Enjoying Your Space!

 

                                                             
Most every room has a weakness or two—perhaps it’s an unsightly fixture or a clunky furniture configuration. No matter the conundrum, we at DavidTheLocator have easy ideas for fixing trouble spots and creating a fresh, customized space that’s completely yours.

Three Quick Fixes for Décor Dilemmas

• Mask Blemishes: If your walls feature nicks and bumps, try coating them in a fresh coat of matte paint—unlike satin or glossy paints, a flat finish deflects light and hides imperfections. If you don’t want to paint, hang a large piece of artwork over the trouble spot.

Tip: If there’s a permanent feature that you wish were out of sight, simply conceal it. For example, cover a small, out-of-place window and create a sense of symmetry by hanging drapes—it doesn’t matter if there are actually windows behind them!

• Retire Outdated Fixtures: Making small changes can give way to major impact. Replace old lighting fixtures with new sconces, try a fresh fabric on your window treatments and swap in some updated accent pillows.

Tip: Try changing the color scheme in your room—check out different color schemes at your local paint stores or home improvement stores

• Make Inspired Changes: Looking for a bigger change? Re-arranging your furniture or reinventing the purpose of your space can give you a complete change of heart. We have turned a guest bedroom into an office, or divided a large room into a space with multiple seating areas. Be creative, get excited!

Tips for Customizing Your Space

• Add Style: Create a room that speaks to who you are.
• Add Scent: A touch of freshness can instantly transform a room into your favorite space.
• Create a Feeling: When you fall in love with a space, you fall in love with the way it makes you feel. Add décor accents that remind you of special friends or vacations and textures that you find soothing to the touch.

Make it who you are...it's your space...enjoy it! David Moore:)

This is a neat little idea...6 Uses for a Hanging Shoe Organizer !

From the kitchen to your entryway closet, fill your home with shoe organizers without actually splurging on footwear. Designed for vertical storage, their multiple pockets make them a must-have companion for organizing an endless number of items while maximizing space.

Our Top 6 Uses

1. Bathroom Essentials & Cleaning Products: Hang your shoe organizer from a linen closet or on the back of a bathroom door. The pockets are great for items like hair dryers, toilet paper and small towels. Plus, you can store cleaning supplies in high-up pockets to keep them out of children’s reach.

Tip: Plastic shoe organizers are great for easily seeing the items you have in each pocket and they’re easy to clean.

2. Kitchen Items: Free up shelf space in your pantry by hanging a shoe organizer on the inside of your pantry door. While the options are nearly endless when it comes to what you can place in the pockets, try using them to organize potholders, snacks, reusable bags, pet treats and hand towels.

Tip: Reserve a row of pockets for dinner ingredients. As you go in and out of the pantry throughout the day, slide ingredients you know you’ll need into the row. By dinnertime, you’ll have most of your ingredients all in one place.

3. Winter Gear: Whether in a mudroom or entryway closet, a shoe organizer is handy during winter months. Place gloves, hats, scarves, earmuffs and more into the pockets and consider designating a row of pockets for each family member.

Would you like to be a guest on my blog???

                                                   


Calling all businesses! During the next few months I am going to invite other business owners to be a guest on my blog. I'm looking for other companies that relate to real estate in some way. From pest control companies to remodeling companies, I would like to join with you to provide helpful information to those who read and follow my blog as well as my website.


If you're interested please take the time to write a few paragraphs to promote your company and share helpful information that could be used by anyone who lives in a home or apartment. After I have approved this information I will let you know when it will appear on my blog.


To view our blog site please visit us at www.davidthelocator.com


To submit your information please e-mail it to me at davidthelocator@yahoo.com


Thank you and have a great day!

FICOs and FHA: 2 big lenders loosen up | Inman News

FICOs and FHA: 2 big lenders loosen up | Inman News

DavidTheLocator: Creation Calls -- are you listening? Music by Bri...

DavidTheLocator: Creation Calls -- are you listening? Music by Bri...

Creation Calls -- are you listening? Music by Brian Doerksen

DavidTheLocator: Happy Valentines day!

DavidTheLocator: Happy Valentines day!: " &..."

Happy Valentines day!

                                                                                

Valentines day is different for everyone. Some have a significant other to share it with and some are single or their "other" is now in heaven. Whatever your  situation may be always remember that you are never alone and that God loves you and is your true valentine!!!! Just remember to forgive, hug more, laugh more and above all...love more!!!!

Doesn't the seller have to accept my offer if I offer full price?

                                                                              

Many are surprised at the answer to this question because the answer is "no."  Having gone through this several times, the most recent being this month, I am well aware how confusing this can be to the public. This issue seems to come up most often with foreclosed property that is listed under market value and on which several offers come in, although it could come about on any property offered for sale either by a real estate broker, law firm, or for sale by owner.

Let me explain it this way...

Listing property for sale is an invitation from the seller for buyers to make offers. The seller is not obligated to sell the property even if a buyer makes a full price cash offer.

The above is true because the seller has not signed the offer and there has been no agreement on terms, of which there are many in any agreement for example: close date, possession date, earnest money deposit, inspections, and so forth. 

I have found this makes people very angry to hear this and they just don't understand why. It's really a simple concept, until there is an agreement in writing, nobody is obligated in a real estate transaction. The mere offering of money does not trigger any legality which would force a person by law to turn over their property to you, and no, a Multiple Listing does not fit the bill.

The only agreement the seller has with a listed property is with the listing broker. If a full price offer comes in then most brokerage agreements state that the seller will be obligated to pay the broker's fees because the broker did what he/she was supposed to under under the agreement which is produce a buyer at the seller's price and terms. However, the broker has to elect to ask for the payment, it is not automatic and a broker may choose not to demand the seller pay the agreed upon fees is he/she chooses not to in this scenario.

The seller may even choose to accept an offer below full price if there are two competing offers. The seller is under no obligation to act upon the first offer unless he or she so chooses. In these cases the buyer offering full price and the buyer with the first offer cannot bind the seller or limit the choice of which offer they should accept because the seller can turn down all offers and not be obligated to sell.

Did you find this helpful? Please comment below.

8 Reasons to Invest in Your New Home

                                                                                           




(MONEY Magazine) -- Not long ago, you could have your big remodeling project and get your money back too. Owners recouped an average of 87% of home improvement costs at resale in 2005, according to Remodelingmagazine.

But by 2010 the magazine had pegged the typical payback at just 60%. Hardly the right time to tackle the new kitchen or master bathroom you've been dreaming of, right?

"In many cases, these projects make more sense now than they did at the height of the market," he said.Not so fast, says Kermit Baker, senior research fellow at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Assuming you like what you can't change about your home -- the neighborhood, the school district, the proximity to things that matter to you -- and you're planning on staying for five or more years, improving your home is a smart move. Here's why.

1. Funding is cheap
The current economic climate sweetens the pot for people on solid financial footing.
Should I spend $60,000 to renovate my house?
"The Fed doesn't want you to save -- it wants you to put your dollars into circulation," said Keith Gumbinger, mortgage market analyst at HSH.com.
Today's historically low interest rates mean that most home-equity lines of credit are charging their floor rates (your HELOC's probably is around 3% if you've held it for a couple of years, 4% or 5% if the loan is more recent).
And with the typical bank account and money fund paying far less than 1%, drawing down your savings barely costs you anything in lost income -- just don't jeopardize your safety cushion.

2. Eager contractors are discounting
Although the construction industry rebounded somewhat last year, business is still slow. Remember when getting a contractor to call you back was a challenge?
Now the best pros in town will happily bid on your job -- and they'll probably offer you prices that are 10% to 20% below what you would have paid when real estate was going gangbusters, according to Bernard Markstein, senior economist for the National Association of Home Builders.

3. Materials have come down
The cost of building supplies has tumbled too. Plywood is down 23% since its peak in the mid-2000s. Drywall is off 29%, framing lumber 35%.
Not all raw materials prices have fallen that much: Asphalt roofing, which is made from a petroleum byproduct, is down only 7% over the past two years. Insulation -- which has been in high demand because of energy rebates and high fuel prices -- is down a mere 2% since 2006. Still, on the whole, construction supplies are bargains right now.

4. You'll cut your energy costs
You don't have to hire a green builder to see energy savings from a renovation. In a prewar house in the high-energy-cost Northeast, for example, a standard kitchen remodel could cut your utility expenses by $400 a year thanks to new insulation, windows, and appliances.
Even years of such savings will never come close to covering the project's price tag, but think of your lower electric and heating bills as an annual dividend.

5. Fixing up costs less than trading up
With the median home price down 22% since 2006, you might think this is an opportune time to trade up for the new master bathroom or other modern feature you want. After all, why not buy somebody else's remodeling headache at a discount.
But you can't assume that you'll easily sell your house in this tough market and then find a new place that has the exact features you want (and not a bunch of stuff you don't want). And moving remains far costlier than improving, said John Ranco, past president of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors.
For starters, commissions and fees to sell a $400,000 home could run $25,000.
"You can get a lot of remodeling done for that kind of money," said Ranco. "And that doesn't even include the higher price you're paying for the new house, the moving costs, or the inevitable painting and window treatments the new place will need."

6. You can keep that sub-5% mortgage
As long as you're not underwater and haven't wrecked your credit, you've been able to take advantage of recent rock-bottom interest rates to lock in a fixed-rate mortgage below 5%.
Move several years from now, and you'll have to give up that loan, probably for something in the sixes or sevens, said Harvard's Baker. That's not bad, but it could mean hundreds a month in added interest costs.
"If you can remodel your way into staying put long term, you can hold on to that once-in-a-lifetime rate," says Baker.

7. Smart projects still add value
In the post-boom era, the rule of thumb for gauging the potential payback from a home improvement is simple: If you're bringing your house in line with similar homes in the area, you'll most likely earn back the lion's share of the cost when you sell. If you're surpassing the neighborhood, you probably won't.
"Remodeling a 10-year-old kitchen because you don't like its style doesn't pay anymore," says Thomas Collimore, director of investor education for the CFA Institute. "But replacing a 1960s kitchen is a different story."
At least for the foreseeable future, buyers will either lowball their bids or pass on your house entirely unless you've already tackled this kind of deferred renovation.

8. You get to enjoy the results
When it comes time to sell your place, chances are you'll probably wind up having to do the sorely needed renovations you didn't take care of earlier. Not only does that add a huge amount of stress to the process of putting a house on the market, but you still end up spending the money (quite possibly when contractor, materials, and borrowing costs are higher).
Why not get the benefits of a new furnace or an updated powder room for you and your family instead of buying them for the house's next owners? And why not do the projects soon so you get as much time as possible to enjoy the results?
Unlike vacations, luxury cars, or other discretionary expenditures, your remodeling project might recoup a significant chunk of its cost someday.

Even so, home improvements aren't purely investment decisions -- you shouldn't redo a kitchen or bathroom in the hopes of making a profit. But if you want to upgrade the quality of your home life and you can afford the cost, it's money well spent. 

Any comments? Questions? Please post below! Did you like this article?

Texas/Houston...fun facts!

With all of my clients moving to Texas, I thought you'd enjoy this...

Texas Fun Facts

• Texas is the only state to have had six national flags fly over its soil: those of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy, and the United States.
• The privately-owned King Ranch, near Corpus Christi, is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
• More wool comes from Texas than any other state.
• Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845 and is the only state to have entered the Union by treaty.
• All the lakes in Texas are man-made other than Caddo Lake, on the Louisiana border.
• The name Texas comes from the Hasinai Indians. The word means “allies” or “friends.”

Houston Fun Facts

• You can visit the nation's first domed stadium in Houston.
• You go girl! The Houston Comets go down in WNBA history for being the only U.S. team to ever win four back-to-back championships!
• "Houston" was the first word heard from the moon on that historical day on July 20, 1969.
• Strange but true: It is illegal to sell Limburger cheese on Sundays in Houston.
• Some fun family history: Sam Houston, founder of Houston, was childhood friends with Will Rogers' father and uncle. Sam Houston ended marrying the Rogers' Indian half sister, Will's half-aunt.
• Houston residents eat out more than residents in other U.S. cities. And why shouldn't they with over 11,000 restaurants?

Relocating to Houston or simply moving within the city? Let DavidTheLocator help you!

We have been relocating clients to Houston for many years. If you're relocating from another state to Houston or simply moving within the city, we can help you. There is so much to do and so much to see in Houston...


Please visit our website at www.DavidTheLocator.com or call us direct at 281-326-HOME! We are a full service real estate and apartment locating company. Your move shouldn't be stressful... let us do the work for you!

Relocating to Houston, Texas? Make sure to register your vehicle!

                                                                 

I have been relocating many out-of -state clients lately to Houston. As a new resident, there are somethings you need to do. One of them is to register your vehicle and get your Texas driver's license and you only have 30 days to do it. Before you register your vehicle, though, it must pass the state inspection process. In order, here are the three steps to follow:                                                              

                                                                            

1. Take your vehicle to a state inspection station. You can find a list of what types of inspections are required in your county and an inspections-station locator at the Department of Public Safety Web site. When you go, make sure you take your current driver's license and proof of insurance. If your insurance policy wasn't issued in Texas, you may need to show proof that you carry the minimum coverage required by the state: $20,000 bodily injury or death to one person; $40,000 bodily injury or death to two or more persons; and $15,000 injury or destruction to other property.

2. When your vehicle passes inspection, the inspection station will give you a verification form to bring to the county tax assessor-collector's office. This is where you obtain a Texas vehicle registration sticker and license plates. You'll need proof of ownership, such as registration or title from your previous home state, as well as proof of insurance. Again, you may need to show that you carry minimum coverage amounts.

3. Apply for a Texas driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in your area. Bring an ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of liability insurance, and proof of Texas vehicle registration. Expect to provide a thumbprint and surrender any valid out-of-state license you currently have.

If you go to my website at www.davidthelocator.com you will see an application under "Useful Forms and Links."

As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me or post comment below. Thank you. Was this information useful to you?

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

With the weather we've been having in Houston lately, many are getting sick! There's no cure for the common cold. But what about cold remedies that claim to make you feel better faster? Find out what's effective — and what's not.

                                                                                                                                                    

Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, and many are nearly as ancient. The use of chicken soup as a congestion cure dates back centuries. But is longevity any guarantee that a cold remedy works? Do effective cold remedies even exist? Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them.

Cold remedies: What works

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help:

• Water and other fluids. You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.
• Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
• Saline nasal drops and sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. In infants, experts recommend instilling several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe (push the bulb in about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, or about 6 to 12 millimeters). Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline drops and sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.
• Chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, possibly helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children and adults. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse.
  Experts agree that these medications are dangerous in children younger than age 2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating the safety of over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children.
  Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in doses higher than recommended. It's common for people to take Tylenol in addition to flu medications that also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to acetaminophen overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing.
  If a cough lasts after your other cold symptoms have resolved, see your doctor. In the meantime, try soothing your throat with warm lemon water and honey and humidifying the air in your house. Avoid giving honey to infants.
• Antihistamines. First-generation (sedating) antihistamines may provide minor relief of several cold symptoms, including cough, sneezing, watery eyes and nasal discharge. However, results are conflicting and the benefits may not outweigh the side effects.
• Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cold remedies: What doesn't work

The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. A few of the more common ones that don't work include:

• Antibiotics. These destroy bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. The FDA warns against their use in children younger than age 2. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has voluntarily modified consumer product labels on over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to state "do not use" in children under 4 years of age, and many companies have stopped manufacturing these products for young children. The FDA is evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.
• Zinc. The cold-fighting reputation of zinc has had its ups and downs. That's because many zinc studies — both those that find the mineral beneficial and those that do not — are flawed. The highest quality randomized trials generally show no benefit. In studies with positive results, zinc seemed most effective taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Taking zinc with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste and nausea.
  Intranasal zinc may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell. The FDA has issued a warning against using three zinc-containing nasal cold remedies because they had been associated with a long-lasting or permanent loss of smell (anosmia).