Monthly archives for October, 2008

New Series: Green Holidays

Oct15
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

From presidential debates to news articles to conversations among neighbors, the same topic keeps emerging. It’s on everyone’s mind these days, and it’s only going to grow in importance: reduced energy costs and green living are the future. And that goes for real estate, too.

If you own your own home, now is the time to become more green-aware and to make renovations and changes that will create lower energy costs and greater marketability in years to come. Home buyers are increasingly aware that energy-efficient remodeling can greatly reduce costs, as well as help the environment. So updating your home accordingly is one way to make your home outshine the competition and increase in value.

Here at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ve been suggesting ways to reduce energy costs and go green with your home all year, from ways you personally can use less and conserve more in practice to plants you can add to your interior and lists of other specific suggestions for being more green. (Just take a look at our “Green Living” category for more.)

A new spin we’re bringing to you now is “Going Green during the Holidays,” where we’ll highlight eco-friendly tips and suggestions that correspond with seasonal changes and festivities. First up is Halloween, so stay tuned!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Fall Events: Phoenix

Oct14
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

Arizona has more to offer than just the Grand Canyon! Its fall calendar is filled with endless activities! Whether you want to find the perfect pumpkin to place in your cacti garden, or you want definite Halloween plans to show off your killer costume, Arizona has it all! Between fests, sports, concerts and more, you won’t ever find yourself with an eventless weekend.

Farms/Pumpkins/Orchards provide outdoor fun for anyone of any age. Gather some pumpkins or fill a basket with apples in between roaming through corn mazes and cooking s’mores at bon fires.

Here are some specialty events:

  • Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party in Queen Creek runs Thursdays through Sundays from Oct. 2 to Nov 2. Choose from a load of activities! Relax on a hayride, try your luck in the multiple mazes, shoot for a hole-in-one on the mini-golf course, cause havoc with the pumpkin launcher, spin on the carousel rides and sit by a bon fire, all while enjoying live entertainment on two stages! Friday and Saturday evenings even offer you the opportunity to watch a movie outdoors!
  • Apple Annie’s Produce & Pumpkins in Wilcox runs every weekend in October. Eat healthier this fall by providing your household with fresh veggies and apples from Apple Annie’s! You can also visit the pumpkin patch or test your memory skills in the three-level corn maze! If you time it right, you can even enjoy all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts and apple-smoked burger lunches.
  • Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale runs everyday in October and November, except Mondays. Search the pumpkin patches, view the surroundings on a hay ride, roam the corn maze during the day and scream freely during the nighttime haunted maze!

Haunted houses are only available one time of year. Don’t let it slip by without surrounding yourself with creepy clowns, crazed ghosts and wacky prisoners with chainsaws!

Here are the scariest houses in the area:

  • Alien Extreme in Mesa will cause you to question your thoughts on outer space. When aliens surround you, it’ll be hard not to believe they exist! A collage of live actors, animated props and 3D special effects will surely make you feel like you’re trapped on an alien spacecraft.
  • Arizona’s Original Scream Park in Scottsdale provides FOUR haunted attractions! If one doesn’t do the trick, try another! Attractions include Alice’s House of Nightmares, 3D Fear Factory, Castle of Darkness and Goldminers Revenge!
  • Bloodbury Cemetery in Chandler is the most unique experience of them all. This homeowner has turned his own home into a haunted attraction! Congratulate this hard work by visiting the attraction yourself!

Fests single out a few special days of the month by providing you with a unique, special experience. With the ideal weather of fall, you could fill each upcoming weekend with a different fest!

Here are some eye-catchers:

  • Arizona State Fair is an annual favorite of Arizona civilians! This State Fair offers up the usual festival rides and food vendors that you love. Special performances include Larry the Cable Guy, the Goo Goo Dolls and Lauren Gottlieb, a top contestant in So You Think You Can Dance. Other special events include an up-close-and-personal grizzly bear show, a petting zoo and a Rock Band competition! This Fair runs from Oct. 10 to Nov. 2.
  • International Horror and Science Fiction Film Festival in Tempe runs from October 23 to October 26 and offers you an opportunity to view horror and science fiction films, produced by independent filmmakers. Afterward, socialize with the filmmakers in a “party” environment.
  • Boo at the Zoo at the Phoenix Zoo runs from October 25 to 26. Enjoy the usual wildlife found at the zoo while also viewing mascot parades, a pony parade, special animal shows, “stomping and chomping” pumpkins and more!

Sports swarm the country at this time of year! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. No matter where your interests lie, there’s a fall sport for you!

Here are the most popular sports:

  • Arizona Cardinals is Arizona’s NFL team! Gather the entire experience of live football by picking up tickets for a home game at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
  • Phoenix Coyotes is Arizona’s hockey team! If you prefer more violence than what football has to offer, hockey is the perfect choice! Watch these men fight for a victory at the Jobing.com Arena.
  • Phoenix Suns is Arizona’s NBA team! Basketball is usually a clean, fast-paced sport: less fighting, constant action. Pick up your tickets for a home game played at the US Airyways Center.

Theatre is the ideal option for a relaxing evening. Theatre productions are performed year-round and will never let you down.

Here are upcoming shows:

  • Can love and humanity survive through the affair between a nightclub’s former star attraction and an American writer? Find out by attending the classic Cabaret performance! Shows run from Oct. 3 to Nov. 16 at the Phoenix Arizona Theatre.
  • If you’re looking for a mix between comedy and emotion, ‘Til Death Do Us Part is your match. This story will make you laugh and shed tears through the story of a married couple growing old together. It’s being performed at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
  • If you thought you could never sit through a Shakespeare classic, think again! William Shakespeare’s plot of Twelfth Night takes a twist with musical performances by Elvis Presley! Together, it’s called All Shook Up and will make you wish you were out there dancing! Catch a showing between October 2 and November 15 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
  • For a traditional Shakespeare experience, enjoy the classic drama found in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, showing from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Symphony Hall in Phoenix.

Concerts provide an evening of music to the ears! New performers are always coming to the area, so staying up-to-date is crucial if you don’t want to miss your favorite singer/band. No matter what your taste of music is, something is out there for you!

Here are some upcoming shows:

  • Weezer, Oct. 18 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • Sheryl Crow, Oct. 21 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • Mary J Blige, Oct. 22 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • Meatloaf, Oct. 30 Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • Alanis Morissette, Nov. 11 at the Dodge Theatre
  • Smash Mouth, Nov. 15 at the Celebrity Theatre
Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Closeted Dreams

Oct13
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Alexis

A wise woman once said, “Don’t get me a diamond . . . get me a really big closet.” According to census data, Americans buy about 75% more clothes now than they did 10 years ago—a fact that has influenced designers, homebuilders and organizational gurus alike. These days, a closet is more than just storage space; it is an expression of personal taste and style. Many homeowners are dreaming big and reaching for the brass ring: a custom built-in organizational system.

These often-breathtaking systems should be viewed as an investment, not a splurge. After all, high-end closet organization is one of the top amenities buyers look for in a new house. Here are a few tips for transforming your overstuffed closet into a fashionista’s dream:

1. Let your clothes dictate your storage system.
Assess what type of clothes you have and how much space each item really needs. While you’re in an organizational mood, consider sorting your clothes by type and color. This will give you a whole new perspective on your wardrobe.

2. Consider all the tools and options available.

  • Slanted shoe shelves with fencing maximize visibility, while keeping your designer treasures organized. For smaller shoe collections, consider divider systems or cubbies that can be customized to fit your shoe size.
  • If space permits, think about adding glass-front doors. This allows you to view your clothes without subjecting them to dust and other harmful debris.
  • Consider a double-hung closet. It is a great way to make the most of a small space.
  • If you have a particularly large wardrobe, you might want to invest in a freestanding organizational system. Unlike typical systems that fit in your closet, these immense creations can be as large or as intricate as you want.
  • Recessed lights are a great way to highlight shelves, drawers and other niches.
  • A valet rod is perfect for hanging tomorrow’s clothes or helping you put together an outfit.
  • Purchase high-quality wooden hangers that won’t stretch, distress or destroy your clothes.
  • If you are lucky enough to have the extra space, consider adding a dressing table or a small sitting area.
  • Consider adding your own conveyor system, which offers accessible at the push of a button.

    • 3. Let your personal decorating choices shine through.
    Add decorative molding or designer handles to customize your organizational system, and choose fixtures and materials that appeal to your sense of style.

    Don’t keep your closet masterpiece hidden behind a plain, six-panel door. Consider getting rid of your closet door altogether and letting the whole world see your newly organized space.

    4. Be organized!
    Place rarely used items on higher shelves to maximize efficiency. Invest in adjustable shelves that can adapt as your wardrobe changes. Drawers are ideal for storing personal items and other unmentionables that you do not want displayed. Separate organizational systems are also available for your drawers. Compartmentalization adds a touch of sophistication to your closet and often means more space for your clothes.

    Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , ,

    101 Tips for Selling Your Home

    Oct12
    2008     6 Comments Written by Shanna

    If you’re selling your home, this list of 101 tips is definitely a must-read. In today’s slower market, it’s not enough to stick a sign in the front yard and continue life as usual. Buyers have more than enough homes to choose from, so sellers need to be proactive about getting their properties noticed.

    Essentially, selling in a slow market is all about outshining the competition. Here are some specific tips, tricks and ideas to send you on your way:

    1. Price accurately.
    2. Be aware of market conditions.
    3. Look at other for-sale homes within a half mile or less.
    4. Look at other similar, recently sold (within the last three months) homes in the area.
    5. Get a presale home inspection or appraisal.
    6. Set an asking price that reflects an understanding of the current market.
    7. If you want to sell fast, aim to be 10% lower than similar homes in the same area. Buyers will take notice!
    8. Offer incentives, if possible.

    9. Market aggressively through Buy Owner.
    10. Consult a Buy Owner representative.
    11. Communicate your home’s features to your rep.
    12. Ask him or her any questions that are on your mind.
    13. Work with the rep to create a customized ad package to meet your needs.
    14. Take advantage of Buy Owner’s professional photography.
    15. Feature virtual tours in your online advertising.
    16. Review the ad copy created by Buy Owner and edit anything you need to.
    17. Use your seller tools to create flyers.
    18. Distribute these flyers anywhere you can.
    19. Link to your Buy Owner ad through free sites online.
    20. Use your seller tools to check the stats on your property.

    21. Make a good first impression!
    22. Aim to make your home stand out amongst the competition.
    23. Repaint or power-wash the exterior.
    24. Check the exterior of your home for signs of wear and damage & correct them (examples: peeling paint, foundation cracks or loose shingles).
    25. Repaint the front door.
    26. Make sure the doorbell works.
    27. Add decorative accents like a wreath.
    28. Place colorful potted plants at the entry.
    29. Plant flowers amongst the landscaping.
    30. Trim the bushes and add fresh mulch.
    31. Fertilize the lawn; make sure it’s manicured.
    32. Rake leaves in autumn.
    33. Shovel and salt the driveway and walkways in winter.
    34. Power-wash the driveway.
    35. Clean out the garage.
    36. Clean all the windows.

    37. Declutter the living spaces.
    38. Hold a garage sale to get rid of things you don’t need.
    39. Move about half of your stuff to storage.
    40. Stage the interior with strategically chosen furniture.
    41. Remove all personal items (photos, diplomas, religious items).
    42. Clean off the fridge!
    43. Organize the closets; put as much away in storage as possible.
    44. Remove everything from the floors of closets.
    45. Hide away unsightly cords and wiring.
    46. Top the beds with fresh sheets.
    47. Put out fresh towels in the bathrooms.
    48. Scrub the walls and floors thoroughly.

    49. Focus on the heart of the home: the kitchen.
    50. Replace any damaged or extremely outdated appliances (with good, but not most expensive, alternatives).
    51. If cabinets are outdated, consider updating, rather than replacing, them: new knobs or doors can make a big difference.
    52. Consider updating fixtures for another cost-effective change.
    53. Clear the countertops.
    54. Organize the cabinets and the pantry.
    55. Clean and wax the floors.
    56. Put away unused smaller appliances like stand-mixers and toasters.

    57. Fix up the interior.
    58. Direct your lighting to highlight key areas.
    59. Add lights to all corners of major rooms.
    60. Replace lightbulbs with higher wattage ones.
    61. Repaint walls with neutral colors.
    62. Fix anything that’s broken.
    63. Thoroughly clean or replace carpeting.
    64. Consider improvements or renovations carefully.
    65. Get rid of any unpleasant smells.

    66. Create a backyard oasis.
    67. Look for ways to play up your outdoor space.
    68. Plant a garden to spruce up the look of your verdant landscaping.
    69. Keep the pool immaculate and make it seem as low-maintenance as possible.
    70. Take care of any surrounding tiling, decking or landscaping around the pool.
    71. Adjust the chemical balance to make the water sparkling clear!
    72. Keep hoses neatly wrapped up and put away.

    73. Be ready to talk to buyers.
    74. Known how to screen callers.
    75. Ask if they’ve been prequalified.
    76. Find out how far along in the selling process they are.
    77. Be sure to get contact information.
    78. Have key attributes of your home ready to bring up in the conversation.

    79. Be available to show your home.
    80. Try to be accommodating of the buyer’s schedule.
    81. Only show your home when it’s in showing condition.
    82. Don’t show your home alone.
    83. Be prepared to “quick clean” when necessary.
    84. Ask buyers to be prequalified (Refer them to Guaranteed Rate).
    85. Keep pets out of sight if at all possible.

    86. Hold open houses.
    87. Schedule the open house for a weekend afternoon when not a lot of community events are going on.
    88. Set the date and flag your open house on BuyOwner.com, through your Buy Owner seller tools.
    89. Promote your open house everywhere you can.
    90. Make the most of other open houses in the area. Check local ads, and when an open house is scheduled nearby, put out a sign and draw those visitors to your home.
    91. On the day of the open house, have a niece or nephew run a lemonade stand out front. This will help draw in other passers-by, inviting them inside.
    92. Set the internal temperature of your home to a comfortable level (turn on the A/C or heat, depending on the time of year).
    93. Give buyers space when touring your home.
    94. Answer any questions they raise.

    95. Know how to negotiate.
    96. Be as neutral as possible.
    97. Build rapport with buyers.
    98. Consider all offers.
    99. Respond to concerns.
    100. Counteroffer.
    101. Make concessions.

    Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

    Is It Time to Drop Your Price?

    Oct10
    2008     1 Comment Written by Shanna

    According to a recent CNBC.com article, today’s market conditions have prompted at least one real estate brokerage to act decisively. Coldwell Banker Real Estate has asked its sellers to lower their asking prices by 10% as an incentive to buyers. Based on this and the multitude of economic changes happening day by day, one thing is clear: In light of today’s tough economy and the softer real estate market, it’s time to start rethinking your selling strategy.

    Before you do anything else, ask yourself: Is it possible your home is priced too high?

    Forget what you want to get and what you thought you’d get. It doesn’t matter how much your home was worth five years ago or what you expected it should be worth by now. When it comes to home values, there’s a simple bottom line: Homes are worth what buyers are willing to pay—period.

    According to many experts, there are currently more homes on the market than there are buyers. This means buyers get to be picky, and they’ll be expecting a good deal. Inaccurately high prices result in disinterested buyers and complicated and incomplete sales. Take time to research comparable properties and to study home markets to ensure that your property is priced for a quick and fair sale for all involved.

    Not sure where to begin? Take a look at these other Buy Owner Blog articles: “Why Your Home Isn’t Selling, “6 Tips for Selling in a Slow Market” and “The Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make.”)

    Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

    Creating a Media Room

    Oct09
    2008     Leave a Comment Written by Alexis

     

    It’s one of the ultimate luxuries: a comfortable space in your own home that mimics the experience of your local movie theatre. All the customizations are up to you, as well as the movie selections, and the best part: you won’t have to worry about other people making noises or hushing you and your friends.

    This is a media room or home theatre, and it’s becoming a more and more popular trend among homeowners. Installing your own luxury space can be a daunting task, especially if authenticity is a priority. Here are some suggestions for transforming your unused living space into the ultimate home cinema:

    Seating

    Manufacturers offer a variety of seating options, from stadium-style movie theater seats with cup-holder armrests, to plush leather sofas with built-in power outlets and factory-installed tactile transducers. What you choose depends entirely about your individual needs and cost considerations.

    Arrangement

    You will want to arrange your seating so that all guests have a decent view of the screen. Your seating area should be centrally located in relation to your screen and no closer than one-and-a-half times the width of your display for best viewing.

    Riser Platform

    A riser platform is a must if you’re going to have more than one row of seating. This seating configuration not only assures that everyone has a clear view of the screen, but it also reinforces the authentic theater experience. A typical riser platform measures 8 X 6 X 12 inches. This provides plenty of room for three large chairs or a couch.

    Lighting

    Unlike traditional overhead fixtures, wall sconces aren’t intended to flood a room with light. Rather, they provide a comfortable atmosphere and help set the mood for your home theater. Try placing a low-voltage light behind the chairs or the television. This unique lighting will add ambience to the room and will help reduce eye strain because your television will have a sense of depth.

    Lighting Control

    Consider remote-controlled lighting. Most of these dimmers are controlled either with a supplied remote control or with your T.V.’s remote. By pressing and holding any button on the remote, the dimmer switch can automatically dim the lights until you release the button. For ultimate convenience, try a voice-controlled lighting system.

    Paint

    Be selective in your choice of paint. This may seem like a trivial detail, but, even when the lights are off, a saturated, vibrant wall hue can alter a movie’s color balance. Use darker or neutral colors like dark tan, brown or black to prevent this phenomenon. Stick to a satin or flat finish. Paint with a glossy finish will reflect the light and distract your viewers.

    Finishing touches

    Customize the space with personal details and accents. Add your favorite movie posters to the walls or invest in a popcorn machine. The choice is up to you!

    Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

    Fall Events: Houston

    Oct02
    2008     1 Comment Written by Carrie

    Keep the gentle breezes coming and let the sun shine bright in Houston this fall! Warm days and cooler nights allow you to spend some time outdoors with plenty of ease. There are also lots of indoor activities to enjoy, as well! Explore Houston (and the rest of the Lone Star state) and check out some of these Buy Owner suggestions for fall fun and frolic!

    FESTIVALS & FAIRS are plentiful during the fall months. Whether you want to carve a pumpkin, purchase some jewelry or eat some exotic cuisine, you are sure to find your perfect kind of festival in and around Houston! Here are just a few of the celebrations you might enjoy:

    The 34th Annual Fair on the Square in Huntsville Texas is a smorgasbord of fun! Over 300-plus booths of arts and crafts stretch out through the historic downtown square to food tents and beer gardens. Head to Huntsville on October 4, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.! Call 800-289-0389 for more info.

    The Life is Good Pumpkin Festival in Cinco Ranch is a great place for everything pumpkin! This orange-colored Halloween staple appears in several Life is Good festivals throughout the U.S.! Take the time to join this national celebration in Houston on October 25, between 12 and 4 p.m. There’s a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, carnival games and more!

    Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Greece at the Saint Thomas Episcopal Market Fall Fair! This fest also falls on October 25, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to do two fests in one day! Shop for fine jewelry, vintage decor and soft linens. Enjoy gourmet Greek cuisine! Let the wind run through your hair as you fly on one of the amusement rides. Call 713-666-3111 or visit this site for more information.

    Another craft show you might consider attending is being held on November 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 4th Annual Cypresswood Fall Festival and Craft Show has something for everyone! It’s the perfect time of year to be looking for inexpensive, home-made Christmas gifts. There are also activities for children and plenty of food choices for the craft show goers.

    OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS are available year round, thanks to the fantastic weather conditions! Especially during the fall, get out there and be active.

    Become a member of Bayou City Outdoors! It’s an active social outdoor club that plans and hosts multiple events every week. Enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, sailing, yoga and more! Even if you do not want to pay for a membership, there are plenty of events that are free and open to the public, as well.

    SPORTS really kick it into high gear this fall in Texas! In Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers have finished their regular season, in second and third place in their respective divisions. With no hope for the post season, Texas fans must turn to football and basketball!

    In the NBA, the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs are will heat up the court this month. The gals on the Comets are sure to score tons of baskets when the WNBA season starts this fall!

    Looking for a place to cool off? Head into American Airlines Center and watch the Dallas Stars take the ice!

    In the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys keep up an early fight for first place, currently heading into October tied for second with the Washington Redskins. The Houston Texans are 0-3, but they have plenty of time to catch up with the currently undefeated Tennessee Titans!

    THEATRE is a great reason for you to get off the couch and head into the city for some live entertainment! You could also take in the beauty of the city, walking around a bit before the start of the show. Or perhaps you could make reservations at brand-new restaurant for dinner afterwards! When planning a night of fun, you should definitely keep one of these theater shows on your list of things to do.

    Visit France without ever leaving Houston! Cyrano de Bergerac is a play centered on the life of the famous French poet. Showings run from Oct. 3 to Nov. 2 at the Alley Theatre in Houston.

    Love a good scandal? Revisit the Watergate debacle when you see Frost/Nixon, a play written by a British screenwriter. It’s based on T.V. interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon in 1977 that led to the former President’s admission of guilt about his role in Watergate. This show runs at the Hobby Center from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2.

    Also running at the Hobby Center, Menopause, the Musical is a hilarious take on aging women. The cast of four women shops at Bloomingdale’s and sings songs about chocolate cravings, hot flashes and more. Showings run from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16.

    CONCERTS in Houston offer the musical genius of artists from every type of genre imaginable. Check Ticketmaster for your favorites, and check out these highlighted shows:

    Ben Folds, Oct. 24 at the Warehouse Live

    Jason Mraz, Oct. 25 at the Verizon Wireless Theatre

    Carrie Underwood, Nov. 1 at the Reliant Arena

    The Black Crowes, Nov. 20 at The House of Blues Houston

    Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged , , , , , ,
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