Archives for September 2012

Rule Your Entertainment Room With a Magic Wand

September 27, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Everyone wants to be king of their castle, but wouldn’t it be a lot cooler if you were the wizard? You know I’m right. While you may call out “expecto patronum” from time to time in your house, chances are nothing happens. Well now you can become the Harry Potter of your living room with your very own magic wand remote control.

Ah yes. The folks at Kymera have created the ultimate remote control in the shape of a magic wand. That joyous shout you just heard was the sound of geeks everywhere rejoicing.

The crazy part about this is the wand actually uses gestures to perform commands. Spinning the wand clockwise will change the channels. Or you can program it to play or pause your program by brandishing (yes, brandishing) it up and down.

How can it do all this? Through magic of course! Silly muggle. Ok, it actually connects with a regular remote control to sync it with your electronics, but the Magic Wand Remote can be used for TVs, DVRs, DVD players and a number of other home electronics.

I’d personally like it to work with my coffee maker, but that’s for another day.

The Kymera Magic Wand is available on Amazon.com for $69.95.Click here

Filed Under: Appliances, Blog, Technology

Here’s What LinkedIn’s Marketing Execs Think Is Wrong With Facebook

September 26, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Personal social networks such as Facebook are used to waste time, and professional networks are used to invest time, according to LinkedIn. In a recent blog post, the career networking site discussed new research it commissioned into why people use different social media sites, and what that might mean for advertisers trying to reach them.

For example, LinkedIn says that professionals go to career sites to stay up to date with their career and expect to hear from brands 26% more than on non-professional sites. The research doesn’t mention any names, but it obviously refers to Facebook when it talks about “personal” sites. People use those sites for “distraction” and to “kill time,” LinkedIn says, whereas LinkedIn is for “achievement, success” and “aspiration.”

The research is collected into a new report, called “The Mindset Divide” written by TNS Global, analyzes the major differences between personal and professional social networking.

Here is the “Mindset Divide” infographic.

From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

September 26, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Want a major new look for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets on a DIY budget? Don’t pick up a paintbrush until you read this.

From the time I was 10 or 11 years old, I worked for me dad as an apprentice painter. I learned the “old school” methods, painting with oil-based paints and never with that blue tape stuff.

The right cabinet color can transform your kitchen or bathroom’s look. And because replacing cabinetry can be expensive, a fresh paint color could be the best bet for your budget. But before you start in on this seemingly simple DIY, keep a key point in mind. "The main issue is that with most woodwork — but specifically kitchen cabinets — is that it’s finished with a glossy product designed to be wipeable, and that same property prevents paint from sticking to it," says painter Alex Davidson.
Although it’s not as simple as painting your dining room, with the right prep, painting cabinets can be an affordable and lasting design solution. See what four painting professionals say about painting kitchen cabinets.

From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Houzz– Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Bedroom Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bedskirts · Shams · Sheet Sets · Bedroom Benches · Beds · Headboards · Makeup Mirrors · Nightstands And Bedside Tables ·

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Barcelona Cathedral Light Show: Gotta-See Video

September 26, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

The Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, is one of humanity’s most interesting constructions. It’s simultaneously hideous, beautiful and inspiring. Construction on the building began in 1882, but the following year, eccentric architect Antoni Gaudí joined the project and morphed the designs with his own ideas. The building is awe inspiring on its own and should be completed in 2026.

All that aside, what way could a building of this amazing character be made even more incredible? With a light show.

Gizmag reports: “Tens of thousands of people witnessed the three-night show over the weekend,” where, “Sixteen video projectors, 13 computers, 25 moving lights were used to bring the intricate detail of the building to life in a production that took more than a dozen of people four and a half months to prepare.” Fortunately, they also were able to film the experience so we can enjoy it too. via Gizmag

Filed Under: Art, Blog

Home Prices Rebound to 2003 Levels

September 26, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

More great market news came through yesterday: According to S&P/Case-Shiller, in July, the average home price rose to the same level as those seen during summer 2003, when the housing boom first started its journey toward the 2006 peak. While this may not signify that we are currently standing on the cusp of a market boom, it does show a significant turnaround, and perhaps hints at a definite end to real estate’s bleak streak.

The recent S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index showed that in July, prices increased by 1.5 percent for the 10-City Composite and by 1.6 percent for the 20-City Composite.

This improvement marks the third straight month that prices rose in all 20 major markets followed by the index—which covers more than 80 percent of the U.S. housing market. Additionally, numbers show that if not for a .06 decline in Detroit in April, there would have been a four month improvement streak.

When compared to a year earlier, the index proved to be up 1.2 percent, an improvement from the year-over-year change reported for June. This marked the first month that prices were higher than they were the previous year.

“The news on home prices in this report confirm recent good news about housing,” said David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, in a recent release.

“Single family housing starts are well ahead of last year’s pace, existing home sales are up, the inventory of homes for sale is down and foreclosure activity is slowing. All in all, we are more optimistic about housing. Upbeat trends continue. For the third time in a row, all 20 cities and both Composites had monthly gains. Stronger housing numbers are a positive factor for other measures including consumer confidence.”

Real estate professionals located outside of the top metros are seeing movement inside their markets, too.

“We’ve been seeing a strengthening market for some time now but August sales are evidence of a major turning point,” says Jamie Moore, president of the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®. “We may still experience a step or two backward in the months ahead but the forward momentum has clearly become more evident. The market is much stronger than it has been.”

And Dorothy Martwick, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Action REALTORS® in Minot, N.D., comments on her unique market, which never saw much of a real estate recession due to the oil boom in western N.D. and their proximity to the Minot Air Force Base.

“My opinion of the future of real estate here in Western N.D. is that the market will level off and stabilize in the near future and, depending on the national election results and the oil pipeline, capabilities may either stay level or boom again next year and for the next several years. “

“Overall, we’re thrilled to see hard evidence that the market is recovering. Great pricing and low interest rates have really helped turn things around,” says Rhode Island’s Moore.

To view the complete home price index, click here

source: RISMedia

Filed Under: Blog, Economy, real estate financing, Real Estate Updates

3.8% Tax on Housing? TOP 10 Answers & Resources

September 26, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

There has bee so much confusion surrounding the existence of a 3.8% tax in the administration’s health care program. Here is an update in order to help further explain the issue.

Here are the 10 Things You Need to Know About the 3.8% Tax according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

1.) When you add up all of your income from every possible source, and that total is less than $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint tax return), you will NOT be subject to this tax.

2.) The 3.8% tax will NEVER be collected as a transfer tax on real estate of any type, so you’ll NEVER pay this tax at the time that you purchase a home or other investment property.

3.) You’ll NEVER pay this tax at settlement when you sell your home or investment property. Any capital gain you realize at settlement is just one component of that year’s gross income.

4.) If you sell your principal residence, you will still receive the full benefit of the $250,000 (single tax return)/$500,000 (married filing joint tax return) exclusion on the sale of that home. If your capital gain is greater than these amounts, then you will include any gain above these amounts as income on your Form 1040 tax return. Even then, if your total income (including this taxable portion of gain on your residence) is less than the $200,000/$250,000 amounts, you will NOT pay this tax. If your total income is more than these amounts, a formula will protect some portion of your investment.

5.) The tax applies to other types of investment income, not just real estate. If your income is more than the $200,000/$250,000 amount, then the tax formula will be applied to capital gains, interest income, dividend income and net rents (i.e., rents after expenses).

6.) The tax goes into effect in 2013. If you have investment income in 2013, you won’t pay the 3.8% tax until you file your 2013 Form 1040 tax return in 2014. The 3.8% tax for any later year will be paid in the following calendar year when the tax returns are filed.

7.) In any particular year, if you have NO income from capital gains, rents, interest or dividends, you’ll NEVER pay this tax, even if you have millions of dollars of other types of income.

8.) The formula that determines the amount of 3.8% tax due will ALWAYS protect $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint return) of your income from any burden of the 3.8% tax. For example, if you are single and have a total of $201,000 income, the 3.8% tax would NEVER be imposed on more than $1000.

9.) It’s true that investment income from rents on an investment property could be subject to the 3.8% tax. BUT: The only rental income that would be included in your gross income and therefore possibly subject to the tax is net rental income: gross rents minus expenses like depreciation, interest, property tax, maintenance and utilities.

10.) The tax was enacted along with the health care legislation in 2010. It was added to the package just hours before the final vote and without review. NAR strongly opposed the tax at the time, and remains hopeful that it will not go into effect. The tax will no doubt be debated during the upcoming tax reform debates in 2013.

If you have further questions, let me know.

Filed Under: Blog, Economy, real estate financing

Shadow Inventory Threat Lessens

September 25, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

The shadow inventory of troubled mortgages and foreclosed homes saw a 1.2 million decrease in the first half of the year, according to research conducted by JPMorgan Chase.

Chase researchers expect that progress to double before the year’s end, too. That would then bring the shadow inventory to more than 4 million, which is down from the 6 million peak reached in 2010.

A rising number of short sales has allowed more banks to clear the shadow inventory that has threatened the housing market’s recovery, according to the research. Banks also have been increasing loan modifications.

Shadow inventory is known for creating uncertainty in the housing market. In calculating the shadow inventory, Chase researchers include trouble mortgages that haven’t been paid in at least 60 days.

"Although re-defaults and new delinquencies will continue to keep shadow inventory elevated, the rapid decline should prevent downward pressure on home prices going into 2013," according to Chase analysts. "Combined with better existing home sales, investors have reason to be optimistic about running recovery scenarios."

Chase analysts say that if home prices rise 10 percent, the current number of 10.8 underwater borrowers could then decrease to 9 million.

Source: “Shadow Inventory Declines by 1.2 Million in 2012,” HousingWire

Filed Under: Blog, Economy, real estate financing, Real Estate Updates

Sizing Up The American Dream

September 24, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

In a nation as diverse as the United States, the idea of "the American dream" means different things to different people. Many associate the dream with intangible ideals like freedom of expression, freedom of religion, optimism and family ties. But the American dream has also long been associated with attaining a higher standard of living, particularly one that surpasses that of the previous generation.

Click image for larger view.

source: NPR

Filed Under: Blog, Economy, real estate financing, Real Estate Updates

5 Reasons to Sell Now

September 24, 2012 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Many sellers feel that the Spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand increases at that time of year. However, the Fall and Winter have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to to sell now.

Only Serious Buyers Are Out

At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere ‘lookers’. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.

There Is Far Less Competition

Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. This year will be a little different as some of the distressed properties being liquidated by the banks (in the form of foreclosures & short sales) will enter the market. However, for those buyers looking for a non-distressed property, the choices will be limited. Don’t wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale.

The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest challenges of the 2012 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers.

There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 15% from now to 2016. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come.

It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.

by THE KCM CREW on SEPTEMBER 24, 2012

Filed Under: Blog, real estate financing, Real Estate Updates