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Low expenses come with high perks

look at being close to Albuquerque, too. Theres no one particular thing that people are here for. All the same, it doesnt hurt that living here is fairly inexpensive, compared to many other places, when you take into account the cost of housing, taxes, groceries, utilities and other basic living expenses. Property taxes are one indicator of how affordable west central new Mexico is. The Tax Foundation, a tax research group based in Washington, D.C., reports that new Mexico property taxes are among the nations lowest. State-by-state property tax collections information from the u.S. Census Bureau from 2006 the latest available showed that new Mexico collected $495 per capita in 2006 in combined state and local property taxes. According to the Tax Foundation, that places new Mexico 48th out of the 50 states. By comparison, Arizona collected $1,043, Colorado collected $1,254 and nevada collected $1,241. And even within new Mexico, the west central part of the state compares favorably. A March 2010 property tax report from the new Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department listed the per capita property tax obligation in 2009 in Socorro County at $385; for Sierra County it was $479; and for Catron County it was $496. Median home prices in the three counties are also lower, according to the Census Bureaus American Factfinder. Based on information from the American Community Survey, the economic Census and other programs, Factfinder lists the median home value in Socorro County at $105,700, plus or minus $15,248, compared to the median home value for the state of $150,500 and the median home value for the nation of $185,400. Sierra Countys median home value is given as $87,400 (plus or minus $5,182) and Catron Countys median home value is given as $129,400 (plus or minus $16,765). This is not to say its not possible to find a luxury home in any of the three counties. The 21,700-deeded-acres Sawtooth Shadows Ranch near Datil in Catron County is listed on the internet for a cool $10.9 million. The Jornado Spaceport Ranch near Truth or Consequences in Sierra County is on the market for $4.2 million. And in Socorro County, a custombuilt home on 65 acres with panoramic mountain views is for sale on Johnson Hill Road for a mere $1 million. For people who can afford those homes, the low property taxes are a nice bonus. The weather of west central new Mexico is what draws many people to this part of the world. The winters arent generally too cold, or too long, the summers arent too hot, and the spring and fall can be just about perfect. An added benefit of the temperate climate is that it doesnt have to be very expensive to heat and cool a home here, another

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Theres one thing west central new Mexico doesnt mind being below average in, and thats the cost of living. In Socorro, Sierra and Catron counties, a dollar can go pretty far. Overall, new Mexico is slightly less expensive to live in than average, with a rating of 98.88 on the national cost of living index, where average equals 100. Compare that with Hawaii, which gets a score of 165.56, or California, with a score of 132.56. In fact, according to the official numbers, new Mexico is cheaper to live in than most other states in the American Southwest, including Arizona, Colorado and nevada. The cost of living index scores for Socorro, Sierra and Catron counties are even lower than the overall score for the state, at 84.7, 83.1 and 86.5, respectively. Socorro Countys cost of living is more than 15 percent lower than the national average; Sierra Countys is almost 17 percent lower, and Catron Countys is 13.5 percent lower. Local real estate broker Don Brown says there isnt any one reason people come to the area, though. People buy homes here because of the climate and the lifestyle, Brown said. We get parents of new Mexico Tech students, working people, retirees. We get a real cross-section. Brown said the low cost of living is just one thing potential buyers look at. They do look at that, he said. They

cost thats factored into the low cost of living. A nonprofit organization called Wider Opportunities for Women releases a study every year called the Basic economic Security Tables index, which tabulates monthly expenses, including utilities costs, based on the size of a household, for the nation as a whole and for six states, including new Mexico. The BeST figures are based on statistics from Housing and urban Development and other federal agencies. In utilities costs, Socorro, Sierra and Catron counties again compare favorably to other parts of the state. In Socorro County, for example, according to the BeST index, a family of four with two adults and two children can expect to pay an average of $145 per month for utilities. In Sierra County, that figure is $122 and in Catron County, its $163. In Santa Fe County, that same family would need $180 per month to cover utility costs. A low cost of living isnt the same as a poor quality of life; many people who move to the area are drawn to the natural landscape, and enchanted by a lifestyle which manages to combine the best of both rural and urban living. But for middle-income earners or retirees on a fixed income, living in a place where expenses are low can mean a higher standard of living, with less money. And west central new Mexicos low cost of living is definitely something to be factored into the equation.

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Keeping communities healthy

Access to health care is a key component when deciding where to put down roots, raise a family and build a life. Many communities in new Mexico are located in rural areas where medical facilities are scarce and the distance to health clinics or hospitals often require a great deal of travel. Two of four counties in west central new Mexico Socorro and Sierra County have hospitals while the other two Catron and Valencia County have urgent care or health care facilities to accommodate their residents. The city of Socorro, which is about 75 miles south of Albuquerque, is fortunate to have a hospital in its community as well as other medical services readily available to assist with its needs. Socorro General Hospital is a 24-bed general acute care hospital that was built in 1984. The community-based facility offers inpatient and outpatient services including 24-hour emergency care, hospice, cardiac pulmonary/ respiratory care, radiology and medical imaging, surgery, labor and delivery, dietary care, specialty clinics, a laboratory and pharmacy and rehabilitation services. One of eight regional hospitals under Prebyterian Healthcare Services, SGHs state-of-theart equipment makes caring for its patients an exceptional facility for the community. SGH also has womens clinic, which was renovated last year and now has three exam rooms and a procedure room. According to a press release, when the center opened, the clinic services include routine obstetric and gynecological care, laparotomy, laparoscopy, ovarian cysts, hysterectomies and some infertility care. Director of Patient Care Veronica Pound said a surgery, podiatry and family clinic are also available to assist the needs of the community. Also in Socorro County, just 26 miles west of Socorro, nestled in the Cibola national Forest, the village of Magdalena is a quaint community with plenty of open space, blue skies and friendly people. It also has a health center to provide care to its citizens. The Magdalena Area Health Center offers residents primary and preventative care for both young and old alike. The center provides family planning, breast and cervical cancer screening, laboratory services, vision and hearing tests, acute illness care, prenatal care and health screenings. The health center also addresses chronic illnesses such as lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. With plenty of educational information and materials available to the public, the resources allow residents to manage their health. commissions, with the county and city appointing three members and the city of elephant Butte appointing two and lastly the Village of Williamsburg appointing one member. The hospital is equipped to provide medical and surgical services in addition to cardiopulmonary services and ancillary services such as radiology CAT Scans, MRIs, mammography, ultrasound and lab. ninety-six percent of its lab testing is done in house. The hospital also owns its own ambulance service, providing emergency medical services to the city and surrounding areas. Counseling and physical therapy are also available to patients needing follow-up or additional care. Furthermore, specialty clinics, such as neurology, orthopedic and podiatry is available. We have a number of services were providing for the community and were continuing to grow, Rush said. Plans are in the works to construct a new facility but until that comes to fruition, Rush said they continue to improve the facility they are in. Because elephant Butte Caballo Lake is in the heart of the community, visitors make it the largest city on any given holiday and Sierra County Hospital is there to provide care to residents and visitors alike. Clearly were needed, Rush said. To the north, Valencia County has been working on building a hospital in its community, which lies about 35 miles south of Albuquerque. The county passed a hospital mil levy in november 2006, and plans to construct a hospital is in the works. But for now, an urgent care in Belen, a department of Presbyterian Hospital, and First Choice Community Healthcare in Los Lunas and Belen offer emergency and primary medical care to its residents. Some of their services include cardiology, prenatal, womens health, managing chronic illness, family planning/teen clinic and pharmacy services. Behavioral health is another area geared to helping citizens with alcohol and drug abuse as well as depression issues. First Choice also provides dental care including preventative oral care, fillings, extractions, cleanings and oral exams. All three facilities provide information on preventing disease and injury and offer resources to help manage ones health. Choosing a rural area does not mean you have to go without. Quality care is available in all four counties, and access to specialists for those who may need additional care is within a 30 minute drive to a few hours for the furthest outlying areas.

In Catron County, although isolated from larger cities, two health facilities are in close proximity with one in Reserve and the other in Quemado. The Catron County Medical Center in Reserve and the Quemado Health Center offer medical services in primary, acute and chronic illness care as well as dental, vision and audio services to its patients. Both centers also provide preventative health measures and offer resources and educational outreach services to its patients. With laboratory services, an in-house pharmacy and cancer screening for women issues, residents have access to medical treatment right in their own backyard. For more serious health conditions, patients are then referred to specialists. Sierra County makes up the third county in the west central new Mexico area, and is located about 75 miles south of Socorro and 75 miles north of Las Cruces. Serving its residents in T or C and the surrounding communities of Williamsburg, elephant Butte, Hillsboro, Derry, Arrey and other farming communities along the Rio Grande, the Sierra County Hospital is a 25-bed critical care facility that is community owned. We are truly a community owned facility, said CeO Domenica D Rush. The hospital is owned publicly by four commissions the county, the city , the city of elephant Butte and the Village of Williamsburg. Rush said a governing board is appointed by the four

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Get the best price when selling your home

The housing market has not yet rebounded to pre-recession prices, when buyers seemed to be stepping over one another to bid up the price of homes. Todays sellers may be lucky to get asking price, with the reality being a certain percentage below. However, that doesnt mean sellers should accept bottom-ofthe-barrel offers. There are still ways to get the best price possible on an offered home. With sellers hoping to get the most possible for a home and buyers interested in spending the least, its sometimes a battle of wills when it comes to hashing out a confirmed price in the world of real estate. Sellers who wonder whether theyll struggle to get a good offer can hedge their bets in the right direction by employing a few strategies. What you see is what you get: Its difficult to change first impressions. If a potential buyer pulls up to a home that doesnt give them warm and fuzzy feelings immediately, it may be hard to eventually sway opinion of the home even if its pristine on the inside. Individuals do judge a book by its cover, which means that effort should be put into making a homes exterior as appealing as possible. Landscaping should be neat and lush. There shouldnt be any obstacles leading to the front of the home. Items that look in disrepair should be mended. Curb appeal does matter. use a real estate agent: Many people forgo this step, thinking they can sell their home just as well without an agent and not have to pay commission in the process. A real estate agent is schooled in the process of negotiating the price of an offered home. In fact, the more a homes selling price, the higher the agents profit. Thats incentive right there. Furthermore, agents know the average prices of similar homes and can help a seller price and market a property correctly. That may add up to a faster sale (and a better offer). Price it competitively: Some sellers think the higher they price their home the more money theyll get for it. The fact is, the longer an overpriced home sits on the market, the less appealing it will appear to buyers. Individuals looking for a home may repeatedly see the listing and wonder whats wrong with the home. even if its the best home in the neighborhood, it may be seen as a red flag thats best avoided. Give people what they want: Buyers often prefer updated kitchens and bathrooms. Most buyers out there are not looking for handyman specials. They want a relatively turn-key property. A kitchen or bathroom that is an eyesore can repel potential buyers. Home shoppers may be more inclined to go closer to asking price if some of the bigger-ticket items are already completed. Dont be an open book: If a buyer knows that time is of the essence or the home is priced to sell, he or she may sense that desperation, almost guaranteeing a low-ball offer. Sellers shouldnt let on too much about their reasons for selling or make it seem like theyll be in dire straights if the home doesnt sell quickly. Selling a home under duress is not likely to cause prospective buyers to pony up. Dont be afraid to counter-offer: A buyer who is excited to get an offer on a home in a slow market, but feels the offer is below value, should definitely counteroffer. While the buyer may not accept the counter, he or she may make another offer that is more to the sellers liking.

This newly stuccoed, approx. 2,400 sq. ft. home is located on Main Street Quemado. It also has a 722 sq. ft. office building that would be a great rental opportunity. Also included, are 2 vacant town lots.

Asking $300,000
Call for a complete list of available properties or check out our website to view photos of just some of the properties we have listed. Lucricia Mendoza Qualifying Broker PO Box 249, Quemado NM 87829 575-773-4590 website: www.quemadolake.com e-mail: realestate@gilanet.com

MLS#28195

Find us online at www.dchieftain.com

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How to cut your home cooling bills this summer

Its time for the hot, sticky weather, so make sure your home stays cool while your energy bills stay low this summer. One important item every summer checklist should include is making sure your homes air conditioning system is operating properly and efficiently, and can keep your house comfortable when the hottest of the hot weather hits. Once you know your air conditioning is working efficiently, there are other simple steps you can take to keep cooling bills low throughout the season. If you have a central air conditioning system, make sure to get it checked by an HVAC/R professional. When scheduling an annual air conditioning check-up, keep in mind that many offer special deals on seasonal preventative maintenance, so it can be beneficial to shop around. not all HVAC/R technicians offer the same level of expertise, so the responsibility falls on homeowners to ensure they get the protection and quality assurance they deserve. Most consumers are unaware that the HVAC/R industry does not require technicians to take mandatory competency tests. However, many technicians go through voluntary testing to obtain certification from north American Technician excellence (nATe), the nations largest independent, third-party, non-profit certification body for HVAC/R technicians. When it comes to selecting a contractor to perform an assessment of your air conditioning system, choose one that employs nATe-certified technicians. This helps ensure your equipment is installed right and operating properly, offering maximum comfort, energy savings and peace of mind. Once youve confirmed that your air conditioning system is running efficiently, there are several things you can do to keep energy bills to a minimum: Raise the thermostat about five degrees. each degree saves a percentage off your cooling energy bill. Dont obstruct airflow around air conditioner units. Keep them clear of plants and debris. Clean the air filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer. Review last years energy bills and keep an eye on cooling costs throughout this season to monitor for major increases or inconsistencies. As homeowners continue to adopt eco-friendly, highefficiency products and appliances, its important to realize that even the greenest equipment can waste money and energy if its not installed, serviced and maintained properly. By working with nATe-certified technicians, homeowners can have confidence that their HVAC/R equipment offers the energy efficiency it promises. When scheduling an air conditioning check-up, be sure to request a nATe-certified technician. To find a qualified local contractor who employs certified technicians, look for the nATe logo on their website or promotional materials, or go to HVACRAdvice.com. By making sure your air conditioning is operating efficiently and by adopting a few energy-friendly habits, you can maximize your familys comfort while saving both energy and money this summer.

Catron County
High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Bachelors degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 88.1% 24.1%

Sierra County
High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Bachelors degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 83.7% 17.6%

Socorro County
High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Bachelors degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 79.2% 21.7%

Valencia County
High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Bachelors degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Source: US Census Bureau State & County QuickFacts 80.2% 16.8%

Cut cooling costs with an A/C efficiency check done by a certified technician.

Courtesy of StatePoint

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Co-ops can help save you money on electric bills and more
in sizes from 15 to 105 gallons. Youd pay about $500 for a water heater that usually goes for $1,500, Herrera said. The co-op offers water heater financing for six months without interest. Some folks save money on in the long run on their heating bills by purchasing electric Thermal Storage units. Basically, theyre energy storage devices. Customers get charged at a set off-peak rate, Herrera said, adding that rebates are also offered through the program. eTS units are designed to store heat in homes and businesses during off-peak hours, when charges are less expensive, and release it during on-peak periods. The units use microprocessor technology to heat ceramic bricks capable of storing vast amounts of heat for long periods of time. Its a safe, clean means of heating dwellings that release no smoke or fumes. Customers can save 40 percent or more for electricity used during off-peak hours, according to literature provided by the manufacturer, Steffes Heating Systems. The co-op offers rebates up to $540 for purchases of eTS units and seven-year financing at 5 percent up to $3,000. The co-op also has a time-of-day program, where customers pay a lower price for electricity used during off-peak hours. Socorro electric sells electricity usage monitors for $22 that can save you much more than that on your electric bills. By connecting appliances to the Kill A Watt electricity usage monitor manufactured by P3 International, the device will count consumption by the kilowatt hour and assess how efficient your appliances really are. This can help you determine whether its time to replace that old refrigerator or air conditioning unit. Co-ops also encourage the use of Compact Fluorescent light bulbs and Light emitting Diodes and have them available for purchase. CFLs are available for use in almost any fixture and range in price from $1.25 for a regular 60 watt bulb to $5.20 for a 150 watt three-way ecobulb. The advantage of CFLs is that they last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs and they use a fraction of the energy. Consumers can expect to save up to $30 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb. They dont burn as hot as incandescent bulbs, enchancing safety, and can be used indoors or outdoors. During the Christmas season, the co-op offers customers a chance to purchase LeD decorative lights in blue, green, red, white or multi-colors. each string uses just 4 watts of electricity about 90 percent less than traditional Christmas lights. It may not save them money, but environmentally conscious consumers may be

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Whether youre relocating, or have lived in the area for some time, its worth checking into money-saving programs available to you through your local electric cooperative. One program offered through electric cooperatives is the Section 5 appliance program. If you buy it locally, well finance it, said Joseph Herrera, general manager for Socorro electric Cooperative. Its good for essential electric appliances, like washers and dryers, refrigerators and stoves not LCD flat screen TVs. In Socorro County, Gambles in Socorro and Alamo Plumbing and Heating in Magdalena are participating dealers. Herrera said there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out to take advantage of the financing. In addition, Herrera said Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc., the company that provides power to most co-ops in new Mexico, also offers a $40 rebate for washers, dryers and refrigerators. Homeowners can also benefit through the co-ops weatherization program. Thats if you want to change out windows and doors, Herrera said. Well go into a contract with that, as well, for up to $2,000. Customers have to work through channels to take advantage of this program too. The interest rate is at 5 percent. You have to have an estimate of what installation would cost and who the installer would be. When its done well send one of our guys out to check the installation and make sure things are OK, Herrera said. The co-op can also help save you money on the purchase of water heaters. The Marathon water heaters are available

interested in the Green Power program offered through their electric co-op. Customers can purchase power generated by renewable energy resources, such as biomass, hydroelectric and wind power. The program helps advance renewable energy sources and promotes energy efficiency by offering 100-kilowatt-hour blocks per month at 40 cents per block. Herrera said customers can also earn renewable energy credits for installing solar heating units. Its a pass through program where Tri-State pays the co-op and the co-op then pays credits to the customer. People building a home or placing a mobile home on a site thats not currently connected to a power source can also benefit from assistance from their local co-op. Herrera said Socorro electric will pay the first $1,200 for a line extension to hook up to a permanent meter.

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Great home improvement projects for the summer weather

For many Americans the warmer weather of summer means its time to focus on all those home improvement projects that would be inconvenient during the cooler months. Adding an extension, sanding wooden floors or replacing a roof are a lot easier when youre not worried about the weather and diminished day light. Also, contractors are less likely to have weather-related delays that blow timelines, making summer renovations run more smoothly. Here are some home improvement projects you may want to start this season: Replace the Roof: If your roof is starting to leak or you notice dramatic increases in heating or cooling bills, it may be time to replace it. The best time to do so is when the weather is warm and dry. Keep in mind the u.S. Department of energy recommends light roofing colors, which will keep down cooling costs and help reduce global warming. For more energy-saving home improvement tips, visit www.energy.gov. Check the Perimeter: Inspect your homes exterior, making sure to check your siding. Mold and cracks can be a sign you need to re-paint or replace boards. Also, now may be a good time to repave your driveway. Asphalt needs the right factors of temperature and moisture to set properly. Better weather leads to better driveways. Add a Fireplace: Fireplaces are great focal points to any home, and now homeowners can double their impact by adding see-through fireplaces that can be installed between rooms or even to warm a patio. Versatile fireplaces, like the Montebello See-Through by Lennox Hearth Products, can be installed between a kitchen and dining room or between a living room and patio, creating a dramatic effect. You can learn more at www.lennox.com. An indoor/outdoor installment is a great way to enjoy your fireplace year-round, says Bill Wetzel, product manager of Fireplace Systems for Lennox. After all, who wants to spend money on home improvements you can only use half the year? Tinker with Plumbing: Because bathroom and kitchen renovations often require plumbing changes, the warmer months are the best for these projects. nows the ideal time to expand that half-bathroom with a shower stall, or to upgrade your master bathroom with a whirlpool tub. And there are many choices of eco-friendly

Some improvements can enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces. fixtures from such brands as Delta, Kohler, American Standard and others. Install Skylights: With longer days and clear, starry nights, its the season for gazing at the sky. But allergens can make sky gazing difficult for some. Consider installing skylights in your home this season. Sand the Floor: Most people think of floor mainte-

Courtesy of StatePoint

nance as a cool weather activity, but floor sanding kicks up incredible amounts of dust. In warmer weather, you can throw open doors and windows and set up fans to suck the dust outward. The better weather makes almost all home improvement projects more enjoyable. So take advantage of the season to upgrade your home!

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Educational opportunities
The schools of west-central new Mexico offer a diverse education with small class sizes and an array of opportunities for public education and higher learning in many different fields. Socorro offers public schools both inside the city and in rural areas, a charter school and a science and technology research institute that has caught national attention for its work. What is unique about our school district is what is unique about Socorro, said Vannetta Perry, associate superintendent and director of human resources for Socorro Consolidated Schools. Were steeped in Mexican, Spanish and navajo tradition, but we also see influence from research at new Mexico Tech, Perry said. That diverse tapestry in the community is what we see in our school district. Socorro Consolidated Schools is made up of four elementary schools, Sarracino Middle School and Socorro High School. In the city of Socorro, Parkview elementary serves grades kindergarten through third, and Zimmerly elementary serves fourth- and fifth-graders. Two rural elementary schools also serve the district. San Antonio elementary School, nine miles to the south of Socorro, serves grades kindergarten through fifth. To the north, Midway elementary is located four miles from Socorro in between the communities of Polvadera and Lemitar. Cottonwood Valley Charter School, the only charter school in Socorro county, serves grades kindergarten through eighth. As a part of the schools personalized approach to education, each student follows his or her own personal learning plan that is drafted with input from parents, teachers and the students themselves. Sarracino Middle School serves grades six through eight in the district and Socorro High School serves grades nine through 12. For higher education in the city, The new Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro offers an array of science and engineering degrees in a personal setting with an enrollment of 1,921 students. The school has received numerous accolades for both its quality of education and affordability. The Princeton Review ranked new Mexico Tech no. 12 in the best value category for 2010. Competitively-priced tuition and the fact that more than 40 percent of its students receive merit-based scholarships contributed to the ranking. unique research opportunities at the institute are helped by several nearby facilities. The energetic Materials Research and Testing Facility conducts experiments and training with explosives, and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, which new Mexico Tech designed in a partnership with Cambridge university, gives physics students the opportunity to use a world-class optical telescope under the clear new Mexico skies. Magdalena, a village located in the mountains west of Socorro, has its own school district that is housed on a single campus. The district holds classes four days a week to better accommodate the rural makeup of the area. Rural Catron County is served by two school districts. The first serves the village of Reserve and the surrounding area. Reserve is home to both an elementary school for grades kindergarten through sixth and a high school serving grades seventh through 12. The community of Glenwood has its own elementary school. The second district in the county serves the area around Quemado. Quemado elementary and Datil elementary serve grades kindergarten through sixth and Quemado High School serves grades seventh through 12. Truth or Consequences Municipal schools, the only school system in Sierra County, also serves elephant Butte and Williamsburg. Arrey, Truth or Consequences and Sierra elementary schools serve the area as well along with a middle school and Hot Springs High School. Sierra County is also home to Gardner Learning Center, a satellite campus of Western new Mexico university. The school offers courses in general studies, social work and criminal justice, as well as online courses that are taught from the main campus. Valencia County is home to 17 elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools, as well as the School of Dreams Academy charter school, which serves grades seventh through 12. The university of new MexicoValencia Campus, located between Los Lunas and Belen, offers programs in studio arts, education, information technology and administration. The school also has a health care curriculum with bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in nursing as well as degrees in dental hygiene and medical laboratory sciences.

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Real estate agents can help save buyers and sellers money
Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the floundering housing market for many people. now could be the time to sell and buy a new home and earn an even bigger slice of the real estate pie. Whether an individual is a buyer or a seller, or doing both, his or her goal is to get the best financial deal on the home and often that means having a qualified real estate agent working in his or her corner. Those entering the real estate realm may have misconceptions about whats involved. Oftentimes, individuals think they can go it alone and save money on real estate commissions in the process. However, not having a knowledgeable agent to navigate the process can end up costing more money in the long run. An agent is not there just to open up houses for viewing or to simply put a for-sale sign on the front lawn. Agents guide the seller or buyer through a complicated process of legalities and emotional hurdles. The agent also negotiates for the buyer and seller to help them make important financial decisions. When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their homes, their primary focus is usually on the advertising that the agent will offer them, says Jessica Goodbody of Weichert Realtors. Advertising is important, but, once sellers have an offer, they need a strong negotiator to help them get the best price and terms. Buyers should also look for agents who have strong negotiating skills and neighborhood knowledge which will help them make the most of their purchasing power. Individuals can expect a real estate agent to help them navigate a process that, to first-time buyers or sellers, can prove intimidating. 1. Schedule a consultation to discuss what features and amenities buyer is looking for in a home. 2. The agent may suggest buyers speak with a mortgage consultant to figure out their buying power and obtain a mortgage pre-approval letter. 3. The agent will then look up home listings in a particular price range and help the buyers to view the homes. present at closing with the buyer and the attorney, if necessary.

Selling a Home
1. The real estate agent will meet with the sellers and evaluate the home and property. 2. He or she will do a market analysis to figure out the best price to list the house based on the neighborhood and comparable sales. 3. The agent may make suggestions for repairs or improvements that can help make the home more attractive to buyers. 4. The real estate agent may present a marketing plan that indicates where the home will be advertised. 5. He or she will write up a listing agreement and begin the process of marketing the home. 6. An open house for real estate brokers may be scheduled, also a caravan of brokers from the agents own real estate office and surrounding affiliates. 7. An open house for buyers will be scheduled. 8. The agent will field calls from other agents and notify the seller when a viewing request has been made. 9. Follow-up feedback can be offered, which may include information the agent receives by making calls to people who viewed the home or by tracking how many potential buyers viewed the home listing. 10. When an offer comes in, the agent will notify the sellers and advise him or her of the negotiation process. 11. The agent will be present during the home inspection, if the buyer requests one. 12. The agent will schedule with the city or town to have a certificate of occupancy inspection conducted. 13. The seller will be notified by the agent when the buyer has obtained a mortgage commitment and made good faith deposits. 14. The agent will likely be present at the home closing with the real estate attorneys. Individuals buying or selling a home can certainly do it by themselves, but real estate agents have the knowledge and provide assistance through the myriad steps of the process, helping individuals to save time and money.

Buying a Home

4. When buyers find a home they want to purchase, the real estate agent will help them come up with a fair market price and write up the contract to present to the seller. 5. The agent will help the buyer negotiate on the final price with the seller. 6. In some states, the agent will accept a down payment to place in trust or work with a real estate attorney on behalf of the buyer. 7. The agent may be present during a home inspection, which is recommended. 8. The agent will then schedule the home appraisal. 9. He or she will then confirm the closing and be

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Create an affordable and attractive garden shed for your yard

Home gardeners and lawn enthusiasts generally accumulate a number of tools of the trade in order to successfully manage their gardening needs. As a result, many homeowners build a garden shed to store all their tools and lawn care accessories. A garden shed presents an ideal way to store all of the tools and appliances needed for the weekend hobby. Plus, it enables homeowners to clear out clutter from the garage or basement. A locked garden shed can be a safe place in which to store sharp tools, fuel and some chemical products. Just because the shed will have utility doesnt mean it has to be an eyesore on the property. There are ways to create or purchase garden sheds that are aesthetically appealing and will blend in with the landscape or the main house. Do-it-yourselfers who have decided to build a garden shed and want to do so affordably can shop around for lower-priced material. It may be a good idea to purchase a framing kit from a home-improvement store or online retailer and then shop around for exterior materials. Individuals can also find used sheds from auction sites or newspaper classifieds and simply retrofit these structures to meet individual needs. Although sheds will be exposed to the elements, because they are not liveable structures they dont require the same level of construction as a home or addition, like a garage. This means that a homeowner is able to save some money with materials. Pressboard may be durable enough and less expensive than plywood. Theres little need for insulation or expensive windows. In fact, unless it is for a decorative standpoint, windows are unnecessary altogether. It is likely that people who have had recent upgrades made on their homes may have leftover materials that can be put to use on a garden shed. Roofing shingles, extra aluminum siding and wood trim can be used on the shed. even leftover latex paints and stains can be use on the shed. Homeowners should visit a retailer of prefabricated sheds to see how they are made. This can provide insight as to the size and structure and the type of construction that will be needed. If budget is not a concern, homeowners may want to purchase pre-made sheds that can be customized to mimic the architecture and color of the persons home. Stained glass and cottage features can make a shed seem like an intimate retreat nestled in the yard. In addition to being a fine place to store garden tools, a shed can also be constructed to serve as a childs play space. A miniature home in the yard can be a fun play zone for kids and be the centerpiece for hours of imaginative outdoor fun.

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Home Showcase

El Defensor Chieftain

Ways to protect your home from severe weather conditions

Storms and natural disasters are an inevitable part of life, but homeowners can take steps to minimize their impact and damage to their homes. The warmer weather offers a perfect opportunity to make some small but meaningful changes. With recent tornados in new York and snow in Texas, every part of the country should prepare for storms and natural disasters, says Christopher Rose, president of Christopher Rose Architects and a member of The American Institute of Architects Custom Residential Architect network. . Fortunately, there are a number of budget-friendly upgrades homeowners can make to protect their homes without ripping down walls. Here are some manageable ways to protect your home from storms: Homeowners can install galvanized metal clips in their attics to provide structural support from the roof of a house to its foundation. These clips, which will also help minimize damage from high winds, can be purchased in most hardware stores. Homeowners may also consider strapping, which are boards that are nailed as a large X to the ceiling joists to strengthen walls. Similar to metal clips, strapping is readily available in most hardware stores. Many basements are prone to flooding, even in simple rainstorms. Luckily, there are two easy ways to minimize damage, says Rose.Homeowners can brush a liquid waterproofing product onto the surface of the concrete block walls in a typical basement to inhibit moisture penetration. Also, installing a sump pump can help remove water that has already seeped into the basement. Sump pumps are a good idea for most homes, especially those in heavy rain areas. Windows bear the brunt of powerful winds and flying debris during storms, so homeowners may consider covering them with a special film, much like the films used to tint car windows, to help protect against heavy winds. Or they can install ballistic nylon to protect glass,

Dont Fear the Basement

Retroactive Improvements

Treat Your Windows

reduce wind pressure and help protect against winddriven debris. Ahead of storms, homeowners can secure nylon sheets with a series of hooks in front of glass or on a porch, softening winds from a dangerous 110 mph to a more manageable 5-10 mph. During more extensive renovation, consider replacing the windows with ones that are designed and tested to withstand severe storms. no matter where you live, readying your home for a storm or natural disaster is a worthwhile investment, says Rose. Taking the time now to lessen the damage Mother nature unexpectedly throws our way is always a sound practice. If your home does suffer severe storm damage, an architect can help assess the damage and determine if the house is still structurally sound. Architects can serve as vital assets when it comes time to renovate, especially for homeowners looking to take any storm- or disaster-resistant measures. For more storm- and disaster-resistant ideas, visit www.aia.org, where you also can locate an architect in your area.

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June 29, 2011 15

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