John Ulzheimer, president of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft.

Formerly with FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, Ulzheimer is a rare editorial source -- a recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry.

He often references in his writings the "Seven FICO Deadlies," credit score deflating actions, but only recently identified them in one consolidated list.

Your credit score, from about 350 (poor) to 800 (excellent) is a numerical rendition of your credit report. The higher your score, the more likely you'll get approved for credit and the more likely you'll get the best rate and terms. Negative actions posted to your credit report, take a bite out of your credit score.

Here's what Ulzheimer says are the seven worst things you can do to your credit score. And speaking of "seven," that's how many years these black marks can stay on your credit report.

As any daredevil, extreme sports addict or adrenaline junkie knows, well-grounded preparation for the specific task at hand is what takes the fear out of trying.

Those who've suffered the agony of defeat in what's likely the most dangerous consumer game, learned the hard way that sheer fearlessness isn't enough to become and remain a homeowner -- through good times and bad.

With the rules of the housing game changed forever, preparing to just squeak by the home buying ordeal isn't enough to achieve a decisive and lasting victory. The idea isn't just to buy a home. The goal is to keep your own roof over your head. Preparation is key, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). From NAR, here's how to get ready to be and remain a homeowner.

Create a wish list. Write down housing wants and needs. Include all the physical characteristics you want or need. Include style, size, layout and room configuration. Look at the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the basic amenities you must have. Include critical features such as location and services and a home's proximity to good schools or public transportation lines.  

Browse for housing. Realtor.com and other Web sites offer home valuation features and neighborhood data on trends in local markets. Use features to determine how a listing compares with nearby, comparable properties in terms of value, actual sales prices, home features, neighborhood characteristics, and more.  

Work with an expert. Finding a professional real estate agent who will represent your best interests can make the difference in location, negotiating the best offer, and closing the home of your dreams. Look for a full time real estate agent, who has uploaded telling photos and videos of their listings and look for agents with good Web sites to market your listing.  

Get the complete picture before you visit. You can't know everything about a community from an online listing. Schools, crime, and proximity to shopping and work all impact property values. NAR says talk to a Realtor and go to Realtor.com to explore communities.

 Make sure the property details are reliable. Buyers need know when a listing has experienced a price change. Look for Web sites like Realtor.com that updates listings frequently, including price changes. Fresh and reliable information is critical. Realtor.com time stamps listings to help buyers make better informed decisions. Get email alerts and stay on top of changes so you can be first to act.

Summer heat is a mastermind at emptying our wallets. In today's economy, many families cannot afford large rises in their monthly bills. How can you keep energy costs low this Summer?

Implement these simple tips into your daily routine and you'll find big savings

First, substitute traditional incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). The initial cost may be higher, but CFLs use less energy and last 1,000's of times longer.

The next consideration can save you money now and later. There are numerous tax credits available for energy upgrades, such as insulated windows. You can visit energystar.gov to get the specifics. Insulated windows and doors are a great way to keep cool air in and hot air out. If you are replacing windows, consider using an insulating window wrap around the new install. This will help reduce energy loss from around the window.

Now is also a good time to do a quick home inspection. Check for leaky duct work. There's no reason to pay to cool your attic! Be sure that attic vents are open and have good circulation.

If you live in an old house, you may find that your attic insulation is non-existent or in need of upgrading. Do a thorough inspection of your home to see where it needs some TLC.

Next, embrace fans. They can circulate and move air, requiring less need for air conditioning.

Speaking of air conditioning, there is now a new alternative to traditional window units. Window units are eyesores that lack energy efficiency. For around $300 to $500 you can buy portable AC units. These portable units mean you can move them from room to room as needed. They use a no-drip technology that saves money by using an eco-friendly refrigerant gas. They also come with an adjustable thermostat and 24-hour countdown timer -- two more energy-efficient upgrades.

If you have central air, be sure to keep the temperature turned up during the day when you are away from the house. Don't turn the unit off completely, since then it has to work overtime to cool the house when you arrive home. If you can, program your thermostat to turn down 30 to 45 minutes before you return home each day.

To keep your unit working at optimum efficiency, replace your air filter regularly and have it serviced when needed.

Next on the list of ways to reduce your energy bill is keeping appliances unplugged when not in use. Even if an appliance is off, but still plugged in, it will be drawing power. Keep appliances unplugged, or go for a clean-line look and store them whenever they aren't in use.

These are just a few tips that can help you reduce your energy bill. Good luck saving this Summer!

15-year FRM this week averaged 3.66 percent with an average 0.7 point, the same as the previous week when it also averaged 3.66 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.00 percent.  

5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.25 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from the previous week when it averaged 3.27 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.76 percent.

1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.95 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, down from the previous week when it averaged 2.97 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 3.64 percent.  

Macroeconomic data released this week were a mixed bag. On the positive side, the index of leading indicators in June rose for the second consecutive month, beating the market consensus forecast.  Partly offsetting this, orders for durable goods were weaker than market expectations for the same month. The net effect on mortgage interest rates was very little change from the prior week.

Seasonal home buying is beginning to prop up house price indexes across the nation. For instance, the S&P/Case-Shiller® 20-City Composite index (not seasonally-adjusted) rose for the second consecutive month in May to the highest reading since January. In addition, 17 of the 20 cities exhibited increases, led by a 2.7 percent monthly gain in Boston and a 2.6 percent rise in Minneapolis. Compared to a year ago, though, values were lower in 19 of the 20 markets as of May; bucking the trend elsewhere, the Washington, DC metro area posted a 1.3 percent gain in prices over the past year.

Sellers Sweeten the Deal to Attract Buyers

Need to give buyers some extra incentive to choose your listing over the large inventories of others? Sure, price will get their attention, but some incentives may be the extra motivation needed to get the deal to the closing table.

Here are a few common extras that are growing in real estate transactions.

Home Warranties: Home warranties, which can cover the repair or replacement of many home system appliances and components (such as air conditioner, water heaters, and more), can provide buyers with some extra confidence when purchasing a home. "Home warranties are appealing to buyers because they cover appliances and system components that a new home owner has no familiarity with," says Lelia Chapman, vice president of field sales for American Home Shield. "Sellers benefit from offering a home warranty because it sets the home apart from the rest of the competition in today’s saturated market, often leading to faster sales at better prices."

Seller financing: With tight credit nowadays making it difficult for some to get a loan, some sellers may even offer financing to get a deal closed. Seller financing, in which the seller is willing to hold the loan, has become more common. Seller-financing is generally offered at a higher rate that is capped at a few years and then requires the buyer to pay off the loan or find new financing.

Furniture: Furniture can be costly to move anyway so more sellers are offering some of their furnishings to sweeten home deals too. For example, if sellers are moving to a condo, in which lawn care is no longer their responsibility, throwing in that riding lawn mower may just be the extra incentive a buyer needs. Some home sellers also may even offer to sell some of the furniture to the buyer at a discounted price to earn a few extra bucks.

Creative offers: Some home sellers are getting more extravagant and creative with the incentives they are offering to buyers. Some have even offered a week’s vacation in Hawaii or thrown in a time-share ownership, which they wanted to unload anyway.

Fix It Made Easy

A broken appliance can be stressful, but finding the right part to fix it doesn't have to be, thanks to APWagner.com.

Based in Depaw, N.Y., APWagner.com is a leader in the distribution of appliance parts and accessories. The 80-year-old firm services appliance dealers, service technicians and do-it-yourselfers Recently, the site has started a live, online chat section so users can find what they are looking for on the first visit. "In our fast paced, technological world, people want options. They need help and they need it fast," said President Mike Mangan. "Our parts professionals are some of the best in the business and will be able to help everyone with their hard to find parts!"

The company has an inventory of more than four million pieces, and parts pros are available from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. The website also offers detailed descriptions and photographs of many products, image schematics and repair and maintenance tips for all types of major appliances.

Don't Let an Empty House Jeopardize a Sale

More home sellers are leaving their properties completely unfurnished while they sit on the market. Some argue that an empty house lets prospective buyers more easily picture their belongings in the space, take measurements, and examine recent improvements.

However, real estate brokers warn that empty homes must be well maintained, as overgrown lawns could lead buyers to wonder what interior components have been neglected as well. They recommend that sellers keep vacant dwellings clean and in top-notch condition, as flaws cannot be camouflaged by furniture.

Some buyers seek out empty homes because they believe the owner is desperate to make a sale. Sellers unable to generate buyer interest are urged to bring in some furnishings to create a lived-in look.

Remodeling Magazine's latest Cost Versus Value Report 2010-2011 has been released and it revealed that the recent declines in housing are having substantial effects on the remodeling market.

Unfortunately for homeowners, there has been a downward trend since 2006 in the cost-to-value ratio, though now this pace has quickened, falling 3.8 percent in the last year. While homeowners were once able to make upgrades and additions to their homes and recoup this value during resale, these same updates now mean less return. An unstable jobs market has purse strings tightened and remodeling markets are feeling the squeeze.

The report revealed, however, the top 10 remodeling projects in the last year. Leading the way in cost versus value are exterior replacements, with garage doors and entry-doors at the head of the class.

According to the report, "Replacement projects have always performed better in resale value than other types of remodeling projects, partly because they are among the least expensive projects in our report, and partly because they are non-discretionary improvements that contribute to curb appeal, which is a strong subjective factor among home buyers." Curb appeal is your home's first impression. This is why another project topping the list is wood deck additions. Outdoor space still reigns supreme, with these additions tying for fourth with minor kitchen remodels.

Minor kitchen remodels carry a higher price tag, but can be a sure-fire way to seal the deal in high-end markets. Kitchens are what "most prospective buyers [consider] most important room in the home," the report says. "Minor kitchen remodel may at first appear to buck the trend -- at $21,695 nationally, it is the highest price among projects under $25,000. But this project represents a relatively inexpensive "face-lift"."

Cost is at the forefront of homeowners' minds. With the unemployment rate near 9 percent and debt talks still looming over Congress, Americans are watching their dollars. They are keeping remodeling jobs small and inexpensive. Also making the top ten are attic bedroom and basement remodels. These projects use existing space and are cost-conscious.

Remodeling Magazine says, "Many homeowners have scaled back their remodeling plans. In some cases this means the projects are smaller in square footage ... in other cases, the work may be performed in phases to spread the cost over a longer period of time. Also, homeowners nowadays are selecting a wider range of quality than has been the case in the past. When choosing fixtures and finishes, they are trading the savings on lower-priced items for the ability to afford higher-priced items they deem more essential or more desirable. "

The top non-replacement projects reflect this mindset. These figures are a glance at the nation as whole, though. There are still regions experiencing higher cost-to-value rations, namely in the Pacific and Southern regions. The report notes, "A number of cities in this year's report show cost recouped averages that are above 100% for some remodeling projects. In general, this indicates that, on average, those projects are worth more in resale value than the owner spent to construct them. This may seem impossible, particularly to homeowners in areas where property values are stalled or dropping, and it certainly is the exception to the rule. When it does occur, however, it is usually tied to a particularly hot real estate market or to specific projects that are either in high demand."

Increased market confidence, higher employment rates, and more even home prices could all be contributing factors. When people are confident that the market is on the mend and will rebound, they are more likely to enter the market. Increased buyer demand is just what an ailing market needs.

For most Americans, the cycle of debt can seem never-ending. They're never quite out of the hole and are living month to month, just one emergency away from financial disaster.

A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that 51 percent of Americans would be unable to come up with $2,000 cash in case of an emergency. Yet, the average American household carries thousands of dollars of debt.

New graduates and young families face an uphill battle. The national unemployment rate remains near 9 percent and these young citizens' limited credit histories and work experience mean difficulties landing jobs and buying houses.

Seniors are facing a different, yet equally as difficult, challenge. Despite good, long credit histories, they've found their retirement plans have dwindled and their future plans have been soured.

In these situations, it's easy for debt to pile up.

The first rule of debt management today comes from the old adage, "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched." This means don't spend money that you don't already have. Don't plan on a raise in the future or a stock to soar. What you have now is what you have. Rampant foreclosures in today's market are partially due to some buyers counting their chickens before they hatched. As the economy tanked, interest rates rose and jobs disappeared, these homeowners found they couldn't really afford the properties they'd purchased.

Living within your current chicken count means living within your means. This goes against the current American mindset of "what payment can I afford?" rather than "what can I afford to buy with cash right now?" Take a survey of highway billboards over the last decade and you're likely to see a steady switch from total costs advertised to monthly payment amounts. This mentality has led our society into a cycle of debt.

This mounting debt makes it even more difficult to live within your means. When you already have debt, you can't start at square one. You'll have to budget even tighter to pay off your debt without taking on any more.

1. Calculate Debt: How much do you really owe? What are your monthly payments, minimums, and interest rates? You'll want to pay off the higher interest rate loans first. Get rid of any unused cards that charge yearly fees. Refinance and negotiate lower interest rates on cards and loans.

2. Accountability: Record every purchase. Using cash makes it too easy to overspend. Instead, use a debit card which you can track with online banking. Monitor where and when you spend your money. At the end of this first month, add up expenses by category (e.g. grocery/household, clothes, entertainment, gasoline, energy costs, rent/mortgage, etc.).

Recording purchases will show you if there's a particular area where you overspend. It will also show you the true picture of what it costs to run your household. What is the basic amount of money you need to survive and pay all your bills?

3. Prepare a monthly budget: Now that you've seen what your spending habits have been in the last month, make a list of your "necessary" expenses. It's time to funnel funds away from recreation and entertainment and towards the principal on your debts. Pay for necessities first, then debts, then have fun with what is leftover.

4. Have a plan: Discipline is key to sticking with a plan. Decide ahead of time what you are allowed to spend on each category. If you have a particularly hard time sticking to a budget, then use the jar method. Put the budgeted amount of money in jars, one for each category. When the money is gone, it's time to quit spending.

Getting out of debt means having a plan and sticking to it. Being debt-free must be your priority. Yes, we all want to take vacations, buy new clothes, and visit the trendiest restaurants. Going into or staying in debt to do so isn't what the American Dream was meant to be. Be victorious in the small daily battles of spending. Keep your eye on the prize of being debt-free. Your future self will thank you.

In a tough market, sellers need all the competitive edge they can get. Home staging is a great way to make your home appear to its best advantage.

Staging is about appealing to a broad range of buyers. It's about creating an image of a lifestyle that buyers can't resist. They need to be able to imagine themselves living in your house.

Staging doesn't require a big budget either. Although, if you have the budget to make your home a showpiece, go for it! In general, though, successful staging means paying attention to the details.

Here are 10 secrets of staging that can help your home sell.

1. Declutter. Clutter can be one of the most distracting aspects of showing a house. Instead of a buyer focusing on the unique architectural details of your room, they focus in on your trinkets and trash. You don't have to toss your decor, just put it away for now.

2. Furniture: Large, oversized furniture can makes rooms look smaller than they are. The converse is true as well. Small furniture in large rooms looks disproportionate.

3. Room true to purpose: You may have your dining room set up as an office or a second bedroom set up as a craft room, but buyers need to see homes true to their purpose. They want to see the formal dining room that was advertised on the MLS. They want to see 2 bedrooms, not one and a craft room.

4. Proper lighting: Good lighting makes everything look better. CFL lights in "daylight" color makes rooms look light and bright even during the evening hours. Be sure all rooms are well lit, including laundry rooms, garages, and closets.

5. Repairs: Most buyers aren't interested in fixer-uppers. They want homes that have been well-maintained. You may have to spend a little time and money to fix broken doors, drawers, and windows. Buyers will notice every loose board and trim piece. Fix them before you start showings!

6. Keep it neutral: It is much easier to imagine putting your mark on a neutral room than it is to imagine yourself living in someone else's Moroccan paradise. Paint is relatively inexpensive. Play it safe and pick out neutral tones.

7. Fresh flowers: It's all about things smelling fresh and clean. Flowers add life and fragrance to a room!

8. Thorough Cleaning: Clean from top to bottom. The basics mean having dishes and laundry done. Deep cleaning means cleaning carpets, removing stains, and scrubbing that bathroom until it sparkles.

9. Staged Dining Area: You can really make a room pop by setting a formal place setting. Outdoor dining spaces also look great set with placemats, chargers, and proper plates and glasses.

10. Hotel Inspired Bedrooms. Boutique hotels do a great job of making bedrooms feel luxurious. You can do the same by updating your bedding and having a liberal use of pillows.

Staging can make you stand out from your competition. It may mean the difference between selling or not selling in this tough market.

Having your home look like a million bucks doesn't have to cost you big. Following a few simple design tips and researching the latest styles can help you can transform your dull space into divine living.

The first rule of budget design is to have a clear focus. Work on one room and one design at a time. The reasoning behind this is simple. It's too easy to go over-budget if you are shopping for multiple projects at the same time. By focusing on one room, you can be clear on what items you really need.

To know what items you need, come up with a design plan. You might have a great design mind and can plan a room from scratch, but most of us need guidance. Where are good places to get inspiration?

 

• Friends and family who have enlisted the help of professional decorators in the past may have rooms you'd like to emulate. Take tips from their rooms, but personalize them to your taste. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

   

• Design magazines show you a range of styles. Pick an inspiration room and copy it.

   

• Furniture showrooms have really stepped up their game in the past few years. They can be full of great new ideas for color schemes, bedding, and more!

   

• Celebrities can afford to pay top dollar for the industry's leading interior designers. A simple online image search will show you top celebrity homes that have been featured in magazines.

 

Now that you're inspired, develop a solid design plan. In a notebook or on your computer, draw out your future room. Choose colors and patterns. The clearer the design in your head, the more closely you'll be able to create it. Use this drawing to create a shopping list of items.

Don't do any shopping, though, until you calculate a budget. How much can you afford to spend? Even $100 can make a huge difference in a room. New paint, throw pillows, and curtains can be inexpensive changes, especially if you know the tricks of budget shopping.

Budget design means going outside of retail shopping. Garage and estate sales can be wonderful shopping grounds, especially if you already have an idea of what you need. However, don't compromise style for cost. The last thing you want to do is spend money on something that doesn't really work.

Clearance is your best friend. Shop sales, use coupons, and always take a look at clearance racks. Don't forget about online clearance as well. Many stores have fabulous deals and minimal shipping costs.

You can do anything you set your mind to. A great way to save money is to do projects yourself. An upholstered headboard, for example, can cost upwards of $500, but building one yourself can cost less than $100. Headboards, shelving, pillows, and artwork are all within the reach of any amateur. YouTube is a wonderful resource for how-to videos. Plus, it's free!

Another money saving tip is to use faux instead of luxury goods. This means faux silk curtains instead of real silk. Choose laminate floors over hardwoods. Use faux fur instead of real fur, which looks just as great and is also cruelty-free.

Finally, reuse what you already have. You may have items in others areas of your home that will now work for your newly designed space.

The key to budget designing is to have a clear plan and to stick to it. Do this and you're sure to have a room of which you're proud.

Rogue movers want to take you and your belongings for a ride.

Peak moving season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, is underway. It's the period when more than half the nation's millions of households move every year and need moving services.

Fly-by-night rogues know the season well and are out in force making their own moves.

Rogue movers attempt to put the moves on financially struggling consumers who may have been crushed by the economy, are forced to move, but are short on cash. They are also after those who have to move quickly, for whatever reason, say to take advantage of a new job in another town.

Rogue movers prey on your vulnerabilities, your ignorance and your inability or unwillingness to take time to vet your mover.

Moving experts are warning consumers that disreputable movers often make it their business to lure you with low estimates. Later, those estimates can mount with exorbitant charges and the threat of holding your household goods hostage until you pay what amounts to a steep ransom.

"Anyone with a website can claim to be a mover," said Carl Walter, vice president of Mayflower, one of the nation's oldest and highest rated moving companies.

"It's important to do some homework to avoid falling victim to a scam. There are a number of red flags that make rogue movers stand out, but to recognize them you have to know what to look for ahead of time," Walter said.

Mayflower and others offer these moving tips.

• Be sure the company is what it says it is. Some crooked movers are "sock puppets" attempting to lure in customers by using names similar to reputable companies. Check the reputable company's website to make sure the local agent is affiliated with the brand name. Also check in with your local Better Business Bureau to learn of any complaints.

It can be a tough market for selling a home, but those conditions can get even worse if sellers aren't careful. While a seller doesn't control the real estate market, their actions can significantly contribute to how long and how much their home is sold for.

Underestimating Cleaning Up: It may seem obvious, but I can tell you real estate agents everywhere are nodding their heads in agreement as they read this. Inviting potential buyers in to see an unkempt home is like going on a job interview without freshening up after you cleaned your garage. How can the employer notice your fantastic talents and skills if they're hidden underneath a sloppy exterior? How you show your home tells the buyer what type of care you, the seller, has put into the home?

If you can't take the time to wipe the grime off the refrigerator doors, tidy up the kids' rooms, take out the messy diapers, put away the food, and take the dogs out of the house for a while, then you'll likely find buyers will quickly move on to the next home on their list.

Lingering During Showings: Yes, we all want to know how the open house or showing went, but hanging around during either of those events is not a good idea. Sellers who tend to linger during showings often make the buyers uncomfortable. Buyers like to have time to explore the home at their own pace and without feeling any pressure. Sometimes buyers want to sit on the porch or out in the backyard as they discuss the home's possibilities. And if buyers are willing to sit for a bit and talk about the home, that's a great sign. However, the chances of them doing that with the seller present is unlikely. Many times buyers will say, "Let's skip the home if the sellers are there."

If you're selling your home, do yourself a favor and hit the road for a bit. Take a walk or head to the coffee shop. As soon as the showing is over, you can get all the details from your agent. That's why you're paying your agent! Let them do their job. Just make sure that your agent has all the home's selling points and any additional features that make this home standout.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Trap: Some people are convinced that they can do it on their own. Maybe they can sell their own home, but it likely won't happen without some headaches. Trained specialists are called "experts" for a reason. An expert real estate agent knows the market, has connections, guides you through the process, negotiates on your behalf, and will make the process of selling your home simpler.

One potential land mine that FSBOs face is the flood of people popping in to see their home. It sounds great that there's so much traffic, but the problem is many times the people who pop into FSBO properties aren't actually qualified for a mortgage or may not be serious buyers. Instead they're just looking and satisfying their curiosity at your expense. Agents know to ask the right questions to make certain the lookers are truly potential home buyers.

Not interviewing agents: If you have kids, chances are you interviewed the nanny or babysitter. Taking time to seek out top real estate agents in your are. Setting up interviews with them is equally important. Choosing the wrong agent for the job will be a headache and slow the process down. There must be a connection, understanding, and good communication between the seller and the agent. There are lots of things that go on during the sale of a home, communicating with the agent should be one of the easier tasks.

Pricing a home incorrectly: This could be the worst mistake sellers make. Yet, this is where so much help can be found. Real estate agents see homes every single day. They know the neighborhoods and the comps. They are there to help you understand what homes have sold for in the recent past and what they'll likely sell for during the current market conditions. Get a market evaluation from your agent and understand that what is a fair price for your home in today's market.

The adage when it comes to real estate has been "location, location, location." A recent survey, though, shows that lifestyle options are a priority. These include health and safety, access to cultural activities, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Of course, location is still important, but today's buyers are looking for a sense of belonging in a community as well as creating a desirable lifestyle with the home they buy.

 More than 1,000 homeowners and future home buyers were surveyed for the Meredith Corp report. The respondents indicated that how satisfied they'll be with the purchase of a new home may depend significantly on the home's surrounding community. About 84 percent of those surveyed were homeowners and an additional 10 percent had plans to buy within three years.

Here are some of the results. The survey found the following lifestyle options are top priorities for buyers.

• Ease of commuting by car: 38%
• Access to health and safety services: 34%
• Family-friendly neighborhood: 33%
• Availability of retail stores: 32%
• Access to cultural activities: 21%
• Public transportation access: 19%
• Nightlife and restaurant access: 18%
• Golf-friendly area–access to golf courses: 6%

 

If you're a seller what should all this mean to you? It's an opportunity to target buyers based on their interest. Just like businesses need to know who their target market is so that they can build a brand and solicit to those consumers, so too, for sellers.

If you're selling your home and you know that the above priorities can influence buyers, it only makes sense to play up the lifestyle options that apply to your home.

Often sellers focus predominantly on their home and the upgrades and amenities. While those features are very important, remember that practically any home can be remodeled. If you're in an excellent location with easy freeway access, on a low traffic street in a friendly neighborhood, or surrounded by retail stores and hot dining spots, it's time to play it up. Those features aren't always easy to find.

Promote your lifestyle features with not only creative writing in the Multiple Listing Service detailed section, but also in ads with photos. You should also try using video of your home and the surrounding area. These days marketing goes beyond the MLS and glossy flyers. An archived video on the Internet doesn't get tossed in the trash like a piece of paper often does.

Showcasing your home on social media sites and giving a taste of the neighborhood in a well-produced video can be a fantastic marketing tool. However, don't use a poorly shot video; that may hurt you more than help you. Hiring a videographer or even a video journalist to tell a story about the area is well worth the money you'll spend. This style of storytelling can greatly increase interest in your home and, ultimately, the sales price.

Another option is to use footage (link or embed the video) from local retail outlets and post it on your social sites so that you can showcase some of the fun, nearby entertainment establishments. Create an album on your social sites so that all these photos, videos, and links to articles are housed in it and then share it with friends. Don't make this album about you and your family in the home. Instead, make it like a review of the area. You are showcasing, through pictures, videos and words, the great places that you enjoyed while living in your home. Putting all these items online gives you greater exposure as people forward them to others.

Reality TV is popular for a reason; it takes people along for the journey, exposing life as it really is. Showcasing your home, neighborhood, and nearby restaurants allows potential buyers an opportunity to imagine the things that they would do if they lived in your home. We are becoming a very visual society and because so many properties are viewed first, and sometimes only, via the Internet, it's worth making what buyers see online valuable and persuasive. Seeing all that your home and its surrounding area has to offer in a video is as close as they get to actually experiencing it. The next step is literally stepping into your home for a closer look.

A little extra effort and promotion to highlight what's important to buyers may get you the sale faster and for the price you're hoping for.

Some people love negotiating and others hate it. Regardless of which side of the sold sign you fall on, the best possible deal is what both buyer and seller want. Arriving at that price can be a lesson in frustration or even cause a complete shut-out.

So what's the X factor? In real estate, many buyers will shop around, find the home they really like, and then, rather than make an offer based on the value of the home to them (taking into consideration comp prices too), they'll say, "How much less should we offer off the asking price?" That's the X factor.

It's as though there's a magical X percentage that should automatically come off the listing price, regardless of what the asking price is. Many times the home is priced realistically––right in line with the comps. Buyers still want a deal and may want to start with a low-ball offer. Doing this can slow the process and not necessarily result in the outcome the buyer wants–the seller, feeling insulted, may halt any negotiation. If you're a serious buyer looking to purchase a home, it's a good idea to really heed the comps, and consider the value of the home to you–especially if the home you found meets your needs and desires.

Arriving at a purchase price for a home is very personal. What one buyer would pay, another might not for the very same home. Of course, there are appraisals to make sure that the home's price is in line with how much the bank is willing to lend the buyers. But the buyers' needs, the home's location, amenities, and its overall appeal, significantly factor into its value. On the other side, the need to sell, the timeline, and the pressures of needing the money out of the home to purchase another property affect the sellers' decision to accept an offer.

All kinds of negotiations begin when it comes to buying a home. Art, drapes, dishes, timelines... many different things are thrown into the negotiating process. If there's something you absolutely must have, of course, negotiate to get it. Just understand that negotiation means compromise, so both sides will give a little and ideally both sides will win–not by a winner takes all stance but rather by each side getting their specific needs met through a compromise process.

If as a buyer you have a list of your top priorities jotted down before the process begins, it will be easier to keep them straight and ensure that those items are secured when the negotiating begins. Then, if suddenly, a non-top priority pops up and is causing the process to stall or come to a halt, you can re-evaluate your top priorities to see if this is truly a must-have or if, perhaps, you've fallen into the "winner must-take all" syndrome of negotiating. A lot of times emotions get ignited and sometimes the negotiation process becomes more about winning than really getting what the party needs or wants. In the end, that will create an unsatisfactory sale or no sale at all.

Meeting in the middle can often be a good tool for buyers and sellers who can't come to an agreement on things like who will pay for the recording fee or certain cosmetic repairs. Splitting the costs can be less expensive than haggling for weeks, losing time, money, and maybe even the deal.

If you reach a really sticking point in negotiations, table it for a bit. Move on to other negotiations and see how many areas there are that both parties can come to agreement. Often the issue that was holding things up will then appear in a different light to both buyer and seller once the bigger items are resolved.

As purse strings tighten across the nation, and aging boomers enter retirement, many homeowners are making the decision to downsize. One popular choice among consumers is condominiums.

Here are some pros and cons of condo living to consider before you make a move.

Pro

1. Affordability: Are you looking to buy in a specific neighborhood? A condo allows many buyers to live in a desired location, even if they can't afford a single family home.

2. Amenities: Many condominiums come with access to such things as fitness centers, pools, and club houses.

3. Low Maintenance: While you are still responsible for the inside upkeep, outdoor and community features such as the roof, foundation, sidewalks, pool, and yard are covered by the association. This means no mowing the yard in 100 degree heat!

4. Reserve Fund: The condo association collects funds and keeps them in reserve for larger repairs and upgrades needed down the road. If your association keeps accurate surveys and books, this means there should be no surprise expenses.

5. Safety: Many condos offer gated parking, security guards, and even doormen.

Con

1. No Storage: You may find the rare condo that offers access to storage lockers, but condo living generally means no storage. If you have items that will need stored, be sure to include a storage facility rental fee into your budget.

2. Lack of Privacy: You will most likely have neighbors upstairs or down, or at the very least right next door. Some people love the sense of community this creates, though!

3. Monthly Association Fees: Nearly all condo units require you pay a monthly fee that pays for upkeep around the community. This means even if you own your condo free and clear, you are still responsible for monthly fees.

4. Rules: Who likes to follow the rules? But kidding aside, many condos have strict rules about guests, noise, decor, and even subletting.

5. No yard: While some homeowners love the idea of no yardwork, others enjoy planting and growing. Most condos have very little outside space, apart from small patios.

Be sure to take these elements into consideration when deciding whether a condo is the home choice for you.

The housing market will remain in hibernation this winter and, without the benefit of a federal home buying tax credit, keep snoring right on through the spring, according to two recent studies.

However, by the third quarter of 2011, pent up demand could stir the market from its slumber and generate a modest, groggy recovery.

During its recent NARdigras 2010 Realtor Conference and Expo, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecast an "uneven recovery" next year.

"Existing-home sales have shown some improvement, but the foreclosure moratorium is likely to cause some disruption and contribute to an uneven sales performance in the months ahead," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.

"Tight credit and appraisals coming in below a negotiated price continue to constrain the market. Nonetheless, there appears to be a pent-up demand that eventually will be unleashed as banks resolve their issues with foreclosures and the labor market improves," Yun said.

Likewise, the recent Fiserv Case-Shiller Home Price Insight" reported that the home buyer tax credit delayed the housing market's slide to the bottom, and that will put off the recovery until late 2011.

Fiserv and Moody's Economy.com expect that home prices will drop over the next four quarters in nearly all metro markets, before prices have a shot at stabilizing by the end of 2011.

"Some of the largest declines in prices will occur in markets that had strong spring and summer 2010 price increases," said David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv. "This is because the home buyer tax credit delayed the correction in home prices that is necessary to return housing affordability to its pre-bubble levels," Stiff added.

According to NAR, Existing-home sales, down 21.2 percent year-over-year in the third quarter this year, are forecast to drop 24.7 percent in the last quarter this year. The declines reflect the absence of the federal home buying tax credit, available this time last year, NAR said.

Next year, expect smaller sales declines of about 7 percent during the first two quarters, before sales begin to rebound with a near 26 percent year-over-year increase in sales, according to the forecast.

"We’ve added 30 million people to the U.S. population over the past 10 years, but sales are where they were in 2000, so there appears to be a sizable pent-up demand that could come to the (housing) market once the economy gathers momentum," Yun said.

Yun said existing home sales will rise from 4.8 million this year to 5.1 million next year while housing starts are expected to rise to 716,000 in 2011 from 598,000 this year. Housing starts bottomed out at 554,000 in 2009.

The boost in sales and starts is related to favorable growth in the Gross Domestic Product. NAR says it should grow 2.0 to 2.5 percent over the next two years. A projected and much needed 1.5 million additional jobs over the next two years will push the unemployment rate down to 8 percent by 2013, but it won't return to a normal level of about 6 percent until 2015.

Mortgage interest rates are at record lows now, but by the time housing market recovery is under way, they are expected to rise, creating an average 4.9 percent next year, Yun said.

Median prices for existing homes, nationwide at $177,100 in the third quarter this year (down 0.6 percent a year ago) are expected to continue to decline to $165,900 into the first quarter 2010, before managing $178,900 by the third quarter next year, an expected peak for the year.

New home prices, $218,000 in the third quarter, 2010 (up 2.5 percent from a year ago), are expected to continue rising each quarter in 2011 and peak out at $224,300 in the fourth quarter.

In a growing atmosphere of the do-it-yourself mentality, some wonder should I take on the homebuying process on my own. It's certainly been done, but, more often than not, homebuyers turn to the experts when it comes time to making, what will often be, their most expensive purchase.

Here are just a few reasons why it's a good idea to use an expert real estate agent to help you navigate the homebuying process.

1. Knowledge is power. Real estate agents work in the field every day. They're immersed in markets that buyers, likely, have less opportunity and time to study. Working with the right expert can not only speed up the homebuying process but also help you easily transition from your current living space to the home of your dreams.

You can also learn information that's not readily available from, say, an open house sign or a listing you may view on the Internet. Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide, writes, "For example, you may know that a home down the street was on the market for $350,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $285,000 after 65 days on the market and after twice falling out of escrow."

2. Help with paperwork chaos. If you've bought a home then you know that the paperwork is enormous. If you've never purchased one, get ready to be overwhelmed. But using an agent, helps you to understand what the paperwork is, when it needs to be in (so that you don't miss important deadlines), and its importance in the transaction.

3. Network of support. Real estate agents have a professional network of service providers to help with the homebuying process (and selling, of course, too). When it comes time to purchase your home, you'll find that being able to tap into that service provider network can be invaluable. Everything from reputable vendors to retail outlets that offer the best pricing for home decor, are often in the agent's contact list.

4. Negotiation. This is the area where an expert agent can really shine. For buyers, it can be difficult to negotiate (from a non-emotional standpoint) because they're really invested in the outcome. A top-producing real estate agent can represent buyers' needs and still stay emotionally removed enough to ensure the best outcome.

Negotiation is often the least favorite part of the transaction but the most important. Having an expert on your side, who is working for your success, can reduce the amount of frustration that can potentially arise during this process. Also, in sellers' markets, agents are tasked with helping position buyers in the best possible light to sellers in order to help the deal close for their client.

5. Pricing and value. Agents don't determine what buyers should pay for a home but they can show you the best value based on their price point. They have visited many more homes than most buyers because this is their job. They're in the market daily and they know when a home has recently been reduced or fallen out of escrow.

It's the knowledge, the experience, and the effort and dedication to helping you find your dream home, that ultimately is the reason most people seek out that expert real estate agent to help them navigate the homebuying process.

For many people this can be a true nightmare but it doesn't have to be. And that's a good thing because a lot of people find themselves in the position of needing to sell and buy all at once.

If you're in this situation then you know that timing and money are two critical issues. What you do or don't do, can affect whether you have a successful sale and purchase of your next home.

Here are some important tips to expediting and effectively navigating the sell and buy process.

Collaboration. The real estate process is about collaboration and teamwork. When you begin the process, experts advise that you use a notebook to record your timeline of important dates such as when you absolutely must be relocated. For instance, if you're moving to another city for a job, when are you starting? When do you have to have the kids in school, etc? In this notebook, jot down details of conversations with experts and any transactions. Also, use the notebook to write down your questions that you have for your team of experts so that you're certain to get the answers you need.

Meet with your team which likely includes a real estate agent, lawyer, lender, inspector, appraiser, and advise them of your needs and time frame.

First things first–must sell that home. Many homeowners need the money from their homes in order to purchase their next one. With that in mind, be proactive. Get a home inspection so that you can find out any potential issues that will slow the sale process. Then repair or adjust your asking price before you list your home for sale.

Get your home on the market as soon as possible. Delaying listing your home will result in a shorter time-frame to get it sold.

When it comes time to sell, if you're not ready to move in to your next home, work with your agent to arrange a long close or a rent-back option. This will help to avoid the hassle of an interim move.

It's not always all about the price. When you're in a situation that has some very particular time constraints, you might find that it's not always all about the price. Prepare for the best possible offer by screening your potential buyers, make sure they're pre-approved “within five to 10 days of accepting their offer,” writes Lendingtree.com.

Sometimes a slightly lower offer may be the one that offers greater flexibility and just what you need when it comes to the closing schedule.

Get your buyer of your old home and the seller of your new one on the same page. Put in writing the specific window of dates. Lendingtree.com suggests, “negotiate financial penalties to encourage both stick to those dates.”

Know your price point. This is really important regardless of whether you're selling a home in order to buy another one. However, when you're in a time crunch, it's even more critical to know and shop for the home that's in your price range. And, of course, just like you're asking for with your buyers–get pre-approved.

Get an inspection and make sure the new home can be insured.

Having a buyers notebook where you can record all of your notes on your home search and jot down questions is an excellent tool to have handy when choosing which home you want to make an offer on.

Ultimately, selling and buying a home is a lot to handle but it can be a smooth transition. Be clear about your time frame, new home purchase price, and any other details that are specific to your needs. Then before you move, I recommend reading my column: Go Bananas Over Moving!

As part of the 2010-11Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, REALTORS® recently rated exterior replacement projects among the most cost-effective home improvement projects, demonstrating that curb appeal remains one of the most important aspects of a home at resale time.

"This year’s Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report highlights the importance of exterior projects, which not only provide the most value, but also are among the least expensive improvements for a home," said National Association of REALTORS® President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. "Since resale value can vary by region, it’s smart for home owners to work with a REALTOR® through the remodeling and improvement process; they can provide insight into projects in their neighborhoods that will recoup the most when the owners are ready to sell."

Nine of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects. The steel entry door replacement remained the project that returned the most money, with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped upon resale; it is also the only project in this year’s report that is expected to return more than the cost. The midrange garage door replacement, a new addition to the report this year, is expected to recoup 83.9 percent of costs. Both projects are small investments that cost little more than $1,200 each, on average. REALTORS® identified these two replacements as projects that can significantly improve a home’s curb appeal.

"Curb appeal remains king – it’s the first thing potential buyers notice when looking for a home, and it also demonstrates pride of ownership," said Phipps.

The 2010-11Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 80 markets across the country. Data are grouped in nine U.S. regions, following the divisions established by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the 13th consecutive year that the report, which is produced by Remodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine.

REALTORS® provided their insight into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. Overall, REALTORS® estimated that home owners would recoup an average of 60 percent of their investment in 35 different improvement projects, down from an average of 63.8 percent last year. Remodeling projects, particularly higher cost upscale projects, have been losing resale value in recent years because of weak economic conditions.

According to the report, replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value because they are among the least expensive and contribute to curb appeal. Various types of siding and window replacement projects were expected to return more than 70 percent of costs. Upscale fiber-cement siding replacement was judged by REALTORS® the most cost effective among siding projects, recouping 80 percent of costs. Among the window replacement projects covered, upscale vinyl window replacements were expected to recoup the most, 72.6 percent upon resale. Another exterior project, a wood deck addition, tied with a minor kitchen remodel for the fourth most profitable project recouping an estimated 72.8 percent of costs.

The top interior projects for resale value included an attic bedroom and a basement remodel. Both add living space without extending the footprint of the house. An attic bedroom addition costs more than $51,000 and recoups an estimated 72.2 percent nationally upon resale; a basement remodel costs more than $64,000 and recoups an estimated 70 percent. Improvement projects that are expected to return the least are a midrange home office remodel, recouping an estimated 45.8 percent; a backup power generator, recouping 48.5 percent; and a sunroom addition, recouping 48.6 percent of costs.

Although most regions followed the national trends, the regions that consistently were estimated to return a higher percentage of remodeling costs upon resale were the Pacific region of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington; the West South Central region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas; the East South Central region of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee; and the South Atlantic region of the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

The regions where REALTORS® generally reported the lowest percentage of costs recouped were New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin), West North Central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota), and Middle Atlantic (New York and Pennsylvania).

"It’s important to remember that the resale value of a particular improvement project depends on several factors," said Phipps. "Things such as the home’s overall condition, availability and condition of surrounding properties, location and the regional economic climate contribute to an estimated resale value. That’s why it is imperative to work with a REALTOR® who can provide insight and guidance into local market conditions whether you’re buying, selling or improving a home."

Many new tract homes are painted using a flat paint. While that may look nice at first, it can be very difficult to clean and instead of wiping off walls, you may find you have to touch them up with paint more frequently.

Thankfully there are some other paint finishes that look great and are a bit more durable and easy to clean. The eggshell and low-sheen finishes put off a higher shine but they seem to last longer, stay cleaner, and are all around easier to maintain.

So, if you’re getting ready to sell your home and you’re looking for an inexpensive way to warm it up, give it some color, and make it look fresh to buyers, try painting. Don’t be afraid of color and some shine. They can enhance your home and its value.

While you don’t want to go overboard with, say, a deep rich purple, an accent wall in a deep color that is coordinated with your decor can be very appealing. You are trying to appeal to the masses; so do keep that in mind. But personal taste can be quite different. You want paint colors that show off the architecture and draw people into a home–and that doesn’t mean you have to have boring or neutral beige on all of your walls.

Choose colors that reflect the style of the home. A country house might have red accents. An Italian-style home might make use of rust or a deep green for an accent wall that is beautifully matched with rugs and throw pillows.

Once, you have a color in mind then it’s important to choose the right finish for the paint. The paint color might appear slightly different depending on the type of sheen you choose.

Most trim, baseboards, and doors are done in a high-gloss paint. They standout and look bright and cheerful and are fairly easy to clean the scuff marks off as the house ages.

The walls have a few more choices. You can go with flat paint; you’ll have no shine. You also will have a more difficult time cleaning off the handprints and dirt that gets on the walls. This type of paint simply doesn’t clean easily.

Eggshell is a popular sheen that can look somewhat flat on the walls when looking straight at them. However, there’s a bit of a sheen from an angle which also makes the color richer and the painted walls simpler to clean.

Paint companies have various names they use for paint finishes. What one company calls flat another may refer to as matte. So be sure to ask for samples and take them home and apply a little on the wall. Sometimes the samples will only come in a matte finish. You can at least get an idea of how the color will look. When you increase the sheen, the reflection of light bouncing off the walls increases.

Here are a few suggestions. Flat or matte gets dirty easily and does not offer any shine. This paint finish is good for an area where there isn’t much foot traffic. An area where the walls won’t be touched much.

Eggshell is excellent for bedrooms. It makes the paint look vibrant. Some complain that it can have a plastic look. Personally, I really like it and think that it makes rooms come to life. If the room is small and you paint it a darker color with white trim, the room can have the illusion of looking bigger.

Low-sheen paint also has a shine and, depending on the company, the amount of sheen can vary quite a bit. So be sure to test the colors in all lighting. With some paint, the sheen can make the reflection from a lamp look odd.

High gloss paint is typically reserved for walls and trim because of how reflective it is. Sometimes the walls and the trim will be painted the same color but with different finishes creating a special effect.

Letting your house shine with enriching and warming color and paint finishes can increase the value of your home and bring you more money at the time of sale.

Around 1 to 2 hours before your closing, take the time to visit your "new" home again. When you're there, check to be sure that the terms of your contract have been met, and that the condition of the property has not changed.

As your reference guide, be sure to bring your purchase contract with you for this walk-through. This will help you look for little details, without having to remember each item.

What are things you should be on the lookout for?

1. Major appliances: Be sure that any items that were to remain in the home are still there, and that they are in good working order.

2. Major systems: Do the air conditioning, heat, and plumbing still function?

3. Walls and floors: Has any damage occurred to the floors or walls during the sellers move? Were rugs, artwork, or carpets covering water damage that was not disclosed?

4. Repairs: As part of your purchase contract, the seller may have been required to make specific repairs. Be sure that these have been completed, or that the seller has a written timeline for when the repairs will be done.

5. Screens and Storm Windows: If it is the season for these items to be in storage, be sure they have been left behind and that they are in good shape.

6. Remotes: Garage doors, alarms, sound systems, and the like all use remotes, some of which can be very expensive. If any of these components were part of your agreement, be sure they have been kept with the house.

7. Cleanliness: The home should have been cleaned and all debris removed. You don't want to spend the first week living in your new home cleaning up other people's junk.

8. Landscaping: It may seem ridiculous, but yes, some sellers may try to run off with your shrubs and plants. Refer back to your contract to see what should have stayed. If plants were taken, let your attorney handle the situation.

9. Fixtures: Light fixtures, curtains, and other items that were agreed upon should still be in the home. If they are not, let your me address the conflict.

10. Exterior: Has there been any damage to the home since your inspection or first visit? If there have been storm with high winds or hail, be sure to visually inspect the exterior of the house for damage. Once you have signed on that dotted line, the house is yours. Hail damage and all.

Closing time can be very hectic. Be sure to make time for your final walk-through. It's a smart way to bring to completion a long, but joyous, process.

Remember mail box keys, all house keys, and you should always change the front door keys before your move in, just in case any other person have a copy of your new Home!