Great Neighborhoods To Celebrate Fourth Of July

One thing that Colorado does best is it's Fourth of July celebration and 2012 is already shaping up to be one of its best!  Here in Highlands Ranch we usually just gather at town center and check out the great fireworks display.  This is great fun for people of all ages just remember to take some chairs or a huge towel to sit on to watch the festivities.  After all that fun we head back to our neighborhood and gather with all the other neighbors to shoot off our own fireworks.  But this isn't just a Highlands Ranch thing this happens all over Denver so have fun be safe and happy Fourth to all of you.

Where Everyone Will Be June 8th 2012 in Highlands Ranch

One of our favorite events to do as a family in Highlands Ranch is Culture on the Green. It's very cool because it's set outside on Civic Green Park, families from around the area get together to listen to great cultural bands. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for an evening under the stars because admission is FREE. This year there is going to be a Caribbean band Pan Jumbies led by an acclaimed steel pan artist!  The band plays everything from calypso, reggae, ska, jazz and more.  Whether you come to listen, to dance, or just for the Island Vibes this Caribbean Band has something for all ages.  June 8th from 6:30-8 PM

Pictures posted are from Culture on the Green 2011, that was an amazing show!!!! Don't miss this year

 

 

Best of Both Worlds at Highlands Ranch Music & Art Festival

One of the advantages of living in Highlands Ranch are the cool art festivals and various concerts around town.  Well this event has both, this Saturday and Sunday come enjoy a day at the park at the 7th annual Highlands Ranch Music & Arts Festival.  Presented by the Highlands Ranch Concert Band and Swing Shift, the band's jazz group, the festival features two days of music in a variety of genres.  My family last year brought a picnic and set up on the lawn and enjoyed a beautiful day of jazz in the park.  Bands like Too Many Trombones, The Rootin Tootin Dixieland Band, The Denver Concert Band, and The Highlands Ranch Concer Band and Swing Shift.  There are also local artists and crafters selling there stuff and food as well.  The festivities will be Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM & Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM at:
Civic Green Park
9370 Ridgeling Blvd,
Highlands Ranch 80129

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Summer in backcountry highlighted by wilderness camps

Another year of school over no it's time to get ready for all the summer activities going on around the Ranch.  For the kids that live around Highlands Ranch they have a 8200 Sq Ft backyard called the "Back Country"  From hayrides to nature hikes, day camps, trail rides, and tons of special events such as the cattle branding coming up on May 12th, the back country has something for everyone, even adult.  Feel like doing some horseback riding, turkey hunting, or maybe you may become lucky enough to win the elk hunt lottery, the back country offering are not for kids only.  Don't miss the wine by campfire happening later on in August this is a fun event that we have been to.  But what is new and exclusive for kids ages 9-13 this summer are the week-long, full day Wilderness Adventures camps that the HRCA is partnering up with The Wildlife experience on June 18 and running through Aug3, the camps will start off every morning in a different location in the back country and shift back to The Wildlife Experience for the afternoon.  The camp ill include archery lessons, ecology, animal tracking, survival lessons, hayrides, horseback riding, and tons of guest speakers. " What happens in a late afternoon thunderstorm?" you ask, at that time kids will be entertained with 3-d movies, scientific experiments and live animal encounters.  The camps which are open to are being offered for $265/week for residents and $345/week for non-residents. 

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Taste of Highlands Ranch May 4th

In it's 17 year, this year the Taste of Highlands Ranch will not only benefit the palates of all those who choose to attend, but the American Cancer Society as well.  One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event's silent auction and a percentage of the ticket sales will go directly to the American Cancer Society.  As for vendors as we've seen year to year it doesn't get much better then the "taste"  Last year when we went they had over 100 different types of wines and a bunch of microbreweries as well.   It's a great way to sample a variety of cocktails as well as different restaurants from around the Ranch. Not only will there be restaurants from Highlands Ranch bu this tear a few from the Tech Center will be there as well!  Expect there to be over 25+ restaurants with all types of food being served.  This event will be 6 PM-9PM at the Eastridge Recreation Center and will be for people 21 and up.  Tickets purchased before May 4th will be $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents.  At the door tickets will be $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents.  Pre-Sale tickets will be available at all Highlands Ranch Rec Centers

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Highlands Ranch Farmers Market Coming Back To Town Center May 6th

Since moving to Highlands Ranch 4 years ago one of our favorite things to do is buy fresh produce and food at the farmers market.  The most amazing part is this farmers market grows every year with more attendee's and different farmers.  This will be the seventh year for the farmers market and street fair and it will mark it's return on May 6th this Sunday and run almost all the way through fall (Oct 28th).  It's not just fruits and vegetables anymore the street fair brings lots of other components like bakeries and artwork.  With the new additions we are seeing thousands of people flock to Highlands Ranch every Sunday with people coming here from Grand Junction to Ft Morgan.  You can find everything from homemade jewlery to fresh flowers to healthy Colorado-grown food, the market is open from 10 AM-2 PM each Sunday at 9288 Dorchester St in Town Center.  Vendors will change through out the summer so log onto HRCA.com for updated details.

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Drought Declared For Denver Metro

HI all you Highland Ranchers out there if you have heard the news we are now in a stage one in a drought all over the Denver Metro Area. What does this mean for us home owners and future home owners?

This means that voluntary water restrictions shall go in effect immediately! Don't fret because your nice KentuckY Bluegrass lawn won't go brown if you follow these rules.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS OFFICIALS ARE ASKING YOU TO DO:

• Please water only two days a week and don't water if we get rain
• Try and only water areas that need it the most. if there is grass in a shady are that won't need as much water as the one in direct sunlight
• Water in the early mornings or early evenings to avoid evaporation, watering too late at night may cause mold so be careful
  
• Don't forget your sprinkler system is adjustable it has settings for different parts of the season. If you don't know how to adjust these refer to your owner manual.  Don't just set it and forget it that'll waste tons of water!!!!!
• Water less than two minutes

MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS GO IN AFFECT MAY 1ST: HERE ARE SOME OF THOSE RESTRICTIONS

• No watering your lawn between 10 A.M.-6 P.M.Don't water more than three days a week (you can pick and choose the days you want)
  
• Don't waste water by letting it pool in gutters, alleys, and streets
• Don't waste water by letting it hit concrete or asphault
• Repair all leaky or faulty sprinklers within 10 days
• Do not water during days it will rain or high winds

At agent reboot eating chocolate covered crickets

p169.mov Watch on Posterous

Yummy chocolate covered cricket (for a free shirt) wasn't bad at all

An agent reboot and you get a free shirt if you eat a cricket

Yummy!!!

Scary picture taken in a house I was showing

I was showing some houses to some clients when we climbed down some satire to the basement to find this :0

12 Things You Can Sacrifice When Buying A Home: Tips 10-12

Many homebuyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 1-3

10. Single-family home

The old-school American dream involved a white picket fence and a home to call your own, but not every buyer needs that. Many buyers won't consider looking at homes called twins, or duplexes, which are attached in the middle but are two separate homes. The same goes for townhouses. With a townhouse, you can often get everything you want at your price range. Buyers can be reluctant because they have lived in apartments where you can hear your neighbors, but those apartment complexes have paper-thin walls. Thinking outside the single-family home can often mean a more updated home — even more space — for less. So don't automatically skip over townhouses, duplexes and condos.

11. A fixer-upper or project home

Lots of buyers just want to find a deal, they insist that they are willing to take on a project to get a deal. But when it comes to writing an offer, they don't want a deal. They want a home that requires absolutely nothing. Sure, a fixer-upper can be a bargain if you know what you're getting into. But generously estimate what it will cost to get that home ready to live in — and don't forget to include the cost of your time. Buyers should not to get too excited about foreclosures and short sales. Those homes are sold "as is," and the owners or others may have stripped the home of a lot of valuable things: appliances, plumbing and even kitchen cabinets.

12. Building amenities

Buyers think they need a lot of amenities in their high-rise condo building, but it's not always worth it to pay extra for those things. For example a luxury high rise may add money to the purchase price because of their high profile gym, but down the street might be a gm as well where membership is only $40/month.. Ammenities aren't always worth it

TIPS 1-3
TIPS 4-6
TIPS 7-9

12 Things You Can Sacrifice To Save On A Home: Tips 7-9

Many home buyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 1-3

7. Location

Most cities have an inner ring that's more desired for housing – and more expensive. Most buyers think that's where they 'need' to live, but after they look at some houses there, then they look at houses only one or two miles away, they realize they can buy a house with more of what they want for less money and still live in nice neighborhoods and convenient locations. Maybe you love the idea of a walkable neighborhood, but you really drive everywhere. Why pay a premium for something you never use? The same goes for homes near public transportation. All that said, location is likely the most important factor in your home purchase. Make sure you won't hate your commute after a couple of weeks, that you're comfortable in the neighborhood and that you feel safe. Safety is not a good thing to sacrifice.

8. School district

If you're a parent, a quality education for your children is a big priority and something you should not give up. People will sacrifice a lot of things to ensure their children attend a good school. Some who can't afford to buy in a good school district will rent a home just so the kids can go to a certain school. But homes in good school districts do generally cost more, so buyers without children, buyers with grown children and those who expect they'll move again before their children reach school age needn't worry about the quality of nearby schools.

9. Updated kitchen

One of the biggest misconceptions is buyers think they need granite counter-tops and stainless-steel appliances. Buyers could pick the color of their granite and get top-notch appliances, all for $9,000. They would save money by not having the current seller install those items, and the renovation would take only a couple of days. Buyers see the homebuying and home-makeover shows on TV and think everybody should have granite, but that's something you can add later. It's like when you read fashion magazines and suddenly it feels like everyone else in the world is skinny with a designer dress. Buyers feel that way. Everyone else is getting this, why can't I have it?

tips 1-3
tips 4-6

Coming soon tips 10-12

12 Things You Can Sacrifice To Save On A Home: Tips 4-6

Many homebuyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 4-6

4. Extra or master bathroom

Some buyers will insist on having an extra bathroom in the house "for when we have guests come." But when I ask how often guests visit, they admit it's "not that often." Buyers also insist on having master bathrooms, there are a lot of older homes that weren't built with a master bath. Instead hey usually have a nice large hall bath, and you can always add a master bath. Buyers also worry about resale. Will it be hard to sell a home if it only has one bathroom? Or even two? If it's priced appropriately, you'll sell it anyways.

5. Number of bedrooms

A lot of first-time buyers are looking for homes with four bedrooms. For one thing, homes that are listed as having three bedrooms may have an extra room that isn't classified as a bedroom, maybe because it doesn't have a closet. That space could be used as a guest room or office and meet the buyer's needs. Just as the extra bathroom for guests may be an unnecessary expense, forking over that extra cash to have a guest room for the occasional in-laws or college friends may not be worth it. Put guests in a child's room for a few days; kids love sleeping bags on the floor. Or buy a comfortable futon and let your office do double duty once or twice a year.

6. Garage

Buyers are just as stubborn about garages as they are about fenced yards and that many refuse to look at homes that don't have a garage. In some parts of the country, a garage is a need. But if you're dead-set on a three-car garage simply because you want the extra storage space. A detached storage building is a fantastic, inexpensive option instead of a garage, he says. So maybe a one-car garage will meet your vehicle needs, and you can look elsewhere for a place to stow that sports equipment and lawn mower. That's called compromise — and savings.


Next blog sacrifices 7-9

12 Things You Can Sacrifice To Save On A Home: Tips 1-3

Many homebuyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 1-3

1. Square footage

Most buyers want more space than they need, so ask yourself whether giving up a formal dining room or few feet in the living area is going to significantly affect your lifestyle. Buyers who dream of a 6,000-square-foot palace need to remember that every square foot comes with a price, one of the primary factors to base a list price on is square feet, so only purchasing those square feet that a buyer will use will help their bottom line. Plus, they will save on not having to heat, maintain and furnish that extra space.

2. Yard size

Many buyers, particularly men, want a big lot and a large yard, but in suburban areas getting that land costs disproportionately more. Plus the work required to maintain a yard — mowing, fertilizing, trimming and planting — and how much time and money it will take should be a major factor in ones decision. Some buyers may want that large yard so their children have a place to play, but kids don't really play in the backyard as much as they once did. No a days they all go to soccer and all these other places to play. As long as the backyard is level, so you can see where your kids are when they do play in the yard, then it doesn't have to be a huge space.

3. Fenced yard

A fenced yard is often on a buyer's want list, but a fence is an easy and often inexpensive post-purchase addition. Many buyers don't want to even consider homes without fences, I suggest to look at a few homes in their price range that don't have fences but do have more interior upgrades, you'll come around to the idea of adding a fence later.

Next blog sacrifices 4-6

Nice Curb Appeal For Your Home With Some Early Spring Gardening

March may find you sighing with impatience as you watch yet another snowfall cover your barren container boxes, but it's one of the most important months for gardeners.

Tool cleanup
If you didn't do so in the fall, it's time to give your lawn mower and other tools some tough love.
Get ahead of the spring crowds by dropping off your lawn mower now to have the oil changed, bolts tightened and blades sharpened.  Remove soil from your tools' metal parts using sandpaper or a hose.

Lawn doctoring
The green, green grass of home doesn't get that way by accident, and March is a perfect time to assess your lawn's health.  Pluck a 4- to 5-inch square from your yard to see what's going on down there.  Fertilize your lawn now or start a new lawn using seeds or sod.

Weeding
There's always the battle of the weeds. The only way to win that fight is to keep at it. Nip weeds at the bud — literally, for if they're allowed to flower and go to seed, you could be looking at several years' worth of uninvited guests: Some weeds shed 10,000 seeds at a pop. 

Preparing soil
Once your soil has had a chance to thaw and lose some of its winter moisture, you'll want to prep it for planting.  Remove mulch over the course of several days, exposing the soil gradually.  Till or spade soil six to 12 inches deep.  Mix in compost, peat moss and fertilizer for plants or vegetables. For vegetable gardens, include processed or well-rotted manure in the mix (using fresh manure in the spring may burn or damage your plants).  Rake the soil level to smooth out low spots; pockets of water can make the soil cool, which slows plant growth.

Vegetables
Start planning your vegetable garden, keeping in mind the following guidelines.  Choose neighboring vegetables carefully and you may as much as double your vegetable harvest. Onions, for example, are no friend to peas and beans but make good bedmates for tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce and beets.  Later in the month (in most zones) you can seed or set out hardier vegetables, such as chard and Brussels sprouts.

Slug control

As tender shoots start to poke up in the spring, they make a beggar's banquet for slugs. Plan your counterattack before young plants become young nubs.  As with much garden damage control, natural methods are growing in popularity. One simple approach is to sprinkle slugs with salt, which causes them to dry up.  Slugs are attracted to stale beer, which you can leave in a shallow dish or bowl; slugs will enter and drown.  If you use a commercial slug bait, read the label carefully to be sure it won't endanger children, pets or birds.

Fun for kids
Kids love to help with simple growing projects or to have plants of their own to watch and care for, especially if growth is rapid (remember those pint-size attention spans).  Kids love watching plants grow from seeds. Beans, peas and parsley all grow quickly in pots, and seeds can be set in fun shapes or kids' initials.

For the birds
Find out who's likely to fly over for a visit in the next month or two, and target bird treats and feeder types for their individual tastes.  Most bird species will go for either oil-type sunflower seeds or white millet (offered separately), but sunflower-seed munchers tend to prefer elevated feeders with perches, while millet lovers usually prefer ground or large platform feeders.

Homes Are At Their Lowest Price Point In A Decade

Home prices fell to their lowest point in more than a decade in January, which helped to lift the pace of home sales, according to a report from an industry trade group. The National Association of Realtors reported that the median home price in January fell 2% from December to $154,700. That's the lowest price reading since November 2001, before the run-up in home prices that became known as the housing bubble. The median price is the point at which half of homes are sold for a higher price, and half are sold at a lower price.  Serving as a drag on existing home prices is a large inventory of homes in foreclosure. Distressed home sales, which includes homes in foreclosure and so-called short sales in which the home is sold for less than what is owed on the mortgage, made up 35% of sales in January.  But the pace of sales rose to the highest level since May of 2010, helped by the low prices and rock-bottom mortgage rates. The seasonally-adjusted annual sales pace of 4.57 million homes was up slightly from the revised 4.38 million in December. The last time homes sold at that pace, buyers were rushing to qualify for an $8,000 homebuyer's tax credit that was about to expire. The housing market has been showing signs of recovery in recent months. The combination of low mortgage rates and a decline in home prices means homes are more affordable than they've been in decades.

Best Part Of Being A Homeowner-TAX BREAKS!!!!

There are two things you can count on when you become a homeowner: You get more tax breaks, and your taxes get more complicated. Whether you’ve purchased a single-family home, townhouse or condominium, tax breaks are available to you.

It’s time to get familiar with Form 1040 and Schedule A, because that’s where you will have to provide all the details about your new tax-deductible expenses. To take advantage of these tax breaks, you have to itemize your deductions. If this is the best choice for you, here some of the expenses you can deduct:

Mortgage interest. Owning a home allows you to deduct the interest you pay for your mortgage. This is usually the biggest tax break for most people, because a significant amount of your house payment goes toward interest during the early years of a mortgage. You can deduct all the interest you pay unless your loan is for more than $1 million. This includes any interest you pay on a loan to buy your home and, with some limitations, the interest on a home equity line of credit or home equity loan. There are two conditions you must meet to get this deduction. You must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions on that form's Schedule A. The mortgage is a secured debt on a qualified home in which you have an ownership interest.

Points. When you finance a home, you may pay what are called "points." Points lower the interest rate on your mortgage by effectively prepaying a portion of the interest at closing. Points are paid by the borrower to the lender as part of the loan deal, and they are a percentage of the loan. Points may also be called loan origination fees, maximum loan charges, loan discount or discount points.  Points are deductible as interest, but you generally can’t deduct the full amount in the year they were paid unless you meet certain requirements. If you aren’t eligible to deduct your points the first year, you can deduct them over the life of the mortgage. To determine if you are eligible, reference the exact guidelines provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

PMI premiums on certain mortgages. If you make a down payment of less than 20%, you are required to carry private mortgage insurance, or PMI. This type of insurance is paid for by the buyer but protects the lender in case the borrower stops paying on the loan. PMI premiums can be deducted if the mortgage was issued after 2006. This deduction is effective for premiums paid through 2011. There are no limits on the amount of PMI premiums you can deduct, but your income may reduce the deduction amount.

Tax savings on the gain when you sell. This one seems almost too good to be true. When you sell your home, the amount of your gain from the sale is tax-free if you meet the criteria. If you are married, you can earn up to $500,000 on the sale, and you won’t have to pay tax on the earnings. If you are single, you can earn up to $250,000 without paying any federal tax. There’s only one catch: You have to own and occupy your home for at least two of the past five years.

The Correct Way to Shovel Snow Around Your House

Snowfall can be a beautiful thing, but only for so long. At some point, you'll want to get it off of your home, sidewalk, deck or wherever else it blocks your way or poses a potential hazard. Professional snow removal services are often available, as are snowblowers. But if you're the old-fashioned sort, you'll get out the snow shovel and do it yourself--just make sure you're doing it the right way.

Preparations
Shoveling is hard work, so don't make it harder on yourself by drinking caffeine or smoking beforehand. Stimulants like these can increase your heart rate and put extra stress on it when you shovel.  If there's snow, it's cold, so put on several layers of clothes to start. As you shovel, take them off as need be. It's better to be overly warm rather than not being covered well enough.  You're probably going to sweat, so drink plenty of water before you go out. Sweating isn't a summer-only activity and dehydration is always a possibility.  Stretch your muscles by running or walking in place for a few minutes. Stretch your arms and legs, but pay particular attention to your back: bend forward, backward and to each side several times. You can also lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest to focus on your lower back.

Shoveling
Use a lightweight shovel with a smaller blade, preferably one with a bend in the handle because it will take some of the stress off your lower back. You'll lift less snow with a smaller blade, but also put a lot less strain on your body.  Go slowly and pace yourself. Hurrying to get finished can lead to overexertion and injury. Take frequent breaks.  Shovel snow shortly after it falls, if you can. It is lighter than packed, melting snow.  Stand so that your feet are even with your hips. Bend your knees, not your back, and keep the shovel close to your body. Push snow instead of lifting it, if that is viable for your situation. If you must lift it to remove it, scoop the snow into the blade, then use your stomach muscles and legs to lift it--not your back. Turn your entire body, not simply your torso, to dump the snow to either side.

Warnings
Shoveling snow can cause a quick rise in your blood pressure and heart rate. In fact, one study points out that two minutes of shoveling snow brought sedentary men's heart rates to levels higher than aerobic exercise.  Hypothermia--a decrease in body temperature--is always a threat in cold weather, even if you are working hard. Make sure you wear enough warm clothing and go inside to warm up as necessary.  Shoveling incorrectly--that is, using your back to lift--can cause back strain and even serious injury, especially if you do not engage in a regular exercise regime.

Josh Schwab
Broker Associate
Keller Williams Executives
303-324-1112

Where are people moving to or from?

Where is America moving?

 The 2011 Migration Patterns study results provide a snapshot of relocation patterns, showing an overall increase in the number of moves over last year.  Southwestern and Mid-Atlantic coastal states were popular destinations in 2011. The Midwest continues to lose residents, but Michigan became a balanced state after six consecutive years of steady outbound moves. For the sixth year in a row, Washington, D.C. had the highest percentage of inbound moves, while Ohio came out the clear leader in the highest percentage of outbound moves.

Other migration trends:

Northern States With the exception of New Hampshire, which went from an inbound to a balanced state, and Massachusetts, Connecticut and West Virginia, which transformed from balanced to outbound states, the Northern States saw relatively few changes in moving patterns from 2010 to 2011.

Southern States

The Southeast remains balanced with the exception of Louisiana, which switched from a balanced state to an outbound one in 2011. Southwest states Texas and New Mexico continue to be inbound states, as well as Mid-Atlantic states Virginia and North Carolina. After becoming a newly inbound state in 2010, Kentucky is now balanced.

Midwestern States

Again seeing the majority of its states with more outbound than inbound moves, the Midwest region only has three balanced states – Iowa, South Dakota and Michigan. Despite uncertain economic conditions, Michigan became a balanced state following a six-year streak as an outbound state. Wisconsin, Nebraska and Kansas finished 2011 as outbound states – all of which were previously classified as balanced states for seven, nine and 10 years in a row, respectively.

Western States

The annual study shows that the majority of the Western states remain balanced with only two states changing status. Utah is now an outbound state and Wyoming is now balanced.

Josh Schwab
http://yourdenveragent.com
303-324-1112

Top 10 Skills You Need To Fix Common Household Problems (steps 8-10))

Here is a continuation of my blog from the last two days on skills every home owner needs to fix common household problems

8. Stem a flood — and save your wiring

As a safety measure, you should know where your main water and electrical shutoffs are. The water shutoff will be near where the water enters the house. Look for a metal wheel or a flat handle like a paddle. Or check outside for a mini manhole cover — the shutoff may be there. The main electrical switch will be in or near the main box. On an old fuse system, it may be a big lever or a handle that pulls out a whole block. On a modern breaker box it will be an isolated switch near the top of the box. Flip it to keep the circuits (and you) from getting fried.

9. Paint a double-hung window

Forget the blue tape for this job. Your No. 1 tool is a 1½- to 2-inch sash brush. Its angled bristles come to a point, giving you a fine line. Raise the bottom sash and lower the top sash so they've almost switched places.

1. Paint the exposed parts of the top sash, now on the bottom, including the muntins.
2. Carry a thin line of paint onto the glass to seal the glazing.
3. Nearly close the window and paint the rest of the top sash.
4. Paint the entire bottom sash, without getting paint between the sash and the stops (the pieces of wood in front that hold them in place).
5. Paint the casing, sill and apron. Before the paint dries, move the sash up and down. "If you can't see a clear crack between the sash and the stop because of wet paint," says Tom Silva, "then you just glued the window shut."

10. Stop an overflowing toilet

A toilet works by gravity: The water in the tank — just enough to fill the bowl — drops down and pushes waste through the drain. The float drops, opening a valve that lets in water to refill the bowl and the tank simultaneously. The valve closes when the float rises far enough to shut off the water.
If the water from the tank can't leave the bowl fast enough, the refill will spill over. To stop the refill action, take off the top of the tank, grab the float and pull it up to close the valve. That should give you time to reach down and shut off the water, or at least wait for some of the water in the bowl to drain.

Top 10 Skills You Need To Fix Common Household Problems (steps 4-7)

On the heels of President Obamas State Of The Union address it seems like we all are going to have to fend for ourselves for a while. It's up to us to save money here is a continuation of my real estate blog from yesterday on skills every home owner needs to fix common household problems

4. Remove a stripped screw

A hand screwdriver appropriate for the screw and a double dose of elbow grease to fix this unfortunate bit of handiwork. Gently hammer the screwdriver into the head. Then use as much downward force as you can while you slowly back out the screw.

5. Hardwire a light fixture

Anything powered by electricity requires that the current make a full circuit to and from the main box. All the wiring in a house has two lines: one that brings in the electricity (the hot wire) and one that carries it back (the neutral wire). Connect hot wires to each other and neutrals to each other. And make sure you don't become the conduit in between.  The hot is usually black and the neutral white. But if yours look different, use a circuit tester. With the electricity on, touch one node of the tester to the wire and the other to something metal that is not touching you. If the light goes on, that's your hot wire.
Turn off the electricity and connect the black ("hot") wire to the black wire or the brass screw on your fixture and the white (neutral) to white wire or silver screw. If your fixture has two like-colored wires, the grooved one always goes to the neutral connection. Be sure to connect the copper grounding wire from the cable to the green grounding screw in the junction box, then to the grounding wire coming from the fixture, if there is one. View Image Below

 

 

 

 

6. Know which breaker to turn off

When you finally get around to putting in that dimmer switch, you won't want to be stumped by a poorly labeled breaker box. Ditch the pencil and paper chart — you're not changing your wiring any time soon. Instead, write directly on the metal next to each switch with a fine permanent marker. Have a friend plug lamps into all the sockets in a room and tell you via cellphone which ones go dark when you flip a switch. Be specific ("sofa and window walls only" or "kitchen minus fridge") when you jot it down.

7. Use a fire extinguisher

Work fast — the typical extinguisher has as little as eight seconds of life, so know in advance how yours works. Make sure to stow it near an exit so you can back out as you fight the flames. Then remember the acronym "PASS": 1) Pull the pin. 2) Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames. 3) Squeeze the trigger. 4) Sweep the spray from side to side. Don't assume the fire is out just because the flames are gone. Call 911 and wait for the fire department to give you the high sign.


Steps 8-10 tomorrow