Lake Norman Area Guide

Mecklenburg County: New Property Revaluations Are In…

Lee Ann Miller Team — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:58:00 GMT

Now let the fun begin!

On February 8th, many home owners received their new property revaluations and the results vary depending on where you live. We figured that everyone in Mecklenburg County is going to have questions about the new revaluation of their property. So, we added a couple of helpful links to get you started. Go to www.reval.charmeck.org for questions and also on www.charmeck.org there is a good video about the appeal process. We are already hearing that some people are happy and some definitely not!!!! Please call us with any questions and we will he happy to try to help.

-The Lee Ann Miller Team

14937 Chilgrove Lane – Huntersville, NC

Lee Ann Miller Team — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:26:00 GMT

Click on link for more information & pictures –
http://www.allentate.com/leeannmiller/974902

14937 Chilgrove Lane – Huntersville, NC 28078

(Wynfield)

Bedrooms: 3 Full Bathrooms: 2 Half Bathrooms: 1

Square Feet: 1,500-1,900 Lot Size: .30

Charming brick front home on quiet cul-de-sac street. Great Room, breakfast area and kitchen opens to each other. Fireplace in Great Room. Hardwood floors in Dining Room, kitchen & breakfast area. Owner’s bedroom offers a deep trey ceiling and a private bathroom with dual sinks, garden tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. Enjoy a screened porch & large deck that look over private wooded yard. Rear yard is fenced and includes children’s play equipment. Home is in excellent condition – just painted in & out 8/2010, new carpet 08/2010, new light fixtures, granite in kitchen, new microwave 09/2010, new garage door, roof approx 2006. Close to community pool, tennis court, basketball court, playground, & club house. Great value and a golden opportunity in the Wynfield community.

Banks Will Release REO’s This spring

Lee Ann Miller Team — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:21:00 GMT

What does this mean…

Well…let’s think like a bank today. What happens to the market when rates spike… it creates a sense of urgency to buy before the deals are gone and prices go up!

When rates go up; who earns more interest on these new loans?… The answer is the banks do! So why are they waiting to release the remaining REO properties in their portfolio? No one wants to sign off on a loss and admit they wrote a bad loan. The banks are waiting for rates to go higher and to create that sense of urgency to buy. This urgency causes sale prices to gradually spike as more and more people purchase these deals. Once the prices balance out, and we start to see a small light of a returning market, the banks will release the rest of their REO’s in order to minimize their potential loss. Higher sales prices = less of a loss, and higher rates = more interest earned.

All of the potential listing clients out there that want to sell this year, but plan to wait a little longer, are going to lose out. Once the banks see a better light, they will seize the opportunity to release the REO’s. Now your home must compete with a home the same size, same number of bedrooms and baths as yours, at a discounted price. So doesn’t it make sense to sell right now!

LIST that home TODAY, LISTEN TO YOUR AGENTS SUGGESTIONS and SELL FAST or get prepared to get COMFORTABLE where you are!

7758 Woodcrest Drive – Stanley, NC

Lee Ann Miller Team — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:06:00 GMT

Click on link for more information & pictures –
http://www.allentate.com/leeannmiller/984144

7758 Woodcrest Drive – Stanley, NC

(The Gates)

Bedrooms: 5 Full Bathrooms: 3 Half Bathrooms: 0

Square Feet: 3,000-3,600 Lot Size: .51

Large home on cul-de-sac lot and popular floorplan. Located in The Gates community in Lincoln County. A large community with two swimming pools, playground, sidewalks, club house, and walking trails. Main level gives you bright and open feel with the Great Room, Kitchen and Breakfast Area opening to each other. Formal Dining Room, Home Office, hardwood floors, granite counters and large bedroom with full bathroom round out the first level. Bonus Room, 3 additional Bedrooms, Laundry Room, and Owner’s Suite finish the second level. Huge Owner’s Suite offers two large closets, trey ceiling and privacy. The owner’s bathroom features garden tub, dual sink vanities and a separate shower. Great yard with screened porch overlooking the in ground swimming pool, fenced play area, 10×6 storage shed & patio area. Great price for the square footage!

Want Money in Your Pocket?

Lee Ann Miller Team — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:04:00 GMT

Does the current real estate market have you feeling the blues? Do you owe more than you can sell your home for? Well, take a look at refinancing. You can’t afford not to refinance now and start seeing some green.

There are two kinds of homeowners: those who have recently refinanced and those who have convinced themselves it won’t make a difference. If you’re in the second camp, take a look at the numbers below. Then let me connect you with my Mortgage consultant so you can start figuring out how to spend that extra money.

Year	Purchased 2006	Refinanced 2010	Refinanced 2010
Sale Price of Home	$300,000	$300,000	$300,000
Down Payment	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000
Less Principal Paid		$11,600	$11,600
Loan Amount	$240,000	$228,400	$228,400
Type of Financing	Conventional30-year fixed	Conventional30-year fixed	Conventional15-year fixed
Interest Rate	6.625%	4.125%	3.375%
Monthly Payment	$1,537	$1,103	$1,618
MONTHLY SAVINGS		$434	-$81
ANNUAL SAVINGS		$5,208	-$972
LIFE OF LOAN SAVINGS		$81,046	$188,160

Neighborly Advice

Lee Ann Miller Team — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:46:00 GMT

It’s not uncommon to hear homeowners exclaim “If we ever move from here, we’re taking the neighbors with us.” We feel strongly about those relationships we form over the balcony or barbecue pit, especially if we live far from our families.

And while we can’t predict who will lend us a ladder, feed our cats or become our son’s new best friend, we can carefully consider what we’re buying in a neighborhood:

Time of Day – What is the neighborhood like at different times of the day? What are the traffic patterns? What about noise? Does it seem safe?

Costs and commute – Does the neighborhood have a homeowners association? What are the dues and what does that include? How long is the commute and how much will you spend on gas?

Appearance – What is the architectural style of the homes? Have they been maintained? Are there mature trees and landscaped common areas?

Connectivity – What is nearby? Think about shopping, restaurants, worship facilities and banks. Can you walk or bike anywhere?

Schools – The schoolhouse at the end of the street is a priority consideration. Even if you don’t have children, the quality of the school will greatly affect resale value.

Poet Robert Frost once said “Good fences make good neighbors.” But when you’re choosing a neighborhood, peek over the fences and take a closer look. Do your research, ask questions – and find your fit.

Top Moving Scams – Do You Know What They Are?…

Lee Ann Miller Team — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:38:00 GMT

Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, it is in your best interest to do your homework. Below, is a list of the top scams and helpful tips to protect you against your next move.

BLIND ESTIMATE- This is when the moving company gives you a quote sight-unseen. Not a great way to start. Sure the estimate may sound good but beware…it is usually to good to be true. Most estimates are based on miles, weight of belongings and amount of space items take up in the moving truck.
GLANCE & DASH- This is when a moving estimator does a quick walk-thru of your home and doesn’t throughly check cabinets, closets, etc… or take a lot of notes and then leaves to write-up an estimate. Again, this quote will be off but it may sound good to you. A good estimator will ask lots of questions, look in closets and cabinets, plus take lots of notes. Some questions may be “are you planning on moving the food in your pantry?” Are you having a sale or donating items to help lighten the load?’
DEPOSIT PLEASE- Reputable movers will NOT demand large deposits or cash up front. So please be wary of this. Generally, you pay upon delivery. This helps keep the control in your court in case items go missing or get damaged during the move. If you did pay up front, you gave up your control. Don’t forget when you do pay, use a credit card that will help protect against fraudulent activity.
NAME GAME- Some companies figured out a way around the Better Business Bureau by constantly changing their name of business. So when you select your company, make sure it has a local address, current licensing & insurance, plus try to get 3 references (call them). Another tip, make sure when you call the company that they answer with the full company name and not “moving service” or something else generic.
PACK UP THE COSTS- When it comes to packing, the biggest decision is what to do? Usually, if you do the packing of your belongings, the mover isn’t responsible for any damages to them. However, if you let the moving company pack, lookout for over inflated prices on boxes and other packing materials, plus time and labor. Most moving companies are careful but there are others that will just throw whatever they can fit into a box and seal it up.
ADDITIONAL FEES- Got stairs? or moving to a house that does? Well, expect an extra charge. Moving to a penthouse apartment? Again, expect an extra charge. Live on a narrow street that won’t fit a large moving truck? Expect a surcharge fee for the transfer of your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery.
INSURANCE- All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of goods that they transport. However, there are two different levels you can get and you should be aware of the charges that apply and the amount of protection for each.

FULL REPLACEMENT VALUE PROTECTION: This plan provides the most protection to your belongings. However, there will be an additional fee for this protection and may vary from mover to mover. With this plan, any article lost, destroyed or damaged while in mover’s custody, your mover will, at their choice, either (1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover or pay you for the cost of such repairs; (2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality or pay you the cost of such replacement.

Ask your mover for more specific details about this plan.

ALTERNATIVE LEVEL of LIABILITY: Most economical protection with no additional fee but minimal protection for your belongings. With this plan, the mover assumes the liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article. Loss or damaged claims are based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. So lets say you have a 50 pound flat screen tv, valued at $1200 and it was lost or destroyed, the mover is liable for no more than $30.00 (50 pounds x 60 cents). So think long and hard about this option of protection. Be prepared to sign a specific statement on the movers bill of lading agreeing to this coverage but you will not be charged an extra fee.

FILL IN THE BLANK- Most people know this but don’t ever, ever sign a blank contract of any kind. It doesn’t matter that you got along well with moving company or you really like them. It should be common sense not to sign a blank contract. You should get a s much as you can in writing (estimate,additional fees, delivery date, pick up date, etc…).
THE LIST - Read your contract from top to bottom and make sure you have all your belongings listed. If you dont’ see an item on the inventory form and you signed before the delivery driver took off, then don’t expect that item to be in the box when he arrives. You can’t file a claim for something that didn’t exist on the inventory form. Never be satisfied with a box that is labeled as “kitchen stuff” or “office supplies” on the inventory list either. The more specific the better off you are.
MOVING CONTRACT- Federal Law requires one of two kinds of moving contracts: binding and non-binding. Binding contract is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move with all the extras and services. A non-binding contract means the company cannot require payment of more than 10 percent above the orignal estimate & is due within 30 days of delivery. However, always read the fine print! There is usually an exception with weight.

HELPFUL TIPS

Give as much information as you can about your belongings so there won’t be any surprises later for you or the moving company. For instance, if you plan on getting a new mattress before you move or you sold some items that don’t need to be included in quote).
Do an online search for the moving company you want to use. You should be able to find any complaints or praises for that company. You can also call the government’s consumer complaints hotline (1-888-368-7238)
Realtor knows the best moving companies in town but you can also ask friends and family for referrals. The American Moving and Storage Association and State Associations of Movers are also great resources to get a list of reliable moving companies local and national.
By federal law, movers are required to give you a booklet “Your Right and Responsibilities When You Move” when in the planning stages of your move and not after everything is packed up. If the moving company you selected did not offer one, choose another mover.
Under the Full Replacement Value Protection, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, UNLESS you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is defined as any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (jewelry, furs, antiques, fine china, oriental rugs, etc…).
It’s a good idea to open each box and go through it while movers are unloading the rest of your belongings. Make a note of any damage to the mover’s copy of bill of lading before you sign off. The moving company has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. A good rule of thumb is to take pictures. Before and after proof makes it harder for the movers to deny any damages.

We hope this information has been helpful to you and that you are well-informed the next time you make your move. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

Source:Realtor.com 2010

8296 Unity Church Road - Denver, NC

Lee Ann Miller Team — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:10:00 GMT

Click on link for more information & pictures –
http://www.allentate.com/leeannmiller/987803

8296 Unity Church Road

Bedrooms: 3 Full Bathrooms: 2 Half Bathrooms: 0

Square Feet: 1,500-1,900 Lot Size: .61

Adorable ranch home with bonus room and side load garage. Home on large half acre lot with custom built 12x15 storage building. Hardwood floors, granite in kitchen, stone fireplace in great room & 15' ceilings. Open plan with split bedrooms for extra privacy. Owner's suite with trey ceiling. Wonderful location! Close to public boat access, shopping, restaurants, schools and more...

Make a List & Check it Twice…

Lee Ann Miller Team — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:36:00 GMT

A personal property list that is.

With this being the time of year for giving and receiving gifts, we just wanted remind you about your personal property coverage. Your insurance policy is designed to cover your personal property items such as your television, clothing, electronics, jewelry, etc….

Make sure to have the items that you and your family own documented in one way or another!

Some families prefer to walk through their home with a video camera taping their personal property, then giving the tape to a family member to hold onto in case of a loss.

Others prefer digital photos of each item with serial number and brand on back.

If a loss was to occur at your home it is very unlikely that you would remember everything you owned! Please make sure to have your items recorded in one way or another!

Just a friendly reminder from The Lee Ann Miller Team.

108 Rocky Way Court – Mt Holly, NC

Lee Ann Miller Team — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:41:00 GMT

Click on link for more information & pictures –
http://www.allentate.com/leeannmiller/986764

108 Rocky Way Court (Deerfield)

Bedrooms: 3 Full Bathrooms: 2 Half Bathrooms: 0

Square Feet: 1,500-1,800 Lot Size: 1.47

Rare find! Charming ranch home on private 1.47 acres cul-de-sac lot. No homes located behind this home. Great features like a brick front, side load 2 car garage, screened porch and deck. Open plan with vaulted ceiling, gas log fireplace in great room and bonus room. Kitchen offers stainless appliances, custom tile backsplash and lots of cabinet space. This is a must see home!

Demand for Housing Will Increase in 2011

Lee Ann Miller Team — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 15:12:00 GMT

The last Pending Home Sales Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed a substantial 10.4% month-over-month increase. According to NAR the index measures:

housing contract activity. It is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos and co-ops. A signed contract is not counted as a sale until the transaction closes. Modeling for the PHSI looks at the monthly relationship between existing-home sale contracts and transaction closings over the last four years.

This increase confirms a growing feeling that demand for housing has begun to increase.

Both NAR and Fannie Mae expect an increase in sales over the upcoming five quarters. Here are their projections:

Bottom Line

Sales will increase over the next several quarters. The increase will initiate a housing recovery. However, price increases will not take place until current inventory levels diminish. That could take 12-18 months.

by The KCM Crew on December 13, 2010

End of the Year Organization

Lee Ann Miller Team — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:26:00 GMT

It’s the time of year where summer and fall need to be packed up and put away to make room for the upcoming holiday and winter seasons. Here are some ways to get started:

Pack It Up: The key to home organization is a good collection of storage containers. The act of simply packing up clothes and shoes that are out of season can make a huge difference in your house.

Label It: Some large storage containers come with dry erase or chalkboard areas on which you can write the contents of boxes. Try to keep holiday items together. Color-coding your storage (green for Christmas storage and so on) eliminates the need to label. Clothing should be labeled for sizing, but try to pack up contractor bags for donating to charity in order to cut down on storage space.

Fall/Winter Cleaning: You hear about spring cleaning all the time, but fall/winter with all its back-to-school clutter and sports equipment mud can often be a time where your home needs a good cleaning the most. Set time aside on your calendar for vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, or scrubbing the kitchen. Have a little extra cash? Consider a whole house cleaning- nothing makes you feel your home is ready for company more than a good scrub.

Decorate Your Dining Room: The oft-unused formal dining room often becomes the focus of seasonal holiday events. Clear the bills off the table, put on a pretty seasonal tablecloth, and buy some matching candles or a pretty silk flower arrangement for a centerpiece. Feeling like there’s one truly welcoming room in your home will help you be more comfortable with the upcoming family visits and holiday celebrations.

Source: HomeManagement.com

Facelift Your HOME for the Holidays

Lee Ann Miller Team — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:14:00 GMT

Try rearranging your furniture with friends on a rainy or snowy day. Move lamps from one table to the next, switch chairs around, split one large seating arrangement into two intimate groupings. You can always move it back the way it was if you don’t like it, but you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Gather up your stored collectibles and accessories and put them altogether. You might be surprised how objects that seem very different have a commonality to them, such as size or color. Try different combinations, taking pictures to select from your most successful new groupings. You might just discover something new about that old vase you were about to toss.

Sort through your family vacation photo albums. Change out framed photos with ones from the albums. Add new frames to your photo collection (which could also make lovely,personal gifts). Group photos on the mantle or media console.

Visit your local museum store for quality framed art, posters and interesting accessories to brighten up those dead areas. There is nothing like new art to inspire you!

Purchase new guest towels. Mix and layer a new pattern or color towel with your existing set. Sprigs of fresh herbs or a stem of a silk flower can be used to cinch the smallest towels.

Make a New Years resolution. Gather up all your design and decorating magazines, which have been accumulating in the den, and make a style file for your decorating plans.

Source: Realtor.com

Holiday Home Safety Tips

Lee Ann Miller Team — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:59:00 GMT

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to welcome your friends and family into your home. But during this festive season when there’s so much going on, it’s important to set a place for one more holiday guest–home safety.

During the holiday season, fires, break-ins, and random home disasters are just waiting to rack merry mayham on your festivities. Be prepared so the home Grinch won’t spoil your fun and memories.

The Blazing Holiday

According to the National Fire Protection Association, US fire departments respond to 250 home structures fires annually that begin with Christmas trees, resulting in more than $13 million in direct property damage. Nearly half are caused by electrical problems, and one in four from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.

Holiday decorations–more than half from candles– cause more than 180 home fires annually. And unattended cooking, which is the leading cause of all home fires and injuries, escalates during the busy holiday season.

To keep your home safe from fire over the holidays, check for the following:

Mount your Christmas tree on a sturdy base and make sure it’s clear of all heat sources.
Replace any holiday lights with damaged or frayed wiring. Don’t attempt to repair.
Never place wrapping paper in a fireplace.
Have your chimney and wood-burning fireplace inspected and cleaned annually.
Stay near the stove when cooking and make sure the burners and the oven are off when you’re done. Keep paper and fabic away.
Don’t leave burning candles unattended.
Limit the use of extension cords for decorations , and make sure they are UL approved.

Holiday Criminals

Not everyone is feeling festive during the holidays, nd they are ready to steal your joy if tempted. Lock all doors and windows when leaving, and ask a neighbor to watch your home if you will be out-of-town. Use timers for lights, and leave a radio or television on so your house looks and sounds occupied. Be very cautious when opening doors to delivery people or holiday well-wishers. A home security system is a low-cost investment that offers peace of mind during the holiday season and year-round.

An Unwelcome Holiday Surprise

How do you know it’s the holidays? The shower is freezing, the dishwasher won’t empty; the toilet overflows; or the oven stops baking-mid turkey. Don’t panic. The Lee Ann Miller team can put you in the hands of a top-quality licensed service providers to help solve your problems. And for an extra measure of confidence, consider a Home Trust Warranty.

Fall is the Perfect Time to Plant & Prune

Lee Ann Miller Team — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:40:00 GMT

Now is the time to dig out the shears, gloves and get dirty. The temperature is pleasant, the ground is dry and the sun still warms the afternoon sky. Throughout the Carolinas, fall is the perfect time to get your foliage ready to survive winter and thrive in the spring.

Planting in the warm soil of fall will encourage root growth and give s trees and shrubs a healthy start. By spring, they'll be ready to dig deeper and generate new top growth, which also makes them more heat and drought resistant when summer arrives.

Ideally, evergreens should be planted about six weeks before the first hard freeze, while deciduous plants can be planted anytime before the ground isn't frozen. If you want to add fall colors, simply take a walk and look for plants that are showing off their best. Add interest to a smaller yard with a Japanese maple or dwarf varieties.

While you are digging in, take some time to prune back. Many beautiful homes are hidden by out-of-control landscaping. Once the sap stops flowing and the leaves are gone, it's easy to see limbs that are overgrown, broken or diseased. Cut the damaged parts, but don't "top" plants that are overgrown. Rather, thin them carefully, as any flowering branches that are cut may not produce flowers the next year.

By planting and pruning now, you'll cross something off your list, enjoy it more, and get a head start on lush landscaping for the next year!

Time to get your “home” in order

Lee Ann Miller Team — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:41:00 GMT

Do you know what to do now so you can buy in the future?

Don't worry, you're not alone. However, many homeowners spend less than six months from concept to contract. Therefore, it's never to early to start the process and we can tell you a good place to begin.

Do a credit check-up - Get a copy of your credit reports and examine them carefully. Pay down your debt, especially credit cards. Limit the amount of new credit purchases, and don't open (or close) accounts.
Start saving - Reduce your expenses to save as much as possible. You'll need a minimum down payment of 5 percent, or more, to give you the best financing options.
Learn about mortgages - Talk to a mortgage consultant and learn what to expect. When you are within 3 months of buying, get pre-qualified to see what you can afford and your potential interest rate.
Follow the market - Begin your home search on allentate.com and sign up for 1st to Know to receive new listings that meet your criteria. Attend open houses in the areas where you might want to live. Consider all options, including single-family, townhomes and condos.
Develop a relationship with a Realtor - Even if you are a year away from buying, we can keep you informed about market trends, special programs and properties you might be interested in. When you are ready, we can help you navigate the process to achieve your goal.

Your November Checklist...

Lee Ann Miller Team — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Remove leaves and debris from eaves and gutters. Also a great time to test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.

Turn on the pilot light for gas furnaces or gas fireplaces.

Replace bulbs in porch and garage lights and test any exterior electrical connections so you'll be readyfor holiday decorating.

Check existing holiday decorations and replace any with damaged or frayed wires.

Test fire alarms, smoke dectors and carbon monoxide dectors. Also replace all batteries.

Wrap any exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting during the winter months. Put away any hoses connected to outside faucets.

Check, clean and/or replace furnace air filters each month during heating season. Also, check vents to make sure they are not blocked by furniture or other objects.

When the leaves have fallen, clean out wells around foundation vents to keep them working properly and to keep surface water from entering your crawl space.

Are You Making Your Home Harder to Sell?

Lee Ann Miller Team — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:13:00 GMT

Not every home renovation, addition, or repair is a good thing. Many of these so-called "improvements” can actually make your home harder to sell.

Below are a few things you should do if you’d like to keep away potential buyers:

Paint your home using bold colors, such as orange, purple, or black. While you’re at it, paint the exterior bright blue, green or even pink (yes, we have seen that before).
Add as many water features as possible, such as a swimming pool, hot tub, waterfall, and a pond. Everyone loves water, right?
Landscape your entire yard with high maintenance plants that require lots of care and upkeep. Cover every square inch of the ground with some kind of planting.
Save money and call your unemployed cousin to make your repairs. He has plenty of time and can probably figure out how to build a deck, if he buys that construction book.

When it comes to selling your home, it’s about what a buyer wants and likes. Call us for expert advice on what you can do or should do to sell your home faster.

Great Expectations

Lee Ann Miller Team — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:07:00 GMT

What can you expect as a seller and request as a buyer in today's market?...

When it comes to buying and selling a home, the rules have changed. Both the seller and the buyer have goals they wish to reach and with the help of a local Realtor, the result is mutually beneficial.

Today's market is a buyer’s market but that doesn't mean sellers can't fare well. They may feel like they have to sacrifice on their sale of their home but when they become the buyer, they will reap the benefits on that side.

Here are some helpful tips for succeeding on both sides in today's housing market.

SELLERS: Now more than ever, a seller needs the expert advice of a Realtor. Your Realtor will give a 'must do list" -items that need to be addressed in order to sell the

home- and is not optional. The process will likely take several weeks longer than in the past, so the sellers need to be patient. A good way for the seller to differentiate their property from the others on the market is with a home warranty and/or pre-inspection. These little items will keep little issues from being blown out of proportion, and help balance the scales during negotiation.

Also, buyers will ask for the moon. However, experts are finding that most buyers become emotionally attached to a home as soon as an offer is agreed upon, and are not quick to walk away at this point.

BUYERS: Although it may seem like it, buyers do not control the whole situation. It is fair and common for a buyer to request repairs, but unfair to take advantage of the inspection process and try to negotiate twice for the items that need work.

Today's buyers can also be unrealistic in understanding the financing requirements and the time it takes to underwrite a contract. While many sellers are willing to make concessions in order to sell, they will still walk away if a buyer is too demanding. Losing money, especially on something personal like a home, packs a powerful and emotional punch.

Moral of the story: The seller wants to sell. The buyer wants to buy. Put yourself in the shoes of the other; play nice; and you'll both end up feeling like you've won.

Simple Laundry Room Updates

Lee Ann Miller Team — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:04:00 GMT

Today,with more and more time being spent working and running kids to practice, your laundry room needs to be a pleasant and functional room. Below are some simple updates to help stop the laundry pile up.

An Entertaining Laundry Station: With flat-screen TVs making entertainment centers a thing of the past, take that bulky piece of furniture and turn it into a convenient and compact laundry center. Remove and rearrange the shelving to accommodate laundry baskets, and install a clothes rod in one section for hanging clothes.

The More the Merrier: Have two stackable washer and dryer sets. Double the loads and double the free time so now you have more time with family. This is one of the latest trends seen in laundry rooms.

Corral Cleaning Supplies: A lazy Susan keeps all of your detergents, stain removers, and laundry supplies in one easy-to-access location. Just spin the wheel to find what you need.

Cottage-Style Drying Rack: Put the wall behind a door to work by building a fold-up rack for air-drying towels or other small items. Make a simple frame of 1x2s and attach it to the wall. Assemble the drying rack from 1x2s and dowels to fit snugly inside the frame. A catch at the top keeps the rack in place when closed; hinges and a chain allow it to fall open for use.

Instant Laundry Station: Combine a wall-hung cabinet with a laundry-cart-on-wheels to turn a sliver of wall space into a convenient laundry center. An inexpensive iron holder attached to the side of the cabinet keeps the iron within reach, and a space-saving clothes hanger holds ironed items temporarily.

Add a Folding Station: Folding items as they come from the dryer saves minutes and can help minimize wrinkles. To give yourself work space, build a counter-height table using 2x4s. Fitting it over side-by-side front-loading appliances is ideal for convenience. Hide the under-table storage area with a fabric skirt.

Source: Better Homes & Gardens.com