Terri Lynne McNaughton Team

Terri Lynne McNaughton Team

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Displaying blog entries 91-100 of 129

Child Passenger Safety

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has a web site at www.chop.edu/carseat that provides parents current and easy-to-understand safety information, It is called "Car Seats, Booster Seats and Seat Belts: Increasing Awareness to Protect Children."  Videos show the basic elements of appropriate restraints according to the child's age and size.

Basics of Estate Planning

An estate plan is a technique through which a person conserves assets and transfers them to heirs at least tax cost. There are many elements to estate planning. It begins with a will and can include trust, a power of attorney and insurance. Whatever the structure, keep it up-to-date, review at least every two or three years, keep family members aware of the details including the location of all the significant financial papers and how to reach the key advisor(s). Also consult heirs before putting the plan into effect so there are no suprises in the arragements.

Finding Home

According to the National Association of Realtos (NAR) at least half of all home sales involve a Listing Agent and a Buyer's Agent. Most of house sales originate through the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). About 70 percent of today's homebuyers start their search for a home on www.realtor.com .. a nationwide listing of homes for sale. The NAR's Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers also show that in 2006 24% of home buyers ound their home on the internet while only 2% did so in 1997. The internet is clearly gaining popularity among homebuyers.

Make Smaller Seem Larger

Here are 5 ideas from Libby Langdon of HGTV's Small Space, Big Style:

1. De-clutter- What makes a large elegant house feel big is because its open and uncluttered. A small space that is organized can feel the same way.

2. Paint- This is on of the cheapest ways to open up space. Be bold with colors and not just go with white.

3. Lighting- Dark corners make a room feel small. Buy three-way bulbs and tall skinny lamps.

4. Mirrors- Postion a large mirror opposite a window or door to reflect the light.

5. Go Up- Look at extending tot he ceiling to draw eyes up... higher draperies and closet doors can expand your room.

Home Staging

In her book, Home Staging Barb Schwarz writes that "Two things sell a house: one is price and the other is home staging." The goal of staging is to make an ordinary home into a model home can be accomplished by the homeowner or hiring a professional home stager.

Latest on Median Home Prices

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the national median single-family home price was $219,300 in fourth quarter, 2006 - down 2.7% from a year earlier when the median price was $225,300

Low Rates

Current Mortgage Rates Historically Low
During the last 3 decades, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was more than 9 percent. Rates in the past year have risen only modestly and in December 2006, the rate was under 6.5 percent…. A very good rate in historical terms.

“What is a “Bridge” Loan?

Also known as “swing loans” or “gap financing”, bridge loans allow you to plan for closing on your new home before your new home before your current home is sold. The bridge loan is secured by your current home.
It can be a good option if the seller (of the new home you want to buy) will not consider a contingent offer or if your current house isn’t sold and another offer comes in on the new house you want to buy.

“Travel Updates”

The U.S department of State and the Department of Homeland Security have extended their passport deadlines. U.S. citizens now have until June 1, 2009 to get a passport for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Those traveling by plane to and from these destinations will need a passport by January 8, 2007. for the latest information go to www.travel.state.gov and click on “International Travel” or call 877-487-2778.
Transportation security administration guidelines for what you can carry on an airplane are subject to change at any time. Therefore, before you go to the airport, go to www.tsa.gov or call 866-289-9673.

“Landscaping as Investment”

Here are some thoughts on landscaping as an investment…. Good landscaping can increase the value of your home by up to 15 percent or more of the amount of your investment in landscaping when you sell your home. Plus, you have the enjoyment of seeing and experiencing beautiful landscaping that complements your home.

Displaying blog entries 91-100 of 129

Contact Information

Photo of Terri Lynne McNaughton Team Real Estate
Terri Lynne McNaughton Team
Terri Lynne McNaughton Realtors
3422 N College
Fayetteville AR 72703
479-442-9099
Fax: 479-442-0948