Halloween Safety Tips
Although Halloween is a fun time of year for kids, it is no fun to get hurt, so let us take some time to make sure our kids have a safe, healthy, and fun Halloween.
Trick or Treaters
• Carry a flashlight• Walk, don't run• Stay on Sidewalks• Obey traffic signals • Stay in familiar neighborhoods• Don't cut across yards or driveways• Wear a watch you can read in the dark• Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground• Shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume)• Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house• Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.• (If no sidewalk) walk on the left side of the road facing traffic• Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape• Approach only houses that are lit• Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know
Parents
• Make your child eat dinner before setting out.• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.• If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.• If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.• You should know where they're going.• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.
Homeowners
• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently bitting a trick-or-treater.• Battery powered jack o'lantern candles are preferable to a real flame.• If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.• Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later.• Non-food treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins.
Let’s have a Safe, Happy and Fun Halloween!
Reprinted with permission from The Children’s Safety Zone www.childrensafetyzone.com
Tracy Turner, REALTOR®Long & Foster REALTORS®Direct: 757-270-6318Office: 757-467-0200Email: tracy.turner@longandfoster.com
Tips for Lowering Homeowner’s Insurance Costs1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you’re interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired.
2. Seek insurance coverage as soon as your offer is approved. You must obtain insurance to buy. And you don’t want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage.
3. Maintain good credit. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.
4. Buy your home owners and auto policies from the same company and you’ll usually qualify for savings. But make sure the discount really yields the lowest price.
5. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. Avoid making claims under $1,000.
6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who tend to be home more than full-time workers may qualify for a discount on theft insurance. You also may be able to obtain discounts for having smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, or dead-bolt locks.
7. Seek group discounts. If you belong to any groups, such as associations or alumni organizations, they may have deals on insurance coverage.
8. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.
9. Investigate a government-backed insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, federal or state government may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.
10. Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.
________________________________________________________________________Reprinted from copyright 2008. All rights reserved.REALTOR® magazine (Realtor.org/realtormag) with permission of the The National Association of REALTORS®
How to Reduce Your Mortgage
One Additional Mortgage Payment a Year
There's a simple trick to significantly reduce the length of your mortgage and save you thousands of dollars. The trick is to make one extra mortgage payment a year and apply that payment toward your loan's principal.
This is the method being used by "Bi-Weekly Mortgage Reduction Services" and "Bi-Weekly Mortgage Savings Programs". Only, when you do it yourself, you don't pay a third party unnecessary set-up costs and fees!
Example: $100,000 loan, 30-year mortgage, 6.5% fixed interest rate
Extra Mortgage Payments/ Year
Principal & Interest
Additional Monthly Payment
SAVINGS
Total Paid
# of Years
0
$632.07
$227,542.98
29.92 / 359 mos.
1
$52.68
$29,088.02
$198,454.96
24.12 / 290 mos.
2
$105.35
$46,492.13
$181,050.85
20.5 / 246 mos.
3
$158.02
$58,320.95
$169,222.03
17.92 / 215 mos.
4
$210.69
$66,969.79
$160,573.19
15.92 / 191 mos.
5
$263.36
$73,607.77
$153,935.21
14.34 / 172 mos.
One-time Payment
It may not be possible for you to increase your monthly mortgage payment. Keep in mind that most mortgages will permit you to make additional payments to your principal at anytime. Perhaps, five-years after moving into your home you receive a larger than expected tax return, or an inheritance or a non-taxable cash gift. You could apply this money toward your loan's principal, resulting in significant savings and a shorter loan period.
Example:
With a $100,000, 30-year, 6.5% fixed interest rate mortgage loan, the borrower will pay a total of $227,542.98 to pay back the loan in 30 years. That equals $127,542.98 in interest payments.
If the same borrower makes a one-time $5,000 payment the first day of year 6, he/she will pay a total of $204,710.75 and pay off the loan in 27 years (324 months). That's a savings of $22,832.23 in interest.
The Cost of Your Mortgage LoanLocking-in the Rate
When shopping for a mortgage, the lender may give you a quote for the mortgage interest rate and points (additional fees charged by the lender usually paid at closing by the borrower). These only represent terms available at the time of the quote. They may not be available by the closing date (which may be weeks or months in the future). To ensure the rate and points are the same at closing as they are when quoted, you'll need to lock-in the interest rate (also known as a rate lock or rate commitment).
Obtain a Written Agreement
Floating the Rate
Buyers opt to float the loan when they believe interest rates will drop after their loan application date and prior to closing. The risk is that rather than dropping, interest rates rise, increasing the mortgage payment.
Most lenders will commit, in writing, to a mortgage interest rate for a specified time period while your loan application is processed - this is known as "locking-in" the rate.
If you elect to lock-in an interest rate, it is best to deal with a lender who provides a written lock-in agreement. Be sure to read this agreement carefully, some lock-in agreements become void due to actions beyond your control - such as a change in the maximum rate for VA-guaranteed loans.
Lock-in Options
The following lock-in options are common among lending institutions. Be sure to ask the mortgage lenders you are considering which lock-in options they offer.
Lock-in interest rates and points.This will give you a clear understanding of how much your mortgage will cost. Neither your interest rate nor points increase during the lock-in period. This protects you against rising market conditions.
Lock-in interest rates and floating points.Your interest rate is locked-in and will not change for the lock-in period, while your points may rise and fall with market conditions. With this option, your lender may allow you to lock-in the points at the current market condition some time between submitting the loan application and closing.
Floating interest rates and floating points.This gives you the option to lock-in the interest rate at some time between submitting the loan application and closing. This puts you at risk if interest rates and points rise and may not be best for a homebuyer with a tight budget.
The Cost of Locking-in the Rate
It is not unusual for a lender to charge a fee for locking-in an interest rate and points. This fee may vary depending on the amount of time you want to lock-in the rate (the lock-in period).
The fee may be charged when you lock-in the rate (and is rarely refundable if you withdraw your application, if your credit is denied or if you do not close on the loan) or it may be included in your closing costs. The amount of the fee and when it is charged will vary among lenders.
The Lock-in Period
Most lenders will offer lock-in periods of 30-60 days. Some lenders may only have short lock-in periods. And still others may offer a longer lock-in period (expect higher fees for longer lock-in periods).
The lock-in period should be long enough for the loan approval process and to allow for any other contingencies that may delay closing.
The Lock-in Expiration Date
If unexpected circumstances prevent the loan from settling prior to the last day of the lock-in period (whether caused by you or others in the process - including the lender), you lose the interest rate and points that were locked. Prevailing interest rates and points are usually charged under these circumstances. Be sure to ask your lender before you lock-in what interest rates and points will be charged if the loan is not closed before the lock-in period expires.
Should You Buy a Home?
Presented by: Tracy Turner, REALTOR®
The decision to buy a home is a complex one with many factors to consider, some of which may differ from person to person. But whether you’re a recent graduate, newlywed, single or single again, married with children, or an empty nester, there are common factors to take into account.
There are many benefits to home ownership. For starters, it’s a great long-term investment. Although you’re unlikely to see significant appreciation in price in the short term, an increase in value is almost certain over time. But remember: real estate is not a “liquid” investment. Should you find yourself wanting or needing to sell, it could take some time to find a buyer and close the sale, depending on market conditions at the time. Owning a home also offers a number of tax benefits. Interest and closing costs paid on a mortgage as well as property taxes are deductible if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return.
In addition to financial benefits, home ownership offers other advantages. Many people experience a sense of pride and satisfaction in owning their own home. For some, it gives a sense of stability, of “setting down roots.” And when you own your home, you enjoy the freedom to improve your property according to your own wants and needs, which usually isn’t possible when renting.
With the privileges of ownership, however, come responsibilities. Maintenance and upkeep tasks that you may be accustomed to your landlord handling will fall squarely on your shoulders. In addition to the time it takes to care for your home properly, you’re likely to encounter both routine and unexpected expenses. It is important to anticipate these occurrences and prepare for them.
How do you know if you’re ready to buy a home? Do your research. Make a plan. Prepare a budget. Here are some questions to consider in making your decision.
This information was presented by:Tracy Turner, REALTOR®Long & Foster REALTORS®Cell: 757-270-6318Email: tracy.turner@longandfoster.com
This article and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
17 Tips for Packing Like a Pro
Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you’ve covered all the bases.1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs. (A moving calculator) is available at REALTOR.com)2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.3. But don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, you're probably right. However, it's possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after the move.4. Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it's time to unpack.5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.
6. Remember, most movers won’t take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.
7. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.
8. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.9. Don’t over-pack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.
10. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores. 11. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there. 12. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers. 13. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.
14. Print out a map and directions for movers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map. You don’t want movers to get lost! Also make copies for friends or family who are lending a hand on moving day.15. Back up your computer files before moving your computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an off-site location.16. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
17. Make arrangements for small children and pets. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help
________________________________________________________
Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the National Association of REALTORS®Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Hello everyone. I hope you all enjoyed Labor Day. From my last post you know we went to Lake Gaston, however, we just arrived back home a day early due to TS Hanna. We had really nice weather while we were there, got some good relaxation time in and had a great time. Here is my September Newsletter. I hope you enjoy the reading.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Where did the "summer" go? It is that time of year again to get the kids ready to go back to school. I hope everyone has all their school shopping done. I took my grandson this week and finished getting his clothes and supplies and have been trying to get him back on his school schedule, and so far I have been finding that one a bit challenging, he is a night owl. Yesterday afternoon we got to meet his teacher and see his classroom and then they served pizza (his favorite)in the cafeteria. He will entering the 1st grade this year; before I know it he will be on his way to college.
So, does everybody have their Labor Day weekend planned out? I will tell you I look forward to this upcoming week. This is one of our “get away” weeks. My husband and I, along with our great friends Randy and Lori rent a house in Lake Gaston every year for the week and take our jet skis and tubes and enjoy the time away. We all absolutely love it there during Labor Day week. We will head out tomorrow, Saturday.
Over the weekend the lake is buzzing with people, boats, jet skis and every one enjoying the last weekend before getting back home and sending the kids back to school. However, when Monday morning rolls around it is a whole different world for us who stayed behind. It is as if we have the whole lake to ourselves. It is so peaceful and we do absolutely nothing but relax, boat, jet ski, and have a great time. So that is what I will be doing for the upcoming week. (I will still be available for everyone, so if you need me, don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email, yep I take my phone and laptop).
For those of you that haven’t made plans yet, check out the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival down at the beach this weekend. Great line up of entertainers. If I wasn’t going to be in Gaston, that is probably where we would be. But, no matter what you do for your last weekend before getting the kids back to school I hope you all have a great time and please be SAFE!
Your friend in real estate! See ya all when I return next Saturday.
I got this in an e-mail the other day and found it to be both amusing and interesting and wanted to share it with you all, so I hope you find this as amusing and interesting as I did. It gives us a few things to think about. Are you a native of the area? Happy Reading.
For the purposes of this document, we will refer to the area as "Norfolk", pronounced exactly that way by Northerners who settle here. Southerners who settle here pronounce it "Nawfalk" and everyone else calls it Norfick".
The word "Norfolk" actually originated in Southern England, gradually over time as a combination of the words "North" and "Folk", their way of referring to their brethren to the north. Norfolk is composed entirely of Roads under Construction. The year-round seasonal weather allows for year-round construction. The only way to get into downtown is to move there. Don't worry about getting out. Those arrangements will be made by your next of kin. All directions start with "Get on 64..." and somewhere include the phrase "Turn at the 7-Eleven." Most people navigate the area using Interstate 64 because of oddball location naming. The immediate problem here is that, in order to access western portions of the area, you have to travel I-64 East. I-64, the largest interstate in the state, has two exits that serve Virginia Beach, the largest city in Virginia. The land mass of the beach area is approximately 1% of the city's total land area. The city of Portsmouth is not at the port's mouth - that would be Norfolk. The city of Chesapeake is named for the Chesapeake Bay, 15 miles away. Newport News is not a newspaper. The city is, in fact, served by The Daily Press newspaper, based in Hampton. South Norfolk is in Chesapeake and "Suffolk", an old English combination of 'South" and "Folk" is not south of Norfolk, rather west. Hampton Boulevard is in Norfolk and does not go to Hampton. Northampton Boulevard is not in the north of Hampton. It is 22 miles southeast of Hampton, in Virginia Beach. Chesapeake Boulevard runs parallel to Hampton Boulevard and does not go to Chesapeake. Virginia Beach Boulevard starts in Norfolk and only becomes a boulevard when you reach Virginia Beach. Portsmouth Boulevard is in Chesapeake. There is no Norfolk Boulevard but there is a Norfolk Avenue in Virginia Beach. It does not go to Norfolk. Atlantic Avenue parallels the Atlantic Ocean. Strangely, so does Pacific Avenue. Chesapeake Beach, nicknamed "Chic's Beach," is in Virginia Beach. Chicks do not go there. Chics go there, but it's named after a guy, Chic Leddington. Meanwhile, Ocean View Avenue has no view of the ocean unless you use a high-powered telescope and a crane. Bayview is too far from the Bay to see it and Riverview has no view of any rivers.
Shore Drive has no shore but runs along beside miles and miles of military bases. Military Highway, an apt name for the main thoroughfare of a primarily military area, will not actually take you to any military bases. Ironically, Independence Boulevard ends at one. The Northwest River is actually in the Southeastern part of the area. Deep Creek contains no deep creeks. Great Bridge is an affluent area accessed by crossing a tiny drawbridge. London Bridge Road has no connection to London and has no bridges. It is, however, falling apart. The area of Damneck contains no dams. Oceana Boulevard does not come near the ocean. Norfolk Naval Shipyard is in Portsmouth. One of the largest Coast Guard bases on the east coast is in Portsmouth, 21 miles from the coast. Hilltop, a mildly affluent shopping area, is not on a hill or near a hill. Actually when it was all fields prior to 1963, you would notice a slight higher elevation in this area! There are no cars at the Chrysler Museum. Scope is not a mouthwash- it's a convention center in Norfolk. Sometime, just for fun, stop and ask a local for directions to "downtown Virginia Beach." Chances are, you will be sent to Norfolk. Virginia Beach has no downtown. They claim to but it is in fact a shopping district with five squat brown office buildings. And, no hotels. (Update: there is now a hotel and larger buildings) No one carpools here, allowing the HOV-reversible lanes to be used by skateboarders during rush hours. All the tollbooths were taken down a few years ago, creating one less place for traffic accidents to occur. Everyone in the country lived here once or knew someone who did. You will be hard pressed to find a native of the area. Everyone here is from somewhere else, due mostly to the fact that Norfolk contains the largest naval base in the world. When you curse the drivers here for not being able to drive, you are cursing the drivers of the whole country. Think about it.
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