Richland, Washington, named among the "Best Places to Launch a Second Career "

U.S. News and World Report: Best Places to Launch a Second Career

College towns and centers of healthcare or state government tend to make great bets.

By Emily Brandon , Kerry Hannon

Posted: September 16, 2010

Many seniors are going to be employed past age 65, both for the money and because they enjoy working. But jobs aren't exactly easy to come by right now. The unemployment rate for those 55 and older was 6.9 percent in July, more than double what it was in December 2007.

That rate varies considerably by location, however. Baby boomers in towns with relatively vibrant economies will obviously have a much easier time finding work than those in cities where the going has been tough. To zero in on especially good places to launch a second career after stepping out of the first one, U.S. News applied its "Best Places to Retire" search tool powered by data from real estate information provider Onboard Informatics and looked for locales with below-average unemployment and a solid record of job creation over the past decade. We focused on spots with industries known for hiring older workers and considered the cost of living and such amenities as access to medical facilities and recreational opportunities.

You may be able to improve your odds of landing a new job, for example, if you're willing to relocate to a university town such as State College, Pa., or Ames, Iowa. Thanks to their solid economic base, college towns are known to weather recessions better than most places. Many also have plentiful affordable housing. And as a bonus, universities typically provide people in the surrounding community access to mind-expanding speakers, performances, and a rich range of sporting events.

Alternatively, cities with a large number of government jobs (such as Lincoln, Neb.) or positions in the healthcare industry (Lubbock, Texas) have generally been able to avoid the worst of the economic decline....


Richland, Washington
Population: 44,344
Median home price: $180,000

The Richland region, which includes the nearby cities of Kennewick and Pasco, added 3,300 jobs to the local economy over the past year—more than any other metro area in the country.

One big reason: It's home to Washington State University-Tri-Cities and the Energy Department's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The city was developed by employees of Hanford Engineer Works, a company that helped produce the atomic bomb. Today, a number of companies and government agencies employing more than 11,000 people are working on a massive cleanup project at the Hanford site, where reactors were deployed for decades to produce plutonium. For example, Bechtel and the DOE are developing a cutting-edge waste treatment plant to convert hazardous waste to glass.

Richland sits on the Columbia River within easy reach of the Yakima and Snake rivers, which means boating and plenty of outdoor attractions. Homes are affordable, and the cost of living is below the national average.

To read the whole article and the other cities listed go to: Best Places to Launch a Second Career - US News and World Report

Making that First Impression

RISMEDIA, January 10, 2011—

When getting a home ready to be put on the market, it is crucial that home sellers understand the importance of making a good first impression. While many sellers become overwhelmed with the amount of changes they think must be made before their home is listed, there are only a few areas that really matter.

People decide within 30 seconds of walking into a home whether they might want to buy it, so it’s crucial to make a great first impression. But nobody wants to overspend on anything these days, so it’s important to spend only on those things that really matter.

Based on our experience working with thousands of REALTORS® across the country, here is a check list that you can use with your clients that will make their homes more likely to sell and garner better prices:

Curb appeal. While people spend lots of time on details inside the home—to the point of, perhaps, baking cookies to create a welcoming aroma—too few focus on the real first impression: how the house looks as prospective buyers step out of their car.

Spending a little money on gardening can remove impediments, such as overgrown foliage. The effort can also brighten a home’s appearance and make it much more welcoming. A bit of gardening can help paint a scene, so possible buyers can see their kids playing in the yard or can imagine sitting outside in the evening with a glass of wine.

A survey by HomeGain found that spending $400 to $500 on fresh landscaping can add almost $2,000 to the price of the house.

What’s the condition? Conversely, not making repairs can cut the price of the house. The issue can be partially addressed just through eyeballing. Sellers should look for cracks, damaged paint and so on, trying to imagine the impression that buyers will have.

Sellers should also commission a home inspection, so they have their own view of the state of their home, before the buyers’ inspector begins aggressively looking for problems. Sellers who have their own report are better able to push back both about the extent of any issues and about the likely cost of fixing them.

Even if buyers aren’t turned off entirely by what they see as disrepair, they typically ask for $2–$3 off the price for every $1 of repairs that they perceive are needed, so it’s crucial for sellers to know that, say, the roof needs to be replaced. That way, the sellers can spend the $5,000 themselves rather than face a buyer demanding $15,000 off the price of the house.

Finding the right assistance. There are loads of services that help with staging, repairs, and so on—so many, that clients are often confused about which to use. Realtors often provide their expertise here and refer clients to businesses. That approach works great for many, but some want assurance. That’s relatively easy to provide these days, based on a little checking on search engines. Clients should also be encouraged to post queries on their Facebook pages, asking friends both to suggest businesses to use and businesses to avoid.

By Dan Steward
Dan Steward is president of Pillar To Post Home Inspections.

Freshen Up Your Home This Winter with 3 Simple Projects

RISMEDIA, January 10, 2011—

As winter continues to stretch on, homeowners across the country are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring and the return of the warmer weather. While most homeowners put remodeling projects on hold throughout the winter months, there are a few ways to update your space without taking the time and spending the money on a major renovation project.

According to DivaToolbox.com, the following projects will help homeowners get over their cabin fever while making their home feel new.

Get organized: A simple task that homeowners can take on in the winter while spending more time indoors is to get organized. While organizing an entire home can be a time-consuming project, picking just one area to focus on will make the job more manageable. Winter is a great time to organize your home so that you are ready to start fresh once spring arrives. Not only will you feel as if you have accomplished something on your to-do list, but your home will seem less chaotic once everything is put in its place.

A little redecorating: Another way to freshen up your home during the long winter months is to update your décor. Simply changing the decorative accents within your home can make a big difference in changing your home’s look and feel. Decide how drastic a change you want to make before you begin purchasing items.

Make a plan: If you aren’t ready to make the commitment to organize or update your existing space, you can still use the remaining winter months productively by planning ahead for any home improvements you are going to undertake once spring arrives. Take the time now to research any projects you are planning on starting in the spring; plan your budget and even get a head start on picking out and ordering any materials that will be needed. By doing this, you will be ready to hit the ground running once spring arrives.

By Paige Tepping
Source: DivaToolbox.com

Seller Mistakes

Selling a house can be a roller coaster ride for any homeowner, but, with the right preparation, it can be a very rewarding – and profitable - experience.  Here are five common mistakes sellers often make.  Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be ahead of the game.

1. Rushing on the price
Take your time when you’re setting the asking price of your home.  This is a crucial step that shouldn’t be rushed.  It’s a tricky thing, and pricing too high is just as dangerous as pricing too low.

The average buyer often looks at more than a dozen homes before making a decision.  That means buyers have the advantage of comparison shopping.  If your house isn’t reasonably priced, you may lose that perfect sale.  Work with your agent to set the very best asking price.

2. Thinking first impressions don’t matter
First impressions count in a big way!  If a seller hasn’t taken time to declutter and clean his house, he or she may lose the sale before a walk-through even begins.

Buyers can’t help but respond to your home emotionally.  If the house is messy or there’s a strange smell coming from behind a closed door, they’ll likely make a quick exit and look for another home.

It may take some elbow grease on your part, but any effort you invest into preparing your home will pay off in the long run.  These quick and simple steps will help you spruce up in no time.

On the outside:

• Cut and edge your grass
• Remove any clutter from your yard
• Trim hedges
• Weed gardens
• Wash steps, windows, railings, doors, etc
• Paint if needed
• Remove unnecessary clutter from garages

On the inside:

• Keep the home clean
• Shampoo carpets
• Clean tubs, toilets and showers and hang fresh towels
• Oil squeaky doors
• Turn on inside and outside lights
• Have soft music playing
• Make sure the house smells good
• Keep pets in separate area
• Open shades and draperies
• Open all doors inside home.

Remember:  When buyers preview your home, they’re more comfortable and will spend more time looking at your home when you’re not around.  This would be a good time to run those errands or walk the dog.

3. Keeping a low profile
It’s a competitive market out there, and this isn’t the time for you – or your real estate agent – to become a shrinking violet.  You want someone who will shout your home’s praises from the rooftops (figuratively, of course)!  Make sure your agent takes full advantage of all the marketing tools he or she can.

The majority of homebuyers start their search on the Internet.

• Is your agent taking advantage of that technology?  
• Does your agent have a website?  
• Can potential buyers easily find your home listed in a search and find feature?  
• Once they do, is it easy to contact your realtor for information?  
• Does your realtor list enough detailed information about your home? 

Buyers are often impatient and won’t take kindly to waiting for a realtor to call back with information.  They want to access facts about your home quickly and easily – or they might move on.

4. Breezing through the contract
Don’t make the mistake of taking the contract lightly.  Protect yourself and go over it with a fine-tooth comb.  It’s important that all of the costs, terms and responsibilities are included.  It is important that if you do not understand all of the contract you are about to sign that you have a real estate professional explain it for you.

Have you disclosed everything about your home?  Share all known defects with your buyer in writing.  It will protect you if she later becomes dissatisfied.

5. Choosing the wrong realtor
This is the time for you, the seller, to shop around.  You’ll spend a lot of time with the real estate agent you choose, so make sure he or she is someone you enjoy being around and can trust.

Ask lots of questions.

• Are your communication styles similar?  
• Do your schedules mesh?  
• Is there an easy way to contact the agent?  
• Is he or she someone others have recommended?  
• Does she know the local area and the housing market?  
• What are the agent’s marketing strategies?

Take your time and find a realtor you enjoy and trust.

Avoid Buyer Mistakes!

With a little preparation, finding and purchasing your home can be a positive experience.  But, if you stumble into some common pitfalls, the process can turn into a nightmare.  These tips will help you avoid seven common mistakes buyers make.
 
1. Pleading financial ignorance
A little preparation goes a long way.  Be a smart consumer.  Learn financing basics before you start shopping.  Explore your options.  Ask questions.  Know how to shop for a home loan that’s right for you.
And it’s always a good idea to get pre-approved by a lending institution.  This simple step takes very little time and lets you know the price range that fits your lifestyle.

2. Buying on impulse
The last thing you need is to close a deal and realize you bought a house you don't want or like.  Ask yourself what you're looking for in a home, before you shop.  Think about size, commute time and necessary repairs.

3. Running up high debt
Don't make major purchases until after you buy your home.  Pay down credit cards and don't apply for new ones.  Remember, financial institutions evaluate your financial situation on your gross monthly income.  Your total monthly house costs shouldn’t exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income.

4. Taking too much time
Sometimes homes sell quickly, so be ready to make fast decisions (this is why you prepare before you start your search).  Be accessible to change terms and have easy access to your real estate agent.  Instant communication can mean the difference in purchasing the property of your choice.

5. Submitting a weak offer
Sellers want a fair price, and they want to know a potential buyer is serious.  Submit a strong offer and include a substantial earnest money deposit.  Sometimes offers are accepted based on the amount of the deposit.

6. Being too picky
Fewer contingencies mean a stronger offer.

7. Neglecting the homework
Skipping a few easy steps in the buying process can be disastrous in the long run.  Make sure you know what you’re getting – before you buy.  Here are some things to do:
• Hire a professional building inspector or appraiser. Makesure the house is in satisfactory condition.
• Check zoning regulations and covenants. Good residential neighborhoods are zoned to keep out commercial and industrial users. Read any restrictive covenants; make sure they fit your lifestyle.
• Request an updated property survey. Be sure it clearly marks boundaries. Check for problems.
• Make sure you know what stays or goes.
• Your contract should be very specific about which items (appliances, etc) are included in the sale.
• Get agreements in writing. Make certain verbal agreements are written into the final contract to avoid any stressful and expensive issues later.

Stop Paying Rent!

Tired of paying rent for an apartment or house that doesn’t feel like home?  Dreaming of your own place but short money for the down payment?

You’re not alone.  For many renters, buying that first home seems like an impossible task.  They feel trapped in the renting cycle.

Fortunately, you can break free.  Armed with professional information, you can make owning your own home a reality.

Buying your first home is a huge hurdle, especially coming up with the down payment.  This report features professional tips and facts to help you in the process.  Learn about new financing options.  Look at your assets in a new way.  This information may solve your financing dilemma.

Explore low down payment options
You know you can make the monthly payments (you already do that), but where will you get the down payment for your home?  How can you possibly save enough money when you’re pouring your money into rent each month?

Fortunately, you may not need as much as you think.  There are many low-down payment, even zero-down, programs available.  Ask your real estate agent for information and get referrals to lending institutions.  Call all the banks and mortgage companies listed in your phone book’s yellow pages and ask about options.

Research home loans on the Internet.  You may be surprised at what you find.

There are also local and federal government programs designed to help renters become homeowners.  Again, ask your real estate about these programs.  A little homework may make the difference in financing your first home.

Work with the sellers
Ask the sellers if they’re willing to act as your lender and carry the loan.  Sometimes, if you commit to pay more than the asking price – or pay a higher interest rate – sellers carrying the loan won’t require a down payment.  Use the assets you already have.

If you don’t have debt and own an asset (like a car or boat) free and clear, you may be in better shape than you thought.  Ask your lending institution if they’ll lend you the down payment using your asset as collateral.  While this option may come with a high interest rate, it might work for you.

Ask Friends or Family Members for Help
Most lending institutions allow borrowers to use gifts for their down payment.  Perhaps a friends or family member is in the financial position to help you purchase your first home.  It’s worth considering.

Keep Saving
While you explore your options, continue to save on a regular basis, even if it’s only $25 a month.  Not only will this will take you closer to your goal, it will show lending institutions you have a record of responsible saving.

Home Staging Tips That Focus on Largest Customer Segments

RISMEDIA, December 18, 2010—Selling a home in any market can be competitive. It’s essential that your sellers follow some simple, yet important tips to help make their home more salable.

A quicker home sale can be reached by keeping in mind the needs of the home’s most likely buyer and creating a fresh inspiring look just for them, according to Pulte Homes expert Janice Jones, national vice president of merchandising.

“Everyone understands the value of de-cluttering, cleaning and refreshing a home in today’s competitive market,” Jones said. “The difference between a ‘For Sale’ and a ‘Sold’ sign often boils down to effectively staging a home to appeal to young singles, families or empty nesters—the three largest customer segments that are likely to buy your home. Home sellers should have a good idea of the type of buyer who will make an offer and, since everyone likes an updated home, some simple refreshes can achieve an updated look and feel.”

Jones recommends conducting a technology overhaul prior to staging your home. “Old technology will date your home and you seldom have a second chance to make a positive first impression,” she said. “Flat screen TVs, laptop computers, iPods with docking stations and wireless technology have eliminated the need for large bulky entertainment centers or massive desks designed to hide wiring. Once you’ve rid your home of bulky, dated stereos and TVs, it’s time to hone in on attracting prospects.”

Here are a few, additional ideas:

For singles, Jones recommends emphasizing sleeping spaces and the living room, which are critical to this group. “Singles will spend a lot of time in the living room and the bedroom, which are their sanctuaries from the outside world. As a result, there is no need to set the dining room table with place settings,” Jones said. “Instead, focus on a simple TV stand with clean lines, a flat screen TV and candles in the bedroom and bathroom.”

Young families tend to revolve around children. Items that help this demographic envision themselves living in the space include age-appropriate bedding, linens and towels, a bright rug near play areas, and strategically placed toy chests with open tops. Since kids often play or watch TV on the floor, eliminate the coffee table to create a living room that appears larger and more inviting. Jones notes to remember about the garage when staging for families. “Organize children’s toys and sports equipment to showcase the garage’s storage capacity without compromising functionality,” she said.

Empty nesters tend to seek an upgrade in quality features. Upgrading bath accessories like towel bars and toilet paper holders or decorative hanging lights to a better quality and newer style will make an impact. If the budget allows, upgrading the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher can draw in a buyer.

Lighting is also a key feature for this group. Jones advises ensuring living spaces maximize natural light. If lighting is less than ideal, add lamps or a ceiling fan with light fixtures. It’s important to open heavy blinds or window coverings when showing the home.

An absolute “must” for home stagers regardless of which demographic is being targeted is color. Most sellers are instructed to use neutral colors when repainting. However, adding the right punch of color to accent walls can create depth, enhance kitchen cabinets, or bring a boring bathroom to life.

Homeowners can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.

When choosing colors, Jones cautions homeowners to be aware of their sensory impact:

- Red is stimulating and encourages self confidence
- Orange promotes happiness and celebration
- Yellow is uplifting and light-hearted
- Blue is calming in softer tones and promotes clarity in deeper tones
- Green is the color of nature—it feels fresh and rejuvenating
- Aqua is restful while pink is gentle and sweet—making a great pair
- Purple tones bring out a sense of compassion

“The key is to experiment and put yourself in the shoes of the prospective home buyer,” Jones said. “It may be helpful to ask a friend or relative for a brutally honest opinion before and after you start staging. You may be surprised how little changes—with a little budget—can make a huge difference to a prospective buyer.”

Breathe Easier: 10 Tips to Banish Mold from the Home

By Charles Furlough


RISMEDIA, December 23, 2010—Often, our first encounter with mold at home occurs in that infamous spot between the shower curtain and tub. Unfortunately, in most homes, this isn’t the extent of the mold—the more problematic mold is the insidious kind, hiding behind walls and in floorboards, and potentially contributing to a range of allergies and other illnesses. In fact, a 1994 study by the Harvard University School of Public Health, which involved 10,000 homes in the U.S. and Canada, found that half of those homes had mold levels that participants said caused a 50-100% increase in distressing respiratory symptoms.

What causes mold? Surprisingly, advanced building materials are one of the main culprits. In the last few decades, buildings have increasingly been made to prevent the infiltration and exfiltration of air, leading to higher humidity levels. The insulation materials used in this type of construction contain cellulose and other materials that lock in moisture. Adding to the problem, many wall cavities are wrapped in plastic, allowing for even more moisture. An aging home is at even greater risk, as normal occurrences like window and roof leaks bring in even more moisture—and moisture is a direct cause of mold. Limited ventilation or sunlight only makes the problem worse, and things can get bad fast—one square foot of moldy drywall can harbor more than 300 million mold spores.

When you hear the term “mold,” it can generally be one of two types—allergenic mold, and black mold. Allergenic mold is found in nearly every home, in some amount, however small. This type can provide unpleasant symptoms if it becomes excessive, depending on a person’s sensitivity level. These symptoms include fatigue, nasal and sinus congestion, skin and eye irritation and headaches. While these symptoms can be extremely annoying and make someone ill, they’re almost never life-threatening.

What’s much more dangerous, however, is toxic mold—more commonly, the black mold stachybotrys. Shockingly, over 27% of homes in the U.S. contain black mold. Black mold, in smaller amounts, causes many of the same symptoms as allergic mold, but, in high levels or among people with preexisting conditions or compromised immune systems, black mold can cause neurological damage, causing debilitating headaches and even memory problems.

How do you find the mold in your home? Sometimes it’s easy—it may be right in front of you, or you’ll find it by its distinctly musty smell. Though it’s harder to find hidden mold, you can do so by looking behind and beneath fixed materials and appliances: refrigerators, dishwashers, sink cabinets, washer/dryers, carpets, vinyl flooring—anywhere near where water flows or where air doesn’t penetrate readily. Also, look for signs of discoloration on walls and ceilings; this can denote a moisture buildup behind which mold may lurk.

Once you find the mold, remove it with a store-bought anti-fungal solution, or get rid of it with a weak bleach solution—1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. (If mold exists in an area over 2 square feet, call a professional to have it removed). But even more important than removing it is eliminating as many of its causes and sources as possible.

Follow these 10 tips to drastically reduce the mold in your home:

1. Call in a home inspection professional to assess water-damaged areas.

2. Keep humidity low. Humidity levels should be under 40% in order for mold to stop its forward march.

3. Replace any carpets and furniture that have ever been significantly damaged (i.e., saturated in water), even if they look OK on the outside.

4. Carpet in the bathroom or basement? Don’t even think about it. And if you have it, get rid of it.

5. Use an air-conditioner during the summer. We know it’s not cheap to run the A/C, but if it’s in the budget, even setting it to 80 degrees when it’s 90-plus outside, will help. Use fans to circulate A/C most effectively.

6. Dust and clean furniture regularly, and vacuum carpets at least once a week (make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter).

7. Provide adequate ventilation in hot areas. The kitchen and bath are two of the highest-risk rooms for mold. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

8. When you’re shopping for house paint for big or small painting projects, ask the sales rep about mold inhibitors you can add before painting.

9. Does your central air system have a fan from the Ford Pinto era? If so, replace it with a high-performance electrostatic air filter. Your local HVAC technician can help with this.

10. Don’t neglect areas underneath the house—have a professional drain and ventilate all sub-basement areas, especially crawl spaces.

Charles Furlough is vice president of Pillar To Post Home Inspections.

Survey: Consumers Comparison Shop for Everything Except Their Mortgage

RISMEDIA, December 15, 2010—Consumers today are expert comparison shoppers, always on the hunt for the best deal, but when it comes to their mortgage, borrowers often lock in their first home loan offer.

According to a new LendingTree survey of 1,317 homeowners conducted online by Harris Interactive in September, 96 percent of American consumers compare prices when shopping for anything, but nearly 40 percent obtain just one home loan quote. By comparison, when shopping for a home computer, consumers research an average of 3.1 models before making a purchase. This explains why fewer than 3 in 10 (28 percent) borrowers are very confident they received the best possible deal on their current mortgage.

Based on a nationally representative sample of current homeowners who were involved in shopping for their home loan, the study revealed 85 percent of consumers use the web to comparison shop, yet just more than 1 in 5 (21 percent) shopped online first for mortgage rates. Additionally, although nearly 40 percent obtain just one home loan quote, more than 9 in 10 borrowers (91 percent) understand interest rates vary between lenders.

Frustration also appears to be at the root of this shopping dilemma. According to the survey, 70 percent of borrowers find shopping for a mortgage frustrating, citing the complexity of the terms (21 percent) and time-intensiveness nature of the process (20 percent).

The survey also reveals:
• Though it is a decision that will affect them for the next 15-30 years, nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of homeowners spent the equivalent of a full working day or less shopping for their home loan. Even more shocking? One in 10 spent the amount of time it takes to brush their teeth.
• Twenty-three percent of homeowners recognize they could save more than $100 a month by reducing their mortgage rate by one percent.
• Women are more than twice as likely as men to say they were not at all involved with shopping for their mortgage or when refinancing (16 percent versus seven percent, respectively).