Fed Cuts Interest Rate Again

The Federal Reserve, confronted with surging oil prices and a slumping housing market, on Wednesday cut a key interest rate by a quarter-point, the second rate reduction this year.

The central bank lowered the federal funds rate to 4.5 percent in an effort to stimulate economic activity and keep the country from dipping into a recession. The move will make it cheaper for consumers and businesses to borrow money.

The Fed's action came on the same day the government announced that the overall economy grew at a stronger-than-expected 3.9 percent rate in the July-September quarter.
(read the rest of the story here) http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FED_INTEREST_RATES?SITE=TXMID&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
~Sandy
Be safe this evening Trick or Treating!

Preparing for Winter - Energy Saving Ideas Part III

Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in! By keeping the blinds and/or drapes on sun exposed windows open during the day you can take advantage of "Solar Power!" Remember to close them in the evening to conserve the heat generated during the day. Be sure to close fireplace dampers when not in use. Dampers are a major source of heat loss.
~Sandy

Preparing for Winter - Energy Saving Ideas Part II

During the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades push air up towards the ceiling. The fan will drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room, resulting in more even heating.

It's also a good idea to check all windows and doors now for air leaks, you don't want to heat the outdoors. Place a thick bead of caulk around any windows that need it and replace weather stripping around drafty doors. ~Sandy
Don't forget the Texas Size Garage Sale Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Preparing for Winter - Energy Saving Ideas Part I

Did you know using a humidifier can save on your energy bills? By putting additional moisture in the air you can increase the heat index inside your home. (68 degrees Fahrenheit will feel more like 76 degrees) By placing a small portable unit in frequently used rooms such as a bedroom or living area you can save a bundle! The relative humidity in your home should be between 20 to 40 percent.
~Sandy

September Housing Permits

In September 2007, there were a total of 615 building permits filed with the City of Midland. This number is the same as the total for September 2006. Building permits valued $18,008,634 in September 2007 as opposed to $6,035,629 in September 2006. Among the September 2007 permits were 44 single-family residences with a total valuation of $5,632,012.
-courtesy of Real Estate Center-Texas A&M University
Don't forget Old Sorehead Days this weekend! ~Sandy

Getting The Most Money for Your Home - FINAL PART!

Be sure your home is in good order. The kitchen, bathrooms, utility room, floors, windows, door frames, and curtains all need to be cleaned thoroughly. Any leaking faucets or toilets need to be repaired. This is more evidence to a potential buyer that you have taken good care of your home.

Turn on all the lights and open drapes before a potential buyer arrives. Be sure there are clean fresh towels in the bathrooms and no dirty dishes in the sink. Take a short walk or run errands while the agent shows your home. Buyers will feel more comfortable if you are not home.
~Sandy

Getting The Most Money for Your Home Part III

Remove anything that looks like clutter, pack it up and store it until you move into your new home. Less is always more when it comes to personal belongings and selling your home. That means removing the refrigerator art, and clearing the counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, cleaning and organizing closets, etc… This will make your home seem larger to potential buyers who need to be able to visualize their personal belongings in the house.
~Sandy

Getting The Most Money for Your Home Part II

Is the exterior paint fading, chipping or dated? If you haven’t painted your home in the last five years, it’s probably time for a touchup. Cruise your neighborhood looking for appealing colors on homes you find attractive. New paint could mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in a sale.

Now that you have the potential buyer wanting to see more, turn your attention to the inside. Again, if your home has not been painted in several years, it’s probably time for a fresh coat on the inside, an off white color is usually best. Don’t forget to patch any holes or damage to walls while you are at it. Not only will painting make your home more visually appealing, it will also make it more scent-sational! Remember, new construction smells good, has new paint and never has holes in the wall!
~Sandy

Getting The Most Money for Your Home Part I

The first key to selling your home for top dollar is “curb appeal.” Ask yourself, “would I be interested in a house like mine? Does it look like it’s been kept up?” To a potential buyer, if the outside looks shabby, it could mean the inside has not been taken care of either. However, creating curb appeal does not have to mean spending lots of money.

The easiest improvement you can make is adding colorful flowers, which create a homey fresh look. Trim the bushes, hedges and trees. Remove any unsightly or broken “yard accessories” (old pots, fountains or damaged hoses). Be sure your lawn is not only cut, but is a nice bright green, buyers will take this as a sign you’ve put effort into keeping up your home.
Look for Part II Monday...
~Sandy