Many people know that housing is a good long-term investment, but how many consumers have integrated real estate into their retirement strategy?
These days, people can use pensions, 401k accounts, and IRA's to invest in real estate as part of a retirement plan. Self directed IRA's in particular allow investors the flexibility to invest in real estate As an added benefit, if investing through a Roth IRA, capital gains on the property are generally tax-free because contributions have already been taxed.
When considering whether to invest in real estate through an IRA, consumers should consult an expert, since the transaction can be complex, and mistakes can be costly. Intrepid investors,though, can benefit from adding real estate to their retirement portfolio.
The current buyer's market is a great time to invest!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Baby, You Can Drive My Car......
Right Into My Oversized Garage.....
It seems that America's love affair with cars extends to their homes. Despite rising gas prices, the percentage of home buyers who think having a garage with two or more spaces is very important has risen dramatically over the past three years.
According to the 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences, 57 % of home buyers in 2006 said an oversized garage was very important, compared with only 41% in 2003-2004.
Other features high on buyer's lists included central air conditioning, a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and a home that is cable/satellite TV-ready.
Source: NAR Home Delivery, Residentail Real Estate Trends
August 2007
It seems that America's love affair with cars extends to their homes. Despite rising gas prices, the percentage of home buyers who think having a garage with two or more spaces is very important has risen dramatically over the past three years.
According to the 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences, 57 % of home buyers in 2006 said an oversized garage was very important, compared with only 41% in 2003-2004.
Other features high on buyer's lists included central air conditioning, a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and a home that is cable/satellite TV-ready.
Source: NAR Home Delivery, Residentail Real Estate Trends
August 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Beautify Your Bathroom
Your bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, but remodeling it can feel like a huge project. Here are some tips from Home and Garden Television to help you get it done:
1. Function First. Like the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. Keep function in mind when planning any remodeling or decorating. Consider adding touches that make the room more user-friendly, such as a seat in the shower or additional lighting.
2. Determine layout. Consult the plumbing layout when you are planning to move bathroom fixtures. Think about your daily routine and plan accordingly, keeping fixtures within logical reach of each other (for example, keep the towel rack near the shower).
3. Choose color and style. Think about what you want from the room. Should is be calming? Elegant? Fun? Choose colors that fit your vision. Have fun with your theme or motif, but always keep in mind the size of the room. Too much will appear cluttered.
4. Accent with fixtures. Your faucet and other plumbing fixtures can add drama and appeal to your bathroom. Today’s products offer a plethora of styles and finishes, such as brushed metal, brass and stainless steel.
5. Lighten up. Bathroom lighting is important. Use task lighting for the sink and mirror so you can see clearly. The entire bathroom, however, doesn’t need to be drenched in glaring light. Use softer lighting elsewhere to enhance the mood. 6. Mix materials. Use fabrics and other soft objects to reduce the harshness of tiles and other hard surfaces. Choose soft and luxurious towels, mats and window treatments.
1. Function First. Like the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. Keep function in mind when planning any remodeling or decorating. Consider adding touches that make the room more user-friendly, such as a seat in the shower or additional lighting.
2. Determine layout. Consult the plumbing layout when you are planning to move bathroom fixtures. Think about your daily routine and plan accordingly, keeping fixtures within logical reach of each other (for example, keep the towel rack near the shower).
3. Choose color and style. Think about what you want from the room. Should is be calming? Elegant? Fun? Choose colors that fit your vision. Have fun with your theme or motif, but always keep in mind the size of the room. Too much will appear cluttered.
4. Accent with fixtures. Your faucet and other plumbing fixtures can add drama and appeal to your bathroom. Today’s products offer a plethora of styles and finishes, such as brushed metal, brass and stainless steel.
5. Lighten up. Bathroom lighting is important. Use task lighting for the sink and mirror so you can see clearly. The entire bathroom, however, doesn’t need to be drenched in glaring light. Use softer lighting elsewhere to enhance the mood. 6. Mix materials. Use fabrics and other soft objects to reduce the harshness of tiles and other hard surfaces. Choose soft and luxurious towels, mats and window treatments.
Friday, August 03, 2007
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Granite alternatives…. Concrete, glass and stone are gaining ground as popular materials for countertops. Concrete’s biggest advantage is that it can take any shape, and it’s not as pricey as some other natural stone materials. Because it is cast in molds, it can include subtle texturing and decorative objects such as pieces of metal, fossils or glass. If you are using concrete in the kitchen, consider placing raised strips of metal cast into countertops to support pots and pans near the sink and cooking area.
For those who crave ultra-modern design, another option is glass, which comes in nearly limitless colors, shapes, thicknesses and textures. And because it is nonporous, it is stain-proof and hygienic and can handle hot pots without cracking. Since it’s translucent, it can be combined with other design elements, such as glass over aluminum or decorative tile embedded into the slab. Installing lighting under the counter creates added drama and elegance.
Finally, consider engineered stone, which is slightly cheaper than granite. It’s made from quartz crystals and polymer resin, so it’s nearly maintenance-free. Plus, it’s heat- and cold-resistant, mildew-free, stain-resistant and harder than most things you put on it, so it won’t scratch. Finally, it comes in dozens of colors — some mimic the real thing while others are made to match a designer’s palette. The cost ranges from $70 to $120 per square foot with installation.
For those who crave ultra-modern design, another option is glass, which comes in nearly limitless colors, shapes, thicknesses and textures. And because it is nonporous, it is stain-proof and hygienic and can handle hot pots without cracking. Since it’s translucent, it can be combined with other design elements, such as glass over aluminum or decorative tile embedded into the slab. Installing lighting under the counter creates added drama and elegance.
Finally, consider engineered stone, which is slightly cheaper than granite. It’s made from quartz crystals and polymer resin, so it’s nearly maintenance-free. Plus, it’s heat- and cold-resistant, mildew-free, stain-resistant and harder than most things you put on it, so it won’t scratch. Finally, it comes in dozens of colors — some mimic the real thing while others are made to match a designer’s palette. The cost ranges from $70 to $120 per square foot with installation.
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