BREP OPENS BRANCH OFFICE

Billings Real Estate Professionals is opening a branch office in Laurel. The branch office will be know as Laurel Real Estate Professionals at 1009 E. Main Street in Laurel. The phone number is 628-5885. Grand opening will be in January of 2011, exact date soon to be announced. This office will be one of the only two walk-in real estate offices in Laurel. It offers easy access with an East Main Street location.

4 Tips to Keep Homeowner's Insurance Costs Down

1. Shop around
2. Re-evaluate coverage amounts
3. Check personal credit reports. Insurance also looks at this. Make sure your report is accurate, so you get the best possible rate.
4. Small claims can become expensive. Have the highest deductible you can comfortably afford and repair minor items out of pocket rather than filing a claim. Filing too many claims can increase premiums.

Staging Your Living Room

1. Create a Fcal Point--possibly in the most visible corner put a large silk plant with a spotlight
2. Be sure the furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment
3. Get rid of carpet dents
4. Accent Special Features
5. Invoke the Outdoors--cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs 248-4409

RENT OR BUY A HOME

1. What will monthly costs be, and can I afford the payments?
2. What other debt do I have?
3. What is my credit score? Can I qualify for a good interest rate?
4. How much will taxes, monthly maintenance, or other fees cost?
5. How many years will I stay here?

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs 248-4409

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY

Interest rates could not be lower and the housing selection is great. Contact Billings Real Estate Professionals to start the process of purchasing your home.

RENT VS. BUY

There are many advantages to buying a home versus renting one. View these advantages in the Buy vs. Rent Comparison Chart:
http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?section+YPTH

Your income, savings and monthly expenses play an important role in determining how large amortgage you can afford. to figure out the amount you can afford, please check affordability: http://www.ginniemae.gov/2_prequal/intro_questions.asp?section+YPTH

If you are thinking of buying a home this is a great time to do so. Give Billings Real Estate Professionals a call for all your real estate needs.

7 Tips for Fall Tree Maintenance

1. Hydrate
2. Plant for all seasons, and for your region--protect young trees from animals
3. Remove troublemakers--trees next to foundation, path, fence, or along sewer or utility line should be removed.
4. Prune
5. Remove fallen leaves--be certain that the base of tree can "breathe"
6. Spray--if an insect is attacky a tree, fall is the best time to spray
7. Fertilize

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

Preparing Your Home for the Fall Season

1. Check all window and door locks for proper operation
2. Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of stairs
3. Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
4. Replace your furnace filter
5. Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty
6. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues
7. Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
8. Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat loss

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

FHA GIVES HOME BUYERS 1 MONTH WINDOW

FHA is giving homeowners and buyers until October 4, 2010, to lock in a low monthly insurance premium according to Gibran Nickolas, Chairman of the CMPS Institute, an organization that trains and certifies mortgage bankers and brokers. After October 4, the monthly insurance premiums on FHA loans will increase by over 63%.

What does this mean for home buyers?
A home buyer purchasing a $200,000 home using a $193,000 FHA mortgage before October 4 would pay an insurance premium $88.46 per month. If the same home buyer waits until after October 4, the insurance premiums would jump to $148.01.

"In this example, the home buyer would lose $59.55 per month, or $7,146 over a 10-year timebframe," Nicholas said. "Althought the upfront mortgage insurance premium is going down after October 4, the real impact to the home buyer is actually a net increase in their out of pocket costs because the monthly premium is going up by 63%. Remember, sellers can pay the upfront premium or it can be financed into the loan amount, so home buyers rarely pays the upfront premium out of pocket. On the other hand, the increase in the monthly premiums wil be paid right out of the home buyer's pocket with their mortgage payment each month."

Home buyers considering an FHA loan give Larry or Jo Ann Thomas, Billings Real Estate Professionals and Laurel Real Estate Professionals a call at 628-2903 and let's start looking for your new home.

Is Your Desk Ready for Labor Day Parties

In the last 15 years more than 900 people have been injured or killed by deck disasters in the United States.

Here are five signs that your deck needs attention:

1. Missing Connections. Check the metal supports and connections to ensure that they are strong and in place.
2. Loose Connections. Are railings wobbly or stairs loose?
3. Rust. Metal hardware such as metal connections, nails and screws rust. Replace corroded hardware.
4. Rot. Soft wood--a sign of rot--will not hold under stress.
5. Cracks. Desk boards will crack over time and weakens the structure.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

7 Tips for Selling Your Home

Set Your Price Carefully
Don't do Major Remodeling
Make a Good First Impression--curb appeal is important
Clean--remove all clutter and have everything windows, walls, cabinets completely clean
Keep It Clean
Light It Up--Put on lights and open drapes for showing
Go Away--Potential buyers are more comfortable looking around if you aren't there

5 Reasons to Buy

1. Low mortgage rates
2. Houses in move-in condition
3. Terrific homes are coming on the market
4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities
5. Plenty of programs to help people get into a home

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for help with purchasing your home

Staging with colors

Homeowners can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.
When choosing colors, Jones cautions homeowners to be aware of their sensory impact:
- Red is stimulating and encourages self confidence
- Orange promotes happiness and celebration
- Yellow is uplifting and light-hearted
- Blue is calming in softer tones and promotes clarity in deeper tones
- Green is the color of nature—it feels fresh and rejuvenating
- Aqua is restful while pink is gentle and sweet—making a great pair
- Purple tones bring out a sense of compassion

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs

MAKE YOUR HOME HEALTHIER

When shopping for furniture, you need to do more than pick out pieces that are attractive or comfortable. It’s important to also find out how the pieces are made and whether they will slowly emit toxins into your home.
For the times when you need something new, there are a few items you should definitely avoid. Pressed woods like particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) are known to contain urea-formaldehyde resin. Of the three wood materials, MDF releases the most formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause skin rashes, chronic headaches, and is also a suspected carcinogen.
Household paint is another item that can continue to emit dangerous gases into your home’s air, even after the fumes are gone. In fact, paints and finishes are the leading source of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, in our homes. VOCs can cause all kinds of breathing problems and have been linked to rapidly increasing asthma rates in children. When you’re redecorating a room or re-finishing a piece of furniture, shop for low- or no-VOC products. Most paint companies have these options and they’re just as durable and cost effective. And buy only the amount of paint, thinner or finish that your project needs. When your project is complete, if you do have any products left over, remember, all of these items are considered household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly.
And don’t forget about all the cleaners you bring into your home every day. Household cleaners that are chemical based can pollute your home as the toxins evaporate into the air or are left behind on cleaned surfaces. As a rule of thumb, if the product has a warning or danger label, it’s likely not good for you or the environment. Choosing a plant-based or natural cleaner like vinegar or baking soda will also reduce the amount of pollution in your home.
Do your part and make your home a healthier place to unwind. It’s something we can all breathe easier about.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

Keeping it Cool with Air-Conditioning Tips

•Change the air filter once a month. Don't use the ultra-thick, expensive filters because they will restrict air flow and cause the unit to work harder.
•Have the unit maintained twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall
•If the unit ices over from a coolant leak or being clogged with debris, turn off the thermostat and use a water hose to defrost it faster. Once it is defrosted, you can turn it back on for a cool blast while you wait for a repairman.
•If the heating and air company has an unacceptably long waiting list, shop around for someone who can fix it faster or ask for a loaner window unit to stay cool while you wait.
Remember that the unit might be doing all it can. Most units will drop the temperature inside only 20 degrees from what it is outside.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

FHA LOANS

1. FHA Loans Are Not Only For Lower-Income Borrowers.

2. FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers.

3. FHA Loans Are Not Just Small Loans; In Fact, Loan Amounts Can Be As High As Almost $800,000.

4. FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program.

5. FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. While FHA loans typically offer the same interest rates as other loans, borrowers benefit from a much lower down payment of as low as 3.5 percent.

6. FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. Homeowners associations (HOAs) should note that although FHA-insured mortgages might be easier to obtain, they are not “risky” loans, due in large part to the strict “full documentation” requirements placed on borrowers.

Individual buyers or sellers can initiate the approval process or current owners can encourage their HOA to apply. More information about the FHA- approval process is available at www.getfhaapproval.com.

7. FHA Loans Are Assumable. This unique feature will certainly make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

Home Maintenance

Throughout the seasons, your home has taken good care of you and your family and now is the best time to give back. Go through your property to evaluate and create a checklist on areas that need mending or replacement. This list is a crucial preparation before calling a contractor or handyman for maintenance and repair services. Some common maintenance and repair include:

-Waterproof the basement
-Re-caulk and replace weatherstrip
-Clean and seal wooden decks
-Trim bushes and trees
-Re-align downspouts and gutters
-Repair roof
-Clean the pool
-Mend the fence
-Seal cracks along driveways, foundation, walkways, etc.
-Maintenance of HVAC systems

For all your real estate needs call Billings Real Estate Professionals

IS YOUR HOME READY TO SELL?

Facts:
A home buyer decides if they are attracted to a home within 8-10 minutes.

Only 10% of home buyers can visualize the potential of a home.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development reports that sale prices of staged homes average 17% higher than un-staged homes.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals to help you get your home ready to sell.

Home Improvement Projects based on Cost and Return on Investment

1.Cleaning and de-cluttering this costs almost nothing and will increase the amount you receive on your house.
2.Home staging
3.Lightening and brightening
4.Landscaping curb appeal is important
5.Repairing plumbing
6.updating electrical
7.Replacing or shampooing carpets
8.painting interior walls
9.Repairing damaged floors
10.Updating kitchen
11.Painting out side of home
12.Updating bathrooms

The home improvement projects with the highest price increases to a home’s resale value are updating the kitchen followed by painting the outside of the home and home staging.

Inexpensive cosmetic home improvements and basic improvements greatly enhance the value of the home.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs.

Green Landscaping

Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling. Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. On average your investment is returned in 8 years

An 8-foot (2.4-meter) deciduous (leaf-shedding) tree, for example, costs about as much as an awning for one large window and can ultimately save your household hundreds of dollars in reduced cooling costs, yet still admit some winter sunshine to reduce heating and lighting costs.

Landscaping can save you money in summer or winter. Well landscaped areas can reduce surrounding air temperature by as much as 9°F. Air directly under trees can be as much as 25°F less then areas nearby. Shade can reduce air-conditioning costs by 15% to 50% compared to an unshaded home. And as much as 75% when comparing small mobile homes.

Windbreaks can keep you home warmer in the winter by shielding your home against the colder wind. Homes with windbreaks placed only on the windward side showed an average of 25% less fuel consumption then similar unprotected homes.

Call Jacque Lorang, Billings Real Estate Professionals 690-5277

10 STEPS TO EARTH FRIENDLY YARD

1. Do not overwater. Most people grossly overwater their lawns. Consider getting a free water audit if your water company offers one, or just turn the sprinkler off and observe the results. If your grass does not spring back when you step on it in the heat of the afternoon, it is time to water. Watering four times a week is too much in most parts of the country.

2. Water deeply. It is better to water deeply than frequently. Many lawns do well with 15 to 20 minutes at a time, once or twice a week. For maximum efficiency, give the water a chance to seep in: Water for 10 minutes, wait 20 minutes and then finish watering.

3. Get adequate coverage. If your sprinkler does not cover a spot, you end up with a dry area or an overwatered lawn.

4. Give the soil breathing room. Aerate your lawn once or twice a year in the spring or fall with a gas- or foot-powered aerator. This loosens the roots and lets water and fertilizers penetrate.

5. Try a lush look. If you keep your grass 3 inches high, it will shade out weeds, denying them the sun they need to grow and take over your lawn.

6. Reduce your lawn size. Less lawn means less watering. Consider a border planted with low-maintenance ground cover instead of grass.

7. Kick the chemical fertilizer habit. Do not pump too many nutrients into your lawn. One fertilization with an organic fertilizer in early fall is plenty.

8. Go natural. Insecticides with ingredients such as vinegar and orange oil are sold at many nurseries and boiling water kills weeds.

9. Keep grass clippings. Rather than removing them, rake them gently over your lawn. They’re free and rich in the plant nutrient nitrogen.

10. Consider low-maintenance grass. Ask your local university extension program or agriculture department to recommend a low-maintenance grass.

CALL BILLINGS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS.

GREEN HOME IMPROVEMNTS

The top nine Green home improvements that real estate professionals recommend to home sellers based on cost and return on investment to the sellers include:

1. Plant trees and shrubs
2. Replace air filters
3. Green home staging
4. Weather strip and caulk doors and windows
5. Install programmable thermostats
6. Install low flow shower heads
7. Use auto turn-off power strips
8. Install CFL or LED lights
9. Paint with low VOC paint

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs. 248-4409

STAGING ADVICE

An absolute “must” for home stagers regardless of which demographic being targeted is color. Most sellers are instructed to use neutral colors when repainting. However, adding the right punch of color to accent walls can create depth, enhance kitchen cabinets, or bring a boring bathroom to life.

Homeowners can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for advice with selling your home
248-4409

First-Time Homebuyer Credit

You only have until April 30 to sign a buy-sell with closing by the end of June, 2010 in order to get the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit. There are now new rules on filing to get this credit. If you are working with one of our agents, contact your agent for up-to-date information on this. Give us a call at 248-4409

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS

If you are thinking about buying your first home or becoming a homeowner again after years of renting you may be eligible for assistance that can help you get into a home with less money down or a lower interest rate. The most important factor in finding the right programs is finding the right lender and a real estate agent who is willing to spend extra time and effort making sure you understand the process and are getting the best deal. It is very important to find a lender and an agent that have knowledge and experience in dealing with first time home buyers.
There are 5 main programs available in the Billings area. Give me a call to explain these programs and help you with them.

Jacque Lorang 690-5277 or email ablahoo@yahoo.com

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT

You have until 4/30/2010 to have an accepted buy-sell and close before 6/30/2010 in order to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit from the government. Even if you have owned a home before, you may qualify for this tax credit. If you want to change homes, you may qualify for the $6,500 tax credit. Please give us a call if you are interested in looking for your dream home.

Quiz for First-time homebuyer

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Here are some quizzes from Kiplinger with helpful information in connection with your home purchase. http://www.kiplinger.com/quiz/home_buyer/

If you have questions, please contact Billings Real Estate Professionals and we will be glad to help you with your purchase.

Best Home Improvement Projects

Home Improvement Projects based on Cost and Return on Investment
1.Cleaning and de-cluttering—this costs almost nothing and will increase the amount you receive on your house.
2.Home staging
3.Lightening and brightening
4.Landscaping—curb appeal is important
5.Repairing plumbing
6.updating electrical
7.Replacing or shampooing carpets
8.painting interior walls
9.Repairing dmaged floors
10.Updating kitchen
11.Painting out side of home
12.Updating bathrooms

The home improvement projects with the highest price increases to a home’s resale value are updating the kitchen followed by painting the outside of the home and home staging.

Inexpensive cosmetic home improvements and basic improvements greatly enhance the value of the home.

Home Inspections Important

Home inspections are important to buyers because they may discover potential problems with their home purchase before those issues become apparent after residing in the home and naturally those problems then become their problems. Problems such as low water pressure, small water leaks,foundation problems,roof problems,drainage problems and the list could go on and on but the point is that the inspection can potentially reveal things about the home that are not readily apparent to the casual observer with a quick visual walk through. The inspection can also help the seller to recognize problems and possibly fix them before they become possible obstacles to a sucessful sale and closing. My wife Jo Ann & I believe so firmly in home inspections that we are offering FREE HOME INSPECTIONS for buyers or sellers that list or buy from us, valued up to $400.00. Just call or e-mail Larry or Jo Ann Thomas at 628-2903 or 545-9249 or e-mail larrythomasbrep@msn.com and tell us you saw our offer on the company website and wish to list or buy your next home from us and take advantage of our offer.