Home Maintenance and Repair Tips

Saving Energy with Insulation

The furnace is running "full bore" and yet you feel a chill all the way down to your bones. There isn't a window open in the house, and the walls and ceilings are fully insulated. You simply can't figure out where the cold is coming from.
Well, if your home is 20 years old, or older, you may need to perform a little maintenance on your insulation. And the attic is the first place you should look. Believe it or not, most heat is lost through the ceiling -- 60 percent or more. Heat rises. Walls account for about 20 to 30 percent of the heat loss, with the rest escaping through the floor. Properly maintained insulation can significantly reduce this heat loss.

Windows and Screens

As beautiful as they are, windows aren't as energy efficient as insulated walls. Unfortunately, you can't see through a wall. Imagine your home with no windows -- it's probably not a place where you would want to live. Fortunately, you have a choice.
Here are a few maintenance suggestions for your windows that will make them more energy efficient, add longevity to their existence, and make them easier to operate.

Doors and Hardware

An exterior door may be more energy efficient than a window, but a door can leak just as much water and air. As the moisture content changes in soil, your home shifts. Your doors also shift, creating gaps large enough for a dump truck to pass through.
With doors, you need to regularly caulk the exterior trim even if the exterior door in question is protected by a covered porch. Remember that caulking is designed to keep out air as well as water. Caulk the doorframe to the door trim and the door trim to the siding.
If you find moisture on the entry floor, it could be a leak between the threshold and the door bottom. The threshold is the wood or metal platform at the base of the doorway. It usually tilts outward to shed water. The bottoms of most exterior doors are fitted with a metal door bottom or "shoe" that houses a rubber gasket. The door shoe is attached to the bottom of the door with screws driven through oblong slots in the shoe. The oblong slots allow the door bottom to be adjusted up and down as the house -- and consequently the door -- shift up and down. When the door is closed, the rubber gasket is supposed to rest tightly against the full length of the threshold preventing the influx of air and water.
No matter how successfully the door shoe and threshold work to prevent air and water leaks, there could be yet another problem. The threshold itself might leak. Exterior door thresholds are normally laid in a thick bed of caulk when originally installed. Occasionally, the caulk shrinks and the threshold leaks. The only way to prevent future leaks is to remove the threshold, recaulk the area, and replace the threshold. Be sure to readjust the door shoe once the threshold has been replaced.

Stopping air leaks

An air leak in a doorframe is pretty common. Use the candle test described earlier to see just how severe the problem is.
Foam sealant can be added between the frame of the door and the frame of the house by removing the interior door casing. The casing is the wood trim that covers the joint between the doorframe and the wall. Use a flat pry bar to slowly remove the trim so that it won't be damaged.
Other air leaks can occur between the door and the doorframe. This is where weather stripping is handy. It doesn't make any difference whether the exterior door is painted or stained, large or small, solid wood or French style, the same type of weather stripping can be used. We like the kind of whether stripping that consists of a rubber bead attached lengthwise to a strip of metal. Standing outside the door, with the door in the closed position, gently press the rubber portion of the weather stripping against the door and frame at the same time. Attach the metal section of the weather stripping to the frame of the door with the nails or screws provided. Here, oblong holes allow the weather stripping to be adjusted later as house movement causes the door to shift.

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Selling a Home in Akron, Ohio

Here are the latest market stats for Akron, Ohio. These figures include Akron, Coventry and Ellet.

October 2006
Homes for Sale- 1998
Sold- 211
Days on Market- 81

November 2006
Homes for Sale- 2044
Sold- 181
Days on Market- 85

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Selling a Home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Here are the market stats for October 2006

City	Homes for Sale	Sold	Days on Market
Stow	202	29	73
Cuyahoga Falls	326	50	76

Here are the market stats for November 2006

City	Homes for Sale	Sold	Days on Market
Stow	189	15	63
Cuyahoga Falls	328	39	74

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Real Estate in 2007

What Will Happen to the Real Estate Market in 2007?

Everybody wants to know where real estate is headed in 2007. Will prices continue to fall as they have in most areas of the country or will the American market rebound? Will interest rates remain stable? Will 2007 be a good time to buy or sell real estate or should we all head down to Mexico instead and check out Donald Trump's Baja resort south of Tijuana? Based on current market forecasts and real estate economic facts and trends of 2006, here is my professional home buying and selling prediction for next year.

(1) More Single Women Will Buy Homes Than Ever Before
Single women already make up a larger percentage of home buyers year after year. More single women are saying "no" to marriage but "yes" to a mortgage.
They are trading Prince Charming for walk-in closets, underground parking or a garage, and tax deductions.

(2) Home Prices Will Remain Soft
Buyers will wonder if they should get off the fence and buy now or if they should wait. Across most of America, there are no indications that we'll see double-digit appreciation for a while and, in fact, if prices haven't fallen in your neighborhood yet, they most likely will in 2007.

(3) Agents Will Negotiate Record Numbers of Counter Offers
Finding a real estate agent who will negotiate for you as a seller or a buyer is going to be more important in 2007 than it has been in previous years. Sellers will not accept offers as written and will issue a counter. Buyers will not accept the seller's first counter and will issue a counter of their own. It will not be unusual to see five or more counters per transaction before an agreement is reached.

(4) Buyers Will Pass By Overpriced Homes
Buyers are becoming more educated. They know when the price is right, and overpriced homes will be scratched off their list of possible homes to consider. Buyers view sellers with overpriced listings as inflexible and not serious about selling. With large numbers of well priced homes available to them, buyers won't waste time on sellers who refuse to be reasonable about pricing.

(5) Buyers Will Demand Upscale Features
As more inventory comes on the market, buyers will have more to choose from before making an offer and will gravitate toward homes that require no updating or costly remodels. Buyers will expect homes to be turnkey and ready to occupy. Kitchen and bathroom remodels will fetch top dollar over homes without updates.

(6) Sellers Will Hire Home Stagers
Some sellers will be lucky and find a real estate agent who can offer home staging services, but many sellers, to be competitive among other listings, will hire a professional stager before putting their home on the market. Furniture rental companies will set up accounts offering 30- to 90-day financing at zero interest and no payments to accommodate home sellers who want to pay staging fees at closing and not upfront.

(7) Agents Will Take Overpriced Listings
Just because the market has changed is no reason for agents to wise up and stop taking overpriced listings or to stop hurting their seller's chances to sell. In fact, many agents won't be able to afford to pay MLS dues and will be fighting for survival, so they will continue to inflate home prices in hopes of beating out a competitor for a listing. This battle will help to retire agents who shouldn't be in the business in the first place.

(8) Virtual Tours Will Gain Popularity
Online listings without virtual tours will be passed over. Virtual tours will gain popularity because buyers will demand them. Like the old MLS books without a photo, an online listing without a virtual tour will be a non-entity and ignored. In addition, buyers will want audio with the visual.

(9) More than 50% of Listings Will Feature a Price Reduction Within 30 days
Sellers can do everything else right but fail miserably if the home is priced too high. The number one reason why properties don't sell is price. Anything will sell for the right price. The first trick is to figure out what that price should be before putting your home on the market. The second trick is to figure out when to reduce the price.

(10) Buyers Will Be More Selective When Choosing an Agent
Choosing the right agent is the single most important factor when buying or selling real estate. However some people make the mistake of choosing a DNA agent (family related) or a neighbor, without ever thinking about the main reason to hire an agent or how to go about determining the fit for themselves. As appreciation slows, sellers and buyers alike will be more discriminating and ask the tough questions to further protect their hard-earned dollars.

Source www.about.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Home Maintenance and Repair Tips

Know your roof.

Most folks are pretty conscientious about maintaining the exterior walls of their homes. On just about any day during good weather, you can drive through a neighborhood and find the sides of at least one home under siege by painters. But rarely do you see anyone on the roof of a home unless the roof is being replaced. For some reason, people just don't pay as much attention to their roofs, which we think is a mistake.

The whole idea of maintenance is to ensure longevity, reduce costs, and improve value. We think this concept should apply to the roof in the same way it does to the walls. In fact, we like to think of the roof as the fifth wall of the home that should be maintained with the same regularity as the walls that support it. With proper care and maintenance, a roof can outlast its warranty without leaking a drop or suffering any ugly damage.

Cleaning

Streaking or discoloration can cause a perfectly good roof to look worn and tattered. And ugly is not a good thing -- remember curb appeal? So, for appearance sake, use the following universal roof cleaning formula when your roof gets dirty. The concoction also gets rid of mildew or moss on your roof, which can cause extensive damage if left unattended.

You'll need these supplies:

1 cup liquid chlorine bleach
1 cup powdered laundry detergent
1 gallon hot water
1 bucket or large mixing bowl
1 stir stick (the kind for paint is okay)
1 pair of safety glasses or goggles
1 pump garden sprayer
1 stiff bristle broom
1 tall ladder (how tall will depend on the height of your roof)
1 pair rubber-soled shoes
1 garden hose

Do this project on a cool, humid, overcast day to make sure that the cleaner doesn't dry too fast on the roof. Wait until the weather's right and then follow these steps:
Mix the hot water, bleach, and detergent until the soap granules dissolve and then pour the mixture into the garden sprayer.

Once on the roof, spray the cleaner on a strip about 3 feet high and 10 feet wide and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Begin cleaning the lower portion of the roof, moving up as you clean each lower section. That way, you always stand on dry ground and reduce the chance of slipping.

If the cleaner begins to dry out, spray on a bit more.
Use the broom to scrub the area as needed to get it clean.
Rinse the cleaned area with fresh water.
Repeat the process until the roof is clean.

Cleaning your roof.
A wood shake or shingle roof covered with pine needles, leaves, moss, and other debris may retain water, causing the shingles to rot prematurely. An annual sweeping with a stiff bristle broom cuts down on fungus damage by enhancing proper watershed. Cleaning to promote proper watershed is important with other types of roofs, as well. Built-up debris can create a dam which can cause a leak.

Flashing

Roof flashing creates a watertight connection where the roof is adjoined by a wall, as when a first-story roof connects to a second-story wall. Roof flashing also creates watertight connections between the roofing and items that penetrate it, including plumbing pipes, furnace flues, skylights, and chimneys.

The metal trim around the chimney -- where the chimney intersects the roof -- is a type of roof flashing. The metal trim surrounding a skylight where the base of the skylight connects to the roof is another type of roof flashing. The metal plate laced between the shingles at a pipe penetration is yet another example of roof flashing. All roofs have roof flashing. Although some flashings are made of lead, most are made of galvanized sheet metal or aluminum. And that means rust or corrosion. And rust or corrosion means leaks.

To prevent flashings from leaking, you need to keep them from rusting. The application of a good coat of paint every few years generally does the trick.

After you apply the first coat of paint to your flashing, maintaining it is easy. You want to focus on removing any rust that appears and keeping the paint in good condition. You need the following items:
1 box of Tri Sodium Phosphate (TSP), mixed to manufacturer's specifications
Sandpaper or 1 wire brush
1 paint brush
1 can of rust converter
1 can of latex paint
Follow these steps to maintain rust on your flashing:
Wash the surface with the TSP.
The TSP etches (chemically roughens) the painted surface.
Use the sandpaper or the wire brush to remove all rust.
Clean away the dust and use the paintbrush to apply the rust converter.
The rust converter acts as a primer while converting leftover rust to an inert material.
Apply the latex paint as a finish coat.
We like to paint our roof flashings, vent pipes, and flue caps the same color as the roofing material, making them less obtrusive and more esthetically appealing.
One type of flashing, called vent flashing, incorporates a rubber grommet that seals the connection between the centermost portion of the flashing and the plumbing vent pipe. Keep this rubber grommet in good condition with a shot of rubber preservative every year or two.

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Municipal Court Moving to Stow?

STOW may be getting the Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court. The Ohio General Assembly and the State Senate must approve the move. State Senator Kevin Coughlin stated he expects the legislation to be signed by the end of the year. Stows Mayor, Karen Fritschel is very excited about the move. Current Governor Bob Taft must approve the move, then it would take two years for the move to be final. The new court will be located on land, yet to be determined, in the Steels Corners Road Area.

The cost for the new courthouse between $6 and $8 million. The court would reimburse the city for construction through a special projects fund.

Source: Stow Sentry 12-17-06

Questions or comments write or email:
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Holiday Travel

With the holiday season in full swing, airlines remind all travelers to be prepared for extra airport congestion on peak travel days. Holiday travel peaks Dec. 19-23 and from Jan. 2-6. With that said, keep in mind the following tips:

Check your flight before leaving for the airport; there may be delays or even cancellations

Allow an extra hour to get through airport parking, check-in and security

Use the new check-in technology, such as Web site check-in or self-serve kiosks located near ticket counters

Carry-on luggage: Leave prohibited items at home or packed in checked luggage (Swiss Army knives, scissors, etc.)

Count carefully: one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack are allowed on most airlines

Travel with unwrapped gifts to avoid being asked to unwrap them at airport security checkpoints

Be prepared to present photo identification before boarding a flight, regardless of the destination — without it, travel may be refused

Domestic travel requires photo identification and international travel requires a valid passport and any other documentation required to enter the country of destination, such as a visa

Questions or comments write or email:
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Real Estate Investing Tips

Here are some tips for investing in real estate.

* Know your market

*Look for cosmetic only repairs

* Be prepared to do the work yourself

* Know the features that will sell a home quickly, for example is the home close to schools, work districts and cultural and lifestyle conveniences

* Don't ignore curb appeal, curb appeal refers to the exterior of the home

* If quick revenue is your real goal, don't procrastinate

* Before purchasing, have a budget, timeline and strategy in place

* Have a professional inspection

* Know your financing options

* Don't start with a high risk property

* Consider the services of a realtor

Source www.hgtv.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Federal Reserve Meeting

The Federal Reserve had their final meeting of 2006 on Tuesday December 12. The result was the US benchmark interest rate remaining unchanged at 5.25%. The Fed cited the cooling of the housing market substantial, predicted a moderate expansion and called recent economic idicators mixed. Inflation topped the list of concerns for Bernanke and members of the Fed who are counting on the economy slowing enough to cool inflation.

At years end the economy has slowed from Feb 2006, when Bernanke replaced Alan Greenspan, The jobless rate dropped to 4.5% from 4.8% at the beginning of Bernankes term.

Trader speculation has the Fed cutting the benchmark interest rate at the May 9, 2007 meeting if not sooner.

Economists speculate the Fed is in a holding pattern due to inflation concerns.

Policy makers seem to be waiting for holiday season shopping results, which would gauge whether the housing and auto sales decline would spill over into the broader economy. Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70% of the US economy.

Mortgage Rates (as of December 14, 2006 5pm eastern time)
15 yr Current- 5.40% Previous month- 5.49%
30yr Current- 5.63% Previous month- 5.76%
1yr ARM Current- 5.29% Previous month- 5.34%

Source www.bloomberg.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Holiday Stress

The holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends. This year, instead of yearning for the holidays to be over, follow these tips to plan early and know the limits of what you can do without feeling distressed.

Involve the family.
Make a list of the jobs that need to be done — cleaning, cooking and decorating — and divide the responsibilities among different family members.

Make a shopping list.
Prepare a checklist of for whom you need to purchase holidays gifts and a few ideas for each. Otherwise the choices will seem endless and you'll be overwhelmed.

Shop at home.
Avoid the crowded malls by purchasing gifts online or through mail-order catalogs.

Host one holiday gathering.
Combine several small holiday get-togethers into one holiday open house. This will free up more time for errands and gift wrapping.

Take a time out.
Set aside at least 30 minutes out of your day to relax and unwind. Spend this time doing a favorite activity like reading, watching television or even sleeping!

Be realistic.
Prioritize the long list of tasks and be realistic in what can be accomplished. Compromise and concentrate on those traditions that are most important to you and your family.

Feeling some stress around the holidays is inevitable, but the key is knowing how to minimize your stress and manage the demands of the season

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Federal Reserve, Inflation and Your Home

With the newly elected congress being dominated by Democrats, their economic vision could clash with the Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernake.

Bernake is scheduled to make his semiannual address on the economy in February where Democrats, led by House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank are expected to turn up the heat on Bernake. The Federal reserve could raise interest rates if inflation remains elevated. This in spite of the housing slump which is slowing the economy.

Some major issues Bernake can expect from congress include the slowing of economic growth over the past two quarters. The fact that Bernake is against trade sanctions with China. He feels trade with China will strengthen the yuan which will lead to controlling inflation.

The wage inflation issue will be a major issue. Bernake feels the boost in the minimum wage will only have a small effect on inflation overall, however the Federal Reserve panel says their preferred measure of prices rose to 2.4% during the year which is out of Bernakes comfort zone of 1-2%. If the wage increases are passed onto consumers in the form of price increases this could worsen inflation.

Mortgage Rates ( As of December, 08-2006 7pm eastern time)
15yr. Current- 5.35% Prior Month- 5.83%
30yr. Current- 5.29% Prior Month- 5.81%
1yr. ARM Current- 5.29% Prior Month- 5.36%

Source: www.bloomberg.com

Questions or comments write or email:
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Christmas Tree Shopping

A complete guide to help you shop for, purchase and care for a Christmas tree

Every year millions of families shop for and purchase "real" cut Christmas trees from Christmas tree farms and local lots. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), 56 million trees are planted each year for future Christmases and 30 to 35 million families will buy a "real" tree this year.

First, have some fun by taking this Christmas tree quiz to find out how holiday tree savvy you are: Christmas Tree Quiz. Don't worry about your score. Take this quiz for the learning experience. Shop Early!The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when most Christmas trees are sold. But you should really consider shopping earlier as it will pay off with less competition for higher quality tree selections and a fresher tree.

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You should consider mid-November a time to plan and follow through on your purchase. Remember, every year is different when it comes to tree availability. Some years have less shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tree sellers will be busy over a shorter period of time and you will not have as many days to find a tree.Natural disruptions (insects, disease, fire, drought or ice) can cause regional tree shortages which can make certain species hard to find. In any event, buyers need to plan and purchase early to pick from the best trees on the lot. Buying OnlineYou can now buy a Christmas tree online and with only a few key strokes - and 300,000 people shop this way every year. Buying directly from a quality grower will save valuable holiday time plus you will avoid a cold, overcrowded tree lot only to find poor quality trees. It is especially handy to order on-line for someone who has trouble getting out to buy. A special Christmas treat for even the healthy would be seeing a delivery truck delivering their own fresh tree for Christmas (make sure you know the size and varities they like).

Five of the most popular Internet Christmas tree dealers selling fresh from the farm. Possible Christmas Tree SelectionsChristmas tree growers offer an awesome selection of tree species with excellent aromatic varieties that retain their needles through the entire season. At least 10 species are commercially grown and sold in large quantities in North America. Start by viewing what North Americans consider the 10 most popular Christmas tree's. Then learn a little more about each of theseTop 10 Christmas Trees selected as the most popular in North America.

Source www.about.com

Questions or comments write or email:
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Winterize Your Home

Pet dander, dust and smoke are harmful particles and allergens that we try to avoid at all times. But did you know that by making your home too airtight and energy efficient, you could potentially be putting you and your family at risk? If your home is too energy efficient, you could be trapping in those harmful particles and allergens, giving them no means of escape.
Have no fear! There are many different steps you can take to control levels of indoor air pollution during the cold winter months, and throughout the year. Here are several practical and useful tips, courtesy of the American Lung Associate Health House project:

Run your furnace fan continuously, regardless of the outdoor temperature. It's important to do because the filter can only capture particles if the furnace is running.

When cooking, make sure gas cooking appliances are vented to the outdoors, and the kitchen fan is turned on. By doing so, these measures will help prevent dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide from accumulating in the home.

When burning firewood indoors, never store more than a few pieces at a time. Storing firewood indoors can release harmful contaminants into your home.

When showering, operate your bathroom fan to remove moisture from showers, or simply crack the window to prevent moisture buildup.
By following these simple steps, you can breathe easy and have a safe holiday season!

Questions or comments write or email:
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Holiday Parties

If you are having a holiday party or event you would like to promote email me and I will post your advertisement on the blog.

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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Holiday Centerpiece Ideas

Enjoy peppermint pleasures.
Place a white pillar candle on a clear glass plate. Tie a red ribbon around the candle and then surround it with unwrapped red and white peppermint disk candies and small and large traditional candy canes. You can make a similar centerpiece using other types of candies or other colors.

Have a holly jolly holiday.
Place a thick red pillar candle on a white plate. Purchase a package of spearmint gumdrop candy, shaped like leaves, and a bag of regular gumdrops. Arrange the leaves around the candle to look like holly, using red gumdrops for berries. Red gumballs or other red candies will also work.

Create a fresh fruit basket.
Line a basket with holiday wrapping paper or a holiday-themed hand towel. Fill the basket with both red and green apples, stacking them in a pyramid shape. Polish the apples before placing them in the basket to give them a nice shine. You can decorate with bows or other holiday accessories by attaching the accessories to floral wire and sticking the wire between the apples. If you don't have floral wire, you can use twist ties.

Wrap it up.
Gather tiny, empty boxes and wrap them with leftover wrapping paper. Add bows and ribbon to make them look like beautiful gifts. Place them on your table around holiday-colored candles or a miniature holiday tree.

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Holiday Shopping Online

With the holiday season in full swing so is shopping. A large portion of consumers are choosing to purchase gifts and merchandise online. According to the Better Business Bureau www.BBB.org , here are some ways to make sure your shopping experience is a safe one.

-Is your computer protected? Make sure your computer is equipped with updated spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Check for and install any new security updates for the programs on your computer and its operating system.

-Are you in the right frame of mind? You can shop with speed and ease on the Internet, but you still need to shop smart. If you're tired or distracted, you may want to postpone your online shopping expedition until you can be fully cyber-"aware."

-Do you trust the merchant? To check on the seller's reputation, look for feedback comments from other customers or conduct Web searches. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for a report about the retailers marketplace record. Look for a "trustmark" from BBBOnLine or another reputable organization and "click" on that seal to confirm that it's valid. You can search for BBBOnLine merchants by gift category or other key words at www.bbbonline.org.

-Do you have all the details? Don't do business with any retailer that does not provide its physical address and a contact telephone number for customers. You should know how much the product or service costs; if there are shipping and handling charges; the delivery time-frame; if a warranty or guarantee is offered; the seller's privacy policy and the retailer's cancellation and return policy. Print out a copy of your confirmation page in case you need it later.

-Will your online purchase be secure? Look in the address box for the "s" in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the "lock" symbol before paying. Don't be fooled by spoofed sites that feature convincing "security" measures. If you have doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select "Properties." This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is "not encrypted."

-Will your personal information be protected? Read the site's privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn't one posted, consider that a warning that your personal information may be sold to others without your permission.

-Are your instincts telling you to beware? Listen to your gut. If you're dubious about a merchant; if the Web site appears to be suspicious; if the offer seems "too good to be true," trust your instincts. Check with the BBB.

-Is that e-mail legitimate? If someone e-mails you unexpectedly to ask for personal information, be very suspicious. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the "buyer" into revealing financial information. Pick up the phone and call the contact number on the Web site where you made the purchase to ask if there was a problem with your transaction.

Source www.BBB.org

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eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Home Update Information

Selling your home? Here are the top 15 home updates according to www.hgtv.com The percentages next to the update is the average return at resale.

1. Minor bathroom remodel- 102%

2. Landscaping- 100%

3. Minor kitchen remodel- 98.5%

4. Vinyl siding, fresh paint, front entry- 70%

5. Attic bedroom conversion- 93.5%

6. Major bathroom remodel- 93.2%

7. Major kitchen remodel- 91%

8. Deck, patio or porch addition- 90.3%

9. Basement remodel- 90.1%

10. Replacement windows- 89.6%

11. Family room- 83%

12. Bonus room updates- 72.8% An example of a bonus room update would be converting a bonus room into an office.

13. Living room updates- Decor- 66%

14. Bedroom updates- 52%

15. Living room updates- Walls and Floors- 40%

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Driving Safely During Winter

Winter driving brings its own challenges. Winter is a great season for vacations, offering wonderful opportunities for romantic weekend getaways, downhill and cross-country skiing, and visiting friends and relatives during the holidays. But winter travel can quickly become winter trauma if you aren’t prepared for the extra challenges of winter driving.

Winter weather can make road conditions unpredictable, and sometimes treacherous. Even in southern locations, where winters are usually mild, unusual freezing temperatures or unexpected snow and ice may bring winter driving surprises that can ruin a winter vacation.
Before you hit the road for a winter vacation, take time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter driving.

Here are a few winter driving tips, with links to expanded resources, to help make your winter vacation safe and successful:

Winterize Your Vehicle The first step for safe winter driving is getting your car, truck or recreational vehicle ready for winter driving and winter road conditions. Simple things like these can make winter driving safer:
Check tire pressure
Inspect all belts and hoses
Make sure the battery is fully charged
Change the oil, switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures
Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility

Driving in Snow Before setting out on your winter driving adventure, whether you're headed to the ski slope or the mall, review and rehearse the proven techniques for winter driving in snow and other winter road conditions:
Drive more slowly
Brake before you turn a corner.
If you go into a skid, turn your wheels into the skid and accelerate slightly to regain control of your vehicle. This does not seem intuitive, so it may help to practice in an empty parking lot or a deserted road before you experience this in traffic.

Pack an Emergency Road Kit and Learn How to Handle Common Emergencies If something does go wrong on your winter driving trip, you'll want to have what you need to handle any situation, from a flat tire to an overheated engine. Start by packing winter driving basics, such as emergency flares, extra oil and antifreeze, blankets and drinking water, and a cell phone so that you can call for assistance. Then click the link above for a complete list of emergency supplies and some brief tutorials on common roadside emergencies.
How to cope with roadside emergencies. Learning how to handle common roadside emergencies will make winter driving less stressful and more fun:

Learn How to Install Tire Chains If you do much winter driving, there’s a good chance you’ll have to install tire chains sooner or later. Start by choosing chains that are easy to install, then practice putting them on and taking them off a few times in your driveway. Crouching in the dark, on the edge of a snowy highway, is no way to try installing tire chains for the first time.

Learn How to Change a Flat Tire Flat tires are never fun and they're always inconvenient, but flat tires are easy to fix if you have the right tools and you know what to do. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and in good repair, and be sure you have a full set of tools, including a good jack that you know how to operate and a lug wrench that will get the job done. Many cars now have locking lug nuts, a security feature that can confound a stranded motorist who doesn't know where to find the special tool that opens the lock. Review your owner's manual in advance to be sure you're familiar with the way your vehicle works, and then check out these step-by-step instructions and a special how-to video.

Learn How to Jump Start a Car One of the most common winter driving problems is a battery that has lost power and is no longer able to start your car. If that happens, you'll need a good set of jumper cables and good Samaritan to lend a hand. These step-by-step instructions will teach you everything you need to know.

Drive Carefully Now that you reviewed all of the winter driving tips and techniques presented here, you’re ready to explore a winter wonderland of travel and recreation. Drive carefully and pay attention to other drivers; not everyone is as well-prepared for winter driving as you are.

Source: www.about.com

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