Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

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Clean and Green

Thursday, September 15th, 2011
By Lana Torre
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Hate chemicals? Hate having so many spray bottles under your sink each solving a specific cleaning problem? Hate the thought of not cleaning ‘green’? Here are common household cleaners right from the fridge or pantry. They are green, safe, inexpensive, and you will not have to wear rubber gloves or ruin your manicure!
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Baking soda is a natural scrubbing agent and deodorizer. Use it in your kitchen and bath sinks. Mix water with it to form a paste and scrub your tub and shower. Of course we use baking soda to rid the fridge of nasty smells, but sprinkle it on spills on the fridge shelves then just wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Mayonnaise! I am a snob and always use Hellman’s for my egg and olive salad. You can clean and polish your wood furniture with it, sans the eggs. The mayo will leave wood case pieces clean and shiny.
Lemon juice is your natural whitener. You can squeeze the juice and whiten any yellowed kitchen appliance. Soak your fingernails in the juice to make them sparkling white. Use halved lemons as scrub brushes sprinkled with kosher salt. Grind leftover lemon pieces in your disposal for a fresh scent, the lemon will help to sharpen the blades in your disposal too. Mix lemon juice and kosher salt to clean the cutting surfaces in your home.
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White vinegar is the best and most universal of all pantry items. I use it to clean the coffee pot every week. Just pour diluted vinegar into the water tank of your coffee maker and allow it to run through. All the accumulated coffee oils and stains will disappear. Undiluted vinegar is the best product to get rid of soap scum in the tub and shower, it will naturally eat through it, leaving a clean, shiny surface. For nasty clogged showerheads, simply unscrew and soak in vinegar and they will perform like new.
Lemon Joy dish soap is an excellent glass and window cleaner. Just squeeze this yellow soap into a bucket of warm water and wash your windows with a sponge, then wipe dry with a micro fiber cloth, no rinsing and the glass will sparkle.
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Tea bags steeped in hot water will make an amazing cleaner for your hardwood floors. Your floors will be shiny and clean. The tannic acid in the tea is a super cleaning agent. If you have a few scratches on your hardwoods, crack open a brazil nut and rub it into the scratch, it will miraculously disappear.
Kitty liter is an inexpensive deodorizer. If your kids have smelly sneaks, pour liter into them and let them sit overnight. If they are locker room stinky, fill them with liter and place in the freezer overnight. {I would use the freezer in the garage].
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All these products from your kitchen are so safe your kidlets can join in the fun of cleaning ‘naturally’. Yeah, right!

Posted in Lana Torre, Property Source Radio, Real Estate | Comments Off

Rick Borrelli and The Windsor Cottage on PSR – Listen Now

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

House & Coyne have a full house with Rick Borrelli of Re/Max First and Peggy Growne for the Windsor Cottage as their guests. Tune in this Saturday 9/10/11 from 9-10am.

Rick Borrelli is a seasoned Agent that lets us know about today’s real estate market and the dos and don’ts about selling your home. Rick also represents a Horizon Homes in Greece. New homes off N Greece Road in Greece starting in the $200s. Model open this weekend at 86 Rockwell Drive. Hilton Schools. For more information call Rick Borrelli at 585-719-3550.

Peggy Growne started The Windsor Cottage on 9/11/2001 and tells us her story. This unique store is located in Winton Place and offers home furnishings. Visit their website for location and hours.

Property Source Radio is every Saturday from 9-10am on Sportsradio 950AM ESPN. You can listen on the radio or stream the show from our website. We have our latest promos on the site, click in to listen (Apps and Suppository)

Listen to this PAST SHOW now.

Posted in Home Repair, Property Source Radio, Real Estate | Comments Off

Saving Money With Salvaged Materials

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

As Alex reported 9/10/2011 on Property Source Radio.
Realtor.org  – Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, Sept 6, 2011
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Clients who are remodeling can help the environment by using salvaged building materials, which saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Building Web site. Clients may also be able to find rare and sought-after pieces like marble mantles, antique fixtures, old-growth hardwoods, wide-plank lumber, and knot-free fine-grain wood.

Give clients the edge in locating those hidden gems — and saving money in the process — by branding, printing, and hand-delivering free info on salvaged building materials from the REALTOR® Content Resource.

Also available are two other “Reusing and Salvaging Like a Pro” articles that you can hand-deliver (or post to your Web site, blog, Facebook, or Twitter; e-mail; or add to your e-newsletter). You can also search the REALTOR® Content Resource by keyword or topic for other content ranging from home improvement and maintenance to taxes and finance.

Posted in Home Repair, Property Source Radio, Radio News, Real Estate | Comments Off

HUD Extends Unemployed Mortgage Relief Program

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

As Alex reported 9/3/2011 on Property Source Radio.
Realtor.org  – Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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The Department of Housing and Urban Development has once again extended its deadline for a program that provides up to $50,000 in interest-free loans to unemployed or medically ill home owners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments.

The new deadline is now Sept. 15. HUD resumed taking applications for the program on Monday.

The $1 billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program, which launched in June, was originally slated to end on July 22, but HUD first extended the deadline to July 27 to give home owners more time to apply.

Home owners eligible for the program will be able to qualify for up to $50,000 in interest-free loans for up to two years. Home owners who have had a drop in income of at least 15 percent from involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to economic conditions or a medical emergency are eligible for the program. Home owners must still be able to contribute $150 per month toward their mortgage. (Learn more about eligibility requirements and the participating states at http://findehlp.com.)

Source: “HUD Extends Deadline for Unemployed Mortgage Assistance,” HousingWire (Aug. 29, 2011)

Posted in Financing, Property Source Radio, Radio News, Real Estate | Comments Off

Report: ‘Fixing Housing Crisis Will Create 1 Million Jobs’

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

As Alex reported 8/27/2011 on Property Source Radio.
Realtor.org  – Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, August 23, 2011
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A new report argues that if banks wrote down the mortgage principal of underwater borrowers it could pump $71 billion per year into the economy and create more than 1 million jobs annually. The report, “The Win/Win Solution: How Fixing the Housing Crisis Will Create One Million Jobs,” comes from The New Bottom Line, a campaign that represents about 1,000 nationwide faith-based and community organizations.

The campaign argues in the report that by lowering home owners’ mortgage payments by an average of more than $500 per month–or $6,500 per year–that it would free up about $6 billion dollars per month that home owners could then spend on such items as buying groceries, household necessities, school supplies, etc.

“Home owners across the nation are struggling to pay their boom-era mortgages with their recession-era salaries and the economy is suffering for it,” according to the report. “Writing down the principals and interest rates on all underwater mortgages to market value would serve as the second stimulus that America so desperately needs, only without added costs to taxpayers.”

The group is pressing State Attorneys General, who are currently in settlement talks with the nation’s largest banks over allegations of foreclosure abuses, to stand firm on its request for principal reductions for underwater borrowers.

Source: “Fixing the Housing Crisis Would Create One Million Jobs Annually,” RISMedia (Aug. 21, 2011)

Posted in Financing, Property Source Radio, Radio News, Real Estate | Comments Off

Freddie Offers Cash Incentives for Buying Condos

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

As Alex reported 8/20/2011 on Property Source Radio.
Realtor.org  – Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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Freddie Mac’s HomeSteps unit is offering cash to buyers willing to purchase one of its foreclosed condos that has been lingering on the market. HomeSteps is hoping to unload some of its high inventory of foreclosed condos through the incentive program, known as HomeSteps Condo Cash.

Through the “Condo Cash” program, condo buyers of HomeSteps properties can get up to $1,500 to help pay for standard home owner association dues.

The offer is only valid to owner-occupant buyers and on HomeStep condos that have been on the market for at least 120 days. To participate, buyers must submit offers between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15, and close escrow by Dec. 30.

Some of the homes also come with a two-year Home Protect home warranty to cover electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and other major appliances and systems. Home Protect also is offering up to 30 percent discounts on the purchase of new appliances (see www.HomeSteps.com/smartbuy for more information).

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Premier Art Icon Home For Sale…The “Mushroom House”!

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

By Rich Testa

Donation of up to $100,000 to “Habitat for Humanity” and other charities upon sale!

Rich Testa of RE/MAX Advance always has a vision for a property…especially one as unique as the “Mushroom House”!

Upon meeting the current owners, Christine & Steve Whitman, and seeing their wonderful architectural gem, the sellers and Rich Testa came up with a unique idea. Considering that the home is part of the Greater Rochester Community, why not donate a portion of the sale to charity! Up to $100,000 of the purchase price of $1,100,000 will be donated to “Habitat for Humanity” and/or other charities based on the sellers and buyers request. Regardless of purchase price, a minimum amount of $10,000 will be donated upon the sale. In addition, Rich Testa Real Estate will donate $1,000 to “Habitat for Humanity” upon the sale of the property.

The Whitmans have always opened the doors of their home for the benefit of many charitable and educational activities. The Whitmans state, “We have been honored to be the stewards of such a wonderful property. We do hope the next owners will also be excellent stewards of this treasure. Giving a portion of the sales price to charity is in keeping with our thinking that the community means a great deal to us.”

The superior marketing of homes is not new to Rich Testa. Testa says, “I have a strategic marketing background with consumer product companies and it is important to know the product you are selling, have a plan and execute it to a qualified target audience. The high-end buyer will most likely be interested in and knowledgeable about the arts and nature! The buyer could even be from outside the Rochester area or the country! This is a very unique home and deserves the best marketing possible!”

This rare and premier art icon home is such an amazing opportunity for the most discriminating buyer! Commonly referred to as the “Mushroom House”, the architect James H. Johnson actually fashioned this unique dwelling after a stem of Queen Anne’s Lace. The home’s distinctive retro-modern “pod” design earned it a designation as a Town of Perinton Landmark in 1989. In addition, nature is all around you…being adjacent to Powder Mill Park with a beautiful stream and waterfall.

In 2001, the current owners commissioned James Johnson, the original architect, to add living space to the structure. The new area is linked to the original house by a tunnel decorated with the original owner’s and creative visionary Marguerite Antell’s hand-painted ceramic tiles! The entrance features a mahogany door and frame designed and built by Wendell Castle. Inside and out, the walls and ceiling are sand-molded and decorated by artists including Marguerite Antell, Annie Dunsky Kalnitz, and Pepsy Kettavong. Additional artists who participated in the new living space are Dan White of Keuka Studios (iron work), Tom Scott, Custom Woodcrafter (custom fine furniture), and Adam Chesis (custom woodworking). The new addition is very much in keeping with the original structure…this creative, artful living sets the stage for ultimate enjoyment and wonder! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Visit Rich Testa Real Estate at www.mushroomhouse.us and find us on Facebook! View photos and a virtual tour of the “Pod House” aka “Mushroom House” at www.mushroomhouse.us

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It Couldn’t Be More Obvious

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

By Rich Levin

Expert Advice

Two questions dominate the minds of Real Estate Buyers and Sellers. Let’s get them both answered honestly, right now.

The questions are obvious. For Buyers, “Is it a good time to buy?” For Sellers, “Is it a good time to sell?”

The billionaire investor that the brightest watch for advice, Warren Buffett, said, “I buy when people are selling and I sell when people are buying.” In Real Estate, at the moment, there are an abundance of homes for sale (people are selling) and a scarcity of Buyers. That means prices are soft which makes it an excellent time to buy for those who are able to finance the purchase of a home.

The Reporters Are Wrong

‘For those who are able to finance,’ regarding mortgage financing most news reporters have this completely wrong. Down payment requirements are still wonderfully low. Interest rates are ridiculously low.

Steve Wynn, billionaire Las Vegas casino developer recently (July 19, 2011) commented publicly that insecurities in business are causing people to not make buying decisions. This is great news for people who have the courage and good sense to make buying decisions.

Bottom line to Real Estate Buyers is to go talk to a lender or get a lender recommendation from a Real Estate Agent. Find out if you can qualify for a mortgage, if you can buy now. If you can help your son, daughter or someone you love buy now, help them now.

If I Had Only Known Then

When interest rates rise and inflation raises home prices people will look back at this market and say, “If I had only known then what I know now I would have bought then.”

The next obvious conclusion is that it must be a bad time to sell since prices are down. In many areas that is completely true; unless the Seller plans to buy. If a person selling wants to buy another home it is a great time to make that move. They may get a lower price for the home they are selling but they will be able to make up for it on their purchase, particularly if they are selling an area whose Real Estate is healthy and moving to an area where Real Estate prices have declined. We (Chava and I) are putting our house on the market this month to do that very thing.

This is a historically tremendous time to purchase a home that you may have thought you would never be able to afford.

So, is it a good time to sell? No. If a person is not buying and does not have to sell; if they can wait for a few years, wait. Unfortunately, it may be a few more years until most Real Estate markets are healthy again. Then again, as soon as business leaders have the confidence to invest in their businesses and hire again, the market may turn quickly. When that happens, the rise in prices and rates will occur quickly and this ‘moment’ of opportunity will be lost forever.

Some Towns Are Healthier Than Others

The Real Estate in some towns is healthier than others. It is easy to determine. Walk or drive around to discover two things. Are there a lot of homes for sale and are they selling quickly. Look for for-sale signs. Get online or call the Agent and ask if it is still for sale.

In our town (Brighton, New York) most houses are selling very quickly. It is an area with very few foreclosures and short sales. Most of the homeowners do not work at jobs that are transferring them or laying them off. So, in this town most people are not selling. In this town and in some others around the country there are more qualified and motivated Buyers than homes for sale. Houses sell quickly at a very healthy price.

Knowledge is Power

Do you have a Real Estate Agent that you trust? If not, find one. Ask them to do this research for you. Provide you with a list of homes for sale in your area, homes recently under contract and sold. Look for the number of homes sold versus for sale. Be specific. Look in your immediate area. You will discover that, with this information, you can quickly and easily determine the health of your market and make your best decisions accordingly.

For those of you who understand the opportunities described above, you are realizing that it is also a terrific time to be investing in Real Estate. Whenever gold prices are on the rise, Real Estate prices will be suffering. The reason to buy Real Estate instead of gold is that when the economy recovers gold prices will drop and Real Estate values will rise. This is not guesswork. Do your own research and you will find this to be true. As you think about this, the reasons for it become clear.

It couldn’t be more obvious that, if you are in a position to buy a home or sell your present home and buy another or invest in Real Estate, this is the best possible market to make that move.

Rich Levin is Real Estate expert. He is a featured speaker across North America. If you would like to ask Rich a question or make a comment, you can contact him at Rich@RichLevin.com or 585-244-2700. Rich is President of Rich Levin’s Success Corps Inc.

Posted in Real Estate, Rich Levin - Real Estate Coach | Comments Off

A Sunday Picnic

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

By Lana Torre

Summer is passing us by. The stores are brimming with back to school supplies. All patio furniture has been marked down and purchased for next year. Your flip flops are looking tired and bleached out by the sun. Your honey do list has been done. What now? How about treating yourself, your kidlets, your significant other or a bff to a late summer picnic?

Plan a perfect late day or Sunday picnic.  In the Rochester and Fingerlakes area, we are blessed with countless spots to enjoy your picnic, especially if you gravitate to the water. Consider the obvious, Charlotte beach by the gazebo and pier, one of the many canal parks of Spencerport, Pittsford and Fairport. Highland Park was planned and planted so something is always in bloom. Try Sodus Point, Fairhaven Beach, or the winding path where Irondequoit Bay meets the lake. Letchworth State Park has many hiking paths to discover as well as a favorite picnic spot of my children, StoneyBrook. Here you relax by natural waterfalls and swim in the Mother Nature made pools. I remember picnicking as a child in Mendon Ponds Park searching for the ominously named “Devils Bath”. Cobbs Hill Park by the reservoir has great views of the city. And for a quirky spot try Mt. Hope Cemetery. Here you can view headstones of famous Rochesterians like Susan B Anthony. Love animals? Treat your kids to a fun day at the Seneca Park Zoo, complete with a packed, sack lunch.

Last Sunday, my husband and I picnicked at the public beach at Hammondsport, Keuka Lake. We were entertained by the antique boat show and parade. What delight to see restored wooden and fiberglass boats, strutting their stuff in the afternoon sun. On our ride home, I spotted a Mennonite family enjoying a supper at the Woodville Park at the South end of Canandaigua Lake.

Pack appropriately, utensils, ice, mosquito repellent, folding chairs and a large cloth tablecloth. If you hate preparing food, stop by the Dark Horse Café and grab sandwiches, chips and drinks, then go. Bring a book, read to your kids, find rocks to be painted as momentos. Share this time as we forge into fall.

Next month it is back to school, back to work, and back to fixing up and decorating our homes. But for now, relax, enjoy your Sunday, and always prepare a plate for the ants.

Posted in Lana Torre, Property Source Radio, Real Estate | Comments Off

Is Chlorine Safe In Water?

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

By Jim Salmon

Chicago 1908 was when chlorine was first introduced to treat municipal water. It was great; it helped eliminate many bacterial diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.

Since then, most municipalities still have chlorine as their agent of choice to treat the water. Even though there are other methods to the same end, chlorine is cheap and effective.

But is it completely safe? In preparation for this article, I read many reports on the effects of chlorine (consumption of, and showering in low level chlorinated water). Yeah! While showering, two things take place. Your skin absorbs chlorine and chlorine vapor is present, therefore you inhale it. The longer the shower, the more you take in. Most articles listed the negative effects from something simple like skin irritations to many forms of cancer. I only found one report that said they had no conclusive results on the long term effects of low level chlorine on your body.

Well, since I’m not a doctor or scientist, just Doug the Plumber, I drew my own conclusions. I don’t put a drop of chlorine on my cereal in the morning of remove the cap of the bleach and take a deep breath before starting my day. Let’s face it; chlorine even at low levels can’t be a great thing. So, lets get it out of you house. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this. You could purchase a filter for your shower and faucet. They’ll remove most chlorine and for a short period of time that’s okay. However, you should have one for every faucet or shower in your home. That’s just not practical or inexpensive when you take into consideration you have to purchase replacement cartridges on a regular basis.

I would recommend purchasing a whole house backwashing activated carbon filter. This is not a cartridge type filter. They’re not exactly cheap, but they work great. They’ll remove all the chlorine in the whole house, leaving all drinking and bath water completely safe.

How much? Depending on your family size and water consumption, professionally installed could run you from $1,500 to $2,500 or a little more. These filters last for years, only needing rebeding once every 12-18 months. This could translate to pennies a day!

My conclusion, remove the possible risk today, and you’ll have peace of mind for years.

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