5 Tips for Saving Energy in the Family Room

Article From HouseLogic.com

By: Jane Hodges

Published: September 23, 2009

Reduce your electricity bills by systematically purging your family room of wasteful energy practices.

The fun-a video game console, TV, DVR, DVD, and stereo system-that your family room provides comes with a price. By reducing standby power, using rechargeable batteries in remotes, and replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, you could save up to $130 a year in energy costs.

And if you're in the market for a new TV, you can save even more energy by being flexible on the type you buy.

1. Reconsider that plasma TV. The three biggest energy hogs in the family room are the plasma television, DVR/Tivo box, and digital cable box, says the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, which promotes energy efficiency to consumers and government policymakers.

A typical plasma TV (less than 40 inches) consumes 441 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, according to ACEEE. That translates into about $50 (based on 11.3 cents per kilowatt hour). Next up are TiVo devices at $41 annually, followed by digital cable boxes at $27. Both devices are always fully on because they constantly receive and download data.

Opting for an LCD (liquid crystal display) TV will cost about $8 to operate annually-for an annual savings of about $42 over the plasma. Of course, weigh your decision against the cost of a new TV.

2. Reduce standby power. Vampire power - the energy that's wasted by electronic devices that are plugged in, but not in use-represents about $100 per year in the average household's electricity costs, says Energy Star. Assuming the family room represents about 15% of your electricity bill, you could save about $15 per year with smart standby practices.

Unplug rarely used electronics (like that karaoke machine) altogether and cluster other appliances, even adapters for cell phones and digital cameras, onto power strips ($3-$12 for a six-outlet strip). Then you can fully turn off all attached electronics with one switch.

Unfortunately, some family room electronics, such as set-top boxes and downloading devices like TiVo, can't be turned off, because that would disrupt the digital data-gathering you've programmed them to do. But with a so-called smart power strip (about $20 to $40 through online retailers), you can completely turn off your TV while leaving the always-on DVR plugged in.

3. Opt for Energy Star-rated electronics. They're anywhere from 6% (audio products) to 75% (DVD players) more efficient than non-rated electronics. Take Energy Star-rated television sets. They use about one-third less energy than their nonrated counterparts.

If you can't live without plasma, consider an Energy Star model for which you'll pay $18 less per year in operating costs than for a nonrated one. If you use an Energy Star-rated digital cable box (ask your provider if any are available for no charge), you could pay 30% less for energy-an annual savings of about $8.50. Energy Star hasn't yet published data on swapping out a DVR or Tivo device.

4. Invest in rechargeable batteries. No, they won't help you save on your electric bill. But you'll save on the cost of batteries for your video game system and other entertainment remotes, according to PJ Stafford, founder of Green Irene, an eco-consulting company that provides energy and environmental makeovers to homeowners. You'll help the environment, too. For every rechargeable battery you buy, you prevent at least 500 single-use batteries from entering the waste stream, Stafford says.

Consider a game system charger station, which runs about $25, or outfit your media room with 10 rechargeable batteries and two chargers for $55 to $65. (Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries cost $3 to 3.50 apiece, versus 75 cents to $1 for disposables; a charger costs $25 to $30.) That investment in rechargeable batteries and chargers, in lieu of 500 batteries over four years, adds up to about $310 to $445 in savings. Buying a charging system for your video game system eliminates the need to buy batteries for the controllers.

Call your local trash collection service to find out which batteries can be recycled or taken to a transfer station versus being thrown away. If you're doing a major sweep-out of old batteries and appliances, consider Big Green Box, which lets you send your devices and batteries to a sustainable processing facility. Recycle old rechargeable batteries for free via programs like Call 2 Recycle.

5. Replace bulbs with compact fluorescents. By replacing one 60-watt incandescent bulb with the equivalent compact fluorescent in a family room where lights are on for four hours per day, you could save $7 per year. CFLs cost between $2 and $15.

Jane Hodges has written about real estate for publications including The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC.com, and The Seattle Times. In 2007 she won a Bivins Fellowship from the National Association of Real Estate Editors to pursue a book on women and real estate. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, CBS's BNET, and Fortune. She lives in Seattle, in a 1966 raised rancher with an excellent retro granite fireplace. Latest home project: Remodeling a basement bathroom.

Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

7 Steps for Removing Mold

Mold is a common home intruder that can quickly turn a desirable house into a risky purchase for potential buyers. So, what can home sellers do about it?

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus made up of tiny microscopic organisms that can grow practically anywhere, such as on ceiling tiles, wallpaper, wood, paints, carpet, and insulation. It multiplies via spores and shows itself in a variety of colors, from greens to browns to pinks, grays, blacks, and yellows. The most common mold growth area in the house is the bathroom, since mold grows on moist materials.

If you spot mold in one of your home, you'll first want to size up the problem, and then create a plan for safe and complete removal.

If the mold is found in a small area, less than 10 square feet, removal can be a do-it-yourself project. Here's how:

1. Wear a face mask, goggles, and rubber gloves. Don't touch mold with bare skin.

2. Seal off the area to prevent the tiny spores from spreading to other parts of the house during the removal process. Open the windows and cover heat registers and ventilation ducts.

3. Wash the affected hard surface areas with a mild detergent solution, such as laundry detergent and warm water. As an added step, wipe the area with a solution of a quarter-cup bleach and one quart of water. (Warning: Do not mix ammonia and bleach; the fumes can be toxic.)

4. Dry the surface completely. Use fans and dehumidifiers or natural ventilation.

5. Apply a borate-based detergent solution. Don't rinse. This will help prevent the mold from growing again. (Look for "borate" listed on the ingredient labels of laundry or dishwasher detergent.)

6. Don't take shortcuts. Never paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. The paint will peel and the mold will resurface.

7. Call a professional. Just when you think you finally won the battle against mold, you might see dormant spores reappear or even spread to clean areas of the house, particularly if proper removal procedures weren't taken. You may need to call a mold remediation company to resolve the problem.

Sources: The Truth About Mold (Dearborn, 2008) by Susan C. Cooper and Mike Buettner; EPA; Washington State Department of Health

Published: April 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

4 Interior Painting Tips

Painting is a quick and easy way to liven up a listing. But some smart prep work can make a huge difference in the quality of the results.

1.Get the surface ready.
You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you start painting. Remove any handprints, dirt, or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks.

2. Select a paint sheen and color.
Ah, the choices! Many paint stores are making it easier to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you can test the color at home and look for any variations in daylight and night. Lighting has a big effect on the way color appears. Remember: Higher sheen paints tend to offer more durability than flat paints, so use them in high-traffic areas. Stain or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth and depth than a flat paint. Consider a high sheen paint on the ceiling, which offers good reflection in the room.

3. Don't go cheap on the paint.
It's always tempting to save a buck, but it might not be worth it on paint. Painting is a big job, so you want the expense and quality to show. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a national painting education group, recommends purchasing top-quality acrylic latex interior paint, which will go on smoothly and allow for easy soap and water cleanups.

4. Choose the right paint tools.
If you're using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap cover for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter the nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water-based paints.

Source: The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

Published: April 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

10 Things Every Remodeling Contract Should Include

By Kelly Quigley

The contract is a critical step in any remodeling project; it holds the job together and ensures that all parties agree to the same vision and scope.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry spells out the following key elements that every remodeling contract should have:

1. The contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number.

2. Details on what the contractor will and will not do.

3. A list of materials for the project in your contract. This includes information about the size, color, model, brand name, and product.

4. The approximate start date and completion date.

5. All required plans. Study them carefully for accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.

6. Written notice of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

7. Financial terms, spelled out in a way that you understand. This includes the total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty.

8. A binding arbitration clause, which you'll need in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.

9. Everything you've requested. Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items you've requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. Never sign an incomplete contract.

10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year. The warranty must be identified as either "full" or "limited." The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor, or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.

Published: April 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

July 2010 Top Producers

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is pleased to announce our Top Producers for July 2010.

Wilmington Office
Top Listing Agent - Laura Betz
Top Selling Agent - Greg Beck

Top Listing Team - Stephanie Gasparovic Team
Top Selling Team - Jack Gale Team

Carolina Beach Office
Top Listing Agent - Judy Odom

Top Selling Agent - Julie Damron

Top Listing Team - Conway & Keenan

Brunswick Office
Top Listing Agent - Ginger Harper

Top Selling Agent - Hank Troscianiec

Top Listing Team - Emily Willetts Team

Top Selling Team - Emily Willetts Team

Onslow/Pender Offices
Top Listing Agent - Renee Spencer

Top Selling Agent - Christina Pitz
Top Listing Team - Roger Mitchell Team
Top Selling Team - Roger Mitchell Team

Hampstead Office
Top Listing Agent - Ed Pullen
Top Selling Agent - Donna Smith

Leland Office
Top Listing Agent - Peter David
Top Selling Agent - Les Christensen

Top New Home Sales Associate

Justin Ash

July 2010 OVERALL TOP PRODUCERS

Roger Mitchell
Jack Gale

Emily Willetts

Hank Troscianiec

Christina Pitz

Cynthia Strickland

Jenna Morton

Brett Knowles

Alex Paen

Lori Smith

6 Landscaping Tricks That Wow Buyers

By Barbara Ballinger

In today's market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite.

Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.

1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. "It's best to use one or two and repeat them," Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.

2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don't block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home's facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.

3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers' homes don't have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.

4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn't resemble an airport runway.

5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn't just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.

6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don't overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.

Source: Michael Glassman, landscape designer, Michael Glassman and Associates, Sacramento, Calif., http://www.michaelglassman.com/

Published: April 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Staging on a Budget: Special Touches

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for home exteriors.

Create a DVD of the Home
"Have the sellers make a short DVD of fun times that they had in the home and surrounding area. Make the DVD run on a loop on the TV and use it to show potential buyers the area, neighborhood amenities, proximity to parks museums, etc. It is easy and cost effective." -Scott Holland, Top100AZhomes.com, Phoenix

Frame a Local Scene
"Frame pictures from inexpensive calendars and place them throughout the home. Look for pictures that reflect nature and themes for the local area. We don't want buyers to wish they were in Aruba while looking at a home in snowy Michigan!"- Jannel Lee Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Livonia, Mich.

Showcase Designer Bags
"I stagger colorful, logo, designer, retail bags in different sizes and shapes and place them on the shelves in the walk-in closets in the master bedroom, linen closet as well as other closets. It creates a fun visual and people think it is unique and clever. Plus, it is basically free. You just tell the stores that you are staging your seller's home and would love to advertise their company with their bags. They love the idea of getting free publicity. I put crumpled up tissue in the bag to give them body. I use bags from Neiman Marcus, Coldwater Creek, Chico's, Crate & Barrel, Pier 1, St. John, Coach, Victoria Secret, and Nordstrom. Also, since the bags can lie flat, the storage factor is very efficient."- Robyn Starr Dezendorf, Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere, Portland, Ore.

Customize the Art
"Buy a couple of iron easels and place them in different rooms. On the easel, place a mirror or framed art that complements the colors of the walls or floors. Or, prepare a large poster with photos and additional information about the house. This is inexpensive, yet provides a focal point of interest in the room."- Trina Griffith, Summers Real Estate Group, Longview, Texas

Redo the Doghouse
"Freshen and consolidate pet areas. Purchase new bowls, etc., to indicate upkeep and freshness. Choose one place to house pet beds and litter boxes; the laundry or utility rooms or garage space may be appropriate."- Mae Thompson, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.

Write a Letter
"Part of staging is conveying the pleasures of living in the marketed home. I have sellers write a one-page letter to the prospective buyers detailing less evident benefits, such as the annual Easter egg hunt at the end of the cul-de-sac, the amazing sunrise from the breakfast nook window, and the fact that the school bus stops at the corner. I copy these on pretty paper and put them at the front of the property profile book on the kitchen counter."- Cari Pemberton, Buy, Sell, Organize and Stage, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Make It Memorable
"I have two things that I do when staging a home. First, a wreath on the front door (that I make). The wreath stays with the house for the new owners. Second, I hang a black nightgown on the master bathroom door. The buyer (husband) always remembers that house!"- Cissy Snyder, Svetlik Real Estate, Sumter, S.C.

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Staging on a Budget: Exteriors

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for home exteriors.

Say 'Welcome Home'

"There's nothing more pleasing than a front step or porch with bright and cheerful planters filled with plants and flowers. It says 'welcome to your new home!'"

-Carol Anderson, abr®, green, Coastline Realty, Cape May, N.J.

Create a Curb Appeal Checklist

"A top item on the staging list should be curb appeal items (you can't get people in if they don't like the drive-by): Trim shrubs, fix peeling paint, and add greens or planters near the entrance."

-Lori Geraci, Bannon & Hebert Properties LLC, Middlebury, Conn.

Entice Them at the Entrance

"Tighten any loose doors or cabinets and re-stain, paint, or varnish doors. Paint the trim on floors and ceilings. Also, paint outside trims and nicks on the house, especially where clients come into the house."

-Rhonda Burns, Windermere Real Estate, Wentachee, Wash.

Stage the Lawn

"In San Antonio the grass is usually parched by the end of the summer. For my fall listings, I purchase a bag of winter rye grass seed and apply it generously to dried-out lawns of my listings. I advice sellers to water the grass frequently for a few weeks until it begins to sprout. Soon the lawn is emerald green, and it stays that way through the end of April, at which time the regular grass should be recovering."

-Larry Stewart, Deborah Myers Real Estate Inc., San Antonio, Texas

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Sea Coast Realty Merges With Wilmington's Oldest Real Estate Company

Yesterday, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty announced that it was joining forces with Hanover Realty. The merger joins Wilmington’s largest and top-selling real estate company with the city’s oldest real estate firm.

Hanover Realty is owned by Wilmington mayor Bill Saffo and his wife Renee. “Renee and I are excited about joining forces with Wilmington’s proven market leader,” Saffo said in a press release.

The merger was announced yesterday morning at a special event at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort in Wrightsville Beach. More than 300 real estate sales associates and staff affiliated with the companies attended the event headlined by area resident and nationally-acclaimed author, philosopher and motivational speaker, Tom Morris.

The merger also strengthens Sea Coast Realty’s ties with Stevens Fine Homes, a long-time Hanover Realty client and a leading home builder in the region. Stevens Fine Homes will list four of its new home communities exclusively with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty, bringing the potential for more than $40 million in sales to Sea Coast Realty. The new home communities will include, Grayson Park, Mallory Creek, Willowick, and Dogwood Lakes.

“The merger gives us access to expand a pool of agents and a much bigger marketing presence, which we believe with increase traffic at our communities and ultimately lead to more sales for our company,” said Stevens Fine Homes president Craig Stevens in a press release.

Sea Coast Realty president Tim Milam said that the expected the union of these great companies to have a major impact on the Wilmington real estate market. “I can’t tell you how excited I am that we’re now all together on the same team,” Milam said in a press release. “Their commitment to excellence is a perfect fit with our corporate culture at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.”

News of the merger was covered by many local media outlets, including:

Saffo real estate company to merge with Sea Coast Realty (StarNewsOnline.com)

Creative collaboration shapes future of Wilmington real estate market (StarNewsOnline.com)

Mayor's real estate agency merges with Sea Coast Realty (WECT)

Mayor's real estate company merges with market leader (Greater Wilmington Business Journal

For more than a decade, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been southeastern North Carolina’s largest and best-selling real estate company. The company is a perennial recipient of the Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle award. In 2009, recipients of this award represented the top 4 percent of Coldwell Banker affiliated companies worldwide.

Founded in 1988, Sea Coast Realty now operates 10 offices with more than 325 sales associates and staff in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, & Onslow counties. For more information, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com.

Sea Coast Realty Opens New Shallotte, NC Office

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty recently opened a new office in Shallotte, North Carolina. The new office will serve Shallotte and Brunswick County. It is located at 127 Village Road in Shallotte, N.C. and can be reached at (910) 754-6782 or toll free at 1-877-397-0942.

"The addition of the new Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty office will further strengthen the Coldwell Banker® presence in the Brunswick County market,” said Jim Gillespie, president and CEO, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “Coldwell Banker is pleased to add this new office to our network.”

“We are extremely pleased to be opening our new office in Shallotte. Over the years, we’ve built a strong relationship with our friends and neighbors in the Shallotte area. Now we look forward to providing them with an even higher level of service,” said Tim Milam, president of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.

For more than a decade, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been southeastern North Carolina’s largest and best-selling real estate company.

The company is a perennial recipient of the Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle award. In 2009, recipients of this award represented the top 4 percent of Coldwell Banker affiliated companies worldwide.

Founded in 1988, Sea Coast Realty now operates 10 offices with more than 325 sales associates and staff in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, & Onslow counties. For more information, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com.

Staging on a Budget: De-cluttering

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for de-cluttering.

Expand the Closet

"One of the most overlooked areas of staging is the closet. Most people will unclutter and move boxes out of the closet but forget about the hanging clothes. I tell my clients to remove the clothes they only wear once in a while. If the closet still looks stuffed, remove more. The ideal closet will have significant space (two hangers worth) between the next hanger."

-Joseph F. San Angelo, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Clifton, N.J.

Before and After

"Have owners pack everything they don't use daily and put in storage or in the garage. It neutralizes the home and allows buyers to picture their family living there. It creates a sense of cleanliness and order by having clean countertops, sparsely decorated walls and minimal furniture. I give sellers before and after photos of other staged homes and remind them that this is how model homes sell."

-Amy Herring, Keller Williams, Tallahassee, Fla.

Create a Neutral Pallet

"When I first meet with potential clients planning to put their house on the market, I walk through the home with them and make a detailed list of all furniture, clothing, and miscellaneous items that should be packed away. Staging a home requires that each space be defined, but that personal items and clutter be non-existent. Potential buyers need to see a neutral pallet: Rooms that they can envision themselves living. I then pay for the delivery and removal of a Smartbox portable storage unit as part of my marketing strategy."

-Carrie Mock, Long and Foster Real Estate, Annapolis, Md.

Nix Those Personal Photos

Make sure there are no personal photos to be seen anywhere in your listing. Pack them up or put them away. Buyers tend to stop and see who lives there, which takes them away from seeing the home's attributes!"

-Kyle Davis, RE/MAX Select Properties Inc., Ashburn, Va.

Don't Let Furniture Get in the Way

"I think one of my top staging tips is to arrange the furniture so that it does not block any of the home's features and allows for easy traffic flow. Sometimes that means removing some furniture-the more furniture in a room, the smaller the room looks."

-Jean Risha, Greenwood King Properties, Houston, Texas

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Staging on a Budget: Kitchen

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for kitchens.

Tease Their Noses

"I believe in appealing to all five senses of a buyer, including smell. I always put something in the oven like apple pie or fresh bread."

-Chad C. Caramanna, Shadetree Realty Group Inc., Fellsmere, Fla.

Accessorize

"Adding decorative items in the kitchen can warm up the area and make it more 'cozy'. Go to a thrift or resale shop and get great deals on glass items. Use a tray (wood, silver, glass, etc.) with two coffee cups and a small package of Starbucks coffee displayed between the cups, and pretty paper or cloth napkins. Also, find a large glass-or pottery bowl-and fill it with individual candies, pre-packaged crackers, pretzels, etc. It looks nice and each buyer who comes through can grab a snack from the bowl. It'll help them remember your listing."

-Trina Griffith, Summers Real Estate Group, Longview, Texas

Go Green

"If your listing has some green features (EnergyStar appliances, generator, double-paned windows, bamboo flooring), continue the theme with strategically placed soy candles, homemade guest soaps, and green cleaning products under the sink area. People will notice!"

-Peggy Edwards, green, Coldwell Banker, Tampa, Fla.

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Staging on a Budget: Color and Lighting

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for color and lighting.

Go Neutral

"The moment the potential buyer walks into the front door they should be 'wowed' by the rooms on either side of the entry. Paint a nice neutral khaki color allowing for the painted or stained wood work to stand out. Make the color bold enough to make a difference, not just an off white. Tans and khaki's 'warm' the space."

-Julie C. Preston, GRI, REALTOR®/interior designer, Indianapolis, Ind.

Add a Splash of Color Everywhere

"Currently over half the homes we list are vacant and can look very sterile in photos. We ask sellers to neutralize their wall colors and carpet, but then we discover all the photos of the interior look similar and boring. Our best staging tip is to add bright, bold colors to the kitchen and bathrooms with accessories, towels, and plants. Red is a call-to-action color. A vase with red flowers can add interest to the photo when placed on a kitchen island or bar. We like burgundy or black towels in a neutral bathroom and green silk plants in the living areas. A colorful picture over the fireplace mantle with a couple of vases on each side can make a great vignette in the family room."

-Holly Janney, Realty Executives Associates, Knoxville, Tenn.

Light It Up

"Replace the light bulbs in the home with higher wattage bulbs. Buyers like 'light and bright,' and the brighter light bulbs make all the difference in the world. Inexpensive and easy!"

-Ann Bishop, Ann & Denny Bishop Group, Realtors®, Wichita Falls, Texas

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Leatherback Sea Turtles Born in Holden Beach

Last week, 53 newly-hatched leatherback turtles made their way from their nest on Holden Beach to the sea.

The nest is Holden Beach, NC’s first known leatherback turtle nest. Loggerhead turtles often nest on Brunswick County’s beaches, but Leatherback turtle nests are much less common.

Volunteers with Holden Beach Turtle Watch dug a trench from the nest to the ocean and protected the Leatherback hatchlings from the crowd that had gathered to observe. Their work was illuminated by red lights, so as not to disorient the baby turtles.

Volunteers named the first turtle hatched, Shannon. When she made her way to the end of the trench, onlookers sang “Happy Birthday” and cheered.

Holden Beach Turtle Watch volunteers estimate the leatherback turtle that made the nest probably weighed about 900 pounds and was more than six feet long. Leatherback turtles are the largest of all living sea turtles. The mother sea turtle probably laid the eggs 60 to 70 days before they hatched. After laying the eggs, she covered her nest with sand to disguise it from predators, and returned to the sea.

Stacey Manning captured images of the event for The Brunswick Beacon. To see her photos, please visit The Brunswick Beacon.

For more information about real estate in Holden Beach and other Brunswick County, North Carolina beaches, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com or visit Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty's offices in Southport, Shallotte, and Oak Island.

How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home

Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price.

How much can you sell your home for? Probably about as much as the neighbors got, as long as the neighbors sold their house in recent memory and their home was just like your home.

Knowing how much homes similar to yours, called comparable sales (or in real estate lingo, comps), sold for gives you the best idea of the current estimated value of your home. The trick is finding sales that closely match yours.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD COMPARABLE SALE?

Your best comparable sale is the same model as your house in the same subdivision-and it closed escrow last week. If you can't find that, here are other factors that count:

Location: The closer to your house the better, but don't just use any comparable sale within a mile radius. A good comparable sale is a house in your neighborhood, your subdivision, on the same type of street as your house, and in your school district.

Home type: Try to find comparable sales that are like your home in style, construction material, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, basement (having one and whether it's finished), finishes, and yard size.

Amenities and upgrades: Is the kitchen new? Does the comparable sale house have full A/C? Is there crown molding, a deck, or a pool? Does your community have the same amenities (pool, workout room, walking trails, etc.) and homeowners association fees?

Date of sale: You may want to use a comparable sale from two years ago when the market was high, but that won't fly. Most buyers use government-guaranteed mortgages, and those lending programs say comparable sales can be no older than 90 days.

Sales sweeteners: Did the comparable-sale sellers give the buyers downpayment assistance, closing costs, or a free television? You have to reduce the value of any comparable sale to account for any deal sweeteners.

AGENTS CAN HELP ADJUST PRICE BASED ON INSIDER INSIGHTS

Even if you live in a subdivision, your home will always be different from your neighbors'. Evaluating those differences-like the fact that your home has one more bedroom than the comparables or a basement office-is one of the ways real estate agents add value.

An active agent has been inside a lot of homes in your neighborhood and knows all sorts of details about comparable sales. She has read the comments the selling agent put into the MLS, seen the ugly wallpaper, and heard what other REALTORS, lenders, closing agents, and appraisers said about the comparable sale.

MORE WAYS TO PICK A HOME LISTING PRICE

If you're still having trouble picking out a listing price for your home, look at the current competition. Ask your real estate agent to be honest about your home and the other homes on the market (and then listen to her without taking the criticism personally).

Next, put your comparable sales into two piles: more expensive and less expensive. What makes your home more valuable than the cheaper comparable sales and less valuable than the pricier comparable sales?

ARE FORECLOSURES AND SHORT SALES COMPARABLES?

If one or more of your comparable sales was a foreclosed home or a short sale (a home that sold for less money than the owners owed on the mortgage), ask your real estate agent how to treat those comps.A foreclosed home is usually in poor condition because owners who can't pay their mortgage can't afford to pay for upkeep. Your home is in great shape, so the foreclosure should be priced lower than your home.

Short sales are typically in good condition, although they are still distressed sales. The owners usually have to sell because they're divorcing, or their employer is moving them to Kansas.How much short sales are discounted from their market value varies among local markets. The average short-sale home in Omaha in recent years was discounted by 8.5%, according to a University of Nebraska at Omaha study. In suburban Washington, D.C., sellers typically discount short-sale homes by 3% to 5% to get them quickly sold, real estate agents report. In other markets, sellers price short sales the same as other homes in the neighborhood.

So you have to rely on your REALTOR's knowledge of the local market to use a short sale as a comparable sale.

MORE FROM HOUSELOGIC

What You Must Know About Home Appraisals

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

OTHER WEB RESOURCES

New York State: "How Estimates of Market Value are Determined for Residential Properties"

What's the Value of a View? Research from Texas Christian University

Carl Vogel, a freelance writer and former editor of The Neighborhood Works magazine, lives in a home in Chicago that is not typical of those nearby, so he appreciates a savvy comp.

Article From Houselogic.com

By: Carl Vogel

Published: August 05, 2010

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Staging on a Budget: Bathroom

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for bathrooms.

Add Bathroom Elegance
"Get some decorative hand towels, tie a sheer ribbon around them, and place them on towel racks in all of the bathrooms. This does wonders to dress up the bathrooms of your listings. I also put some dried flowers and candles in complementary colors to add a little more pizzazz." -Haley Hwang, e-pro, Coldwell Banker, Glenview, Ill.

Put a Lid on It
"The best thing you can do for your home, vacant or not, is to close all the drains, sinks, and tubs; close all the lids on all the toilets; close all the closet doors; and let all the sun in. You'll get amazing immediate results and the cost is zero dollars."- Judith Preston, HomeSmart International, Anthem, Ariz.

Make the Old New Again
"I recently listed a big house built in 1979. In the master bathroom was a sunken cultured marble bathtub and matching his and hers marble vanity tops in swirly 1970's brown. The shower stall tile was gold and white speckled. The cost to update this bathroom would be a lot. So we got the tub and shower stall painted with epoxy paint in white and the marble tops a white with little tan specks. It was a huge improvement for about $800."- Linda Walker, Main Street Real Estate, Garland, Texas

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Sea Coast Realty Meets Future Habitat Homeowner

Meet Carol – a single mom and soon-to-be homeowner thanks to Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, lots of volunteers, and her own hard work.

When she’s not at her full-time healthcare job, you can find Carol earning 250 hours of “Sweat Equity” by working on other Habitat for Humanity homes. “She is a kind, dependable, hard-working lady who truly embodies the Habitat spirit,” said Jane Roberson, Director of Family Services with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

Construction of Carol’s new Corbett Street home is scheduled to begin September 25, 2010. The home is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty and will be dedicated as the “Barbara Birkenheuer House” in honor of the Retired Executive Director of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. By sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity home, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty will provide $60,000 in financial support and volunteer labor each week of the home build.

Sea Coast Realty president Tim Milam pledged Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s sponsorship of this home at Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s 9th Annual Golden Hammer Pledge Breakfast in May 2010. The breakfast marked Executive Director Barbara Birkenheuer’s retirement from Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity after ten years of service. In honor of her leadership, Milam announced that the Habitat home Sea Coast Realty builds will be dedicated as the “Barbara Birkenheuer House.”

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity helps families work toward the purchase of a home. Habitat constructs quality homes at a significantly lower cost than government or for-profit organizations. That allows it to provide no-interest, 30-year mortgages to qualified families. To help its families succeed, Habitat offers credit counseling, mentoring, and education programs.

Sea Coast Realty has sponsored three other Habitat homes since it began its involvement with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity in 1997. Sales associates and staff from Sea Coast Realty’s Leland office also helped with construction of a Habitat home in Navassa in January 2010. Russ May, a sales associate from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Wilmington, N.C. office, is president of the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.

“While sponsoring three homes in the Wilmington area, we have learned how valuable homeownership is to those who thought they would never own a home,” said Milam. “I cannot think of a more worthy housing organization.”

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity is one of 76 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in North Carolina and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. For more information about Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, please visit capefearhabitat.org.

For more than a decade, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been southeastern North Carolina’s largest and best-selling real estate company. It operates ten offices with more than 325 sales associates and staff in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, & Onslow counties. For more information, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com.

Staging on a Budget: Bedroom

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for bedrooms.

Bring Your Own Bed
"I have a great way to add a bed to a vacant bedroom. I arrange moving boxes into the shape of a bed, and then I dress it up with nice bedding. It takes about half an hour and it's really inexpensive." -Kria Lacher, Meadows Group Inc., Realtors®, Portland, Ore.

Make a Bed
Another trick to add a bed: "Purchase an inexpensive air mattress that has a folding frame off the floor. Once the bedding is on and staged, it's hard to tell the air mattress from a real bed. After the home sells, all the client has to do is deflate, fold and pack." -Jackie Limsky, ABR®, TX Cyber Homes, Hank Layton, Texas

Get a Fabric Donation
"Here is an inexpensive staging tip: Ask a local fabric shop to donate beautiful fabrics. Use it to cover the following: an air mattress with a not-so-great comforter (cover the comforter with an over-sized sheet, and then place a nice fabric in the middle or end of the bed). Or use the fabric to cover TV dinner stands, to appear as nightstands, entryway pieces, or any other decorated 'table.'" -Jannel Lee Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Livonia, Mich.

Add Luxurious, Affordable Touches
"If the master bedroom is too boring (and most are), I have my sellers go out and buy a new luxury comforter set with bed skirt, throw pillows, matching valances, etc. We have a Burlington Coat Factory here that sells dramatic sets with rich, embellished material for around $100. The right set will totally transform a boring master bedroom into a luxury hotel suite." -Karen Walton, Share Realty, Midlothian, Va.

Try a Dramatic Fabric Backdrop
"One surefire way to dress up a plain bedroom is to hang sheers, fabric or draperies on the wall behind the bed. (I often remove window treatments from the other windows to allow more light in and then use these for the fabric backdrop.) It serves as a headboard, visually raising the ceilings and, particularly in a master suite, adds a sense of elegance and luxury. It's inexpensive but packs a dramatic punch." -Liz Harrison, Spruce it Up! Home Staging and Room Redesign, Salem, Ore.

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Staging on a Budget: Living Rooms

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Real estate pros offer their best, most affordable staging ideas for living rooms.

Create a Focal Point
"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant-I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting." -Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.

Set Up a Chat Room
"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around." -Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.

Get Rid of Carpet Dents
"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints." -Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.

Accent Special Features
"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it." -Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.

Invoke the Outdoors
"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!" -Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.

Published: March 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Pet Pix Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty's Pet Pix Contest!

First place and a $100 prize go to Jason Schmitt of Cary, NC. His photo of his tabby cat Harley earned 120 votes.

Second place and a $50 second prize go to Ashley Lauren Foster of Carolina Beach, NC. Her photo of her yellow lab Stoli earned 115 votes.

Third place and a $25 prize go to Allison Patton of Morehead City, NC. Her photo of her grinning dog Ben earned 80 votes.

Click here to see the winners on Facebook!

Our sincere appreciation goes out to everyone who submitted photos and voted!

Let's not forget the other winners in the competition - Paw's Place Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Winnabow, NC. Since folks submitted more than 500 photos to our Pet Pix Contest, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty will be donating $500 to Paw's Place!

To find out about how you can help Paw's Place Animal Rescue, please visit PawsPlace.org.

5 Showing Tips for Home Sellers

Get your home in showing shape with these simple tips.

Lighten up. Some people like to live in dark houses. Leave the shades up and the drapes opened. Homes show so much better with light. -Teresa Boardman, Saint Paul Home Realty, St. Paul, Minn.

Size up the competition. Walk through model homes in your area to see what professionally staged homes look like. You can get a variety of great ideas to prepare your home for sale. -Randy Schulenburg, Mortgage 1st Realty Inc., Elgin, Ill.

Define the space. Creatively define each space to highlight its use. Create a mudroom that is neat and orderly, a home office workspace, or a kids afterschool room with chalk boards and desks. -Elizabeth Lord, Carolina Farms & Estates, York, S.C.

Add simple curb appeal. Thoroughly clear all little branches, rake the leaves, and trim the bushes. Every landscaping detail proves that you care, and this translates to buyer appeal! -Beverly Carlson, Carlson Properties, Abilene, Texas

Give it a power wash. I bought a power washer three years ago, and what a great investment. I always offer it to my clients. You'd be surprised how much better a house looks after a good bath-especially the garage doors. -Jim Cheney, Saint Francis Property, Santa Rosa, Calif.

Published: April 2010 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty Ranks Highly In 2010 Second Quarter

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is extremely pleased to announce it’s rankings among other Coldwell Banker affiliates for the second quarter of 2010.

Company Achievements

Among all Coldwell Banker affiliated real estate companies in the nation, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty ranked No. 10 in gross commission income and No. 15 in total units sold in the second quarter of 2010.

Office Achievements

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Wilmington, N.C. office ranked No. 1 in the Southern Region in adjusted gross commission income, selling units sold, listing units sold, and total units sold, among Coldwell Banker offices with 101 or more associates in the second quarter of 2010. The Wilmington office ranked No. 2 in the nation in year-to-date adjusted gross commission income and total units sold.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Jacksonville, N.C. office ranked No. 1 in the Southern Region in adjusted gross commission income, selling units sold, listing units sold, and total units sold, among Coldwell Banker offices with 21-35 associates in the second quarter of 2010. The Jacksonville office ranked No. 5 in the nation in year-to-date gross commission income.

Individual Agent Achievements

Three Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty associates ranked among the top Coldwell Banker sales associates in North Carolina in selling units sold in the second quarter of 2010. Carolyn Hall, a sales associate with Sea Coast Realty’s Jacksonville, N.C. office, ranked No.6. Jenna Morton, also of Jacksonville, N.C., ranked No. 9. Greg Barber, a sales associate with the company’s Wilmington, N.C. office, ranked No. 10.

Team Achievements

Real estate teams from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s offices in Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, and Wilmington also ranked among the top-selling teams in North Carolina in the second quarter of 2010.

ADJUSTED GROSS COMMISSION INCOME
No. 1 - Roger Mitchell Team
No. 4 - Jack Gale Team
No. 6 - Shane Register Team
No. 8 - Brett Knowles Team
No. 9 - Melanie Cameron Team
No. 10 - Cynthia Strickland Team

SELLING UNITS SOLD
No. 1 - Roger Mitchell Team
No. 3 - Anna Garcia Team
No. 5 - Jack Gale Team
No. 6 - Chuck Lukoski Team
No. 7 - Alex Paen Team
No. 9 - Kay Baker Team
No. 10 - Shane Register Team

LISTING UNITS SOLD
No. 1 - Roger Mitchell Team
No. 3 - Jack Gale Team
No. 5 - Lori Smith Team
No. 8 - Beth Fortunato Team
No. 9 - Cynthia Strickland Team

TOTAL UNITS SOLD
No. 1 - Roger Mitchell Team
No. 3 - Jack Gale Team
No. 5 - Lori Smith Team
No. 6 - Anna Garcia Team
No. 7 - Alex Paen Team
No. 9 - Chuck Lukoski Team
No. 10 - Melanie Cameron Team

For more than a decade, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been southeastern North Carolina’s largest and best-selling real estate company. It operates ten offices with more than 325 sales associates and staff in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, & Onslow counties. For more information, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com.

Realtors' Favorite Tricks for Creating Scent Appeal

Real estate professionals share with us their favorite home scents that are sure to please buyers.

"I recommend using lemon or citrus scented candles for showings and running a few lemon wedges through the garbage disposal." -Christine Spitale, Sunflower Staging, Highland Mills, N.Y.

"Covering up the smell is not the answer. Sometimes it takes a thorough cleaning of carpets, drapes, and upholstery. It also helps to open windows to get air flowing and to clean out the air ducts." -Barbara Linick, ERA Troy, REALTORS®, San Antonio

"I think that cinnamon and vanilla are the best smells when trying to sell a home. I love to walk into a home and breathe in the fresh scent of cinnamon sticks on the stove or smell a burning vanilla candle." -Fran Hughes, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter, Atlanta

"I always use an electric ceramic crock that can hold small or large glass candles, like from Yankee Candle Co. There's no risk of fire because there's no flame; the ceramic crock warms the candle to melt the wax. I've used several of these in different places throughout the house, so as you walk through you get different fragrances." -Linda C. Hardt, Homelynx Home Loans, Fort Myers, Fla.

"I use an odor eliminator called PureAyre that smells like mint. The product can be 'injected' into furniture or carpets. It can also be sprayed into the air. When buyers come into a home, many are turned off by the smell of air fresheners or candles. Smart buyers know these are old tricks used to cover up smells, not eliminate them." -Carol Smith, Creative Home Stagers, Charlotte, N.C.

"Put a beer in the oven on low and it will smell like you're baking fresh bread." -Elizabeth Lord, Carolina Farms & Estates, York, S.C.

"When you introduce any pleasant smelling items to a home, try to stick to basic scents such as vanilla, apple, cinnamon, and lemon. In small doses, these often appeal to the most buyers. A small reed diffuser in a bathroom can keep a clean smell, while not overwhelming the space." -Kellie Frooninckx, Virtual Enriching Homes, Phoenix

"Heat up some water and throw fresh cinnamon into it. Turn it off just before the buyers come. They'll think that you baked cookies for them." -April M. Newland, Newland Real Estate, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

"If the sellers have a basement they may need to get a dehumidifier. Basements are in the ground, a damp environment by nature. So many times we open the basement door and get smacked with a musty odor. Bye-bye good offer." -Colette O'Mara, Weichert, REALTORS®, North Syracuse, N.Y.

Published: April 2010 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Edward Wood Graduates from REALTOR® Institute

Edward Wood of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty recently earned the professional designation, "Graduate, REALTOR® Institute" (GRI), signifying mastery of an intense training program of classroom instruction.

Wood earned the GRI designation by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including: contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction.

He joins other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation. Only 19% of REALTORS® in the United States hold this prestigious designation.

In addition, Wood learned the fundamentals of brokerage and other areas of real estate specialization. With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issues, Wood is able to better serve prospective clients and customers.

For 25 years, the REALTOR® Institute is designed to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them, their clients and customers. The Institute is taught by leading real estate professionals from around the country.

For more information about our company, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com or connect with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty on Facebook.