CENTURY 21 Affiliated Blog

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  1. 5 Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Before Listing Your Home
    5 Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Before Listing Your Home

    If you're like most homeowners, you undoubtedly have a wish list full of home renovations in the back of your mind at any given moment. But for those looking to sell, real estate professionals across the board agree that if you’re going to invest money into your home prior to a move, the safest investment with the most return on your money will come from renovating the kitchen. More than just ...

  2. Living in a Staged Home: Simple Tips to Keep It in Tip-Top Shape
    Living in a Staged Home: Simple Tips to Keep It in Tip-Top Shape

    In today’s competitive market, many sellers are pulling out all the stops when it comes to positioning their home above the competition. Not only are they upgrading certain areas and amping up the curb appeal, many are hiring stagers to come in and rearrange their home so that it’s in tip-top shape. While the new arrangement put in place by the stager was conceived to attract buyers to your home, ...

  3. How to Safely Handle Leftover Meals

    Many families enjoy eating leftovers from dinners and dining out as a time-saving and budget-friendly meal. It is important to remember that leftovers need to be properly handled to help reduce the risk of food borne illness. Illness can be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation techniques.   Handling leftovers   Wash your hands before and after handling ...

  4. Buying New Construction

    Searching for a home can be a frustrating process. You might love the kitchen but hate the bathroom. The master bedroom might not have the walk-in closets you desire, or maybe you were hoping to install a home theater room, but none of the rooms in the houses you’re looking at have enough space.   If you find yourself running into these types of problems, it may make sense to purchase ...

  5. Mortgage Tips for First-Time Buyers

    With numerous options to choose from, deciding which mortgage is best for your personal situation can be an overwhelming process. Whether you’re buying your first home—or even your third or fourth—the last thing you want to do is fall in love with a house you can’t afford.    While you may have gone online and used a mortgage calculator to figure out that you ...

  6. 10 Food Safety Tips for Holiday Meal Prep

    As friends and family gather together during the holidays, you want to make sure that you keep out any unwelcome guests in the form of harmful food borne bacteria. The following tips will ensure food safety and a great time for everyone at your table.Wash your hands and clean all prep surfaces and tools regularly during food preparation. Bacteria can survive in many places around your kitchen, especially ...

  7. Q: What is a Hybrid Loan?

    Q: Also called a fixed-period ARM, these crossbreed loans combine features of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. They start out with a fixed interest rate for a number of years – usually 3, 5, 7 or 10 years – and then convert to an ARM. Initially, the interest rate for the fixed period of the loan is much lower than the rate on a fixed-rate, 30-year mortgage by about ...

  8. Six Steps to an Organized Life

    With harried schedules, many homeowners fall short on keeping their homes organized. Clutter can create a sense of chaos, preventing families from enjoying time together at home. Help your family remain stress-free by adopting these organizational habits in and around your home. Before leaving a room, take 30-60 seconds to pick up items that are out of place. This little bit of time will ...

  9. Nine Things Successful People Do in the First 10 Minutes of the Day
    Nine Things Successful People Do in the First 10 Minutes of the Day

    How you handle the first 10 minutes of your work day can determine how productive you are all day – at least according to workplace expert Lynn Taylor, author of, “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant.” Taylor’s research suggests the most successful workers begin their day with these habits: Reflect and be present – Take a moment to reflect on where you have been and where you are going, in life and in ...

  10. Wrap Up Your Holiday Business with 5 Social Marketing Gifts

    Even though the holiday season is not exactly prime time for buying, selling or renting, we shouldn't kick back, relax and hibernate until spring. On the contrary, agents and brokers should take advantage of this time to share good tidings with old and new clients to stay top of mind year-round. Here, Homes.com unwraps five holiday marketing tips to capture more business from your social networks. ...

  11. Professionalism Is the Key
    Professionalism Is the Key

    When buyers are looking to hire an agent, what tops their list of criteria? According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, not surprisingly, the answer is ‘honesty and integrity.’ And with statistics showing that over half of all business comes from either referrals or previous experience, good brokers know that professionalism is the key to growing their business. ...

  12. Most Common Costly Mistakes Made by New Homeowners
    Most Common Costly Mistakes Made by New Homeowners

    You bought and own your own home. And something goes wrong. There’s a serious and expensive problem and you think it’s the builder’s fault or was caused by the remodeling contractor you hired. What are you going to do now? Here are some of the most common costly mistakes made by new homeowners, brought to you by The Home Book – A Complete Guide to Homeowner and Homebuilder Responsibilities. ...

  13. Survey Explores 'Generation Gap 2.0'
    Survey Explores 'Generation Gap 2.0'

    "Don't trust anyone over 30" captured the essence of the Generation Gap in the 1960s, when college students mobilized to set a bold new tone in American culture. Echoes of that intergenerational tension resonate in today's U.S. workplace as many younger workers question older colleagues' competence and many older workers question younger workers' commitment. Some call it Generation Gap 2.0. Nearly ...

  14. Share of First-Time Buyers Falls to Lowest Point in 27 Years
    Share of First-Time Buyers Falls to Lowest Point in 27 Years

    Despite an improving job market and low interest rates, the share of first-time buyers fell to its lowest point in nearly three decades and is preventing a healthier housing market from reaching its full potential, according to an annual survey released recently by the National Association of REALTORS®. The survey additionally found that an overwhelming majority of buyers search for homes online and ...

  15. Four Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
    Four Ways to Boost Your Credit Score

    A recent Federal Trade Commission study showed that approximately 26 percent of consumers have credit report mistakes that could lead to higher loan and insurance payments. More than a quarter of participants in the study found at least one error on their credit reports, and five percent had errors serious enough to affect loan terms.“Credit reports play a crucial role in determining consumers’ financial ...

  16. Do You Know How Much Money Burns up in a Dirty Furnace?
    Do You Know How Much Money Burns up in a Dirty Furnace?

    With all the buttoning up many homeowners are doing as temperatures drop and winter approaches, I went looking for some basic tips to help that won't break the bank. Our previous report talked about a bunch of fixes homeowners could do to enhance their energy efficiency. In this report, we'll tap BBB for some sound advice on pre-winter season furnace maintenance. According to BBB, a dirty furnace is ...

  17. What Baby Boomers Can Expect when Entering the Real Estate Market
    What Baby Boomers Can Expect when Entering the Real Estate Market

    The real estate industry has changed dramatically over the years, and continues to evolve even today. For baby boomers who may not have bought or sold a home recently, entering the market can be especially overwhelming.  Whether you’re planning on upsizing or downsizing, here are three things you should know about the industry: 1. Research begins online. Some baby boomers have been out ...

  18. 9 Last Minute Halloween Costumes Ideas
    9 Last Minute Halloween Costumes Ideas

    It's Halloween Eve and you have no idea what to dress up as? We've got you covered with these 9 last minute costume ideas for Halloween! 1. The Brawny Man Flannel shirt? Check. Blue jeans? Check. Brawny paper towels? Check!                                       Source: FunCage.com  2. Identity ...

  19. Trim Moving Costs by Planning Ahead
    Trim Moving Costs by Planning Ahead

    Whether you plan to pack up and move your belongings on your own or hire a moving company to do all the heavy lifting, one thing’s for certain: moving isn't cheap.  A good moving company will cost thousands of dollars, and that number is likely to increase if you hire them to pack everything as well. Or, if you don’t have a new home yet and need to store everything in the meantime, the ...

  20. Best Ways to Stay Healthy when Flying

    Ebola cropping up on American shores has spawned a wave of fear and concern. But as health experts remind us, the dread disease can only be spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is symptomatic. As such, Ebola need not be of great concern to the average airline traveler. But picking up cold and flu germs on an airplane is a commonplace complaint.  Yahoo! Travel ...

  21. 3 Types of Photos You Can't Afford to Overlook in Your Next Listing Presentation

    They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but when it comes to real estate, they may be worth a lot more. “Because so many buyers do the 20 second ‘yes or no’ to homes as if they're looking for their next mate on a dating website, sellers need to recognize that how they present their home is of utmost importance,” says Rhonda Duffy, a top listing agent in the ...

  22. CENTURY 21 Affiliated Real Estate Market Update with Dan & Bill - October 2014

  23. The Scariest Homes From Our Favorite Horror Movies
    The Scariest Homes From Our Favorite Horror Movies

    Think your 1970's wood panelling is scary? We wouldn't be caught dead in these scary homes from our favorite horror movie sets – and right in time for Halloween.  1. Psycho (1960)  From just a quick look at the dilapidated exterior of the famous hotel, Marion Crane should have known staying there wasn't a good idea. Inside, taxidermy, peepholes, and easily accessible kitchen knives ...

  24. CENTURY 21 Affiliated Yorkville Gives Thanks to Community Leadership
    CENTURY 21 Affiliated Yorkville Gives Thanks to Community Leadership

    What better way to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day then to give thanks to their community leadership. That was what our Yorkville, IL office had in mind.   On September 25th, CENTURY 21 Affiliated held their corporate wide Random Acts of Kindness Day. To celebrate, the Yorkville, IL office real estate agents and staff put together over 400 gift bags to hand deliver ...

  25. How to Take Advantage of the Housing Market's Slow Season
    How to Take Advantage of the Housing Market's Slow Season

    The housing market is subject to ebbs and flows on a seasonal basis and one of the slower seasons tends to be fall. While the housing market isn't expected to make a massive rebound in the next couple of months, there are ways prospective homebuyers can take advantage of the seasonal slowdown.  Mortgage expert and President of NAMB (The Association of Mortgage Professionals), Don Frommeyer, CRMS, ...

  26. CENTURY 21® Is Selling a Zombie Proofing Kit for Your Home on eBay
    CENTURY 21® Is Selling a Zombie Proofing Kit for Your Home on eBay

    If you've been following us via our Social Media channels you may have noticed an out-of-the-ordinary post on Friday October, 11th. Just in time for the Walking Dead's return to AMC,  CENTURY 21®  (with help from the little mad scientists at its social agency, Mullen) is auctioning off a "Home Zombie Proofing Kit" on eBay. It's nothing fancy—just some particle boards and ...

  27. Tips for a Clean, Guest-Ready Home

    While the season for enjoying backyard BBQs and poolside parties with friends and family is behind us, as we gear of for the holidays, that means more entertaining. With a little planning, you can minimize time spent on daily chores and maximize time spent creating memories with guests. Here are a few quick tips to clean and prep your home for a season of get-togethers - anytime day or night. Load ...

  28. CENTURY 21 Affiliated Stoughton Office Comes Together to Collect Clothing for Easter Seals
    CENTURY 21 Affiliated Stoughton Office Comes Together to Collect Clothing for Easter Seals

    Random acts of kindness are a wonderful way to touch the lives of others and make our world a better place. CENTURY 21 Affiliated, with its 56 offices, celebrated giving back to the community by embarking on a simple yet extremely meaningful initiative called Random Act of Kindness (RAK) Day. On September 25th, 2014 CENTURY 21 Affiliated dedicated the day to spreading kindness by holding it's first RAK ...

  29. Seasonal Home Decor: 5 Fall Trends

    With fall in full swing, homeowners should take time to transition from summertime decor to autumnal accents throughout the home. Usher in the change of seasons by pairing these trends with rich, saturated colors. Go natural. Natural and organic patterns are a big trend this fall -- add branch-patterned textiles and wall coverings for a dose of whimsy. A swirled or marbleized pattern is also popular ...

  30. CENTURY 21 Real Estate Signs National Marketing Agreement As First Real Estate Sponsor Of SeniorHousingNet.com
    CENTURY 21 Real Estate Signs National Marketing Agreement As First Real Estate Sponsor Of SeniorHousingNet.com

     CENTURY 21 Real Estate, the iconic brand and franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced a marketing agreement to be the inaugural real estate sponsor of SeniorHousingNet.com. Operated by Move, Inc., SeniorHousingNetSM offers timely and comprehensive access to senior living listings and resources including independent and assisted living ...

  31. Q: How Do Capital Gains Work When You Sell Your Home?

    A. If you sell your primary residence, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain—$500,000 for married couples—from your federal tax return. To claim the exclusion, the IRS says your home must have been owned by you and used as your main home for a period of at least two out of the five years prior to its sale. You also must not have excluded gain on another home sold during ...

  32. Fall Focus: Four Hidden Clutter Caches in Your Home
    Fall Focus: Four Hidden Clutter Caches in Your Home

    Did you know that clutter can accumulate even in the neatest of homes? Families with minimal clutter can benefit from de-cluttering in unexpected spaces. In fact, storage solutions often amass the most unnecessary items, becoming a seemingly organized catch-all.    Fall is the perfect time to consider removing clutter from these storage areas around the home. Filing Cabinets – ...

  33. CENTURY 21 Affiliated Dedicated to Spreading Kindness
    CENTURY 21 Affiliated Dedicated to Spreading Kindness

    The real estate agents, staff, and leadership of CENTURY 21 Affiliated decided to spend a single day spreading kindness, impacting lives, and putting smiles on peoples’ faces. Ruta Susinskas, CENTURY 21 Affiliated Principal, proposed the idea of the company hosting a day for Random Acts of Kindness.  "Having gotten to know many Team Leaders and Agents associated with CENTURY 21 Affiliated ...

  34. Home Theater Rooms Continue to Rise in Popularity

    People might be watching more TV on their tablets and cellphones these days, but that doesn't mean the demise of the home television is occurring anytime soon. In fact, one of the largest increases in requests that real estate agents have gotten in recent years concerns the desire for a home to be equipped with a home theater room—or at least the space available to put one in. For many ...

  35. Traveling in 2015? Here's What You Can Expect
    Traveling in 2015? Here's What You Can Expect

    Planning ahead is always a wise travel move, and it's certainly not too early to start thinking about making plans for 2015. Before booking their next trip, travelers should consider the travel industry trends that will shape 2015 so they can make the most enjoyable and cost-effective travel decisions. Keep in mind these 10 upcoming travel trends. 1. Rates and occupancy levels will be higher, ...

  36. How Agents Can Excel by Giving Back to the Community

    As a real estate agent, you already know you have an important place within the community. However, selling homes isn't the only way you can help out. Below are a handful ways you can give back—and make invaluable connections—within your community. Donate your fees. Many agents give back by donating a percentage of their fees to a local charity. Not only are you giving back ...

  37. 9 Ways You're Wasting Your Money
    9 Ways You're Wasting Your Money

    Almost everyone allows for a few leaks in the budget; paying late fees, spending too much on parties, buying things on impulse. If you’re serious about saving, plugging up a few leaks will add up to cash you can stash. Kiplinger’s, the money mag, recently updated its annual list of top money wasters:   Buying at the wrong time – Clothing goes on sale at the end of ...

  38. 2015 Housing Forecast: Recovery Will Continue Gradually
    2015 Housing Forecast: Recovery Will Continue Gradually

    Americans’ attitudes toward the housing market continued to soften in August and suggest that housing activity may resume its modest recovery in 2015 after some pullback this year, according to results from Fannie Mae’s August 2014 National Housing Survey. Despite ongoing improvements in the labor market this year, consumers’ view on their income trend during the past 12 months appears ...

  39. Four Steps to Reclaim Your Space after Life Changes

    Life events like purchasing a new home or a child moving out can leave homeowners facing a bare and empty room -- and a decorating challenge. Decor&You, one of America's leading, full-service, interior decorating franchises, understands how overwhelming this process can feel. To begin the transformation, the company’s design experts encourage homeowners to visualize their empty space ...

  40. Got 5 Minutes? Spruce up Your Home with 10 Quick Fixes
    Got 5 Minutes? Spruce up Your Home with 10 Quick Fixes

    Everyone likes a home that looks neat, clean and orderly—even when there’s just no time for a thorough going over. But, suggest DIY lifestyle advisors, spending as little as five minutes a day can go a long way toward keeping things on track in between scheduled cleanings.What can you do in just five minutes? Sweep the front steps and shake out the welcome mat—If there’s minute left over, run a dust ...

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