Smoke alarms

THE SOUND OF SAFETY

What is one of the most important thing to remember when installing a smoke alarm? Location, location, location!

Install at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of each sleeping room area and on each level of a multi-level house.
Test each smoke alarm regularly.
Keep batteries fresh by replacing them annually. To help remember, pick a set time each year, such as the start or end of daylight savings time.
Smoke alarms can’t help you unless they are functional and you can hear them. Even with hard-wired smoke alarm systems, batteries need to be replaced to ensure operation in the event of a power failure.

Most building codes now require smoke alarms for new homes; and most municipalities also require the installation of alarms with the sale of an existing home. Contact your local fire or building department for tips and other information.

Information courtesy of House Masters

What is your buying power?

What is your buying power?
With the latest national foreclosure crisis still looming it is imperative that a home buyer is aware of their buying power before beginning their search for a new home. Homeownership is suppose to be a major part of the American dream, but for many this has become their worst nightmare.
Let’s look at a few tips to help you determine how much of a monthly mortgage you can afford .

1.Draft a budget and don’t forget to include the things that you currently enjoy such a manicures, pedicures, movie night, make up and if you own pets you must account for them.
2 Select a local lender

3 Down payment- depending on the loan your down payment can range from zero down on a VA loan to an FHA loan that requires 3.5%
Calculate current rent (avoid payment shock) take current rental payments and multiply by 1.33 (house logic)

4 Consult a REALTOR®

5 Have fun

There will be unforeseen life occurrences, but the better prepared you are in the beginning the better equipped you will be in the end.
Remember that the housing market is ever changing and now is a great time to buy the home that was out of your reach 3 years ago.

My love affair with Newport News, Virginia

My love affair with the state of Virginia was not love at first sight, see I was accustomed to living in Louisiana surrounded by family, friends and warm weather. In 2004 Uncle Sam decided that it was time for my family to relocate and like the Beverly Hillbillies we did just that. We arrived in Newport News, Virginia as winter was leaving and spring was taking her ole sweet time arriving. We reported to Langley Air Force Base billeting without coats or jackets because hey this is the south. NOT! Needless to say I was not happy with my husband or the military at this point.
Fast forward six years later and I must truly say I love living on the peninsula. I have had the opportunity to be a part of the most amazing and innovative Real Estate family at Liz Moore and Associates in Newport News, VA. I get to take advantage of the various parks, beaches, historical sites and my favorite, restaurants. The food is amazing here and my favorite is , you guessed it crab cakes. As you can tell by now I am here to stay, this is Home Sweet Home. Well, that’s all for now so until I blog again feel free to catch me on my new obsession twitter @JustHerNest or Facebook: JustHerNest

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Sleepless in Newport News virginia

I can’t sleep after an amazing local event that featured the areas best restaraunts. It was hosted in Hampton Virginia but several eateries from Newport news were on hand to share food and wine.
I am eagerly anticipating next year. The picture is of a few people having fun.

Real Estate Chat and More

Make your dream a reality!  Imagine yourself taking care of a well-manicured lawn, planting colorful flowers, hosting weekend gatherings with your friends and family in the backyard, and being the envy of the neighborhood!  Purchasing a new or existing home is the single most important investment you will make in your lifetime.  Stop sitting on the sidelines watching while others are purchasing  homes and gaining financial empowerment. 

 If the complexities of the real estate process have you perplexed call me to reserve your space at one of my power packed home buyer seminars, which will help you become acquainted with a locally informed Realtor. Below are a few of my favorite websites which you will find useful.

www.traceyholland.com, www.lizmoore.com ,www.myfico.com, www.bankrate.com

Seminars are held every third Saturday of the month at my office.

11801 Canon Blvd, Ste 100N ewport News, VA. 23606  (757) 472-1529

               Please stop by my website for buyer and seller tips. www.traceyholland.com