Each year the National Association of Realtors does a study of home buyers and sellers. They ask home buyers and sellers across the country why they bought or sold, how they made decision and who they are. Here are just a few of things they found out:

WHAT SELLS

The typical home purchased was 1,780 sq ft, was built in 1990, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, according to NAR’s 2010 survey of buyers and sellers.

APPEALING TO BUYERS

44% of sellers offered incentives, like home warranties and help with closing costs, to attract buyers, according to NAR’s 2010 survey of buyers and sellers.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Recent sellers typically sold their homes for 96% of the listing price; 57% reduced the asking price at least once, says NAR’s 2010 survey of buyers and sellers.

GENDER GAP

There are more single female buyers than single males. But single male buyers grew by 2 percentage points between 2009 and 2010; single female buyers.

COST OF LIVING

The median price buyers paid for homes was $179,000, according to the latest NAR survey of buyers and sellers.

Sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference. Here are a few tips from from The Daily Buzz on how to simplify your life.

Why didn’t I think of that?! We guarantee you’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems … some you never knew you had!

Clever ideas: hull strawberries with a straw
Via: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com

Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

Clever ideas: use a walnut to heal furniture scratches
Via: apartmenttherapy.com

Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

Clever ideas: WD40 for cleaning crayon off TV screens
Via: unplggd.com

Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls).

Clever ideas: store bedlinen sets inside their pillowcases
Via: marthastewart.com

Overhaul your linen cupboard – store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

Clever ideas: bowl as iPhone sound amplifier
Via: realsimple.com

Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl – the concave shape amplifies the music.

Cleaver ideas: wet wipe dispenser as plastic bag storage
Via: savvyhousekeeping.com

Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.

Clever ideas: keep a cut apple from going brown
Via: athomewithrealfood.blogspot.com

Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band.

For more ideas on how to make your life eaiser check out The Daily Buzz

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Chester Cul ‘d Sac Custom built Colonial has 10 rooms 4300 S/F & upgrades everywhere. All hardwood up and down. Hickory and Granite kitchen with island. 4 season sunroom looks out over private yard/pool/hot tub. Lots of elegant space, french doors,picture moldings etc. 525 S/F Master with steam shower, whirlpool,watercloset & double walk-ins. LL exercise room. 36×24 heated Barn/workshop/garage with 2nd floor. Access to trail network for recreation completes your resort like lifestyle.

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For complete details click here.

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In this market, short sales can sometimes be a good deal for a buyer but they also come with some potential pitfalls. A short sale is when a seller needs to sell their home for less than they owe on their mortgage. In order to get a bargain and not a headache you will need to do your homework. Here are some tips for protecting yourself before buying a short sale.

1. Use experts

It is important that before you buy a short sale you assemble a team of experts. During the initial phase you will need help identifying which homes are being offered as short sales. The nature of short sales are different, you will also need help determining a purchase price and what to include in your offer.

A real estate attorney who is knowledgeable in short sales is also key. Navigating the process of a short sale can be tricky so you will need an experienced short sale attorney to help deal with the potential of multiple liens, mechanic’s and condominium liens, or homeowners association liens. Often homes that are in short sale have these issues and without help will be harder to purchase.

2. Prepare emotionally

If you want a good deal on a short sale you will probably have to be in it for the long haul. It is important to stay patient, and remain unemotional during what can sometimes be a lengthy and emotionally difficult process. You may even want to consider a title search upfront. This could weed out properties with multiple liens if you are under a time crunch.

3. Know the market

In order to successfully purchase a short sale you need to know the marketplace. When a lender agrees to a short sale, they are agreeing to losing money on the loan they made to purchase the home. A short sale can be a good deal but it usually not a steal. The lender also knows the fair market value of the home and wants to minimize their losses. If your offer is too low, you chance it being rejected. During the process we will determine a price range that works with your budget and is hopefully one that the lender will accept.

4. Know the Process

The short sale process is different than that of a standard sale. The agreement to sell the home for less than is owed is actually made between the seller and the lender, not the seller and the buyer. The seller must first gain approval from the lender before the sale can be finalized.

First, you would make an offer on a home and the sellers must consent to your offer to purchase. Then the sellers must submit the offer to their lender. The seller also sends along documentation to the bank as to why they need to sell the home for less than is owed. The seller should also have an attorney to help them with this process.

Lenders typically do not move quickly on this process. It can often take weeks or months to get an answer. This is why is often best to put a competitive offer first. If several lien holders are involved; each can make a counteroffer or just reject your offer.

5. Firm up your financing

Lenders don’t just look at the amount you are willing to pay for the home; they will also weigh your ability to close the transaction. If have a strong offer lenders will look more closely at your offer. You will want to make sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage for any consideration. Other factors that could influence the decision in a positive way are: having a large down payment, ability to close at any time, and flexibility. They will often not consider your offer if you have a contingency.

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