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1. Open your Windows

2. Turn on Ceiling Fans

3. Install an Attic Fan

4. Close the Blinds

5. Run your Furnace Fan

6. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat

7. Keep the Thermostat 1-2 Degrees Higher than Normal

8. Close Unused Vents (in rooms that aren't used often)

9. Turn Down the Lights

10. Change your Cooking Routine (prepare food at night when windows are open instead of while AC is on)

11. Leave Laundry for Nighttime (possibly line drying)

12. Use the Lower Level of your Home (it's coolest in the basement)

13. Unplug / Turn Off Unused Electronics

If you took advantage of the First Time Homebuyer Tax credit in 2009, use the form in this link for your taxes:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf

If you haven't taken advantage of either the First Time Homebuyer ($8000)OR Repeat Homebuyer ($6500) credit there is still a little time left to be under contract by April 30th and settled by June 30th.

If you need additional information about the qualifications for each of these 2010 programs, email me at homesalesbylaura@aol.com.

This is taken directly from the most recent issue of the Maryland Real Estate Commission newsletter, "The Commission Check." I hope you find it helpful....

MORTGAGE RESCUE SCAMS: TOP 10 WARNING SIGNS

Consumers and agents, take note! The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a consumer advisory detailing common mortgage modification scams. It pays to be aware of fraudulent tactics that con artists may use to lure distressed homeowners into their trap.

1. “Pay us $1,000, and we’ll save your home.” No legitimate counselor will require you to pay such a large sum before they do any work for you.
2. “I guarantee I will save your home – trust me.” Unrealistic promises are a key tip-off that an arrangement may not be legitimate.
3. “Sign over your home, and we’ll let you stay in it.” This is a dangerous proposition: signing over your home gives another person the power to sell the house or evict you, and you’ll still be liable for the mortgage.
4. “Stop paying your mortgage.” Never stop paying your mortgage unless you have contacted your mortgage lender directly!
5. “If your lender calls, don’t talk to them.” You should keep in close touch with your lender, as their understanding of your situation is crucial to a satisfactory resolution.
6. “Your lender never had the legal authority to make a loan.” False arguments like this are meant to convince you that you are not obligated to pay your mortgage. Don’t fall for them!
7. “Just sign this now; we’ll fill in the blanks later.” Never sign anything you haven’t read in detail and clearly understood, and don’t let anyone pressure you into signing.
8. “Call 1-800-Fed-Loan.” It’s easy to make a scam look like part of a legitimate government program. Call your lender to see if you qualify for federal assistance—which does not require you to pay high fees.
9. “File for bankruptcy and keep your home.” Bankruptcy only stops the foreclosure process temporarily. Stop paying your mortgage, and your lender will eventually foreclose upon your home.
10.  “Why haven’t you replied to our offer? Do you want to live on the streets?” High-pressure tactics are a sure sign of shady business practices. Legitimate foreclosure counselors never treat a client in such a way.

Familiarizing yourself with these scams can save you and your clients time, money, and heartache.

YES! Staged homes, on average, spend 80% less time on the market! There's a difference between the way you live in your home and the way you market and sell your house. When there is a lot of inventory on the market you need to separate yourself from the competition. Allow the buyers to envision themselves living there.

There are several common home staging myths that I'll address now:

1. It's decorating. Actually, it's the opposite. It depersonalizes a space and turns it back into a product -- from home to house.

2. It's expensive. Staging typically costs far less than the first price reduction, if you hire a home stager. With my ASP designation, I provide the service at no extra cost for my sellers.

3. It's just about fake flowers and candles.  It's more about neutralizing and de-cluttering. Think of it as "editing" a space to allow buyers to focus on a room's features and amenities.

4. The sellers can do it themselves. Yes, the sellers can help to remove extra items and divide their belongings into "keep," "donate" and "trash" piles, but there are some additional ways a home stager can make a property more appealing.

5. "I can't tell my sellers that!" If a seller is motivated, he or she will do whatever it takes to sell that home!

Here are a few tips to make a property more appealing:

1. Remember that the outside of a home is important because it's what a prospective buyer notices first. Make sure the grass is cut, leaves are raked, sidewalks are swept and paint looks fresh.

2. Barb Schwarz, the creater of the staged home concept, says, "clutter eats equity." Decide what you really need and remove the rest -- remember that tip about dividing belongings into piles?

3. Balance a room with hard and soft surfaces (e.g., you could soften leather furniture by adding fabric pillows or a throw.

4. When arranging items on a hard surface, like an end table, put a group of three items together (perhaps a lamp, a frame and a book). If there isn't much room, stick with one item.

5. Use a buyer's eyes when standing at the entrance of a room. If you were a buyer would you feel like the room is "inviting?"

6. Clean the home. It should be immaculate!

If you are considering purchasing a home, now may be the perfect time. If you have the money and a secure job, you're a prime candidate. Real estate sales have dropped off in many parts of the country as buyers have feared the economic downturn. As a result, prices are falling in many markets.

In addition, mortgage rates have fallen close to historic lows, substantially reducing the cost of financing for buyers with good credit. When more people start buying, it will stimulate prices to rise. This will surely affect the economy positively.

Take advantage of this opportunity: If you are throwing money away on rent, STOP! If you can invest, DO IT!

Remember, there is STILL time to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit.

Be wary of those proposing to save you from foreclosure! Scams are popping up at an alarming rate across the nation.

If you're falling behind on your mortgage, others may know it, too - including con artists and scam artists. They know this situation makes you vulnerable and sometimes desperate. Potential victims are easy to find: mortgage lenders publish notices before foreclosing on homes. Private firms frequently compile and sell lists of these foreclosed properties and distressed borrowers.

Always proceed with caution when dealing with anyone offering to help you modify your mortgage or avoid foreclosure. Remember that you do not need a third party to work with your lender. Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed:

*contact your lender or mortgage service provider first.

*Pay your lender directly.

*Avoid paying too much up front.

*Never sign documents you don't fully understand.

*Get everything in writing.

Preparation for Winter. September tips list:

*Review the exterior of your home. Look for cracks and holes in your home's siding and paint, replacing caulk if necessary.

*September is a great time to paint interior rooms, shampoo or replace carpets, while it's still warm enough to leave windows open.

*In cold-climate areas, remove window air-conditioners that can allow outdoor temperatures in, or put weatherproof covers on them.

*Check your heating system, from filters to pilot lights. Have the system serviced by a qualified professional.

*Drain your hot water heater, flush and refill it.

*Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns. Getting your vents cleaned by a professional every few years is a great idea as well.

*Check that foundations are properly graded. Soil should slope four to six inches for a distance of three feet out from the foundation walls.

*If you haven't already, check basement for cracks or leaks. Seal if necessary.

*If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.

*Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, and then rinse thoroughly.

Most homeowners go to great lengths to make sure the interior of their home is pristine before meeting with a real estate agent and putting it on the market. What they don't realize, however, is that "curb appeal" really does matter... Those first impressions of the home can leave a positive or negative impression in a potential buyer's mind.

Here are a few things to remember to check around the exterior of your home:

•¨      Roof and gutters:  When buyers look at your house from their car, about 30% of what they see is your roof.  Be certain it's in good repair.

•¨      Landscaping:  A well-manicured yard and a smooth, even driveway reassure potential buyers that you care about your property.  A yard free of mud and weeds suggests a good sprinkler system and low maintenance.

•¨      Paint and siding:  Neutral colors and a clean appearance are important.  Consider repainting or power-washing both your house and roof.

•¨      Porch or covered patio:  Make sure it's clean and uncluttered.

•¨      Fence:  Fencing should be in good repair.

If you're an agent, staging the exterior of the home is important too. In fact, I offer my sellers a complimentary "curb appeal package" as part of our listing agreement. I find it that beneficial!

Good luck!