Archive for September, 2010
Getting your home totally organized: Hiring a Professional Organizer (Part 3)
September 22nd, 2010 categories: Buyer Strategies, Home Life, PODCASTS, Seller Strategies
EPISODE 47 – REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY
Hiring a professional organizer in the Chantilly and Centreville area may be a lot easier after you have heard this set of Chantilly Radio shows.
Karen Gardiner of Simplify for Life gives us information and insights on how to create a productivity revolution in your life as you get your home more organized.
In this show we talk about getting your home ready to put on the market, and how home organizing can help make the process far less stressful and more manageable.
• How should you approach the move to make each part flow better?
• What is the biggest preparation mistake most home seller make?
• What one strategy will help get the home looking more open and spacious?
If you are a Chantilly or Northern Virginia area home seller or home buyer you will also benefit as we discuss how organizing can enhance the sale of your home as a seller, or get your started on the right path with a fully organized home as a buyer.
The Kathy O’Neal Team strongly believes that well prepared homes will serve their sellers far better than their less competitive counter-parts. Home organizing is one strategy to remember as you get your property ready to sell in the current market.
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The Federal Reserve Statement Simplified (September 21, 2010 Edition)
September 21st, 2010 categories: Buyer Strategies, Mortgage & Finance
The Federal Open Market Committee met today, and as most observers expected, it voted 9-to-1 to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged.
The press release that was issued by the FOMC noted the slower pace of economic recovery. Even though household spending is increasing, it is hampered by other factors, most notably the unemployment situation, tight credit, and the housing market.
Not a whole lot of optimism coming from the Fed but it does expect growth that will be “modest in the near-term”.
Some would argue that the recession is over, and that growth has resumed, but at a very slow pace.
On the positive side, the Fed did make mention of strengths in the economy:
- Growth is continuing on a national level
- Inflation levels remain very low
- Business spending is rising
No surprise that the Fed re-stated its intention to hold the Fed Funds Rate near zero percent “for an extended period”.
Since there were no surprises, the mortgage market’s reaction to the release has been neutral. Mortgage rates in Virginia seem to be unchanged as of today.
The FOMC’s next meeting is scheduled for November 2-3, 2010.
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Getting your home totally organized: Hiring a Professional Organized (Part 2)
September 14th, 2010 categories: Buyer Strategies, Home Life, PODCASTS, Seller Strategies
EPISODE 46 – REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY
Hiring a professional organizer in the Chantilly and Centreville area may be a lot easier after you have heard this set of Chantilly Radio shows.
Karen Gardiner of Simplify for Life gives us information and insights on how to create a productivity revolution in your life as you get your home more organized.
We address questions that may be on your mind if you have ever though about the value of getting your home – and your life – more organized and under control.
• What does an optimal level of personal organization look like?
• What prevents people from getting more organized?
• Where do you start if you want to take that first step?
If you are a Chantilly or Northern Virginia area home seller or home buyer you will also benefit as we discuss how organizing can enhance the sale of your home as a seller, or get your started on the right path with a fully organized home as a buyer.
The Kathy O’Neal Team strongly believes that well prepared homes will serve their sellers far better than their less competitive counter-parts. Home organizing is one strategy to remember as you get your property ready to sell in the current market.
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White Distilled Vinegar : Nice alternative to chemical-based cleaning solutions
September 13th, 2010 categories: Home Life
Here is a household tip that Chantilly area homeowners would be wise to remember.
White vinegar is a terrific household cleaning solution!
You are getting lots of strong chemicals with most of the commercial products on the market.
If you’re like many consumers now days, you have concerns about these chemicals. You can simplify your life by using white distilled vinegar. It’s inexpensive, safe to store, and highly effective as a household cleanser.
White vinegar is a potent cleaner. Its strength comes from the acidity, roughly 8%. And acidity kills most mold, germs, and bacteria. It can also remove mineral deposits from coffee makers, glass surfaces, and other types of stains.
Here are some examples of ways to use white distilled vinegar:
- Cleaning the garbage disposal : 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar + 1/2 cup baking soda. Pour down drain and let sit for 5 minutes. Run hot water to flush it.
- Removing lunch box odors : Soak bread slice in white distilled vinegar. Place it in lunch box overnight.
- Remove dark spots on aluminum pots : Mix 1 cup white distilled vinegar + 1 cup hot water. Boil in pot.
- Brighten carpets : Mix solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar + 1 gallon water. Test on inconspicuous area first.
- Remove water rings from wood : Mix solution of 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar + 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.
Remember though that white vinegar is powerful stuff. Be sure to exercise care when using it.
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Getting your home totally organized: Hiring a Professional Organizer (Part 1)
September 4th, 2010 categories: Buyer Strategies, Home Life, PODCASTS, Seller Strategies
EPISODE 45 – REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY
Hiring a professional organizer in the Chantilly and Centreville area may be a lot easier after you have heard this set of Chantilly Radio shows.
Karen Gardiner of Simplify for Life gives us information and insights on how to create a productivity revolution in your life as you get your home more organized.
We address questions that may be on your mind if you have ever though about the value of getting your home – and your life – more organized and under control.
• What exactly does a professional organizer do?
• What can you expect if you hire one?
• What are the benefits and value, and how much will you spend?
If you are a Chantilly or Northern Virginia area home seller or home buyer you will also benefit as we discuss how organizing can enhance the sale of your home as a seller, or get your started on the right path with a fully organized home as a buyer.
The Kathy O’Neal Team strongly believes that well prepared homes will serve their sellers far better than their less competitive counter-parts. Home organizing is one strategy to remember as you get your property ready to sell in the current market.
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Reduce Home Energy Costs: Seal Those Leaks
September 1st, 2010 categories: Home Life
Your Chantilly or Centreville home may not be drafty now as September begins, but Fall is just about here.
Pretty soon the cooler temps will be kicking in. It is a good time to consider doing something to reduce air leaks in your home.
The first thing I’d recommend is to listen to our Chantilly Radio series on home energy efficiency. Very informative series. If you are planning on getting serious about saving dollars on energy costs, you will want to listen to this set of podcasts on the topic of home energy efficiency.
You really can save a lot. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30 percent can be cut from a home’s energy costs just by reducing drafts.
That’s a lot of wasted Chantilly air.
And you don’t have to be a Super Handyman. There are some pretty easy things you can do. Check out the DIY Guide To Sealing and Insulating a home, for a government resource.
Additionally, you can get a 13-page PDF with detailed images, instructions, and recommendation to help you with the work.
If you are talking more than small fixes, of course you may need to hire help. But given the amount you can save, it may be one of the best home improvement investments you will make.
And if you are doing improvements in anticipation of putting your home on the market, take advantage of MARKET SNAPSHOT. And of course we are always here to help you with an analysis of your home’s current market value.
(Image courtesy: US Department of Energy)
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