Life@Home

	Maintain Your Home and Boost Its Value

	The Power of a Professional

	Gobble Gobble

Effie Chalogias

I am pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home. Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you. In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Maintain Your Home and Boost Its Value

As a new homeowner, your mind may be filled with ideas on how to improve your new abode - exotic colors on the walls, attractive landscaping in front, and a power washing the back deck. While all of these will help improve the look of your home, it is also crucial think about those less visible, but important upgrades that need to be made regularly.

By maintaining the operating systems in your house, you not only ensure a properly functioning home, but also help sustain its value over time. Here is a look at some of the less exciting projects that will keep your home in tip-top shape.
· Roofing - During your home inspection, the inspector should have reviewed the condition of your roof. Follow any recommendation on repairs or replacement. When it comes time to sell this home, a deficient roof could deter to potential buyers.

· Heating and Cooling - Similarly, the inspection report should include an evaluation of the furnace, water heater and, if applicable, air-conditioning unit. If the report recommends the water heater be replaced in three years, be sure to include this upgrade in your home budget.

· Appliances - If your stove, refrigerator, washer or dryer were included with the home, review all conferred warranty information and follow the recommended maintenance timeline. This may help you recoup costs if repairs are needed and may even extend the life of the machinery.

· Outside - In addition to indoor systems, evaluate and maintain the outside of the home as well. This includes gutters, siding, exterior paint, walkways and landscaping. If these areas are neglected it can lessen the home's curb appeal.

While many homeowners would rather spend their money on more
appealing purchases, like carpeting or furniture, electing to maintain and improve crucial home systems can have a great impact on the value and longevity of your home.

The Power of a Professional

It seems simple enough. You want to sell your home. So you begin by sprucing up your property. Next, you set what you think is a fair asking price, put a sign in the lawn and advertise in the local newspaper. What happens next could be a surprise. Perhaps no one comes calling. Or, maybe you are overwhelmed with interested parties, but quickly discover you don't have the time or resources to handle the inquiries.

Representing yourself during a home sale can seem like it will save you both time and money, but in the long run it can prove otherwise. Here are five reasons you should consider using a real estate professional when selling
your home.

1. They can help you establish

an attractive asking price, a key to enticing buyers.
2. Real estate professionals are expert marketers who can establish a complete marketing plan for your home, from coordinating open houses to posting Internet listings.
3. Price and contract negotiations are often complex and stressful. Real estate professionals are specialists in these areas.
4. The real estate transaction is a detailed process involving legal issues, large sums of money, paperwork, financing and more. Real estate professionals have been trained to handle these complexities.
5. A Realtor's job is to make your home selling experience the best possible. It is his or her responsibility to have the time and resources to get your home sold.

Gobble Gobble

For a successful Thanksgiving dinner, make sure your bird is ready to be cooked. According to turkey experts at Butterball®, the best approach is to allow a full day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey. Thaw the turkey on a tray in the refrigerator, with its wrapper unopened, breast-side up.