November Housing Prices Increase

The Detroit metro area's residential real estate market has been on a strong, nine-month rebound.

According to Farmington Hills-based Realcomp, the Multiple Listing Service for southeast Michigan, the median selling price of metro Detroit homes jumped 41 percent year-over-year in November to $120,250, The median selling price in metro Detroit in November 2012 was $85,100.

Real estate tracking firm Zillow reports that home values were up 23 percent in metro Detroit year-over-year in November. That's according to its Home Value Index, which it calculates by taking the median estimated home value for a given geographic area on a given day, including all residential, single-family addresses.

Americans Still Thankful for Home Ownership

The recession hasn’t shaken Americans’ confidence in home ownership, according to a new survey of 1,000 adults nationwide by NeighborWorks America.


About two-thirds of survey respondents say their opinion on home ownership has not changed over the past five years. Eighty-eight percent say owning a home is an important element of their “American Dream.” 
“Although the housing market took one of the largest hits ever, with home prices falling nationally and foreclosures rising to more than one million homes annually, home ownership remains a goal many want to achieve,” says Eileen Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks America. “But it’s important to also note that the poll also underscores that we need to have quality and affordable rental homes available for those people who simply prefer to rent.”

The majority of renters and home owners surveyed say they believe the home buying process is complicated. They attribute the major obstacles to personal finance issues, such as lack of job security or not having enough money for a down payment. One in four surveyed say they have no familiarity with the mortgage products available. 

Still, about half of those surveyed say they feel more prepared today than five years ago to buy a home. Forty percent, though, say they are less prepared. 

“These results tell us that most consumers believe that they know when the time is right for them to buy a home — and feel strongly that home ownership is important — but that their personal situation may have been affected in the past five years and is holding them back from pursuing home ownership,” Fitzgerald says.


Source: “Consumers’ View on Homeownership Remains Optimistic,” National Mortgage News (Nov. 22, 2013)

Can Programmable Thermostats Lower Heating Bills?

An average household spends $2,100 annually on utility bills, and with the expectation that bills will rise this winter, electric and energy companies have taken matters into their own hands with the creation of wireless programmable thermostats.

This advanced thermostat is released just in time, as more than 90 percent of homes in the United States will have higher heating bills this winter season, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

With energy use predicted to pick up this month for areas from the Appalachians to the Midwest, and into the northern Rockies due to wintry conditions, these thermostats could save consumers money and energy.

According to the government-backed program, Energy Star, these thermostats when used properly could save consumers approximately $180 in energy costs every year.

How Programmable Thermostats Work:
Like any thermostat, the system regulates the temperature within a house or business through turning on or off the air conditioning or heating systems. However, the big difference is that these recently developed programmable thermostats can be controlled from any location, as long as the user has the application on their desktop or mobile phone.

With the ability to control them remotely, these wireless thermostats bring forth numerous benefits to customers.

Heating and cooling costs combined make up 45 percent of annual utility bills for the typical household, according to Energy Star.

However, with these thermostats, costs could potentially be reduced.

"The new generation of web-enabled thermostats offer promise for better comfort and more energy savings compared to early programmable thermostats," Principal Researcher for the Energy Center of Wisconsin Scott Pigg said.

The components of these contemporary thermostats allow users to program their thermostat to match their daily schedule.

"You can access them from anywhere in the world," Director of Product Marketing and Software Services for Honeywell, Brad Paine said. "You can make adjustments on the fly."


These thermostats and their corresponding applications let consumers view current temperature and humidity levels within their home or business, switch between heating and cooling modes, adjust temperatures, view energy history and set up various programming modes for vacation time or hours in which the residence is empty.

The mobile and desktop applications that go along with the thermostats also send customers various alerts for everything from temperature changes in their home to when to change a filter.
"Alerting is a big advantage," Paine said.

The company Honeywell has even developed a new wifi thermostat that is voice activated and allows buyers to interact hands-free with the device.


The Options:
While these programmable wifi thermostats can become pretty pricey, there are various options available under any budget.

Prices range from $100 to $500, depending on installation, thermostat features and companies.
Two of the leading companies in the field are Honeywell and Nest Energy, both of which offer mobile applications, various day settings and a multitude of other features.

Other companies such as LockState, Ecobee and Homeworks Worldwide also offer the thermostat product
.
Do They Actually Save Money?
"They can save several hundred dollars," Global Public Relations Manager for Honeywell Tammy Benker Swanson said.

The amount of money that can be saved is mostly based upon geographic location. However, fueling prices range by location dependent upon local weather, energy efficiency and the sheer size of the area being heated or cooled.

Despite claims that these thermostats save customers money, some studies suggest that this is only true in some cases.

A study conducted by the Energy Center of Wisconsin in 1999 found that the average self-reported thermostat setting does not vary substantially by the type of thermostat used.

The results of the study showed that the difference between those who set points from a programmable thermostat versus a manual thermostat were only 0.1 of a degree.

"It's more about the people who are controlling the thermostat then the technology," Principal Researcher for the Energy Center of Wisconsin Scott Pigg said.

However, the last finding of the study showed correlation supporting that a respondent's attitudes toward energy conservation and efficiency may affect their heating bill.

"People that are very conservation-oriented set back their thermostat a lot and they save a lot of money," Pigg said. "Other people put a premium on their comfort and they get their comfort but they pay for it."
Despite the research, Pigg agrees that these modern thermostats could potentially do a better job of keeping people comfortable while helping them save money on their heating and cooling bills.


"The new generation of web-enabled thermostats offer promise for better comfort and more energy savings compared to early programmable thermostats," Pigg said.

Metro Detroit median home selling prices rose 42 percent in October

 October marked the eighth straight month that the median selling price in Metro Detroit rose by double digits annually.

According to Realcomp, the Farmington Hills-based Multiple Listing Service for southeast Michigan, the median selling price for homes in Metro Detroit was up 41.9 percent year-over-year last month to $127,000.

Realcomp defines Metro Detroit as Wayne, Oakland, Livingston and Macomb counties.

While prices again climbed at a impressive clip, the number of total sales by units was far more modest in metro Detroit, as the 4,985 homes sold there last month represented a rise of just 2.0 percent over October 2012.

A closer look at year-over-year home sales by county in October:

Wayne
The median selling price jumped 43.6 percent to $75,000, while total units sold decreased 4.6 percent to 1,845 homes.

Oakland
The median selling price grew 18.7 percent to $174,550, while total units sold increased 10.8 percent to 1,787 homes.

Macomb
The median selling price rose 46.2 percent to $119,900, while total units sold edged up 0.9 percent to 1,078 homes.

Livingston
The median selling price increased 14.5 percent to $182,000, while the total units sold rose 1.1 percent to 275 homes.

Home sales by units in the Grosse Pointe area, in which Realcomp includes all of the Pointes and Lake Township, increased 10.0 percent to 66 homes in October, making it the only other region to have a double-digit rise in unit sale besides Oakland County. The median selling price in the Grosse Pointe area climbed 38.2 percent to $213,500 last month.

In the Detroit area, which includes the city of Detroit, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and Highland Park, home sales by units fell 9.6 percent to 463 homes, while the median selling price rose 17.4 percent to $13,500.

Across Realcomp's total coverage area, which includes southeast Michigan and a small portion of northern Ohio, on-market inventory shrunk 10.9 percent to 22,309 homes. Of the 6,345 homes sold across Reaclomp's coverage area in October, 5.6 percent of the transactions were short sales, and 34.5 percent were cash sales.

Homes sold quicker in October of this year, spending 22 fewer days on the market at 56 days.

Is title insurance needed for cash purchase?

There are plenty of stories out there about property seizures being done to owners with no mortgage. Sure, it's accidental, but it's best to pay now for the piece of mind later. Also, if you purchase without title insurance then sell, there could be additional expense as a sellers what with a gap in the chain of coverage. Sellers pay much more of the total title insurance burden than the buyer does. When you sell, that cost could be more than expected since the title insurance wasn't in place during the last transaction.

 

Title insurance is more than insuring the title and is a big part of delivering the title clean to the buyer. It offers protection to the buyer in the event that someone makes a claim to the property and from paying out on existing liens.

 

Investigate title insurance and the process of getting a clear title in a cash deal.  Everyone has something to say and its best to validate the information.  

Tips for Buying a Home With Cash

Cash is king. If you are flush with cash and ready to make a deal, sometimes it’s easier to get acceptance on a lower offer in a competitive situation. Because cash buyers get to skip over the treacherous loan qualification process, cash deals are considered a “sure thing” and therefore more attractive to sellers.

Here are some tips for home buying with cash.

1. Leverage your position to the max. Because cash buyers get to skip over the loan qualification process, cash deals are more attractive to sellers in many cases. Take advantage of this position and ask for terms such as a closing timeline, home repairs, cash allowances, or a homeowner’s warranty. You can even ask sellers to cover closing costs as a cash deal contingency.

2. Work with a real estate broker or lawyer experienced in closing cash deals. This tip could save you money and prevent legal hassles down the line. You want someone on your side with experience and perspective on this kind of deal within your market. Even cash deals can hit snags and you want to ensure that you have all of your legal bases covered and that you have clear title on the property when the transaction is complete.

3. Make sure that buying a home with cash is right for you financially. Before you plow all of your cash into purchasing a residence, you want to carefully consider all of your investment options. By choosing a different financial instrument with a rate of return higher than the cost of mortgage interest, you may be able to make more on your money than a mortgage costs in interest. Before you tie your cash up in a home, be sure to have plenty of additional money stashed for emergencies and other needs. Also, do your due diligence and look for investments that could make you more than a mortgage would cost you (if you’re eligible for a mortgage).

4. Give yourself an out with a “right to inspect.” Because you’ll have generally less information about the property prior to close, you definitely want to provide yourself with an easy out should the home end up being a lemon. While a home inspection may add a few days to the closing cycle, it is worth it if you’re buying a home with cash. If you’re feeling especially gutsy and the property has been on the market for a while or the seller seems desperate to close, ask him or her to pay for the inspection. Take advantage of your position! Remember, cash is king.

5. Estimate sale AND post-sale costs. Buying a home with cash can save a pretty penny on the cost of a transaction – and on mortgage interest over the lifetime of a loan. Cash buyers are able to avoid loan origination fees, the cost of a property appraisal, some closing costs and other lender imposed fees. Although you save a lot of money upfront, the transaction can end up costing you in the end. You’ll make a purchase decision with less information – which could mean a lower valuation or higher taxes than anticipated down the line. It also might end up costing you in terms of unexpected home improvement costs or survey and title issues. You also may be getting less house for your money by forgoing a mortgage.

6. Understand the benefits of holding a mortgage that you may be sacrificing. In addition to the tax benefits that you’ll be walking away from, mortgages for primary and secondary residences can provide a high-quality installment loan for your credit report. This type of “good debt” can make it easier to borrow money or get favorable rates on other financial products such as credit cards.

7. Ask your agent to check the “appraisal contingency” box on the purchase agreementand have the home appraised. Although the appraisal may cost a few hundred dollars, an appraisal is the only way to ensure that you are purchasing the home at its true current market value.

20 Things the Rich Do Every Day

Tom Corley, on his website RichHabits.net, outlines a few of the differences between the habits of the rich and the poor:

1. 70% of wealthy eat less than 300 junk food calories per day. 97% of poor people eat more than 300 junk food calories per day. 23% of wealthy gamble. 52% of poor people gamble.

2. 80% of wealthy are focused on accomplishing some single goal. Only 12% of the poor do this.

3. 76% of wealthy exercise aerobically 4 days a week. 23% of poor do this.

4. 63% of wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work vs. 5% for poor people.

5. 81% of wealthy maintain a to-do list vs. 19% for poor.

6. 63% of wealthy parents make their children read 2 or more non-fiction books a month vs. 3% for poor.

7. 70% of wealthy parents make their children volunteer 10 hours or more a month vs. 3% for poor.

8. 80% of wealthy make hbd calls vs. 11% of poor

9. 67% of wealthy write down their goals vs. 17% for poor

10. 88% of wealthy read 30 minutes or more each day for education or career reasons vs 2% for poor.

11. 6% of wealthy say what’s on their mind vs. 69% for poor.

12. 79% of wealthy network 5 hours or more each month vs. 16% for poor.

13. 67% of wealthy watch 1 hour or less of TV. every day vs. 23% for poor

14. 6% of wealthy watch reality TV vs. 78% for poor.

15. 44% of wealthy wake up 3 hours before work starts vs.3% for poor.

16. 74% of wealthy teach good daily success habits to their children vs. 1% for poor.

17. 84% of wealthy believe good habits create opportunity luck vs. 4% for poor.

18. 76% of wealthy believe bad habits create detrimental luck vs. 9% for poor.

19. 86% of wealthy believe in life-long educational self-improvement vs. 5% for poor.

20. 86% of wealthy love to read vs. 26% for poor.

Scary Recipes Ideas For Your Halloween Dinner

Get your Halloween scare on with these frightful recipes

Spiderweb Deviled Eggs

• 1/4 tsp (1ml) black paste food coloring
• 12 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup (60ml) finely diced sweet gherkin pickles
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp chopped green onion (green part only)
• 1/4 tsp (1ml) chipotle chili powder (or chili powder)
• 1/4 tsp (1ml) salt

Directions

In saucepan, whisk food coloring with 6 cups (1.5L) water. Add eggs; bring to boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 10 minutes Using slotted spoon, transfer eggs 1 at a time, to paper towel. Using handle of wooden spoon, tap each egg gently in several places to crack shell without completely splitting. Transfer eggs to large bowl; cover with cooking water, refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.
Peel eggs and halve lengthwise. Arrange whites on platter; transfer yolks to bowl.
Add celery, pickles, mayonnaise, onion, chipotle powder and salt to yolks; mash to combine, adding more mayonnaise if desired. Spoon or pipe into egg whites.
**Cracking the shells then submerging them in dye gives the eggs a cool spider web pattern.

Creepy Meat Feet

2‑1/2	pounds ground beef
1	clove garlic, minced
1/2	cup bread crumbs or oatmeal
1/2	cup milk or water
1	egg
1	envelope (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
8	Brazil nuts or almonds
2	tablespoons barbecue sauce or ketchup

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine ground beef, garlic, bread crumbs, milk, egg and onion soup mix in large bowl; stir until well blended. Reserve 1 cup meat mixture.
2. Divide remaining meat mixture in half; shape each half into 7X4-inch oval. Place ovals on rimmed baking sheet. Divide reserved 1 cup meat mixture into 8 balls; place 4 balls at end of each oval for toes. Press 1 nut into each toe for toenails. Brush meat loaves with barbecue sauce; bake 1-1/2 hours or until meat thermometer registers 160°F.

Tip

When shaping feet, form "ankles" that have been "cut off" and fill with dripping ketchup before serving for an especially gruesome effect!

Witch's Cauldron Tortellini 

Ingredients

• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese (1-inch balls), drained
• 1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained
• 1 medium sweet orange pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Directions

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
2. Drain tortellini; add to cheese mixture and toss to coat. Serve warm or refrigerate until chilled. Yield: 9 servings. 

Halloween Punch Recipe

1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice, divided

1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin

1 carton (64 ounces) orange juice

1 liter ginger ale, chilled

1 quart orange sherbert

In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of pineapple juice to a boil. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Cool; transfer to a large pitcher or container. Add orange juice and remaining pineapple juice. Chill. Just before serving, pour into a punch bowl; add ginger ale and mix well. Top with scoops of sherbet. Yield: 20-24 servings. 

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com His Insurance Website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerins Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Is Your Kitchen Making You Sick?

While bathrooms get a bad rap when it comes to germs, it's the kitchen that actually harbors more bacteria than any other room in the home.

And these germs -- the same ones that can cause a cold or flu to spread through a household like wildfire - lurk everywhere from the sponges you use to clean your countertop to your cutting board and the drain in your sink.

Still not concerned? Consider this: One single bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours! The number of bacteria it takes to make people sick can range from as few as 10 up to millions. And infections spread when germs are transferred from a contaminated item (say, your cutting board) to your hands to your body.

But a little hygiene can help keep your kitchen bug-free this cold and flu season. Here are 10 ways to get started according to  Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of respiratory care at Mount Sinai in New York City, and the author of The Good Doctor's Guide to Colds and Flu.

Zap away bugs.
Kitchen sponges are the No. 1 source of germs in the whole house. Why? The moist, micro-crevices that make a sponge such an effective cleaning device also make it a cozy home for germs and more difficult to disinfect. Wiping your counters or dishes with a dirty sponge will only transfer the bacteria from one item to another. Wet your sponge and then pop it in the microwave for two minutes to eliminate the germs that lurk inside the crevices.

Practice good dishrag etiquette.
Your dish rags are really no better than your sponges. And like sponges, using a dirty dish rag to clean a kitchen countertop will only spread germs. Your best bet is to replace rags about once a week. Allow them to dry out between uses because most bacteria thrive only in moistness.. In fact, they can only survive a few hours on dry surfaces. Rags should be washed in the washing machine and then dried on high heat..

Wipe away germs.
Faucet handles, refrigerator door handles, and doorknobs are next on the list of kitchen culprits that aid and abet germs. Use disinfectant spray or wipes on sink faucets, refrigerator handles, stove handles, cupboard handles, trashcans, doorknobs, and any other area that you touch with your hands. These sprays or wipes kill germs on contact. This is really important and should be done several times a day before and after touching these objects. Don't forget to wipe down the telephone.  A lot of times, someone is cooking and has a question for the original chef, so he or she calls their parents to find out how to make it and the bacteria gets slopped on the phone and it grows.

Clean the cutting board.
Cracks and crevices in your cutting board provide plenty of space for bacteria to grow. The average cutting board has about 200% more fecal bacteria than the average toilet seat.  People don't disinfect cutting boards, and they should. Don't cut up chicken and then salad on the same cutting board without disinfecting it. he stresses. Better yet,"use separate boards for raw meat and making salads. It's important to clean and disinfect inside the fridge, microwave, cupboards and other surfaces that come into frequent contact with food.

Dust out the drain.
The drains in both your kitchen sink and bathtub provide yet another moist hideaway for bacteria. To kill these bugs where they live use baking soda and an old toothbrush to get rid of stains, grit, and grime around drains.  Disinfect drains regularly as you would any other surface.

Put away your glassware.
Flu season spans from November through March, while cold season runs from about September until March or April. To assure that no one drinks from the same glass, use paper cups during cold and flu season. And try using color coded paper cups: Assign each member of the household a different color.

Wash your hands before meals and snacks.
It really works. In the kitchen the No. 1 time to wash your hands and make sure your kids do, too, is before you eat anything. Use soap and water and a little elbow grease.  Anti-bacterial soap is a good idea for extra protection. People who wash hands seven times a day have about 40% fewer colds than the average person,

Don't share hand towels.
After you wash your hands, dry them with a paper towel -- not a communal hand towel that can be a safe haven for germs.

Eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away.
While there is not a direct correlation between nutrients and immunity, children who eat poorly and don't take in enough calories have weaker immune systems and are more likely to pick up a cold or flu.  Make sure your refrigerator is stocked with healthy fruits, vegetables, and snacks year-round.

Have it well-done.
Cooking food thoroughly and evenly will reduce the number of germs. Generally, the higher the temperature reached, the more germs are killed. Also, wash salads, fruits, and vegetables thoroughly in clean water to remove all traces of soil, insects, or pesticides.  Eat cooked food immediately. Or cool and refrigerate it within one hour. And never reheat food more than once, he says. It's also a good idea to keep your refrigerator at or below 37°F. This will help slow down the growth of germs in your chilled food. Keep freezers at or below 0°F

The Many Uses Of Peppermint From Getting Rid of Pests Like Spiders And Mice To The Many Health Benefits

• 

  Peppermint oil is an ideal choice if you have spiders in your house because it is all-natural. You don't have to spray harsh chemicals that could have a negative impact on both humans and animals; instead, you can use a small amount of peppermint oil, which is safe for use around all living things.

  The great thing about peppermint oil is that it not only smells good, but it doesn't kill the spiders, it just forces them out. In addition to spiders, the peppermint oil will also keep other pests away such as ants and mice as well as most insects. With just a little bit of peppermint oil in your home you may find that it is suddenly free of all of the pests you dislike.

Spiders commonly find themselves in the homes of people who are not necessarily willing to have eight-legged company. If you have spiders in your home and you want them to move out and stay gone, you may want to try peppermint oil. This is a method of repelling spiders used by countless homeowners with a high rate of success. For those who use harsh pesticides, this remedy may seem too good to be true, but it is safer and usually just as effective.

• Peppermint oil can easily be applied to your home to repel spiders and other pests. Simply soak a cotton ball with peppermint oil and then place it in a small dish where you commonly see spiders, ants, mice or other pests. The oil will eventually dry up, so check the cotton ball every two to three weeks and soak again if needed. The scent of the peppermint oil is not appealing to the pests and will repel them, forcing them to move out if they are there and keeping them out. The benefit is that your home will be pest free and also smell great.

• You should treat your home as soon as you notice spider activity. Once you find this works for you, you would be well advised to place a soaked cotton ball in the areas where the spiders come in every spring and fall or when you see the most spider activity. In warm climates, you would be well advised to keep soaked cotton balls in these areas year 'round.

• Peppermint oil can often be found in your grocery store, although you may not be able to buy it in large quantities. If you cannot find it in your grocery store, check with your local health foods store or even a hobby supply shop, as peppermint oil is often used in candle making. The oil can always be purchased online and is usually available in quantities ranging from as little as half an ounce to 24 ounces.

• Peppermint oil is generally affordable. A 16 ounce bottle will cost between $10 and $15. This may sound like a lot, but when you consider that you need just a teaspoon full or so to soak a cotton ball, this is cost effective as the bottle can last you months or even years, depending on your climate and the size of your home.

  Here are  some additional ways peppermint can help you: 

1. Use 1 drop of Peppermint oil in a mug of hot water instead of tea. 1 drop equals 24 bags of peppermint tea!
2.  Inhale Peppermint oil or from the palms of your hands to help with nausea.
3. Rub 1-2 drops of Peppermint oil on your stomach to help with stomachache.
4.  Mix  3-4 drops of Peppermint  with water in a spray bottle and spray the back of your neck while working outside for a great cooling effect.
5.  Leave your aspirin at home.  Peppermint helps with headaches and migraines!
6.  Pain from bumps can be alleviated with a drop of Peppermint.
7. Bumped your leg? A drop or two of Peppermint oil can keep bruises at bay.
8. Mom’s add a drop or two of Peppermint oil to your child’s shampoo and protect them from lice!
9.  Dandruff? Use some Peppermint on your scalp!
10. Sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough can be treated with peppermint.
11.  Use Peppermint oil instead of breath freshener before you kiss your hubby!
12. A drop or two of Peppermint oil on a cold wet cloth used over the eyes can help reduce your stress level.
13.  Use Peppermint on cotton balls to deter mice.
14. Spray Peppermint mixed with water to prevent ants and beetles.
15. Spray diluted Peppermint on your clothing to deter Mosquitoes!
16. Use Peppermint diluted on the skin to reduce itching from hives.
17. Need to concentrate? Inhale Peppermint oil from your palms or use a diffuser! Great for classrooms!
18.  Pain from arthritis? Use a drop of Peppermint on those aching joints.
19. Keep Peppermint oil in the car on your commute to stay alert. Add a drop to a napkin, and place in the a/c vent.
20.  Use Peppermint Oil on your scalp to help regulate the PH to combat both dry scalp and oily hair,
21. Snoring problems?? Put a drop of peppermint in an 8 oz. glass of water every night  drink a couple of sips just before bed time.
22. For Ants put a few drops of peppermint oil around the area where they are coming in. Apparently ants really dislike peppermint oil because they abruptly stop coming in and don’t return. 
23. Helps with inflammation and pain from carpel tunnel.
24. Teachers, diffuse in classroom during tests to help students attention span and concentration.
25. Mix Peppermint and Lavender to deter mosquitoes from babies and small children
26. Sore muscles rub some peppermint oil where your muscles hurt
27. Use in a compress for  hemorrhoids.
28. A drop of peppermint oil on the jawline used after tooth extraction helps with pain and swelling.
29. Massage 2-3 drops onto the chest or drop into a humidifier to clear sinus and lung congestion and support normal breathing
30. Massage several drops on your abdomen, place a drop on the tip of the tongue or wrists, or inhale to soothe motion sickness or general nausea
31. Research  shows that inhaling peppermint essential oil helps trigger a sense of fullness. Inhale 5-10 times a day to curb appetite
32. Rub a drop or two of peppermint into legs for restless leg syndrome.
33. Peppermint oil can help reduce fungal infections

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com His Insurance Website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Before You Fire Up Your Furnace Make Sure It's Ready

There’s no denying it: Summer has officially ended and frosty nights are in the forecast. If you have yet to crank up your furnace this fall, you’re a braver soul than most. And although you’ll soon have warm, fuzzy feelings toward your furnace during the frigid winter months, a furnace fire in your home or place of business can be your worst nightmare.

According to FEMA, heating is second only to cooking as the leading culprit behind residential fires in the fall and winter months. The good news? The percentage of heating-related fires is on the decline, dramatically down from about 30 years ago when a surge in the use of space heaters and natural wood stoves (due to the energy shortage and environmental concerns) caused a spike in the nation’s heating-related fires.

How can you help prevent heating-related fires?

Generally speaking, there are three leading factors in ignition: operational error, misuse of heating equipment and mechanical failure. For starters, before the first hard freeze hits, it’s a good idea to fire up your furnace (no pun intended) and make sure everything’s running smoothly. Pick a mild day when you can open the windows and air out that musty odor that emanates from a furnace that’s been idle for the summer months.

With furnace fires, something as simple as a ball of lint trapped in the heating ducts can start trouble. Thus, routine maintenance—at least yearly—is key. Have a professional cleaning and restoration service check your ductwork for any obstructions or buildup; they have professional-grade vacuum equipment that ensures a thorough cleaning. It’s also recommended to schedule an annual house call for your furnace (especially if it’s an older model) by an HVAC professional, who will perform a careful inspection and make sure everything is up to code.

If you have a gas furnace, it is important to know that it may produce some carbon monoxide that is released outside your home through the furnace’s vent. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause flu-like symptoms, disorientation, confusion, and even death. 

A clean, efficiently burning gas furnace produces very small amounts of carbon monoxide, while a dirty, inefficiently burning one can produce deadly amounts. Newer gas furnaces are equipped with many features that shut the furnace off when a problem is detected, but older furnaces may not have these safety devices.

Furnace 101: Don’t be caught unfiltered

Do-it-yourselfers, here’s a recurring item to add to your honey-do list: Stock up on properly sized furnace filters and change them often! It’s a small task that can make a big difference in safety, not to mention the health of your family and friends—especially allergy sufferers—by providing improved air quality. On average, it’s suggested that furnace filters should be changed every three to four months.

Here are a few more tips to consider while trying to stay toasty:

• Remove all flammable materials and chemicals from the area surrounding your furnace
• Be aware of changes in the air, such as an unusual odor, that may indicate your furnace is on the fritz
• Newer furnaces have a hot-surface ignition system which is safer than old pilot-light systems; however, even newer models should be regularly maintained for safety
• If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly; close them when water appears
• Swap out your old system for a programmable thermostat for energy and cost savings

If a fire does occur despite taking precautions, the professional restoration service you would contact to clean your ducts may also be an invaluable resource for putting your life back in order after a disaster. 

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com His Insurance Website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Home Sales up in Oakland County

Home sales are up in Royal Oak, Madison Heights and Huntington Woods — but other southern Oakland County communities bucked a recent upward trend, dropping 9.2 percent in August 2013 over the previous year, according to data provided by RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan.

According to the report, only three of 12 communities in the county’s south end saw an increase in the number of homes sold in August.

In Royal Oak, sales jumped from 108 in August 2012 to 128 during August 2013 — an 18.5 percent increase.

Madison Heights recorded an increase of 7.8 percent, with 38 homes sold in August 2012 and 41 sold in August 2013.

Huntington Woods also posted an increase, from 13 homes sold during the same period in 2012 versus 15 this year.

In the remaining nine communities, sales dropped. The community that experienced the most severe decrease was Hazel Park, where home sales declined by 38.8 percent year over year. Berkley experienced the slightest decline, with a 7.7 decrease.

People are beginning to feel like they can break even if they sell their home.

But when those numbers are compared to countywide data compiled in a report released by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp — the entire county logged a modest 2.3 percent increase from August 2012 to 2013 — it begs the question: Is the southern part of the county being left out of the real estate recovery?

Listings down, prices increase

One factor that may skew the data in some communities is the fact that there are fewer listings, which translates into a drop in sales. The Realcomp report indicates that listings fell by 14.5 percent from August 2012 to 2013.

For example, the number of homes that sold in Birmingham dropped by 18.5 percent, but there are so few homes for sale in the city that a huge number of homes would have to be listed to move the number of homes sales.

Another factor causing would-be sellers to hold off on selling their homes is interest rates, which have been inching higher during the past several weeks,.

A bright spot for all of Oakland County is that housing prices, which suffered a long slide during the recession, have been steadily increasing each month.

In August 2013, Oakland’s median price for single-family homes increased to $185,000, up from $140,000 in August 2012. That’s an increase of 32 percent.

That increase outpaced median sale prices logged in Huron, Lapeer, Livingston and St. Clair counties. Nearby Macomb County logged a 47.4 percent increase, from $78,000 to $115,000, and Wayne County reported a 60 percent increase, from $60,000 to $80,000 during the same period.

Foreclosure sales fell by 46.5 percent, from 550 units in August 2013 to 294 August 2013.

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com His Insurance Website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Home Flipping Is Hot In Metro Detroit

Home flipping in the city of Detroit is hot, up 13 percent from the national average a year ago during the same third quarter period.

Reality Track has just released on a new report on “flipping houses” — the practice of buying a house in need of repair, making some fixes, then re-selling as soon as possible at a profit. Detroit, along with Los Angeles and New York, is experiencing a double-digit increase in house flipping.

It’s a good sign for Metro-Detroit, but area home prices have yet to return to their high mark.

Prices are not bact to the prices there were in 2006 but in some areas the figures are about 75% there.

The report also shows that real estate investors made an average gross profit of nearly $55,000 on single family home flips in the third quarter.

It’s not only the city that has seen improvement, areas including western Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland Counties,  are on the upswing. The study shows the $700,000 and higher market benefiting the most.

If  anyone that is interested in house flipping now could be the best time to get involved while the market is growing.

Interest rates are still at a historic low, and with that alone, people should be thinking about investing.

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com His Insurance Website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Metro Detroit Home Prices Up 48%

For another month, the prices of homes sold in Metro Detroit climbed well over what they were going for in September 2012, and, in most larger communities, the total number of homes sold also increased compared to the same month a year ago....

Home prices jumped 48 percent from September 2012, while sales in the region increased by 7.1 percent, according to data released Monday by the multiple listing service Realcomp Ltd. II in Farmington Hills. The median sales price jumped the most in Wayne County, where the figure surged by 50.8 percent, going from $50,000 in September of last year to $75,399 last month

According to data released by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp II Ltd., the median sale price in the four-county metro Detroit hit $130,000 last month, up from $87,859 in September 2012.

The September figures follow August's 55 percent sales price increase over August 2012 figures. Sales prices have seen a year-over-year increase every month this year in metro Detroit, said Karen Kage, Realcomp CEO.

Other data, according to Realcomp:

• In metro Detroit, home sales increased by 7.1 percent from 4,509 in September 2012 to 4,830 in September 2013.
• Oakland home sales increased by 17.5 percent from 1,493 in September 2012 to 1,755 last month.
• Macomb home sales increased by 6.7 percent from 968 in September 2012 to 1,033 last month.
• Livingston home sales increased by 27.2 percent from 228 in September 2012 to 290 last month.

On-market listings fell by 16.8 percent in metro Detroit from 18,680 in September 2012 to 15,551 last month. Listings dropped in all four metro counties from September 2012 to last month. Macomb listings dropped 13.4 percent, Oakland dropped 11.7 percent, Wayne dropped 21.7 percent and Livingston dropped 17.7 percent.

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Staging Tips For A Quick Home Sale

Stage Your Home to Sell

Home staging techniques can transform a ho-hum house into a buyer's dream, getting your property the attention and purchase price it deserves. Dress your home for real estate success with easy, low-cost projects you can accomplish in a few pre-sale weekends.

 See What They See

Grab a pad and pen--along with your digital camera or smartphone--and get outside for a buyer’s perspective of your home. The view from the curb often determines whether or not a shopper will even consider giving your home a closer look and any signs of neglect or clutter can instantly turn them away. Start your to-do list here, noting what needs to be cleaned up, repaired and repainted.

 Take the 10-Cent Tour

Next, head inside for a preview of what buyers will see during an agent’s open house. As you travel from room to room, try to step out of your usual traffic patterns and take note of the dominant features in each room. Plan touch-ups that will showcase your home in the best light.

Declutter Your Home

A truly lived-in look is not a plus when it comes to selling a home, so clear away everyday clutter including paperwork, collections and personal photos. The buyer needs to be able to visualize themselves in the space, and they won’t be able to do that with constant reminders that you’re still very much in residence.

'Edit' Furnishings

Rearrange furnishing schemes in every room by getting rid of worn pieces and items that make a space seem overstuffed. There should be enough furniture in place to suggest proper scale and capacity, but not so much that traffic flow is hindered and architectural features are obscured.

The Deep Clean

Every inch of your home should sparkle with the kind of clean that tells buyers the property is cared for and in tip-top shape. Remove corner cobwebs, keep windows squeaky clean and banish any odors resulting from pets, cooking, smoking and the like.

With Accessories, Less Is More

After you’ve cleaned, painted and repositioned furniture, carefully select the art and accessories you choose to replace in every room of the home. Remember the rule of threes to create pleasing, uncluttered groupings of items, and add welcoming vitality with a few thoughtfully placed plants. Stow away all personal items and limit wall decorations to fewer and larger pieces, including strategically placed mirrors that expand spaces and reflect your best assets.

 Choose a Neutral Color Scheme

A bright-red living room may fire up your imagination, but soft, neutral paint colors will better serve the buyer. Replace patterned and boldly colored wall coverings with off-white paint, and install low-grade tan wall-to-wall carpet.

Spend Time in the Garage

Home shoppers consider the garage to be a major bonus space, so help yours live up to their expectations with a thorough cleaning and uncluttered view of work and storage areas.

Touch up and repair

Give your home’s interior and exterior details some TLC. Touch up trim, polish cabinetry, repair or replace inoperable hardware and secure handrails. Also add shine to light fixtures with a thorough cleaning and installation of brand new bulbs.

Create Curb Appeal

Get potential buyers in the door by creating a grand entry. A front door that’s energy efficient as well as beautiful makes a great impression, and polished hardware, a tidy new doormat and planters overflowing with colorful blooms complete the look. And don’t forget to trim the lawn and tend to landscape plantings, because these chores can bring you a different kind of green: according to the Professional Landcare Network, lush landscaping adds as much as 15 percent to the property value of a home.

Ronald Dwyer is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He is also  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com His Insurance Website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer