Harraseeket Heritage Day and Harborside Gala

Freeport Historical Society is hosting an exciting day and evening on the waterfront in South Freeport on Saturday, June 22.  Families and individuals are invited to come down to Brewer South Freeport Marine for a lively public celebration of Freeport’s maritime past, including tours and sails aboard the windjammer Frances, pirate-themed kids’ activities, guided historic walking tours, knot-tying and oyster-shucking demonstrations, and maritime shanties and jigs. 

 

In the evening, Freeport Historical Society will stage the Harborside Gala at Brewer South Freeport Marine, with entertainment by pianist Wally McPherson and the Jason Spooner Band, sushi bar with chef, delicious hors d’oeuvres, Gritty’s beer, and signature Harborside rum beverage.  Silent and live auctions will feature Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots tickets; L.L.Bean paddlesports package, chair by Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers; Harraseeket Castle charm by Brown Goldsmiths; and much more.  All events will benefit Freeport Historical Society and their public programs and two historic properties.

 

Celebrating the maritime history of Freeport, the windjammer Frances will be at Brewer South Freeport Marine for deck tours and sailing tours.  Owned by Maine Sailing Adventures, whose mission is to bring the lore and memory of the traditional windjammer era back to southern Maine, the Frances was built in Portland with support from Wallace Soule, a Freeport native, who was an integral part of the hull and finish work construction.  She is an environmentally conscious vessel, sailing traditionally without an engine aboard.  With her wide beam and high caprail design, all ages are able to move freely about the deck, even while under full sail.

Also on hand, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, providing education for all ages, will be the Compass Project, showcasing their skills in boat-building; the crew of the Frances, teaching knot-tying; Freeport Shellfish Commission and Maine Clammers Association, featuring a saltwater touch tank; Freeport Historical Society, leading guided walking tours of South Freeport; and Maine Oysters Inc., offering a sampling of their Flying Point Oysters.  A tent for kids will feature face painting, pirate tattoos, photo booth, mini-boat building, and storytelling.  Hannaford Supermarkets will offer festive barbecue fare for lunch, while Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company will serve up their famous chowder, all included in the entrance fee.

 

Funds supporting the public programs of Freeport Historical Society will be raised through ticket sales for the Harraseeket Heritage Day events, guided South Freeport walking tours, sailing tours aboard the Frances, and entrance to the Harborside Gala, as well as all proceeds from the evening auctions.  All events are open to the public, and advance tickets for sailing tours and the Harborside Gala are now available for purchase at Freeport Historical Society, in person (45 Main Street, Freeport) or online at www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org, or at Brewer South Freeport Marine. 

 

Harraseeket Heritage Day events will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Brewer South Freeport Marine, with an entrance fee of $5 per person, or $20 per family. Deck tours of the Frances will be held during that time and are included in the entrance fee.  Guided walking tours are $5 per person and will be led by architectural historian and author, Annie Robinson.  Two-hour sailing tours will depart at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, with a limited supply of tickets for $30 per person available in advance.  Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent and must provide their own PFDs. 

 

Harborside Gala tickets are $50  per person and are available in advance or at the door.  Events begin at 6:00 pm, with hors d’oeuvres, sushi bar, and music from pianist Warren McPherson offered during the silent auction.  Beverages will be available for purchase.  At 8:00 pm, the live auction will begin, followed by live music and dancing, with the Jason Spooner Band performing.

 

Sponsors include Brewer South Freeport Marine; Hannaford Supermarkets; Todd H. Doolan of Morgan Stanley; Autowerkes Maine; Bob Knecht, Town & Shore; Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster; Mary K. Noyes, entrepreneur(e); and Curtis Thaxter – Attorneys at Law.

 

Established in 1969, Freeport Historical Society is a non-profit with a mission of collecting, teaching, preserving and sharing the history of Freeport, Maine.  FHS’s website is www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org

 

Save the Dates!

  

Sunday, June 23, 1:30p  4th Annual Vintage Baseball Game at historic Pettengill Farm.  Dirigo v Ipswich. Vintage baseball card collection, reading of Casey at the Bat, music, food.

10a-noon   Mini-Baseball camp for kids, 7-12yo, Noon “Fun Run” and lots more! Music, food, ice cream and beer

 

Guided Freeport Village Walking Tours start June 13th, 3p and June 15th, 9a. and continue each Thur and Sat through Labor Day.  $10./adult    An engaging 50 minute introduction to the Freeport of long ago .

Additional tours may be available by appointment.         Call 865-3170        

 

Please support our generous and community-minded 2013 sponsors: L.L. Bean, Bath Savings Institution and Bath SavingsTrust Company, Taggart Construction, Chilton Furniture, Hilton Garden Inn, Brown Goldsmiths, Riley Insurance, Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen & Topside Tavern, and Freeport USA

Freeport Events

Winslow Park Family Fun Day June 22!!

Tips For A Successful Moving Day!!!

1. Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman’s questions.
Many times the driver will have questions that only you can answer – it is important that you or someone you’ve designated be available throughout the move process.

2. Clearly mark and set aside items you don’t want loaded.
This will remind you to tell the driver what not to load as you conduct your preload walkthrough.

3. Pack special items for kids.
Have the kids pack a box of their “special items” and point this box out to the driver so it’s one of the first to be unloaded.

4. Clear walkways,
Make it safe and easy for your movers to get in and out of your house by removing all obstructions (rugs, floor mats, plants, etc).

5. Point out special items.
Point out boxes you would like to have unloaded first, if they are not going into storage. These boxes may include kitchen and bathroom items, or your children’s toys.

6. Read your bill of lading and inventory.
Make sure you understand all the paperwork you are signing before the driver departs. If there is something that is confusing to you, ask the driver to explain it before you sign it.

Being Transparent with Customers | Life in the Connected Age

See what a local business is saying about Brett Davis Real Estate!

An Open Book Business

A few days ago I happened to be reading through some of the blog articles on the web site of a local real estate company we work very closely with – Brett Davis Real Estate.

Brett and his team run a small, successful real estate firm in the coastal community of Freeport Maine. Brett has been in real estate for more than 18 years now. In the world of Realtors, this is a very long time (the percentage of Realtors who make it past the 1st & 2nd years is in the single digits).

Brett not only survived those initial years, but went on to build a very loyal & sizable clientele. In time he started his own company.

There is no doubt in my mind that much of the success Brett and his team has experienced has come as a result of how up-front and transparent they are with their clients.

Being Transparent with Customers | Life in the Connected Age.

Things to do in Freeport this weekend!!!

 

Saturday, April 20                 11:00 am – 2:00 pm	L.L. Bean Home Store – Whoopie Pie Taste Testing at: L.L.Bean, Freeport Maine The chocolate whoopie pie the official dessert of Maine. Now you can make this classic Down East treat at home with Stonewall Kitchen’s Chocolate Whoopie Pie Mix. What is a whoopie pie? Two moist chocolate cakes surrounding a luscious layer of creamy, buttery filling. Yummy!
Saturday, April 20                 11:00 am – 2:00 pm	Wilbur’s of Maine – April Showers Chocolate Umbrella! at: Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, Freeport  ME Calling all Junior Chocolatiers! Come to the factory and practice your chocolate decorating skills by adding candies and chocolate to one of our molded chocolate umbrellas! Cost is $5.00 per umbrella. Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 20                 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm	Azure Cafe – Live Jazz Music at: Azure Cafe, Freeport Maine An exciting lineup of local Maine jazz artists. Friday & Saturday nights starting at 6PM.  CALL (207) 865-1237 for more details on artists performing.
Saturday, April 20                 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm	Freeport Theater of Awesome – Comedy Show at: Freeport Theater of Awesome, Freeport Maine The Early Evening Show The Early Evening Show is a blend of wild improvisations, comic sketches, upbeat music and spectacular finales. This hysterical late-night talk-show spoof is a cross between Saturday Night Live and classic Johnny Carson. Join us for some good, clean comedy! Click here for more information

Information provided by: www.freeportusa.com

Things To Do In Freeport, Maine

Things to Do Freeport, Maine – Play!

What can you do in Freeport, Maine? Believe it or not, the world-class shopping, dining and accommodations are just part of Freeport’s attractions. Freeport, Maine hums year-round with festivals, art and entertainment, tours and outdoor activities. And don’t forget the sightseeing – where else but Freeport, Maine can you take in the view from the rocky Maine coast, a desert dune or a mountain peak?

Many of Freeport, Maine’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, something Freeport cruise visitors love. Our Freeport walking tour map is a great place to start your Freeport adventure! Freeport’s many art and food festivals, art walks and live entertainment draw big crowds in every season. And Freeport landmark L.L.Bean doesn’t just outfit you for your Maine outdoor adventure – they offer outdoor activities, classes, and events.

Somewhere on this list of Freeport attractions is something that will attract you to Freeport and make Freeport your Maine vacation destination.

 

Article from www.freeportusa.com

6 Tips to Reduce Your Debt

Start your financial spring cleaning with these debt-busting strategies.

1. Assess your debt.

Zero debt is what you’re aiming for, right? Not necessarily. There’s good debt, and there’s bad debt. The good kind is debt that will produce a return in the future- or, at the very least, it’s deductible. Credit card debt is always bad debt. Pay it off first.

2. Set a monthly financial target.

Do the math, and determine how much money you need each month to return to stable financial ground. Getting there may require cutting expenses or it may require finding another source of revenue, such as a second job. Don’t damage personal relationships by counting on family or friends for credit. And don’t dip into retirement savings, or not funding your retirement- unless it is unavoidable. Compounding is your biggest ally.

3. Identify smart savings.

If you do have to make cuts, try to find savings that won’t hurt your household or your business. For example, it might be OK to go with out letterhead for a month or cancel your cable TV, but don’t fall behind on the office or car lease since late payments have a way of multiplying the problem. As you learn to live with less, gradually increase the amount going into savings or toward paying off debt.

4. Look Ahead.

Always be aware of new revenue opportunities and expenses that may lie down the road. On the revenue side, don’t get wrapped up in the day-to-day work that you forget to prospect for tomorrow’s deals. That includes maintaining networks and your connections to allied professionals. They can be an invaluable source of trends or links to new clients. On the expense side, keep an eye on what you may need to replace or renew over the next five years. Will you need a new car three years from now? How much should you save annually to make sure there’s a substantial down payment or, even better, enough for a cash purchase when the time comes?

5. Prepare for the worst.

Ask yourself: If the next three sales fall through, how will I pay my mortgage? Putting together a simple “what-if” plan to deal with worst-case scenarios can be conforting because you know there’s already a solution in place.

6. Develop a savings habit.

Like any good habit, saving money can be difficult. People tend to drift away from things that are hard or that they don’t like or aren’t good at. But keep plugging away anyway. The literal payoff will be seeing your debt decrease and your savings increase.

Written by Maggie Sieger.

MAKE IT HIGH-DEF

Before yelling “action,” make sure the home will touch buyers’ five sensed.  Imagine that a buyer enters your listing. It’s the fourth she’s looked at today. She’s tired and grumpy and undergoing sensory overload. You want to present a space that will surprise her and encourage her to relax and soak in the setting. Here are ideas to provide a “high definition” effect to your listing.

Sight: Display fresh flowers throughout the house on kitchen and bathroom countertops and side tables. Or add color pops by displaying seasonal fruits in the kitchen, living, and dining rooms- like a large bowl filled with red apples, pomegranates, strawberries, or lemons.

Sound:  Play soft classical music in the background.

Taste:  Put ready-to-bake cookies in the oven shortly before a showing and set them on a pretty plate in the kitchen, for prospective buyers. Brew some coffee and tea. The refreshments provide buyers more incentives to sit down and stay awhile- an approach which was recently used in prepping singer Sheryl Crow’s $15 million Hollywood home for sale.

Smell:  Skip the chemical air fresheners. The flowers and freshly baked cookies will provide a welcoming scent. Another favorite is slice four apples in half, sprinkle them with brown sugar and bake them at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Feel:  Use linens with a “rich, substantive feel” in bedrooms, textured accent pillows, and white fluffy towels- all convey the touch of luxury.

Creating such an inviting space should elicit rave reviews from home shoppers- and just might entice them to stick around through the closing credits!

Spring Lawn Care

When to Feed Your Lawn

The most important thing you can do for your lawn is to feed it. A well-fed lawn is healthier, which means it has a better root system to combat heat, cold, drought, mowing, foot traffic and other stresses. While feeding your lawn once a year will improve its condition, feeding it four times a year will make it even healthier. If you put your lawn on the regular feeding schedule, it will look lush and green, and your neighbors will turn green with envy.

Early Spring (February – April)

Lawns wake up hungry in the spring. Feeding your lawn in the spring strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start before the heavy growing season. If you had crabgrass last year, apply a combination fertilizer with a pre-emergent to control it.

High School Graduation Rates in Southern and Mid-Coast Maine

High School Graduation Rates in Southern & Mid-Coast Maine – Lookin’ Good!!
According to a recent article in The Forecaster http://www.theforecaster.net, high school graduation rates in greater Portland and Mid-Coast Maine are higher than the rest of the state, which overall ranked 10th in the nation, according to the first comparison data released by the U.S. Department of Education that includes a standard formula for most states.
Cape Elizabeth and Yarmouth had the highest graduation rates in the state and Maine is within 4 percentage points of Iowa, which had the highest graduation rate at 88%. The District of Columbia had the lowest rate with just 59% of high school students graduating.
Here is a chart showing school is Southern & Mid-coast Maine in alphabetical order:
School 2011 2010 2009
Brunswick H.S. 87.69% 84.15% 82.12%
Cape Elizabeth H.S. 97.28% 94.74% 96.08%
Casco Bay H.S. 76.56% 72.88% 81.82%
Deering H.S. 83.56% 83.44% 83.28%
Falmouth H.S. 90.26% 97.06% 89.71%
Freeport H.S. 92.31% 93.41% 84.62%
Greely H.S. 94.94% 91.01% 93.18%
Morse H.S. 78.80% 80.68% 78.44%
Mt. Ararat H.S. 89.59% 85.53% 84.96%
Portland H.S. 74.52% 69.40% 75.93%
Scarborough H.S. 92.94% 93.59% 77.24%
South Portland H.S. 79.22% 80.62% 89.39%
Yarmouth H.S. 96.69% 97.50% 98.45%
Source: Maine Department of Education

Home Prices Expected to Rise 4% per Year for the Next 5 Years

Have home prices finally hit bottom? Many analysts think so. According to the latest forecast by Fiserv, the market watcher sees a big boost to home prices on the horizon, projecting that home prices will rise nearly 4% per year for the next 5 years.

The real estate markets expected to see the biggest increases in home prices will likely be those hardest hit the last few years by foreclosures, such as in Phoenix and Las Vegas, and areas where prices have fallen the most, according to Fiserv’s forecast.

Housings rising affordability mixed with falling inventories of for-sale homes are the main factors driving the expected price increases, according to Fiserv.

Initially, investors are expected to help drive most of this price increase, and then followed by first-time and trade up buyers as they re-emerge in bigger numbers to the market.

To view the original article, click here:
http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/05/09/home-prices-rise-4-year

In terms of the market in our beautiful State of Maine, MAINE HOME SALES RISE 8.71% IN APRIL and the Median Home Price is up 4.48%. The Maine Association of REALTORS reports healthy gains in sales of single-family existing homes and median sales prices statewide during April. According to the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc, 824 homes sold during April 2012, and increase of 8.71% compared with April 2011. The median sales price (MSP) for those homes rose 4.48% to $167,950 in that same time period. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

Nationally, sales increased 9.9% in the past 12 months. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the national MSP also rose 10.4% to $178,000 in April. In the regional Northeast, sales increased by 19.2%. The regional MSP increased 8.8% to $256,600.

When Neighbors Make It Tough to Sell …

You have a great house to sell, but then you look next door–could the neighbor be hurting your chances of finding a buyer and getting the highest price for your home? Certainly, the “neighbor effect” has become a growing problem in recent years.

Foreclosures and abandoned homes have left some nearby properties decaying, which has made some buyers grow wary of moving next door to a home with overgrown lawns, boarded up windows, and trash scattered about.

But foreclosures and abandoned homes aren’t always the problem. Sometimes it’s just a stubborn nearby neighbor who is making it a challenge to sell.

Maybe they send their yapping dog outside whenever a potential buyer comes near, or their yard or fence’s lack of upkeep is bringing down the “look” of the street. Buyers don’t just eye the home for-sale, they’re also looking next door to see who their neighbor will be…and they don’t want to see trash.

A man in Brighton, Colo., was accused of sabotaging his neighbor’s home sale. The man posted warning signs to potential buyers on his recreational vehicle parked outside of his home. He wanted to let would-be buyers know what they could expect if they moved next to him: Loud parties, loud music, and loud cars. He also warned he has three Rottweilers and he’s “anti-horse” (the home is in a horse community). The real estate agent said buyers quickly stopped calling after the man’s signs went up.

 

County officials did step in, fining the man up to $100 per day for the signs and for having too many vehicles and trailers parked on his property.

Some cities are cracking down on messy neighbors, imposing daily fines or, in extreme cases, even putting them in jail.

A 53-year-old woman in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Linda Ruggles, was jailed for six days for having a messy yard and not paying a $480 city fine for it. The yard had piles of shingles on the rooftop (for three years), a driveway covered in scrap metal, and toilet bowls that were being used as planters. Neighbors had complained that the woman’s messy yard was bringing down the value of their homes.

But neighbors, contractors, and a real estate group offered to help the woman clean up her yard, after learning her business had slowed and all of her money was going toward keeping up with her mortgage to avoid foreclosure on the home she had owned for 15 years. She said she didn’t have the money to cover the cost of cleaning up her yard.

In some cases, a neighbor’s mess may be due to a health or financial circumstance, in which a helping hand is all that is needed. But in other cases, you may stumble across a saboteur neighbor who just doesn’t seem to want to help their neighbor sell a home. For some tips on how to handle potential saboteurs and messy neighbors, check out Battling the Neighborhood Eyesore.

Have you ever had a messy neighbor almost derail one of your deals? How did you handle it?

5 Low-Cost Kitchen Redos Buyers Will Love

Kitchens are one of the features buyers compare most closely when they’re shopping for a home. Here are cost estimates for some of the low-cost kitchen upgrades that listing agents often recommend to sellers:

1. Hardware.
Replacing cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges is a quick, DIY way to enhance kitchen space. According to HouseLogic.com, an average kitchen is 200 square feet with 30 linear feet of cabinetry, which equates to about 40 handles and knobs. Averaging between $2 and $20 per knob or pull, a home owner can expect to spend from $80 to $800 for this enhancement.

2. Faucet.
There are myriad options today in terms of height, spouts, pullout hoses, and folding necks, with quality faucets starting at around $200.

3. Lighting.
Adding an LED undercabinet light can have a dramatic effect for about $40.

4. Organization.
Buyers today choose functionality over elaborate decoration, says Jamie Goldberg, a National Kitchen & Bath Association–certified designer. Practical storage in the kitchen will go a long way. Over-the-door hooks, baskets in the pantry, drawer organizers, wall hooks for pots and pans, and stackable shelves for cabinets will add appeal, typically for less than $100.

5. Countertops.
Laminate can mimic the contemporary look of granite at a significant discount. The cost for an average kitchen with 30 linear feet of laminate countertop is roughly $1,575; the same space in granite would be about $2,400.

5 Low-Cost Kitchen Redos Buyers Will Love

Kitchens are one of the features buyers compare most closely when they’re shopping for a home. Here are cost estimates for some of the low-cost kitchen upgrades that listing agents often recommend to sellers:

1. Hardware.
Replacing cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges is a quick, DIY way to enhance kitchen space. According to HouseLogic.com, an average kitchen is 200 square feet with 30 linear feet of cabinetry, which equates to about 40 handles and knobs. Averaging between $2 and $20 per knob or pull, a home owner can expect to spend from $80 to $800 for this enhancement.

2. Faucet.
There are myriad options today in terms of height, spouts, pullout hoses, and folding necks, with quality faucets starting at around $200.

3. Lighting.
Adding an LED undercabinet light can have a dramatic effect for about $40.

4. Organization.
Buyers today choose functionality over elaborate decoration, says Jamie Goldberg, a National Kitchen & Bath Association–certified designer. Practical storage in the kitchen will go a long way. Over-the-door hooks, baskets in the pantry, drawer organizers, wall hooks for pots and pans, and stackable shelves for cabinets will add appeal, typically for less than $100.

5. Countertops.
Laminate can mimic the contemporary look of granite at a significant discount. The cost for an average kitchen with 30 linear feet of laminate countertop is roughly $1,575; the same space in granite would be about $2,400.

What Animal Are You?

Take the Quiz to find out at:
http://whatanimalami.com/

Memorable Dates

June 7-National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 14-Flag Day

June 16-Fresh Veggies Day

June 20-Fathers Day

June 25-National Catfish Day

Fore! Etiquette Lessons for Business on the Course

It’s been said that the best business deals are made on the golf course. There’s no doubt that a lot of business happens outside the office, whether it’s golf, lunch or dinner. That’s because people do business with people. A social setting gives you and your prospect the opportunity to get to know each other better, as people. Poor etiquette can turn your prospect off rather quickly so, on National Etiquette Week, we’ve compiled four etiquette tips to help you score more business.

Tee time
If you want to lose a potential customer before you even meet them, then show up late. You should respect the fact that they’ve given you precious time from their busy day to meet with you. Try to be there early if you can. If you show up late, you give the impression that you had something more important than meeting with them. If you are going to be late, let them know as soon as you can.

Flag down the beer cart
Ordering alcohol with a prospect can be a sticky situation. A formal dinner typically calls for a bottle of wine, but for lunch or on the golf course, it isn’t as easy. A good rule of thumb is to allow your guest to order their drink first. If they go for a water or soda, follow suit. If drinks are in order, remember that you are at a meeting so moderation is key.

Par for the course
The number one question most people have is, “Should I let them win?” The answer is no. Intentionally losing can be an insult to a customer, so play to your ability. A golf outing with a prospect is about building a connection. Make sure they have a good time and the business side of things will take care of itself.

Keep the club in your hand
This should go without saying, but be polite. If people are doing business with people, most don’t want to do business with a jerk. The better the personal connect you make with this prospect, the more loyal the customer will be in the long run.

Stainless Steel…Simple Steps To Keep That Special Gleam

Stainless steel appliances have a sharp, professional look that never gets old!

To keep them looking bright and clean use a light mist of wax-based aerosol spray once or twice a week. Don’t put on too much – you don’t want to soak the surface and make it greasy. Wipe the mist with a clean, lint-free cloth, and never use oils to keep away fingerprints – lint will stick to the oil. Also, don’t use cleaners with bleach after you’ve put on the waxy layer, or it will dry out and lose some of the luster. And finally, don’t use anything abrasive, not even products that are advertised as mild and gentle, such as Soft Scrub or Scotch-Brite pads. You don’t want to scratch or ruin the surface.

Five Things Home Buyers Do That Turn Sellers Off (And Kill Deals)

On today’s market, every savvy seller wants to know what turns buyers off, so they can get their homes sold as quickly as possible, for as much as possible.  But buyers, take note – there is a minefield of seller turn-offs you can trigger that hold the potential to keep you from getting the home you want at the best price and terms, or to unnecessarily complicate dealings with your home’s seller.

Lest you think all of today’s sellers are under the gun and will just put up with whatever behavior buyers dish out, be aware that there are still many multiple offer situations in which buyers have to compete with each other to get a home – buyers who trigger these turnoffs tend to lose in those scenarios.  Also, avoiding these seller turnoffs can create a transactional environment of cooperation and avoid things turning adversarial.  That, in turn, can empower you to score a better price, get extra items you want thrown into the deal, and even negotiate more flexibility around your escrow and move-in timelines – all perks that can make your life easier and your budget go further.

For sellers, these turnoffs pose the potential of irritating you out of an otherwise good deal – maybe even the only deal you have!

Here’s a few of the most common buyer-perpetuated seller turnoffs, with tips for sellers on how to keep an emotional (and economic) even keel, even if your home’s buyer makes some of these waves:

1. Trash-talking. Trash-talkers are the home buyers who think they’re going to negotiate the list price down by slamming the house, telling the sellers how little it is really worth, how the house across the street sold for nothing, why the school on the corner should make them desperate to give the place away, etc. This strategy never works; in fact, when you attack a seller and their home, you only cause them to be defensive, and think up all the reasons that (a) their home is not what you say it is, and (b) they shouldn’t sell their home to you! 

Sometimes this happens with buyers who actually love a house and just walk around it fantasizing about all the ways they would customize it to their tastes while a seller is there.  Sellers: avoid being at home while your home is being shown.  Buyers: save your commentary for your agent; if you do encounter the seller in person keep your conversation respectful and avoid critiquing the house or the list price.

2. Being unqualified for mortgage financing. When a seller signs a buyer’s offer, most often the seller agrees to effectively pull the home off the market, forgoing other buyers who might be interested.  As such, the only thing worse than getting no offers on your home is getting an offer, getting into contract, then having the whole thing fall apart when the buyer’s loan falls through – especially if that could have been predicted or avoided up front.

Sellers: Work with your agent to vet your home’s buyers’ qualifications, including their loan approval, down payment and earnest money deposit – before you sign a contract.  It’s not overkill for your agent to call the buyers’ mortgage pro before you sign the contract and get a level of comfort for how robust their qualifications are.  Buyers:  Get pre-approved.  Seriously.  And make sure that you don’t buy a car, quit your job, deposit lottery winnings or do any other financial twitchery between the time you get loan approval and the time you close escrow on your home.

3. Making unjustified lowball offers. No one likes to feel like they are being taken advantage of.  And sellers generally know the ballpark amount that their home is worth, as well as what they need to sell it for to get their mortgage paid off.  Yes – the price you pay for a home should be driven by its fair market value, rather than the seller’s financial needs, and deals are more available in a market like the current one, in which supply so vastly outpaces demand. But just throwing uber-lowball offers out at sellers hoping one will hit the spot is not generally a successful strategy, especially if you really, really want a given property.

Sellers:  Don’t get overly emotional about receiving a lowball offer; counter at the price you and your agent decide makes sense based on the total circumstances, including your motivation level, recent comps and the interest/activity level your listing is receiving. Buyers:  Work through the similar, nearby homes that have recently sold (a/k/a comparables) before you make an offer to factor the home’s fair market value into your offer price – also factor in how much you want the place, too.  Don’t be amazed if you make an offer far below asking, and don’t get a response.

4. Renegotiating mid-stream. Sellers plan their finances, moves and  – to some extent – their lives around the purchase price a buyer agrees to pay for their home.  If you get into contract to buy a home, find out during inspections that costly repairs need to be made, then propose a lower sale price, repair credit or even actual repairs to the seller, that’s sensible and fair.  But if you were aware that the property needed a lot of work before you made an offer on it, then you come back asking for beaucoup bucks’ worth of credit or price reductions midstream, expect the seller to cry foul.  And holding the seller up two weeks into the transaction because you caught a case of buyer’s remorse? Not cool, and not likely to foster the spirit of cooperation you may need to get your deal closed.

Sellers: avoid mid-stream price renegotiations by having a full set of inspection reports and repair bids at hand when you list your home. Buyers: try to avoid renegotiating the entire deal unless you get some major surprises at your inspections or inflating small repairs to try to justify a major price cut.

5. Misleading or setting the seller up.  Remember when we talked about buyer turn-offs?  Being misled by listing photos or very fluffy property descriptions was high on the list.  The same goes for sellers.Offering way over asking with the plan to hammer the seller for a reduction when the house doesn’t appraise at the purchase price?  #LAME  Making an as-is offer planning the whole time to come back and ask for every penny ante repair called out by the inspectors?  Lame squared.

Sellers:  If you get multiple offers and are tempted to take a sky-high one or one that claims to be all cash, consider requesting proof that the buyer has sufficient funds to make up the difference between what you think the home will appraise for and the actual sale price, and statements showing the cash truly exists.  Buyers: Don’t be lame. I’m not saying you have to tell the seller exactly what your top dollar is, but making offers with terms designed to intentionally mislead is really, really bad form – and can result in losing the home entirely if and when your bluff gets called.

Read more:
http://www.businessinsider.com/5-things-home-buyers-do-that-turn-sellers-off-and-kill-deals-2011-3#ixzz1KAoA6oNw

Portland, Maine, named Forbes.com ‘most livable’ city

Portland, Maine, a historic port city that has transformed itself into a vibrant community of posh restaurants and shops and white-collar businesses, has been named the most livable city in America by Forbes.com.

With New England’s sometimes-grueling weather playing no role in the selection process, Portland was joined in the top 15 by three Massachusetts communities: Peabody (14th), Worcester (9th), and Cambridge (7th).

The website advised people looking for a better life to “start your search with these places.”

Portland’s Commercial Street was recently voted one of the country’s great streets by the American Planning Association. The red-brick buildings and cobblestone streets of the tony Old Port district dazzle shoppers and gourmands alike. The city economy is bolstered by the presence of medical services, banking, and educational institutions, the Globe reported in February.

But the city’s port has suffered the worst in the deep recession, and Portlanders are taking a hard look at how to preserve their city’s heritage and keep fading marine industries alive.

The magazine said it looked at measures such as income growth per household, cost of living, crime data, a leisure index, and unemployment statistics in making its rankings.

5 Mortgage and Foreclosure Myths

In a mortgage market that changes as quickly as this one, today’s fact is tomorrow’s fiction.  For buyers, misinformation can be the difference between qualifying for a home loan or not. Sellers and owners, knowledge is foreclosure-preventing, smart decision-making power! Without further ado, let’s correct some common mortgage misconceptions.

1.       Myth: Buyers with bad credit can’t qualify for home loans. Obviously, mortgage guidelines have tightened up, big time, since the housing bubble burst, and they seem likely to tighten even further over the long-term. But just this moment, they have relaxed a bit.  In the last couple of weeks, two of the nation’s largest lenders of FHA loans announced that they’ve dropped the minimum FICO score guideline from 620 (which allows for some credit imperfections) to 580, which is actually a fairly low score.

At a FICO score of 620, buyers can qualify for FHA loans at many lenders with only 3.5 percent down. With a score of 580, the lenders are looking for more like 5 to 10 percent down – they want to see you put more of your own skin in the game, and the higher down payment lowers the risk that you’ll default.  However, if your credit has taken a recessionary hit, like that of so many Americans, this might create a glimmer of hope that you’ll be able to take advantage of low prices and interest rates without needing years of credit repair.

2.     Myth: The Mortgage Interest Deduction isn’t long for this world.  Homeowners saved over $85 billion in 2008 by deducting their mortgage interest on their income tax returns. A few months ago, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform caused a massive wave of fear to ripple throughout the world of real estate consumers and professionals when they recommended Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) reform, which would dramatically reduce the size of the deduction.

Fact is, the Commission made a sweeping set of deficit-busting recommendations to Congress, a few of which are likely to be adopted.  Fortunately for buyers and sellers, MID reform is not one of them.  Very powerful industry groups and economists have been working with Congress to plead the case that MID reform any time in the near future would only handicap the housing recovery.  Congress-folk aren’t interested in stopping the stabilization of the real estate market.  As such, the MID is nearly universally thought of as safe – even by those who disagree that it should be.

3.       Myth:  It’s just a matter of time before loan guidelines loosen up.  The US Treasury Department recently recommended the elimination of mortgage industry giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I won’t get into the eye-glazing details of it here, but the long and the short is that (a) this is highly likely to happen, and (b) it will make mortgage loans much harder and costlier to get, for both buyers and homeowners.   It’s possible that loans are as easy to get as they’re going to get.  So don’t expect that if you hold out, zero-down mortgages will come back into vogue anytime soon. Fortunately, Fannie and Freddie aren’t likely to disappear for another 5-7 years, so you have a little time to pull your down payment and credit together. If you want to get into the market, the time to get yourself ready is now!

4.       Myth: If you don’t have equity, you can’t refi. Much ado is being made about how stuck so many people are in their bad loans, because they don’t have the equity to refinance their way out of them.  If you’re severely upside down (meaning you own much, much more than your home is worth), stuck may be the situation. But there are actually a couple of ways homeowners can refi their underwater home loans.  If your loan is held by Fannie or Freddie (which you can find out, here), they will actually refinance it up to 125% of its current value, assuming you otherwise qualify for the loan.  That means, if your home is worth $100,000, you could refinance a loan up to $125,000, despite the fact that your home can’t secure the full amount of the loan.

If your loan is not owned by Fannie or Freddie, you might be a candidate for the FHA “Short Refi” program. While most mortgage workout plans are only available to people who are behind on their loans, the Short Refi program is only available to homeowners who are current on their mortgages and need to refinance up to 115 percent of their homes’ value.  So, if you owe $250,000 on your home, you can refinance via an FHA Short Refi even if your home’s value is as low as $217,000. If you think you’re a good candidate for a short refi, contact your mortgage broker, stat – there are some in Congress who think that this program is so underutilized (only 245 applications have been submitted since it rolled out in September – no typo!) that its funding should be diverted to other needy programs.

5.       Myth:  If you’ve lost your job and can’t make your mortgage payment, you might as well mail your keys in.  Until recently, this was essentially true – virtually every loan modification and refinancing opportunity required that your economic hardship be over before you could qualify. And documenting income has always been high on the requirements checklist. But there are some new funds available in the states with the hardest hit housing and job markets, which have been designated specifically for out-of-work homeowners.

The US Treasury Department’s Hardest Hit Fund allocated $7.6 billion to the states listed below – all of which are now using some portion of these funds to offer up to $3,000 per month for up to 36 months in mortgage payment assistance to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure.  Contact the state agency listed below if you need this sort of help:

• Alabama:
  http://www.hardesthitalabama.com/
  
• Arizona:
  https://www.savemyhomeaz.gov/
  
• California:
  https://www.keepyourhomecalifornia.org/
  
• Florida:
  https://www.flhardesthithelp.org/
  
• Georgia:
  http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/homeownership/programs/hardesthitfund.asp
  
• Illinois:
  http://www.ihda.org/
  
• Indiana:
  http://www.877gethope.org/
  
• Kentucky:
  http://www.kyhousing.org/
  
• Michigan:
  http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/buyers/save_the_dream/helping+hardest+hit+homeowners+-+contact+your+mortgage+servicer+for+assistance
  
• Mississippi:
  http://www.mshomecorp.com/firstpage.htm
  
• Nevada:
  http://www.nahac.org/
  
• New Jersey:
  http://www.state.nj.us/dca/hmfa/home/foreclosure/homekeepers.html
  
• North Carolina:
  http://www.ncforeclosureprevention.gov/
  
• Ohio:
  http://www.savethedream.ohio.gov/
  
• Oregon:
  http://www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org/
  
• Rhode Island:
  http://www.hhfri.org/
  
• South Carolina:
  http://www.scmortgagehelp.com/
  
• Tennessee:
  http://www.thda.org/
  
• Washington D.C.:
  http://www.dchfa.org/
  

7 Energy-Efficient Solutions For Spring

Spring is a season of sunshine, flowers and most importantly, home improvement projects. If you’ve found your way to this article, it’s likely that you have big plans around the house. Maybe it’s time to build that deck or clean your garage. Maybe you’re not sure what to do, and you’re just ready to do something.

No matter your plans, consider optimizing your home’s energy efficiency. With time and strategy on your side, your projects can help you trim the baggage off your bills.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Buy an energy use monitor.
While surprises are nice, it’s pretty terrible when you get a surprise on your energy bill. As much as you may try to save money by turning off the lights, the task is tough if you’re not setting concrete goals for yourself. So, figure out how much you’re spending, and set goals to reduce those costs over time. You’ll be in a better position to save if you can see the numbers in action. 

2. Replace your power strips.
Even when you’re not using your computers, televisions, and other appliances, they are still using energy – what a waste! Don’t let your zombie appliances cost you more money than you need to spend. A smart power strip can be purchased for as little as $30, but keeps your vampire appliances from sucking you dry all year long.

3. Rethink your water bottle. 
Many people buying bottled water for its convenience and clean taste. Instead, opt for a water bottle with a self-filtering mechanism so you can filter the water that comes from your tap and enjoy it for pennies a glass.

4. Be smarter about your utilities.
If your utility bills are climbing the best way to cut those costs is to find out what’s causing them. Use an online electric, gas and water monitor to keep track of how you’re spending. Start out with Google PowerMeter, which is available for free.

5. Replace your light bulbs.
Take a moment to count the number of light bulbs in your home. You’ve probably never thought about your ceiling and floor lamps from that perspective, have you? Now, imagine how much energy you might be wasting. Next time your bulb reaches the end of its lifespan, upgrade it with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent model. In addition, utility companies occasionally offer rebates for energy efficiency projects. Contact your provider directly, and check to see if any programs are available in your area.

IN PICTURES: 6 Ways To Save Money This Summer

6. Install low-flow shower heads.
From sprinkler systems to showers, it’s easy to run up a water bill. A low-flow shower head is an affordable way to cut down your home’s water use. In a nutshell, these work by reducing the pressure on flowing water. Less pressure means less flowing water that ultimately costs you money. If you don’t want to spend $40 on a new shower head, you can start by making an effort to stop using water at full blast.

7. Use a fan.
Even though springtime means sunshine, the weather doesn’t necessitate an air conditioner. Save the luxury for the summer when you really need it and stick to a fan this spring. If you’re revamping your home’s climate system, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This will help you monitor your home’s energy use when those air conditioning expenses start to grow.

The Bottom Line
Plan your goals before delving into a home improvement project. Do you want to save money? Do you want a more environmentally efficient home? How about both? Once you answer these big questions, you’ll be ready to work through the small details. Even if a project is easy and inexpensive, the investment will take you further when you have the big picture in mind.

House of The Week! For Sale: 4BR/1+2BA Single Family House in Freeport, ME, $374,900

For Sale: 4BR/1+2BA Single Family House in Freeport, ME, $374,900.

For Sale: 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Cumberland, ME, $215,000

 

 

 

 

For Sale: 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Cumberland, ME, $215,000

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Making Your Home Picture Perfect

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, in real estate, that picture’s worth translates to dollars and then, if it’s an excellent picture, you can add a few more zeros to that number. That’s why getting the right photos of your home are critical.

Before having your home photographed or, in some cases, videotaped, you’ll want to make sure that it’s in the best possible shape. But what exactly does that mean?

Getting your home ready for a photo shoot is not quite the same as getting it ready to have dinner guests. Yes, there’s the same cleaning rituals such as dusting, and picking up items lying around the house. But making a home picture perfect is about creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming, interesting, and even beckoning viewers and then capturing that with your lens.

How is that done? Professional home photographers use the right equipment to get the job done. Wide angle lens to make the home look larger and show off adjacent rooms in a single photo are one good method. Early morning and late afternoon photo shoots make use of the best lighting times in the day.

Whether you’re going to photograph your home or have a professional do it, adding some props and taking away the clutter will be top priorities.

Let’s start with empty rooms. Showing an empty house isn’t ideal for in-person visits or pictures. Why? You can’t get a feel for how to use the space and when you see an empty room in a picture and it’s hard to grasp its size. The Wall Street Journal suggests bringing in props such as furniture (even just a chair and small table) that will help give the viewer a sense of scale.

If at all possible, rent, borrow, or beg your friends for furniture to have at least a few objects in the room. You don’t need as many pieces of furniture as you would have if you’re living in the home, just some nice tables, lamps, and chairs to create a homey mood.

If you have to photograph the room empty, use a wide-angle lens and capture a bit of an adjoining room like a bathroom–this adds depth and interest. And always use a tripod.

Kitchen comfort. Here’s where you get to have some fun. Think of yourself as a set designer. Your job is to look closely at your kitchen and tuck away all the unnecessary objects. If you leave out an appliance (maybe a good-looking stainless steel one) hide the cord. The appliance isn’t there for use–it’s just a prop.

Now, add some other props–a basket of colorful fruit in a clear glass bowl (nothing too distracting). A plate of cheese and bread with a wine bottle nearby helps set a scene to make the viewer feel welcome.

Clouds are our friends. When you’re shooting outside, a bright sunny day isn’t always the photographer’s friend. If there are big trees and the sun is creating dark shadows, that can make parts of your photo look dreary. Clouds can greatly add mood to the photo without distracting from the exterior shot of a home. On an overcast day, the shadows aren’t as strong and the flowers can actually show up better.

But before you snap that exterior photo, put away those unsightly garbage cans, the seasonal decorations, and those “no soliciting” signs. Remember, you’re making your home not only picture-perfect but model-home perfect too… and that could just be priceless.

11 Stocks Poised for Gains in 2011 and Beyond

In an uncertain economic environment, your best investment opportunities are in the stocks of solid companies with proven business models, strong balance sheets and steady profits. Even after the market’s gains from the March 2009 bottom, many stocks remain attractively priced and yield more than the ten-year Treasury bond’s current yield of 3.3%.

With most of the world’s growth currently coming from outside the U.S., it’s best to invest in companies that derive a major part of their revenues overseas. Developing nations are the fastest growers, so companies expanding in emerging markets should generate superior profits and offer the best opportunities for capital appreciation.

Related Links

• SLIDE SHOW: 11 Stocks for 2011
• Where to Invest in 2011
• James Glassman’s 10 Picks for 2011
• Andrew Feinberg’s 5 Dirt-Cheap Stock Picks for 2011
• 6 Blue-Chip Stocks on Sale
• 7 Cheap Stocks Experts Love
• VALUE ADDED: 5 Stock Picks from Morningstar
• Get More Yield with Blue-Chip Stocks
• STOCK WATCH: 5 Stocks Kids Would Love for the Holidays
• STOCK WATCH: Don’t Get Burned By Cheap Stocks
• VALUE ADDED: 9 Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now

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SEE THIS STORY IN SLIDES:
11 STOCKS FOR 2011

 

McDonald’s

 

Despite a challenging environment for restaurants, McDonald’s (symbol MCD) continues to boost sales and generate excellent returns with the rollout of new products, such as smoothies and a line of specialty coffee drinks. The Oak Brook, Ill., fast-food giant has significant bargaining power over its suppliers, so it can keep costs low. Its strong brand name, convenient locations and international expansion opportunities should drive growth for years. Analysts see earnings rising 9% in 2011. Over the past five years, McDonald’s has boosted its dividend at an annualized rate of 29%. The stock, at $77.56, yields 3.1% and trades at 15 times 2011 profit forecasts. (All prices and related numbers are as of market close on December 10, 2010.)

ConocoPhillips

 

Oil giant ConocoPhillips (COP) is in the midst of a restructuring program that includes the sale of low-returning assets, including a nearly 20% stake in Russia’s Lukoil. The Houston-based company will use the proceeds from the sales to trim debt and finance the capital investments needed for long-term growth.

As global economic conditions improve, demand for oil will increase, boosting its price and Conoco’s profits. Already, crude’s price has jumped 12% since August. Moreover, because oil is priced in dollars, crude will probably rise should the greenback continue to slide. At $64.58, Conoco trades at ten times estimated 2011 earnings (a low figure relative to its peers) and yields 3.4%.

Polo Ralph Lauren

 

Polo Ralph Lauren (RL), the New York City-based designer of luxury lifestyle products and apparel, is expanding into emerging markets, with stores in Chile, China, South Korea and Malaysia. Yet with only 40 stores outside North America, Polo has a lot of room to expand internationally, especially among China’s growing middle class. Because newly affluent people in emerging markets want to buy luxury goods with strong brand names, the company should be able to boost prices pretty easily. Polo is also extending its product line beyond clothing into such things as watches, jewelry and sunglasses. At $112.99, Polo trades at 21 times estimated 2011 earnings, which are expected to be up 13% from 2010.

hhgregg

 

A domestic play, electronics retailer hhgregg (HGG) is jumping into the void left by Circuit City’s demise. Having doubled its store total, to 173, over the past three years, the Indianapolis-based retailer hopes to become a 500-store national chain by decade’s end. Capitalizing on the downturn in commercial real estate, the company locked in low rents on the more than 90 stores it has opened since 2008. Analysts expect profits to jump 30%, to $1.34 a share, for the fiscal year that ends this March. The stock trades at $25.72. Unlike Best Buy, which pays its salespeople by the hour, hhgregg hires commission-based salespeople who can negotiate prices. Just the kind of store you want when times are tough.

Discovery Communications

 

Discovery Communications (DISCA), the leading producer of nonfiction content on cable TV, is focusing on expanding overseas. Best known for the Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet, it’s launching the Oprah Winfrey Network in 2011. The Silver Spring, Md., company has the ability to broadcast the same programs across many markets, and that is spurring growth. Discovery receives a steady revenue stream from subscription fees, which account for 49% of total sales; advertising makes up 43%. With its networks distributed in 180 countries, foreign lands provide 33% of revenues, and about 40% of that comes from emerging markets. Analysts expect earnings to rise 19.9% in 2011, to $2.11 a share. The stock trades at $42.48.

Oracle

 

In a challenging economy, companies don’t want to hire, but they’re willing to spend on technology that can boost productivity. After its 2009 purchase of Sun Microsystems, Oracle (ORCL) looks poised to capitalize on that strategy.

Combining hardware and software, Oracle’s new Exalogic Elastic Cloud seeks to be the premier system for cloud computing, the trend of using the Internet to maintain applications and data. Analysts expect the Redwood City, Cal., company’s profits to climb 18.6%, to $1.98 a share, for the fiscal year that ends this May. At $29.95, the stock trades at 15 times that number. Oracle, which instituted its first dividend in 2009, yields just 0.7%, but it has the muscle to easily boost the payout.

Genuine Parts Co.

 

Sluggish demand for new autos suggests that many drivers will be holding on to their old cars for at least another year, and maybe longer. Meanwhile, the recovery in the manufacturing sector has boosted industrial spending. Both trends bode well for Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), a supplier of replacement parts for both the auto and industrial markets. Car parts account for half the sales of this Atlanta-based company, which operates stores under the NAPA name. Analysts expect earnings to advance 10.9%, to $3.25 per share, in 2011. At $50.55, the stock, which yields 3.2%, looks attractively valued at a price-earnings ratio of 15, on the lower end of its historic range. Genuine Parts has boosted dividends 54 straight years.

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold

 

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold (FCX), the world’s largest publicly traded copper miner, is a play on surging demand for minerals in emerging markets — especially in China. Copper prices are volatile, but the slowing rate of new copper discoveries, the decline in average ore grades, and concern that many mines will be depleted by 2021 mean that the metal’s price should stay high. With copper prices currently near record highs and demand expected to outstrip supply in 2011, Freeport’s profits are expected to grow 17% for the year. The Phoenix, Ariz., miner brings in so much cash that in October it boosted its dividend by 80%, to an annual rate of $2 a share. At $112.87, the stock yields 1.8% and trades at 11 times expected earnings.

VF Corp.

 

Either way the economy breaks, VF Corp. (VFC) stands to benefit. In hard times, it makes money by selling what many consumers consider a low-priced necessity: jeans. With its Lee and Wrangler brands, VF holds 20% of the U.S. jeans market. When the economy picks up, consumers spend more for VF’s upscale brands, such as John Varvatos, Nautica and The North Face. The Greensboro, N.C., company receives 30% of revenues from outside the U.S. and expects that figure to hit 40% in five years, with the bulk of the increase coming in Asia. At $86.04, the stock sells at just 13 times the $6.80 per share that VF is expected to earn in 2011. VF has raised its dividend 38 straight years and yields 2.9%.

Honeywell

 

After adding money to its underfunded pension plan, paying down debt, cutting costs and improving productivity, Honeywell (HON) should see profits jump 13% in 2011. A diversified industrial company based in Morristown, N.J., Honeywell is a player in such cyclical businesses as aerospace products, automotive turbochargers and energy-efficient environmental-control systems. If the economy picks up steam, those businesses will do well. At $51.98, the stock trades at 14 times estimated 2011 earnings (compared with an average PE ratio of 16 for the industrial-goods sector) and yields 2.3%.

Danaher

 

The primary growth strategy of Washington, D.C.-based Danaher (DHR) has been to buy companies in niche industrial markets at attractive prices. The disciplined management team focuses on cutting costs, which leads to higher profits. Danaher, which makes, among other things, environmental controls — such as water filters and gas meters — tools, and medical and dental instruments, earns half of its revenues outside the U.S. Its water-treatment business in particular is doing well in emerging markets. Profits are expected to grow 15% in 2011, to $2.64 per share. The stock trades at $45.87.Read more:
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/picks/archive/stocks-poised-for-gains-in-2011-and-beyond.html##ixzz1BV4YSvnh

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Where to Invest in 2011

To understand the investing outlook for 2011, it helps to review the year just past. Despite emerging from a long and brutal recession, the economy could muster only an anemic expansion. The most notable manifestation of the tepid recovery was a high unemployment rate that scarcely budged over the course of the year. And yet, over the past year (through November 5), the U.S. stock market managed to post an impressive 17.3% return.

We think the same pattern — a stagnant economy but decent stock performance — may repeat in 2011. The economy should grow by little more than 2.5%, and the jobless rate could even tick up to 10%. But stocks could still return 7% to 10% over the next year, in line with corporate earnings growth and the market’s current dividend yield of 1.9%. The Dow Jones industrial average should finish 2011 above 12,000.

Related Links

• Kiplinger’s Economic Outlook
• How to Spot the Next Bear Market
• SLIDE SHOW: 11 Stocks Poised for Gains in 2011
• James Glassman’s 10 Stock Picks for 2011
• 5 Dirt-Cheap Stock Picks for 2011
• The Best Ways to Profit from Emerging Markets
• The Best Bets for Income in 2011
• Will the Fed Buy Trillions in Treasuries?
• How to Profit in This Tricky Economic Environment
• FUND WATCH: Bill Miller Sees Better Times Ahead
• VALUE ADDED: This Bull Market Has Room to Run
• 4 Plays for Contrarian Investors
• Robert Shiller Sees More Housing Pain Ahead
• 5 Strategies to Lower Risk

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(See Risks to Watch below, and What to Buy Now after the jump.)

SEE OUR SLIDE SHOW: 11 STOCKS FOR 2011

A number of factors explain the apparent disconnect between the muddle-through economy and the perky stock market. Interest rates are already at rock-bottom levels, and the Federal Reserve Board says it plans to buy $600 billion in Treasuries by the middle of 2011 to keep rates low. The balance sheets of U.S. companies, unlike those of our government and households, are in excellent shape. Profits should continue to rise moderately in 2011 and match or exceed the record level, set in 2006. With Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index selling at 13 times projected 2011 earnings, stocks do not appear to be excessively valued, especially relative to bonds and cash.

And let’s not forget that the canvas on which S&P 500 companies paint differs from that of the domestic economy. These firms earn 40% of profits abroad, where growth is higher than at home. David Bianco, chief stock strategist of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, calculates that profit margins of U.S. companies are far higher overseas than at home. Bianco says that four sectors in the S&P index — energy, materials, technology and industrials — are already generating more than half of their profits abroad. In 2010, profit increases at global companies such as Boeing (symbol BA), Caterpillar (CAT) and Coca-Cola (KO) were powered by buoyant growth in developing countries — economies that Merrill Lynch projects will generate no less than 75% of the world’s economic growth in 2011.

One thing that will change in 2011 is control of Congress, which will be split between a Republican House and a Democratic Senate. This will quite likely produce political gridlock in the nation’s capital. Although some observers think that gridlock will be good for stocks because Congress won’t be able to enact laws that could harm business, it could be a negative if lawmakers are unable to address a financial emergency.

Risks to Watch

We’d be remiss if we didn’t outline some of the risks and lingering structural weaknesses in the economy. Recognizing risks as they come to the fore may help you make mid-course corrections in 2011 and beyond.

Volatility should remain high in 2011 because of contradictory signals from an economy that is expanding in fits and starts. Even Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke frets about an “unusually uncertain” environment. He and most Fed governors think inflation is too low and clearly seek to engineer higher price increases through ultra-loose monetary policy. Because the Fed’s gambit is untested, there is a risk that the inflation genie will escape the bottle. “The issue in 2011 is inflation expectations, not where inflation ends up,” says Dean Junkans, chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Bank. “We’re trying to inflate our way to growth.”

Government monetary and budget policies are helping to drive the dollar lower, which aids U.S. corporate profits. The trouble is that many other governments are also cheapening their currencies to juice exports and job growth. There is a chance this race to the currency bottom, which is a form of protectionism, could degenerate into a trade war.

After years of delivering stunning gains, bonds may be a less-comfortable resting place for your money in 2011. During 2009 and 2010, individual investors poured more than $600 billion into bond funds. But a rise in long-term interest rates — a distinct possibility in 2011 — could result in losses for many bondholders (see our fixed-income outlook — The Best Bets for Income in 2011).

Surveying the risks stemming from currency wars, and from rising inflation, interest rates and the sluggish domestic economy, Junkans concludes that investors must embrace global investing. “A lot of U.S. investors need to make a paradigm shift in 2011,” he says. “Think of yourself as a global investor living in the U.S. rather than as a U.S. investor with some global exposure.” In his portfolios, Junkans says, he’s increased foreign exposure “permanently” by 50% over the past four years (for more on investing overseas, see The Best Ways to Profit from Emerging Markets.)

Why do we remain dour about the prospects for the U.S. economy in 2011? Our pessimism stems largely from that familiar trinity of linked problems — housing, banking and busted household balance sheets — that will dog us for a few more years.

In a normal economic recovery, housing is a key driver of expansion. But home building today remains in a depression. The housing market groans under the weight of a huge backlog of unsold and vacant homes.

Government-encouraged loan-modification programs are not working, and the foreclosure pipeline is clogged. So foreclosures continue to back up, implying that yet more houses will be dumped into a weak market. One of the more pessimistic mortgage analysts, Laurie Goodman, of Amherst Securities, thinks that ultimately 11 million borrowers — a frightening 20% of the total — could lose their homes absent a change in government policy.

Read more:
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/where-to-invest-in-2011.html##ixzz1BV3wP2co

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Budget for Your Peace of Mind

Are your finances keeping you up at night? You’re not alone. Almost three-quarters of adults say money has them feeling stressed, according to the American Psychological Association. That’s not surprising, especially in today’s economy with skyrocketing energy and food costs, tepid investment performance and rising unemployment rates.

The remedy? Tackle that tension with a budget.

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If the mere mention of the “b” word raised your blood pressure, take a deep breath and consider this: Budgeting is simply a way to make sure you have enough money to reach your goals.

A budget isn’t constricting. It sets you free. When you have a plan, know how much money you have and where it’s going, you don’t have to worry about it. Knowledge really is power.

Here are the five basic steps to building a budget that’ll put your mind at ease. It’ll take a bit of time and effort, but it’s well worth it.

1. Take inventory

Before you can make a plan, you need to know how much money you have and where you spend it.

For at least one month, track all your expenses. And not just the biggies like your rent payment and grocery bill. Make a note of smaller purchases, too, especially cash purchases that may not show up on your bank or credit card statement. You can carry a small notebook to jot them down, or collect every receipt and toss them in a shoebox when you get home to sort through once a week.

You should also make note of large annual expenses, even if they don’t happen to fall in the month you’re tracking. For example, if you usually pay $600 every six months for car insurance, jot down $100 this month for that cost.

2. Make a diagnosis

At the end of the month, examine your spending habits and look for red flags. Organizing your purchases into categories — such as housing, transportation, clothing, entertainment, food, dining out, etc. — will help.

This exercise can be eye opening. When I did this with my expenses, I found that I was spending almost as much on “quick trips” to the grocery store each month as I was on my main weekly shopping trip. You may discover you’ve been spending too much time at the coffee shop, or that you didn’t save a single penny for a rainy day.

(Or you may find that your finances are doing just fine and that you had no reason to worry. Good for you.)

3. Put your eyes on the prize

What are your financial goals? Perhaps you’d like to get out of debt, buy a new car, take a vacation or simply stop living paycheck to paycheck. If you have a specific goal, you know there will be a reward for taking the time to create –- and follow — a budget.

4. Cut costs and boost income

This isn’t so painful when you stay focused on your goal. Look at the problem areas you identified in step two and find ways to fix them. For example, if you found that dining out was eating away too much money, take your lunch to work instead of eating at restaurants. That act alone could save about $100 a month.

That’s money you can use to pay down debt, save toward something you want or use as a cushion for rising gas and food costs. Almost everyone has fat they can cut from their spending. See Save Money on Practically Everything for simple ways to trim thousands of dollars of dollars on food, utilities, entertainment, investing and more.

One problem you may need to address: You simply need more money. Start by checking your tax withholding. If you receive a tax refund every year (and most of you do), file a new W-4 form with your employer to get you more money each month, instead of in one big chunk when you file your tax return. Use our easy withholding calculator to help you figure out what to put on the form.

If your expenses and goals drastically exceed your income, you may need to take more dramatic action. For example, getting a part-time job on nights or weekends, selling your car and using public transportation, getting a roommate to cover housing costs, moving to a cheaper city or even moving back in with Mom and Dad. (Find out more ways to live rent-free.) Again, remind yourself of your goal to motivate yourself to do the right thing. Sacrifices today can add up to big rewards tomorrow.

5. Stick with the plan

There’s not just one way to budget. Some people choose to do all their spending with a debit card so they can monitor their spending through their online bank statements. Others go the opposite route and stick strictly to cash. They place fixed amounts of money into envelopes for each spending category — and when the money’s gone for the month, no more spending.

You could even join an online community, such as Wesabe.com, to track your expenses and get feedback and support from other users. Or put your goals on autopilot — arranging with your bank to make automatic contributions from your checking account to your savings or investments each month. (See Ten Sneaky Saving Strategies for more tips.)

The key is to make your budget personal. Find a method that works for you, and consistently monitor your progress. You’ll soon find your stress replaced by confidence — and you’ll rest easier, too.

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Ten Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

1. Be realistic. Don’t try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight.
2. Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day.
3. Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.
4. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.
5. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.
6. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.
7. If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie!
8. Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren’t all about food. Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.
9. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.
10. Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating. Incorporate some of these simple-cooking tips in traditional holiday recipes to make them healthier.
    • Gravy — Refrigerate the gravy to harden fat. Skim the fat off. This will save a whopping 56 gm of fat per cup.
    • Dressing — Use a little less bread and add more onions, garlic, celery, and vegetables. Add fruits such as cranberries or apples. Moisten or flavor with low fat low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and applesauce.
    • Turkey – Enjoy delicious, roasted turkey breast without the skin and save 11 grams of saturated fat per 3 oz serving.
    • Green Bean Casserole — Cook fresh green beans with chucks of potatoes instead of cream soup. Top with almonds instead of fried onion rings.
    • Mashed Potato — Use skim milk, chicken broth, garlic or garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter.
    • Quick Holiday Nog — Four bananas, 1-1/2 cups skim milk or soymilk, 1-1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract, and ground nutmeg. Blend all ingredients except nutmeg. Puree until smooth. Top with nutmeg.
    • Desserts — Make a crustless pumpkin pie. Substitute two egg whites for each whole egg in baked recipes. Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk in cheesecakes and cream pies. Top cakes with fresh fruit, fruit sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of fattening frosting.

Enjoy the holidays, plan a time for activity, incorporate healthy recipes into your holiday meals, and don’t restrict yourself from enjoying your favorite holiday foods. In the long run, your mind and body will thank you.

It’s a Good Time to Buy a Vacation Rental

Right now, the languishing housing market offers some lingering upsides for those who have a pot of investment dollars to burn.

Home prices are low, financing is cheap and inventories are bulging.

The planets have aligned over vacation rental acquisitions.

The road’s been rocky for real estate in recent years, but that means it’s a buyer’s market and good time to grab a piece of the American Dream as a solid, long-term investment.

“Vacation homes are almost always a good investment,” says vacation rental guru Christine Karpinski, director of Owner Community for HomeAway.com, the global leader in vacation rentals, hosting some 540,000 vacation rental listings.

“First, if you’re looking for a good long-term investment, real estate tends to be a good bet. Second, vacation properties have the ability to pay for themselves, and owners often earn a profit in rental income. Third, the investment comes with the desirable perk of having a place at the beach or in the mountains to call your own,” says Karpinski, a vacation rental owner herself and author of “How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment” (Kinney Pollack Press, $26.00).

Vacation rental space is the place more and more travelers opt for when they want a bargain getaway with accommodations that provide all the comforts of home.

According to Karpinski, here’s why you want to move on that vacation rental now.

Prices are as low as they are going to go.

Property prices are as low as they’ve been in ten years. Procrastination won’t keep them low. Analysts say the housing market is scraping bottom and poised to move up.

“I don’t take the plunge now, I’ll look back ten years from now and say, ‘Why the heck didn’t I buy back in 2010?’” says Karpinski

Interest rates are likewise as low as they are likely to go.

Erate.com had the interest rate for 30-year, conforming fixed rate mortgages at 4.23 percent on Oct. 25 and says rates on non-owner occupied properties is about a half a percentage point higher — with a virtually mandated 20 to 30 percent down payment.

Markets are flush with inventory.

The slow economy and even slower housing market has left vacation markets brimming with buying opportunities, from sellers looking to move on or up, to foreclosures that warrant careful scrutiny.

“One caveat: Before you let yourself fall in love with a property, make sure it is legal to rent it out as a vacation home. Some areas and homeowners’ associations do not allow short-term rentals,” Karpinski warns.

Good help is easy to find.

The recession weeded out incompetent, fly-by-night real estate people who jumped on the booming market bandwagon. Those who survived have been around the block a few times and know the game.

Say Karpinski, “Real estate professionals still working today are the top in the business,” says Karpinski.

Renting a vacation property is easier than ever.

Vacation rentals are more popular than ever, thanks to their home-away-from-home allure but also because the Internet has made them eminently more visible.

“More and more consumers are choosing to stay in cozy condos, cabins, and chalets instead of cramped, impersonal hotel rooms when they travel. And as market demand has surged, organizations like HomeAway.com have sprung up to help connect vacation homeowners with these potential renters,” Karpinski said.

The online vacation rental portals help owners market homes by posting photos, descriptions, testimonials and other marketing information to attract vacationers.

HomeAway.com also offers vacation rental owner support. It’s Owner Community offers property owners expert information about proven best practices, setting up your business, upgrading amenities on a budget, handling complaints and cancellations and more.

After the Gulf oil disaster, HomeAway.com set up the unique HomeAway Gulf Coast Response Center to fill a void left by major media and to help Gulf area vacation property owners through the lost income claims process, to provide insight from experts and to offer a forum for sharing concerns, stories and frustrations.

“Ten years ago vacation rental owners were on an island, but now it’s easy to get the support you need,” said Karpinski.

Buy now, beat the 2011 peak season rush.

The longer you wait to buy, the more likely mortgage rates and prices will rise and the good properties will be snatched up.

Buy now and you’ve got plenty of time to prepare yourself and your property for the peak rental season. Seasoned vacation property owners’ rental fees generated during the twelve weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day pay their mortgages for an entire year. Most inquiries come in between January and March.

“By buying now, you will have a cushion of time to get the home ready for your guests, take great photos for your property listing, and start marketing it to potential renters,” said Karpinski.