially condominiums and town homes. Often these buyers are not faced with the constraints of school catchments, and are much more interested in amenities like underground parking, recreation facilities and the nearest coffee shop. These buyers are happy to shop at any time of year, so sales will often be a bit steadier throughout.

Vacation properties always do their best in the spring and summer months, because that is when buyers visit these destinations. They benefit from the fact that vacationers will actually be where these listings are, and not just looking at pictures online or in a brochure. It’s also hard to imagine water skiing when the temperature is hovering at zero and the cottage for sale has had the water and power shut off for the season. 

Having said this, there really is no wrong time to list your home, because if you price your home right, and make every effort to present it in a superior way, chances are you will sell your property in a timely manner. However, if you find that you have to list in December because of a change in career or what have you, remember to be realistic. The holidays in particular can be the hardest time to sell, when everyone’s minds are on other things. Don’t be frustrated though -- you never know. After all, one of my listings sold last year on Christmas Eve.

5 Tips for Staying in Shape over Labor Day Weekend

Everyone knows staying in shape is hard, but if you apply these five tips, you might survive this holiday weekend without tipping the scales.

 

Taking the time to do what is necessary to stay fit can be a serious pain, especially on your day off. But if you apply these five tips for staying in shape during this Labor Day weekend, you may find that the rest of your week, and possibly year, will go a lot smoother.

• Work out over the weekend.

This bit of advice is probably the most likely to be ignored, and the last thing anyone wants to do on a holiday weekend. But one of the biggest complaints people have about working out is finding the time. A three-day weekend is a perfect opportunity to catch up, or work ahead on exercise, as it offers a day off between work outs if you work out every other day (as you should). Having to exercise after working all day is something that almost no one wants to do, so use this precious time to crank out a little cardio now, so you don’t have to do it during the week.

• Don’t go crazy with the food.

There is something about holidays, even ones that are devoid of any association with food or indulgence, that make people want to eat truckloads of fatty foods. A study conducted by health psychology researchers Raymond C. Baker and Daniel S. Kirschenbaum found that when they monitored the weight fluctuations of 36 women and six men, the subjects gained 500 percent more weight over the holidays I’m not saying don’t eat; just don’t eat enough to become 500 percent fatter.

• Work ahead.

Many studies, including one conducted by the University of California in 2007, link weight gain to stress. So it logically follows that the less stressed you are, the easier it’s going to be to avoid overeating. Getting ahead on your work before the weekend arrives means you won’t have to suffer the crunch of the four-day work week that will inevitably follow the holiday. This will also help to keep your mind off of work so you can enjoy yourself.

• Take it easy on the sauce.

It’s no secret that most people do their drinking on the weekends. And the longer the weekend is, the more drinking that’s likely to occur. Alcoholic beverages can have pretty high calorie counts depending on what you’re drinking. A single 12-ounce bottle of most beers will run you 100 calories and one shot of distilled liquor can hover around the same. And no one ever stops with only one shot or bottle of beer. Pick out one day during the weekend to go nuts, but lay off after that. You can still get plastered (if that's what you're into) and you’ll likely drink significantly less than if you drank moderately every day of the weekend.

• Pace yourself.

If you are just beginning a weight loss regime, no matter what time of year it is, it’s important to remember that there’s no such thing as fast results. With perseverance, the weight will come off, if indeed that is what you’re trying to accomplish. But don’t starve yourself or completely deprive yourself of things you enjoy or you will fail. In fact, if you have already been on a weight loss program for a while, the Labor Day weekend might just be the perfect time to give yourself a break and cheat a little.
At the end of the day, nobody needs a six-pack. But even if you aren’t dieting, watching what you eat over the holidays will help you keep from gaining a lot of weight in the long run. Be happy, be healthy and enjoy your holiday weekend.