May 16, 2012
Moving is rough. It’s stressful, and chaotic, expensive, and physically exhausting. Not to mention moving often means leaving comfortable routines and good friends behind, and going forward into a new life that’s full of the unknown. Even if you’re moving because you want to and your reasons are full of happiness and excitement, undoubtedly at some point the moving blues will get you down. When they do here are a few ways to fight them off:
- Remember that change is inherently good. It’s a fundamental law of the universe that things cannot stay the same, so you might as well go with it. Embrace change, with all its ups and downs, as an adventure to look forward to. Breaking free of old patterns and expanding into new territory is good, even if only as far as you can say you tried it. And if things really end up bad remember: everything changes!
- Focus on best-case scenario It’s all too easy to get caught up in negative “what ifs” so limit yourself to dwelling on worst-case scenarios for only as long as it takes to make a disaster plan, i.e. “If the house is on fire we all run out this way and then meet at Jenny’s house down the street.” Once you know what you’ll do if the moving truck breaks down or your new job is a big flop don’t let yourself dwell on it anymore, but instead focus on all the wonderful possibilities — the awesome new walking trails you’ll find and the friends you’ll make that have hot tubs and spare tickets to all the big games. You are what you think about — positive visualization is a real tool.
- De-stress and take care of yourself Moving is hard, both emotionally and physically, and there’s no need to be a hero. Take time out for yourself on a regular basis to de-stress, relax, and regroup so you can make the most of the experience and get through it in something other than a state of total misery and exhaustion — if you don’t take care of you no one else will!
Moving.com
Apr 17, 2012
The YMCA’s New Summer Day Camp on Kenyon Road offers a safe and exciting outdoor summer adventure on 55 acres of fields and forests.
This first-class facility includes:
Alpine Tower, Amphitheater, Archery Range, Challenge Course, Hiking Trails, Outdoor Pool, Soccer Fields, Softball Fields, and much more. Come Join The Fun!
See Flyer Below or Click the Link for Contact & Registration Information:
YMCA Camp Arrowhead
Apr 16, 2012
Homeowners insurance is a necessary expense but there are some ways you may be able to reduce your costs. Below is a helpful list of eight factors that could help you save money. You’ll have to consult with your insurance broker for specific details but these tips should give you some areas to consider:
- New Home: You may be eligible for a discount based on the age of your home.
- Companion Policy: Some insurers give discounts to customers who hold multiple policies with their company.
- Protective Device: A fire or burglar alarm or sprinkler system may make you eligible for certain discounts. Be sure to check with your insurance broker before installing an expensive multi-function system.
- Mature Homeowner: Usually available to retirees over the age of 55.
- Secured Community: Living in a fully-secured community may also make you eligible for a discount.
- Home Improvements: Improvements such as upgrading plumbing or roofing may result in a reduced homeowners insurance premium.
- Lifestyle: Specifically, because of the damage caused by cigarette ignited fires, insurance companies will reward non-smokers.
- Loyalty: If you’ve been with the same insurer several years in a row, you may be eligible for this discount.
Take another look at your homeowners insurance and see if any of these above items apply. It may be a great way for you to save some money!
Realtor.com
Mar 21, 2012
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released the February edition of the Obama Administration Housing Scorecard. The latest data shows that the housing market is slowly getting stronger. The scorecard also highlights a situation that Realtor.com is showing as well, that the inventory is declining in some markets with fewer new and existing homes listed. Home prices were down for the fourth month in a row.
According to the scorecard, at the current rate, it would take 6.1 months to turn over the supply of existing homes currently on the market and 5.6 months to turn over the stock of new homes. This is the lowest months’ supply since 2006. Existing home sales also continued to improve, reaching their highest pace since May 2010. In a press release HUD Assistant Secretary Raphael Bostic pointed out that one in five Americans still owes more than what their home is worth and said that this is “a clear sign that we are not yet out of the woods.”
The Administration also released the “Making Home Affordable Program Performance Report”. For the Program to date, homeowners in permanent modifications have saved an estimated $11 billion in monthly mortgage payments. The report states that 85% of eligible homeowners entering a HAMP trial modification since June 1, 2010 have received a permanent modification, with an average trial period of 3.5 months. Since the beginning of this program, the Treasury has required loan servicers to improve their processes. Servicer Assessments rate the performance on key metrics such as identifying and contacting homeowners; homeowner evaluation and assistance; and program reporting and governance. For the fourth quarter of 2011, a total of nine servicers were found to need moderator minor improvement with respect to the specific metrics tested but no servicer was found to be in need of substantial improvement this quarter. The standards established by this program were also a guide for the $25 billion settlement announced in February.
The full Housing Scorecard is available online at www.hud.gov/scorecard.
Realtor.com
Nov 14, 2011
The days are getting shorter, but that’s no excuse to let important home projects fall by the wayside. Fall is the perfect time to complete home-related projects. The mild, pleasant temperatures reduce the physical stress of working outdoors, and it is the last chance for many to make needed repairs before inclement weather arrives. Knock these projects off the to-do list this month, and you’ll be able to give thanks knowing your home is ready for whatever lies ahead.
Keep Gutters Clean
The leaves, pine needles and other debris piling up in the gutters have to go. Gutters are highly ineffective when clogged with debris from nearby trees. These obstructions cause gutters to collect and hold water and prevent them from funneling moisture away from the home. Clogged gutters should not be ignored because they can damage fascia boards, cause mold growth and create foundation issues.
Winterize Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems are in serious danger if not drained properly. Water left in the lines will expand as it freezes and can cause the pipes to burst. To ensure all water is cleared from the pipes, use an air compressor to force water out of the system. This process, known as “blowing out,” should be done by a professional. The amount of pressure needed to blow out the water will vary from one system to the next, and if not done correctly, it can cause considerable damage to the pipes and other components.
Clean The Chimney
Floors aren’t the only things that need to be swept from time to time. Chimneys also need a good cleaning. Over time, a combustible material called creosote can build up inside the chimney. If this catches fire, it can cause major damage to the home and result in serious injuries or even death. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year to ensure they are free of creosote and are ready for use.
Check The Roof
Roofs will last a long time, but they will not last forever. Eventually, the roof’s shingles will begin to wear, causing them to curl, chip or go missing. All are very bad signs and should be repaired immediately. Damaged roofs can allow rain or melting snow to infiltrate the house, which can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Use binoculars to visually scan the roof from the ground. Also, check the gutters and downspouts for roofing granules. Finding an abundance of granules is a sign the roof will need to be replaced.
Get Snow-Removal Tools Ready
Snow-removal tools will not be doing anyone any good if they are buried in the corner of the garage when the frozen stuff starts to fall. Get ahead of the game, and pull out all snow-related gear so it can be easily accessed and properly inventoried. Salt and sand should be well stocked and stored off the ground in a dry location. Snow blowers should have their oil and spark plugs changed, and the engine should fire up easily and run smoothly. Remember, last year’s mega snow in Hampton Roads started falling Christmas night. So, if you’re short on supplies or any equipment needs repairs, take care of it now.
Sep 21, 2011
Plant a Tree
Consider planting a tree this fall. It’s an act of hope – a long—term investment in beauty and the environment. In most regions, fall is the perfect time to plant because moisture levels and soil temperatures provide optimal conditions for roots to grow deeply and establish a healthy foundation before the first winter freeze. By the time leaves begin to sprout and the world begins to green up, the tree will have a jump start on spring!
Here’s How
- Select a tree that fits your yard as well as your needs. Consider its mature size, the shade it might cast on existing flowerbeds and any nearby power lines or paved areas its branches and roots may disturb. Before digging, be sure to contact your local utility company to mark gas lines, water pipes or underground cables.
- Dig a hole as deep as the tree’s root ball and twice as wide. Try excavating soil onto a tarp to protect your lawn throughout the planting process.
- Mix organic filler into heavy clay or sandy soil, replacing up to one-half the volume of the excavated soil. Slice roots by scoring the sides of the root ball with a shovel, which will encourage new roots to grow.
- Place your tree in the hole, replace some of the soil, and straighten the tree. Ensure that the trunk flare (where the first roots spread out from the base of the tree) is level with the soil line. Fill the hole, keeping the flare exposed. Add a ring of mounded soil 12 to 18 inches out from the trunk, creating a moat so water can soak into the roots.
- Mulch with shredded bark, pine straw or some other organic matter, beginning 3-5 inches away from the trunk. Water weekly during the first growing season.
Lowe’s Creative Ideas magazine
