Posted: 18 Jan 2012 01:55 PM PST

G. M. Filisko

With a few conscious choices, your merry Christmas can also be an eco-friendly Christmas.

1. Light up with LEDs. LED lights use at least 75% less energy than conventional holiday decorations, according to Energy Star. That saves the average family about $50 on energy bills during the holiday, says Avital Binshtock of the Sierra Club in San Francisco. Or douse the lights and use soy-based or beeswax candles; their emissions are cleaner than those from paraffin candles.

2. Make your own decorations. Save money and keep your kids busy by hand-crafting eco-friendly decor—strings of popcorn or pine cones—instead of buying mass-produced holiday flare.

3. Wrap with stuff you already have. Get creative with reusable shopping bags, magazines, and newspapers instead of using wrapping paper. Even gift bags that recipients can pass on make for a more eco-friendly Christmas, says Brian Clark Howard of The Daily Green.

4. Buy a real tree. Real Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands are renewable and recyclable, Binshtock says. Real trees mean an annual cost, but that may be a wash if you tend to buy a faux tree several times a decade.

5. Say “no” to glossy paper decorations and wrapping. Shininess and color come from chemicals not easily recycled. Alternative: Decorations or wrapping papers that use soy inks or natural dyes.

6. Package it in cardboard. Plain, corrugated cardboard is good for packaging because it’s easy to recycle. If plastic factors into your holiday plans, look for No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, the easiest to recycle, says Ben Champion, director of sustainability for Kansas State University.

7. Create precious moments that don’t leave a trail of debris.

• Do something experiential like taking the family to a museum.

• Give a gift certificate or donation to an organization meaningful to the recipient in the receiver’s name. Happy holidays to you: No sales tax.

• Buy fair-trade, organic, or locally made products, which are often one-of-a-kind and may not need as much packaging and shipping, Champion says.

From Guest blogger: Connect Utilities

Do: Be honest.

Real Estate agents work best when they can tailor their services to each buyers unique situation. Hiding important information will only slow down the process. The most common factors buyers tend to hide is representation (they already have an agent), timing and financing. All of which are more beneficial to the buyer to disclose upfront since all will be revealed during some point of the transaction anyway.

For example let’s say buyer Jan already has a Real Estate agent but she doesn’t like Agent’s 1 service and finds a new agent. She doesn’t tell the new agent 2 about agent 1. She buys a house with agent 2 and now agent 1 is hitting buyer Jan with fees for breaking their buyer’s agreement. Had Jan told the second agent from the beginning they would have advise her to review the contract, offer advice on what grounds she had to exit the contract and then assisted her with finding a home.

Don’t: Think you are bugging your agent.

How many houses will your agent be willing to show you? Can you text them questions throughout the day? What if you want to see a house when the agent is on vacation?

All the questions above should be address from the start when a buyer signs the buyer’s agreement. By clearing the air early buyers won’t have to question boundaries. The last thing an agent wants is for their client to go to another agent or broker because the client thinks they are “bugging them”.

Do: Do make sure the agent represents your interest.

Going the “easy” route and using the agent that is selling the home is not in the buyers’ best interest. The agent selling the home was hired by the owner to represent their best interest not the buyers. Also be weary of those agents who refuse to show certain properties like foreclosures or short sales. They could be trying to get out of doing a little extra work that may benefit the buyer.

Don’t: Go with your mom’s friend’s son, unless you actually trust him.

Using a family friend is fine, if the buyer is doing it for the right reason. Using a friend simply to get a cut of their commission could cost a buyer far more in the long run if the agent is under qualified. The family friend may not be the best negotiator and may miss an opportunity to shave thousands off the price, or never completed a short sale before and drag the process on for months longer than a short sale certified agent. Is your biggest purchase and the next 10 years something you are willing to gamble with?

Photo credit: By Visionello

Here  are 10 tips to make your move easier:

1) Condense.    All of your packing into one or two rooms, rather than having boxes spread out all over the house. Reducing the sense of scale for the move goes a long way in reducing stress.

2) Start early.  Don™t wait for the house to sell and you™re rushed. Pack things like seasonal clothing and holiday decorations right away. The more time you have to prepare, the less frantic your move will be.  Having a moving sale to eliminate some of the things that you really don™t need or want to move to another location can help decrease the amount of possessions that travel with you to the new home.3) Label boxes clearly.  List contents whenever feasible and designate their destination on the other end. It will make unpacking a whole lot easier. The labeling will also allow friends and family to be more helpful should they choose to volunteer their services for packing or unpacking.

4) Pack light.  It™s tempting to use fewer boxes in an effort to save  space and trips. It will be a lot less work in the long run, though, if you keep the size and weight of each box to a minimum.

5)  When moving dressers, trunks or armoires, pack clothing back into them to  conserve space. You can tape over the drawers and carry them separately on and off the truck.

6) Use towels,and wash rags as padding for wrapping fragile goods. Place pillows and blankets around furniture and boxes of fragile items to keep them protected in the moving van.

7) Make a list of all contacts you will need  to send a change of address, and fill out a change of address form with the post office at least 2 weeks prior to your move date. Specify what date you wish to begin having your mail delivered to the new address.

8 ) Pack an overnight bag. In the rush to get packed, it™s easy to forget those items you™ll be needing right away in your new home. Don™t forget necessities like a roll of toilet paper for your first night in the new house.

9) Contact utilities ahead of time to advise of shut-off and turn-on dates for each home.  Allow yourself enough time in the old home for cleaning before shutting off the water and power.

10) Prepare directions  and have cellphones for all parties, when making a move in more than one vehicle. It ensures that everyone knows where they™re going, and can communicate during the transport phase of your move.

A little preparation and planning goes a long way in making your move go smoothly.

Photo Credit: by  Mbtrama

œSold as is or œneeds work. These terms are becoming common place in today™s housing inventory but too often buyers dismiss these properties; whether it be out of fear of a large renovation project or the unknown of cost and time.  They see what is and not what could be.

So how does a buyer bridge the gap between what is and what could be?

With a 203(k) loan. 203(k) or renovation loan, is a loan in addition to your mortgage, for renovation projects. For example if you need to borrow $100,000 for the home and a contractor estimates $50,000 in repairs, you could get a combined mortgage and 203(k) loan of $150,000. And typically the mortgage and 203(k) loans are both qualified for the same interest rates and down payment percentage, conventional or FHA. The borrower does need to be able to qualify for the full loan amount, not just the mortgage amount.

Great! What™s the catch? Well, the catch is actually to the buyers benefit with the  Prosperity Mortgage™s  Purchase & Renovate Program. With this particular program, the contractors have to provide an estimate (bid) to the loan officer prior to determining the loan amount. Once a bid is accepted and the loan is originated, the contractors are required to complete the repairs in 6 months or less and the lender then signs off on the work to make sure it is completed correctly.

From the very start the buyer knows 1) how much the work will cost and 2) that the work will be completed in 6 months or less.   Renovation doesn™t get much easier than that.

When housing inventory is looking slim, 203(k) loans are a great way to open doors and seize the opportunity to make a home your own.

The  KCM blog  recently put out the InfoGraphic below. What do the numbers in the chart say to you?

The biggest difference in monthly payments from the highest to the lowest in the last 11 months was $75.01. Is $75 dollars a month worth playing the timing game?

Some may say yes, it is. Others find more value in buying a home on their schedule. According to the graphic;  if someone has been waiting for the housing market to œhit bottom since September of last year, they  didn™t  wait for much avail.

Either way the silver lining is that over the course of the last 11 months national home prices and interest rates haven™t fluctuated much. And with the most  recent policy commitment from The Federal Open Market Committee  (FOMC)  to keep rates low, we don™t foresee huge spikes coming anytime soon.

Quick answer; yes but only in very few cases. This post will cover the 4 most popular loans and the restrictions on each.

FHA- an FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan is a government backed loan. The FHA insures mortgage loans so a lender can offer a buyer better terms, alleviating risk to the lender allowing them to be more lenient. You can learn more about  what an FHA loan is here.

Restrictions- The only restriction to which houses a buyer can select from is the price range. FHA loans tend to be small and may not offer enough for a pricier home. Click here to find the  FHA lending limits for your area.    FHA loans are also a bit stricter when it comes to fixer uppers; a buyer may not be able to get an FHA loan on a home in poor condition.

USDA-    A USDA guaranteed loan, known as the Rural Housing Direct Loan or a Section 502 loan, is primarily used to help low-income individuals or households purchase homes in rural areas.

Restrictions- This loan does significantly limit a buyer™s choices. Because the program was created to help stimulate growth in rural neighborhoods buyers are restricted to the only USDA approved neighborhoods. Click here to find  USDA location eligibility.

VA-  The Department of  Veterans Affairs  offers a 0% down government back mortgage loan option for veterans.

Restrictions- Similar to an FHA loan, there are loan limits depending on where you are planning on moving.  Those can be found here.

Conventional  “ Conventional loan are loans that are not government backed.

Restrictions- These tend to be the least restrictive. No matter which bank or lender the buyer chooses, they are able to look at any home, even if the home is owned by another bank.

With all loans buyers are free to choose a foreclosed or short sale property, as long as it falls under the other the other requirements. Also in all cases condos make financing a bit trickier; particularly with FHA or USDA loans.  In those cases the condo buildings themselves must be FHA or USDA approved.   So buyers should ask whether a building is approved for financing before bothering to go for a showing.

Helping Your Child Buy a  Home

As a parent of an adult child, you have been around to see the market go up and down more than once. But indisputably you know that there has never been a more affordable time to buy than now; especially for those who are not tied down with a home to sell. So how can you help your child take advantage of this opportunity? Consider their situation.

Can qualify for a mortgage but does not have enough savings:This is where the œBank of Mom and Dad comes in. If the only barrier between them and a house is the down payment, you could œgift the funds; gift meaning that you do not expect the funds back. Before you give a gift of money, remember that the*1 IRS limits the amount of money you can give to an individual to $12,000 per year before you have to deal with tax consequences.

If you give the money as a loan, not a gift, there are two things to consider. *2 One, many lenders will not approve a mortgage knowing the down payment is a loan. Two, the IRS requires that you document the loan. The interest portion of the payment is considered taxable income to you the parents, and your child cannot deduct the mortgage interest unless the loan is secured by a lien on the home.

Can qualify for a mortgage but not for the rates or amount they want:  This is when co-signing is beneficial. Your good credit and history will help your child be approved for better interest rates and possibly a larger loan amount. But larger amounts may mean higher monthly cost. Can your child afford the larger mortgage? The lender didn™t seem to think so. Take this time to step back and take an unbiased look at your child finances and stability. Remember, as a co-signer you take on the responsibility if your child defaults.

Cannot qualify on their own:  Buying a home out right for your child is an option but may not do much for your child in terms of equity. Alternatively, you could create a rent-to-own agreement where the child can save funds over time to purchase the home. OR you can add them to the deed and plan to have them buy out your share of the house in time. Both cases do come with some *3 significant tax and legal implications.

As always, you should consult a trusted lender and tax professional about your particular situation.

Sources:

*1 œ5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Children Buy a Home. Hall Financial Corp.http://hallfinancialcorp.com/home-buying/5-ways-parents-can-help-their-children-buy-a-home/  

*2 œTax Implications When Parents Gift Down Payment. The Wall Street Journal.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704007804574574114204199896.html

*3 œShould You Buy a Home To Rent to Your Child? The Wall Street Journal.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121381161750885197.html

Smart Options: Patio Pavers

By:  Andrea Nordstrom Caughey

Published: March 18, 2010

A broad selection of patio pavers accompanies increased demand for outdoor living spaces.

That variety is driven by considerable consumer demand. A 2009 Outdoor Living Trend Report by Researchandmarkets.com says that sales of outdoor living products accounted for more than 5% of all purchases at Lowe™s home improvement centers, and a whopping 29% of sales”about $2.1 billion–at Home Depot.

And there’s value to be had in a patio, too. Mack Strickland of Strickland Appraisal Services, Inc., in Chester, Va., pegs patio recovery costs at anywhere from 30% to 60%, depending on the region of the country and material choices.

Getting on base

Choosing patio paving materials begins with a decision about what kind of base to install. The base”the material that supports the pavers”must be firm, strong, and designed to stand up to years of foot traffic and weather.

The options include, sand, gravel, and concrete. Sand and gravel perform equally well, and cost about the same to install. Both sand and gravel bases are relatively easy do-it-yourself projects.

Both sand and gravel bases feature œdry set paver installations”the paving materials are set in place, and then fine sand is swept into the joints between the materials to secure them. Every two or three years, fresh sand must be swept into the joints to replace sand that™s settled out, and pavers that have become loose must be reset. Expect to pay $2 to $3 per sq. ft. for a DIY job, and $3 to $5 per sq. ft. for a professional installation of the base alone.

A concrete base offers greater longevity and stability, with less potential for settling. On a concrete base, the paving materials are set permanently with mortar, and ongoing maintenance is minimal. Expect to pay $5 to $8 per sq. ft. for a professionally installed concrete base.

Brick

Brick pavers offer warmth and the possibility of intricate patterns. Thinner than typical œbuilder bricks used on home siding, they™re formulated to hold up under heavy foot traffic. Brick pavers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes, and can look old or new. Because they™re often smaller than other paver sizes, installation costs can be higher. Depending on budget, they can be installed in sand, granite, or over concrete.

Brick pavers:  $14 to $20 per sq. ft., professionally installed.

Concrete

Concrete is now available in numerous finishes (brushed, acid washed, scored, and stamped) and many hues. Its long lifespan and relatively inexpensive installation make it a popular choice. œFor colder climates, consider adding $1 to $2 per sq. ft. for a specialized base preparation and concrete additive, says Chris Fenmore, principal with Garden Studio Landscape Design.

Stamped concrete can add a pattern to your patio, simulating slate, brick, or stone, but also adds an additional installation expense of $1.50 to $2 per sq. ft. and can be prone to cracking. Concrete can also be scored to create patterns or borders.

Concrete:  $6 to $12 per sq. ft., depending on finish and color.

Concrete pavers

Concrete pavers come in countless shapes and sizes, and can be fashioned to look like real stone. Unlike other materials, the concrete is molded, not cut, making them more cost effective, uniform, and stronger than many natural paver varieties. They™re readily available at home improvement centers and are well-suited to DIY patio projects.

Interlocking pavers, a variation of concrete pavers, have gained popularity in recent years for their relative affordability, minimal maintenance, and quick installation.

Concrete pavers:  $13 to $20 per sq. ft.

Interlocking pavers:  $15 to $20 per sq. ft., $20 to $35 installed.

Stone, slate, & marble

Although almost any stone can work as a paver, cost and practicality typically focus on sandstone, limestone, slate, and granite. The materials you select can be especially cost-efficient if they come from locally operated quarries; check your local stone supplier before looking at national home improvement chains. Avoid coating stones with sealers that will peel or chip over time.

Sandstone, slate, granite:  $17 to $28 per sq. ft., professionally installed

Decomposed granite and pebble surfaces

Decomposed granite is comprised of very small pieces of granite, ranging in size from ¼-inch to the consistency of sand. Although an affordable option, decomposed granite patios may need to be replenished periodically as the surface can erode with time, presenting higher maintenance costs. This application may be a poor choice in climates with lots of rain and snow.

œBudget $1 per sq. ft. for maintenance costs every two to three years, suggests David McCullough, landscape architect and ASLA board member. Also, decomposed granite isn’t solid and furniture legs may sink into the surface. Adding stabilizers that help bind particles together can strengthen the surface.

Decomposed granite and pebble surfaces:  $1.50 per sq. ft. without stabilizers, $2 with stabilizers

Recycled materials

Recycling hardscape materials, such as cast-off concrete sections from a neighbor™s old driveway or sidewalk, is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to new materials. Check nearby construction sites for old materials (and be sure to ask permission before hauling anything away).

Although the materials are usually free, you™ll need to enlist helpers and the use of a pick-up truck to transport everything to your patio site. Expect to save $500 to $800 on a standard 12×12-foot patio versus newly purchased pavers, and you™ll be building a one-of-a-kind creation. Look for materials that provide uniform thickness.

Mixing materials

Combining different materials”such as brick and concrete, or stone and rock trim, can create an interesting and customized feel. œToo much hardscape can be tedious,” notes Southern California designer Chris Fenmore. “I often like to use four-inch troughs separating masonry from concrete that can be filled with gravel, beach rocks, or ground cover. They provide a bit of relief from the hardscape and nice detail, adding to the custom look of the yard.

Keeping maintenance low

Most paving options, with the exception of decomposed granite or gravel, require little maintenance. The key is a solid foundation, installation experts say. A poorly built base can cause your patio to become uneven and the stones or concrete to crack. œIf your backyard is especially uneven, it may be easier to add a few steps than to level everything out, advises McCullough.

œBe sure your paving product can withstand weather conditions in your area, notes   S. Penny Triplett, a real estate and appraisal expert with Pissocra Mathias Realty in Ohio. Also, because some minimal cracking may occur over time, especially around paver joints, œconsider purchasing 10% more of the product you install, including grouting in the chosen color, in case you need to make repairs, says Fenmore.

Andrea Nordstrom Caughey has been writing about home and garden stories as a magazine and newspaper editor and reporter for more than 20 years. Her specialty is outdoor living topics, including patios, decks, and garden structures. A Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism graduate, Andrea lives in a coastal cottage that she enjoys upgrading with low-maintenance, weather-hardy improvements.