"...impossible not to think about the possibilities."

“It’s not about timing the market. It’s about time in the market,” says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer at Move, Inc., a leader in online real estate. “Once you know how long you expect to own a home, look at the historical value performance of properties in the neighborhood. Be confident about your own job security, down payment resources and tolerance for upkeep, as well as the lifestyle you want today and in the near term. While homeownership may not be for everyone, it is the right choice for hundreds of thousands of people. Today’s housing market, especially for first-time buyers, makes it almost impossible not to think about the possibilities.”

This is very well put. There is so much misinformation and apprehension about the nationwide real estate market that potential buyers and sellers don't stop to consider (a) their local market and (b) their very neighborhood.

Don't be discouraged by real estate trends.  Yes, these are rough times, but yes you CAN avoid discouragement without putting those rose-colored glasses, that got so many into trouble in the hey-day, back on.

• Weigh the pros and cons of investing in a property. Is it right for you?
• Do your due diligence or ask a real estate pro (hey, we know some of those in Spokane!) to help you do it.
• Consider mortgage rates, seller motivation, inventory, and historic appreciation.

*Full article and more good advice here.

American Express Report: Consumers think it's a good time to buy

Excerpt from the report:


"To sell their home in the current market, 44 percent of homeowners note that they would be interested in including appliances, while 28 percent would consider offering to make requested repairs or allowing an allotment for repairs."


Click here for the full article or to access the report.

Dos & Don'ts for Your Garbarge Disposal

Hey, we all have them!  American Home Shield gives us some great tips to keep our garbage disposals running clean and mean.

Here are a few excerpts from the full list (which happens to be AHS's *most read* article of 2010. Can you believe it?):

Do:

• Grind hard materials. Many people think food like chicken bones or small fruit pits are a no-no, but they can actually help clean the walls of the disposal.
• Use cold water for at least 20 seconds. This will solidify grease so that it can be ground up. Also, make sure that all food particles are washed completely down the drain.
• Keep it clean. One good way to eliminate drain smells is by grinding citrus fruit peels. You can also add a few drops of dish soap and let the disposal run for a few minutes.

Don't:

• Use hot water. This will make grease liquefy and build up, which can clog the drain.
• Turn off the motor too quickly. You'll want to make sure all food particles are completely ground. Once done, continue to run the water for at least 15 seconds to flush out particles.
• Wash coffee grounds down the drain. While they won't harm the disposal itself, they can clog pipes and drains.