Top 5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make

(This was published a while back, but the information is still useful.)
THE REAL ESTATE market may be in the doldrums, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to sell your home. Sellers just need to be savvy and not fall prey to common mistakes. Here are five missteps home sellers should avoid:
see rest of article: http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/deals/top-5-mistakes-home-sellers-make-23727/

Controlling Summer Solar Heat in Your Home

Suggestions for controlling summer solar heat gain:
Shade east and west windows
"A variety of shading devices can be used to control unwanted summer sun through east-and west-facing windows. The choice typically boils down to personal preference and cost. Some examples are deciduous trees, porches, awnings, or exterior shade screens.

Install solar control films or screens
"Special reflective films can be applied directly to windows and skylights to control summer sun. Though effective, they are sometimes aesthetically objectionable
because of their shiny appearance.

Close reflective drapes or blinds
"If you can't easily shade the outside of your east and west-facing windows from the sun, your next best solution is to close sun-reflective blinds, drapes, or moveable window insulation on the inside of the windows during sunny days. To be most effective, the outer surface of these shades must be a light color.

Window Replacement
"Deciding whether or not to replace old windows can be a difficult decision. Certainly new windows will be much better energy performers if high-performance, air-tight models are selected. But the cost of window replacement is rarely justified by energy savings alone. Replacement usually only makes sense if your existing windows are rotted or otherwise in extremely poor shape.
"If your windows are in good shape or easily repairable (new glazing, replacement of broken panes, repainting, etc.), you will probably be better off keeping them and adding separate exterior storm windows or interior energy panels. A professional energy auditor or home performance contractor can help you decide whether window replacement is justified. Be wary of making the decision based on recommendations from someone (typically a distributor of storm or replacement windows) who stands
to make money based on your choice."

From Chapter 4 of The Virginia Energy Savers Handbook 2008: Department of Mechanical Engineering of Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24060

Tax Credit possibly expanded

Congress is considering expanding the $8,000 tax credit by either extending it through 2010, or making the credit $15,000 and available to all buyers rather than first-time home buyers.
"Lawmakers and businesses are calling for expansion of a tax credit for first-time home buyers that has helped spark home sales in an otherwise dismal real estate market.
See rest of article: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-06-22-homebuyer-credit-may-be-extended_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Should I have written this into the contract?

Found in the garage during a home inspection. Was dying to take it for a spin!

10 Things Your Architect Won't Tell You

1. "Having an architecture degree and having a license are two very different things."When Debbie Ford, a La Jolla, Calif., writer, hired an architect to oversee an addition in 2003, she was surprised when he started ripping out most of her walls, plumbing and electrical wiring. She then learned that he wasn't licensed — and that most of the gutting was unnecessary.

See rest of article: http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/10-things-your-architect-wont-tell-you-16355/

Radon: Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas released from the normal decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that seeps up through the ground and diffuses into the air. In a few areas, depending on local geology, radon dissolves into ground water and can be released into the air when the water is used. Radon gas usually exists at very low levels outdoors. However, in areas without adequate ventilation, such as underground mines, radon can accumulate to levels that substantially increase the risk of lung cancer.

See answers to more questions: http://www.cancer.gov/cancerTopics/factsheet/Risk/radon

How to select a moving company

OK, so you finally negotiated terms of the sale and got the home you've been waiting for. Now what? If you're not doing the moving yourself, you need to select a moving company.

Selecting the right moving company is a critical step. You’ll want to be sure you understand all the costs and options involved. Start by asking friends and families if they have any recommendations. Plan to interview at least two companies for estimates, which should be cost- and obligation-free. Your buyer’s representative may also be able to suggest reputable moving companies in your area.

Deciding which moving company is right for you involves three key steps:

Step 1: Arranging the interviews
Call movers and schedule interviews as soon as you know when the actual move might take place, especially if you’re moving during a peak moving period, which includes:

The first or last few days of each month—this is when most closings take place
Holidays—especially those coinciding with school vacations
Summer months—since most families try to schedule a move between school years

See rest of article: http://rebac.net/selecting_a_moving_company.cfm

First-Time Home Buyers Grabbing Houses and Tax Credit

Jun. 3--Generation Y is getting jazzed about a new $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers -- jumping at the opportunity to move up and out of their rentals. See rest of article: http://www.builderonline.com/credit/first-time-home-buyers-grabbing-houses-and-tax-credit.aspx

Agents and Agency: What does it mean?

There are agents, and then there are agents. Yes, it sounds confusing. That’s because the term “agent” is often used in a casual manner, referring to any real estate practitioner.

But agent also refers to someone with whom you’ve established a formal agency relationship—someone who represents your best interests in a real estate transaction and owes you fiduciary responsibilities. Agency relationships are usually established in writing with buyer agency agreements, and require:

loyalty
obedience
disclosure
confidentiality
reasonable care and diligence
accounting

See rest of article: http://rebac.net/descriptions_of_agency.cfm