1. Use proper lighting. Good general lighting, supplemented with proper task lighting that’s clearly focused on a work surface, can greatly decrease your chance of injury while preparing a meal. The lighting should not produce any glare or shadows on the surface. 

2. Use slip-resistant flooring. Falling with a hot casserole or a sharp knife in your hand can have serious consequences. A slip-resistant material on your floor, such as matte-finished wood or laminate, textured vinyl or a soft-glazed ceramic tile, provides added safety. If you select tile, try using a throw-rug with a non-skid backing for added precautions, especially around areas that get wet. 

3. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. The NKBA recommends that a fire extinguisher be visibly located near a room exit, away from cooking equipment. Never store an extinguisher near or under a cook top or range. If a fire is to occur, those areas will likely be the cause and make an extinguisher stored in that area unreachable. 

4. Keep electrical switches, plugs and lighting fixtures away from water sources and wet hands. Building codes require that every electrical receptacle be grounded and protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters, which shut off the room’s electric current if there is a power surge or moisture is present. In addition, the NKBA recommends all wall-mounted room controls be 15 inches to 48 inches above the finished floor. 

5. Regulate water temperatures and devices. Install faucets with anti-scald devices that prevent water temperature from rising to dangerous levels, or buy pressure-balanced valves that equalize hot and cold water. Faucets also are available that can be pre-programmed to your desired temperature setting. 

6. Find a safe cook top. Avoid being scalded by steam from a boiling pot by opting for staggered burners or one straight row of burners on your cook top. And never choose a unit with controls along the back of the appliance; controls should be along the side or in the front. 

7. Use the space safely. Think about how traffic will flow through the kitchen and make sure no one will interfere with your space when cooking. Locate microwaves conveniently above the floor to avoid reaching to retrieve food. Slide-out trays and bins in base cabinets make storage items more accessible to eliminate bending. Avoid putting a range near an entrance or exit. And lastly, avoid sharp corners on the ends of counter tops, especially islands and peninsulas, by having them rounded. 

To ensure your kitchen meets and exceeds all safety standards, look to a professional to design your kitchen.

Remodeling a home has many benefits. The homeowner can stay in the home and keep their cherished memories, while the home is transformed to fit current needs. The inconvenience of packing and moving is eliminated. The value of the home usually increases, which will ensure a higher resale value if a move ever arises. 

An excellent place to begin remodeling your home is on the exterior. The outside of a home gives the first impression. A clean, well-kept exterior suggests a home that has been taken care of and invested in. A great way to achieve this look is to have new siding professionally installed. 

When investing in siding, it is important to compare companies and ask questions; talk with other homeowners who have had their homes sided by these companies; and, most importantly, compare what the siding is made of and how it is applied. 

Most home siding is constructed of either steel or vinyl. Steel siding is the most durable. If you live in a climate where the temperature varies significantly during the year, durability is even more important. Steel siding will not warp, rot or chip in hot and cold temperatures like vinyl can, and is more resistant to wind. The strength of steel keeps it held snug to the home. Lighter vinyl can be lifted and torn away from the home, leaving the homeowner to clean up and repair the damage. 

How the siding is applied is also very important. Some siding comes in standard 12-foot lengths, which can leave your home with visible seams. Moisture and bugs can get behind these seams and could cause mold and loss of energy. There are companies that can manufacture and install their siding to fit any size. Each piece of steel siding is formed and cut to an exact length, eliminating seams and giving your home a freshly painted, clean seamless look. 

Adding siding to your home can be a big project, but when you hire professionals, your home will look great and you’ll save time and money.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), home remodeling may be preferable to moving. Remodeling can be less expensive — the process of selling a home and moving can cost up to 10 percent of the value of your current home. Remodeling also enables your family to stay in a familiar neighborhood and school district. And though it can be stressful, remodeling is much easier than moving a household. 

In addition, remodeling allows you to customize improvements based on your individual needs and lifestyle. There are many reasons people choose to remodel. You may wish to add more space, upgrade cabinets and countertops, or improve energy efficiency with new windows, doors and climate control systems. 

Remodeling and increased home values 

Remodeling can also increase the value of a home. However, a home’s value may not increase as much as you might have expected. In some cases, you may not even recover the costs of the renovation. 

The Remodelers’ Council, a part of the National Home Builders’ Association, suggests remodeling projects that bring the value of your home up to the value of your neighbors’ homes. A good rule of thumb is to keep the total of the value of your home before remodeling and the value of the remodeling projects to within 10 percent to 15 percent above median sales prices for a home in your neighborhood. Avoid projects that make your home the most expensive in your neighborhood or different from the other homes, such as a large outdoor swimming pool. 

Experts agree that kitchen and bath remodeling projects are the most likely to allow you to recoup their investments, possibly because home buyers expect to spend a great deal of time in these areas of the house. 

If increasing your home’s value is a key priority, keep in mind that your keenest competition at resale will be new homes. So get a sense of what these buyers want by looking at the features and amenities found in new homes, such as great rooms and high ceilings. 

Financing your remodeling project: more options than ever 

Once you have decided on the remodeling project, it’s time to obtain financing. With today’s low interest rates and climbing home prices, homeowners have greater opportunity to borrow against their equity. They also face more choices for accessing equity, because lenders are offering greater options than ever before. 

A key decision is choosing between a home equity loan or a line of credit. Although both borrow against the equity in your home, there are differences between them. A home equity loan is given as a lump sum and under preset terms is repaid over a fixed period of time, generally 15 years. 

A revolving home equity line of credit, on the other hand, provides a credit limit or line, which you can draw on as needed, making regular payments. As you make payments, you can continue to borrow against the credit line during the draw period. Many homeowners enjoy the flexibility of a line of credit. To determine which option is best for you, sit down with your lender or financial planner. 

Some lenders, such as Bank of America, the largest home equity lender in the United States, are introducing features to make the process more convenient for customers. 

New access options — Card access, such as the Bank of America Equity CreditLine Visa, which directly accesses a home equity line of credit, is growing in popularity. Sandra Endsley, product manager, Equity CreditLine Visa, said that individuals reported in research that they enjoy the convenience of using a card without having to then write a check to transfer the charge. Although it can be carried in a wallet, the card has a distinctive design to distinguish it from other bank cards. 

Cards that access a home equity line of credit benefit from low rates, payment schedules and possible tax advantages of the home equity line. (Potential borrowers should consult with their tax advisors regarding the deductibility of interest and charges for the line.) Whether you’re accessing the account through a check or card, the account is still a home equity line of credit and subject to the same terms and conditions. In addition, the Equity CreditLine Visa offers the same security features as other Bank of America cards, including zero liability from fraudulent use when the customer notifies the bank as soon as possible after a card has been lost or stolen, and a Photo Security option. 

Line of credit lock-in options – While a home equity loan is commonly available at a fixed rate, lines of credit typically are offered at variable rates tied to the prime rate. Variable rates have been popular recently because of low interest rates. However, as rates climb, the interest rate on a variable loan will increase. 

Because many customers prefer the predictability of a fixed rate, many lenders now offer a lock-in option for already-advanced portions of home equity lines of credit. 

Primary mortgage tie-in options — Many new homeowners want to make improvements or enhancements to their homes right away. Lenders such as Bank of America often offer qualified customers the opportunity to secure a home equity line of credit when they close on a primary mortgage. 

Technology process improvements — Because of breakthroughs in technology, many lenders can offer decisions nearly instantly. These advancements, which include electronic appraisal and online title verification, continue to decrease the time between approval and closing. 

Properly planned, remodeling can transform the space in your home to meet your needs. In addition, today’s financing options make the process more convenient and flexible than ever before. So whether you choose to hire the experts or do it yourself, now is a great time to get started. 

BEFORE

Learn the thunderstorm danger signs. 
 

• Dark, towering, or threatening clouds.
• Distant lightning and thunder.

Have disaster supplies on hand
 

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Nonelectric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Check for hazards in the yard.
Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury and damage.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and which radio station to tune for emergency information.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. This is the time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the “all clear” by the authorities.

Learn how to respond to a tornado and flash flood.
Tornadoes are spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding can occur with thunderstorms. When a “severe thunderstorm warning” is issued, review what actions to take under a “tornado warning” or a “flash flood warning.”

Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a thunderstorm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact”. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Contact you local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on thunderstorms and lightning.

DURING

If indoors:
 

• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information.
• Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.
• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

If outdoors:
 

• Attempt to get into a building or car.
• If no structure is available, get to an open space an squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. (If in the woods, find an area protected by low clump of trees–never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.) Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
• crouch with hands on knees.
• Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or power lines.
• Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.
• Stay from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. A position with feet together and crouching while removing all metal objects is recommended. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If in a car:
 

• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
• Avoid flooded roadways.

Estimating the Distance from a Thunderstorm 
Because light travels much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. Estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.

Important: You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you’re in danger only when the storm is overhead.

Hail
Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, so bring animals into a shelter.

AFTER

Check for injuries.
A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. If the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike cause the victim’s heart and breathing to stop, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals arrive and take over.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance–infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Report downed utility wires.

Drive only if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving dangerous.

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for information on extreme heat.
• Install window air conditioners snugly.
• Close any floor heat registers nearby.
• Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit.
• Use a circulating or box fan to spread the cool air.

Keep heat outside and cool air inside.

• Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect any heat back outside. Keep the cool air inside by weather-stripping doors and windowsills.
• Consider keeping storm windows up all year. Storm windows can keep the heat of a house in the summer the same way they keep the cold out in the winter.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

During

• Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent. Conserve electricity.
• During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning which can lead to a power shortage or outage.Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.
• Eat well-balanced, light meals.
• Drink plenty of water regularly. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
• Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Allow your body to get acclimated to hot temperatures for the first 2 or 3 days of a heat wave.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.
• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural “cooling system” to work.
• Take salt tablets only if specified by your physician. Persons on salt-restrictive diets should check with a physician before increasing salt intake.
• Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.
• Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.

During a Drought

• Lower water use. Watering the lawn and washing the car waste water. Whenever possible, re-use water.
• Place a brick or other large, solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water used to flush.
• Farmers should contact the county Farm Service Agency for disaster assistance information.

Heat Disorders

Sunburn

Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.

First Aid: Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms: Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.

First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.

First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)

Symptoms: High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.

First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

Be Prepared for a Plumbing Emergency 

Homeowners hope they will never have to face a plumbing emergency, but the best time to prepare is before it happens. 

“When water is spewing from a broken pipe or creeping slowly towards your carpet is not the time to be hunting for a water shut-off valve,” says Mike Pickett, vice president, Product Development at Moen Incorporated. “Our plumbing experts first recommend making a plumbing discovery tour of your home. A few minutes of your time now can provide the assurance you need to handle a crisis down the road.” 

Make a Plumbing Discovery Tour 

A “plumbing discovery tour” involves locating and clearly marking all shut-off valves in your home. First, find the main water shut-off valve. This valve is usually located in the basement on the pipe coming through the wall on the street side of your house (near the water meter). By shutting off this valve, you will shut off water to your entire house, which may be necessary for a serious emergency. 

Be aware, though, that if you do shut off the water at the main valve, a gas hot water tank must be turned down to as low possible (find the control on the face of the tank and set it to the “vacation” setting). An electric tank should be shut off at the electrical panel. If you have a hot water heating system, you will also need to check that the furnace has a sufficient supply of water so it does not run dry. 

During your tour, you also should note the locations of shut-off valves for other plumbing fixtures. Below your kitchen sink you will most likely find shut-off valves for both hot and cold water. In the bathroom, there are three primary valves operating the faucet, toilet and bathtub/shower. These valves are typically located below the fixtures for easy access, though the tub valve(s) may be in the basement (or behind the bathroom wall in a bedroom closet, for example). 

Continue the tour in every room that has a plumbing-related appliance. Be sure to locate, test and tag valves to your washing machine, dishwasher, hot water heating system, water heater, refrigerator ice maker, water softener — every place in the house where water is used. 

Check the Condition of Your Valves 

It is important to check all valves often since they may become “frozen” from lack of use. A wrench or some WD-40 carefully applied will probably loosen any stuck valves. 

Leaks, Clogs and Other Problems 

For more serious matters it is usually best to call a plumber, but there are some things you can do yourself to take care of small problems. 

Clogged Drain 

To clear a clogged drain, first try a plunger. If that does not remove the problem, use a hand auger, which is a flexible steel cable that can be pushed into the drain to break up the obstruction. Your next step of defense is to use a blow bag that hooks to a garden hose and uses water pressure to clear the clog. Use caustic, acid-based chemical drain cleaners only as a last resort since they may damage pipes. 

Continuously Running Toilet 

If water continuously runs in your toilet, it may be a problem with the float rising too high, causing water to trickle down the overflow tube. To fix this, bend the rod slightly downward so the float ball is lowered. If fixing that doesn’t help, see if the trip lever chain is tangled or has fallen off. Next check the tank flapper at the base of the tank and the ballcock, which is located near the top of the tank. These items may have to be cleaned, adjusted or replaced if they have worn out. 

Toilet Won’t Flush 

If a toilet won’t flush, it is likely that the chain has slipped off or a new flush-handle assembly is needed. Start by examining the inside of the tank. Is one end of the chain attached to the flush handle and the other to a rubber seal at the bottom? If the chain has slipped off, reattach it. If the handle itself is broken, you will need to replace it with a new assembly. 

Leaky Faucet 

If you have a cartridge-type faucet, a leak usually indicates that the O-rings need to be replaced. This is a simple repair that even the novice do-it-yourselfer can perform. If the faucet leaks from the handle, the upper O-ring probably needs replacement, while a drip from the spout will indicate a problem with the O-ring at the base of the spout assembly. O-rings also form a seal between the hot and cold supply lines, so be sure to examine these once you have the faucet disassembled. When replacing O-rings, give them a light coating of heatproof lubricant. If replacing O-rings doesn’t solve your problems, you may need to replace the cartridge itself. 

A ceramic disk faucet that leaks at the base of the handle means that one or more of the inlet seals on the cartridge may need replacing. These seals can be easily replaced. You may also want to clean the inlet ports on this type of faucet since they can become clogged with mineral deposits. A complete cartridge replacement may be needed if leaking problems persist. 

A rotating ball faucet is difficult to repair because of its many parts. You should first disassemble the cam, ball and spout to see if there are any problems there – many leaks result from a worn out ball or gasket. If those seem fine, remove seals and springs to check for blockages. Leaks also can spring from around the handle or from under the base of the spout. Handle leaks indicate that the adjusting ring has loosened or the seal above the ball is worn. Leaks from under the spout result from O-ring failure. Examine all O-rings encircling the body of the faucet to see if they look worn. 

Hard-to-Move Faucet Handles 

If you are having trouble turning your faucet on and off, you probably have a problem with mineral deposits. To solve this problem, simply clean the cartridge and apply a thin film of FSA-approved silicon grease — never use petroleum jelly. 

Basic Maintenance of Plumbing Fixtures 

Faucets 

One of the easiest plumbing fixtures to care for is a faucet — the only things needed for cleaning are some water and a little elbow grease. 

“Many people think you need to use a commercial cleansing product to clean a faucet, but the best thing is a soft, damp cloth and warm water,” says Pickett. “To keep your faucet looking beautiful for years, you will want to stay away from abrasives and harsh cleaning materials. Occasionally applying a high-quality wax polish will further ensure the beauty of your faucet.” 

If water pressure seems low or the flow pattern is inconsistent, it is recommended that you clean the aerator (the round attachment at the end of the spout). This can be done by unscrewing the part, then using a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to remove dirt or trapped particles. 

Composite Sinks 

For minor stains on a composite sink, use warm water and mild dish soap. For more serious stains use a cleanser with bleach, though this type of product should not be used on a daily basis. 

Hard water stains are best treated with white vinegar followed by a thorough rinsing, while yellowing due to calcium and lime deposits requires a de-liming solution. Polish your sink only with those products suitable for acrylic surfaces. Never use abrasive cleansers or even abrasive scrub pads. 

Stainless Steel Sinks 

If maintained properly, quality stainless steel sinks will not chip, peel, rust or discolor. For routine cleaning, use soap, ammonia or detergents with a soft sponge or cloth. Hard water spots can be removed with white vinegar and water, while persistent spots and stains may require a stainless steel cleaner or household cleanser. Never use steel wool pads for cleaning these sinks. 

Homeowners should not use rubber mats with stainless steel sinks since residual water deposits and food particles trapped underneath these mats can cause sink discoloration. In addition, wet sponges, cloths and cleaning pads should not be left on the sink’s surface. Many liquid hand soaps contain chemical additives that will affect the original shine of the finish if left to dry in your sink. 

Showers 

To clean a showerhead that seems to have lower water pressure, unscrew the swivel ball nut using a wrench (put electrical or duct tape on the flange to protect the fixture). Unscrew the collar nut from the showerhead and then clean the outlet and inlet holes with a thin wire. Anti-lime and calcium cleaners can also be used — simply dip your showerhead in these products for easy cleaning. 

Like faucets, shower fixture exteriors should be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth to remove water spots. 

Drains 

Regular maintenance of drains will help reduce the risk of clogging. Flush drains bi-weekly with hot tap water, especially those drains that are not used often such as in a guest bathroom. Once every six months, use a non-caustic drain cleaner on all household drains. 

To prevent lint from building up and eventually clogging drainpipes near the washing machine, put an old nylon stocking over the end of the rubber drain hose. This will trap all of the lint from your washing machine water before it reaches your drain, and should be changed as necessary. 

Pipe Maintenance 

There are a couple tricks of the trade that you can use for pipes in your home. 

Prevent Pipes from Freezing 

The best thing you can do to prevent frozen pipes is insulate them. Pipe jackets in standard lengths can be purchased at local home centers. For a less expensive alternative, you can cut regular insulation into strips and bundle it around pipes. If you use fiberglass insulation, however, be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to avoid contact with the irritating particles that come off of this kind of insulation. These techniques will also stop noisy pipes from banging against wall studs or joists in your home. 

Thawing a Frozen Pipe 

If you do have a frozen pipe, you will need to thaw it using a heat gun or hair dryer. But keep these items on a low setting so the pipe doesn’t overheat. 

Find a 24-Hour Plumbing Contractor Now 

And finally, all homeowners know that if anything goes wrong in their home, it will pick the most inconvenient time to do so — usually in the middle of the night or during a holiday. This makes it important to have the name of a reliable plumbing contractor offering 24-hour service for major emergencies. Although you can find names of plumbers in your local telephone directory, recommendations from friends or neighbors are generally better. A phone call (ahead of time) to ensure that the plumber is still in business and can provide 24-hour service is a good idea, and you may also check if a pager number is available for after-hour calls. 

Why? Because, the reasons and motivations for selling a home can be many and varied. Most potential home buyers know this and will be quick to ask, “Why are you selling.” How would you reply to that question? 

Sometimes the potential home buyer is just being nosy. However, in most cases, the home buyer has good basis for wanting to know the motivating reasons for the sale. The home buyer will want to know what’s wrong with the house for sale – if it is so good why are you selling? 

Both the real estate agent and the home buyer know that your level of motivation will be the driving force in the house sale. They will want you to reveal how urgent the deal is and how negotiable and flexible you are with the sale of your home. 

Are you desperate and willing to sell your house at any price? Have you already made a conditional offer on another house? Are you relocating to start a new job in a new town? Have your family circumstances changed? Those are the types of questions that can reveal how motivated (or desperate) you are to sell your home. They can have a big influence on the final outcome in terms of the conditions of sale and the negotiated price for your house. 

That’s why it is really important to decide exactly what you are going to tell a real estate agent or a potential home buyer. Decide exactly how motivated you are to sell, before you put your house on the market. Think of how you are going to answer each question before it gets asked. 

Although you should always be honest… by saying the wrong thing, or a simple “slip of the tongue”, could cost you dearly. You will need to choose your words carefully. Decide how much information you are willing to give without revealing too much, or misleading, or deceiving the agent or the home buyer. 

So the critical first step is to decide how motivated you are to sell your house. Which of these 3 groups do you fall into? 

1. VERY MOTIVATED 

You have no choice but to sell your house and you will experience a great deal of pain if you don’t. Your negotiating position is weak and there is normally a deadline. Your reasons are likely to be: 

· The Bank: you cannot afford to keep your home 

· Divorce: your income’s now split, you or your spouse want out 

· Job Transfer: you are moving to another town or city 

· Death/Illness: emotional reasons 

2. MODERATELY MOTIVATED 

You are reasonably keen to sell your house. You are in a better negotiating position and your reasons are likely to be: 

· Upgrade: you want a better or bigger home 

· Downgrade: you want a smaller or cheaper home 

· Change: you want a new challenge 

3. NOT MOTIVATED . . . BUT COULD BE! 

You will sell if your circumstances are exactly right. For example, someone offering you an over inflated price for your home. You are in the position of either taking it or leaving it. (You are a real estate agent’s nightmare!) 

As the old saying goes, “It takes two to Tango!” The best deal in real estate is usually a WIN-WIN arrangement, with benefits for both the home buyer and the home seller. This type of deal usually involves a “willing buyer” and a “willing seller.” Both home buyer and home seller need to have the motivation to complete a successful sale

1) Use unique storage solutions. Install high pantry cabinets to eliminate extra small cabinets. Add pullout shelves, rotating inserts and tilt-out bins to increase accessibility and storage within the cabinets. Light colored cabinets, open shelves, wire organizers and glass-front doors can help lighten the space. Also, adding open display shelves or cabinets, help the room will look larger. Too many cabinets, especially made of dark materials, will give the illusion that the room is much smaller. 

2) Maintain a mix of natural and ambient lighting. A skylight will open the ceiling to more light and raise a portion of the ceiling, visually expanding the space. Bay or greenhouse windows also create an open feel. Natural light should be complemented by ambient and task lighting to provide an open feel at night. 

3) Choose appliances wisely. There are numerous high efficiency, sleek appliances that allow individuals with small kitchens to have the same luxuries as those with large kitchens. Try to keep your cook top and oven in the same area. This saves valuable counter space. Have microwaves built into a cabinet to increase counter space. Keep all small appliances stored in either an appliance garage or pantry to maintain a clutter-free work space. 

4) Add a personal touch. Display small, simple items that add a personal touch without adding clutter. Too many displays will cause the kitchen to look smaller, but the right amount can add warmth and provide an illusion of more space. 

All of these ideas can give your small kitchen that large kitchen feel. NKBA members can help make your dream kitchen a reality.

A. When interest rates fall, a homeowner should definitely call a lender about refinancing, but he or she should discuss their entire financial situation and goals before making any final decision. Is your goal to lower your monthly payment? Consolidate debts? Get cash out for large purchases? Change your interest deduction expense for your taxes? Ask your lender to provide a couple of refinancing scenarios for you, showing how your loan term length, monthly payment and your total interest expense on the loan will change. After looking at these scenarios, it will be clear whether or not you should spend the money to refinance.

Q. When should I refinance my current mortgage loan?

A. It is often said that you should refinance when mortgage rates are 2% lower than the rate you currently have on your loan. Refinancing may be a viable option even if the interest rate difference is less than 2%. A modest reduction in the loan rate can still trim your monthly payment. For example, the monthly payment (excluding taxes & insurance) would be about $770 on a $100,000 loan at 8.5%. If the rate were lowered to 7.5%, the monthly payment would be about $700, a savings of $70. The significance of such savings in any scenario will depend on your income, budget, loan amount and the change in interest rate. Your trusted lender can help calculate the different scenarios.

Q. Should I refinance if I plan on moving soon?

A. Most lenders will charge fees to refinance a loan. If you plan to stay in the property for less than a couple of years, your monthly savings may not get a chance to accumulate and recoup these costs. Let’s say a lender charged $1,000 to refinance your loan, but it resulted in a monthly savings of $50. It would take 20 months (1,000 divided 50) to recoup the initial costs before you start to realize some savings. Some lenders will charge a slightly higher than average interest rate on refinance loans, but waive all costs associated with the loan. The attractiveness of these loans will depend on the interest rate you are being charged on your current loan.

Q. How much will it cost me to refinance my current home loan?

A. In addition to an application fee ($250-350) you will likely have to pay an origination fee (typically 1% of the loan amount). In many cases you will have to pay much of the same costs that you had to pay with your current home loan (title search, title insurance, misc. lender fees, etc.). The sum of these fees could cost you up to 2-3% of the loan amount. If don’t have the money to pay for associated loan costs, look for lenders that offer ‘no-cost’ loans. These loans will charge a slightly higher interest rate, so ask a lender if it would still make sense to refinance using this type of program.

Q. What are points?

A. Points are costs that need to be paid to a lender in order to receive mortgage financing under specified terms. A point is a percentage of the loan amount (one point = one percent of the loan). One point on a $100,000 loan would be $1,000. Discount points are fees that are used to lower the interest rate on a mortgage loan (you are discounting the interest rate by paying some of this interest up-front). Lenders may express other loan-related fees in terms of points. Some lenders may express their costs in terms of basis points (hundredths of a percent). 100 basis points = 1 point (or 1 percent of the loan amount).

Q. Should I try to pay as many discount points as possible to lower my loan’s interest rate?

A. If you plan on staying in the property for at least a few years, paying discount points to lower the loan’s interest rate can be a good way to lower your required monthly loan payment (and possibly increase the loan amount that you can afford to borrow). If you only plan to stay in the property for a year or two, your monthly savings may not be enough to recoup the cost of the discount points that you paid up-front. Ask your lender how long it would take for your monthly savings to recoup the costs of the discount points.

Q. What does it mean to lock the interest rate on a mortgage loan?

A. Due to the nature of interest rate movements, mortgage rates can change dramatically from the day you apply for a mortgage loan to the day you close the transaction. If interest rates rise sharply during the application process, it could make a borrower’s mortgage payment larger than he/she previously thought. To protect against this uncertainty, a lender can allow the borrower to ‘lock-in’ the loan’s interest rate, guaranteeing the borrower the prevailing loan rate for a specified period of time (often 30-60 days). A lender may or may not charge a fee for this service.

Q. Should I lock-in my loan rate when I apply for a mortgage loan?

A. No one knows for sure how interest rates will move at any given time, but your lender may be able to give you an estimate of where it thinks mortgage rates are headed. If interest rates are expected to be volatile in the near future, you may want to consider locking your interest rate if rising rates will no longer allow you to qualify for the loan. If your budget can handle a higher loan payment or if the lenders lock fee seems excessive for your means, you might want to consider allowing the interest rate to ‘float’ until the loan closing.

Q. I’ve had credit problems in the past. How does this impact my chances of getting a home loan?

A. Obtaining a home loan is possible even with extremely poor credit. If you have had credit problems in the past, a lender will consider you to be a risky borrower to lend to. To compensate for this added risk, the lender will charge you a higher interest rate and usually expect you to pay a higher down payment on your home purchase (typically 20-50% down). The worse your credit is, the more you can expect to pay for an interest rate and a down payment. Not all lenders choose to lend to risky borrowers, so you may have to contact several before finding one that will.

Q. I’ve only been late a couple of times on my credit card bills. Does this mean I will have to pay an extremely high interest rate?

A. Not necessarily. If you have been late less than three times in the past year, and the payments were no more than 30 days late, you probably have a pretty good chance at getting a home loan at a competitive interest rate. Lender guidelines will vary, but most lenders will excuse a couple of minor ‘late-pays’ as long as the borrower can provide a reasonable excuse explaining them (i.e. job transition, illness). If the late-pays were 60+ days late and cannot be explained, you may have to settle for a higher interest rate.

Q. How can I tell who has the best deal on financing?

A. When comparison shopping among lenders, remember that a lender can structure financing for a borrower several different ways. A lender can charge higher fees and offer a low interest rate while another may charge a slightly higher interest rate with lower fees. In order to make an ‘apples to apples’ comparison between lenders, ask each lender what their interest rate is for a zero discount point loan (based on a 30 or 60 day lock period). Then ask each lender what they charge for an origination fee, as well as any other fees they typically charge for a loan, (i.e. broker, processing, underwriting). A reputable lender will not hesitate in answering these questions.

Q. Should I choose the lender with the lowest interest rate and costs?

A. There are primarily two things to consider when choosing one lender over another: the quality of service being provided and the cost of services provided. Quality of service is especially important to those who have never purchased a home. First-time home buyers will likely have many questions regarding the financing process and available loan options. When comparing lenders, ask each lender several questions before you fill out any loan application. A good lender should be able to get you through the financing process leaving you confident that you made a sound financial decision. If after a few questions you do not feel comfortable with the lender, simply call someone else.

A popular design trend is to use a semi-transparent stain or clear finish on the floorboards and a solid color on the railings of your deck. This look is called a two-toned effect and consumers across the country are getting into it with the most popular look being white railings combined with darker floorboards.

Solid stains provide complete coverage, hiding significant imperfections and foot-worn areas. Solid colors can create dramatic new looks like two-toning and even floorboard patterns, such as checkerboards and stencils. To create a patchwork pattern, simply use painter’s tape to create a pattern on the floor and apply the stain to the exposed portions. When dry, remove the tape and stain the other portions.

Another idea is to create a cooking area away from seating and conversation spots. In addition to the grill, consider adding built-in serving areas, storage cabinets and a decorative vent hood. Using stone and other rugged materials will make cleaning as easy as simply hosing down the area.

Other entertaining ideas include:

1. A wood-fired outdoor oven for barbecue enthusiasts and pizza lovers.

2. A tiled eating counter/wet bar for entertaining guests — great for the host who’s looking for an easy way to create a little more room.

3. A tiered deck with connecting steps that separates cooking from conversing.

4. Built-in flower pots to grow herbs, tomatoes and other garden vegetables within your guests’ reach.