Furniture for your new home

Express Yourself
Furniture is an expression of your personality. You want to enjoy your furniture and be comfortable with it as well as have it fit your lifestyle. Whether you're looking for country cottage or urban loft style, make sure it fits you. If you don't love it in the store, chances are you won't love it in your home.

Color and Style
Furniture stores have hundreds of different styles, not to mention thousands of different fabrics and finishes. Therefore, it's a good idea to bring a list of what you're looking for. Along with your list, bring swatches of paint colors and fabrics to assist in color matching.

Size
Before you head to the store, measure your rooms and know the dimensions of the furniture you need. Nothing is worse than purchasing a piece of furniture and it not fitting in your room. Plan ahead and it will save you time and money.

Fabrics and Woods
Look at both of these aspects when purchasing furniture. Certain fabrics last longer and are more durable over time. Know that synthetic fibers last longer than cottons and are easier to take care of. Also, the type of wood used in the construction of each piece is important. Solid woods are a better alternative to Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and particle board.

Budget
Furniture can get expensive; however, you don't have to sacrifice style for price — you just need to shop smart. Look around for sales, but keep in mind the quality and be sure to buy the highest quality furniture that fits into your budget. This will eliminate the need to purchase more furniture in the long run.

Purchasing furniture can be made simple if you educate yourself before walking into the store. Remember these tips and good luck.


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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Tax Levies

There were levies on the ballot yesterday, six were school levies and three were nonschool levies.

School Levies
Buckeye- Failed
Chippewa- Passed
Coventry- Failed
Perry- Failed
Springfield- Failed
Streetsboro- Failed

Nonschool Levies
Lafayette Township- Police- Passed
Mantua- Shalersville- Emergency Medical Services- Failed
Medina Township- Emergency Medical Services- Passed

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eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realliving.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Property tax relief for seniors and disabled.

The Ohio General Assembly has enacted an expanded Homestead Exemption that will lower residential property tax bills for all seniors and qualifying disabled people by an average of $400 per year.

The new expanded Homestead Exemption will offer Ohio homeowners the opportunity to shield up to $25,000 of the market value of their homestead which includes the dwelling and up to one acre of land.

Seniors and disabled Ohioans who were not eligible must apply with their local county auditor by October 1, 2007.

You can look on the states website http://tax.ohio.gov/divisions/communications/homestead or you can contact the Ohio Department of Taxation.

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Questions or comments write or email,
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Choose the right paint color.

Choosing the right paint color means more than sorting through a few sample strips at the hardware store. Here are some tips to help you choose the right color:

Be patient. Paint is available in an infinite array of colors, and is the most versatile element of your room. Get ideas, but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper and fabrics are finalized.
Study the colors. You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Trim it out. Choosing an off-white or white shade for moldings, doors and windows is normally the standard choice. Consider a pale shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright colors for the trim.

Keep notes as you shop. It's a good idea to make a note on the back of the paint color cards, telling yourself the name of the store where you picked it up, and the paint brand whenever this information isn't printed there already.

Shed a little light. To get a true view of a paint color, try to look at it in many lights. Take the paint chip outside to see it in natural light. Look at it under an incandescent and fluorescent light.

Ask for help. For helpful paint advice, go both online or visit your local paint store. Tell the paint professional about the goals for your decorating project. Ask which paint products they recommend, and why.

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Questions or comments write or email,
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Home Inspections

If you're thinking of buying a home this summer, it's important to protect yourself and your investment with a home inspection. A professional assessment by a reputable home inspector will uncover any problems.

When writing an offer to purchase, you will want to include a request for inspection. I can change your offer to include that request. Once you go into contract, you will have the opportunity to bring in an inspector of your choosing. But if you don't have anyone in mind, I can provide you with a list of qualified inspectors.

An inspection will cost you several hundred dollars, so it is important that you are comfortable and confident with your inspector. Choose an inspector who can provide proof of qualifications such as certifications and memberships to home inspection organizations.

When interviewing inspectors, ask questions about him or her and the inspection itself. Examples of good questions include: What does the inspection cover? How much will it cost? Does he or she have references? How long has the inspector been in the business and how many homes has he or she inspected?

Depending on the size of the home, an inspection can last about two to four hours. The inspector should closely evaluate the siding, foundations, exterior brick, insulation, doors and windows, roof, ceilings, walls, moldings, porch, deck, electrical outlets, plumbing, water heater, furnace, air conditioning, garage, basement, septic tanks, driveways and sidewalks. Upon completion, you and I will receive a copy of the review. Remember that it is very normal to have a few small issues that need attention or repair. I can help you decide which, if any, of the repairs to ask the seller to handle or pay for, and which to handle yourself.

A home inspection not only identifies immediate needs, but it can also make you aware of any future maintenance issues. However, even after a home inspection is completed, it is still important to purchase a home warranty.
Contact me for more real estate advice.


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Questions or comments, write or email
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate