Baby Proofing The Hoidays!

How to Baby Proof for The Holidays

by CENTURY 21 

If you’ve got a little one this holiday season, don’t make the mistake of being unprepared. This time of year brings about unique potential dangers for him or her that you might not have considered. Follow these five tips on how to baby proof your home for the holidays.

1. Skip the tablecloth. Infants are known to be grabby, and the hanging end of a tablecloth is too tempting to resist. In one quick tug, your tyke could accidentally pull down the entire dinner table setting, including your dishes, silverware, and candles. Yikes!

2. Keep flowers out of reach. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias aren’t actually poisonous, but there’s still no reason for your child to ingest them. Keep all plants out of reach. They’re not food, and you never know which one may make a particular individual sick.

3. Don’t wrap with ribbons. Stick to wrapping paper only when giving gifts. Leftover ribbons can easily fall on the ground, presenting a choking hazard for you baby. Additional tip: Gather up and throw away wrapping paper as soon as it’s discarded. Again, you never know what your child might put in their mouth.

4. Secure your tree. Fasten your tree to the wall and consider blocking off the area with a baby gate because after all, the tree is for looking, not for touching. If you want to bring your baby closer, do so under strict supervision, and don’t let them tug on any branches.

5. Hang ornaments higher. Hang all ornaments out of reach on the top half of the tree, just in case your tot does get closer to the tree. Smooth, shiny decorations will be sure to attract their attention, and all too many are easily breakable. If you feel like your tree is a bit bare, opt for paper or felt ornaments on the lower half.

These simple changes to your holiday decorating routine may make for a safer celebration for your newest family member.

New Homeowner Tips – 5 Do’s and Dont’s

• 
• 

If you’ve recently purchased a new home, or if you’re about to, you’ve likely given a lot of thought to all of the responsibilities that come with it: mortgages, insurance and — sooner or later — renovations and repairs. While the responsibilities can seem overwhelming, owning a home is exciting and rewarding too. You just need to know what to do and what not to do to avoid unexpected expenses.

New Homeowner Do’s:

There are a few home maintenance projects that should top the to-do list of every new homeowner. According to a recent article, these include:

1. Checking your HVAC system: If your HVAC system wasn’t serviced before you purchased the house, inspect air filters and other components for anything in need of repair or replacement.
2. Inspecting gutters and downspouts: Make sure that your gutters or downspouts have been cleared of debris. If they’re clogged, moisture could build up and leak over into your roofing or foundation — a predicament that will most likely require costly repairs. Also look for cracks or holes in the system; these could cause the same issues.
3. Look for leaks: Air and water leaks — whether in your insulation, your pipes or your walls — can lead to a number of issues in your home. They’re the perfect entry for pests, and they also offer a prime opportunity for air to seep out, which can force your HVAC system into overdrive. Fix leaks immediately with weatherproofing, caulking or more insulation material.
4. Assess insulation: Attic and basement insulation are crucial to protecting your roof and foundation from moisture, pests and interior temperature fluctuations. If there are holes, missing pieces or other issues with your insulation, you will need to have it augmented or replaced. You can install some kinds of insulation yourself; others require the help of a professional.
5. Upgrade appliances: Depending on the age of your appliances, now might be a good time to upgrade to newer, more energy-efficient models. Replacing one or more of your appliances will pay back in utility bill savings, whether you replace your washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave or refrigerator.

New Homeowner Dont’s:

There are also some new homeowner mistakes you should avoid. Making these mistakes could lead to the need for costly repairs and renovations down the road:

1. No routine care: While the house might have passed a home inspection, you need to keep it up to snuff; if you don’t, you could find yourself paying for major repairs within a year. Routine care includes seasonal maintenance like roof inspection and repair, gutter cleaning, deck repair and cleaning, and so forth. Ignoring these areas or waiting another year before attending to them could lead to more trouble — and money spent — than necessary. Don’t wait.
2. Renovating too soon: Although you may have considered a kitchen or bathroom remodel going into the purchase of your home, it’s best to wait at least one year before you renovate a room. You need to get to know the house and confirm that there aren’t more crucial repairs that need your budget and attention first. Otherwise, you could get halfway through your remodel only to find that your foundation is in serious disrepair — and that you have no money to fix it.
3. Overspending: As a new homeowner, you have a lot of costs to factor into your budget, including mortgage payments and an increased utility bill. If you invest in remodeling projects or landscaping in the first year — without giving yourself some time to get used to your new budget — you could end up in the red. Spend a year getting to know your new home budget, then think about spending money on improvements.
4. Dreaming too big: If you don’t have the money to remodel in the first year but want to do it anyway, you might try to DIY. We’ve all watched the DIYNetwork, HGTV — programs that make it all look simple. But we have to be realistic. These DIYers are experts who have worked in the field for years. Most homeowners have no prior experience, and our projects generally show our lack of expertise. If you attempt a DIY remodel, you will likely spend thousands to have a professional redo your work.
5. Taking the lowball offer: When you start hiring contractors for home projects, you’re going to run into those who quote far below the average bid. While you might be tempted to hire these pros, DON’T. As the saying goes: you get what you pay for. More than likely, you’ll end up hiring another pro to fix a shoddy job.

Conclusion

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of opportunity — some of it exciting and some not so much. It’s important to keep up on routine maintenance, as well as be prepared for everything that may come your way before you invest in major home improvements. Take this quiz to see whether you’re ready to be a new homeowner or need a little more time to prepare.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Homes!

Wouldn’t it be nice if homes came as “one size fits all” to save you from the decision-making process? Unfortunately, you can’t try on different living spaces as you would jeans or shoes. To help out, we’ve created a list of the advantages and disadvantages of different homes.

Apartment or Condo

An apartment or condo is one unit of a larger building. The difference between them is that you rent the former and buy the latter. Deciding which option is better for you is an entirely other conversation — check out our renting vs. buying calculator for more. Regardless, both options offer some pros and cons regarding physical living space.

Advantages:

– Maintenance and repairs are covered.
– Utility bills can be lower because you may not be responsible for heat or water.
– Amenities, such as security and fitness centers, may be included.

Disadvantages:

– Privacy isn’t promised — sounds can travel through walls, floors, and ceilings.
– Parking can be a hassle if the building doesn’t have a designated garage.
– Space is limited, and a yard will be communal if it exists at all.

Townhouse

A townhouse is a house connected to others in a row, usually with space for a small front lawn or backyard.

Advantages:

– Communities are tight knit due to close quarters.
– Home Owners Association (HOA) covers maintenance through their membership fee.
– Prices are typically lower than standalone units.

Disadvantages:

– Renovations need approval from the HOA.
– Some walls are shared with neighbors, which decreases privacy.
– Space is limited, though more available than when in an apartment.

Detached House

A detached house is a single structure with its surrounding property, though it can vary in terms of architecture, size, and location.

Advantages:

– Privacy, space, and independence are at a maximum.
– Value usually increases over time, making a house’s purchase more like an investment.
– Storage space allows for more material possessions, whether for hobbies or bulk buys.

Disadvantages:

– Maintenance can be costly and time-consuming.
– Cleaning is a bigger job.
– Prices may be higher than other types of homes.

Compare your family’s needs to what’s here and you may be able to find your perfect fit!

Setting up for a Winter Sale!

If you happen to be one of the many selling your home this upcoming snowy season, Read the tips below... That 1 extra little thing may be just what's need to help your Buyer fall in love!

CC~

Studies Show You Can Sell In The Winter!!

More often than not, homes in the winter will sell for more money,” says Paul Stone, a Redfin real estate agent in Denver. “There’s less inventory to choose from.” He advises winter sellers to be flexible because it’s hard to predict how long a given home will take to sell and the number of showings could depend on the weather.

Redfin analyzed two years of sales, from 2011 to 2013, in a handful of large cities and found that homes listed in winter sold a week faster and closer to the asking price than those listed in other seasons. The analysis, which included traditionally cold cities like Chicago and Boston, showed homes were also more likely to sell within six months of appearing on the market.

Here are 13 tips to sell your home in winter:

Shovel snow off the driveway and walk. If you can’t keep up with the shoveling on your own, hire a service. And make sure there are no patches of ice. It’s important that prospective buyers can get to your home safely.

Create a cozy feeling. When people step in out of the cold, grab them with the warmth of your home. Apple cider on the stove, fresh-baked cookies, soft music and a fire all contribute to an inviting atmosphere.

Use tasteful holiday décor. If your home looks like a Christmas card, it will help convey the warm feeling of a Hallmark commercial. “The houses that are all dressed up for Christmas … they show beautifully,” Shanahan says.

Clean gutters, and make sure there are no places ice dams can develop. You want to demonstrate to a prospective buyer that you are meticulous about maintenance and that spring won’t uncover surprise issues that require repairs.

Bring in the light. During the day, that means opening curtains and turning on lights inside. In the evening, you may need to turn on all the lights – inside and outside – to give your home a welcoming feel.

Get trees and shrubs trimmed. While the winter landscape is not as inviting as the summer landscape, you want to keep your yard and the flower beds, trees and shrubs that surround it clean-looking.

Put evergreen plants in pots around the door. A touch of green goes a long way on a gloomy day. Ask your local nursery which plants would do best in your winter climate.

Paint the front and garage doors. A layer of paint on doors and trim, if needed, can make the house look clean and neat. Even in winter, curb appeal matters.

Make sure the path to the lockbox is clear. If you are using a lockbox for real estate agents to enter your home, make sure they can get to it without tromping through the snow.

Take pictures on a nice day. Most buyers start their home search on the Internet, which makes the photos a key tool for selling your home. Be prepared to wait for better weather to get better photos. “A beautiful, sunny day with nice, clean snow makes it attractive,” Shanahan says.

Price your home right. If you overprice your home, agents and buyers are likely to assume you’re not serious or unrealistic and won’t even bother to look at it. Yes, you can always lower the price later, but the longer the home stays on the market, the more people are going to think something is wrong with it.

Offer information about systems that can’t be inspected. If the roof is covered by snow, an inspector may not be able to get a good look at it. Offer prospective buyers information about when the roof was installed and any previous inspections. Offer to put money in escrow for repairs that can’t be completed in winter.

Be prepared for weather delays. Snowstorms can delay inspections or even the transmission of documents if the people involved can’t get to work. But, Shanahan, says, the rise of electronic transactions has cut down the amount of driving required to close a deal.

For more details, visit here!

Nothing I had as a child!

Had to share this... Just way too Awesome!Landen's teacher takes pics and vids and produces some cool little vids! ...
Posted by Chris Carson on Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Supper on Game Night!

MONGOLIAN CHICKEN RECIPE

We’ve said goodbye to summer now that Labor Day weekend is over. Kids are back at school and summer clothing is being pushed in the dark end of our closets. See you next year warm weather, it’s been a grand summer! With a busy schedule ahead, I think it’s fair to say that no one wants to cook anything too complicated this week. An easy chicken dish like this Mongolian chicken recipe is just what the doctor ordered! Sweet and packed with umami, it’s a tasty dish that only takes  15 minutes to make from start to finish.

WHAT IS MONGOLIAN CHICKEN?

The question should actually be ‘what is Mongolian beef?’, which is a popular dish served in Chinese-American restaurants. You have probably seen it on the menu at P.F Changs and/or ate it as a kid in your local Chinese eatery. The sweet and savory combination was created to cater to the American palate as true authentic Chinese food rarely is sweet. Made with sliced steak (usually flank) and chopped scallions (other vegetables such as onions and bell peppers can also be included), the dish is cooked in a sauce consisting of soy sauce, sugar, hoisin sauce and chilies, or something similar to that flavor profile.

WHY IS IT CALLED MONGOLIAN IF IT’S NOT FROM MONGOLIA?

From what I gathered it’s called Mongolian beef because of the way it’s made, not because of the way it tastes. In 1951, the method of stir-frying meats and veggies on a large, open surface (similar to teppanyaki) first appeared in Taipei, Taiwan. This method reminded them of Mongolian barbecue and their traditions and thus, is loosely based on that. Just like General Tso’s chicken, it looks like the term got lost in translation somewhere along the way despite never having made an appearance in China!

What makes Mongolian chicken so delicious is partly due to the way the chicken is prepared. Instead of cooking it bare in a fry pan, the chicken is tossed in cornstarch and left there for a few minutes. This tenderizes the meat and makes it velvety and moist – yummy! The chicken is then added to a pan, cooked with ginger, garlic and a simple sauce made of soy sauce, chicken stock, brown sugar and toasted sesame oil.

The result is perfection: tender chicken pieces that are nutty, sweet, savory and the perfect companion to sliced green onions! Mongolian chicken is another quick recipe I have recently added to my lazy/busy day menu because it’s so satisfying yet requires very little prep work in the kitchen. It’s not a messy recipe to make and the flavors are familiar enough to please most people’s palate.

Serve Mongolian chicken with plain white rice and a side of hot and sour soup, chicken egg foo young, orJapanese cabbage salad.

5.0 from 2 reviews

MONGOLIAN CHICKEN RECIPE

See a Collection of Classic Appetizers

 

 

PRINT

PREP TIME

10 mins

COOK TIME

5 mins

TOTAL TIME

15 mins

 

This is a quick and delicious Mongolian chicken recipe that's both sweet and savory. A healthier alternative to the classic Mongolian beef preparation with ingredients that pack a punch!

Author: Pickled Plum - Caroline Phelps

Recipe type: main, Asian

Cuisine: chicken, easy

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast chopped bite size
  
• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1⁄2 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ cup low sodium chicken stock
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 scallions, chopped bite size on the bias

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with cornstarch until all the pieces are evenly coated.
2. In a pan over high heat, add oil and when the oil is hot, add chicken. Cook until chicken is cooked through (about 4 minutes).
3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce, chicken stock and brown sugar and cook for 3-4 minutes, until sauce thickens.
5. Turn the heat off, add sesame oil and scallions. Stir well and serve with white rice.

More on this recipe and others, click here!

C~

It's Never Too Early Prepare For The Day You Buy Your Home!

Bad Credit + Insurance = Higher Payment

You’re probably already aware that credit scores are a major factor when you’re buying a home, because your credit score affects the interest rate you get on your mortgage. Considering how big home loans are, a few credit score points could translate into a slightly higher rate, which ultimately can add up to thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

Of course, there are many more expenses that come with buying a house than taking out a mortgage. Pretty much everyone takes out homeowners insurance, which can—on average—tack on nearly $100 or so to your monthly homeownership expenses. On top of that, you could be paying higher insurance premiums just because you don’t have a good credit score (here’s an explanation of what qualifies as a “good” credit score).

Across the U.S., homeowners might pay 32% more in annual homeowners insurance premiums if they have fair credit, as opposed to excellent credit, according to a survey from InsuranceQuotes.com.

If you have poor credit, your homeowners insurance can cost twice as much as it would if you had excellent credit. Most states allow insurance underwriters to consider credit history when determining home insurance premiums

Read More Here... 

Glad he's sticking around!

It's so great to know that he's sticking around! Now he's gotta live in the weight room and stop at the BR Diner to help pack on a few pounds!C~http://carsonsrealestateblog.blogspot.com/

Posted by Chris Carson on Friday, September 11, 2015

Time to start thinking Fall!

Love These Ideas! Click Here!

11 Needed Steps To Get To Closing

11 Steps to selling your property

Selling a home isn’t quite as simple as sticking up a ‘for sale’ sign and waiting for the buyers to come to you. Here is a quick overview of the various steps involved in selling a property. You can also download our handy checklist of things you need to do when selling a house.

1. Deciding to sell. Consider what is happening in the broader market and what is best for your particular situation. Also decide if you are better off buying a new home before or after you sell your current home.

2. Choosing an agent. Your agent will be in charge of advertising, showing and completing the legal requirements of selling your property, so choose carefully. Find out more about choosing an agent here.

3. Next you’ll decide how you want to sell. You and your agent will work out a plan for listing, showing and selling your property.

4. Determining your selling price and property inclusions comes next. Your property’s location, size, age and features will be assessed, as will the current market and area trends. Click here and ask for a Free Market Analysis of your home!

5. You’ll sign an agreement with your agent. This legally binding contract will detail any commissions, the estimated sale price, duration of the agreement, advertising costs, process and much much more.

6. Detailed paper work will need to be completed conveying specifics for the property.

7. Advertising and showing your property. This generally involves photographing your property, drawing up floor plans and writing your online ads. 

8. Going on the market. Prospective buyers will contact your agent and arrange times to view your property, or attend your open homes.

9. Sale and negotiation. Your agent will mediate between you and buyers to reach a mutually acceptable price. 

10. Under contract. Both seller and buyer’s lawyers and banks will work out the details of the sale to ensure both parties meet all legal and financial requirements.

11. Settlement day. All going to plan, you’ll relinquish the keys and legal rights to your property in exchange for the balance of payment from the buyer or their bank. Congratulations, you have sold your home!

  This rough outline contains just a few of the larger steps needed to complete the real estate process.

Eight legged nastyness and two legged pains in the butt.... that are just so gosh darn cute sometimes!!

Video and The Web Make It Super East To Say Hello!

Explore and Visit Here www.q92country.com

Blake had his hands full with this decision! There is Some Talent On The Voice This Year!

It's Nice To Know That He's Here For A While and It's Cooler To See That He Really Wants To Be Here!!

http://www.packers.com/media-center/index.html

Brett's throwing out the challenge to Tim...!  Only because I know I am is why I can say... Those guys are looking old!  Ha!

Post by Brett Favre.

Hey @Favre4Official, challenge accepted... help me get 10k followers on @Sqor by April 1!! https://t.co/kexvu2ID8R https://t.co/dVED5Ft2gC
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) February 27, 2015

The Voice Has Begun and cold's won't quit!

Sam's Idol Recap: Feb 12 and 13

Well I got good news… Rounding off the top 30, or should I say 31 (I will explain)… is the deepest pool of country talent we’ve seen since Season 10, which of course came down to Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.

This week’s 2 part show started with contestants performing solo. The judges then called them into a room one by one and let them know if they made the Top 30. Although, some contestants were called in as a pair, and were forced to perform on the spot to decide who stayed and who went. That must be tough, because you want to celebrate if you make it, or break down if you didn’t, but you still have the walk out and elevator ride down with the other contestant.

Nice guy Harry Connick Jr. wasn’t so nice this week, ranting about how he doesn’t care if contestants are sleep deprived or sick, that is part of show business.

Wednesday night ended with us on the edge of our seat as two of our beloved country singers were in the “decision” room together. Ironically, they live 45 minutes apart in Alabama, and have now become close friends. Turns out, the judges kept them both!

I may be a bad judge of voice, because I don’t have one, but I am just not agreeing with some of the people the judges sent through.

Thursday night helped finish off the top 30 (15 girls, 15 guys)… But not without a twist. Dun dun dun.. The show ended with the judges not being able to decide between Neco Starr and Ben Briley. And what do you know? They kept them both, not for good though, America will vote who stays and who goes! The results of that will be revealed next week Tuesday on the 3 night event.

Tuesday besides finding out what guy goes, which stays, all 15 women will sing, Wednesday all the men will sing, and Thursday will be the results show. Dang, Carson and I will have to chat fast next Friday, as I will have so much to update you all on after 3 nights!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.. Or Happy Single’s Awareness!

-Sam