Recently some friends of mine had started remodeling their charming 2 story colonial. A new 6 ft. grand entrance that leads into the kitchen was created, nothing remained of the old 36 inch doorway excepts scraps of sheetrock and sawed off 2×4’s. Unfortunately my friend never checked before starting construction and actually cut thru a bearing wall. A bearing wall helps support the weight of the floors and roof above it. The construction of your home will determine which walls are bearing but normally all exterior walls are and many interiors walls can be. The easiest way to tell is to climb up into the attic. If the ceiling joists or rafters are running parallel to the wall you want to remove, it is normally a non-load-bearing wall. If the joists or rafters are perpendicular to the wall, you can be fairly sure the wall is load bearing. If you are uncertain which walls are bearing consult a building professional prior to any modifications. When a bearing wall is removed it can be disastrous if not fully supported prior to the removal. If just a part of a bearing wall is removed the joist will begin to sag as the weight bears down and a collapse is not beyond the realm of possibility. Apparently the fix for this varies depending on the severity. In some cases jacks are used to reposition the joist to level. Furthermore, precautions must be taken to lesson the risk of damage to the surrounding walls, floors and ceilings. Remodeling can be rewarding experience for the do-it-yourselfer if step one involves
precautions and planning. Always consult a professional if you are unsure before starting any project.

We had a good amount of inquiries pertaining to rates, credit and loan restructuring in the past 2 weeks. Tonight I had the opportunity to read a relevant, informative article on Jeremiah Phillip’s blog. The two prompted me to think we should definitely implement a credit center on the website for consumers to get some quick answers, information and credit facts. Review Jeremiah’s article by clicking here.  

For the past three months the average selling price of a staged home was 19% above the listing price while the unstaged home was only 15%. The 4% difference more than paid the staging cost. Here are the ten secrets fo selling from Marelen Wharmby, a successful home stager:

Freshen up the home by painting walls a light, neutral color, such as antique white. Lighter colors appeal to a wider range of buyers and make each room look larger.

Take a close look at the floor coverings in each room. If you have hardwood floors under the carpet, you will always make money by removing it, even if the floor is not in perfect condition.

Allow as much light as possible to enter the room. Open up or remove all draperies, blinds, shades or other window coverings.

Removing the clutter of everyday life - all utilitarian items, stacks of paperworks, toiletries, kitchen utensils, electronic equipment and television sets.

Remove furniture from each room that does not go with the decor, such as items that stand out too much and items that are worn or of an unappealing color.

Place the remaining room furnishings in a way that makes best use of the character of the space. A room should be balanced so that people do not focus on one particular piece of furniture.

Now that you’ve removed the clutter from your home, adding some nice but inexpensive accessories will greatly elevate the perceived value of the home.

Clean, clean, clean. Every crevasse within the home should be spotless and gleaming. Even your normal weekly cleaning can not come close to the quality of clean you need.

You can’t over spend on fresh plants and orchids, elaborate floral arrangements and landscape plants. All these provide a strong addition to the ambience you want to create.

Go on vacation! The houses that sell for much higher prices are homes that do not have the slightly disheveled look which comes with showering in the morning and cooking dinner in the evening. Being gone also will lower your level of stress and make the house easier to sell. Think of it this way: Your vacation will actually make you money.

Six years after planting my “Dwarf Southern Magnolia Tree” I awoke to this beautifully perfect bloom. (just one) The petals are as soft as silk yet firm and sturdy and the scent is unbelievable, it’s fresh and feminine with a hint of lemon. I prayed this tree would bloom and even went as far as to light green candles under it. Maybe fertilizer would have been a better choice. Apparently these flowers only last in their pristine condition for about 2 days. I’m hoping the rain will help to make it last a while longer or possibly lead the way to more blooms!

Each year, fires kill more Americans than any other natural disaster. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 80% of fire deaths occur in residences. While no home can ever be completely fireproof, there are many steps you can take to greatly reduce the risk of fire for your family and your home:

Smoke detectors are the most important part of your home fire safety! Make sure your home has smoke detectors at least in every bedroom, and test them frequently.

Use appliances wisely. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that an appliance needs to be shut off and either repaired or replaced. Unplug appliances when not in use.

Never overload circuits or extension cords. Don’t place cords or wires under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.

Portable heaters need at least three feet of space from any combustible materials.

Fireplaces should be used with fire screens, and chimneys should have annual cleanings.

Have at least two fire extinguishers in your home, with one in a designated place in the kitchen.
Cooking fires are the leading cause of both home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.
Extinguish candles before going to bed or when leaving a room.

If smoking indoors, always use an ashtray and exercise caution. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S.

Properly inspect and maintain your home’s heating system. Poorly maintained heating systems cause many fires.

Consider the installation of a home sprinkler system. Such systems are now much more affordable and greatly diminish the risk of fire injuries.

These are just a few ways that you can make your home a safer place from fire. More information can be found on the U.S. Fire Administration’s website, www.usfa.fema.gov, or by contacting your local fire department.

I just read an article from my insurance company and wanted to share some good ideas with anyone considering a vacation. If you are leaving your home unattended and are unable to have a friend or family member stop by, there are a few safety ideas that will help. Arrange to have your mail and newspapers held or picked up. Remove all jewelry, cash and valuables from your home to a safe-deposit box. ** LOWER the sound on your telephone and answering machine.** Set lights, a radio and or TV on automatic timers to give the illusion someone is home.
Leave window treatments in their normal position. Turn off water supply to your washing machine so the hoses will not burst. Lock all doors and windows including sliding glass doors and side garage entrance. If you have a security system make sure it is activated. Have a safe, relaxing vacation and when you come home share some photo’s with us! 

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