Latest Articles by nstewart

Planning a Successful Retirement

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:13:10 -0500

In these modern times, retirement no longer comes at the end of your life; most people who retire around age 65 often have decades of living left to do. In order to ensure that you enjoy your retirement years, you need to make some plans and keep a healthy frame of mind.

If you can keep a positive frame of mind regarding your retirement then it will be more enjoyable. If you think about it negatively then your enjoyment will be greatly reduced and it could affect your health as well. Consider your retirement as a time to learn new things, meet new people, and travel to new places.

One very good way to keep you feeling more positive about life and mentally exercised is to invest in relationships with family and friends. Many people find that during their work years they have a hard time finding all the time they'd like to spend nurturing their relationships.

Many individuals or couples who retire find that their homes are bigger than they require and may be expensive to up keep. Some people choose to relocate for the winter months if they live in a cold climate for health and comfort reasons. Many retirees living in northern climates find that spending the colder months in places like Arizona help them avoid some of the health problems associated with cold damp winters. Selling your home to buy a smaller one can also free up some equity to help finance a move or go on a trip.

Another important thing to keep in mind when you retire is that keeping mentally and physically fit will help you age in a healthier way than if you just relax your brain and your muscles all the time. Exercising your muscles and your brain on a regular basis can keep you from getting old before your time and can be fun as well!

To be able to keep yourself living in the way that you prefer it is vitally important to ensure that you have enough savings and investments to pay for your day to day living, any trips that you might want to take, and have some finances set aside for emergencies as well. It may be in your best interest to

Retirement can be the best time of your life if you approach it with the right frame of mind. Take the time to plan in advance what your basic costs might be as well as the additional costs for things you might like to do as well.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Mesa Retirement living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona gated RV Park, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

The Importance of Staging an Older Home

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:12:35 -0500

It is surprising, even with all the information out there on how much easier it is to sell a decently staged house, that some sellers are still resistant to the idea. Every house, particularly older homes, should be staged before pictures are taken or any showing takes place. Older houses have to compete with newer homes that, due to style changes, may need far less in the way of renovations or upgrades. Staging can make these homes look a lot more desirable than they would otherwise.

First of all, staging involves de-cluttering both the inside and outside of your home. Many people living in older homes have been in residence for a long time. Every year that you live in a house makes for more stuff that you've brought in, adding to the clutter that you already had. One of the key ideas in home staging is that it helps a prospective buyer actually see what your house looks like because you've removed the clutter.

Another important aspect of home staging that is vitally important when you're trying to sell an older house is repainting and wallpaper removal. Many older homes have outdated wallpaper or paint colours; these outdated walls will just accentuate how much work a home buyer will need to do if they buy your house. If you can repaint the walls and remove any horrible 1970s wallpaper, your house won't scream out "fix me" to a buyer.

If you have matching furniture to go with your older home, you have a couple of options. If your home is 1970s era or before, you can likely get away with staging in a retro chic. Many of the elements of '70s decorating are back in fashion now, the thing to understand is that doesn't apply across the board to everything from the age of disco. If your living room needs its orange carpeting to be raked on a daily basis, sports magic mushroom-inspired flocked wallpaper, and has a beach ball sized disco ball hanging in it, then you likely are going to need some updating.

Take a look at some design websites to see what bits of kitsch are acceptable and which should just be burned ... I mean disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. If you don't have furniture that is neutral enough to allow the character of your home to shine through, then consider renting some and putting your own in storage.

Staging allows a prospective buyer to see what kind of potential your house has by letting them see through your things so that they can envision themselves living in your house. If your home is full of clutter and years worth of treasures then a buyer can't see themselves in your space. If your house is tragically out-dated, they likely won't be able to see themselves in your space either. Give your home sale the best chance and stage your home; hire a professional stager if you need assistance.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Gated Community living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona 55+ Community, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Retirement Living: An Environment for Healthy Aging

Fri, 22 May 2009 16:59:23 -0500

As more of the population pushes the previous life-span boundaries, more and more of us become concerned with aging in such a way that we can maintain our quality of life. Of course, at the core of healthy aging is making good choices about eating right, maintaining a healthy body weight, and having regular medical checkups, but did you know that where you live can have a factor in your overall health as well?

In many of our neighbourhoods there are not readily available exercise facilities or social opportunities. This can make it difficult for retired people to maintain a previously healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind, a healthy lifestyle doesn't just include exercise, but also social connections and mental stimulation as well. All of these factors can be supported by a good retirement community.

Exercise helps keep as healthy as we age, even moderate exercise can help keep you more mobile and able to enjoy both daily life as well as special outings. Mental exercise is also an important factor to consider; the more mental stimulation we participate in, the sharper our minds remain. Mental exercise can be as simple as having regular trips to the library for reading materials, playing a game of bingo with friends, visiting a local museum, or connecting with friends and family. Both kinds of exercise also help keep our stress levels down as well. Prolonged stress can deteriorate most of the systems of the body and even affect your memory. Enjoying a relaxing living environment can be one way to help combat stress in your life.

A good retirement community can help you with all of these issues and more. It might include such simple elements as walking paths and close proximity to shopping, medical care, as well as entertainment such as a theatre. Some retirement communities have swimming pools or shuffleboard as well, giving you that holiday cruise feel!

Some aspects of healthy living, such as choosing whether or not to smoke, having regular medical checkups, and eating healthy are very personal decisions; while other aspects can be greatly influenced by the environment you live in. Whether choosing either a new residence for living in all year round, or just winter accommodations to help you escape a harsh climate, keep in mind what kind of environment would support you best in your retirement.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Retirement living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona age restricted RV Park, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

The Modern Reality of Prefabricated Homes

Fri, 22 May 2009 16:58:46 -0500

Mention that you're looking at buying a prefabricated or mobile home to friends and often the response you'll get is one of confusion. Most people have an image in their mind about prefab or mobile homes that is a holdover from the early days of mobile home construction. Gone are the days of builders creating metal shoebox monstrosities. And as in any new industry, as the standards have evolved the quality of product has gotten increasingly better.The modern mobile or prefabricated home has many benefits for the home buyer that might not be immediately apparent.

The obvious benefit of buying prefabricated is, of course, the speed in which you actually have a new home to live in. If you are buying a custom home, it will take about 12 weeks for delivery, but a previously built home takes only as long as delivery and set up! Building a home on-site can take much longer due to weather conditions, contractor scheduling, and availability of materials or workers.

A less obvious benefit to mobile and prefab homes is that they're environmentally friendly. Because they are built in a climate controlled assembly line factory environment, there is less waste generated and less building materials ruined by weather or vandalism than you would find with on-site building. Many companies also give you the option to choose more energy efficient options for your custom built home, saving you even more money in the long run.

Having your home built in a factory setting is also more efficient for the workers building your home, which in turn helps lower the price of your home. Since all the building materials are at the factory where your home is being built and the construction process is done on an assembly line, the work is completed more quickly. The set up of your new home on the building site is also much quicker because your home will be mostly completed when it arrives.

You might think that buying a prefabricated or mobile home will let result in a home that's a cookie cutter version of all the other prefabricated or mobile homes out there; in reality there are many options that you can choose from when arranging to have your home built. Take a look at the builders that are available to you and see what your options are. Shop around for floor plans that appeal to you and fulfill your particular needs.

Whether you require a cozy bungalow or a more spacious design, rest assured that there are mobile or prefab designs out there that will suit you. And once you've picked out the best plan and customized the details to your tastes, you may just change the way that your friends view modern prefabricated or mobile homes!

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Gated Community living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona 55+ Community, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Live Among the Stars

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:06:11 -0500

Ever wondered where celebrities make their homes? Here's a list of some of the most sought after neighborhoods by the rich and famous. Who knows, maybe you live closer to the stars than you realize.

California

Hollywood: Right in the thick of the movie action, stars still consider Hollywood Hills the number one choice for a home in California. The roads are narrow and winding – not very tour bus friendly, thus making a home in the Hills quite private with stunning views (when the smog isn't bad). Just ask the likes of Bruce Willis, Charlize Theron, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake.

Malibu: Panoramic ocean views, quick access to sand and surf make this 21-mile strip of beach the number one choice for many celebrities. Popular residents include Mel Gibson (who may be moving soon), Jennifer Aniston, Richard Gere and Whoopi Goldberg. The only downside are the occasional mudslides and hillside wildfires.

Beverly Hills: This popular neighborhood features some of the most expensive homes in the U.S. Located close to many of the major movie studios, the rich and famous have flocked to Beverly Hills since the 1920's.

Aspen, Colorado: Although these are mainly used as vacation homes, stars love the privacy and access to great skiing that Aspen provides. The constant parade of celebrities here include Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell and the Beckham family.

New York

The Hamptons: Where do New Yorkers go to get away from it all – the Hamptons of course! In fact anyone, who is anyone in New York has a weekend estate in this Long Island seaside resort. Just ask the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, or shock jock Howard Stern who have beach front properties here.

Upper East Side, New York, New York: This popular area is full of film celebrities, musicians, financiers and politicians. In fact, the TV show, Gossip Girl, revolves around the lives of the rich and famous on the Upper East Side. Next to Beverly Hills, some of the priciest real estate in the U.S. can be found here.

Tribeca, New York, New York: Made famous by Robert De Niro and his popular Tribeca Film Festival, some of the biggest names in Hollywood have homes in this lower Manhattan neighborhood. Formerly known as an industrial district, the original buildings have been revamped into funky lofts, boutiques and world-class restaurants.

Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia: Living up to its nickname "Beverly Hills East", Buckhead is known for it's business and entertainment districts, and boasts some of the best shopping and finest dining in the Southeast. Here you can visit a restaurant owned by Sean Combs and Jermaine Dupri, or bump into part time resident Elton John. Buckhead has the 9th wealthiest zip code in the U.S. (30327), with an average household income exceeding $341,000 per year.

South Beach, Florida: Incredible beaches, vibrant nightlife and funky architecture describe this popular destination. Also famous for TV show Miami Vice, the movie, Scarface, and high profile fashion shoots, South Beach is a magnet for the rich and famous.

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Joshua Sloan is an experienced San Diego real estate agent. Visit his site at SanDiegoRealEstateBuzz.com for help finding new homes with the San Diego MLS listings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

How 70s Airplane Technology Saves You Money in Heating Bills

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:39:57 -0500

A thin, invisible film that keeps pilots safe from infrared rays while in the cockpit can save Americans billions of dollars in heating and cooling bills. Money is "flying out the window" in more ways than one for homeowners with standard glass panes. Installing low-emissivity or "Low-E" windows can save home owners a significant amount of money on their heating and cooling bills.

The oil crisis of the mid-70s spurred research into ways to conserve energy. During the period of investigation, it was realized that a large amount of energy was lost through the windows of buildings, so explorations were made into the problem of too-open window glass. It was discovered that the technology was, in fact, already created and being used.

Up to the time of research into energy-efficiency, only airplane pilots had the privilege of peering through glass treated in this fashion and that only because flight brought one closer in contact with higher amounts of infra-red radiation. The protection for pilots exposed to higher levels of radiation than one could normally expect had an unexpected side-effect: it made the window glass extremely efficient at filtering energy, creating window panes that could effectively retain heat in a house in winter and keep it cooler in the summer.

The challenge was not in the creation of the treated glass or in the patents or in the materials. It was in the eternal resistance to things that were new. The researchers were hard-put to prove that this kind of glass worked better than previous incarnations. Gradually, with some clever demonstration modules, manufacturers were won over to the idea of an invisible coating providing all these benefits.

As the windows became more popular, the price went down until they are affordable by today's home owner, not just large corporations. ENERGY STAR now lists these treated windows along with its other approved materials and appliances that can help conserve energy and lower the home owner's overall expenditures. Now, researchers are working on producing windows of layered, treated glass, which will be even more efficient.

A seemingly random discovery in the 1970s has paved the way for more energy efficient homes today. Research into better window construction is going to give the home owner more control over their home's emissions than ever before. Home owners will be able to save money and conserve their overall energy expenditure, which will in turn make it more available for the future.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Gated Community living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona manufactured home community, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Geocache Your Way to a Home Sale

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:27:51 -0500

If you're looking for an interesting way of showcasing your homes, introducing clients to your area or making an otherwise boring home hunting trip into an interesting one, why not try geocaching? Geocaching is a great way to get outdoors and make traversing a community more fun. It also can be the doorway to new ideas on how to market your homes and get the attention of people who are on the fence about buying.

If you're an accomplished cacher, you know what “geocaching” means. If not, here's a brief overview: Geocaching began in the year 2000 when people realized that Global Positioning Systems (GPS) could be used to pinpoint locations where a cache was hidden. This cache usually took the form of plastic or metal canisters which housed tradable items and a logbook. It has grown to nearly 850,000 caches logged around the world. For more information about geocaching, head over to geocaching.com

You might think that this is kind of crazy – what does geocaching have to do with home sales? Niche marketing is the answer. The concept isn’t new; there are currently “bicycle Realtors® who offer bicycle tours of homes for sale. There are realties that offer weekly real estate walking tours. So why not take advantage of one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports to encourage people to buy?

If you have clients who are geocachers or are outdoors inclined, a geocache hunt may be a great way to spend an afternoon touring the city. Offering a "Geocache Tour" of your area is an unusual and fun way of getting people interested in the neighborhoods they visit in the course of the tour. Geocaching is growing into a hugely popular sport and many people scouting out locations for their new home would be happy to know that there are a large number of caches in the area.

The geocaching principle can also be used for clients who are house touring. In addition to being a great way to take a break from house touring, your GPS can be used to plot the course of your home tours so that your clients can later review them, along with pictures. This can be a good way to give your clients a little extra information to work with when they make their choice.

If you can get together with other Realtors®, you could try planning a sort of “geo house hunt” of open houses in the area. It might seem crazy, but making a game out of house hunting could be the impetus that makes someone take the next step to buying their first home when they “fall in love” with a house that is on the tour.

Today’s market requires some ingenuity to attract the attention and interest of potential buyers. Geocaching is growing so rapidly in popularity that it is certainly a viable way of showcasing both your business and homes you hope to sell.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Retirement living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona RV Park, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Homebuilders Become Techie Marketers

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:52:13 -0600

In a response to consumer demand for more pre-installed high tech features, builders are offering more technology related options than every before. In order to stay current and maintain a competitive edge, this offering has become the norm in the building industry.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in the case of home theatres almost one quarter of new home buyers wish they had added this at the building stage. If the consumer could view these products installed in model homes or design centers, prior to building, they may be more likely to purchase them.

In luxury homes, the options of distributed audio, home theater and lighting control are standard features. In moderately priced homes most builders offer these systems as options.

There are still a lot of builders needed to jump on the bandwagon for complete home automation. Having a home theater is one thing, but integration of the lighting control and security systems are being offered to 75 percent of luxury homes and only 44 percent of starter homes. Most builders provide information to their customers upon request, where only 28 percent actively marketed structured wiring.

Considering the large amount of home owners who purchase home theaters, security systems and similar technology, builders who do not offer these options are missing out on a huge chunk of the marketplace.

To break it down by technology, the CEA 2007 State of the Builder Study reports builders are offering: 82% Structured Wiring, 83% Monitored Security, 67% Multiroom Audio, 73% Home Theater, 58% Lighting Controls, 50% Home Automation, 53% Energy Management, 68% Intercom Systems and 76% Central Vacuum.

Installers of these high tech upgrades vary depending on the builder. In rating builder satisfaction, 78 percent prefer custom installers, 76 percent use security installers, 73 percent use electrical contractors, and only 51 percent use major retailers for installation.

In order to fill this demand for quality, economical installation, many builders are establishing partnerships with vendors who can design, supply, install, and provide customer support for the upgrades being offered.

Home builders are not only satisfying customers by keeping up with their demands, they are increasing their profits. More than 30 percent felt that home technology systems increased their revenues, while 61 percent said it helped to maintain their revenue. All claimed the option was offered to stay competitive. In addition to agreeing on the importance of technology based features, now more and more they are being adopted as standard features instead of optional upgrades.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Gated Community living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona manufactured home community, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Sure Ways to Turn Away a Potential Buyer

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:35:21 -0600

So you've listed your home with a reputable agent who has placed internet and newspaper ads. You've just had the first showing and the feedback you received was less than positive. In fact, the people were so turned off, they didn't even complete the tour. There is more to selling a home than marketing. As a seller, there are some very basic things you must never do, or you run the risk of turning away a potential buyer.

Paint Colors Only You Could Love: Perhaps you've enjoyed the bright blue and orange paint on your bedroom walls, but it's not likely to fit in with most decorating schemes. Certainly, the new owner has the option of repainting, but why not save them the trouble and cover the walls with a more neutral shade. Some potential buyers if turned off right from the start, carry that negative feeling throughout the rest of the tour. While you can't please everyone, try to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Overlook a Dirty House: When selling a house, it's not enough to cover up the dirt, it should be spotless. A clean home smells good and looks as though the owners have taken care of it. Pay special attention to stains, grout, and dishes in the sink or spotty floors. Once you do the big cleaning, it's pretty easy to keep it up between showings. You'll be surprised at how good it feels living in a clean house.

Noticeable Smells or Odors: Especially if you smoke or have pets, you probably don't even realize how your house smells, but most others are hit with the odor upon entering. Once again, clean well, smoke outside, remove your pets during showings and make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly. Many people use spray deodorizers, but I found the best solution is to burn scented oils prior to the showing. Enzyme cleaners that actually remove the odor instead of masking it are also highly recommended.

Messy Exterior: A house can be bought and sold before the customer even walks through the front door. Street appeal goes a long way to attract or detract a potential buyer. It may be as simple as making sure the gardens are weeded (mulch makes this job easier and looks neater), grass is mowed and hedges are trimmed. Concentrate on making the front of the house the best it can be by removing clutter, painting the porch or fence and keeping the steps swept.

Not Everyone Loves Your Pets: I know it's hard to believe, but not everyone loves Fido as you do. It can be unnerving to enter a house and have a pack of animals come running to greet you. Many people these days have pet allergies and may be turned off from an otherwise nice home because of an allergic reaction. It's safest to make your pets scarce during any type of showing.

Unusual Furniture Placement: Our old home didn't have a lot of room for a kitchen table, so we split up part of our great room and put the table there. When we were trying to sell our home, our agent mentioned that people didn't think we had a dining room. It was strange to see a kitchen table in the living room. After some shifting around, we exchanged the dining table with the kitchen table and instantly created a formal dining area. It made a huge difference.

Don't be hesitant to change things around simply because they've always been a certain way. You may be surprised at the results.

Dingy Interiors: Consider light walls and woodwork especially in a home with few windows. If you can afford to add windows – all the better. Also consider adding more lighting and at the very least, keep your windows clean.

Nightmare Basements: Even if your basement is not finished, you can help buyers see the potential in this unused space. Clear out any clutter and make sure the floors are spotless. Consider painting the floors or adding low cost carpeting or laminate flooring. Paint the ceilings white to open up the area and give the walls a fresh coat as well.

Dirty Appliances: Nothing is worse than opening a dirty oven or fridge, and don't kid yourself, people will be looking in both those places. Don't forget to clean under and behind your appliances and clear out any cupboard clutter.

Water Stains: This is a definite sign of a current or past leak and may even prompt suggestions of mold. Ensure you have no leaks and paint over any old stains.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona retirement community living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona Retirement Community, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Choosing a Walkable Neighborhood: Consider the Planned Community

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Walking is one of the most frequently-recommended exercises for seniors to stay fit. It's gentle, promotes socializing with fellow walkers/neighbors and encourages one to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. This is why it's important to choose a community that is not only affordable and that features the amenities you want, but also a community that encourages you to get out and enjoy your outdoor surroundings.

There is a website on the Internet called WalkScore.com, which rates neighborhoods on their "walkability". It is still growing and many neighborhoods aren't seen at their best because of the lack of data. It rates a neighborhood based on how many amenities are within a mile or so, but doesn't score based on terrain or the true number of amenities available. However, it may well be a formidable Internet presence for the walking-minded in the future.

You don't necessarily need shops within walking distance if you are simply walking for pleasure and exercise, but it is important to choose a community where you want to walk and where it's safe to walk. There are many beautiful areas that are not the safest for any walker and, while you can arm yourself with pepper spray and a bullmastiff, it's a lot more fun if you don't have to. Also, there are many safe, respectable neighborhoods where the scenery is abysmal and the landscaping is not inspiring. You may also want to take this into consideration.

One of the solutions to the walker's desire for safety and scenery is the planned community. There are many 55+ communities that offer cleanliness, a safe neighborhood, beautifully landscaped properties and parks, as well as neighbors who are prime candidates for friends and fellow walkers.

Palm Gardens in Mesa, AZ is one example of this kind of neighborhood. In addition to the many amenities offered for residents, such as swimming pool access and regularly scheduled events, it offers a number of clean, attractive streets and parks for strolling, with many features such as waterfalls and hundreds of lush palm trees. The Stewart family has owned this resort community since 1984 and have always given residential quality of life their first priority. The recent additions of the security gates make this community secure for residents, their relatives and their friends.

No matter what kind of community you choose for your 'base', it is a good idea to visit it several times and note the people and the scenery. Ask yourself if you want to be strolling on these streets for years. Do you like the look of the people - do they seem friendly and good neighbors? Are children allowed to run wild after dark or do mothers gather them in and caution them not to bother other people? Neighborhoods vary widely and it's always smart to view a potential home with a critical eye to its surroundings.

A neighborhood that supports walking and a sense of community is the one to look for. Consider a planned community for walking; you might be pleasantly surprised at the thought and care taken to make your community experience exceptional.

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Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Retirement living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers looking for Arizona mobile homes for sale, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com