http://irenakohler.com/blog/archive_201007/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ 1. Store your documents online. "Scan, upload, digitize, or e-mail your docs to SlideShare, Posterous, or Google Docs. You'll never have to worry about computer crashes. And try Microsoft OneNote. I don't know how I lived without it for so long," says Stephanie Crawford of Zeiltin InTown in Nashville, Tenn.2. Minimize Distractions."Your office space should be dedicated only to things that help make you money or are for the practice of your profession," says M. Colleen Klimczak, certified professional organizer with Peace of Mind in Chicago. "Are you using your office to store boxes of holiday decorations? In the interest of being ready to work when you sit down at your desk, taking out those extra personal items will help."3. Find Tech That Does Double duty. "Save space with multifunction or ‘all-in-one' equipment that prints, copies, and scans. The smaller footprint of these machines makes them ideal for most space-challenged home offices, and they're affordable," says Lisa Kanarek, a Dallas-based home office expert and creator of www.workingnaked.net.4. Prevent piles. A business can generate an enormous amount of paper, so you need to figure out what to keep and where to put it, says Garreth Wilcock of Keller Williams Realty in Austin, Texas."I follow a one-touch system. If I get a piece of mail or a contract, it has only a limited number of options-it can go straight to trash, it can go to storage, I can delegate it, or I can work on it right now," Wilcock says. "The system prevents random piles from forming."5. Maintain your files. "Just because you got organized once doesn't mean your office will stay that way," Klimczak says. "It's an ongoing process. You need to set up a document retention policy. Keep the most timely files closest to your desk. My ‘tickler folder' with information on prospective clients and pressing items is always nearby."6. Set up an area suitable for guests. "If you're going to be meeting with clients in your home office, set up a space with guest chairs and a table of some sort," Kanarek says. "If you don't have space in your office, you can use an adjacent room, like a dining room, for meetings. Just be sure the space is clutter-free and readily available."7. Don't get sidetracked. When you're doing work at home, there are so many other things calling for your attention."I use my trusted kitchen clock to keep me focused," says Lourdes "Luly" MacPharlaine, with Prudential Northwest Properties in Lake Oswego, Ore. "I set my clock for 50 minutes, and during those minutes, I stay on task. Then, 10 minutes are set for me. I get up and stretch, exercise, talk to the cats, munch, go outside, turn the TV on, whatever. The cycle repeats until the whistle blows at 6 p.m."Published: April 2010 REALTOR magazine Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1638/7-ways-to-get-your-home-office-in-order/ Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Thanks to all the folks that submitted photos to Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty's Pet Pix Contest!We received more than 500 contest entries, so Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty will donate $500 to Paw’s Place Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Winnabow, NC! We appreciate your participation and your support.Want to do more to help Paw’s Place Animal Rescue? We’ll be accepting donations for Paw’s Place at all of our offices August 2-5, 2010. Needed items include dog food, toys, blankets, towels, and especially dog food formulated for senior dogs.HOW DO I VOTE?Our judges have narrowed the field of 549 photos down to just 10 finalists! Now you can help choose the winner by voting for your favorites on Facebook.To vote, visit our Facebook album of Pet Pix Contest Finalists. Cast your vote by posting "VOTE" as a comment on your favorite photo or photos. "Likes" will not count as votes.Only comments left under the individual photos will count. Votes will NOT be counted if they are left under the main comments section of the album, in other albums, posted on anyone's wall, sent as Facebook messages, or emailed.Voting will begin at 12:00 PM EST on Friday, July 30, 2010. The voting period will end at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. Votes cast before or after the voting period will not be counted.You can vote for as few or as many of the finalists as you like, but you can only vote once per photo. That means that you can vote for two or ten of the photos if you like. If you vote more than once on the same photo, only one of the votes will be counted.Make sure you go to http://www.facebook.com/seacoastrealty and click the "Like" button at the top. That way, you'll get updates on the contest. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1639/vote-now!-pet-pix-contest/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Article From Houselogic.comBy: Douglas TrattnerPublished: August 28, 2009When deciding to repair or replace appliances, consider age, repair cost, pricing, energy efficiency, and whether to modify your kitchen to accommodate a new unit.When your refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine act out, you may feel torn about whether to call a technician or junk the unit in favor of something new. In times of plenty, it's easy to convince yourself that a product requires replacement when all it really needs is a minor repair. But today, your more prudent self may be scrutinizing every financial decision. Conversely, the cost of repair can be a case of throwing away good money that could be better spent on a more energy-efficient model.Use these six guidelines to home in on the smart choice for you the next time your appliances behave badly.1. STILL UNDER WARRANTY?Here's the simple part. Check the owner's manual and your records to see if the unit is still under warranty. If so, schedule a service call with an authorized technician.Warranties vary widely between manufacturers, appliances, even retailers. Most cover parts and labor for a specified time, followed by a period of just parts. If you purchased an extended warranty from the retailer, examine that document as well.2. NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY-HOW OLD IS IT?The closer an appliance is to the end of its average useful life, the wiser it is to replace rather than repair, says Jill A. Notini, vice president of communications for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Average Useful Life is the typical age at which an appliance needs to be replaced because it dies or proves too costly to repair.Given that most refrigerators last an average of 14 years, it may not be financially prudent to repair a 12-year-old model. Conversely, it might make sense to fix an 8-year-old built-in oven knowing that generally, it should last 16 years.3. THE 50% RULEFor appliances that are no longer under warranty but still in the prime of their useful life, consider the 50% rule. If the cost of the repair will be more than half the price of a comparable replacement, it's generally wise to replace it, says Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports magazine. The rationale? For the price of the repair and one future repair, you can enjoy a more reliable new machine.To help make your decision, get a repair estimate. Service calls come with a price whether or not the appliance gets fixed, so factor that into your decision. Angie's List pegs the average cost of an appliance service call at $60 to $100, not counting the repair itself. Many service providers will deduct these charges if they're hired to complete the repairs. If you decide to go ahead with the repair, expect additional service visits to complete the process.4. CAN YOU FIX IT YOURSELF?Because labor accounts for more than half the cost of a typical repair, you can save big by tackling jobs yourself. Numerous online resources can help diagnose and fix common appliance ailments. Many of these same sites also maintain databases of owner's manuals while connecting appliance owners with reputable parts suppliers.The downside? You risk causing additional damage to machines if you're not the handy person you thought you were. Worse, there's the danger of physical harm. And self-help repairs often nullify warranties.5. FACTOR IN FUTURE ENERGY AND WATER SAVINGSPresent-day appliances are so much more energy and water efficient than previous models that it can be fiscally wise to upgrade rather than repair. A modern refrigerator uses roughly half the electricity of its 20-year-old predecessor, says Notini. New dishwashers get plates every bit as clean as older machines while using a fraction of the water and energy.But replacing an aging appliance with a new highly efficient one still requires some evaluation. "If you intend to stay in your home for another 10 to 15 years, it may be worthwhile to upgrade to the latest efficient model, Notini says. If you're planning a move soon, it may be smarter to repair it and pass it on to the next homeowner.6. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HIDDEN COSTSThere's more to the cost of replacing an appliance than the price of the new machine. If you have built-in cook-tops and refrigerators, you may face costly modifications to countertops and cabinetry when you replace, says Lora C. Donoghue, a kitchen designer in Charlotte, N.C. Even so-called standard-size machines may not fit into the same space as your previous model as standards continue to evolve.Or the placement of water connections and power outlets may differ. And switching from an electric range to gas can involve a costly visit from the plumber or utility company. Likewise, upgrading from an older gas range to a newer one with electronic features may require the installation of a new wall outlet.Although these guidelines can help you make an orderly fiscal decision, you may find that your enjoyment of a new unit-perhaps your dream appliance is on sale-simply trumps everything else.Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he's upgraded almost every appliance. After a lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load variety.Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1640/when-to-repair-or-replace-large-appliances/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Article From Houselogic.comBy: Jeanne HuberPublished: September 16, 2009Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing is largely an exercise in timing--you don't want to reroof too soon and waste money, but you don't want to wait too long either.Eventually, all roofs wear out and need to be replaced. You don't want to do it too soon, because you'll waste money. But you also don't want to wait too long, because then you'll end up with leaks and expensive water damage. To get the timing right, you need to know how to assess the overall condition of your roof and identify early signs of roof failure.The national average for a new asphalt shingle roof is $19,731, according to Remodeling's 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report, of which you'll recoup $13,133 at resale (66.6%). For high-end materials, such as standing-seam metal, the cost jumps to as much as $37,000.If most of your roof is still in good shape, a spot repair makes sense. But if there are signs the roof is wearing out, or if it is more than 20 years old, replacing it may be the smarter choice.BE ALERT TO EARLY SIGNS OF A ROOF LEAKIf you check the condition of your roof at least once a year, you should be able to plan in advance for necessary repairs. Early signs of trouble include dark areas on ceilings, peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs, damp spots alongside fireplaces, and water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.From the outside, you can assess your roof's health by viewing it through binoculars. Warning signs include cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing; shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering; and worn areas around chimneys, pipes, and skylights. If you find piles of grit from asphalt roof tiles in the gutters, that's a bad sign, since the granules shield the roof from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Black algae stains are just cosmetic, but masses of moss and lichen could signal roofing that's decayed underneath.If you're inspecting on your own and find worrisome signs, especially if the roof is old or there has been a storm with heavy wind or hail, get a professional assessment. Some roofing companies do this free; specialized roof inspectors, like those who work through the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association, charge about $175.WHEN REPAIRS MAKE SENSEYou can usually repair a leak in a roof that is otherwise sound. The cost might range from $10 if you just need to squirt some roofing mastic into a gap alongside chimney flashing to $1,000 to fix a leak in a roof valley. If something sudden and unforeseen, such as a wind storm, causes a leak to appear, your homeowner's insurance will probably cover the repairs. But you're still responsible for limiting the damage, so put out buckets and try to get a local roofer to spread a tarp while you arrange for repairs. Insurance may not cover problems that stem from a worn-out roof or lack of maintenance.THE COST OF RE-ROOFINGStripping off old roofing and starting over typically costs about $3 a square foot for basic composition shingles. You may be able to leave an existing single layer and add a second layer on top of it for about $2 a square foot. If you plan to stay in the house for only a few years, this might seem like a smart way to save. But unless you're so pressed for cash that your only other option is to risk leaks, it's false economy. The second layer won't last as long-only about 15 years rather than the standard 20-and you won't get new flashing or underlayment or the opportunity to upgrade to features that make a roof stronger. Plus, when you go to sell, your re-covered roof will look a little lumpy, and potential buyers may interpret the two layers as a sign that other home improvements were also done on the cheap.MAKE SURE TO FACTOR IN HIDDEN COSTSWhen you evaluate bids, don't just look at the total. A bare-bones estimate might include a single layer of 15-pound building paper under the roofing, while a better but more expensive bid includes 30-pound paper plus self-stick rubbery material along eaves to protect against damage from ice dams. Bids might also differ in whether they include the cost of disposing of the old roofing, on hourly rates for structural repairs, and on costs related to gutters.Once you settle on a contractor, check to make sure the company is licensed and insured. Also discuss how the crew will minimize damage to landscaping, and who will pay for any that occurs. Schedule the roof work during dry weather, if possible, so your lawn doesn't take as much of a beating. You'll sleep better, too, if you're not worrying about rain coming in when the roof is half-done.GET THE MOST FROM A NEW ROOFA new roof isn't something most families buy happily. But getting multiple benefits from it makes it easier to shell out the money. As part of a new roofing project, you can incorporate many features that make your home more environmentally friendly, some of which may qualify for a federal tax credit to offset the cost. You can also choose roofing that's more resistant to fire or damage from wind and hail, which may qualify you for a discount of 30% or more on your homeowner's insurance policy.Jeanne Huber writes a home-repair column for the Washington Post and has commissioned three new roofs on various houses over the years.Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1641/roofing:-repair-or-replace?/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Heating Equipment: Repair or Replace?Article From Houselogic.comBy: Oliver MarksPublished: September 24, 2009The decision to repair or replace heating equipment depends on its age, the cost of repair, and how much money a more efficient system will save you.It happens eventually in every home. On a particularly frigid morning, you wake up and crank the thermostat just like usual, but there's no response: No comforting sound of the system firing up and no warmth rising from the air vents or radiators. Hopefully it's a simple problem that's a quick and inexpensive fix, like a tripped circuit breaker or a clogged filter. But occasionally the repair is so big and costly that it raises an age-old question that's been asked about everything from station wagons to vacuum cleaners: Is it more cost effective to fix what you have or replace it? Here's how to decide.THINK SAFETY FIRSTIf the problem presents a safety hazard, replacement is a no-brainer. For example, if your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger-the metal wall between the burning fuel and the air it's heating-poisonous carbon monoxide gas could work its way into the household air supply, something you don't want to risk. Other problems, like faulty electronics and stuck valves, can be repaired, which means you'll need to do a cost-benefit analysis.CONSIDER THE TYPICAL LIFESPANA 2007 study by the National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America found that furnaces for forced-air systems last an average of 15 to 20 years; boilers for hot-water radiators and baseboards last 13 to 21 years. So start by dating your system. Some technicians write the year the equipment was installed directly on the unit. Otherwise, when the machine is off and cool, look for a metal identification plate, usually on the inside of chamber door. Record the model and serial numbers from the plate, then call the manufacturer's customer service number to get the date of manufacture.Keep in mind that a 25- or even 30-year-old system isn't necessarily ready for the scrap heap. The published lifespans are averages, which means half of all systems are spent by that time, and the other half are still working well. Use these numbers as ballpark guidelines only, suggests Gopal Ahluwalia, the NAHB study's lead researcher.ASSESS THE COSTS OF REPAIRING VERSUS REPLACINGTo decide your system's fate, you need more data: the cost of your repair or replacement options, which your service provider can give you. Depending on the size of your house and the brand of new equipment you choose, a new hot-air furnace typically costs $1,500 to $4,000, while a boiler for a hot-water system might run $4,000 to $8,000.As a general guideline, consider replacement if the equipment is beyond three-quarters of its life expectancy and repairs will cost more than a third of replacement, suggests Larry Howald of Broad Ripple Heating and Air Conditioning in Indianapolis. In other words, it's probably not worth spending $700 to repair a 15-year-old furnace you could replace for $2,000.CONSIDER YOUR HEATING PLANT'S EFFICIENCYIn these days of high fuel costs and concerns over our carbon footprints, you should also consider your heating plant's efficiency. Its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency number (AFUE) measures the percentage of the fuel that's converted to heat rather than being lost up the chimney or through other inefficiencies."If your system is 20 years old, its AFUE is probably about 70%," says Greg Gill of Action Air Conditioning and Heating in San Marcos, California. Today's minimum AFUE is 80%, which means you'll burn 10% less fuel-and therefore spend 10% less money on your heating bills. You can go as high a 95% AFUE with new equipment, dropping your bills a whopping 25%. That kind of efficiency raises your equipment costs to $3,500 to $6,000 for a furnace and $8,000 to $10,000 for a boiler, but will also earn you a 30% tax credit (up to $1,500) from the federal government. And there are many local tax incentives and manufacturers' rebates for super-efficient systems, too."It's definitely worth doing the math to see if the high-efficiency model will pay for itself," Gill says. According to Energy Star, upgrading to more efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment can cut heating and cooling costs by about 20%, or $200 a year on average, which means you could recoup the extra investment in as little as five years.A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He's currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1642/heating-equipment:-repair-or-replace?/ Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0500