TIPS AND TRENDS FOR HOMEOWNERS, BUYERS AND SELLERS

KITCHEN AID
Pantries come in all shapes and sizes, from walk-in pantries to slide-out drawers under your counters. Some homes feature a built-in pantry, but for those that don’t, creating one can be easier than you think.
For a makeshift pantry, consider converting a kitchen closet or cabinet into a pantry by adding shelves throughout the space. If you have an empty wall in or just outside the kitchen, consider hiring professionals to break through the wall and install shelves and a door.
    Once you’ve figured out where the new pantry will go, organization is the key to making it useful and efficient. Start by thinking about your cooking habits, and place frequently used items on an eye-level shelf for easy access. Always making cookies? Put flour, sugar and mixing equipment on this shelf. If you entertain often, consider installing a wine rack on a side of the pantry with party necessities, such as a corkscrew, bottle stopper and rows of wine glasses.
    Store dry items, such as rice, noodles or cereal, in labeled glass jars to keep them dry and easily visible. Other goods, such as flour or sugar, can go into large tubs with lids that can be stored either on the floor or on a shelf. For snacks, such as chips or popcorn, consider hanging a shoe rack on the outside of the pantry door and putting the bags in the holders. Keep food from spoiling and avoid having to throw food away by keeping new items in the back of the pantry and moving older items to the front so they get used quickly. To keep your pantry well-stocked, start a running grocery list to update when family members grab the last of its kind from the pantry.

INSIDE OUT
Four walls and a roof don’t necessarily make a home. The new trend is for homeowners to take advantage of the great outdoors — building an outdoor living space was No. 4 among the top remodeling trends last year, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Extensive work might be best left to the professionals, but you can create a scenic outdoor setting in your own backyard with a do-it-yourself mentality and tips from Better Homes & Gardens.
     First, identify what function you want the new outdoor space to serve. Do you want a kitchen, a living room or an extra dining room? Once the room has a label, narrow down the necessary features the room needs. For instance, if you’re looking for an outdoor living room, weather-resistant couches, coffee tables and perhaps a fire pit are good starting points. Need a tranquil place to get away from the hustle and bustle? Serene add-ons such as a fountain or hanging plants that offer seclusion from the street might be on your short list.
     Don’t forget about roofing options for your outdoor space. Weather-resistant fabric canopies or composite roof structures provide shade and shelter from the elements while maintaining an outdoorsy feel.
     After completing a basic structure of the “room,” add decorative touches, just like you would indoors. Experts suggest potted plants that are easy to maintain, framed artwork and coffee table books.

fast fact: 
California is the primary source
for more than half of all fresh cut
flowers grown in the United States.
Source: California Cut Flowers Commission

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BARBARA WATTS^®, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS

 
THE PRICE IS RIGHT!  SOLD!
Although a REALTOR® will work with you to determine a listing price when you decide to put your home on the market, it helps to understand the process agents use to reach that figure. Although methods vary, there are a few common steps.
     First, REALTORS® complete a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis), which compares your home to similar homes in your area that recently sold, homes that are currently on the market, and homes that didn’t sell. Generally, an agent will formulate a base price from this data and factor in additional positives or negatives (for instance, if your home has a deck or a finished garage, the base price — your home’s initial value — would rise). 
     Next, the REALTOR® considers the market conditions. In a buyer’s market, your price might need to be a little lower than the base CMA price in order to reduce its time on the market and have a higher probability of selling. In a seller’s market, the listing price can be a little higher.
     Another strategy is to consider how sales of comparable homes are faring — for instance, if the prices in your area are dropping X percent each month, consider settling on a lower asking price to boost your chances of selling quickly.
     Be sure to ask your REALTOR® how he or she has arrived at the recommended listing price. A good agent will be able to walk you through the numbers and explain the strategy behind settling on a given listing price.

Say Yes to CRS
Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you will ever make. So it’s important to work with someone who can provide sound advice and a steady, guiding hand when you need it. That’s why a CRS agent is the best person for the job.
A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is among the top 4 percent of all agents in the country. CRS agents have achieved a high volume of transactions and advanced training in areas such as business planning, real estate investing, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics. Why work with anyone else when you can work with a CRS agent?

DID YOU KNOW?
Homeowners pay most attention to windows (72 percent) and blinds or curtains (67 percent) during annual spring cleaning, according to the American Cleaning Institute.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND VISIT OUR BLOG TO ENTER THE TEAM WATTS MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!  STAY UP TO DATE, BY FOLLOWING OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS AND FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TEAMWATTS     WWW.TEGACAYTODAY.COM  WWW.TWITTER.COM/TEAMWATTS

*If you would like to subscribe to receive this newsletter electronically please email Megan with your current email* 

Barbara Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, GRI, ABR, e-Pro, C-CREC, CRS, 803-370-0876, barbarawattsteam@gmail.com, www.BarbaraWatts.com

Megan Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, ABR, GRI, SFR, AHWD, 803-554-8725, meganwattsteam@gmail.com

 Dale Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, SRES, 803-370-4049, TegaCayDale@gmail.com

7570 THORN CREEK, TEGA CAY, SC 29708

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

12-2PM

Directions:  I-77 to Exit 88 Gold Hill Road, Follow Gold Hill Road into Tega Cay, Turn left on Trailridge, Turn Right on Thorn Creek

GREEN HOMEBUYING TIPS

With energy bills skyrocketing, demand for environmentally friendly “green” homes has grown. Smart homebuyers know that energy-efficient homes cost less to maintain, and they often provide a more comfortable and healthy living space. But before house-hunting, potential buyers should learn what to look for and ask the right questions, says Kara Saul Rinaldi, executive director of the National Home Performance Council (NHPC). “It’s hard to be a green homebuyer. While we can see solar panels, the vital energy-efficiency information about a home is often hidden behind walls, in ducts, or behind dusty systems,” says Rinaldi. The NHPC suggests buyers ask the following questions when house-hunting:

• What is the R-value of the attic insulation? The higher the R-value, the more insulated the home.
• Is there any insulation within the walls? Many older homes do not have proper insulation.
• Are windows double-paned? Are they low-e coated or Energy Star rated? Poor-quality windows lose up to one-third of a home’s heat during the winter months. The Energy Star rating indicates that the windows are highly efficient for your region.
• What is the U-factor of the windows? Look for a U-factor of 0.35 or lower, which reflects the insulation of the entire window, not just the glass.
• Has the home had an energy audit, or received a HERS rating? These resources can reveal the level of energy efficiency of the home and how much it will cost to heat and cool the home.
• What are the utility bills? A spacious home may be perfect for a growing family, but the energy bills might ruin the monthly budget.

Even if you know what to look for in a green home, a qualified CRS REALTOR® can help you find the answers that will help you make a smart energy choice

A BETTER USE OF SPACE

Agrowing number of homeowners are focusing on using their home space more efficiently and personalizing it to suit their lifestyle, according to a survey by Better Homes and Gardens. More than one-third of homeowners (38 percent) surveyed say they are spending more time planning design changes for their home, up from 33 percent a year ago, while 42 percent say they shop around for more deals and bargains before committing to a project, up from 40 percent in 2011.

Many homeowners are using social media sites such as Pinterest to share design inspirations, product reviews, creative ideas and solutions for using space. Owners say they prefer a home with median square footage of 1,791 square feet, down from 1,846 square feet a year ago. Bonus rooms and media rooms are no longer as popular unless they have a multi-functional purpose.

More than half of homeowners surveyed (55 percent) are focusing their next home improvement project on style upgrades for countertops, flooring, faucets and fixtures, up from 50 percent in 2010. Projects to expand storage space and remodel the bathroom and kitchen also rank high.

fast fact:  78 percent of home shoppers say they use their mobile devices to view photos and videos of homes for sale.
Source: The Real Estate Book Home Shoppers Survey, March 2012

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BARBARA WATTS^®, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS

ENJOY A WORRY-FREE VACATION

Whether you’re headed to the beach, to visit relatives, or on a family adventure at a theme park, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your home while on vacation. Home inspection company Pillar To Post offers some practical tips to protect your home while you’re away.

• Set timers on several lights around the house and schedule them to turn on and off at different times. Timers are inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware retailers.
• Ask a neighbor to park their car in the driveway occasionally so it appears someone is home.
• Suspend delivery of newspapers and have the post office hold your mail, or have a neighbor collect it. If you’ll be gone for more than one week, arrange to have someone mow the lawn in your absence.
• Use caution when communicating on Facebook or other social networks about vacation plans. Information spreads quickly and could reach the wrong person.
• Turn off the ringer on telephones, so they can’t be heard from outside.
• Close window coverings on any ground-level rooms where valuables may be visible from the window.
• Turn the water heater down to its lowest setting. Maintaining the hot water at its everyday temperature during your absence wastes energy and money.
• Unplug appliances and electronics except the refrigerator and freezer.
• To prevent water leaks or a burst hose, turn off the water supply lines for the toilets, sinks and appliances.
• If possible, pack vacation gear in the car while it’s in the garage so passersby don’t see that you’re leaving for vacation. Once you’ve taken these steps to protect your home, it’ll be easier to relax and enjoy your well-deserved getaway.

Say Yes to CRS

Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you will ever make. So it’s important to work with someone who can provide sound advice and a steady, guiding hand when you need it. That’s why a CRS agent is the best person for the job.

A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is among the top 4 percent of all agents in the country. CRS agents have achieved a high volume of transactions and advanced training in areas such as business planning, real estate investing, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics. Why work with anyone else when you can work with a CRS agent?

DID YOU KNOW?  To tell if an egg is raw or hard-cooked, spin it.  If it spins easily, the egg is hard-cooked; if it wobbles, it is raw.  Source:  Egg Nutrition Center

Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling a home?  Please mention my name.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for legal or financial advice.
If you are currently working with another real estate agent or broker, it is not a solicitation for business.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND VISIT OUR BLOG TO ENTER THE TEAM WATTS MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!  STAY UP TO DATE, BY FOLLOWING OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS AND FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TEAMWATTS    WWW.TEGACAYTODAY.COM  WWW.TWITTER.COM/TEAMWATTS 

*If you would like to subscribe to receive this newsletter electronically please email Megan with your current email*

Barbara Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, GRI, ABR, e-Pro, C-CREC, CRS, 803-370-0876, barbarawattsteam@gmail.com, www.BarbaraWatts.com

Megan Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, ABR, GRI, SFR, AHWD, 803-554-8725, meganwattsteam@gmail.com

 Dale Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, SRES, 803-370-4049, TegaCayDale@gmail.com

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
If you’re getting ready to sell your house, you may not have extra cash to spend on home improvements. But some basic improvements can be inexpensive, and the results are worth it. Minor upgrades, such as painting the living room or changing the hardware on kitchen cabinets, can make a house much more attractive. Consider these simple ideas from Frontdoor.com and HGTV.

Yard Sale When buyers pull up to your home, the first thing they’ll notice is the front yard. Improve your home’s curb appeal by brightening it with flowers. Place ceramic pots with colorful blooms on either side of the front door for a warm welcome. If the front door looks worn from the elements, spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint.

See the Light Proper lighting can help make your home more inviting and comfortable to buyers visiting your home. Assess the ambience to determine where there could be more, less, softer, or stronger light. For instance, kitchens often have useless dark spaces under cabinets. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting, which will brighten up cooking space while adding a dramatic effect to the kitchen.

Brush Up A new coat of paint can change the entire look and feel of a room. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of tastes and easily blend with many styles of home décor. Neutral color schemes also allow buyers to envision their own personal style in a new home. Consider beige, light gray or bone white to create a warm and comfortable living space.

GADGET RECYCLING

Want to get rid of an old computer and reduce your carbon footprint?  Recycling old electronics can reduce waste and ensure that obsolete devices get put to good use. It’s easier than you think.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only one-fourth of plastic and metal electronics that could be recycled are brought to a recycling facility.  The easiest and most effective way to recycle unwanted electronics is to drop them off at a recycling center in your community.  To find a location near you, check www.greenergadgets.org or www.epa.gov.  The EPA site lists local programs as well as manufacturing and retail companies that accept recyclable electronics.

Consider local stores, too. Some electronics retailers and manufacturers, such as Best Buy, Kodak and Hewlett-Packard, offer trade-ins, cash or charitable donations in exchange for old devices.  Office Depot, Staples, Verizon Wireless and AT&T also accept recyclable devices.  Be sure to check each company’s website for guidelines and procedures before dropping off a recycled product.

fast fact: appliances and electronics account for 30 percent of a household’s energy consumption

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BARBARA WATTS®, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS

PLAYING HOUSE

Moving or renovating your home can be stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But don’t overlook your kids, who may be feeling stressed about the pending move. Getting the whole family involved and teaching kids about the moving process can help them understand what’s happening and ensure a smoother, less stressful transition.

For starters, ask children to draw a house, inside and out. This can help you see how they envision their living space — and provide insight about what’s important to them in a home.  Engaging kids with real-estate-related games, books and art projects can help them understand the process of buying a new home and moving.

Coloring books can be downloaded and printed from sites such as Hellokids.com. Computer games, such as Real Estate Tycoon, can teach kids about property value. The game challenges players to buy and sell houses while they make a virtual profit from their investments. Parents can draw real-life buying and selling experience from this game to explain to children the value of home pricing.

Say Yes to CRS
Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you will ever make. So it’s important to work with someone who can provide sound advice and a steady, guiding hand when you need it. That’s why a CRS agent is the best person for the job. A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is among the top 4 percent of all agents in the country. CRS agents have achieved a high volume of transactions and advanced training in areas such as business planning, real estate investing, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics. Why work with anyone else when you can work with a CRS agent?

DID YOU KNOW?   In the mid-1800s, German Phillip Griebel popularized ceramic garden gnomes based on a myth that gnomes helped in the garden at night and scared thieves away.   LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND VISIT OUR BLOG TO ENTER THE TEAM WATTS MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!  THE NEXT DRAWING WILL BE HELD IN APRIL!  STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!!  WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TEAMWATTS     WWW.TEGACAYTODAY.COM

*If you would like to subscribe to receive this newsletter electronically please email TEAMWATTSASSISTANT@GMAIL.COM with your name & email*

 Barbara Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, GRI, ABR, e-Pro, C-CREC, CRS, 803-370-0876, barbarawattsteam@gmail.com, www.BarbaraWatts.com

Megan Watts, Realtor, Licensed Broker in NC & SC, ABR, GRI, SFR, AHWD, 803-554-8725, meganwattsteam@gmail.com

Dale Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, SRES, 803-370-4049, TegaCayDale@gmail.com

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH   The hardest part about moving may be selecting a neighborhood that best suits your lifestyle. Start by thinking about what is most important to you and your family. For example, do you prefer a quiet residential area or do you want to be near busy nightlife? According to Movers.com, buyers should consider several key factors when searching for the right neighborhood. 

Safety — For most households, safety is the most important factor, so check out crime rates of potential neighborhoods via local government websites and the U.S. Census Bureau website, www.census.gov.  Amenities — Determine the location of doctors’ offices, hospitals, schools, banks and grocery stores. It may be helpful to walk around the neighborhood to become familiar with local businesses and their proximity to your potential home.  Education — If you have school-aged children, visit websites of individual school districts to see what services they offer, or contact members of the school board or principal for more information.  Commuting/Public Transit — How far are you willing to commute to work or school? A home close to friends and family might mean a longer commute to work. If you rely on public transportation, find out where bus stops and train stations are located in your desired neighborhood. Review bus and train schedules to determine if they meet your travel needs.  Property Values — Research current housing values in the area, local foreclosure data, and future development plans. These could affect home values in the future.  Cost of Living — Compare the cost of living of your desired neighborhood with your current location. Cost-of-living calculators, such as the one provided on Bankrate.com, can help determine if a neighborhood meets your financial needs.

THE DEBT  PAY-DOWN        If your New Year’s resolution was to reduce debt, several strategies can help accomplish that goal. But before implementing any strategy, understand the terms of various debt agreements, including any penalties for prepayment, and consult with a tax or accounting professional, say experts with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Make minimum payments. Credit card companies require borrowers to pay the minimum balance. Paying less than the minimum can result in penalties, increased interest rates and default.    Make additional mortgage payments. To pay down the principal amount faster and reduce total interest paid, consider making additional payments. By paying one-half of the regular monthly mortgage payment every two weeks, for example, you will make the equivalent of 13 monthly payments for the calendar year and reduce the total interest on the loan.   Pay off higher-interest-rate debts first. After making the required minimum payments for each debt, allocate any extra dollars to the debt with the highest interest rate. Or:  Pay off the lowest debt amount first. According to financial expert Dave Ramsey, paying down the lowest balances first, regardless of interest rate, gives borrowers a sense of accomplishment. As each small debt is paid off, it becomes easier to stay motivated to pay down larger debts.  Consolidate loans. It may be possible to pay off multiple high-interest debts by getting a debt consolidation loan, which is often offered at a lower interest rate.            Finally, avoid tapping into a 401K, emergency fund or equity line of credit to pay down debt. Once debts are paid off, put away credit cards, and pay cash for what you need most. With patience, vigilance and a sound action plan, cash-strapped borrowers can learn to live debt-free.

fast fact:    51 percent of U.S. adults over age 18
are married, compared to 72 percent
of adults who were married in 1960.     

Source: Pew Research Center, U.S. Census Bureau    

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BARBARA WATTS^®, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS, CRS

VOTING FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP      American voters feel strongly about homeownership and would oppose most policies that would make it more difficult to own a home, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders by Republican and Democratic polling firms of Public Opinion Strategies inAlexandria,Va., and Lake Research Partners inWashington,D.C.

Three-fourths of voters, both owners and renters, believe it is reasonable and appropriate for the federal government to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership. That sentiment cuts across party lines, with 84 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of Republications and 71 percent of Independents agreeing with this statement. Two-thirds of respondents believe the federal government should assist homebuyers so they can afford a long-term or 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Further, 73 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, a sentiment shared across party lines — 77 percent Republicans, 71 percent Democrats and 71 percent Independents. More than two-thirds of voters (68 percent) say they would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who favored abolishing the deduction.

The survey also finds that a majority of voters oppose several other proposals affecting homeownership including: reducing the mortgage interest deduction; eliminating the deduction for interest paid for a second home; limiting the deduction for those earning more than $250,000 per year; reducing the deduction for homeowners with mortgages higher than $500,000; and eliminating the deduction for interest paid on home-equity loans.

Say Yes to CRS:  Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you will ever make. So it’s important to work with someone who can provide sound advice and a steady, guiding hand when you need it. That’s why a CRS agent is the best person for the job.  A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is among the top 4 percent of all agents in the country. CRS agents have achieved a high volume of transactions and advanced training in areas such as business planning, real estate investing, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics. Why work with anyone else when you can work with a CRS agent?

DID YOU KNOW?   To silence squeaky doors, apply a dab of olive oil to a cloth, then wipe the top of the hinges so the oil runs down the sides.     Source: Real Simple magazine

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND VISIT OUR BLOG TO ENTER THE TEAM WATTS MONTHLY GIVEAWAY! THE NEXT DRAWING WILL BE HELD IN MARCH!  STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TEAMWATTS     WWW.TEGACAYTODAY.COM

*If you would like to subscribe to receive this newsletter electronically please email Megan with your current email*

Barbara Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, GRI, ABR, e-Pro, C-CREC, CRS, 803-370-0876, barbarawattsteam@gmail.com

Megan Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, ABR, GRI, SFR, AHWD, 803-554-8725, meganwattsteam@gmail.com

 Dale Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, SRES, 803-370-4049, TegaCayDale@gmail.com

Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling a home? Please mention my name.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for legal or financial advice.
If you are currently working with another real estate agent or broker, it is not a solicitation for business.

ROI MATTERS

If you’re looking to make some upgrades to your home this year, be sure to think about what makes sense for your lifestyle as well as what will offer the best return on investment. Start by checking out the results of Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value report.

If you have an attic, you could be using it for much more than just storing holiday decorations and boxes of mementos. According to the report, converting part of the attic into an extra bedroom — which, on average, costs just over $50,000 — can recoup 72 percent of the cost when the home is sold.

On the other hand, the addition of a deluxe master suite (an average cost of $230,000) will only recoup just over half of the investment.

If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your outdoor space, now might be the time to invest in a new backyard deck; at an average cost of just over $10,000, this investment will recoup nearly 70 percent, the report says. When considering deck materials, choose wood over composite — it will recoup nearly 10 percent more on your investment.

Making over your garage can also be a good idea — replacing a garage door, which costs less than $2,000, recoups just over 70 percent of the total cost. But if your home is up for sale without a garage, it’s best to leave it alone. The addition of a garage costs about $58,000 and only recoups about 57 percent during resale.

Some other minor projects that might be worth the investment include replacing windows with insulated vinyl or wood models (the cost, between $7,600 and just over $8,000, is recouped by almost 70 percent), and remodeling the bathroom (cost is about $16,000 and the cost recouped is about 62 percent).

The bottom line? When making renovations, think small for an optimal return on investment.

BRIGHT IDEA

Looking for a cost-effective way to increase security in your home and
save energy at the same time? You could put some of the
lamps in your house on a timer — or you could consider wireless lighting. According to Frontdoor.com, wireless lighting enables you to
replace switches in your home with receivers that respond to radio frequency signals from remote controls. It might sound complicated, but it’s fairly simple: Disconnect the manual switches and replace them with dimmers. Freestanding lamps that must be plugged into an outlet can be plugged into wireless receptors connected to the outlet. You can even program one remote to operate multiple lights throughout your house, no matter the size.

Aside from the ability to turn off a light downstairs when you’re already upstairs or turn on a light from anywhere in your home if you hear a suspicious noise, the main benefit of installing a wireless lighting system is reducing electricity and energy consumption. You can connect the system to a timer to set lights to turn on and off at specific times.

Wireless systems can range in price, from as little as $30 for a starter kit to hundreds of dollars to equip your entire home. Before installation, talk to a certified electrician to ensure the kit you purchase is the best for your home.

 fast fact:  The most popular U.S. winter travel destination, according to Travel + Leisure magazine, is Salt Lake City.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BARBARA WATTS^®, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS, CRS

CLEAN SWEEP

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to downsize all the “stuff” you’ve accumulated in your home? You’re not alone. Get started with these tips from TLC and Real Simple magazine for tackling clutter in prominent spaces.

Closet Consider installing a second rod underneath the primary clothing rod to hang skirts, shorts, scarves and bags; you can double your storage and eliminate the need for shelving. Keep only in-season items in your closet; box the rest and store underneath the bed or in a storage closet. To keep your closets from getting cluttered in the first place, implement a new rule: For each new item that comes in, two items must be thrown out or donated.

Kitchen Keep objects close to where they are used. For example, keep the dishes near the dishwasher, and the spices at arm’s length of the stove. If the objects in question are easier to put away after use, the kitchen is more likely to stay clean. Clear counters of unused small appliances and cookbooks and store them in cabinets or shelves instead. Use the insides of cabinets and pantry doors to organize knickknacks, such as chip clips or bottle openers that can hang, or trim down an over-the-door shoe organizer to fit the inside of the cabinet to house these items.

DID YOU KNOW?  When deicing your steps this winter, consider magnesium chloride over calcium or sodium chloride. The latter can damage concrete and metal steps.

BE SURE TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND VISIT OUR BLOG TO ENTER THE TEAM WATTS MONTHLY GIVEAWAY! THE FIRST DRAWING WILL BE HELD IN FEBRUARY!  STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN A SPECIAL VALENTINE DINNER!!  WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TEAMWATTS     WWW.TEGACAYTODAY.COM

 *If you would like to subscribe to receive this newsletter electronically please email Megan with your current email*

 Barbara Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, GRI, ABR, e-Pro, C-CREC, CRS, 803-370-0876, barbarawattsteam@gmail.com 

Megan Watts, Realtor,Licensed in NC & SC, ABR, GRI, SFR, AHWD, 803-554-8725, meganwattsteam@gmail.com

Dale Watts, Realtor, Licensed in NC & SC, SRES, 803-370-4049, TegaCayDale@gmail.com

Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling a home? Please mention OUR name.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for legal or financial advice.
If you are currently working with another real estate agent or broker, it is not a solicitation for business.

Family Trust Federal Credit Union : York County economy turning corner.

Unlike real estate agents, REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS and their state Association of REALTORS.  REALTORS subscribe to a code of ethics, use a grievance and professional standards system, including mediation and arbitration, to uphold those ethics.  REALTORS suppport private property rights, education and professionalism, and REALTOR  political action to promote home ownership and to protect and support housing nationwide.  Their multiple listing service is more than just sharing information, it is about protecting clients rights, reliable and correct information, and the offer of cooperation and compensation. 

I do not think it is in the best interest of the public to list property or seek to purchase with an inactive agent, ie, one whose license is not active, who is not taking education updates, being supervised by a broker in charge, subscribing to a code of ethics, or legally allowed to list and sell real estate and receive a fee for doing so.   I do not think it is in the public’s best interest to list a property with an agent hours away from that property, who is not actively involved in the area to know values, local planning and zoning issues, or able to monitor the property on a regular basis.  I do not think it is in the public’s best interest for an agent not to subscribe to a code of ethics and hold themselves responsible to one.

The National Association of REALTORS provides REALTORS with the REALTOR Property Resource, RPR, with information on property nationwide, as a member benefit.   REALTOR.com provides the public free access to all REALTOR listings nationwide.  To pay to join a statewide multiple listing system as an additional venue to promote a listing and as a source for property for buyer clients may have some value.  To join a multiple listing system to save money, that may or may not offer cooperation and compensation, that may or may not have a platform to enforce rules and regulations,  that does not require members to  subscribe to an organization with ethics and professional standards systems, or even require active licensure,  to the exclusion of membership in the National Association of REALTORS and state associations is not in the client’s best interest.  It is the public interest that a real estate agent should promote, not their own.