December Issue

Great Reasons To Put Your Home On The Market Before The New Year

The busy holiday season may not seem like a convenient time to have you home as an active listing. However, don’t dismiss the idea of listing your home before the New Year so easily. Here are five reasons why you should consider putting, or keeping, your home on the market during the holiday season.

1. Serious buyers. The potential homebuyers who take the time to view your home over the holidays are usually serious about purchasing. There may be fewer buyers viewing your home, but they are motivated and are usually looking to buy sooner rather than later.
2. Limited competition. Homeowners often take their homes off the market or wait until after the holiday season to list their homes. This eliminates a lot of competition and limits the options prospective buyers have to choose from. Less competition may mean your home will sell for more money in a shorter amount of time.
3. Low interest. Interest rates tend to drop the most at the end of the year and savvy buyers often take advantage of the incentive by purchasing a home and securing a fixed rate.
4. Time is on your side. Potential buyers often have more vacation time during the holidays to view your home than they would during normal business days.
5. Closing time. When buyers close on their new home before the end of the year they can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes and points on their loan on their income tax return. They can also take advantage of significant deductions associated with home equity loans. This means faster closings and determined buyers.

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Family Checklist To Survive A Power Outage

You never know when you may lose power in your neighborhood or region. Though these events are often unpredictable, you and your family can be prepared. See the list below for suggestions on what to have on hand for the next power outage.

1. Every household should have a first aid kit and every member of your home should know where it is.
2. Store enough fresh bottled water for each person to have one gallon of drinking water per day for three days.
3. Store canned goods and nonperishable items that can feed your family for a minimum of three days. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
4. Flashlights and an ample surplus of batteries should also be stored.
5. A battery powered or crank radio may be essential for information.
6. Store an extra refill of any necessary medication inside the first aid kit.
7. Matches or a lighter may be helpful if you need to start a fire. Mylar blankets don’t take up much room but are literally lifesavers.
8. Battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be utilized after the power goes out.
9. Extra cash, important phone numbers and documents should also be stored in a safe and accessible place.

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How You Can Help Victims Of Hurricane Sandy

You can make a donation through: Red Cross, AmeriCares, Salvation Army or Save the Children. For more local grassroots efforts in New Jersey and New York visit Occupy Sandy at http://www.interoccupy.net/occupysandy/.

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