Tips for a safe and Happy Halloween!

Everywhere you look there are costume ideas, haunted houses, spooktacular events and candy galore…it’s that time of year again…HALLOWE’EN!

Halloween is an exciting and magical time when children get to dress up, collect treats and help decorate their homes in whacky and mysterious ways. When planning costumes, parties and other frightful events, keep safety in mind.

Costume Safety

Children do not usually fill the streets after dark, but on Monday, October 31, it may be a different story. As children go door to door gathering Halloween treats, keep the following tips in mind.

• Ensure children can be seen. Incorporate reflective material or glow in the dark props that help drivers see children as they cross streets and other traffic areas. A flash light is recommended to aid in visibility, as well as for watching where to walk safely.
• Ensure costumes do not hamper a child’s vision – check eye holes in masks to ensure they are big enough, or opt for make-up instead of a mask.
• Dress for the weather – October nights can be chilly, so ensure costumes are warm, or are big enough to fit over warm layers.
• Help prevent tripping by using flashlights, making sure costumes are a proper length, and avoiding props that are too big and bulky.
• Ensure sturdy, comfortable, non-slip footwear is work

Home Safety

On Halloween, many children and parents will be visiting your home. Make sure your home and premises are safe and ready for visitors.

• Ensure walkways and entrances are in sound and safe condition, and well lit. Remove any objects that may pose tripping hazards for children.
• Keep pets inside and away from entrances, as visitors may to allergic or afraid, and pets may become overly excited, or threatened, upon the arrival of strangers.
• If using decorative lights or other electrical decorations, ensure wires and cords are in good condition, are not worn or frayed, and outlets are not overloaded.
• If carving pumpkins, allow children to draw designs on the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pumpkin pulp. Leave the carving, and use of sharp tools to adults

Halloween Treat Safety

Children may be tempted to eat the treats they gather immediately…

• Ask children to wait until they are home, and treats have been examined, before eating them.
• Ensure children eat supper before heading out so they are not as tempted to eat the treats they gather immediately.
• Upon returning home, examine all treats children have gathered. Throw out any treats that are not packaged or wrapped, or have their packaging opened or look like it has been tampered with.
• Examine any toys or novelty items for small parts that may present choking hazards.

General Safety Tips

• Ask that children do not run from house to house and that they watch out for cars.
• Tell children to stay in well lit areas and only visit those houses with their outside lights turned on.
• Tell children to remain outside and not to go into homes or cars for treats.
• Plan a safe Halloween route with children and ensure they stick to the plan.
• If driving, keep a watchful eye out for children.
• Tag along with children and bring extra bags for their treats.

Follow the safety tips above to keep Halloween safe and fun for children.

7 Strategies for Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodeling can turn a ho-hum room into your home’s pride and joy. Here are strategies to help your project run smoothly.

A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 69% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

To make sure you maximize your return, follow these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies.

1. Establish priorities

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending at least six months planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction, create change orders, and inflate construction costs. Here are planning points to cover:

• Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

• Child safety: Avoid sharp, square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at the proper height—3 inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor.

• Outside access: If you want easy access to entertaining areas, such as a deck or patio, factor a new exterior door into your plans.

A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.

2. Keep the same footprint

No matter the size and scope of your kitchen remodel, you can protect your budget by maintaining the same footprint: Keep the walls, locate new plumbing fixtures near existing plumbing pipes, and forget bump-outs.

Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.

3. Get real about appliances

It’s easy to get carried away during your kitchen remodeling project. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

High-priced appliances are worth the investment if you’re an exceptional cook. Otherwise, save thousands with trusted brands that receive high marks at consumer review websites, like www.ePinions.com and www.amazon.com, and resources such as Consumer Reports.

4. Light your way

Good kitchen lighting helps you work safely and efficiently.

• Install task lighting, such as recessed or track lights, over sinks and food prep areas; assign at least two fixtures per task to eliminate shadows. Under-cabinet lights illuminate cleanup and are great for reading cookbooks. Pendant lights over counters bring the light source close to work surfaces.

• Ambient lighting includes flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights. Pair dimmer switches with ambient lighting to control intensity and mood.

5. Be quality conscious

Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.

If you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.

“Individual upgrades don’t necessarily give you a 100% return,” says Frank Gregoire, a real estate appraiser in St. Petersburg, Fla. “But they can give you an edge when it comes time to market your home.”

6. Add storage, not space

Here’s how you can add storage without bumping out walls:

• Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more–and you might need a stepladder–but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.

• Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors; hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack; and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.

7. Communicate early and often

Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential for staying on budget. To keep the sweetness in your project:

• Drop by the project during work hours: Your presence broadcasts your commitment to quality.

• Establish a communication routine: Hang a message board on site where you and the project manager can leave daily communiqués. Give your email address and cell phone number to subs and team leaders.

• Set house rules: Be clear about smoking, boom box noise levels, available bathrooms, and appropriate parking.

By:  John Riha

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2011 Dress For Success Campaign

Once a year, participating Hasson branches open their doors, serving as public drop centers for all Dress for Success donations, collecting everything from new and gently-used suits, skirts and slacks to shoes, belts, handbags and other accessories.

Dress for Success not only offers professional attire for job interviews; the organization is also committed to training women on interview etiquette and helping them gain confidence in their professional abilities and life skills. On a monthly basis, women who have transitioned in the workforce through Dress for Success come together as a part of the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), a networking forum that gives women continual mentoring and support as well as professional training.

“We have an enduring history of building stronger communities through ongoing involvement and sponsorship through events like Send-in-One-Suit Week,” says Mike Hasson, President and Owner of Hasson Company Realtors. “The success of our clothing drive over the years is a true testament to the support and community involvement people are showing for their neighbors in light of today’s economic climate.”

For more information please visit www.facebook.com/finnplusfinnrealestate

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

East Metro
12809 SE 93rd Avenue
Clackamas, OR 97015
Phone: 503-652-9801

West Metro
9755 SW Barnes Road, Suite 155
Portland, OR 97225

South Metro
15400 Boones Ferry Road
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Northeast Portland
2173 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232

Northwest Portland
25 NW 23rd Place, Suite 4
Portland, OR 97210

Southwest Washington
106 Grand Boulevard
Vancouver, WA 98661

2011 NCAA Football Schedules

Mornings are getting cooler, and college football is right around the corner! Whether you are a fan or just want to know when you avoid traveling on I-5 this fall, you will want to be prepared!

Top 10 ways to Increase your Home’s Value

If you have the bug to sell your home, you may want to grab a tool belt first. Why? In today’s hyper-competitive real estate market, agents often tell their clients that it’s a “price war and a beauty contest”. So in addition to being the best priced home in the block, you need to be sure that your home also delivers a knock out first impression.

A terrific way to position your home to attract the maximum number of suitors is to provide buyers with a home that is in turn-key condition. A turn-key home is one that a buyer can move into without inheriting a list of unfinished projects. So what are the top 10 ways to increase your home’s value? Let’s take a look:

1. Siding and Exterior Paint

One of the fastest ways to make a better first impression with buyers is to paint the exterior of the home and, if needed, to replace the siding. A fresh coat of paint will freshen up the exterior and modernize the appearance. Just be sure to use colors that will appeal to the largest number of buyers.

2. Windows and Doors

By replacing old windows and doors with stylish and efficient alternatives, you may be able to attract buyers who may otherwise pass on your home only because it is a little more mature than it’s competitors. Although the choices can seem endless, by carefully reviewing the homes that are actually selling, you should be able to narrow down your choices.

3. Landscaping and Outdoor Lighting

Investing in new sod, bark, rock, shrubbery, and trees can turn a tired looking front yard into an inviting space literally overnight. In addition, consider how your home looks after dark when many buyers are still cruising the streets. Installing new lighting fixtures can both enhance the homes ambiance at night and modernize the exterior during the daylight hours.

4. Flooring

Your home’s floors need to be clean, modern, and stylish. They should tie the home together and flow seamlessly from one room to the next.

5. The Kitchen

If your kitchen needs a face lift, consider updating the cabinets and countertops as well as the plumbing fixtures. However keep in mind that your home only has to be comparable to your neighbors’ homes – it doesn’t necessarily have to surpass them. For instance, purchasing granite counters may not impress value shoppers and may turn them off if they believe they will have to pay more for the home because of the higher cost.

6. Bathrooms

Let’s face it, we all spend a lot of time in the bathroom. So it’s no wonder buyers want their new bathrooms to be user friendly. New toilets, tubs, and cabinetry can be a big investment, but small projects can make old bathrooms sparkle. Pay special attention to the little things like chipped sinks and tubs, exhaust fans that may need cleaning, and dated light fixtures.

7. Lighting

If swag lamps are still hanging in your living room, it may be time to update your home’s lighting scheme. A well-lit home can accent the best features of each room and provide buyers with a classic case of the warm and fuzzies. For instance, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen can show off a unique view of the counters, while canned lighting in the living room can be used to highlight décor and design elements that might be missed otherwise.

Rental Market Overview

Vacancy rates remain low at 4.7% down from 6.3% in 2009. Business Week Magazine ranked Portland 4th in the top ten areas for rent increases of 8.1% in 2011. With rents going up and interest rates at historic lows now is the time to buy.

Landlords are getting top dollar for rentals in good condition, near strong schools, with good walk ability scores, easy access to the city & business. near parks, AND close to public transportation. Rentals under $2,500 per month are getting multiple applications and in some cases renters are bidding up the rental rate. Renters will soon figure out if they have a good job and strong credit now is the time to buy. Why keep paying the landlords mortgage when you can own your own home?

If you happen to be a renter with poor credit, a short sale on your record, or pets you may have a tough time finding a quality rental. The biggest challenge now is you are up against renters with good credit and no pets applying for the same limited inventory as you. As the Real Estate Market rebounds rentals typically become more abundant and the playing field should even out.

If you had to short sale your home in the last two years and want to buy again while the market is still down, please call us as we have resources to help you get back on track. You can buy again after a short sale in as little as two years if you rebuild your credit and work with the right Realtor and mortgage broker to get you back into a home.